Bristow Group Reports Financial Results For Its 2014 Fiscal Third Quarter And Nine Months Ended December 31, 2013

- THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTH GAAP NET INCOME OF $18.9 MILLION ($0.51 PER DILUTED SHARE) AND $156.4 MILLION ($4.28 PER DILUTED SHARE)

- THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTH ADJUSTED NET INCOME OF $31.3 MILLION ($0.85 PER DILUTED SHARE) AND $113.9 MILLION ($3.11 PER DILUTED SHARE), WHICH EXCLUDES THE IMPACT OF SPECIAL ITEMS AND ASSET DISPOSITIONS

- COMPANY ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF 60% INTEREST IN EASTERN AIRLINES IN THE UK, IMMEDIATELY ACCRETIVE TO BVA AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

- COMPANY REAFFIRMS GUIDANCE FOR FULL FISCAL YEAR 2014 ADJUSTED EPS OF $4.25 - $4.55

HOUSTON, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS) today reported net income for the December 2013 quarter of $18.9 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to net income of $36.4 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, in the same period a year ago.

Adjusted net income, which excludes special items and asset disposition effects, decreased 27% to $31.3 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, for the December 2013 quarter, compared to $42.6 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, in the December 2012 quarter.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent ("adjusted EBITDAR"), which also excludes special items and asset disposition effects, was $100.7 million for the December 2013 quarter compared to $109.2 million in the same period a year ago, a decrease of 8%.  Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $137.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $202.7 million for the same period a year ago.

The decrease in adjusted EBITDAR, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share for the December 2013 quarter compared to the December 2012 quarter was primarily driven by certain contract revenue being delayed from the December 2013 quarter to the March 2014 quarter, leading to LACE rate declines while overall costs increased slightly on a sequential basis versus the September 2013 quarter; specifics include:

  • A decrease in operating revenue of $6.9 million in our Australia business unit primarily resulting from the ending of short-term contracts, while overall maintenance expense remained flat and labor costs increased in anticipation of new contracts that start during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 and early fiscal year 2015, and
  • An increase in operating expense of $3.4 million in our Other International business unit due to start up of operations in a new market with revenue to follow in the fourth quarter;

We also saw additional expenses in the December 2013 quarter including:

  • Maintenance expense of $9.5 million and labor costs of $9.0 million in our Europe business unit, which primarily resulted from the return to service of Eurocopter EC225 aircraft in this market, and costs associated with our Sikorsky S-92 fleet in Norway,
  • An increase in labor costs in our West Africa business unit of $2.6 million, and
  • An increase in general and administrative expense at the corporate level of $3.3 million primarily due to higher incentive compensation levels driven by a year-over-year increase in BVA and improved stock price.

"Our fiscal third quarter saw margin declines as we experienced delays in some contract work that shifted into the next quarter, incurred costs as we commenced operations with new aircraft in new locations like Tanzania and incurred costs with the return to service of our EC225 fleet.  However, we continue to see growth for our premier service offerings into the future," said William E. Chiles, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bristow Group.  "Our expectations for a strong fourth quarter allow us to reaffirm our adjusted EPS guidance for fiscal year 2014 at $4.25 - $4.55."

THIRD QUARTER FY2014 RESULTS

  • Operating revenue increased 8% to $373.6 million compared to $346.7 million in the same period a year ago.
  • Operating income decreased 60% to $29.5 million compared to $74.1 million in the December 2012 quarter.
  • GAAP net income decreased by 48% to $18.9 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, compared to $36.4 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, in the December 2012 quarter.
  • GAAP results for the December 2013 quarter were affected by the following items that are excluded from our adjusted non-GAAP financial measures for the quarter:
    • Lower earnings from Líder of $19.3 million related to a payment made by Líder under a tax amnesty program in November 2013 and related tax expense recorded by Líder. This special item decreased net income by $12.6 million and earnings per share by $0.34,
    • A gain on disposal of assets of $4.0 million compared to a gain of $7.4 million in the December 2012 quarter,
    • A charge of $2.1 million in direct costs related to the restructuring of our North America business unit and the planned closure of our Alaska operations which related primarily to employee severance and retention costs. We expect to incur approximately $2.1 million in additional costs related mostly to severance and retention through August 2014 to provide services for the remaining Alaska contracts and to close our operations, and
    • A charge of $2.1 million in direct costs related to severance costs in the Southern North Sea.
  • Adjusted net income, which also excludes special items and asset disposition effects, decreased 27% to $31.3 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, compared to $42.6 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, in the December 2012 quarter.
  • Adjusted EBITDAR, which excludes special items and asset disposition effects, decreased 8% to $100.7 million compared to $109.2 million in the same period a year ago.
  • Cash as of December 31, 2013 totaled $323.2 million compared to $215.6 million as of March 31, 2013. Our total liquidity, including cash on hand and availability on our revolving credit facility, was $617.2 million as of December 31, 2013 compared to $415.0 million as of March 31, 2013, a 49% increase.

THIRD QUARTER FY2014 BUSINESS UNIT RESULTS

Europe Business Unit

The net addition of eight large aircraft, along with an overall increase in activity with existing clients and new contracts primarily in the U.K. Northern North Sea, resulted in increased revenue of $22.3 million and were the primary contributors to revenue growth in our Europe Business Unit.  We increased our fleet in this region by executing operating leases for new large oil and gas aircraft beginning in late fiscal year 2012 and continuing through the December 2013 quarter, with the addition of the four search and rescue ("SAR") aircraft. Adjusted EBITDAR increased almost 14% year-over-year; however, adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased to 35.3% in the December 2013 quarter compared to 39.5% in the December 2012 quarter primarily due to maintenance and salary increases year over year.  Sequential quarterly adjusted EBITDAR margins remained flat at 35.3% in both the December and September 2013 quarters.

West Africa Business Unit

Pricing improvements drove revenue increases in our West Africa Business Unit, leading to a 3.8% increase in operating revenue for the December 2013 quarter compared to the December 2012 quarter.  However, an increase in salaries and benefits resulted in a 0.8% decrease in adjusted EBITDAR compared with the December 2012 quarter as well as a decrease in adjusted EBITDAR margin to 33.5% for the December 2013 quarter compared to 35.0% for the December 2012 quarter. Sequentially, quarterly adjusted EBITDAR margin increased to 33.5% for the December 2013 quarter compared to 30.4% for the September 2013 quarter primarily due to lower training, travel and maintenance expense.

North America Business Unit

The decrease in small aircraft on contract in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, partially offset by an increase in medium and large aircraft in this business unit, drove the reduction in our revenue in North America.  However, North America's adjusted EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR margin improved to $18.2 million and 33.1%, respectively, in the December 2013 quarter compared to $17.3 million and 29.1%, respectively, in the December 2012 quarter, driven primarily by a lower level of bad debt expense in the December 2013 quarter, an increase in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net of losses, related to our Cougar investment and an increase in the number of large and medium aircraft on contract in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Sequentially, adjusted EBITDAR margin improved to 33.1% in the December 2013 quarter compared to 31.0% in the September 2013 quarter primarily due to higher equity earnings from our investment in Cougar.

We recognize that the current operating environment in the North America business unit is challenging for our fleet mix and we are proactively restructuring our business by exiting the Alaska market and selling smaller aircraft with a long-term strategy of operating larger aircraft to service deepwater client contracts in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Australia Business Unit

Operating revenue for our Australia Business Unit decreased 16.7% to $34.6 million in the December 2013 quarter from $41.6 million in the December 2012 quarter due to the end of short-term contracts and the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes.  Further, as a result of costs incurred in the December 2013 quarter in anticipation of client contracts that start in the fourth quarter of this current fiscal year and fiscal year 2015, adjusted EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased in the December 2013 quarter to $5.2 million and 15.0%, respectively, from $11.4 million and 27.3%, respectively, in the December 2012 quarter. We continue to incur salaries and benefits, depreciation, insurance, training and lease costs in anticipation of the new contracts that start during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2015.

Other International Business Unit

Operating revenue for our Other International Business Unit decreased slightly due to a decline in aircraft on contract in Malaysia partially offset by increased activity in Trinidad and Brazil. Adjusted EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR margin for the December 2013 quarter decreased to $10.2 million and 33.2%, respectively, compared to $17.8 million and 55.7%, respectively, in the December 2012 quarter, primarily due to a decline in activity in Malaysia and an increase in mobilization costs in Tanzania for a new contract that began in January 2014, partially offset by increased activity in Trinidad and Brazil.

CEO SUCCESSION

On February 3, 2014, the Company announced that William E. Chiles will resign as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective upon the conclusion of the 2014 annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company, and he has elected not to run for re-election and will not continue to serve as a director after that meeting.  Following his resignation as an officer, Mr. Chiles will remain an employee of the Company and will provide consulting services to the Company. 

Jonathan E. Baliff has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer to succeed Mr. Chiles effective immediately following the annual meeting.  The Company also expects to nominate Mr. Baliff as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company effective for the term beginning upon the conclusion of the 2014 annual meeting.

"After ten years at Bristow, I am excited about the time ahead for the Company and our industry as the organization transitions to new leadership.  I know I will be leaving this organization in the capable hands of Jonathan Baliff, a world class senior management team and dedicated employees across the globe," said William E. Chiles.  

GUIDANCE

We are reaffirming our adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for the full fiscal year 2014 of $4.25 to $4.55, reflecting our expectation of strong operating performance in our fiscal fourth quarter.

"Despite the impact of the timing of contract start-up and other costs during the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we expect our results for the full year to be within the guidance range provided in November 2013.  This highlights our focus on long-term value as we manage our business with a focus on annual and not quarterly results.  Our continued improvement in operating and commercial performance has delivered strong nine-month year-to-date financial results, as seen in the over 11% growth in adjusted EBITDAR and over 12% growth in adjusted EPS for the nine months ended December 31, 2013 compared to the same period a year ago," said Jonathan E. Baliff, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bristow Group.

"We continue to focus on safety, client service and top line growth, which we've seen across many of our business units, mostly in Europe in the third quarter.  This growth, combined with increased overall liquidity of $202 million, has us well positioned for further growth in the oil and gas sector and for civilian SAR, while also providing funds for acquisitions and opportunistic share buybacks, both of which we executed on this quarter."

As a reminder, our adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance excludes the effect of special items and asset dispositions because their timing and amounts are more variable and less predictable.  Further, this guidance is based on current foreign currency exchange rates.  In providing this guidance, we have not included the impact of any changes in accounting standards or significant acquisitions and divestitures.  Events or other circumstances that we do not currently anticipate or cannot predict, including any issues involved with the return to full revenue service of the EC225 aircraft and changes in the market and industry, could result in earnings per share for fiscal year 2014 that are significantly above or below this guidance.  Factors that could cause such changes are described below under the Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure and the Risk Factors in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

DIVIDEND AND SHARE REPURCHASE

On February 5, 2014, our Board of Directors approved our twelfth consecutive quarterly dividend.  This dividend of $0.25 per share will be paid on March 14, 2014 to shareholders of record on February 28, 2014 and is 67% higher than the first dividend paid in June 2011.  Based on shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013, the total quarterly dividend payment will be approximately $9.1 million.  Additionally, during the December 2013 quarter, we spent $16.5 million to repurchase 215,310 shares of our Common Stock.  Subsequently, in January 2014, we spent an additional $16.9 million to repurchase another 230,490 shares of our Common Stock.  On February 5, 2014, our Board of Directors approved an increase of the remaining repurchase amount of our Common Stock to up to $100 million through November 5, 2014.

EASTERN AIRWAYS TRANSACTION

On February 6, 2014, Bristow Helicopters Limited ("Bristow Helicopters") acquired a 60% interest in the privately owned Eastern Airways International Limited ("Eastern Airways") for cash of £27 million ($45 million) with possible earn out consideration of up to £6 million ($10 million) to be paid over a three year period based on the achievement of specified financial performance thresholds. In addition, Bristow Helicopters entered into agreements with the other stockholders of Eastern Airways that grant Bristow Helicopters the right to buy all of their Eastern Airways shares (and grant them the right after seven years to require Bristow Helicopters to buy all of their shares) and include transfer restrictions and other customary provisions.  Eastern Airways is a regional fixed wing operator based at Humberside Airport located in North Lincolnshire, England with both charter and scheduled services targeting U.K. oil and gas industry transport.  We believe this investment will strengthen Bristow Helicopters' ability to provide a complete suite of point to point transportation services for existing European based passengers, expand helicopter services in certain areas like the Shetland Islands and create a more integrated logistics solution for global clients.

The acquisition of Eastern Airways will be accounted for under the purchase method and the results will be consolidated from the date of acquisition in the Europe business unit.  The purchase price will be allocated based on the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.

We expect this acquisition will contribute approximately $160 million in operating revenue and $25 million of adjusted EBITDAR on an annual basis.

CONFERENCE CALL

Management will conduct a conference call starting at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT) on Friday, February 7, 2014 to review financial results for the fiscal year 2014 third quarter ended December 31, 2013.  This release and the most recent investor slide presentation are available in the investor relations area of our web page at www.bristowgroup.com.  The conference call can be accessed as follows:

Via Webcast:

  • Visit Bristow Group's investor relations Web page at www.bristowgroup.com  
  • Live: Click on the link for "Bristow Group Fiscal 2014 Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call"
  • Replay: A replay via webcast will be available approximately one hour after the call's completion and will be accessible for approximately 90 days

Via Telephone within the U.S.:

  • Live: Dial toll free 1-877-941-9205
  • Replay: A telephone replay will be available through February 21, 2014 and may be accessed by calling toll free 1-800-406-7325, passcode: 4662021#

Via Telephone outside the U.S.:

  • Live: Dial 1-480-629-9726
  • Replay: A telephone replay will be available through February 21, 2014 and may be accessed by calling 1-303-590-3030, passcode: 4662021#

ABOUT BRISTOW GROUP INC.

Bristow Group Inc. is the leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry based on the number of aircraft operated and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations.  The Company has major transportation operations in the North Sea, Nigeria and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and in most of the other major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Trinidad.  For more information, visit the Company's website at www.bristowgroup.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS DISCLOSURE

Statements contained in this news release that state the Company's or management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements include statements regarding earnings guidance, EC225 return to service, capital allocation strategy, operational and capital performance, shareholder return, liquidity and market and industry conditions.  It is important to note that the Company's actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements.  Risks and uncertainties include without limitation:  fluctuations in the demand for our services; fluctuations in worldwide prices of and demand for natural gas and oil; fluctuations in levels of natural gas and oil exploration and development activities; the impact of competition; actions by customers; the risk of reductions in spending on helicopter services by governmental agencies; changes in tax and other laws and regulations; changes in foreign exchange rates and controls; risks associated with international operations; operating risks inherent in our business, including the possibility of declining safety performance; general economic conditions including the capital and credit markets; our ability to obtain financing; the risk of grounding of segments of our fleet for extended periods of time or indefinitely; our ability to re-deploy our aircraft to regions with greater demand; our ability to acquire additional aircraft and dispose of older aircraft through sales into the aftermarket; the possibility that we do not achieve the anticipated benefit of our fleet investment program; availability of employees; and political instability, war or acts of terrorism in any of the countries where we operate.  Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's SEC filings, including but not limited to the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 and annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.  Bristow Group Inc. disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, including financial estimates, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Linda McNeill
Investor Relations
(713) 267-7622

(financial tables follow)


BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts and percentages)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended

 December 31,


Nine Months Ended

 December 31,


2013


2012


2013


2012



Gross revenue:








Operating revenue from non-affiliates

$

351,193



$

326,481



$

1,041,290



$

960,993


Operating revenue from affiliates

22,371



20,199



70,451



32,292


Reimbursable revenue from non-affiliates

38,760



41,657



116,840



123,330


Reimbursable revenue from affiliates

11



132



76



216



412,335



388,469



1,228,657



1,116,831


Operating expense:








Direct cost

261,590



224,739



773,612



672,002


Reimbursable expense

36,677



39,434



109,734



118,240


Depreciation and amortization

23,655



24,867



70,332



69,560


General and administrative

48,948



41,623



135,735



114,308



370,870



330,663



1,089,413



974,110










Gain (loss) on disposal of assets

3,982



7,396



(803)



819


Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net of losses

(15,945)



8,918



1,115



17,901


Operating income

29,502



74,120



139,556



161,441










Interest income

407



134



1,288



485


Interest expense

(7,253)



(14,742)



(36,701)



(32,113)


Extinguishment of debt



(14,932)





(14,932)


Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate





103,924




Other income (expense), net

(696)



(106)



(575)



(1,255)


Income before provision for income taxes

21,960



44,474



207,492



113,626


Provision for income taxes

(2,946)



(7,788)



(51,682)



(22,310)


Net income

19,014



36,686



155,810



91,316


Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

(87)



(294)



609



(1,594)


Net income attributable to Bristow Group

$

18,927



$

36,392



$

156,419



$

89,722










Earnings per common share:








Basic

$

0.52



$

1.01



$

4.32



$

2.50


Diluted

$

0.51



$

1.00



$

4.28



$

2.45


















Non-GAAP measures:








Adjusted operating income

$

49,056



$

66,724



$

165,293



$

160,000


Adjusted operating margin

13.1

%


19.2

%


14.9

%


16.1

%

Adjusted EBITDAR

$

100,677



$

109,223



$

310,968



$

277,950


Adjusted EBITDAR margin

27.0

%


31.5

%


28.0

%


28.0

%

Adjusted net income

$

31,331



$

42,632



$

113,891



$

101,304


Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

0.85



$

1.17



$

3.11



$

2.77


 



BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)






December 31,

 2013


March 31,

 2013


ASSETS






Current assets:






Cash and cash equivalents


$

323,230



$

215,623



Accounts receivable from non-affiliates


247,859



254,520



Accounts receivable from affiliates


7,453



8,261



Inventories


161,065



153,969



Assets held for sale


22,195



8,290



Prepaid expenses and other current assets


40,414



35,095



Total current assets


802,216



675,758



Investment in unconsolidated affiliates


255,267



272,123



Property and equipment – at cost:






Land and buildings


118,719



108,593



Aircraft and equipment


2,541,382



2,306,054





2,660,101



2,414,647



Less – Accumulated depreciation and amortization


(530,148)



(493,575)





2,129,953



1,921,072



Goodwill


30,096



28,897



Other assets


59,202



52,842



Total assets


$

3,276,734



$

2,950,692









LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT






Current liabilities:






Accounts payable


$

60,048



$

69,821



Accrued wages, benefits and related taxes


66,528



56,084



Income taxes payable


20,304



11,659



Other accrued taxes


7,578



7,938



Deferred revenue


22,899



21,646



Accrued maintenance and repairs


16,815



15,391



Accrued interest


8,186



14,249



Other accrued liabilities


26,499



20,714



Deferred taxes


2,251





Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt


8,310



22,323



Deferred sale leaseback advance


81,372





Total current liabilities


320,790



239,825



Long-term debt, less current maturities


833,285



764,946



Accrued pension liabilities


124,974



126,647



Other liabilities and deferred credits


88,768



57,196



Deferred taxes


145,984



151,121









Stockholders' investment:






Common stock


373



367



Additional paid-in capital


757,213



731,883



Retained earnings


1,223,904



1,094,803



Accumulated other comprehensive loss


(184,042)



(199,683)



Treasury shares


(42,848)



(26,304)



Total Bristow Group stockholders' investment


1,754,600



1,601,066



Noncontrolling interests


8,333



9,891



Total stockholders' investment


1,762,933



1,610,957



Total liabilities and stockholders' investment


$

3,276,734



$

2,950,692



 





BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)







Nine Months Ended

 December 31,




2013


2012


Cash flows from operating activities:






Net income


$

155,810



$

91,316



Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:






Depreciation and amortization


70,332



69,560



Deferred income taxes


(3,132)



(5,170)



Write-off of deferred financing fees


12,733



2,889



Discount amortization on long-term debt


2,719



2,663



(Gain) loss on disposal of assets


803



(819)



Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate


(103,924)





Extinguishment of debt




14,932



Stock-based compensation


10,694



9,008



Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates (in excess of) less than dividends received


7,926



(4,343)



Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation


(5,328)



(361)



Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:






Accounts receivable


31,786



6,732



Inventories


1,258



(10,039)



Prepaid expenses and other assets


(4,002)



(8,038)



Accounts payable


(31,727)



2,554



Accrued liabilities


4,868



28,029



Other liabilities and deferred credits


(13,517)



3,810



Net cash provided by operating activities


137,299



202,723



Cash flows from investing activities:






Capital expenditures


(526,048)



(427,370)



Proceeds from asset dispositions


244,867



130,922



Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliate


112,210





Investment in unconsolidated affiliate




(51,179)



Net cash used in investing activities


(168,971)



(347,627)



Cash flows from financing activities:






Proceeds from borrowings


283,977



675,000



Debt issuance costs


(15,152)



(10,345)



Repayment of debt


(232,063)



(549,234)



Partial prepayment of put/call obligation


(42)



(48)



Acquisition of non-controlling interest


(2,078)





Proceeds from assignment of aircraft purchase agreements


106,113





Repurchase of common stock


(16,544)



(1,218)



Common stock dividends paid


(27,318)



(21,509)



Issuance of common stock


14,368



11,515



Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation


5,328



361



Net cash provided by financing activities


116,589



104,522



Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


22,690



10,730



Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


107,607



(29,652)



Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


215,623



261,550



Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


$

323,230



$

231,898



 


BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SELECTED OPERATING DATA

(In thousands, except flight hours and percentages)

(Unaudited)




Three Months Ended

 December 31,


Nine Months Ended

 December 31,



2013


2012


2013


2012

Flight hours (excluding Bristow Academy and unconsolidated affiliates):









Europe


16,428



14,399



49,593



47,535


West Africa


11,485



11,060



34,597



32,449


North America


12,345



17,159



44,686



57,889


Australia


2,406



3,247



7,463



9,000


Other International


3,584



3,868



10,582



13,026


Consolidated


46,248



49,733



146,921



159,899











Operating revenue:









Europe


$

158,458



$

124,418



$

451,969



$

372,646


West Africa


79,421



76,541



231,075



208,169


North America


54,916



59,327



173,504



168,934


Australia


34,606



41,554



108,145



118,173


Other International


30,778



31,983



95,821



97,295


Corporate and other


16,321



13,786



54,229



30,023


Intra-business unit eliminations


(936)



(929)



(3,002)



(1,955)


Consolidated


$

373,564



$

346,680



$

1,111,741



$

993,285











Operating income (loss):









Europe


$

29,729



$

31,235



$

82,708



$

80,119


West Africa


21,777



22,883



59,261



52,444


North America


6,666



8,560



23,953



21,165


Australia


(1,027)



6,237



4,761



19,575


Other International


(12,808)



13,754



14,288



31,495


Corporate and other


(18,817)



(15,945)



(44,612)



(44,176)


Gain (loss) on disposal of assets


3,982



7,396



(803)



819


Consolidated


$

29,502



$

74,120



$

139,556



$

161,441











Operating margin:









Europe


18.8

%


25.1

%


18.3

%


21.5

%

West Africa


27.4

%


29.9

%


25.6

%


25.2

%

North America


12.1

%


14.4

%


13.8

%


12.5

%

Australia


(3.0)

%


15.0

%


4.4

%


16.6

%

Other International


(41.6)

%


43.0

%


14.9

%


32.4

%

Consolidated


7.9

%


21.4

%


12.6

%


16.3

%










Adjusted EBITDAR:









Europe


$

55,995



$

49,095



$

152,677



$

132,004


West Africa


26,601



26,826



73,396



65,286


North America


18,150



17,279



53,865



41,246


Australia


5,187



11,351



19,374



32,442


Other International


10,214



17,814



43,532



43,529


Corporate and other


(15,470)



(13,142)



(31,876)



(36,557)


Consolidated


$

100,677



$

109,223



$

310,968



$

277,950











Adjusted EBITDAR margin:









Europe


35.3

%


39.5

%


33.8

%


35.4

%

West Africa


33.5

%


35.0

%


31.8

%


31.4

%

North America


33.1

%


29.1

%


31.0

%


24.4

%

Australia


15.0

%


27.3

%


17.9

%


27.5

%

Other International


33.2

%


55.7

%


45.4

%


44.7

%

Consolidated


27.0

%


31.5

%


28.0

%


28.0

%

 





BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

AIRCRAFT COUNT

As of December 31, 2013

(Unaudited) 










Aircraft in Consolidated Fleet





Percentage

of Current Period

Operating

Revenue


Helicopters







Small


Medium


Large


Training


Fixed

Wing


Total (1)(2)

Unconsolidated

Affiliates(3)


Total

Europe

41

%



9


56




65



65

West Africa

21

%


9


27


7



3


46



46

North America

16

%


50


25


12




87



87

Australia

10

%


2


7


16




25



25

Other International

8

%


2


32


13




47


126


173

Corporate and other

4

%





75



75



75

Total

100

%


63


100


104


75


3


345


126


471

Aircraft not currently in fleet:(4)
















On order




12


35




47




Under option




22


35




57























(1)

Includes 21 aircraft held for sale and 81 leased aircraft as follows:
















Held for Sale Aircraft in Consolidated Fleet




Helicopters







Small


Medium


Large


Training


Fixed

Wing


Total


Europe




2




2


West Africa



2





2


North America


11






11


Australia








Other International


1


3





4


Corporate and other





2



2


Total


12


5


2


2



21

















Leased Aircraft in Consolidated Fleet




Helicopters








Small


Medium


Large


Training


Fixed

Wing


Total


Europe



1


21




22


West Africa



1


1




2


North America


4


13


3




20


Australia


2


2


4




8


Other International








Corporate and other





29



29


Total


6


17


29


29



81



























(2)

The average age of our fleet, excluding training aircraft, was 11 years as of December 31, 2013.



(3)

The 126 aircraft operated by our unconsolidated affiliates do not include those aircraft leased from us. Includes 56 helicopters (primarily medium) and 27 fixed wing aircraft owned and managed by Líder, our unconsolidated affiliate in Brazil, which is included in our Other International business unit. On July 14, 2013, we sold our interest in an unconsolidated affiliate operating 64 aircraft in Europe.



(4)

This table does not reflect aircraft which our unconsolidated affiliates may have on order or under option.




BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

GAAP RECONCILIATIONS


These financial measures have not been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and have not been audited or reviewed by our independent auditor. These financial measures are therefore considered non-GAAP financial measures. A description of the adjustments to and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial  measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is as follows:




Three Months Ended

 December 31,


Nine Months Ended

 December 31,



2013


2012


2013


2012



(In thousands, except

 per share amounts)

Adjusted operating income


$

49,056



$

66,724



$

165,293



$

160,000


Gain (loss) on disposal of assets


3,982



7,396



(803)



819


Special items


(23,536)





(24,934)



622


Operating income


$

29,502



$

74,120



$

139,556



$

161,441











Adjusted EBITDAR


$

100,677



$

109,223



$

310,968



$

277,950


Gain (loss) on disposal of assets


3,982



7,396



(803)



819


Special items


(23,536)



(14,932)



78,990



(14,310)


Depreciation and amortization


(23,655)



(24,867)



(70,332)



(69,560)


Rent expense


(28,255)



(17,604)



(74,630)



(49,160)


Interest expense


(7,253)



(14,742)



(36,701)



(32,113)


Provision for income taxes


(2,946)



(7,788)



(51,682)



(22,310)


Net income


$

19,014



$

36,686



$

155,810



$

91,316











Adjusted net income


$

31,331



$

42,632



$

113,891



$

101,304


Gain (loss) on disposal of assets


3,146



6,101



(634)



658


Special items


(15,550)



(12,341)



43,162



(12,240)


Net income attributable to Bristow Group


$

18,927



$

36,392



$

156,419



$

89,722











Adjusted diluted earnings per share


$

0.85



$

1.17



$

3.11



$

2.77


Gain (loss) on disposal of assets


0.09



0.17



(0.02)



0.02


Special items


(0.42)



(0.34)



1.18



(0.33)


Diluted earnings per share


0.51



1.00



4.28



2.45







Three Months Ended

 December 31, 2013





Adjusted

Operating

Income


Adjusted

EBITDAR


Adjusted

Net Income


Adjusted

Diluted

Earnings

Per

Share





(In thousands, except per share amounts)



North America restructuring(1)


$

(2,101)



$

(2,101)



$

(1,366)



$

(0.04)




Líder taxes(2)


(19,335)



(19,335)



(12,567)



(0.34)




Severance costs in the Southern North Sea(3)


(2,100)



(2,100)



(1,617)



(0.04)




Total special items


$

(23,536)



$

(23,536)



$

(15,550)



(0.42)











Three Months Ended

 December 31, 2012




Adjusted

Operating

Income


Adjusted

EBITDAR


Adjusted

Net Income


Adjusted

Diluted

Earnings

Per

Share





(In thousands, except per share amounts)



7 ½% Senior Notes retirement(4)


$



$

(14,932)



$

(11,377)



$

(0.31)




364-Day Term Loan financing fees(5)






(964)



(0.03)




Total special items


$



$

(14,932)



$

(12,341)



(0.34)

















Nine Months Ended

 December 31, 2013





Adjusted

Operating

Income


Adjusted

EBITDAR


Adjusted

Net Income


Adjusted

Diluted

Earnings

Per

Share





(In thousands, except per share amounts)



Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate(6)


$



$

103,924



$

67,897



$

1.86




Cancellation of potential financing(7)






(8,276)



(0.23)




Inventory allowances(8)


(2,364)



(2,364)



(1,536)



(0.04)




North America restructuring(1)


(2,650)



(2,650)



(1,723)



(0.05)




Líder taxes(2)


(17,820)



(17,820)



(11,583)



(0.32)




Severance costs in the Southern North Sea(3)


(2,100)



(2,100)



(1,617)



(0.04)




Total special items


$

(24,934)



$

78,990



$

43,162



1.18











Nine Months Ended

 December 31, 2012




Adjusted

Operating

Income


Adjusted

EBITDAR


Adjusted

Net Income


Adjusted

Diluted

Earnings

Per

Share





(In thousands, except per share amounts)



Líder correction(9)


$

2,784



$

2,784



$

1,809



$

0.05




Severance costs in the Southern North Sea(10)


(2,162)



(2,162)



(1,708)



(0.05)




7 ½% Senior Notes retirement(4)




(14,932)



(11,377)



(0.31)




364-Day Term Loan financing fees(5)






(964)



(0.03)




Total special items


$

622



$

(14,310)



$

(12,240)



(0.33)
































(1)

Relates to a charges associated with the restructuring of our North America business unit and planned closure of our Alaska operations which related primarily to employee severance and retention costs.



(2)

Relates to a payment Líder made to the government of Brazil for tax amnesty resulting in a $19.3 million impact for the December 2013 quarter and $17.8 million impact for the nine months ended December 31, 2013.



(3)

Relates to $2.1 million of severance costs in the Southern North Sea in the December 2013 quarter.



(4)

Relates to $14.9 million in redemption premium and fess as a result of the early redemption of our 7 ½ Senior Notes.



(5)

Relates to a charge to interest expense of $1.5 million for the write-off of deferred financing fees for our 364-Day Credit Agreement.



(6)

Relates to a gain resulting from the sale of our 50% interest in the FB Entities for £74 million, or approximately $112.2 million.



(7)

Relates to a charge to interest expense of $12.7 million, resulting from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees related to a potential financing in connection with our bid to provide SAR services in the U.K. During the June 2013 quarter, we increased our borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility from $200 million to $350 million and cancelled this potential financing.



(8)

During the nine months ended December 31, 2013, we increased our inventory allowance by $2.4 million as a result of our review of excess inventory on aircraft model types we ceased ownership of or classified all or a significant portion of as held for sale. A majority of this allowance relates to small aircraft types operating primarily in our North America business unit as we continue to move toward operating a fleet of mostly large and medium aircraft in this market.



(9)

Relates to a calculation error related to Líder that affected our earnings from unconsolidated affiliate by $2.8 million.



(10)

 Relates to $2.2 million of severance costs related to the termination of a contract in the Southern North Sea in the September 2012 quarter.




 

 

SOURCE Bristow Group Inc.