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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - Bristow Group Incex31w1-020310.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF REGISTRANT - Bristow Group Incex32w1-020310.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - Bristow Group Incex31w2-020310.htm
EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF REGISTRANT - Bristow Group Incex32w2-020310.htm
EX-15.1 - LETTER FROM KPMG LLP DATED FEBRUARY 3, 2010 - Bristow Group Incex15w1-020310.htm




UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

Form 10-Q
 
R
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2009
   
 
OR
   
£
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the transition period from          to
 
Commission File Number 001-31617
 
Bristow Group Inc.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
72-0679819
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
   
2000 W.  Sam Houston Pkwy. S.,
77042
Suite 1700
(Zip Code)
Houston, Texas
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
(713) 267-7600
 
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes R     No £
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer R
Accelerated filer £
Non-accelerated filer £
Smaller reporting company £
   
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
£  Yes      R  No
 
Indicate the number shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of January 29, 2010.
35,934,392 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value


 

 


BRISTOW GROUP INC.
INDEX — FORM 10-Q

 
 
Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements 
2
 
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
35
 
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
60
 
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
60
 
     
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
60
 
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
60
 
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
61
 
     
Signatures
62
 

 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Financial Statements.
 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(2008 As Adjusted – Notes 1 and 4)
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Gross revenue:
                           
 
Operating revenue from non-affiliates
 
$
260,907
 
$
236,491
   
$
757,440
 
$
726,151
 
 
Operating revenue from affiliates
   
14,581
   
16,792
     
46,643
   
52,492
 
 
Reimbursable revenue from non-affiliates
   
27,615
   
28,617
     
78,214
   
76,196
 
 
Reimbursable revenue from affiliates
   
203
   
1,087
     
3,076
   
3,959
 
       
303,306
   
282,987
     
885,373
   
858,798
 
Operating expense:
                           
 
Direct cost
   
189,456
   
176,038
     
543,525
   
551,404
 
 
Reimbursable expense
   
28,219
   
28,689
     
81,180
   
79,437
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
20,663
   
16,663
     
57,319
   
47,103
 
 
General and administrative
   
30,758
   
25,586
     
89,246
   
78,776
 
         
269,096
   
246,976
     
771,270
   
756,720
 
                               
Gain on GOM Asset Sale
   
   
37,780
     
   
37,780
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets
   
2,448
   
(102
)
   
13,337
   
5,865
 
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net
   
3,068
   
(1,417
)
   
10,625
   
8,277
 
 
Operating income
   
39,726
   
72,272
     
138,065
   
154,000
 
                             
Interest income
   
365
   
1,087
     
797
   
5,739
 
Interest expense
   
(10,979
)
 
(8,276
)
   
(31,631
)
 
(25,943
)
Other income (expense), net
   
3,695
   
(1,522
)
   
4,023
   
2,240
 
 
Income from continuing operations before provision
for income taxes
   
32,807
   
63,561
     
111,254
   
136,036
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(5,681
)
 
(15,861
)
   
(26,427
)
 
(36,494
)
 
Net income from continuing operations
   
27,126
   
47,700
     
84,827
   
99,542
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
   
     
   
(246
)
 
Net income
   
27,126
   
47,700
     
84,827
   
99,296
 
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(448
)
 
(535
)
   
(1,256
)
 
(2,190
)
 
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
   
26,678
   
47,165
     
83,571
   
97,106
 
 
Preferred stock dividends
   
   
(3,162
)
   
(6,325
)
 
(9,487
)
 
Net income available to common stockholders
 
$
26,678
 
$
44,003
   
$
77,246
 
$
87,619
 
                             
Basic earnings per common share:
                           
 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.74
 
$
1.51
   
$
2.43
 
$
3.18
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
   
     
   
(0.01
)
 
Net earnings
 
$
0.74
 
$
1.51
   
$
2.43
 
$
3.17
 
                               
Diluted earnings per common share:
                           
 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
$
0.74
 
$
1.32
   
$
2.32
 
$
2.85
 
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
   
     
   
(0.01
)
 
Net earnings
 
$
0.74
 
$
1.32
   
$
2.32
 
$
2.84
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 

BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(March 31 As Adjusted – Notes 1 and 4)
 
   
December 31,
 
March 31,
 
   
2009
 
2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
     
   
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
             
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
107,059
 
$
300,969
 
 
Accounts receivable from non-affiliates, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2.1 million
and $0.6 million, respectively
   
196,927
   
194,030
 
 
Accounts receivable from affiliates, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.9 million
and $3.4 million, respectively
   
34,710
   
22,644
 
 
Inventories
   
187,220
   
165,438
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
26,582
   
20,226
 
   
Total current assets
   
552,498
   
703,307
 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
   
203,916
   
20,265
 
Property and equipment – at cost:
             
 
Land and buildings
   
93,241
   
68,961
 
 
Aircraft and equipment
   
2,014,147
   
1,823,011
 
         
2,107,388
   
1,891,972
 
 
Less – Accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(400,475
)
 
(350,515
)
         
1,706,913
   
1,541,457
 
Goodwill
   
46,971
   
44,654
 
Other assets
   
23,261
   
24,888
 
       
$
2,533,559
 
$
2,334,571
 
                   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
             
 
Accounts payable
 
$
50,434
 
$
44,892
 
 
Accrued wages, benefits and related taxes
   
39,486
   
39,939
 
 
Income taxes payable
   
3,429
   
 
 
Other accrued taxes
   
2,528
   
3,357
 
 
Deferred revenues
   
22,697
   
17,593
 
 
Accrued maintenance and repairs
   
13,352
   
10,317
 
 
Accrued interest
   
8,609
   
6,434
 
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
18,406
   
20,164
 
 
Deferred taxes
   
9,348
   
6,195
 
 
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt
   
19,211
   
8,948
 
   
Total current liabilities
   
187,500
   
157,839
 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
   
698,144
   
714,965
 
Accrued pension liabilities
   
99,276
   
81,380
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
   
27,151
   
16,741
 
Deferred taxes
   
149,389
   
127,266
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
             
Stockholders’ investment:
             
 
5.50% mandatory convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized and outstanding
0 shares as of December 31 and 4,600,000 shares as of March 31; entitled in liquidation
to $230 million; net of offering costs of $7.4 million
   
   
222,554
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 90,000,000 shares; outstanding: 35,904,636 as
of December 31 (exclusive of 1,291,325  treasury shares) and 29,111,436 as of March 31
(exclusive of 1,281,050 treasury shares)  
   
359
   
291
 
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
669,174
   
436,296
 
 
Retained earnings
   
795,739
   
718,493
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
   
10,261
   
11,200
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(103,434
)
 
(152,454
)
       
1,372,099
   
1,236,380
 
       
$
2,533,559
 
$
2,334,571
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(2008 As Adjusted – Notes 1 and 4)

   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
             
 
Net income 
 
$
84,827
 
$
99,296
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
57,319
   
47,103
 
 
Deferred income taxes
   
18,892
   
13,802
 
 
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
   
   
379
 
 
Discount amortization on long-term debt
   
2,213
   
1,504
 
 
Gain on disposal of assets
   
(13,337
)
 
(5,865
)
 
Gain on GOM Asset Sale
   
   
(37,780
)
 
Gain on Heliservicio investment sale
   
   
(1,438
)
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
9,914
   
7,697
 
 
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates (in excess of) below dividends received
   
(6,853
)
 
7,910
 
 
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
   
(409
)
 
(242
)
Increase (decrease) in cash resulting from changes in:
             
 
Accounts receivable
   
794
   
(9,342
)
 
Inventories
   
(11,382
)
 
(16,600
)
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
14,555
   
(22,887
)
 
Accounts payable
   
4,638
   
5,657
 
 
Accrued liabilities
   
3,216
   
20,855
 
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
   
(1,370
)
 
(6,177
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
163,017
   
103,872
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
             
 
Capital expenditures
   
(250,272
)
 
(388,007
)
 
Proceeds from asset dispositions
   
74,973
   
86,681
 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash received
   
(178,961
)
 
(15,590
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(354,260
)
 
(316,916
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
 
Proceeds from borrowings
   
   
115,000
 
 
Debt issuance costs
   
   
(3,768
)
 
Repayment of debt and debt redemption premiums
   
(10,068
)
 
(20,996
)
 
Partial prepayment of put/call obligation
   
(52
)
 
(184
)
 
Preferred Stock dividends paid
   
(6,325
)
 
(9,487
)
 
Issuance of common stock
   
1,336
   
225,260
 
 
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
   
409
   
242
 
Net cash (used in) provided by  financing activities
   
(14,700
)
 
306,067
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
12,033
   
(18,420
)
Net (decrease) increase  in cash and cash equivalents 
   
(193,910
)
 
74,603
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
300,969
   
290,050
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
107,059
 
$
364,653
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid during the period for:
             
 
Interest
 
$
31,830
 
$
30,446
 
 
Income taxes
 
$
9,904
 
$
17,109
 
Non-cash investing activities:
             
 
Contribution of note receivable and aircraft to RLR
 
$
 
$
(6,551
)
 
Aircraft received for investment in Heliservicio
 
$
 
$
2,410
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION, CONSOLIDATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bristow Group Inc. and its consolidated entities (“Bristow Group,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.  Our fiscal year ends March 31, and we refer to fiscal years based on the end of such period.  Therefore, the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010 is referred to as fiscal year 2010.  Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the information contained in the following notes to condensed consolidated financial statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto contained in our fiscal year 2009 Annual Report (the “fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements”).  Operating results for the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited; however, they include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009, the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The following changes in presentation have been reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of income:
 
·  
Gain on disposal of assets which was previously included within operating expense has been reclassified to be included as a separate line below operating expense, but still within operating income.  We believe this presentation is preferable as our disposals of assets typically result in gains, which would reduce operating expense and not provide a clear presentation of our costs incurred to generate our revenue.
 
·  
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net which were previously excluded from operating income have been reclassified to be included within operating income.  We believe this presentation is preferable as the operations of our unconsolidated affiliates are integral to our operations as these entities are involved in aircraft operations similar to ours in markets where governmental regulations limit foreign ownership of aircraft companies or where conditions favor entering into joint venture arrangement with local partners.
 
Amounts presented for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 have been restated to conform to current period presentation.
 
We have evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing these condensed consolidated financial statements with the SEC on February 3, 2010.

 
5

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Foreign Currency
 
See “Foreign Currency” in Note 1 to the fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements for a discussion of the related accounting policies.  Other income (expense), net, in our condensed consolidated statements of income includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) of $0.7 million and ($0.1) million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, and ($1.5) million and $0.2 million, for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, respectively.  Additionally, other income (expense), net includes $2.8 million and $3.9 million of hedging gains realized during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, resulting from termination of forward contracts on euro-denominated aircraft purchase commitments.
 
The following table presents applicable exchange rates for the indicated periods:
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
2009
   
2008
 
                       
One British pound sterling into U.S. dollars
                     
High
 
1.68
   
1.78
 
1.70
   
2.01
 
Average
 
1.63
   
1.57
 
1.61
   
1.81
 
Low
 
1.58
   
1.44
 
1.44
   
1.44
 
At period-end
 
1.61
   
1.44
 
1.61
   
1.44
 
One euro into U.S. dollars
                     
High
 
1.51
   
1.45
 
1.51
   
1.60
 
Average
 
1.48
   
1.32
 
1.42
   
1.46
 
Low
 
1.42
   
1.24
 
1.29
   
1.24
 
At period-end
 
1.43
   
1.39
 
1.43
   
1.39
 
One Australian dollar into U.S. dollars
                     
High
 
0.94
   
0.79
 
0.94
   
0.98
 
Average
 
0.91
   
0.67
 
0.84
   
0.83
 
Low
 
0.87
   
0.61
 
0.69
   
0.61
 
At period-end
 
0.90
   
0.70
 
0.90
   
0.70
 
One Nigerian naira into U.S. dollars
                     
High
 
0.0069
   
0.0087
 
0.0069
   
0.0088
 
Average
 
0.0067
   
0.0083
 
0.0067
   
0.0085
 
Low
 
0.0066
   
0.0072
 
0.0063
   
0.0072
 
At period-end
 
0.0067
   
0.0072
 
0.0067
   
0.0072
 
________
Sources:  Bank of England and Oanda.com
 

 
6

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

We estimate that the strengthening of these currencies and other currencies versus the U.S. dollar compared to the average exchange rates for the three months ended December 31, 2008 and the deterioration of most of these currencies and other currencies versus the U.S. dollar compared to the average exchange rates for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 had the following impact on our results of operations, net of the effect of hedging gains (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months
Ended
December 31, 2009
   
Nine Months
Ended
December 31, 2009
 
               
Revenue                                                            
$
15,642
   
$
(37,916
)
Operating expense
 
(10,583
)
   
39,046
 
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net
 
115
     
(659
)
Non-operating expense
 
5,055
     
2,953
 
Income before provision for income taxes
 
10,229
     
3,424
 
Provision for income taxes
 
(1,735
)
   
(811
)
Net income
$
8,494
   
$
2,613
 
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new accounting standard for business combinations.  This accounting standard establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and also establishes disclosure requirements to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  This accounting standard became effective for business combinations entered into after April 1, 2009.  We applied the provisions of this accounting standard to our acquisition of a 42.5% interest in Líder Aviação Holding S.A. (“Líder”) to the extent applicable to the acquisition of interests in equity method joint ventures.  See Note 2 for further details on the Líder acquisition.
 
On April 1, 2009, we adopted a newly issued accounting standard for noncontrolling interests that establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.  This accounting standard changed the accounting and reporting for minority interests by re-characterizing them as noncontrolling interests and classifying them as a component of stockholders’ investment in our condensed consolidated balance sheet and requires net income attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interests to be disclosed separately on the face of the condensed consolidated statement of income.  The presentation and disclosure requirements of this new accounting standard require retrospective application to all prior periods presented and also requires enhanced disclosures to clearly distinguish between our interests and the interests of noncontrolling owners.  Upon adoption of this new accounting standard, we have presented the noncontrolling interest as stockholders’ investment on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 and March 31, 2009 and presented net income attributable to noncontrolling interests separately on our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  Prior year amounts were previously included in mezzanine stockholders’ investment and minority interest expense on our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income, respectively.  The effect as of March 31, 2009 of the adoption of this accounting standard was a reduction in the reported noncontrolling interest in mezzanine equity of $11.2 million, which was subsequently reclassified as a component of stockholders’ investment.  No changes in the ownership interests of these subsidiaries occurred during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.
 
On April 1, 2009, we adopted a newly issued accounting standard regarding enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, which does not impact the accounting for such activities.  See Note 6 for further discussion and disclosures.
 

 
7

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

On April 1, 2009, we adopted a newly issued accounting standard regarding convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion.  This accounting standard requires entities with cash settled convertibles to bifurcate the securities into a debt component and an equity component and accrete the debt component to par over the expected life of the convertible.  This accounting standard must be applied retrospectively to all instruments.  In June 2008, we issued 3% Convertible Senior Notes due 2038 (the “3% Convertible Senior Notes”) which are subject to this accounting standard.  See Note 5 to the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report for further discussion of the 3% Convertible Senior Notes.  Effective April 1, 2009, we applied the provisions of this accounting standard, on a retrospective basis, to our consolidated financial statements.  The impact of this accounting standard is provided in Note 4.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard regarding interim fair value disclosures for financial instruments.  This accounting standard increases the frequency of fair value disclosures required by previous fair value accounting standards from annual only to quarterly reporting periods.  The requirements of this accounting standard are effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  We adopted this accounting standard as of June 30, 2009.  The impact of this accounting standard is provided in Note 5.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard regarding subsequent events which requires entities to disclose the date through which they have evaluated subsequent events and whether the date corresponds with the release of their financial statements.  The requirements of this accounting standard are effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  We adopted this accounting standard as of June 30, 2009.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for transfers of financial assets.  This amendment requires greater transparency and additional disclosures for transfers of financial assets and the entity’s continuing involvement with them and changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets.  In addition, this amendment eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity.  This amendment is effective for us on April 1, 2010 on a prospective basis.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this amendment, if any, on our financial position, cash flows and results of operations.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIEs”).  This amendment changes how a reporting entity identifies a controlling financial interest in a VIE from the current quantitative risk and rewards approach to a qualitative approach and requires ongoing assessment of whether an entity is a VIE and whether an interest in a VIE makes the entity the primary beneficiary of the VIE.  This amendment is effective for us on April 1, 2010 on a prospective basis.  We are currently evaluating the impact of this amendment, if any, on our financial position, cash flows and results of operations.
 
NOTE 2 — ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITION
 
In January 2010, we acquired an additional 29% interest in Rotorwing Leasing Resources, L.L.C (“RLR”) for $7.6 million and as a result own 99% of RLR.  We have the option to purchase the remaining 1% of RLR on January 18, 2015, or earlier if the current 1% interest holder ceases to be a guarantor of 30% of RLR’s outstanding debt to Whitney National Bank.  Additionally, in January 2010, we and our partners contributed $4.1 million and $13.1 million, respectively, to Heliservicio Campeche S.A. de C.V. (“Heliservicio”), in which we have a 24% equity method investment.  This recent contribution did not change our ownership percentage in Heliservicio.  RLR has leased all of its aircraft to Heliservicio. As of December 31, 2009, Heliservicio owed RLR and other Bristow Group subsidiaries $29.7 million.  Subsequent to the January 2010 contributions to Heliservicio, Heliservicio settled a portion of the amounts due to us and our partners for services provided to Heliservicio in prior periods.  Heliservicio has remaining outstanding amounts due to us totaling $16.8 million as of February 3, 2010; we have provided an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.9 million and will continue to monitor closely the appropriateness of using accrual basis accounting for revenue earned from Heliservicio.
 
On May 26, 2009, we acquired a 42.5% interest in Líder, the largest provider of helicopter and executive aviation services in Brazil, for $179.9 million, including transaction costs incurred in fiscal years 2010 and 2009.  The acquisition was accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  In connection with this transaction, Líder purchased one large and four medium aircraft from us for $55.0 million, resulting in a net cash outlay of $124.9 million.  For the next five years, Bristow Group has the right to provide 100% of Líder’s helicopter lease requirements as well as the right to lease 50% of Líder’s total medium and large helicopter requirements that it would otherwise fulfill through purchase or finance lease.
 

 
8

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Additionally, the terms of the purchase agreement include incremental earn-out payments of $8.5 million for each year in the three-year period ending December 31, 2011 and a cumulative earn-out payment up to an additional $27.6 million based on the achievement of growth targets over the three-year period ending December 31, 2011.  If fully earned, these payments would total $53.1 million.  Based on Líder’s preliminary unaudited financial results for the period ended December 31, 2009, the initial $8.5 million earn-out payment was not earned, leaving a maximum possible total of earn-out payments of $44.6 million.  In connection with the acquisition of our interest in Líder, we entered into a shareholders’ agreement that defines certain rights held by shareholders of Líder. Pursuant to the shareholders’ agreement, we are entitled to appoint one of the five members of Líder’s board of directors and our approval is required for certain actions. The shareholders’ agreement also includes provisions relating to the transfer of Líder shares, including provisions that restrict the sale by us of our Líder shares for three years, provide us with a right of first refusal on certain secondary sales and a tag along right for transfers of shares and require our consent for an initial public offering by Líder in specified circumstances.
 
On October 30, 2008, we sold 53 small aircraft operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and related inventory, spare parts, and offshore fuel equipment (the “GOM Asset Sale”).  The buyer entered into agreements with our former customers that were supported by the aircraft included in the GOM Asset Sale.  The transfer to the buyer of legal title to all 53 aircraft was processed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) during October and November 2008.
 
The following table summarizes the after-tax gain on the GOM Asset Sale recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
 
Sale price
 
$
65,000
 
Net assets sold
   
(23,311
)
Transaction expenses
   
(3,909
)
Pre-tax gain on sale
   
37,780
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(13,363
)
After-tax gain on GOM Asset Sale
 
$
24,417
 
Diluted earnings per share:
       
Three months ended December 31, 2008
 
$
0.69
 
Nine months ended December 31, 2008
 
$
0.71
 
 
On October 31, 2008, we acquired the remaining 51% interest in Bristow Norway from the other Bristow Norway shareholders.  We consolidated Bristow Norway effective October 31, 2008 upon our acquisition of 100% of this entity.  We previously accounted for Bristow Norway as an equity method investment.
 
NOTE 3 — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, we received proceeds of $75.0 million from the disposal of 20 aircraft and certain other equipment, resulting in a net gain of $13.3 million.  As of December 31 and March 31, 2009, respectively, we had 11 and 10 aircraft held for sale totaling $9.5 million and $4.4 million, which were classified in prepaid expenses and other current assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
Additionally, during the nine months ended December 31, 2009, we made final payments in connection with the delivery of four small, eight medium, seven large and one fixed wing aircraft, and made progress payments on the construction of new aircraft to be delivered in future periods in conjunction with our aircraft commitments (see Note 7) for a total of $201.7 million.  Also, during the nine months ended December 31, 2009, we spent $34.6 million to upgrade aircraft within our existing fleet and to customize new aircraft delivered for our operations,  $10.2 million for additions to land and buildings and $3.8 million for various other infrastructure enhancements.
 

 
9

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

NOTE 4 — DEBT
 
Debt as of December 31 and March 31, 2009 consisted of the following:
 
 
December 31,
2009
 
March 31,
2009
 
             
7 ½% Senior Notes due 2017, including $0.5 million of unamortized premium
$
350,490
 
$
350,537
 
6 ⅛% Senior Notes due 2013
 
230,000
   
230,000
 
3% Convertible Senior Notes due 2038, including $19.7 million and $21.9 million of unamortized discount, respectively
 
95,280
   
93,067
 
Bristow Norway Debt
 
12,465
   
18,348
 
RLR Note
 
16,379
   
17,215
 
Term loans
 
12,656
   
14,382
 
Other debt
 
85
   
364
 
Total debt 
 
717,355
   
723,913
 
Less short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt
 
(19,211
)
 
(8,948
)
Total long-term debt
$
698,144
 
$
714,965
 
 
In June 2008, we completed the sale of $115 million of 3% Convertible Senior Notes.  The notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, using a net share settlement process, into a combination of cash and our common stock.  In general, upon conversion of a note, the holder will receive cash equal to the principal amount of the note and common stock to the extent of the note’s conversion value in excess of such principal amount.  The following table sets forth the stock price and additional shares by which the applicable conversion rate will be increased upon conversion, subject to the terms discussed above.
 
Market Value of Common Stock
 
Number of Shares of Common
Stock Issued for Each $1,000 Principal Amount of 3%
Convertible Senior Notes
 
Total Number of Shares of
Common Stock Issued for 3%
Convertible Senior Notes
 
$46.87 or less
 
21.3356
 
2,453,594
 
Between $46.87 and $169.99
 
12.9308 to 21.3344
 
1,487,032 to 2,453,593
 
$170.00 and above
 
12.9307
 
1,487,031
 
 
The notes will mature on June 15, 2038 and may not be redeemed by us prior to June 15, 2015, after which they may be redeemed at 100% of principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.  Holders of the 3% Convertible Senior Notes may require us to repurchase any or all of their notes for cash on June 15, 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030 and 2035, or in the event of a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture for the 3% Convertible Senior Notes (including the delisting of our common stock and certain change of control transactions), at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.  If a holder elects to convert its notes in connection with certain fundamental changes occurring prior to June 15, 2015, we will increase the applicable conversion rate by a specified number of additional shares of common stock.
 
Prior to April 1, 2009, accounting standards required that we not separately account for the embedded conversion option in the 3% Convertible Senior Notes.  As discussed in Note 1, effective April 1, 2009, we adopted a newly issued accounting standard regarding convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion.  This accounting standard requires that convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) be accounted for with a liability component based on the fair value of a similar nonconvertible debt instrument and an equity component based on the excess of the initial proceeds from the convertible debt instrument over the liability component.  Such excess represents proceeds related to the conversion option and is recorded as additional paid-in capital.  The liability is recorded at a discount, which is then amortized as additional non-cash interest expense over the convertible debt instrument’s remaining life.  Additionally, this accounting standard requires bifurcation of the debt issuance costs into a component of debt and equity.  Our adoption of this accounting standard has been applied retrospectively to all past periods presented for our 3% Convertible Senior Notes issued in June 2008 which are subject to this accounting standard.
 
10

 
 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Under the provisions of this accounting standard, the following assumptions were made for our 3% Convertible Senior Notes upon adoption:
 
Date of issue
 
June 2008
 
Expected maturity date
 
June 2015
 
Remaining life 
 
7 years
 
Effective interest rate
 
6.9%
 
Tax rate over term of debt 
 
35%
 
 
The effect of the adoption of this accounting standard on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
As Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change
 
As Currently Reported
 
Other assets
$
25,590
 
$
(702
)
$
24,888
 
Total debt
 
745,846
   
(21,933
)
 
723,913
 
Deferred income tax liability
 
119,589
   
7,677
   
127,266
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
421,391
   
14,905
   
436,296
 
Retained earnings
 
719,844
   
(1,351
)
 
718,493
 
 
The following information is presented for comparative purposes and illustrates the effect of this accounting standard on our 3% Convertible Senior Notes.  The balances of the debt and equity components as of each period presented are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31,
2009
 
March 31,
 2009
 
Equity component – net carrying value
$
14,905
 
$
14,905
 
Debt component:
           
Face amount due at maturity
$
115,000
 
$
115,000
 
Unamortized discount
 
(19,720
)
 
(21,933
)
Debt component – net carrying value
$
95,280
 
$
93,067
 
 
The effect of the adoption of this accounting standard on our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 was as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2008
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31, 2008
 
 
As Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change
 
As Currently Reported
 
As Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change
 
As Currently Reported
 
Interest expense
$
7,603
 
$
673
 
$
8,276
 
$
24,500
 
$
1,443
 
$
25,943
 
Income tax expense
 
16,106
   
(245
)
 
15,861
   
37,020
   
(526
)
 
36,494
 
Net income  from continuing operations
 
48,128
   
(428
)
 
47,700
   
100,459
   
(917
)
 
99,542
 
Net income
 
48,128
   
(428
)
 
47,700
   
100,213
   
(917
)
 
99,296
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
1.34
   
(0.02
)
 
1.32
   
2.86
   
(0.02
)
 
2.84
 

 
11

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
The remaining debt discount is being amortized into interest expense over the expected remaining life of the 3% Convertible Senior Notes using the effective interest rate.  The effective interest rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was 6.9%.  Interest expense related to our 3% Convertible Senior Notes for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Contractual coupon interest
$
862
 
$
862
 
$
2,588
 
$
1,859
 
Amortization of debt discount
 
751
   
701
   
2,213
   
1,504
 
Total interest expense
$
1,613
 
$
1,563
 
$
4,801
 
$
3,363
 
 
NOTE 5 — FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES
 
Effective April 1, 2009, we adopted a newly issued accounting standard for fair value measurements relating to our nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis which primarily consist of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets and assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.  During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, there were no triggering events that required fair value measurements of our nonfinancial assets and liabilities.
 
Assets and liabilities subject to fair value are categorized into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement, as follows:
 
·  
Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
 
·  
Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
 
·  
Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
 
The following table summarizes the financial instruments we held as of December 31, 2009 which are valued at fair value (in thousands):
 
     
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
     
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
     
Balance as of
December 31, 2009
 
Balance Sheet
Classification
 
Rabbi trust investments
 
$
2,994
   
$
   
$
   
$
2,994
 
Other assets
 
Derivative financial instrument liability
   
     
(75
)
   
     
(75
)
Other accrued liabilities
 
Net assets
 
$
2,994
   
$
(75
)
 
$
   
$
2,919
     
 
The rabbi trust investments consist of money market and mutual funds whose fair value is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, and are designated as Level 1 within the valuation hierarchy.  The rabbi trust investments relate to our non-qualified deferred compensation plan for our senior executives as discussed in Note 9 to the fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.  The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the derivative financial instrument liability in the table above include the mark-to-market statements from the counterparties, which can be validated using modeling techniques that include market inputs such as publicly available forward market rates, and is designated as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.
 

 
12

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
The fair value of our financial instruments has been estimated in accordance with the accounting standard regarding fair value.  The estimated fair value of our total debt as of December 31, 2009 was $728 million based on quoted market prices for our 7 ½% Senior Notes due 2017, 6 ⅛% Senior Notes due 2013 and 3% Convertible Senior Notes and the carrying value for our other debt, which approximates fair value.  The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying value due to the short-term nature of these items.
 
NOTE 6 — DERIVATIVES
 
As discussed in Note 1, effective April 1, 2009, we adopted a newly issued accounting standard regarding enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities, which requires enhanced disclosure of derivatives and hedging activities on: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under the accounting standard regarding accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities and its related interpretations; and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.
 
The designation of a derivative instrument as a hedge and its ability to meet relevant hedge accounting criteria determines how the change in fair value of the derivative instrument will be reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.  A derivative qualifies for hedge accounting if, at inception, the derivative is expected to be highly effective in offsetting the hedge’s underlying cash flows or fair value and the documentation standards of the accounting standard regarding accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities are fulfilled at the time we enter into the derivative contract.  A hedge is designated as a cash flow hedge, fair value hedge, or a net investment in foreign operations hedge based on the exposure being hedged.  The asset or liability value of the derivative will change in tandem with its fair value.  Changes in fair value, for the effective portion of qualifying hedges, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The derivative’s gain or loss is released from accumulated other comprehensive loss to match the timing of the effect on earnings of the hedge’s underlying cash flows.
 
We review the effectiveness of our hedging instruments on a quarterly basis.  We recognize current period hedge ineffectiveness immediately in earnings, and we discontinue hedge accounting for any hedge that we no longer consider to be highly effective.  Changes in fair value for derivatives not designated as hedges or those not qualifying for hedge accounting are recognized in current period earnings.  Upon termination of cash flow hedges, we release gains and losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss based on the timing of the underlying cash flows, unless the termination results from the failure of the intended transaction to occur in the expected timeframe.  Such an untimely occurrence requires us to immediately recognize in earnings gains and losses previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
 
None of our derivative instruments contain credit-risk-related contingent features.  Counterparties to our derivative contracts are high credit quality financial institutions.
 
We entered into forward contracts during the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and fiscal year 2009 to mitigate our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on our euro-denominated aircraft purchase commitments, which have been designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.  We had no open forward contracts relating to euro-denominated aircraft purchase commitments as of December 31, 2009.  We had eight open forward contracts as of March 31, 2009, which had rates ranging from 1.30 U.S. dollars per euro to 1.54 U.S. dollars per euro.  These contracts had an underlying nominal value of between €614,625 and €13,217,175, for a total of €86,894,175, with the first contract expiring in April 2009 and the last in January 2010.  The hedge expiring in January 2010 was settled in November 2009.  As of March 31, 2009, the fair value of these contracts was a liability of $8.5 million.  As of March 31, 2009, an unrecognized loss of $5.5 million, net of tax, on these contracts is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The derivative liability is included in other accrued liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, we recognized gains of $2.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively, relating to settlements of these forward contracts in our condensed consolidated statements of income as a component of other income (expense), net.  No gains or losses relating to forward contracts are recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008.
 

 
13

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
During the three months ended December 31, 2009, we entered into participating forward derivative contracts to mitigate our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on our euro-denominated third party maintenance contracts.  As of December 31, 2009, the fair value of the three open contracts was a liability of $0.1 million with strike/call prices ranging from 0.9251 British pound sterling per euro to 0.9298 British pound sterling per euro and underlying notional values totaling €2,455,000, expiring in January, February and March 2010.  The related strike/put prices and the expiration dates are the same as the calls but have underlying notional values totaling €1,227,500.  These contracts were designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and as such, any changes to the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss if the hedge is deemed to be effective.
 
NOTE 7 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Aircraft Purchase Contracts — As of December 31, 2009, we had 11 aircraft on order and options to acquire an additional 54 aircraft.
   
Three
Months Ending March 31,
   
Fiscal Year Ending March 31,
       
   
2010
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
 
Total
 
Commitments as of December 31, 2009:
                                             
Number of aircraft:
                                             
Medium
   
6
     
     
     
     
   
6
 
Large
   
     
2
(1)
   
3
     
     
   
5
 
     
6
     
2
     
3
     
     
   
11
 
Related expenditures (in thousands) (2)
 
$
24,901
   
$
43,344
   
$
48,456
   
$
     
 
$
116,701
 
Options as of  December 31, 2009:
                                             
Number of aircraft:
                                             
Medium
   
     
6
     
11
     
12
     
12
   
41
 
Large
   
     
     
9
     
4
     
   
13
 
     
     
6
     
20
     
16
     
12
   
54
 
Related expenditures (in thousands) (2)
 
$
11,838
   
$
122,257
   
$
215,975
   
$
258,847
   
$
232,110
 
$
841,027
 
_________

(1)
We have agreements which allow us to cancel two large aircraft with delivery dates in fiscal year 2011 and commitments totaling $40.9 million without a termination fee through February 15, 2010 and February 28, 2010.
   
(2)
Includes progress payments on aircraft scheduled to be delivered in future periods.
 

 

 
14

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
The following chart presents an analysis of our aircraft orders and options during fiscal year 2010:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2009
     
September 30, 2009
     
June 30, 2009
 
   
Orders
     
Options
     
Orders
     
Options
     
Orders
     
Options
 
Beginning of quarter
 
12
     
47
     
17
     
47
     
24
     
47
 
Aircraft delivered
 
(6
)
   
     
(4
)
   
     
(10
)
   
 
Aircraft ordered
 
5
     
     
     
     
3
     
 
Cancelled orders
 
(2
)
   
     
(1
)
   
     
     
 
New options
 
     
14
     
     
     
     
 
Exercised options
 
2
     
(2
)
   
     
     
     
 
Expired options
 
     
(5
)
   
     
     
     
 
End of quarter
 
11
     
54
     
12
     
47
     
17
     
47
 
 
As was the case in prior years, we periodically order aircraft for which we have no options.
 
Employee Agreements — Certain of our employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements and/or unions.  These agreements generally include annual escalations of up to 6%.  Periodically, certain groups of our employees who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement consider entering into such an agreement.
 
During August 2009, the unions representing our national staff in Nigeria were on strike, but have since returned to work.
 
As a result of recently enacted legislation in Australia, effective July 1, 2009, the engineering workforce in Australia gained the right to be represented by a union.  We are currently in consultations about representation arrangements.
 
In March 2009, we announced that in response to the recent worldwide economic downturn we were freezing management salaries and reviewing staffing levels and compensation structures to properly position the Company to meet changing market conditions while maintaining operational safety.  After union consultations in various countries, we have completed staffing changes as part of an overall plan to reduce our work force by 5% to 10%.
 
Effective April 30, 2009, an officer departed the Company.  Additionally, during December 2009, two other officers departed the Company.  In connection with these departures, we extended the expiration dates of options to purchase common stock held by two of the officers to November 17, 2009 and July 1, 2010.
 
During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, we recognized approximately $2.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively, in compensation expense (inclusive of the expenses recorded for the acceleration of unvested stock options and restricted stock) related to the work force reductions that have occurred to date and the separation between the Company and the three officers.
 
Internal Review — In February 2005, we voluntarily advised the staff of the SEC that the Audit Committee of our board of directors had engaged special outside counsel to undertake a review of certain payments made by two of our affiliated entities in Nigeria.  The review of these payments, which initially focused on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters, was subsequently expanded by the Audit Committee to cover operations in other countries and other issues (the “Internal Review”).  As a result of the findings of the Internal Review (which was completed in late 2005), our quarter ended December 31, 2004 and prior financial statements were restated.  We also provided the SEC with documentation resulting from the Internal Review which eventually resulted in a formal SEC investigation.  In September 2007, we consented to the issuance of an administrative cease-and-desist order by the SEC, in final settlement of the SEC investigation.  The SEC did not impose any fine or other monetary sanction upon the Company.  Without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, we consented to be ordered not to engage in future violations of certain provisions of the federal securities laws involving improper foreign payments, internal controls and books and records.  For further information on the restatements, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.
 
15

 
 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
Following the settlement with the SEC regarding improper payments made by foreign affiliates of the Company in Nigeria, outside counsel to the Company was contacted by the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and was asked to provide certain information regarding the Internal Review.  We intend to continue to be responsive to the DOJ’s requests.  At this time, it is not possible to predict what the outcome of the DOJ’s investigation into these matters will be for the Company.
 
As a result of the disclosure and remediation of a number of activities identified in the Internal Review, we may encounter difficulties conducting business in certain foreign countries and retaining and attracting additional business with certain customers.  We cannot predict the extent of these difficulties; however, our ability to continue conducting business in these countries and with these customers and through agents may be significantly impacted.  We could still face legal and administrative proceedings, the institution of administrative, civil injunctive or criminal proceedings involving us and/or current or former employees, officers and/or directors who are within the jurisdictions of such authorities, the imposition of fines and other penalties, remedies and/or sanctions, including precluding us from participating in business operations in such countries.  It is also possible that we may become subject to claims by third parties, possibly resulting in litigation.
 
In November 2005, two of our consolidated foreign affiliates were named in a lawsuit filed with the High Court of Lagos State, Nigeria by Mr. Benneth Osita Onwubalili and his affiliated company, Kensit Nigeria Limited, which allegedly acted as agents of our affiliates in Nigeria.  The claimants allege that an agreement between the parties was terminated without justification and seek damages of $16.3 million.  We responded to this claim in early 2006.  There has been minimal activity on this claim since then.  We may face further legal action of this type in the future.  The matters identified in the Internal Review and their effects could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
As we continue to operate our compliance program, other situations involving foreign operations, similar to those matters disclosed to the SEC in February 2005 and described above, could arise that warrant further investigation and subsequent disclosures.  As a result, new issues may be identified that may impact our financial statements and lead us to take other remedial actions or otherwise adversely impact us.
 
During prior fiscal years, we incurred a total of $13.6 million in legal and other professional fees related to the Internal Review and related matters.  We have incurred no legal or other professional fees in connection with the Internal Review since fiscal year 2007.  During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, we incurred approximately $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in legal and other professional fees in connection with the DOJ investigation relating to the Internal Review.  During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, we incurred approximately $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in legal and other professional fees in connection with the DOJ investigation relating to the Internal Review.
 
Document Subpoena Relating to DOJ Antitrust Investigation — In June 2005, one of our subsidiaries received a document subpoena from the Antitrust Division of the DOJ.  The subpoena related to a grand jury investigation of potential antitrust violations among providers of helicopter transportation services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.  The subpoena focused on activities during the period from January 1, 2000 to June 13, 2005.  We believe we have submitted to the DOJ substantially all documents responsive to the subpoena.  We have had discussions with the DOJ and provided documents related to our operations in the U.S. as well as internationally.  We intend to continue to provide additional information as required by the DOJ in connection with the investigation.  There is no assurance that, after review of any information furnished by us or by third parties, the DOJ will not ultimately conclude that violations of U.S. antitrust laws have occurred.  The period of time necessary to resolve the DOJ antitrust investigation is uncertain, and this matter could require significant management and financial resources that could otherwise be devoted to the operation of our business.
 
The outcome of the DOJ antitrust investigation and any related legal proceedings in other countries could include civil injunctive or criminal proceedings involving us and/or our current or former employees, officers and/or directors, the imposition of fines and other penalties, remedies and/or sanctions, including potential disbarments, and referrals to other governmental agencies.  In addition, in cases where anti-competitive conduct is found by the government, there is greater likelihood for civil litigation to be brought by third parties seeking recovery.  Any such civil litigation could have serious consequences for our Company, including the costs of the litigation and potential orders to pay restitution or other damages or penalties, including potentially treble damages, to any parties that were determined to be injured as a result of any impermissible anti-competitive conduct.  Any of these adverse consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  The DOJ antitrust investigation, any related proceedings in other countries and any third-party litigation, as well as any negative outcome that may result from the investigation, proceedings or litigation, could also negatively impact our relationships with customers and our ability to generate revenue.
 
16

 
 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
During prior fiscal years, we incurred a total of $5.2 million in legal and other professional fees related to this matter.  We have incurred no legal or other professional fees in connection with this matter since fiscal year 2008; however, significant expenditures may continue to be incurred in the future.
 
Civil Class Action Lawsuit — On June 12, 2009, Superior Offshore International, Inc. v. Bristow Group Inc., et al, Case No. 1:09-cv-00438, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.  The purported class action complaint, which also names other providers of offshore helicopter services in the Gulf of Mexico as defendants, alleges violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act.  Among other things, the complaint alleges that the defendants unlawfully conspired to raise and maintain the price of offshore helicopter services between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005.  The plaintiff seeks to represent a purported class of direct purchasers of offshore helicopter services and is asking for, among other things, unspecified treble monetary damages and injunctive relief.  The Company intends to defend against this lawsuit vigorously.  As this lawsuit is in its initial stage, we are currently unable to determine whether it could have a material affect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, we incurred approximately $0.2 million in legal and other professional fees in connection with the class action suit.
 
Environmental Contingencies — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, also referred to as the EPA, has in the past notified us that we are a potential responsible party, or PRP, at four former waste disposal facilities that are on the National Priorities List of contaminated sites.  Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as the Superfund law, persons who are identified as PRPs may be subject to strict, joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up environmental contamination resulting from releases of hazardous substances at National Priorities List sites.  We were identified by the EPA as a PRP at the Western Sand and Gravel Superfund site in Rhode Island in 1984, at the Sheridan Disposal Services Superfund site in Waller County, Texas, in 1989, at the Gulf Coast Vacuum Services Superfund site near Abbeville, Louisiana, in 1989, and at the Operating Industries, Inc. Superfund site in Monterey Park, California, in 2003.  We have not received any correspondence from the EPA with respect to the Western Sand and Gravel Superfund sites since February 1991, nor with respect to the Sheridan Disposal Services Superfund site since 1989.  Remedial activities at the Gulf Coast Vacuum Services Superfund site were completed in September 1999 and the site was removed from the National Priorities List in July 2001.
 
The EPA has offered to submit a settlement offer to us in return for which we would be recognized as a de minimis party in regard to the Operating Industries, Inc. Superfund site, but we have not yet received this settlement proposal.  Although we have not obtained a formal release of liability from the EPA with respect to any of these sites, we believe that our potential liability in connection with these sites is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
Guarantees — We have guaranteed the repayment of up to £10 million ($16.1 million) of the debt of FBS Limited, an unconsolidated affiliate.  See discussion of this commitment in Note 3 to our fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.  Additionally, we provided an indemnity agreement to Afianzadora Sofimex, S.A. to support issuance of surety bonds on behalf of Heliservicio, another unconsolidated affiliate, from time to time.  As of December 31, 2009, surety bonds with an aggregate value of 311 million Mexican pesos ($23.9 million) and surety bonds denominated in U.S. dollars with an aggregate value of $1.2 million were outstanding.  Furthermore, we have received a counter-guarantee from our partner in Heliservicio for 76% ($19.1 million) of the surety bonds outstanding.  Bristow Norway is also the guarantor under two aircraft leases taken out by a previous subsidiary of Bristow Norway prior to Bristow Norway disposing of that subsidiary and prior to Bristow Group’s acquisition of the additional 51% of Bristow Norway in October 2008 for the sum of $5.6 million.  The purchaser of that subsidiary is legally subject to an obligation to reimburse Bristow Norway for these guarantees under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement by which that subsidiary was sold.
 

 
17

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

The following table summarizes our commitments under these guarantees, before the benefit of the counter-guarantee from our partner in Heliservicio, as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
Total
 
Remainder of Fiscal Year 2010
 
Fiscal Year 2011
 
Fiscal Years 2012-2013
 
Fiscal Year 2014 and Thereafter
 
$
46,909
   
$
2,364
   
$
1,612
   
$
25,132
   
$
17,801
 
Other Matters — Although infrequent, aircraft accidents have occurred in the past, and the related losses and liability claims have been covered by insurance, subject to a deductible.  We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, uninsured losses, if any, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
NOTE 8 — TAXES
 
Our effective income tax rates from continuing operations were 17.3% and 25.0% for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and 23.8% and 26.8% for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The overall effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 were impacted by a $2.6 million benefit related to tax elections filed in the three months ended December 31, 2008 as part of the internal reorganization discussed in Note 8 to the fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.  Excluding these benefits, as well as the impact of the GOM Asset Sale, our overall effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 were 25.5% and 28.5%, respectively.
 
During the three months ended December 31, 2009, we accrued tax contingency related items totaling $0.5 million, and during the three months ended December 31, 2008, we benefited from tax contingency related items totaling $0.6 million.  During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, we accrued tax contingency related items totaling $3.7 million, and during the nine months ended December 31, 2008, we benefited from the contingency related items totaling $1.3 million.  Our effective tax rate was also impacted by the indefinite reinvestment outside the U.S. of foreign earnings, upon which no U.S. tax has been provided, and by our ability to realize foreign tax credits.
 
As of December 31, 2009, there were $8.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would have an impact on our effective tax rate, if recognized.  For both the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we accrued interest and penalties of $0.3 million in connection with uncertain tax positions.
 
U.S. President Barack Obama recently announced a broad outline of his administration’s proposals to modify certain aspects of the rules governing the U.S. taxation of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries.  Many details of the various proposals remain unknown at this time and any legislation enacting such proposed modifications would require Congressional approval.  However, changes to the U.S. tax law related to taxation of non-U.S. subsidiaries could increase our effective tax rate.
 

 
18

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

NOTE 9 — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Pension Plans
 
We have a defined benefit plan for all full-time employees of Bristow Aviation Holdings Limited (“Bristow Aviation”) and Bristow International Aviation (Guernsey) Limited employed on or before December 31, 2007, both of which are closed to future accrual.  Additionally, Bristow Norway has a final salary defined benefit pension plan.  Further details of these plans are described in Note 9 to our fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.
 
The following table provides a detail of the components of net periodic pension cost of these plans:
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost for benefits earned during the period
$
58
   
$
57
   
$
170
   
$
197
 
Interest cost on pension benefit obligation
 
6,142
     
6,145
     
18,154
     
21,267
 
Expected return on assets
 
(4,814
)
   
(5,551
)
   
(14,227
)
   
(19,212
)
Amortization of unrecognized losses
 
1,143
     
1,022
     
3,377
     
3,537
 
Net periodic pension cost
$
2,529
   
$
1,673
   
$
7,474
   
$
5,789
 
 
We pre-funded our contributions of $14.3 million to our U.K. staff pension plan for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010 in March 2009.  We intend to pre-fund our contributions of $16.1 million to our U.K. staff pension plan for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 in March 2010. The current estimate of our cash contributions to our U.K. expatriate and Norwegian pension plans for fiscal year 2010 is $7.6 million, $6.8 million of which was paid during the nine months ended December 31, 2009.
 
Incentive Compensation
 
We have a number of incentive and stock option plans which are described in Note 9 to our fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.
 
Stock-based compensation expense, which includes stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock, totaled $3.3 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and totaled $9.9 million and $7.7 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Stock-based compensation expense has been allocated to our various business units.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we awarded 288,788 stock options at an average exercise price of $32.90 per share.  The key input variables used in valuing these options under the Black Scholes model were: risk-free interest rate of 2.56%; dividend yield of zero; stock price volatility of 52.2%; and expected option lives of 6 years.  Also during the three months ended June 30, 2009, we awarded 187,115 shares of restricted stock at an average grant date fair value of $32.90 per share.  During the three months ended September 30, 2009, we awarded 14,000 shares of restricted stock at an average grant date fair value of $33.11 per share and we awarded no stock options.  We awarded no stock options or restricted stock during the three months ended December 31, 2009.
 
Compensation expense related to performance cash awards during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 was $0.8 million.  No compensation expense was recorded related to performance cash awards during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008.
 

 
19

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

NOTE 10 — STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Preferred Stock — On September 15, 2009 each outstanding share of our 5.50% mandatory convertible preferred stock was converted into 1.418 shares of common stock.  There were 4,600,000 shares of mandatory convertible preferred stock outstanding on the conversion date, and we issued 6,522,800 shares of common stock upon conversion of such preferred stock. For further details, see Note 10 in our fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.
 
Earnings Per Share — Basic earnings per common share was computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, excluded options to purchase 473,609 and 414,974 shares at the weighted average exercise prices of $39.92 and $41.15 and 231,581 and 241,071 restricted stock units at weighted average prices of $40.02 and $40.22 and zero and 974 restricted stock awards at weighted average prices of zero and $20.22, which were outstanding during the periods but were anti-dilutive.  Diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, respectively, excluded options to purchase 415,386 and 348,868 shares at the weighted average exercise price of $47.94 and $47.67 and 399,898 and 412,405 restricted stock units at weighted average prices of $37.40 and $37.33 and 139,572 and 425 restricted stock awards at weighted average prices of $50.04 and $53.36 which were outstanding during the periods but were anti-dilutive.  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Earnings (in thousands):
                       
Continuing operations:
                       
Income available to common stockholders – basic
$
26,678
 
$
44,003
 
$
77,246
 
$
87,865
 
Preferred stock dividends
 
   
3,162
   
6,325
   
9,487
 
Interest expense on assumed conversion of 3% Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax benefit (1)
 
   
   
   
 
Income available to common stockholders – diluted
$
26,678
 
$
47,165
 
$
83,571
 
$
97,352
 
                         
Discontinued operations:
                       
Loss available to common stockholders – basic and diluted
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
(246
)
Net earnings:
                       
Income available to common stockholders – basic
$
26,678
 
$
44,003
 
$
77,246
 
$
87,619
 
Preferred stock dividends
 
   
3,162
   
6,325
   
9,487
 
Interest expense on assumed conversion of 3% Convertible Senior Notes, net of tax
    benefit (1)
 
   
   
   
 
Income available to common stockholders – diluted
$
26,678
 
$
47,165
 
$
83,571
 
$
97,106
 
Shares:
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
 
35,896,054
   
29,101,198
   
31,732,633
   
27,634,829
 
Assumed conversion of preferred stock outstanding during the period (2)
 
   
6,522,800
   
3,961,119
   
6,522,800
 
Assumed conversion of 3% Convertible Senior Notes outstanding during the
    period (1)
 
   
   
   
 
Net effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards based on the treasury stock method
 
374,697
   
4,237
   
375,939
   
27,604
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted
 
36,270,751
   
35,628,235
   
36,069,691
   
34,185,233
 
Basic earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
$
0.74
 
$
1.51
 
$
2.43
 
$
3.18
 
Loss from discontinued operations
 
   
   
   
(0.01
)
Net earnings
$
0.74
 
$
1.51
 
$
2.43
 
$
3.17
 
Diluted earnings per common share:
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
$
0.74
 
$
1.32
 
$
2.32
 
$
2.85
 
Loss from discontinued operations
 
   
   
   
(0.01
)
Net earnings
$
0.74
 
$
1.32
 
$
2.32
 
$
2.84
 
 
20

BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
________

(1)
Diluted earnings per common share for each of the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 excludes approximately 1.5 million potentially dilutive shares initially issuable upon the conversion of our 3% Convertible Senior Notes.  The 3% Convertible Senior Notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, using a net share settlement process, into a combination of cash and our common stock.  The initial base conversion price of the notes is approximately $77.34 (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances), based on the initial base conversion rate of 12.9307 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes.  In general, upon conversion of a note, the holder will receive cash equal to the principal amount of the note and common stock to the extent of the note's conversion value in excess of such principal amount.  In addition, if at the time of conversion the applicable price of our common stock exceeds the base conversion price, holders will receive up to an additional 8.4049 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, as determined pursuant to a specified formula.  Such shares did not impact our calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 or 2008 as our stock price did not meet or exceed $77.34 per share.

(2)
For the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, diluted earnings per common share included weighted average shares resulting from the assumed conversion of our preferred stock at the conversion rate that results in the most dilution:  1.4180 shares of common stock for each share of preferred stock.  On September 15, 2009, we converted our preferred stock into 6,522,800 shares of common stock at this conversion rate as previously discussed.
 
NOTE 11 — SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
We conduct our business in one segment: Helicopter Services.  The Helicopter Services segment’s operations are conducted through three divisions:  Western Hemisphere, Eastern Hemisphere and Global Training, and ten business units within those divisions.  Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere operate through nine of the business units:  U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Arctic, Latin America and Western Hemisphere (“WH”) Centralized Operations within the Western Hemisphere, and Europe, West Africa, Australia, Other International and Eastern Hemisphere (“EH”) Centralized Operations within the Eastern Hemisphere.  Our WH and EH Centralized Operations business units are comprised of our technical services business and other non-flight services business (e.g., provision of maintenance and supply chain parts and services to other Western and Eastern Hemisphere business units) and division level expenses.  Bristow Academy is the only business unit within our Global Training division.
 
Beginning on April 1, 2009, there was no longer a Southeast Asia business unit.  Australia is now a separate business unit and Malaysia, China and Vietnam are now included in the Other International business unit.  Amounts presented below for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 and as of March 31, 2009 have been restated to conform to current period presentation.
 
Additionally, we previously recorded certain cost reimbursement intercompany transactions between the EH Centralized Operations business unit and other business units as intrasegment revenue.  We have reclassified these cost reimbursements from revenue to a reduction in expense.  Amounts presented below for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 have been restated to conform to current period presentation.
 
As discussed in Note 1, earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net which were previously excluded from operating income have been reclassified to be included within operating income and have been allocated to our business units herein.  Amounts presented below for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 have been restated to conform to current period presentation.
 
In December 2009, we announced changes in our organizational structure and business units that will be finalized by March 31, 2010.  The Eastern and Western Hemisphere divisional boundaries will be eliminated, and Centralized Operations will be managed under a single global organization.  The Other International and Latin America business units will be merged into a single International business unit.  The U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Arctic business units will be combined into a single North America business unit.
 
The tables that follow show reportable segment information for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, reconciled to consolidated totals, and prepared on the same basis as our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

 
21

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Segment gross revenue from external customers:
                               
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
$
42,352
   
$
53,695
   
$
130,338
   
$
177,695
 
Arctic
   
3,228
     
3,005
     
13,746
     
14,088
 
Latin America
   
19,076
     
20,707
     
59,421
     
59,964
 
WH Centralized Operations
   
542
     
2,584
     
1,538
     
6,317
 
Europe
   
118,980
     
102,388
     
346,798
     
295,639
 
West Africa
   
58,736
     
50,478
     
165,005
     
140,788
 
Australia
   
38,188
     
24,998
     
96,684
     
87,337
 
Other International
   
14,268
     
17,035
     
43,816
     
51,420
 
EH Centralized Operations
   
1,910
     
2,598
     
7,557
     
8,300
 
Bristow Academy
   
6,026
     
5,499
     
20,470
     
17,222
 
Corporate
   
     
     
     
28
 
Total segment gross revenue
 
$
303,306
   
$
282,987
   
$
885,373
   
$
858,798
 
 
Intrasegment gross revenue:
                               
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
$
104
   
$
   
$
193
   
$
 
Arctic
   
     
     
     
 
Latin America
   
     
     
     
 
WH Centralized Operations
   
919
     
550
     
2,199
     
1,986
 
Europe
   
287
     
89
     
1,402
     
571
 
West Africa
   
     
     
     
 
Australia
   
     
31
     
     
31
 
Other International
   
1
     
41
     
109
     
814
 
EH Centralized Operations
   
743
     
199
     
3,314
     
869
 
Bristow Academy
   
     
64
     
     
64
 
Total intrasegment gross revenue
 
$
2,054
   
$
974
   
$
7,217
   
$
4,335
 

Consolidated gross revenue reconciliation:
                               
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
$
42,456
   
$
53,695
   
$
130,531
   
$
177,695
 
Arctic
   
3,228
     
3,005
     
13,746
     
14,088
 
Latin America
   
19,076
     
20,707
     
59,421
     
59,964
 
WH Centralized Operations
   
1,461
     
3,134
     
3,737
     
8,303
 
Europe
   
119,267
     
102,477
     
348,200
     
296,210
 
West Africa
   
58,736
     
50,478
     
165,005
     
140,788
 
Australia
   
38,188
     
25,029
     
96,684
     
87,368
 
Other International
   
14,269
     
17,076
     
43,925
     
52,234
 
EH Centralized Operations
   
2,653
     
2,797
     
10,871
     
9,169
 
Bristow Academy
   
6,026
     
5,563
     
20,470
     
17,286
 
Intrasegment eliminations
   
(2,054
)
   
(974
)
   
(7,217
)
   
(4,335
)
Corporate
   
     
     
     
28
 
Total consolidated gross revenue
 
$
303,306
   
$
282,987
   
$
885,373
   
$
858,798
 


 
22

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Consolidated operating income (loss) reconciliation:
                               
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
$
4,488
   
$
8,721
   
$
16,237
   
$
24,973
 
Arctic
   
22
     
184
     
2,712
     
2,603
 
Latin America
   
4,695
     
5,501
     
16,788
     
19,175
 
WH Centralized Operations
   
(4,216
)
   
(2,509
)
   
(11,581
)
   
(2,281
)
Europe
   
15,968
     
13,757
     
48,918
     
55,434
 
West Africa
   
15,092
     
13,167
     
43,796
     
27,707
 
Australia
   
9,727
     
2,850
     
22,771
     
3,777
 
Other International
   
1,695
     
5,429
     
11,593
     
12,672
 
EH Centralized Operations
   
(422
)
   
(4,705
)
   
(1,068
)
   
(12,370
)
Bristow Academy
   
(385
)
   
(168
)
   
1,269
     
219
 
Gain on GOM Asset Sale
   
     
37,780
     
     
37,780
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets
   
2,448
     
(102
)
   
13,337
     
5,865
 
Corporate
   
(9,386
)
   
(7,633
)
   
(26,707
)
   
(21,554
)
Total consolidated operating income (1)
 
$
39,726
   
$
72,272
   
$
138,065
   
$
154,000
 

   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Identifiable assets:
               
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
$
386,530
   
$
345,522
 
Arctic
   
15,148
     
15,584
 
Latin America
   
398,849
     
214,490
 
WH Centralized Operations
   
11,685
     
12,480
 
Europe
   
802,130
     
683,191
 
West Africa
   
332,075
     
269,618
 
Australia
   
298,897
     
175,031
 
Other International
   
101,809
     
110,429
 
EH Centralized Operations
   
32,579
     
30,241
 
Bristow Academy
   
38,075
     
37,961
 
Corporate
   
115,782
     
440,024
 
Total identifiable assets  (2)
 
$
2,533,559
   
$
2,334,571
 
__________
 
(1)
Operating income includes depreciation and amortization expense in the following amounts for the periods presented:

 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
 
(In thousands)
 
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
$
3,731
   
$
3,050
   
$
10,389
   
$
8,952
 
Arctic
 
196
     
190
     
580
     
616
 
Latin America
 
2,027
     
2,264
     
6,595
     
6,218
 
WH Centralized Operations
 
335
     
169
     
955
     
418
 
Europe
 
7,391
     
5,899
     
20,500
     
15,799
 
West Africa
 
2,626
     
2,056
     
7,064
     
6,112
 
Australia
 
2,442
     
1,298
     
5,775
     
3,881
 
Other International
 
878
     
967
     
2,602
     
2,909
 
EH Centralized Operations
 
223
     
133
     
604
     
435
 
Bristow Academy
 
725
     
563
     
1,993
     
1,492
 
Corporate
 
89
     
74
     
262
     
271
 
Consolidated total
$
20,663
   
$
16,663
   
$
57,319
   
$
47,103
 
 
(2)
Includes $127.0 million and $230.1 million of construction in progress within property and equipment on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31 and March 31, 2009, respectively, which primarily represents progress payments on aircraft to be delivered in future periods.
 
23

BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
NOTE 12 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income
 
$
27,126
   
$
47,700
   
$
84,827
   
$
99,296
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Currency translation adjustments (1) 
   
1,927
     
(47,640
)
   
40,926
     
(91,258
)
Income tax effect attributable to pension liability adjustment as a result of internal reorganization (2)
   
     
     
     
(9,371
)
Change of interest gain – Bristow Norway (3)
   
     
12,300
     
     
12,300
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges (4)
   
(668
)
   
283
     
8,094
     
(7,425
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
28,385
   
$
12,643
   
$
133,847
   
$
3,542
 
__________

(1)
 
During the nine months ended December 31, 2009, the U.S. dollar weakened against the British pound sterling and other currencies, resulting in translation gains recorded as a component of stockholders’ investment as of December 31, 2009.  During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the British pound sterling and other currencies, resulting in translation losses recorded as a component of stockholders’ investment as of December 31, 2008.
   
(2)
On April 1, 2008, we completed an internal reorganization that restructured our holdings in Bristow Aviation in an effort to simplify our legal entity structure and reduce administrative costs associated with our ownership in Bristow Aviation.  In late March 2008, we completed part of this overall restructuring that resulted in the release of $3.5 million of previously provided U.S. deferred tax on the assets subject to the restructuring.  The additional transactions completed on April 1, 2008 resulted in a charge to other comprehensive income as a result of a reduction of $9.4 million in deferred tax assets associated with our net pension liability; however, these transactions did not result in a material impact on net income.
   
(3)
On October 31, 2008, we acquired the remaining interest in Bristow Norway from the other Bristow Norway shareholders.  The Bristow Norway acquisition resulted in a change of interest gain of $12.3 million in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ investment on our consolidated balance sheet.  For further details, see Note 2 to the fiscal year 2009 Financial Statements.
   
(4)
Net of income tax effect of $(0.4) million and $4.4 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2009, respectively, and $(0.2) million and $4.0 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008, respectively.


 
24

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

NOTE 13 — SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
In connection with the sale of our 7 ½% Senior Notes due 2017, 6 ⅛% Senior Notes due 2013 and 3% Convertible Senior Notes, certain of our U.S. subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) jointly, severally and unconditionally guaranteed the payment obligations under these notes.  The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a consolidating basis, the balance sheet, statement of income and cash flow information for Bristow Group Inc. (“Parent Company Only”), for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and for our other subsidiaries (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).  We have not presented separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the Guarantor Subsidiaries because management has determined that such information is not material to investors.
 
The supplemental condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for condensed financial information and does not include all disclosures included in annual financial statements, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The principal eliminating entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances and intercompany revenue and expense.
 
The allocation of the consolidated income tax provision was made using the with and without allocation method.
 

 
25

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2009

   
Parent
           
Non-
                 
   
Company
 
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
 
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
               
(In thousands)
               
Revenue:
                                       
Gross revenue
 
$
   
$
66,407
   
$
236,899
   
$
   
$
303,306
 
Intercompany revenue
   
     
9,449
     
2,365
     
(11,814
)
   
 
     
     
75,856
     
239,264
     
(11,814
)
   
303,306
 
Operating expense:
                                       
Direct cost
   
(385
)
   
44,941
     
173,119
     
     
217,675
 
Intercompany expenses
   
71
     
2,200
     
9,543
     
(11,814
)
   
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
484
     
7,215
     
12,964
     
     
20,663
 
General and administrative
   
12,156
     
3,741
     
14,861
     
     
30,758
 
     
12,326
     
58,097
     
210,487
     
(11,814
)
   
269,096
 
                                         
Gain on disposal of assets
   
     
1,374
     
1,074
     
     
2,448
 
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net
   
45,718
     
     
4,407
     
(47,057
)
   
3,068
 
Operating income
   
33,392
     
19,133
     
34,258
     
(47,057
)
   
39,726
 
                                         
Interest income
   
5,268
     
20
     
348
     
(5,271
)
   
365
 
Interest expense
   
(10,842
)
   
     
(5,408
)
   
5,271
     
(10,979
)
Other income (expense), net
   
6
     
(17
)
   
3,706
     
     
3,695
 
                                         
Income before provision for
income taxes
   
27,824
     
19,136
     
32,904
     
(47,057
)
   
32,807
 
Allocation of consolidated income taxes
   
(969
)
   
(2,067
)
   
(2,645
)
   
     
(5,681
)
Net income
   
26,855
     
17,069
     
30,259
     
(47,057
)
   
27,126
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(177
)
   
     
(271
)
   
     
(448
)
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
 
$
26,678
   
$
17,069
   
$
29,988
   
$
(47,057
)
 
$
26,678
 

 

 
26

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

 Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009

   
Parent
           
Non-
                 
   
Company
 
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
 
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
               
(In thousands)
               
Revenue:
                                       
Gross revenue
 
$
   
$
209,856
   
$
675,517
   
$
   
$
885,373
 
Intercompany revenue
   
     
25,722
     
8,669
     
(34,391
)
   
 
     
     
235,578
     
684,186
     
(34,391
)
   
885,373
 
Operating expense:
                                       
Direct cost
   
(649
)
   
137,094
     
488,260
     
     
624,705
 
Intercompany expenses
   
78
     
8,678
     
25,635
     
(34,391
)
   
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
943
     
20,852
     
35,524
     
     
57,319
 
General and administrative
   
35,268
     
11,730
     
42,248
     
     
89,246
 
     
35,640
     
178,354
     
591,667
     
(34,391
)
   
771,270
 
                                         
Gain on disposal of assets
   
     
3,789
     
9,548
     
     
13,337
 
Earnings from unconsolidated affiliates, net
   
100,390
     
     
11,274
     
(101,039
)
   
10,625
 
Operating income
   
64,750
     
61,013
     
113,341
     
(101,039
)
   
138,065
 
                                         
Interest income
   
56,271
     
47
     
656
     
(56,177
)
   
797
 
Interest expense
   
(31,885
)
   
     
(55,923
)
   
56,177
     
(31,631
)
Other income (expense), net
   
960
     
(550
)
   
3,613
     
     
4,023
 
                                         
Income before provision for income taxes
   
90,096
     
60,510
     
61,687
     
(101,039
)
   
111,254
 
Allocation of consolidated income taxes
   
(5,994
)
   
(8,046
)
   
(12,387
)
   
     
(26,427
)
Net income
   
84,102
     
52,464
     
49,300
     
(101,039
)
   
84,827
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(531
)
   
     
(725
)
   
     
(1,256
)
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
 
$
83,571
   
$
52,464
   
$
48,575
   
$
(101,039
)
 
$
83,571
 

 
 
 
 

 
27

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Three Months Ended December 31, 2008

   
Parent
           
Non-
                 
   
Company
 
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
 
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
               
(In thousands)
               
Revenue:
                                       
Gross revenue
 
$
93
   
$
82,609
   
$
200,285
   
$
   
$
282,987
 
Intercompany revenue
   
     
7,407
     
5,288
     
(12,695
)
   
 
     
93
     
90,016
     
205,573
     
(12,695
)
   
282,987
 
Operating expense:
                                       
Direct cost
   
(105
)
   
52,731
     
152,101
     
     
204,727
 
Intercompany expenses
   
     
5,418
     
7,277
     
(12,695
)
   
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
179
     
6,058
     
10,426
     
     
16,663
 
General and administrative
   
9,191
     
3,371
     
13,024
     
     
25,586
 
     
9,265
     
67,578
     
182,828
     
(12,695
)
   
246,976
 
                                         
Gain (loss) on GOM Asset Sale
   
(3,354
)
   
41,134
     
     
     
37,780
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets
   
     
126
     
(228
)
   
     
(102
)
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net
   
59,586
     
     
(832
)
   
(60,171
)
   
(1,417
)
Operating income
   
47,060
     
63,698
     
21,685
     
(60,171
)
   
72,272
 
                                         
Interest income
   
17,507
     
16
     
917
     
(17,353
)
   
1,087
 
Interest expense
   
(8,863
)
   
     
(16,766
)
   
17,353
     
(8,276
)
Other income (expense), net
   
604
     
509
     
(2,635
)
   
     
(1,522
)
                                         
Income before provision for income taxes
   
56,308
     
64,223
     
3,201
     
(60,171
)
   
63,561
 
Allocation of consolidated income taxes
   
(8,901
)
   
(2,551
)
   
(4,409
)
   
     
(15,861
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
   
47,407
     
61,672
     
(1,208
)
   
(60,171
)
   
47,700
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(242
)
   
     
(293
)
   
     
(535
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Bristow Group
 
$
47,165
   
$
61,672
   
$
(1,501
)
 
$
(60,171
)
 
$
47,165
 

 

 
28

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2008

   
Parent
           
Non-
                 
   
Company
 
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
 
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
               
(In thousands)
               
Revenue:
                                       
Gross revenue
 
$
166
   
$
263,466
   
$
595,166
   
$
   
$
858,798
 
Intercompany revenue
   
     
19,996
     
17,094
     
(37,090
)
   
 
     
166
     
283,462
     
612,260
     
(37,090
)
   
858,798
 
Operating expense:
                                       
Direct cost
   
491
     
167,945
     
462,405
     
     
630,841
 
Intercompany expenses
   
     
17,361
     
19,729
     
(37,090
)
   
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
352
     
17,464
     
29,287
     
     
47,103
 
General and administrative
   
21,695
     
12,298
     
44,783
     
     
78,776
 
     
22,538
     
215,068
     
556,204
     
(37,090
)
   
756,720
 
                                         
Gain on GOM Asset Sale
   
(3,354
)
   
41,134
     
     
     
37,780
 
Gain on disposal of assets
   
     
1,658
     
22,551
     
(18,344
)
   
5,865
 
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated
affiliates, net
   
155,357
     
3,454
     
6,269
     
(156,803
)
   
8,277
 
Operating income
   
129,631
     
114,640
     
84,876
     
(175,147
)
   
154,000
 
                                         
Interest income
   
60,427
     
106
     
2,079
     
(56,873
)
   
5,739
 
Interest expense
   
(27,045
)
   
     
(55,771
)
   
56,873
     
(25,943
)
Other income (expense), net
   
3,860
     
778
     
(2,398
)
   
     
2,240
 
                                         
Income before provision for income taxes
   
166,873
     
115,524
     
28,786
     
(175,147
)
   
136,036
 
Allocation of consolidated income taxes
   
(69,073
)
   
(10,091
)
   
42,670
     
     
(36,494
)
Net income from continuing operations
   
97,800
     
105,433
     
71,456
     
(175,147
)
   
99,542
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(694
)
   
     
(1,496
)
   
     
(2,190
)
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
from continuing operations
   
97,106
     
105,433
     
69,960
     
(175,147
)
   
97,352
 
Discontinued operations:
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations before
provision for income taxes
   
     
(379
)
   
     
     
(379
)
Benefits for income taxes on
discontinued operations
   
     
133
     
     
     
133
 
Loss from discontinued operations
   
     
(246
)
   
     
     
(246
)
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
 
$
97,106
   
$
105,187
   
$
69,960
   
$
(175,147
)
 
$
97,106
 

 

 
29

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
 
As of December 31, 2009

 
Parent
     
Non-
         
 
Company
 
Guarantor
 
Guarantor
         
 
Only
 
Subsidiaries
 
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
       
(In thousands)
       
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
18,192
   
$
3,786
   
$
85,081
   
$
   
$
107,059
 
Accounts receivable
   
9,829
     
71,293
     
172,869
     
(22,354
)
   
231,637
 
Inventories
   
     
86,404
     
100,816
     
     
187,220
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
744
     
7,731
     
49,874
     
(31,767
)
   
26,582
 
Total current assets
   
28,765
     
169,214
     
408,640
     
(54,121
)
   
552,498
 
Intercompany investment
   
992,230
     
104,482
     
135,568
     
(1,232,280
)
   
 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
   
     
7,835
     
196,081
     
     
203,916
 
Intercompany notes receivable
   
1,116,666
     
     
(184,534
)
   
(932,132
)
   
 
Property and equipment – at cost:
                                       
Land and buildings
   
211
     
54,232
     
38,798
     
     
93,241
 
Aircraft and equipment
   
10,734
     
760,713
     
1,242,700
     
     
2,014,147
 
     
10,945
     
814,945
     
1,281,498
     
     
2,107,388
 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization 
   
(1,796
)
   
(139,784
)
   
(258,895
)
   
     
(400,475
)
     
9,149
     
675,161
     
1,022,603
     
     
1,706,913
 
Goodwill
   
     
4,486
     
42,485
     
     
46,971
 
Other assets
   
112,365
     
1,184
     
184,022
     
(274,310
)
   
23,261
 
   
$
2,259,175
   
$
962,362
   
$
1,804,865
   
$
(2,492,843
)
 
$
2,533,559
 
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
 
$
1,850
   
$
10,561
   
$
50,758
   
$
(12,735
)
 
$
50,434
 
Accrued liabilities
   
17,218
     
22,655
     
110,020
     
(41,386
)
   
108,507
 
Deferred taxes
   
(1,591
)
   
     
10,939
     
     
9,348
 
Short-term borrowings and current maturities
of long-term debt
   
5,487
     
     
13,724
     
     
19,211
 
Total current liabilities 
   
22,964
     
33,216
     
185,441
     
(54,121
)
   
187,500
 
                                         
Long-term debt, less current maturities
   
670,283
     
     
27,861
     
     
698,144
 
Intercompany notes payable
   
     
357,056
     
675,076
     
(1,032,132
)
   
 
Accrued pension liabilities
   
     
     
99,276
     
     
99,276
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
   
4,587
     
8,174
     
188,700
     
(174,310
)
   
27,151
 
Deferred taxes
   
114,870
     
7,266
     
27,253
     
     
149,389
 
Stockholders’ investment:
                                       
Common stock
   
359
     
4,996
     
34,479
     
(39,475
)
   
359
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
669,174
     
17,888
     
473,242
     
(491,130
)
   
669,174
 
Retained earnings
   
795,739
     
533,766
     
45,706
     
(579,472
)
   
795,739
 
Noncontrolling interests
   
5,304
     
     
4,957
     
     
10,261
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(24,105
)
   
     
42,874
     
(122,203
)
   
(103,434
)
     
1,446,471
     
556,650
     
601,258
     
(1,232,280
)
   
1,372,099
 
   
$
2,259,175
   
$
962,362
   
$
1,804,865
   
$
(2,492,843
)
 
$
2,533,559
 

 
30

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

 Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
 
As of March 31, 2009
 
   
Parent
       
Non-
                 
   
Company
 
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
 
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
                 
(In thousands)
               
ASSETS
 
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
226,691
   
$
5,445
   
$
68,833
   
$
   
$
300,969
 
Accounts receivable
   
11,931
     
67,047
     
172,974
     
(35,278
)
   
216,674
 
Inventories
   
     
82,422
     
83,016
     
     
165,438
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
1,000
     
6,200
     
30,676
     
(17,650
)
   
20,226
 
Total current assets
   
239,622
     
161,114
     
355,499
     
(52,928
)
   
703,307
 
                                         
Intercompany investment
   
924,815
     
62,990
     
251,960
     
(1,239,765
)
   
 
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates
   
1,631
     
150
     
18,484
     
     
20,265
 
Intercompany notes receivable
   
835,439
     
     
(8,709
)
   
(826,730
)
   
 
Property and equipment – at cost:
                                       
Land and buildings
   
212
     
48,770
     
19,979
     
     
68,961
 
Aircraft and equipment
   
7,280
     
768,709
     
1,047,022
     
     
1,823,011
 
     
7,492
     
817,479
     
1,067,001
     
     
1,891,972
 
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(1,511
)
   
(129,675
)
   
(219,329
)
   
     
(350,515
)
     
5,981
     
687,804
     
847,672
     
     
1,541,457
 
Goodwill
   
     
4,486
     
40,168
     
     
44,654
 
Other assets
   
113,735
     
1,151
     
186,726
     
(276,724
)
   
24,888
 
   
$
2,121,223
   
$
917,695
   
$
1,691,800
   
$
(2,396,147
)
 
$
2,334,571
 
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
 
Current liabilities:
                                       
Accounts payable
 
$
938
   
$
20,772
   
$
50,230
   
$
(27,048
)
 
$
44,892
 
Accrued liabilities 
   
11,458
     
22,703
     
90,594
     
(26,951
)
   
97,804
 
Deferred taxes
   
(1,575
)
   
     
7,770
     
     
6,195
 
Short-term borrowings and current maturities
of long-term debt
   
3,040
     
     
5,908
     
     
8,948
 
Total current liabilities
   
13,861
     
43,475
     
154,502
     
(53,999
)
   
157,839
 
                                         
Long-term debt, less current maturities
   
670,565
     
     
44,400
     
     
714,965
 
Intercompany notes payable
   
     
355,150
     
572,148
     
(927,298
)
   
 
Accrued pension liabilities
   
     
     
81,380
     
     
81,380
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
   
3,340
     
8,567
     
181,964
     
(177,130
)
   
16,741
 
Deferred taxes
   
97,503
     
6,299
     
23,464
     
     
127,266
 
Stockholders’ investment:
                                       
Preferred stock
   
222,554
     
     
     
     
222,554
 
Common stock
   
291
     
4,996
     
9,646
     
(14,642
)
   
291
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
436,296
     
17,906
     
542,992
     
(560,898
)
   
436,296
 
Retained earnings
   
718,493
     
481,302
     
12,860
     
(494,162
)
   
718,493
 
Noncontrolling interests
   
7,107
     
     
4,093
     
     
11,200
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(48,787
)
   
     
64,351
     
(168,018
)
   
(152,454
)
     
1,335,954
     
504,204
     
633,942
     
(1,237,720
)
   
1,236,380
 
   
$
2,121,223
   
$
917,695
   
$
1,691,800
   
$
(2,396,147
)
 
$
2,334,571
 


 
31

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2009
 
   
Parent
           
Non-
                 
   
Company
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
               
(In thousands)
               
                                 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
(42,032
)
 
$
38,772
   
$
166,277
   
$
   
$
163,017
 
                                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Capital expenditures
   
(4,024
)
   
(104,115
)
   
(142,133
)
   
     
(250,272
)
Proceeds from asset dispositions
   
     
60,588
     
14,385
     
     
74,973
 
Acquisition, net of cash received
   
     
     
(178,961
)
   
     
(178,961
)
                                         
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(4,002
)
   
(43,527
)
   
(306,709
)
   
     
(354,260
)
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Repayment of debt and debt redemption premiums
   
(1,726
)
   
     
(8,342
)
   
     
(10,068
)
Increases (decreases) in cash related to intercompany
advances and debt
   
(170,278
)
   
3,096
     
167,182
     
     
 
Dividends paid
   
15,729
     
     
(15,729
)
   
     
 
Partial prepayment of put/call obligation
   
(52
)
   
     
     
     
(52
)
Preferred Stock dividends paid
   
(6,325
)
   
     
     
     
(6,325
)
Issuance of common stock
   
1,336
     
     
     
     
1,336
 
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
   
409
     
     
     
     
409
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(160,907
)
   
3,096
     
143,111
     
     
(14,700
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
(1,536
)
   
     
13,569
     
     
12,033
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(208,499)
     
(1,659
)
   
16,248
     
     
(193,910
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
226,691
     
5,445
     
68,833
     
     
300,969
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
18,192
   
$
3,786
   
$
85,081
   
$
   
$
107,059
 


 
32

 
BRISTOW GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
 

Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2008

   
Parent
           
Non-
                 
   
Company
   
Guarantor
   
Guarantor
                 
   
Only
   
Subsidiaries
   
Subsidiaries
   
Eliminations
   
Consolidated
 
                 
(In thousands)
               
                                         
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
(110,090
)
 
$
(81,511
)
 
$
197,310
   
$
98,163
   
$
103,872
 
                                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                                       
Capital expenditures
   
(1,241
)
   
(135,321
)
   
(251,445
)
   
     
(388,007
)
Proceeds from asset dispositions
   
     
72,434
     
14,247
     
     
86,681
 
Acquisitions, net of cash received
   
     
356
     
(15,946
)
   
     
(15,590
)
                                         
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,241
)
   
(62,531
)
   
(253,144
)
   
     
(316,916
)
                                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                                       
Proceeds from borrowings
   
115,000
     
     
     
     
115,000
 
Debt issuance costs
   
(3,768
)
   
     
     
     
(3,768
)
Repayment of debt and debt redemption premiums
   
(1,725
)
   
     
(19,271
)
   
     
(20,996
)
Increases (decreases) in cash related to intercompany
 advances and debt
   
(190,325
)
   
155,535
     
132,953
     
(98,163
)
   
 
Partial prepayment of put/call obligation
   
(184
)
   
     
     
     
(184
)
Dividends paid
   
12,900
     
     
(12,900
)
   
     
 
Preferred Stock dividends paid
   
(9,487
)
   
     
     
     
(9,487
)
Issuance of common stock
   
225,260
     
     
     
     
225,260
 
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
   
242
     
     
     
     
242
 
Net cash provided by financing activities 
   
147,913
     
155,535
     
100,782
     
(98,163
)
   
306,067
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
   
3,630
     
     
(22,050
)
   
     
(18,420
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
40,212
     
11,493
     
22,898
     
     
74,603
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
226,494
     
361
     
63,195
     
     
290,050
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
266,706
   
$
11,854
   
$
86,093
   
$
   
$
364,653
 



 
33

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Bristow Group Inc.:
 
We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of Bristow Group Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2009, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income for the three- and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.  It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.  Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ investment, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated May 21, 2009 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2009 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas
February 3, 2010


 
34

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, or MD&A, should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 (the “fiscal year 2009 Annual Report”) and the MD&A contained therein.  In the discussion that follows, the terms “Current Quarter” and “Comparable Quarter” refer to the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and the terms “Current Period” and “Comparable Period” refer to the nine months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Our fiscal year ends March 31, and we refer to fiscal years based on the end of such period.  Therefore, the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010 is referred to as “fiscal year 2010.”
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Quarterly Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  Forward-looking statements are statements about our future business, strategy, operations, capabilities and results; financial projections; plans and objectives of our management; expected actions by us and by third parties, including our customers, vendors, competitors and regulators; and other matters.  Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believes”, “belief”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “projects”, “estimates”, “may”, “might”, “would”, “could” or other similar words; however, all statements in this Quarterly Report, other than statements of historical fact or historical financial results are forward-looking statements.
 
Our forward-looking statements reflect our views and assumptions on the date we are filing this Quarterly Report regarding future events and operating performance.  We believe that they are reasonable, but they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Accordingly, you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause our forward-looking statements to be incorrect and actual events or our actual results to differ from those that are anticipated include all of the following:
 
·  
the risks and uncertainties described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our fiscal year 2009 Annual Report;
 
·  
the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry is lower than anticipated;
 
·  
production-related activities become more sensitive to variances in commodity prices;
 
·  
the major oil companies do not continue to expand internationally;
 
·  
market conditions are weaker than anticipated;
 
·  
we are unable to acquire additional aircraft due to limited availability or unable to exercise aircraft purchase options;
 
·  
we are unable to obtain financing or we are unable to draw on our credit facilities;
 
·  
we are not able to re-deploy our aircraft to regions with greater demand;
 
·  
we do not achieve the anticipated benefit of our fleet renewal and growth strategy; and
 
·  
the outcome of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) investigations,  which are ongoing, have a greater than anticipated financial or business impact.
 
All forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report are qualified by these cautionary statements and are only made as of the date of this Quarterly Report.  We do not undertake any obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
35

 
Executive Overview
 
This Executive Overview only includes what management considers to be the most important information and analysis for evaluating our financial condition and operating performance.  It provides the context for the discussion and analysis of the financial statements which follows and does not disclose every item impacting our financial condition and operating performance.
 
General
 
We are a leading provider of helicopter services to the worldwide offshore energy industry and one of two helicopter service providers to the offshore energy industry with global operations.  We have significant operations in most major offshore oil and gas producing regions of the world, including the North Sea, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Nigeria, Australia and Latin America, and we generated 81% of our revenue from international operations during the Current Period.  We have a long history in the helicopter services industry, with our two principal legacy companies, Bristow Helicopters Ltd. and Offshore Logistics, Inc., having been founded in 1955 and 1969, respectively.
 
We conduct our business in one segment:  Helicopter Services.  The Helicopter Services segment’s operations are conducted through three divisions, Western Hemisphere, Eastern Hemisphere and Global Training, and through ten business units within those divisions:
 
·  
Western Hemisphere
 
−  
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
−  
Arctic
 
−  
Latin America
 
−  
Western Hemisphere (“WH”) Centralized Operations
 
·  
Eastern Hemisphere
 
−  
Europe
 
−  
West Africa
 
−  
Australia
 
−  
Other International
 
−  
Eastern Hemisphere (“EH”) Centralized Operations
 
·  
Global Training
 
−  
Bristow Academy
 
We provide helicopter services to a broad base of major integrated, national and independent oil and gas companies.  Customers charter our helicopters to transport personnel between onshore bases and offshore platforms, drilling rigs and installations.  A majority of our helicopter revenue is attributable to oil and gas production activities, which have historically provided a more stable source of revenue than exploration and development related activities.  As of December 31, 2009, we operated 379 aircraft (including 340 owned aircraft, 33 leased aircraft and 6 aircraft operated for one of our customers; 11 of the owned aircraft are held for sale) and our unconsolidated affiliates operated or managed 196 aircraft in addition to those aircraft leased from us.  Our Global Training division is approved to provide helicopter flight training to the commercial pilot and flight instructor level by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Joint Aviation Authority.  Bristow Academy, which forms the central core of our Global Training division, operates 74 aircraft (including 55 owned and 19 leased aircraft) and employs 183 people, including 86 flight instructors and 8 ground instructors.  The Global Training division supports, coordinates, standardizes, and in the case of the Bristow Academy schools, directly manages our flight training activities.
 
36

 
The chart below presents (1) the number of helicopters in our fleet and their distribution among the business units of our Helicopter Services segment as of December 31, 2009; (2) the number of helicopters we had on order or under option as of December 31, 2009; and (3) the percentage of gross revenue each of our business units provided during the Current Period.  For additional information regarding our commitments and options to acquire aircraft, see Note 7 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
 
Percentage of Current Period Revenue
 
Aircraft in Consolidated Fleet
         
   
Helicopters
                 
   
Small
 
Medium
 
Large
 
Training
 
Fixed   Wing
 
Total (1)
Unconsolidated Affiliates (2)
 
Total
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
15
%
 
62
 
26
 
7
 
 
 
95
 
 
95
Arctic
1
%
 
13
 
2
 
 
 
1
 
16
 
 
16
Latin America
7
%
 
5
 
32
 
2
 
 
 
39
 
89
 
128
WH Centralized Operations
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Europe
39
%
 
 
11
 
40
 
 
 
51
 
 
51
West Africa
19
%
 
12
 
32
 
5
 
 
4
 
53
 
 
53
Australia
11
%
 
2
 
10
 
18
 
 
 
30
 
 
30
Other International
5
%
 
 
11
 
10
 
 
 
21
 
44
 
65
EH Centralized Operations
1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63
 
63
Bristow Academy
2
%
 
 
 
 
74
 
 
74
 
 
74
Total
100
%
 
94
 
124
 
82
 
74
 
5
 
379
 
196
 
575
Aircraft not currently in fleet: (3)
                                   
On order
     
 
6
 
5
 
 
 
11
       
Under option
     
 
41
 
13
 
 
 
54
       
_________
 
(1)
Includes 11 aircraft held for sale.
   
(2)
The 196 aircraft operated or managed by our unconsolidated affiliates are in addition to those aircraft leased from us.
   
(3)
This table does not reflect aircraft which our unconsolidated affiliates may have on order or under option.

In December 2009, we announced that the following key changes in our organizational structure will be made to improve operations and financial performance.  These changes will not be finalized until March 31, 2010.
 
·  
The Eastern and Western Hemisphere divisional boundaries will be eliminated, and Centralized Operations will be managed under a single global organization.
 
·  
The Other International and Latin America business units will be merged into a single International business unit.
 
·  
The U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Arctic business units will be combined into a single North America business unit.
 
·  
A global shared services organization will be created to support finance, accounting, human resources and information technology.
 
 
Our Strategy
 
Our goal is to advance our position as a leading helicopter services provider to the offshore energy industry.  We intend to employ the following strategies to achieve this goal:
 
·  
Grow our business.  We plan to continue to grow our business globally and increase our revenue and profitability, subject to managing through cyclical downturns in the energy industry.  We have a footprint in most major oil and gas producing regions of the world, and we expect to have the opportunity to expand and deepen our presence in many of these markets.  We anticipate this growth will result primarily from the deployment of new aircraft into markets where we expect they will be most profitably employed, as well as by executing opportunistic acquisitions and investments.  Through our relationships with our existing customers, we are aware of future business opportunities in the markets we currently serve that would allow us to grow through fleet additions.  Our acquisition-related growth may include increasing our role and participation with existing unconsolidated affiliates or investing in new companies, and may include increasing our position in existing markets or expanding into new markets.
 
37

 
·  
Be the preferred provider of helicopter services.  We position our business as the preferred provider of helicopter services by maintaining strong relationships with our customers and providing safe and high-quality service.  We focus on maintaining relationships with our customers’ field operations and corporate management.  We believe that this focus helps us better anticipate customer needs and provide our customers with the right aircraft in the right place at the right time, which in turn allows us to better manage our existing fleet and capital investment program.  We also leverage our close relationships with our customers to establish mutually beneficial operating practices and safety standards worldwide.  By applying standard operating and safety practices across our global operations, we are able to provide our customers with consistent, high-quality service in each of their areas of operation.  By better understanding our customers’ needs and by virtue of our global operations and safety standards, we have effectively competed against other helicopter service providers based on aircraft availability, customer service, safety and reliability, and not just price.
 
·  
Integrate our global operations.  We are an integrated global operator, and we intend to continue to identify and implement further opportunities to integrate our global organization.  We have integrated our operations among previously independently managed businesses, created a global flight and maintenance standards group, improved our global asset allocation and made other changes in our corporate and field operations.
 
Market Outlook
 
Our core business is providing helicopter services to the worldwide oil and gas industry.  Our customers’ operating expenditures in the production sector are the principal source of our revenue, while their exploration and development capital expenditures provide a lesser portion of our revenue.  Our customers typically base their capital expenditure budgets on their long-term commodity price expectations and not exclusively on the current spot price.  In 2009, the credit, equity and commodity markets were volatile causing many of our oil company customers to reduce capital spending plans and defer projects.  Thus far in 2010, oil prices have stabilized in the $70-$80 range.  We believe that the continued stability of oil prices may lead to confidence among our customers and increased capital expenditure budgets.
 
While we are cautiously optimistic that the economic conditions will gradually recover, we continue to implement our cost reduction efforts and work with our customers to improve the efficiency of their operations.  Our global operations and critical mass of helicopters provide us with diversity of geographic and customer focus to help mitigate risks associated with single markets or customers and allows us to respond to increased demand in certain markets through redeployment of assets.
 
Although some of the global demand for our services has softened, the fundamental long-term challenge for our industry is the limited availability of new aircraft and the need throughout the industry to retire many of the older aircraft in the worldwide fleet.  Currently manufacturers have some available aircraft; however, we expect constraints on supply of new large aircraft to resume.  The aftermarket for sales of our older aircraft has softened, reflecting fewer buyers with available capital, and sale prices have also declined, but to a lesser extent.
 
We continue to expect to grow our business through the delivery of aircraft on order and potentially through acquisitions and investments, subject to managing through cyclical downturns in the energy industry.  Additionally, during this fiscal year we have invested in Brazil, an emerging market and potential growth area through our acquisition of a 42.5% interest in Líder Aviação Holding S.A. (“Líder”).  See Note 2 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
Since the beginning of fiscal year 2007, we have raised approximately $1.0 billion of capital in a mix of debt and equity with both public and private financings.  During this same period we have spent $1.3 billion on capital expenditures to grow our business.  We expect that our cash on deposit as of December 31, 2009 of $107.1 million, cash flow from operations and aircraft sales as well as the $100 million borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy our capital commitments, including our remaining aircraft purchase commitments of $116.7 million as of December 31, 2009.  We plan to continue to be disciplined in our capital commitment program.  Therefore, we do not foresee an immediate need to raise capital through new financings.  However, we currently see an active bid market for new helicopter contract work for clients and our view on capital needs may vary based on the success of bids in the marketplace.  See “Items 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our fiscal year 2009 Annual Report for a discussion of some of the risks associated with the financial and credit crisis and worldwide economic downturn.
 
38

 
Results of Operations
 
The following tables present our operating results and other income statement information for the applicable periods:
 
   
Three Months Ended
      December 31,
   
    Favorable
 
   
       2009
   
     2008
   
     (Unfavorable)
 
   
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share
amounts, percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue:
                               
Operating revenue
 
$
275,488
   
$
253,283
   
$
22,205
     
8.8
 %
Reimbursable revenue
   
27,818
     
29,704
     
(1,886
)
   
(6.3
)%
Total gross revenue
   
303,306
     
282,987
     
20,319
     
7.2
 %
Operating expense:
                               
Direct cost
   
189,456
     
176,038
     
(13,418
)
   
(7.6
)%
Reimbursable expense
   
28,219
     
28,689
     
470
     
1.6
 %
Depreciation and amortization
   
20,663
     
16,663
     
(4,000
)
   
(24.0
)%
General and administrative
   
30,758
     
25,586
     
(5,172
)
   
(20.2
)%
     
269,096
     
246,976
     
(22,120
)
   
(9.0
)%
Gain on GOM Asset Sale (1)
   
     
37,780
     
(37,780
)
   
*  
 
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets (2)
   
2,448
     
(102
)
   
2,550
     
*  
 
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net (2)
   
3,068
     
(1,417
)
   
4,485
     
316.5
   %
                                 
Operating income
   
39,726
     
72,272
     
(32,546
)
   
(45.0
)%
Interest income (expense), net
   
(10,614
)
   
(7,189
)
   
(3,425
)
   
(47.6
)%
Other income (expense), net
   
3,695
     
(1,522
)
   
5,217
     
342.8
 %
Income before provision for income taxes
   
32,807
     
63,561
     
(30,754
)
   
(48.4
)%
Provision for income taxes
   
(5,681
)
   
(15,861
)
   
10,180
     
64.2
 %
Net income
   
27,126
     
47,700
     
(20,574
)
   
(43.1
)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(448
)
   
(535
)
   
87
     
16.3
 %
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
 
$
26,678
   
$
47,165
   
$
(20,487
)
   
(43.4
)%
                                 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.74
   
$
1.32
   
$
(0.58
)
   
(43.9
)%
Operating margin (3)
   
13.1
%
   
25.5
%
   
(12.4
)
%
 
(48.6
)%
Flight hours (4)
   
54,522
     
67,127
     
(12,605
)
   
(18.8
)%
_________
 
* percentage change not meaningful

 
39

 
 
   
Nine Months Ended
        December 31,
   
    Favorable
 
   
        2009
   
      2008
   
     (Unfavorable)
 
   
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share
amounts, percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue:
                               
Operating revenue
 
$
804,083
   
$
778,643
   
$
25,440
     
3.3
 %
Reimbursable revenue
   
81,290
     
80,155
     
1,135
     
1.4
 %
Total gross revenue
   
885,373
     
858,798
     
26,575
     
3.1
 %
Operating expense:
                               
Direct cost
   
543,525
     
551,404
     
7,879
     
1.4
 %
Reimbursable expense
   
81,180
     
79,437
     
(1,743
)
   
(2.2
)%
Depreciation and amortization
   
57,319
     
47,103
     
(10,216
)
   
(21.7
)%
General and administrative
   
89,246
     
78,776
     
(10,470
)
   
(13.3
)%
     
771,270
     
756,720
     
(14,550
)
   
(1.9
)%
Gain on GOM Asset Sale (1)
   
     
37,780
     
(37,780
)
   
*
 
Gain on disposal of assets (2)
   
13,337
     
5,865
     
7,472
     
127.4
 %
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net (2)
   
10,625
     
8,277
     
2,348
     
28.4
 %
                                 
Operating income
   
138,065
     
154,000
     
(15,935
)
   
(10.3
)%
Interest income (expense), net
   
(30,834
)
   
(20,204
)
   
(10,630
)
   
(52.6
)%
Other income (expense), net
   
4,023
     
2,240
     
1,783
     
79.6
 %
Income before provision for income taxes
   
111,254
     
136,036
     
(24,782
)
   
(18.2
)%
Provision for income taxes
   
(26,427)
     
(36,494
)
   
10,067
     
27.6
 %
Net income from continuing operations
   
84,827
     
99,542
     
(14,715
)
   
(14.8
)%
Loss from discontinued operations
   
     
(246
)
   
246
     
100.0
 %
Net income
   
84,827
     
99,296
     
(14,469
)
   
(14.6
)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
   
(1,256
)
   
(2,190
)
   
934
     
42.6
 %
Net income attributable to Bristow Group
 
$
83,571
   
$
97,106
   
$
(13,535
)
   
(13.9
)%
                                 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
2.32
   
$
2.84
   
$
(0.52
)
   
(18.3
)%
Operating margin (3)
   
15.6
%
   
17.9
%
   
(2.3
)
%
 
(12.8
)%
Flight hours (4)
   
172,980
     
217,338
     
(44,358
)
   
(20.4
)%
_________
* percentage change not meaningful
 
(1)
On October 30, 2008, we sold 53 small aircraft and related assets operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico for $65 million (the “GOM Asset Sale”).  For further details, see Note 2 in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
   
(2)
Gain on disposal of assets which was previously included within operating expense has been reclassified in this Quarterly Report to be included as a separate line below operating expense, but still within operating income.  Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net which were previously included in non-operating income have been reclassified in this Quarterly Report to be included within operating income.  Amounts presented for the Comparable Quarter and Comparable Period have been restated to conform to Current Quarter and Current Period presentation.  See Note 1 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further discussion of these changes in presentation.
   
(3)
Operating margin is calculated as operating income divided by gross revenue.
   
(4)
Excludes flight hours from Bristow Academy and unconsolidated affiliates.
 
40

 
Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter
 
Gross revenue in the Current Quarter increased from the Comparable Quarter primarily as a result of the inclusion of a full quarter of revenue during the Current Quarter from the consolidation of Bristow Norway following our October 31, 2008 acquisition of the 51% interest in Bristow Norway that we did not previously own, which added $17.7 million in revenue, and increases in rates charged to customers.  Additionally, the Current Quarter includes the favorable impact of $15.6 million on revenue primarily within our Europe and Australia business units resulting from changes in exchange rates.  The increase in gross revenue was partially offset by a decrease in revenue in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as a result of the GOM Asset Sale and lower demand for our services in that market.
 
Operating expense increased primarily due to the addition of $15.1 million in expense from Bristow Norway, increases in depreciation expense resulting from the addition of new aircraft, increases in insurance premiums and increases in salaries and benefits primarily due to increased incentive compensation as well as $1.7 million in additional compensation expense in connection with the departure of two of the Company’s officers during the Current Quarter.  Also during the Current Quarter, we recorded charges of $2.9 million to reduce the carrying value of obsolete inventory.  Additionally, the Current Quarter includes an increase in operating expense of $10.6 million resulting from changes in exchange rates, which increased operating expense in our Europe and Australia business units, and decreased operating expense in our West Africa business unit.  The increase in operating expense was partially offset by a reduction in operating costs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico resulting from the GOM Asset Sale and a decrease in global fuel costs.  During the Current Quarter, an aircraft was damaged when a controlled landing was performed in West Africa as part of emergency procedures employed by the crew.  This incident resulted in a charge across all of our business units during the Current Quarter of $2.0 million.
 
Operating income in the Comparable Quarter includes $37.8 million in gains generated from the GOM Asset Sale.  Excluding the impact of the GOM Asset Sale in the Comparable Quarter, operating income and operating margin would have been $34.5 million and 12.2%, respectively.  Operating income improved, when taking out the effect of the GOM Asset Sale, as a result of the Bristow Norway acquisition, improved results in West Africa, Australia and EH Centralized Operations, an increase in gain on sale of assets of $2.6 million and a $4.5 million increase in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net, partially offset by decreased operating income in certain other business units, including the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Other International.  The changes in exchange rates discussed above had a favorable impact on operating income of $5.2 million in the Current Quarter.
 
The Current Quarter includes earnings from our recent investment in Líder of $1.8 million partially offset by an increase in equity losses from Heliservicio Campeche S.A. de C.V. (“Heliservicio”) of $0.8 million.  The Comparable Quarter includes pre-acquisition equity losses from Bristow Norway of $2.6 million.  See further discussion of Líder and Heliservicio included in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter – Latin America” and Bristow Norway included in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter – Europe.”
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the Current Quarter were affected by the items discussed above affecting operating income, a $3.4 million increase in interest expense, net, a $5.2 million increase in other income (expense), net, and a $10.2 million decrease in our provision for income taxes.  Other income (expense), net includes hedging gains of $2.8 million in the Current Quarter.  Our provision for income taxes was unfavorably impacted in the Current Quarter by  tax contingency items and changes in our expected foreign tax credit utilization totaling $1.0 million.  Our provision for income taxes in the Comparable Quarter was favorably impacted by a benefit related to tax elections filed in the Comparable Quarter as part of an internal reorganization and the resolution of uncertain tax positions totaling $4.0 million.  See further discussion in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter – Interest Expense, Net,” “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter – Other Income (Expense), Net ”and in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter – Taxes.”
 
Excluding the impact of the compensation expense associated with the departure of two officers, the aircraft incident charge, the hedging gains and the tax items discussed above, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.80 in the Current Quarter.  Excluding the gains generated from the GOM Asset Sale and the tax items discussed above, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.54 in the Comparable Quarter.
 

 
41

 

As discussed above, our results for the Current Quarter were favorably impacted by the changes in exchange rates, which resulted in an increase in net income of $6.1 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.17.  These increases are reflected in our results for Europe, West Africa and Australia, and in other income (expense), net.  See further discussion in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Period Compared to Comparable Period – Other Income (Expense), Net.”
 
Current Period Compared to Comparable Period
 
The increase in gross revenue is primarily due to our October 31, 2008 acquisition of the 51% interest in Bristow Norway that we did not previously own, increased rates charged to customers and increased reimbursable revenue.  The acquisition of Bristow Norway increased revenue by $82.4 million from the Comparable Period to the Current Period.  These increases were partially offset by decreases in revenue in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico resulting from the GOM Asset Sale and lower demand for services in that market, a decrease in fuel costs rebilled to our customers and the favorable impact of $37.9 million from changes in exchange rates, primarily on revenue for our Europe business unit.
 
Operating expense increased primarily due to the addition of $74.8 million in expense from Bristow Norway and increases in depreciation expense as a result of new aircraft purchased.  The increase was partially offset by a reduction in operating costs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico resulting from the GOM Asset Sale, a decrease in global fuel costs, a decrease in costs within our Australia business unit and a $39.0 million decrease in operating expense resulting from changes in exchange rates (which primarily reduced operating expense in Europe and West Africa).  General and administrative expense increased primarily from an increase in salaries and benefits including increased incentive compensation expense during the Current Period and the separation between the Company and three officers that resulted in $4.8 million of additional compensation expense during the Current Period.
 
Operating income during the Comparable Period includes $37.8 million relating to the GOM Asset Sale.  Excluding the impact of the GOM Asset Sale in the Comparable Period, operating income and operating margin would have been $116.2 million and 13.5%, respectively.  Excluding the impact of the GOM Asset Sale, operating income improved $21.8 million in the Current Period primarily as a result of improved results in West Africa and Australia and an increase in gain on disposal of assets of $7.5 million, partially offset by decreased operating income in certain other business units, including WH Centralized Operations, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Europe as well as increased general and administrative expenses discussed above.
 
Net income and diluted earnings per common share for the Current Period were affected by the items affecting operating income, a $10.6 million increase in interest expense, net and a $10.1 million decrease in our provision for income taxes.  Other income (expense), net includes hedging gains of $3.9 million in the Current Period.  Our provision for income taxes was favorably impacted in the Current Period by tax contingency items and changes in our expected foreign tax credit utilization totaling $5.2 million.  Our provision for income taxes was favorably impacted in the Comparable Period by a benefit related to tax elections filed in the Comparable Quarter as part of an internal reorganization and the resolution of uncertain tax positions totaling $4.7 million.  See further discussion in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Period Compared to Comparable Period – Interest Expense, Net” and in “– Business Unit Operating Results – Current Period Compared to Comparable Period – Taxes.”
 
Excluding the impact of the compensation expense associated with the departure of the three officers, the hedging gains and taxes items discussed above, diluted earnings per share would have been $2.48 in the Current Period.  Excluding the gains generated from the GOM Asset Sale and the tax items discussed above, diluted earnings per share would have been $2.01 in the Comparable Period.
 

 
42

 

Business Unit Operating Results
 
The following discussion sets forth certain operating information for the ten business units comprising our Helicopter Services segment.  Intercompany lease revenue and expense are eliminated from our segment reporting, and depreciation expense of aircraft is presented in the segment that operates the aircraft.
 
Beginning on April 1, 2009, there was no longer a Southeast Asia business unit.  Australia is now a separate business unit and Malaysia, China and Vietnam are now included in the Other International business unit.  Amounts presented below for the Comparable Quarter and Comparable Period have been restated to conform to Current Quarter and Current Period presentation.
 
Additionally, we previously recorded certain cost reimbursement intercompany transactions between the EH Centralized Operations business unit and other business units as intrasegment revenue.  We have reclassified these cost reimbursements from revenue to a reduction in expense.  Amounts presented below for the Comparable Quarter and Comparable Period have been restated to conform to Current Quarter and Current Period presentation.
 
As discussed in Note 1 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net which were previously included in non-operating income have been reclassified to be included within operating income and have been allocated to our business units herein.  Amounts presented below for the Comparable Quarter and Comparable Period have been restated to conform to Current Quarter and Current Period presentation.
 
As discussed above, in December 2009 we announced changes in our organizational structure and business units that will be finalized by March 31, 2010.  The Eastern and Western Hemisphere divisional boundaries will be eliminated, and Centralized Operations will be managed under a single global organization.  The Other International and Latin America business units will be merged into a single International business unit.  The U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Arctic business units will be combined into a single North America business unit.
 
Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter
 
Set forth below is a discussion of the operations of our business units.  Our consolidated results are discussed under “Results of Operations” above.
 
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
42,456
   
$
53,695
   
$
(11,239
)
   
(20.9
)%
Operating expense 
 
$
37,968
   
$
44,974
   
$
7,006
     
15.6
 %
Operating margin 
   
10.6
%
   
16.2
%
   
(5.6
)%
 
 
(34.6
)%
Flight hours
   
16,452
     
25,445
     
(8,993
)
   
(35.3
)%
 
The decrease in flight hours, gross revenue and operating expense is primarily due to the GOM Asset Sale as well as an overall decline in the demand for aircraft in this market resulting from decreased drilling activity.  The GOM Asset Sale resulted in a decrease in revenue and flight hours of $3.3 million and 4,171, respectively.  In connection with this sale, we entered into a Transition Services Agreement (“TSA”) with the buyer under which we agreed to operate the aircraft included in the GOM Asset Sale until operational control was transferred to the buyer’s FAA operating certificate.  During the Comparable Quarter we generated $1.8 million of revenue under the TSA.  Although we took measures to reduce operating expense in response to the decline in demand for aircraft in this market, we were not able to fully protect our operating margins which deteriorated from the Comparable Quarter.
 

 
43

 

Arctic
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
3,228
   
$
3,005
   
$
223
     
7.4
 %
Operating expense
 
$
3,206
   
$
2,821
   
$
(385
)
   
(13.6
)%
Operating margin
   
0.7
%
   
6.1
%
   
(5.4
)%
 
 
(88.5
)%
Flight hours
   
1,260
     
1,279
     
(19
)
   
(1.5
)%
 
Although Arctic flight hours decreased 1.5% from the Comparable Quarter, gross revenue increased primarily due to a shift in fleet mix to aircraft earning higher rates.
 
Operating expense increased primarily due to increases in maintenance, salaries, insurance and travel expenses.  The operating margin decreased from the Comparable Quarter due to the increased costs in the Current Quarter.  As in prior fiscal years, we anticipate the results of this business unit to be lower during the three months ending March 31, 2010 as a result of lower winter activity levels.
 
Latin America
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
19,076
   
$
20,707
   
$
(1,631
)
   
(7.9
)%
Operating expense
 
$
14,833
   
$
14,566
   
$
(267
)
   
(1.8
)%
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated
affiliates, net
 
$
452
 
 
$
(640
)
 
$
1,092
     
170.6
 %
Operating margin 
   
24.6
%
   
26.6
%
   
(2.0
)%
 
 
(7.5
)%
Flight hours 
   
7,906
     
10,836
     
(2,930
)
   
(27.0
)%
 
Flight hours and gross revenue decreased primarily due to decreased activity in Mexico and Trinidad and our exit from Peru and Columbia, partially offset by an increase in aircraft maintenance support provided on aircraft in Brazil.
 
Operating margin declined from the Comparable Quarter due to the decrease in activity in Mexico and Trinidad while we continue to incur fixed costs, partially offset by increases in earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net.  We are in the process of implementing cost savings to offset lost revenue in Mexico and Trinidad.  Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net improved primarily due to the addition of $1.8 million of earnings in the Current Quarter from our investment in Líder on May 26, 2009.  Partially offsetting this was $0.8 million of additional losses generated in the Current Quarter versus the Comparable Quarter from our investment in Heliservicio.  Equity in earnings from our investment in Líder included $1.0 million attributable to foreign currency transaction gains.
 
In January 2010, we acquired an additional 29% interest in Rotorwing Leasing Resources, L.L.C (“RLR”) for $7.6 million and as a result own 99% of RLR.  We have the option to purchase the remaining 1% of RLR on January 18, 2015, or earlier if the current 1% interest holder ceases to be a guarantor of 30% of RLR’s outstanding debt to Whitney National Bank.  Additionally, in January 2010, we and our partners contributed $4.1 million and $13.1 million, respectively, to Heliservicio in which we have a 24% equity method investment.  This recent contribution did not change our ownership percentage in Heliservicio.  RLR has leased all of its aircraft to Heliservicio. As of December 31, 2009, Heliservicio owed RLR and other Bristow Group subsidiaries $29.7 million.  Subsequent to the January 2010 contributions to Heliservicio, Heliservicio settled a portion of the amounts due to us and our partners for services provided to Heliservicio in prior periods.  Heliservicio has remaining outstanding amounts due to us totaling $16.8 million as of February 3, 2010; we have provided an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.9 million and will continue to monitor closely the appropriateness of using accrual basis accounting for revenue earned from Heliservicio.
 
44

 

WH Centralized Operations
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
     
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
 
2008
     
(Unfavorable)
 
     
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
1,461
   
$
3,134
   
$
(1,673
)
   
(53.4
)%
Operating expense
   
5,677
     
5,643
     
(34
)
   
(0.6
)%
Operating loss  
 
$
(4,216
)
 
$
(2,509
)
 
$
(1,707
)
   
(68.0
)%
 
Our WH Centralized Operations business unit is comprised of our technical services business, other non-flight services business (e.g., provision of maintenance and supply chain parts and services to other Western Hemisphere business units) and division level expenses.  Operating expense reflects costs associated with other support services net of the related charges to the other Western Hemisphere business units.
 
Gross revenue for WH Centralized Operations, which consists entirely of technical services revenue, decreased as a result of a reduction in part sales.
 
Operating expense for WH Centralized Operations increased due to lower recovery of maintenance expense from our other Western Hemisphere business units as a result of reduced flight activity.
 
Europe
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
119,267
   
$
102,477
   
$
16,790
     
16.4
 %
Operating expense
 
$
103,307
   
$
86,137
   
$
(17,170
)
   
(19.9
)%
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated
affiliates, net
 
$
8
   
$
(2,583
 
$
2,591
     
100.3
 %
Operating margin
   
13.4
 %
   
13.4
 %
   
 %
 
 
 %
Flight hours
   
13,597
     
13,241
     
356
     
2.7
 %
 
Gross revenue and flight hours for Europe increased during the Current Quarter primarily as a result of the consolidation of Bristow Norway ($17.7 million and 1,556 hours, respectively), an increase of $0.7 million in revenue in the Current Quarter related to contractual rate escalations and retroactive rate adjustments applicable to services performed in prior periods, and a favorable impact from changes in exchange rates, partially offset by a reduction in flight activity.  During the Current Quarter, we were awarded two contract renewals.  The first contract renewal has expected revenue of approximately $500 million over five years starting July 1, 2010, with the opportunity to earn an additional $500 million in revenue in connection with five one-year renewal options.  The second contract renewal has expected revenue of approximately $180 million over five years starting April 1, 2010.  These contracts will utilize eight of our large aircraft.
 
Operating expense for Europe increased primarily due to the consolidation of Bristow Norway ($15.1 million) and the impact of changes in exchange rates.  Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net was a loss of $2.6 million in the Comparable Quarter related to equity losses in Norway that were not incurred in the Current Quarter because we now consolidate Bristow Norway.  Operating income improved by $2.2 million during the Current Quarter as a result of the consolidation of Bristow Norway, a favorable impact from changes in exchange rates and additional revenue from contractual rate escalations and retroactive rate adjustments.  Despite the improvement in operating income, operating margin remained flat due to the reduction in flight activity in the Current Quarter compared to the Comparable Quarter.  Additionally, our operating margin for Bristow Norway is lower than the remainder of Europe, reducing overall margins for this business unit.
 
 
45

 

West Africa
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
58,736
   
$
50,478
   
$
8,258
     
16.4
 %
Operating expense
 
$
43,644
   
$
37,311
   
$
(6,333
)
   
(17.0
)%
Operating margin
   
25.7
%
   
26.1
%
   
(0.4
)%
 
 
(1.5
)%
Flight hours
   
9,175
     
9,884
     
(709
)
   
(7.2
)%
 
Flight hours for West Africa decreased as a result of a decrease in demand for aircraft in this market by certain existing customers, partially offset by the addition of one new contract and additional ad hoc work.  Despite the decrease in flight hours, gross revenue increased due to rate escalations under existing contracts and higher rates earned on the new contract and on the ad hoc work, partially offset by an unfavorable impact from changes in exchange rates.
 
Operating expense increased due to an increase in salaries, maintenance, insurance and freight.  Also, during the Current Quarter we recorded a charge of $1.8 million to reduce the carrying value of obsolete inventory.  The increase in operating expense was partially offset by a favorable impact from changes in exchange rates.  Excluding the impact of changes in exchange rates, the operating margin for West Africa was 22.4% in the Current Quarter, which was reduced from the Comparable Quarter primarily due to the charge for obsolete inventory in the Current Quarter.
 
We experience periodic disruption to our operations related to civil unrest and violence.  During August 2009, the unions representing our national staff in Nigeria were on strike, but have since returned to work while discussions are ongoing.  These factors have made and are expected to continue to make our operating results from Nigeria unpredictable.
 
Australia
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
38,188
   
$
25,029
   
$
13,159
     
52.6
 %
Operating expense
 
$
28,461
   
$
22,179
   
$
(6,282
)
   
(28.3
)%
Operating margin
   
25.5
%
   
11.4
%
   
14.1
 %
 
 
123.7
 %
Flight hours
   
3,304
     
3,649
     
(345
)
   
(9.5
)%
 
Flight hours for Australia decreased primarily due to a reduction in flying by a major customer, partially offset by new contracts.  Despite the decrease in flight hours, gross revenue increased due to higher rates earned on the new contracts and a favorable impact from changes in exchange rates.  During the Current Quarter, we were awarded a contract renewal with additional aircraft with expected revenue of approximately $180 million over six and a half years commencing in January 2010, with the opportunity of four one-year extensions.  This contract will utilize two of our existing large aircraft, plus an anticipated two new medium aircraft.
 
Operating expense increased primarily due to the impact of changes in exchange rates.  The increase in operating margin is a result of an increase in aircraft on contract, some of which are new aircraft at higher rates, and the unfavorable impact on operating margins in the Comparable Quarter of salary, maintenance and other costs on aircraft that were not fully operational as a result of delays in planned contracts, unscheduled maintenance and re-positioning of aircraft.
 

 
46

 

Other International
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
14,269
   
$
17,076
   
$
(2,807
)
   
(16.4
)%
Operating expense
 
$
12,647
   
$
11,697
   
$
(950
)
   
(8.1
)%
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated
affiliates, net
 
$
73
   
$
50
   
$
23
     
46.0
 %
Operating margin
   
11.9
%
   
31.8
%
   
(19.9
)%
 
 
(62.6
)%
Flight hours
   
2,828
     
2,793
     
35
     
1.3
 %
 
Gross revenue for Other International decreased primarily due to a decrease in revenue in Kazakhstan (due to our aircraft in Kazakhstan being grounded since mid-October 2009), Mauritania (due to the non renewal of a contract) and Ghana (as this was a short-term contract in the Comparable Quarter), partially offset by increases in revenue in Libya (due to a new contract), Malaysia and Russia (due to increased reimbursable revenue).
 
We currently lease two aircraft to our Kazakhstan joint venture, Atyrau Bristow Air Services (“ABAS”).  These aircraft have previously been operated in Kazakhstan by ABAS on the air operating certificate (“AOC”) of our partner in this joint venture.  Our partner’s AOC expired in mid-October 2009 and was not renewed.  As a result, our aircraft have been grounded in Kazakhstan since mid-October 2009.  Since discussions with other AOC holders in Kazakhstan under whose AOC we were seeking to operate our aircraft were unsuccessful, neither we nor ABAS are operating in this market, which will result in a reduction in revenue and operating income.  During the Current Period, we had revenue from our operations in Kazakhstan totaling $7.8 million and operating income totaling $3.7 million (including $2.5 million of reversal of bad debt reserve during the three months ended September 30, 2009) versus $8.9 million of revenue and $1.0 million of operating income in the Comparable Period.

Operating expense increased due to the increase in activity in Libya, Malaysia and Russia resulting in increases in maintenance, salaries, training and travel expenses.  These increases were partially offset by a reduction in costs in Mauritania and Ghana.  Additionally, we continued to incur operating expenses in Kazakhstan while our aircraft have been grounded.  The decrease in revenue in Kazakhstan was the primary driver behind the decrease in operating margin for Other International.
 
EH Centralized Operations

   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
2,653
   
$
2,797
   
$
(144
)
   
(5.1
)%
Operating expense
   
5,610
     
9,258
     
3,648
     
39.4
 %
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated
     affiliates, net
   
2,535
     
1,756
     
779
     
44.4
 %
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(422
)
 
$
(4,705
)
 
$
4,283
     
91.0
 %
 
Our EH Centralized Operations business unit is comprised of our technical services business, other non-flight services business (e.g., provision of maintenance and supply chain parts and services to other Eastern Hemisphere business units) and division level expenses.  Operating expense reflects costs associated with other support services net of the related charge to the other Eastern Hemisphere business units.
 
Gross revenue for EH Centralized Operations decreased slightly as a result of a decrease in spare part and technical design sales.
 
Operating expense decreased from the Comparable Quarter primarily due to an increase in maintenance and overhead allocations to other business units as well as less exposure to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates as the result of allocating these foreign exchange exposures to the other business units, partially offset by a $1.1 million charge recorded during the Current Quarter to reduce the carrying value of obsolete inventory.
 
47

 
Bristow Academy
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
  
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
6,026
   
$
5,563
   
$
463
     
8.3
 %
Operating expense
 
$
6,411
   
$
5,731
   
$
(680
)
   
(11.9
)%
Operating margin 
   
(6.4
)%
   
(3.0
)%
   
(3.4
)
%
 
(113.3
)%
 
Gross revenue for Bristow Academy increased primarily as a result of increased military training since the Comparable Quarter.
 
Operating expense increased primarily due to increased business volume as well as costs of operating additional aircraft.  The operating margin declined due the holiday break in the military training program as we continued to incur fixed operating expenses over that time period.
 
Corporate
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
   
$
   
$
     
 %
Operating expense
   
9,386
     
7,633
     
(1,753
)
   
(23.0
)%
Operating loss
 
$
(9,386
)
 
$
(7,633
)
 
$
(1,753
)
   
(23.0
)%
 
Corporate operating expense primarily represents costs of our corporate office and other general and administrative costs not allocated to our business units.  Corporate operating expense increased from the Comparable Quarter primarily due to compensation costs of $1.7 million resulting from the departure of two officers during the Current Quarter and higher expense recorded for incentive compensation during the Current Quarter.
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Interest income
 
$
365
   
$
1,087
   
$
(722
)
   
(66.4
)%
Interest expense
   
(11,405
)
   
(11,649
)
   
244
     
2.1
 %
Amortization of debt discount
   
(751
)
   
(701
)
   
(50
)
   
(7.1
)%
Amortization of debt fees
   
(496
)
   
(496
)
   
     
 %
Capitalized interest
   
1,673
     
4,570
     
(2,897
)    
(63.4
)%
Interest expense, net
 
$
(10,614
)
 
$
(7,189
)
 
$
(3,425
)
   
(47.6
)%
 
Interest income decreased as a result of our shift in cash from higher yielding investments to lower yielding, U.S. government investments in response to the condition of global financial markets as well as lower levels of cash and cash equivalents available for investment.  Capitalized interest decreased due to a decrease in the average amount of construction in progress during the Current Quarter.

 
48

 

Other Income (Expense), Net
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Foreign currency gains (losses)
 
$
731
   
$
(1,522
)
 
$
2,253
     
*
 
Other
   
2,964
     
     
2,964
     
100.0
%
Total
 
$
3,695
   
$
(1,522
 
$
5,217
     
342.8
%
_____
 
* percentage change not meaningful
 
 
The increase in foreign currency gains primarily resulted from the revaluation of intercompany loans denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of certain subsidiaries as certain exchange rates shifted during the Current Quarter.  Foreign currency transaction losses for the Comparable Quarter primarily resulted from the impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar against the Nigerian naira on the revaluation of Nigerian naira intercompany receivable balances on the books of a subsidiary with a U.S. dollar functional currency and the strengthening euro against the British pound sterling on the revaluation of euro-denominated obligations on the books of a subsidiary with a British pound sterling functional currency.  Other income (expense), net also includes $2.8 million of hedging gains realized during the Current Quarter due to termination of forward contracts on euro-denominated aircraft purchase commitments.  For further details on our derivative contracts, see Note 6 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
Taxes
 
   
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Effective tax rate for continuing operations
   
17.3
%
   
25.0
%
   
7.7
%
   
30.8
%
Net foreign tax on non-U.S. earnings
 
$
2,636
   
$
4,324
   
$
1,688
     
39.0
%
Tax on foreign earnings indefinitely reinvested abroad
   
(10,304
)
   
(10,484
)
   
(180
)
   
*
 
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance for foreign
tax credit utilization
   
456
     
(25
)
   
(481
)
   
*
 
Expense (benefit) from change in tax contingency
   
461
     
(587
   
(1,048
)
   
*
 
Tax expense on GOM Asset Sale
   
     
13,363
     
13,363
     
100.0
%
_____
 
* percentage change not meaningful
 
Our effective tax rate for the Current Quarter and Comparable Quarter was reduced by the permanent reinvestment outside the U.S. of foreign earnings, upon which no U.S. tax has been provided, and by the amount of our foreign source income and our ability to realize foreign tax credits.
 
49

 
Current Period Compared to Comparable Period
 
Set forth below is a discussion of operations of our business units.  Our consolidated results are discussed under “Results of Operations” above.
 
U.S. Gulf of Mexico
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
130,531
   
$
177,695
   
$
(47,164
)
   
(26.5
)%
Operating expense
 
$
114,294
   
$
152,722
   
$
38,428
     
25.2
 %
Operating margin
   
12.4
%
   
14.1
%
   
(1.7
)%
 
 
(12.1
)%
Flight hours
   
54,593
     
97,975
     
(43,382
)
   
(44.3
)%
 
The decrease in flight hours, gross revenue and operating expense is primarily due to the GOM Asset Sale as well as an overall decline in the demand for aircraft in this market resulting from decreased drilling activity.  The GOM Asset Sale resulted in a decrease in revenue and flight hours of $24.8 million and 29,875, respectively.  Additionally, both revenue and operating expense decreased as a result of a decrease in fuel costs, which are generally recovered from our customers, due to a combination of a decrease in fuel price and lower flight hours.  Operating margin has deteriorated due to the decline in demand in this market discussed above.
 
Arctic
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
13,746
   
$
14,088
   
$
(342
)
   
(2.4
)%
Operating expense
 
$
11,034
   
$
11,485
   
$
451
     
3.9
 %
Operating margin
   
19.7
%
   
18.5
%
   
1.2
%
   
6.5
 %
Flight hours
   
6,451
     
7,411
     
(960
)
   
(13.0
)%
 
Although Arctic flight hours decreased 13.0% from the Comparable Period, gross revenue remained relatively flat due to a shift in fleet mix to aircraft with higher billing rates.
 
Operating expense decreased due to decreases in maintenance, fuel, salaries and reimbursable expenses as a result of the reduction in flight activity.  The operating margin improvement related to the fleet mix shift coupled with several cost savings initiatives implemented during the Current Period.
 
Latin America
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
59,421
   
$
59,964
   
$
(543
)
   
(0.9
)%
Operating expense
 
$
46,776
   
$
42,795
   
$
(3,981
)
   
(9.3
)%
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net
 
$
4,143
   
$
2,006
   
$
2,137
     
106.5
 %
Operating margin
   
28.3
%
   
32.0
%
   
(3.7
)%
 
 
(11.6
)%
Flight hours
   
25,766
     
28,970
     
(3,204
)
   
(11.1
)%
 
Gross revenue for Latin America decreased slightly due to decreased demand for services in Trinidad and exit from Peru and Columbia, partially offset by additional contracts in Mexico and increased revenue in Brazil (due to a combination of additional flight hours and an increase in aircraft maintenance support provided on aircraft in Brazil).  During the Comparable Period, we restructured our ownership interests in certain joint ventures which resulted in several changes effective April 1, 2008, including the consolidation of RLR, return to the accrual basis of accounting for revenue recognition with Heliservicio and application of the equity method of accounting to our investment in Heliservicio.  Collectively these transactions are referred to as the Mexico Reorganization.
 
50

 
Operating expense for Latin America increased primarily due to increased activity in Mexico and Brazil offset by a decrease in operating expense for Peru and Columbia as we have exited these markets and Trinidad as a result of decreased activity in that market.  The decrease in operating margin is primarily due to the Mexico Reorganization in the Comparable Period, which resulted in additional operating income during that period, and reduced equity earnings in Mexico in the Current Period compared to the Comparable Period.
 
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net increased primarily due to the addition of $4.0 million of earnings from our investment in Líder on May 26, 2009 and a decrease in equity losses of $0.9 million from our investment in Heliservicio in the Current Period, partially offset by the collection of past due receivables of RLR resulting in $3.6 million of additional equity earnings during the Comparable Period.
 
For discussion of additional matters related to operations in Latin America, see “— Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter — Latin America” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
WH Centralized Operations
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
3,737
   
$
8,303
   
$
(4,566
)
   
(55.0
)%
Operating expense
   
15,318
     
10,584
     
(4,734
)
   
(44.7
)%
Operating income (loss)
 
$
(11,581
)
 
$
(2,281
)
 
$
(9,300
)
   
*
 
______
 
* percentage change not meaningful
 
Gross revenue for WH Centralized Operations, which consists entirely of technical services revenue, decreased as a result of a reduction in part sales.
 
Operating expense for WH Centralized Operations increased primarily due to lower recovery of maintenance expense from our other Western Hemisphere business units as a result of reduced flight activity.
 
Europe
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
348,200
   
$
296,210
   
$
51,990
     
17.6
 %
Operating expense
 
$
299,351
   
$
240,425
   
$
(58,926
)
   
(24.5
)%
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net 
 
$
69
   
$
(351
 
$
420
     
119.7
 %
Operating margin
   
14.0
%
   
18.7
%
   
(4.7
)%
 
(25.1
)%
Flight hours
   
42,694
     
33,812
     
8,882
     
26.3
 %
 
Gross revenue and flight hours for Europe increased primarily as a result of the consolidation of Bristow Norway effective October 31, 2008 resulting in an increase of $82.4 million and 9,997 hours, respectively, new contracts in the North Sea and an increase in reimbursable revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of changes in exchange rates and a lower level of contractual escalation billings in the Current Period.
 
Operating expense for Europe increased primarily due to the consolidation of Bristow Norway ($74.8 million).  The increase in operating expense was partially offset by reduced operating expense resulting from the impact of changes in exchange rates.  As a result of the consolidation of Bristow Norway, which earned a lower operating margin than the remainder of the Europe business unit and a lower level of contractual escalation billings, operating margin for Europe decreased compared to the Comparable Period.
 
For discussion of additional matters related to operations in Europe, see “— Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter — Europe” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
51

 
West Africa
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
   
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
165,005
   
$
140,788
   
$
24,217
     
17.2
 %
Operating expense
 
$
121,209
   
$
113,081
   
$
(8,128
)
   
(7.2
)%
Operating margin
   
26.5
%
   
19.7
%
   
6.8
 %
   
34.5
 %
Flight hours
   
26,595
     
29,129
     
(2,534
)
   
(8.7
)%
 
Flight hours for West Africa decreased as a result of a decrease in demand for aircraft in this market by certain existing customers, partially offset by the addition of one new contract and ad hoc work.  Despite the decrease in flight hours, gross revenue increased due to rate escalations under existing contracts and higher rates earned on the new contract and on ad hoc flying.
 
The increase in operating expense was primarily a result of increases in salaries and benefits, freight, training and travel and meals.  Also, during the Current Period we recorded a charge of $1.8 million to reduce the carrying value of obsolete inventory.  The increase in operating expense was partially offset by a favorable impact from changes in exchange rates.  Excluding the impact of changes in exchange rates, the operating margin for West Africa was 21.2% in the Current Quarter, which was improved over the Comparable Period due to rate escalations under existing contracts and higher rates earned on the new contract and ad hoc work.
 
For discussion of additional matters related to operations in West Africa, see “— Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter — West Africa” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
Australia
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
96,684
   
$
87,368
   
$
9,316
     
10.7
 %
Operating expense 
 
$
73,913
   
$
83,591
   
$
9,678
     
11.6
 %
Operating margin 
   
23.6
%
   
4.3
%
   
19.3
%
   
*
 
Flight hours 
   
8,978
     
11,502
     
(2,524
)
   
(21.9
)%
_____
 
* percentage change not meaningful
 
Flight hours for Australia decreased due to a decrease in activity in this market since the Comparable Period.  Despite the decrease in flight hours, gross revenue increased due to an increase in aircraft on contract, some of which are new aircraft earning higher rates, and an increase in reimbursable revenue.
 
Operating expense decreased primarily due to decreased activity and cost reduction initiatives including decreases in salaries and benefits, maintenance expense, fuel, travel and training expenses.  Operating expense was also decreased as a result of the reversal of costs previously accrued in fiscal year 2009 for tax items as favorable rulings were obtained from the tax authorities in these matters during the Current Period.  During the Comparable Period, we incurred salary, maintenance and other costs on aircraft that were not fully operational as a result of delays in planned contracts, unscheduled maintenance and re-positioning of aircraft.  Additionally, compensation costs for the Comparable Period included adjustments to employee and expatriate taxes related to prior periods totaling $2.2 million resulting from clarification of tax regulations in certain jurisdictions.  Operating margin improved due to both an increase in aircraft on contract, some of which are new aircraft earnings higher rates, and the decrease in costs discussed above.
 
For discussion of additional matters related to operations in Australia, see “— Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter — Australia” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
52

 
Other International
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages and flight hours)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
43,925
   
$
52,234
   
$
(8,309
)
   
(15.9
)%
Operating expense
 
$
32,413
   
$
39,757
   
$
7,344
     
18.5
 %
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net
 
$
81
   
  $
195
   
$
(114
)
   
(58.5
)%
Operating margin
   
26.4
%
   
24.3
%
   
2.1
 %
   
8.6
 %
Flight hours
   
7,903
     
8,539
     
(636
)
   
(7.4
)%
 
Gross revenue for Other International decreased primarily due to a decrease in revenue in Kazakhstan (due to our aircraft in Kazakhstan being grounded since mid-October 2009), Russia (due to the inclusion in the Comparable Period of $1.2 million in escalation charges to a customer and increased rates), Mauritania, Egypt and Turkmenistan (due to ending of short-term contracts), and a decrease in revenue resulting from changes in exchange rates, partially offset by increases in revenue in Libya (due to a new contract) and Malaysia (due to increased activity).
 
Operating expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in activity in Russia, a reduction in maintenance costs and reversal of bad debt expense of $2.5 million in Kazakhstan, a reduction in costs in Mauritania and Egypt and the impact of changes in exchange rates.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in costs in Libya (due to a new contract) and Malaysia (due to increased activity).  The decrease in operating expense in these markets resulted in the increase in operating margin for this business unit, which was partially offset by lost operating income since October 2009 in Kazakhstan.
 
 For discussion of additional matters related to operations in Other International, see “— Current Quarter Compared to Comparable Quarter — Other International” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
EH Centralized Operations
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
10,871
   
$
9,169
   
$
1,702
     
18.6
 %
Operating expense
   
18,271
     
28,018
     
9,747
     
34.8
 %
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net  
   
6,332
     
6,479
     
(147
)
   
(2.3
)%
Operating loss
 
$
(1,068
)
 
$
(12,370
)
 
$
11,302
     
91.4
 %
 
Gross revenue for EH Centralized Operations increased as a result of an increase in spare part and technical design sales.
 
Operating expense decreased primarily due to an increase in maintenance and overhead allocations to other business units as well as less exposure to the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates as the result of allocating these foreign exchange exposures to the other business units, a higher charge taken in the Comparable Period versus the Current Period to reduce the carrying value of obsolete inventory and unusually high heavy maintenance expense incurred in the Comparable Period.
 
Earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates, net decreased due to the stronger U.S. dollar during the Current Period compared to the Comparable Period.
 
 
53

 

Bristow Academy
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
20,470
   
$
17,286
   
$
3,184
     
18.4
 %
Operating expense
 
$
19,201
   
$
17,067
   
$
(2,134
)
   
(12.5
)%
Operating margin
   
6.2
%
   
1.3
%
   
4.9
%
   
376.9
 %
 
Gross revenue for Bristow Academy increased as a result of increased military training and the acquisition of additional training aircraft.
 
Operating expense increased primarily due to increased business volume as well as costs of operating additional aircraft.  The operating margin improved due to the fact that the military training contracts yield a higher margin of return.  During the Current Period, approximately 150 pilots graduated from Bristow Academy; we hired 4 graduates as instructors at Bristow Academy and 15 graduates as pilots (mostly former instructors) into our other business units.
 
Corporate
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Gross revenue
 
$
   
$
28
   
$
(28
)
   
(100.0
)%
Operating expense
   
26,707
     
21,530
     
(5,177
)
   
(24.0
)%
Losses from unconsolidated affiliates
   
     
52
     
52
     
100.0
 %
Operating loss
 
$
(26,707
)
 
$
(21,554
)
 
$
(5,153
)
   
(23.9
)%
 
Corporate operating expense primarily represents costs of our corporate office and other general and administrative costs not allocated to our business units.  Corporate operating expense increased from the Comparable Period due to $3.1 million of compensation costs from an Executive Officer’s departure during April 2009, $1.7 million of compensation costs from the departure of two additional officers during December 2009 and higher expense recorded for incentive compensation during the Current Period.
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Interest income
 
$
797
   
$
5,739
   
$
(4,942
)
   
(86.1
)%
Interest expense
   
(34,129
)
   
(33,872
)
   
(257
)
   
(0.8
)%
Amortization of debt discount
   
(2,213
)
   
(1,504
)
   
(709
)
   
(47.1
)%
Amortization of debt fees
   
(1,489
)
   
(1,408
)
   
(81
)
   
(5.8
)%
Capitalized interest
   
6,200
     
10,841
     
(4,641
)
   
(42.8
)%
Interest expense, net
 
$
(30,834
)
 
$
(20,204
)
 
$
(10,630
)
   
(52.6
)%
 
Interest income decreased as a result of our shift in cash from higher yielding investments to lower yielding U.S. government investments in response to the condition of global financial markets as well as a decrease in cash invested during the Current Period.  Capitalized interest decreased due to a decrease in the average amount of construction in progress during the Current Period.

 
54

 
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Foreign currency (losses)   
 
$
(74
)
 
$
160
   
$
(234
)
   
(146.3
)%
Other
   
4,097
     
2,080
     
2,017
     
97.0
 %
Total
 
$
4,023
   
$
2,240
   
$
1,783
     
79.6
 %

Other income (expense), net includes $3.9 million of hedging gains realized during the Current Period due to termination of forward contracts on a euro-denominated aircraft purchase commitments.  During the Comparable Period, we realized $1.4 million in gains from the Mexico Reorganization, which represented the majority of other income (expense), net in that period.

Taxes

   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
Favorable
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
(Unfavorable)
 
   
(In thousands, except percentages)
 
Effective tax rate for continuing operations
   
23.8
%
   
26.8
%
   
3.0
%
   
11.2
%
Net foreign tax on non-U.S. earnings
 
$
12,266
   
$
17,100
   
$
4,834
     
28.3
%
Tax on foreign earnings indefinitely reinvested abroad
   
(31,895
)
   
(27,637
)
   
4,258
     
*
 
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance for
     foreign tax credit utilization
   
1,503
     
(46
)
   
(1,549
)
   
*
 
Expense (benefit) from change in tax contingency
   
3,720
     
(1,329
)
   
(5,049
)
   
*
 
Tax expense on GOM Asset Sale
   
     
13,363
     
13,363
     
100.0
%
________
* percentage change not meaningful

Our effective tax rate for the Current Period and Comparable Period was reduced by the permanent reinvestment outside the U.S. of foreign earnings, upon which no U.S. tax has been provided, and by the amount of our foreign source income and our ability to realize foreign tax credits.

Discontinued operations
 
Discontinued operations for the Comparable Period incurred $0.2 million after-tax loss.  The $0.2 million after-tax loss resulted from purchase price adjustments from the sale of Grasso Production Management.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Financial Condition and Sources of Liquidity
 
See “Market Outlook” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further discussion.
 
Cash and cash equivalents were $107.1 million and $301.0 million as of December 31 and March 31, 2009, respectively.  Working capital as of December 31 and March 31, 2009 was $365.0 million and $545.5 million, respectively.  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents and working capital was primarily a result of the $179.0 million in cash paid (including transaction costs incurred in fiscal year 2010) to acquire the 42.5% interest in Líder as discussed in Note 2 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
55

 
Cash Flows
 
Operating Activities
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $163.0 million during the Current Period compared to $103.9 million during the Comparable Period.  Changes in non-cash working capital used $11.8 million in cash flows from operating activities for the Current Period compared to $22.3 million used in cash flows from operating activities in the Comparable Period.
 
Investing Activities
 
Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $354.3 million and $316.9 million for the Current Period and Comparable Period, respectively.  Cash was used for capital expenditures as follows:
 
   
Nine Months Ended
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Number of aircraft delivered:
           
Small
 
4
   
4
 
Medium
 
8
   
11
 
Large
 
7
   
9
 
Fixed wing
 
1
   
 
Training
 
   
4
 
Total aircraft
 
20
   
28
 
             
Capital expenditures (in thousands):
           
Aircraft and related equipment
$
236,248
 
$
383,351
 
Other
 
14,024
   
4,656
 
Total capital expenditures
$
250,272
 
$
388,007
 

Included in aircraft and related equipment in the table above are final payments in connection with the delivery of aircraft and progress payments on the construction of new aircraft to be delivered in future periods in conjunction with our aircraft commitments (discussed in additional detail in Note 7 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report) of $201.7 million and an additional $34.6 million to upgrade aircraft within our existing aircraft fleet and to customize new aircraft delivered for our operations during the Current Period.  Also, during the Current Period, we acquired a 42.5% investment in Líder for $179.0 million.
 
Included in aircraft and related equipment in the table above are final payments in connection with the delivery of aircraft and progress payments on the construction of new aircraft to be delivered in future periods of $188.9 million and $20.1 million to upgrade aircraft within our existing aircraft fleet and to customize new aircraft delivered for our operations during the Comparable Period.
 
During the Current Period we received proceeds of $75.0 million primarily from the disposal of 20 aircraft and certain other equipment, which together resulted in a net gain of $13.3 million.  During the Comparable Period, we sold 53 small aircraft and related assets operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the GOM Asset Sale for $65 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $37.8 million.  See Note 2 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.  In addition to the GOM Asset Sale, during the Comparable Period we received proceeds of $21.7 million primarily from the disposal of 12 aircraft and certain other equipment, which together resulted in a net gain of $6.3 million.  Also, during the Comparable Period we recorded a $0.4 million loss related to non-recoverable deductibles under our insurance policies for hurricane damage.
 
 
56

 

Due to the significant investment in aircraft made in both the Current Period and Comparable Period, net capital expenditures exceeded cash flow from operations, and we expect this will continue to be the case through the end of fiscal year 2010.  Also in fiscal year 2010, we expect to invest approximately $40 million in various infrastructure enhancements, including aircraft facilities, training centers and technology.  Through December 31, 2009, we had incurred $31.3 million towards these projects.
 
Financing Activities
 
Cash flows used in financing activities was $14.7 million during the Current Period compared to $306.1 million provided by financing activities during the Comparable Period.  During the Current Period, cash was used for the payment of preferred stock dividends of $6.3 million and repayment of debt totaling $10.1 million and cash was provided by issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options of $1.3 million.  Preferred stock dividends on our 5.5% mandatory convertible preferred stock will not be paid in future periods because on September 15, 2009 each outstanding share of the preferred stock was converted into 1.418 shares of common stock resulting in the issuance of 6,522,800 shares of common stock.  During the Comparable Period, cash was provided by our issuance of the 3% Convertible Senior Notes resulting in net proceeds of $111.2 million, by our issuance of 4,996,900 shares of common stock in a public offering and private placement in June 2008 resulting in net proceeds of $224.2 million and by our receipt of proceeds of $1.1 million from the exercise of options to acquire shares of our common stock by our employees.  Additionally, during the Comparable Period, cash was used for the payment of preferred stock dividends of $9.5 million and the repayment of debt totaling $21.0 million.
 
Future Cash Requirements
 
Contractual Obligations, Commercial Commitments and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have various contractual obligations which are recorded as liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Other items, such as certain purchase commitments, interest payments and other executory contracts are not recognized as liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheet but are included in the table below.  For example, we are contractually committed to make certain minimum lease payments for the use of property and equipment under operating lease agreements.
 

 
57

 

The following tables summarize our significant contractual obligations and other commercial commitments on an undiscounted basis as of December 31, 2009 and the future periods in which such obligations are expected to be settled in cash.  In addition, the table reflects the timing of principal and interest payments on outstanding borrowings.  Additional details regarding these obligations are provided in Note 7 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report and in Note 7 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report:
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
         
Three Months
Ending
   
Fiscal Year Ending March 31,
         
   
Total
   
March 31,
2010
   
2011
   
2012 –
2013
   
2014 and
beyond
     
Other
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Contractual obligations:
                                               
Long-term debt and short-term borrowings:
                                               
Principal (1)
 
$
736,586
   
$
1,214
   
$
15,693
   
$
7,186
   
$
712,493
   
$
 
Interest 
   
365,278
     
14,385
     
45,179
     
89,652
     
216,062
     
 
Aircraft operating leases (2)
   
66,259
     
2,330
     
7,586
     
9,559
     
46,784
     
 
Other operating leases  (3)
   
65,306
     
5,799
     
18,233
     
11,105
     
30,169
     
 
Capital lease obligation
   
12,063
     
142
     
1,025
     
2,356
     
8,540
     
 
Pension obligations (4)
   
196,234
     
17,031
     
24,000
     
48,946
     
106,257
     
 
Aircraft purchase obligations  (5)
   
116,701
     
24,901
     
43,344
     
48,456
     
     
 
Other purchase obligations (6)
   
21,904
     
21,597
     
102
     
205
     
     
 
Tax reserves (7)
   
8,494
     
     
     
     
     
8,494
 
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
1,588,825
   
$
87,399
   
$
155,162
   
$
217,465
   
$
1,120,305
   
$
8,494
 
Other commercial commitments:
                                               
Debt guarantees (8)
 
$
16,148
   
$
   
$
   
$
16,148
   
$
   
$
 
Other guarantees (9)
   
30,761
     
2,364
     
1,612
     
8,984
     
17,801
     
 
Letters of credit
   
1,657
     
1,392
     
265
     
     
     
 
Contingent consideration (10)
   
44,625
     
     
8,500
     
36,125
     
     
 
Other commitments (11)
   
84,107
     
     
18,883
     
19,224
     
46,000
     
 
Total commercial commitments
 
$
177,298
   
$
3,756
   
$
29,260
   
$
80,481
   
$
63,801
   
$
 
_________

(1)
Excludes unamortized premium on the 7½% Senior Notes due 2017 of $0.5 million and unamortized discount on the 3% Senior Convertible Notes of $19.7 million.
   
(2)
Primarily represents separate operating leases for nine aircraft with a subsidiary of General Electric Capital Corporation with terms of fifteen years expiring in August 2023.
   
(3)
Represents minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year.
 
(4)
Represents expected funding for pension benefits in future periods.  These amounts are undiscounted and are based on the expectation that the U.K. and Norway pension plans will be fully funded in approximately ten years.  As of December 31, 2009, we had recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheet a $99.3 million pension liability associated with these obligations.  Also, the timing of the funding is dependent on actuarial valuations and resulting negotiations with the plan trustees.
   
(5)
For further details on our aircraft purchase obligations, see Note 7 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
   
(6)
Other purchase obligations primarily represent unfilled purchase orders for aircraft parts and commitments associated with upgrading facilities at our bases.
   
(7)
Represents gross unrecognized tax benefits (see discussion in Note 7 in the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report) that may result in cash payments being made to certain tax authorities.  We are not able to reasonably estimate in which future periods this amount will ultimately be settled and paid.
 
58

 
   
(8)
We have guaranteed the repayment of up to £10 million ($16.1 million) of the debt of FBS, an unconsolidated affiliate.  This amount is not included in the “Contractual Obligations” section of the table above.
   
(9)
Relates to an indemnity agreement between us and Afianzadora Sofimex, S.A. to support issuance of surety bonds on behalf of Heliservicio from time to time.  As of December 31, 2009, surety bonds denominated in Mexican pesos with an aggregate value of 311 million Mexican pesos ($23.9 million) were outstanding and surety bonds denominated in U.S. dollars with an aggregate value of $1.2 million were outstanding.  Furthermore, we have received a counter-guarantee from our partner in Heliservicio, for 76% ($19.1 million) of the surety bonds outstanding.  Bristow Norway is also the guarantor under two aircraft leases taken out by a previous subsidiary of Bristow Norway prior to Bristow Norway disposing of that subsidiary and prior to Bristow Group’s acquisition of the additional 51% of Bristow Norway in October 2008 for the sum of $5.6 million.  The purchaser of that subsidiary is legally subject to an obligation to reimburse Bristow Norway for these guarantees under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement by which that subsidiary was sold.
   
(10)
The Líder purchase agreement includes incremental and cumulative earn-out payments based upon the achievement of growth targets over the three-year period ending December 31, 2011.  Based on Líder’s preliminary unaudited results for the period ended December 31, 2009, the initial $8.5 million earn-out payment was not earned, leaving a maximum possible total earn-out payments of $44.6 million.
   
(11)
In connection with the Bristow Norway acquisition (see Note 2 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report), we granted the former partner in this joint venture an option that if exercised would require us to acquire up to five aircraft from them at fair value upon the expiration of the lease terms for such aircraft.  One of the options was exercised in December 2009.  Two of these aircraft are not currently operated by Bristow Norway, but our former partner has agreed to purchase the aircraft and lease the aircraft to Bristow Norway for an initial period of five years, with three one-year options for extension, as soon as practicable.  The remaining two aircraft leases expire in June 2010 and August 2011.
 
We do not expect the guarantees shown in the table above to become obligations that we will have to fund.
 
Capital Commitments
 
We have commitments and options to make capital expenditures over the next five fiscal years to purchase additional aircraft, including aircraft associated with the commitments reflected in the table above.  Although a similar number of our existing aircraft may be sold during the same period, the additional aircraft on order are expected to provide incremental fleet capacity in terms of revenue and operating margin.  See Note 7 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for a detail of the number of aircraft under commitments and the number of aircraft under options expected to be delivered in the current and subsequent five fiscal years by aircraft size along with the related expenditures, and for a rollforward of aircraft commitments and options for the Current Period.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
See Item 7.  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report for a discussion of our critical accounting policies.  There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates provided in the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
 

 
59

 
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
 
We may be exposed to certain market risks arising from the use of financial instruments in the ordinary course of business.  This risk arises primarily as a result of potential changes in the fair market value of financial instruments that would result from adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, credit risk, and interest rates as discussed in “Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report and Note 1 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As of December 31, 2009, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act was (i) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes during the three months ended December 31, 2009 in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.
 
On June 12, 2009, Superior Offshore International, Inc. v. Bristow Group Inc., et al, Case No. 1:09-cv-00438, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.  The purported class action complaint, which also names other providers of offshore helicopter services in the Gulf of Mexico as defendants, alleges violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act.  Among other things, the complaint alleges that the defendants unlawfully conspired to raise and maintain the price of offshore helicopter services between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005.  The plaintiff seeks to represent a purported class of direct purchasers of offshore helicopter services and is asking for, among other things, unspecified treble monetary damages and injunctive relief.  The Company intends to defend against this lawsuit vigorously.  As this lawsuit is in its initial stage, we are currently unable to determine whether it could have a material affect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
We have certain other actions or claims pending that have been discussed and previously reported in Part I. Item 3.  “Legal Proceedings” in the fiscal year 2009 Annual Report.  Developments in these previously reported matters are described in Note 7 in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors.
 
There have been no material changes during the nine months ended December 31, 2009 in our “Risk Factors” as discussed in our fiscal year 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

 
60

 

Item 6. Exhibits.
 
 
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report:
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
   
10.1    
Indemnity Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2009).
15.1*  
Letter from KPMG LLP dated February 3, 2010 regarding unaudited interim information.
31.1**
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Registrant.
31.2**
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Registrant.
32.1**
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
____________

*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.


 
61

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BRISTOW GROUP INC.



By: /s/ Elizabeth D. Brumley                                                                
Elizabeth D. Brumley
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer


By: /s/ Brian J. Allman 
Brian J. Allman
Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller


February 3, 2010

 
62

 


 
Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
   
10.1    
Indemnity Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 10, 2009).
15.1*  
Letter from KPMG LLP dated February 3, 2010 regarding unaudited interim information.
31.1**
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer of Registrant.
31.2**
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification by Chief Financial Officer of Registrant.
32.1**
Certification of Chief Executive Officer of registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**
Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Registrant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
____________

*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.