Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. 1Q07 EPS $0.29 versus 1Q06 Loss of $0.18.Net Income Totals $6.2 Million Compared with Loss of $3.7 Million Aggressive Asset Management, Continuous Improvement Initiatives Boost Performance, Enhance Margins AAWW AAWW Asian American Writers' Workshop AAWW Alpaca Association of Western Washington AAWW Anti-Air Warfare Warship to Host Conference Call, Webcast at 2 P.M. Eastern Time PURCHASE, N.Y. -- Atlas Air Atlas Air is an American cargo airline based in Purchase, New York, United States. It operates scheduled freight flights on an ACMI contract basis for some of the world's leading airlines, flying to 101 cities in 46 countries. Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (AAWW) (Nasdaq: AAWW), a leading provider of global air cargo air cargo: see aviation. services, today announced record first-quarter earnings since emerging from reorganization in mid 2004, reflecting improved aircraft utilization Average numbers of hours during each 24-hour period that an aircraft is actually in flight. through proactive asset management and the positive impact of ongoing Continuous Improvement initiatives. Earnings for the quarter also benefited from increased AMC (Advanced Mezzanine Card) See AdvancedTCA. charter demand and reduced interest expense. For the quarter ended March 31, 2007, AAWW earned $6.2 million, or $0.29 per diluted di·lute tr.v. di·lut·ed, di·lut·ing, di·lutes 1. To make thinner or less concentrated by adding a liquid such as water. 2. To lessen the force, strength, purity, or brilliance of, especially by admixture. share, on revenues of $353.6 million, the highest first-quarter revenues in the Company's history. Operating income Operating Income The profit realized from a business' own operations. Notes: This would not include income from things such as investments in other firms. Also referred to as operating profit or recurring profit. of $17.5 million and pretax income pretax income Reported income before the deduction of income taxes. Pretax income is sometimes considered a better measure of a firm's performance than aftertax income because taxes in one period may be influenced by activities in earlier periods. of $10.1 million included a nonrecurring gain of $1.0 million on the disposal of aircraft. "We had an excellent first quarter," said William J. Flynn, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAWW. "Our active asset management and Continuous Improvement initiatives are yielding measurable gains in our margins and operating efficiency and enhancing our earnings. "With this momentum, we maximized returns on our assets and achieved robust results during a traditionally slow period of the year in air cargo demand, as well as a quarter with some sluggishness in key trade lanes." Operating income as a percentage of total revenues increased to 4.9% in the first quarter of 2007 from 2.1% in the first quarter of 2006, while EBITDAR Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Restructuring Costs - EBITDAR An indicator of a company's financial performance calculated as: = Revenue - Expenses (excluding tax, interest, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring costs) , as adjusted, improved to 18.3% of sales from 17.6% and EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) A metric used to show a company's profitability, but not its cash flow. EBITDA became popular in the 1980s to show the potential profitability of leveraged buyouts, but has become , as adjusted, increased to 7.4% of sales versus 6.2%. In addition, average utilization of operating aircraft on a block-hours-per-day basis increased approximately 19% compared with the year-ago quarter, while EBITDAR and EBITDA per aircraft measured on a total fleet basis grew by 23% and 40%, respectively. Mr. Flynn added, "We also responded quickly and reliably during the first quarter to an increase in expansion business awarded by the U.S. military, which we expect will continue throughout the first half of 2007. At the same time, we allocated capacity among our business segments and geographic markets in response to market conditions to service an increase in demand coming from the South American and transatlantic trade lanes, which offset some moderation in Asian export markets. In addition, our repayment of high-cost debt during 2006 reduced interest expense during the quarter and improved our strategic and operating flexibility through the elimination of restrictive loan covenants A loan covenant is a condition in a commercial loan or bond issue that requires the borrower to fulfill certain conditions or forbids the borrower from undertaking certain actions, or possibly restricts certain activities to circumstances when other conditions are met. ." Continuous Improvement initiatives contributed in excess of $12 million of cost savings to AAWW's first-quarter results. Primary sources of savings were in maintenance, both through improved internal processes and lower pricing through competitive bids on outsourced activity; fuel, where efficiency initiatives have reduced consumption; improved parts management, which is helping to minimize loan/borrow costs; and strategic procurement The fancy word for "purchasing." The procurement department within an organization manages all the major purchases. processes relating to relating to relate prep → concernant relating to relate prep → bezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc all other outside services. Conference Call Management will host a conference call to discuss AAWW's first-quarter 2007 financial and operating results at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time on Monday, May 7, 2007. Interested parties are invited to listen to the call live over the Internet at www.atlasair.com or www.earnings.com. For those unable to listen to the live call, a replay will be available on the above Web sites for 90 days following the call. A replay will also be available through May 14 by dialing (800) 405-2236 (domestic) and (303) 590-3000 (international) and using Pass Code 11089327#. 1Q07 Performance Factors Versus 1Q06 Average utilization of operating aircraft during the first quarter increased 18.9% versus the first quarter of 2006, rising to 10.7 block hours In aviation, block hours is the time between an aircraft leaving from the departure gate and ariving at the destination gate. per aircraft per day from 9.0. In addition, fuel-burn improved by 3.8% (3,170 gallons per block hour versus 3,294), driven by FuelWise initiatives previously implemented by the Company. Total block-hour volumes for the two periods were comparable (31,413 block hours versus 31,448), but through improved asset efficiency, 2007 block hours were generated by an operating fleet 16.2% smaller than in the first quarter of 2006 (32.7 operating aircraft compared with 39.0). Better aircraft utilization in 2007 also reflects action by management during 2006 and 2007 to maximize returns on select 747-200 Classic aircraft through sales or subleases. Operating revenues operating revenue Revenue from any regular source. Revenue from sales is adjusted for discounts and returns when calculating operating revenue. Compare other revenue. in the first quarter of 2007 rose 6.5%, or $21.4 million, compared with the year-earlier period, supported by an increase in AMC charter activity. In ACMI ACMI Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (wet lease) ACMI Art & Creative Materials Institute ACMI Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation ACMI American College of Medical Informatics ACMI Australian Center for the Moving Image , improved average block-hour rates during the quarter ($5,954 versus $5,853) reflected a higher proportion of 747-400 aircraft employed in the segment compared with 747-200 Classics. The decline in ACMI block hours (14,157 versus 16,774) largely reflected prior management actions that resulted in the sale or dry lease of 747-200 ACMI aircraft. Thirteen aircraft (10 Boeing 747-400s The Boeing 747-400 is the latest version of the Boeing 747 in service. The -400 series is the best selling and the most advanced model of the 747 family. The 747-400 is being replaced by the Boeing 747-8, expected to enter service in 2009. and three Boeing 747-200s) directly supported the Company's long-term ACMI operations at March 31, 2007, compared with 14 aircraft (10 Boeing 747-400s and four Boeing 747-200s) at March 31, 2006. In the Scheduled Service segment, traffic (as measured by revenue ton miles 1. (Railroads) A unit of measurement of the freight transportation performed by a railroad during a given period, usually a year, the total of which consists of the sum of the products obtained by multiplying the aggregate weight of each shipment in tons during the given , or RTMs) increased 5.7%, and capacity (as measured by available ton miles, or ATMs) increased 4.5%, largely reflecting an increase in weekly frequencies to China (12 versus 9), Europe and South America South America, fourth largest continent (1991 est. pop. 299,150,000), c.6,880,000 sq mi (17,819,000 sq km), the southern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. . Load factor, meanwhile, improved to 64.1% from 63.3% in the year-ago period. Unit revenues (RATM RATM Rage Against The Machine (band) ) in the Scheduled Service segment decreased 6.2% ($0.241 versus $0.257) during the quarter, while yield decreased 7.4% ($0.376 versus $0.406). The reductions largely reflect the impact of an increase in competitive capacity serving the transpacific trans·pa·cif·ic adj. 1. Situated on or coming from the other side of the Pacific Ocean. 2. Spanning or crossing the Pacific Ocean. market, and moderation of demand for shipments from China, Hong Kong Hong Kong (hŏng kŏng), Mandarin Xianggang, special administrative region of China, formerly a British crown colony (2005 est. pop. 6,899,000), land area 422 sq mi (1,092 sq km), adjacent to Guangdong prov. , Korea and Japan. In addition, increased volumes in the South American trades American Trade, the trade that the United States has with foreign nations or within itself. The Government actively promotes exports and seeks to prevent foreign countries from maintaining trade barriers that restrict imports. generated lower average yields commensurate com·men·su·rate adj. 1. Of the same size, extent, or duration as another. 2. Corresponding in size or degree; proportionate: a salary commensurate with my performance. 3. with the substantially shorter length of haul. Activity in the AMC Charter business increased 51.9% (6,850 block hours versus 4,510) during the quarter due to an overall increase in the U.S. military's heavy-lift requirements, as well as an increase in the relative amount of expansion business awarded to AAWW. Block-hour rates improved 3.3% ($16,750 versus $16,214); rates net of fuel, however, increased approximately 7%. Due to the reallocation Noun 1. reallocation - a share that has been allocated again allocation, allotment - a share set aside for a specific purpose 2. reallocation of capacity to more profitable opportunities in AMC charter during the period, Commercial Charter block-hour volumes decreased (1,201 versus 1,442), accompanied by a decrease in block-hour rates ($13,068 versus $14,205). 1Q07 Operating Expenses Operating expenses The amount paid for asset maintenance or the cost of doing business, excluding depreciation. Earnings are distributed after operating expenses are deducted. Versus 1Q06 Operating expenses in the quarter were $11.0 million, or 3.4%, higher than the comparable 2006 period, in large part reflecting increased fuel expense due to greater AMC flying and higher AMC fuel rates, as well as increased maintenance expense principally due to a greater number of engine overhauls. Total aircraft fuel expense rose 11.0%, or $11.1 million. While fuel-burn efficiency improved by 3.8%, AMC fuel expense rose approximately $16.4 million on a 46.6% increase in fuel gallons consumed due to higher AMC activity and a 2.3% increase in the AMC fuel rate. Aggregate Scheduled Service and Commercial Charter fuel costs declined approximately $5.3 million, reflecting a 6.3% decline in average price per gallon to $1.92, and a slight reduction in gallons consumed. Maintenance expense increased $4.9 million, or 12.1%, compared with the same quarter in 2006, principally reflecting an increase in engine overhauls (15 versus 10). Total heavy airframe maintenance events increased (five 747-200 C Checks in 2007 versus two 747-200 C Checks and two 747-200 D Checks in 2006), although related expenses declined slightly as D Checks are more expensive to perform than less intensive C checks. Maintenance expense in the quarter benefited from the positive impact of Continuous Improvement savings initiatives as well as a $1.8 million insurance recovery on repairs to damaged engines. Ground handling and airport fees increased $1.4 million, or 9.0%, mainly as a result of the increase in Scheduled Service business activity. Landing fees and other rent rose 8.7%, or $1.4 million, mainly due to the increase in AMC and Scheduled Service block hours, partly offset by a decrease in Commercial Charter activity. Labor expenses were $1.7 million, or 2.8%, higher than in the year-ago first quarter, primarily due to an increase in profit sharing profit sharing, arrangement by which employees receive, in addition to their wages, a share of the net profits of a business. The purpose is to give them an incentive to increase their output through enhanced morale, less wasteful use of materials, better care of and incentive compensation accruals Accruals Accounts on a balance sheet that represent liabilities and non-cash-based assets used in accrual-based accounting. These accounts include, among many others, accounts payable, accounts receivable, goodwill, future tax liability and future interest expense. related to comparative higher profitability. Depreciation and amortization decreased $4.0 million, or 29.2%, primarily due to a $2.0 million reduction related to the disposal of engine blades and other rotable parts that were beyond economic repair as well as a $0.9 million decrease resulting from the sales of three 747-200 aircraft in 2006. Travel expenses in the first quarter declined 9.5%, or $1.3 million, due to Continuous Improvement initiatives that resulted in more efficient crew scheduling as well as rate reductions related to crew travel costs. Other operating expenses decreased $3.9 million, or 14.8%, versus the first quarter of 2006, primarily due to a $2.7 million decrease in legal and professional fees, a $2.2 million decrease in insurance and other miscellaneous expenses, and a $1.9 million decrease in consulting fees related to the redesign of internal controls that occurred in 2006, offset in part by a $3.0 million increase in AMC commission expense. Net Interest Expense Net interest expense decreased $6.6 million, or 48.5%, compared with the first quarter of 2006, primarily reflecting a lower level of outstanding debt, including the prepayment Prepayment 1. The payment of a debt obligation prior to its due date. 2. The excess payment over a scheduled debt repayment amount. Notes: 1. Examples include deferred expenses such as rent and early loan repayments. 2. of $140.8 million of debt during the third quarter of 2006. Cash and Cash Equivalents At March 31, 2007, AAWW's cash and cash equivalents totaled $261.8 million, an increase of $30.0 million, or 12.9%, compared with $231.8 million at December 31, 2006. Outstanding Debt At March 31, 2007, AAWW's balance sheet debt and capital lease obligations totaled $413.4 million, including the impact of $81.3 million of unamortized discount related to fair market value adjustments recorded against its debt as a result of the application of fresh-start accounting. Before the discount, the face value of AAWW's on-balance sheet debt and capital lease obligations at March 31, 2007 totaled $494.7 million, compared with $501.5 million on December 31, 2006. Non-GAAP Financial Measures With respect to non-GAAP measures frequently used by AAWW's management to analyze its results, EBITDAR, as adjusted (defined as "earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, aircraft rent expense, gains on the disposal of assets, and post-emergence costs and related professional fees, as applicable"), increased to $64.6 million ($1.71 million per aircraft on a total fleet basis) in the first quarter of 2007 from $58.5 million ($1.39 million per aircraft on a total fleet basis) in the first quarter of 2006. In addition, EBITDA, as adjusted (defined as "earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, gains on the disposal of assets, and post-emergence costs and related professional fees, as applicable"), rose to $26.1 million ($693,000 per aircraft on a total fleet basis) in the latest reporting period versus $20.7 million ($494,000 per aircraft on a total fleet basis) in the first quarter of 2006. About Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement AAWW's financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP GAAP See: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GAAP See generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). , AAWW presents certain non-GAAP financial measures to assist in the evaluation of the performance of its business. These non-GAAP measures include EBITDAR, as adjusted, and EBITDA, as adjusted, each excluding post-emergence costs and related professional fees. AAWW's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the performance of the Company's ongoing operations and liquidity and in planning and forecasting future periods. About Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.: AAWW is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc. (Atlas) and Polar Air Cargo Polar Air Cargo is an American cargo airline based in Purchase, New York, USA. It operates scheduled all-cargo services to Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas. Its main base is John F. , Inc. (Polar), which together operate the world's largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighter aircraft. AAWW, through its principal subsidiaries Atlas and Polar, offers scheduled air cargo service, cargo charters, military charters, and ACMI aircraft leasing in which customers receive a dedicated aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance on a long-term lease basis. AAWW's press releases, SEC filings and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, www.atlasair.com. This release contains "forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. " within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995 that reflect AAWW's current views with respect to certain current and future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the operations and business environments of AAWW and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "companies") that may cause the actual results of the companies to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the companies to operate pursuant to the terms of their financing facilities; the ability of the companies to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors and service providers; the companies' ability to maintain contracts that are critical to their operations; the ability of the companies to fund and execute their business plan; the ability of the companies to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates; the ability of the companies to attract and retain customers; the continued availability of our wide-body aircraft; demand for cargo services in the markets in which the companies operate; economic conditions; the effects of any hostilities or act of war (in the Middle East or elsewhere) or any terrorist attack; labor costs and relations; financing costs; the cost and availability of war risk insurance; our ability to maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting; aviation fuel costs; security-related costs; competitive pressures on pricing (especially from lower-cost competitors); volatility in the international currency markets; weather conditions; government legislation and regulation; consumer perceptions of the companies' products and services; pending and future litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. ; and other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in AAWW's reports to the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. Securities and Exchange Commission. For additional information, we refer you to the risk factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2007. Other factors and assumptions not identified above are also involved in the preparation of forward-looking statements, and the failure of such other factors and assumptions to be realized may also cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. AAWW assumes no obligation to update such statements contained in this release to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such estimates other than as required by law. [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] |
|
||||||||||||||

Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion