UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended

March 31, 2016

 

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 0-16079

 

AIR METHODS CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

	Delaware			84-0915893
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

7301 South Peoria, Englewood, Colorado		80112
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code (303) 792-7400

 

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 x  No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x 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 definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated Filer x	Accelerated Filer ¨
Non-accelerated Filer ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	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 ¨  No  x

 

The number of shares of Common Stock, par value $.06 per share, outstanding as of April 29, 2016, was 38,367,893.

 

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Form 10-Q

 

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
		Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2016  and December 31, 2015	1
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	3
		Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months  ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	5
		Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
	Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	23
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	23
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	24
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	24
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	24
	Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	24
	Item 4.	Reserved	24
	Item 5.	Other Information	24
	Item 6.	Exhibits	25
	SIGNATURES		26

 

  

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

		March 31,				December 31,
		2016				2015
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	5,085				5,808
Receivables:
Trade, net (note 4)			398,854				376,300
Refundable income taxes			—				2,674
Other			3,191				3,402
			402,045				382,376
Inventories			48,892				46,377
Work-in-process on medical interiors and products contracts			4,239				4,024
Assets held for sale			15,477				16,369
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts			2,270				961
Refundable deposits			6,822				7,594
Prepaid expenses and other (note 6)			11,051				9,850
Total current assets			495,881				473,359
Property and equipment:
Land			251				251
Flight and ground support equipment			897,891				835,380
Aircraft under capital leases			163,277				168,725
Aircraft rotable spare parts			35,786				34,688
Buildings and other equipment			65,628				62,503
			1,162,833				1,101,547
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(313,073	)			(301,891	)
Net property and equipment			849,760				799,656
Goodwill (note 2)			208,405				127,732
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $29,936 and $28,093 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively			201,153				129,899
Other assets (note 8)			25,561				26,029
Total assets		$	1,780,760				1,556,675

 

(Continued)

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, Continued

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

		March 31,				December 31,
		2016				2015
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable		$	—				2,955
Current installments of long-term debt (note 8)			51,909				38,965
Current installments of obligations under capital leases			19,697				20,407
Accounts payable			16,797				30,912
Deferred revenue			3,977				2,294
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts			1,147				1,250
Accrued wages and compensated absences			25,728				19,419
Due to third party payers			12,338				12,292
Other accrued liabilities			26,309				21,044
Total current liabilities			157,902				149,538
Long-term debt, less current installments (note 8)			793,720				571,125
Obligations under capital leases, less current installments			63,301				68,389
Deferred income taxes			173,852				172,905
Other liabilities			9,082				12,293
Total liabilities			1,197,857				974,250
Redeemable non-controlling interests			475				8,550
Stockholders' equity (notes 3 and 8):
Preferred stock, $1 par value.  Authorized 15,000,000 shares, none issued			—				—
Common stock, $.06 par value. Authorized 70,500,000 shares; issued 39,554,710 and 39,511,350 shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively; outstanding 38,749,903 and 39,003,026 shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively			2,355				2,353
Additional paid-in capital			131,184				128,767
Treasury stock at cost, 668,510  and 320,988 shares at March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively			(26,901	)			(13,457	)
Retained earnings			477,037				457,529
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,247	)			(1,317	)
Total stockholders' equity			582,428				573,875
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,780,760				1,556,675

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Revenue:
Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts (note 4)		$	378,829				265,339
Provision for uncompensated care (note 4)			(180,997	)			(103,523	)
Patient transport revenue, net			197,832				161,816
Air medical services contract revenue			33,644				40,639
Tourism and charter revenue			27,227				28,221
Medical interiors and products revenue			6,957				4,137
Dispatch and billing service revenue			3,738				3,486
			269,398				238,299
Operating expenses:
Flight centers			106,071				93,792
Aircraft operations (note 6)			31,912				37,340
Tourism operating expenses			19,084				19,851
Cost of medical interiors and products sold			5,980				3,201
Cost of dispatch and billing services			3,707				2,821
Depreciation and amortization			22,566				20,044
Gain on disposition of assets, net			(330	)			(262	)
General and administrative			39,392				35,725
			228,382				212,512
Operating income			41,016				25,787
Other income (expense):
Interest expense			(7,800	)			(4,985	)
Other, net			310				364
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			33,526				21,166
Income tax expense			(13,102	)			(8,290	)
Income from continuing operations			20,424				12,876
Loss on discontinued operations, net of income taxes			—				(9	)
Net income			20,424				12,867
Less net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests			(29	)			239
Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	20,453				12,628
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments			70				(375	)
Comprehensive income		$	20,523				12,253

 

(Continued)

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, continued

(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Income per common share (note 5):
Basic:
Continuing operations		$	.50				.32
Discontinued operations			—				—
Net income		$	.50				.32
Diluted:
Continuing operations		$	.50				.32
Discontinued operations			—				—
Net income		$	.50				.32
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			38,803,817				39,262,063
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			38,872,949				39,390,415

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	20,424				12,867
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes			—				9
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense			22,566				20,044
Deferred income tax expense			947				6,039
Stock-based compensation			1,537				1,848
Gain on disposition of assets, net			(330	)			(262	)
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instrument			(149	)			149
Loss from equity method investee			265				224
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets			403				(4,047	)
Decrease (increase) in receivables			11,779				(475	)
Decrease (increase) in inventories			(193	)			2,093
Decrease (increase) in costs in excess of billings			(1,309	)			167
Decrease in accounts payable, other accrued liabilities, and other liabilities			(15,150	)			(4,982	)
Increase in deferred revenue and billings in excess of costs			1,580				830
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities			42,370				34,504
Net cash used by discontinued operating activities			—				(96	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			42,370				34,408
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries (note 2)			(226,011	)			—
Acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements			(31,385	)			(23,493	)
Buy-out of previously leased aircraft			(4,460	)			—
Proceeds from disposition and sale of equipment and assets held for sale			2,303				1,997
Increase in other assets, net			(566	)			(4,577	)
Net cash used by continuing investing activities			(260,119	)			(26,073	)
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities			—				25
Net cash used by investing activities			(260,119	)			(26,048	)

 

(Continued)

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, continued

(Amounts in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2016				2015
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net		$	803				207
Purchases of common stock			(13,444	)			—
Borrowings under line of credit			25,000				—
Payments under line of credit			(25,000	)			—
Payments for financing costs			(48	)			(4	)
Proceeds from long-term debt			248,100				21,137
Payments of long-term debt and notes payable			(12,587	)			(12,078	)
Payments of capital lease obligations			(5,798	)			(6,008	)
Net cash provided by continuing financing activities			217,026				3,254
Net cash provided (used) by discontinued financing activities			—				—
Net cash provided by financing activities			217,026				3,254
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(723	)			11,614
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			5,808				13,165
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	5,085				24,779
Interest paid in cash during the period		$	7,473				4,832
Income taxes paid in cash during the period		$	1,797				488

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

In the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Company settled non-interest-bearing notes payable of $2,955 in exchange for the aircraft securing the debt.

 

In the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company entered into non-interest-bearing notes payable of $5,710 to finance the purchase of aircraft which were held in property and equipment pending permanent financing as of March 31, 2015, and into capital leases of $278 to finance the purchase of equipment. The Company also settled non-interest-bearing notes payable of $11,442 in exchange for the aircraft securing the debt.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

 

(1)

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial statements for the respective periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company considers its critical accounting policies involving more significant judgments and estimates to be those related to revenue recognition, deferred income taxes, valuation of long-lived assets, and fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(2)

Acquisition of Subsidiaries

 

Tri-State Care Flight, LLC

 

On January 19, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the membership interest of Tri-State Care Flight, LLC (TSCF), for a cash purchase price of $222.5 million plus an initial estimated working capital adjustment of $11.2 million. The purchase price is subject to further adjustment based on final working capital as of the closing date, as defined in the purchase agreement. The Company has estimated the decrease to the purchase price for the change in working capital to be $811,000 and has recorded the related receivable as of March 31, 2016. The estimate is subject to review by the sellers during the second quarter of 2016, and receipt of the funds is expected prior to the end of the second quarter. The purchase price was financed primarily through additional term loans and draws against the line of credit under the Company’s senior credit facility.

 

TSCF provides air medical transport services in the southwestern United States under the community-based service delivery model, utilizing a fleet of 22 helicopters and five fixed-wing aircraft. The acquisition is expected to further strengthen the Company’s position as a leader in air medical transport services in the United States and to result in certain operating efficiencies.

 

The Company is in the process of reviewing airworthiness and other documentation for TSCF’s aircraft spare parts inventory, verifying open repair orders with aircraft parts vendors, and confirming other liabilities relating to pre-acquisition events. In addition, the Company is analyzing the payer mix and historical collection data related to patient transport receivables as of the acquisition date. Fair value and estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets are based on preliminary estimates and are subject to review and finalization by the Company’s management.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(2)

Acquisition of Subsidiaries, continued

 

For the reasons described in the foregoing paragraph, the allocation of the purchase price is still subject to refinement. The initial allocation of the purchase price was as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

Assets purchased:
Receivables		$	30,695
Aircraft			30,501
Goodwill			80,690
Other intangible assets			74,000
Other assets			26,845
Total assets			242,731
Total liabilities assumed			(9,864	)
Purchase price		$	232,867

 

Net revenue of $15,274,000 and income before income taxes and allocation of corporate administrative expenses of $4,391,000 generated by TSCF’s operations from January 19 through March 31, 2016, have been included with those of the Company in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The following unaudited pro forma information presents combined financial results for the Company and TSCF for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, assuming the acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2015 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

Revenue		$	260,099
Net income attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	17,014
Basic income per common share		$	.43
Diluted income per common share		$	.43

 

The above unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent what the Company’s results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on the date assumed, nor is the information indicative of results that may be expected in future periods. Pro forma adjustments exclude cost savings from synergies that may result from the acquisition.

 

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

 

In the third quarter of 2015, the Company’s partners exercised their right to require the Company to acquire their 10% ownership interest in Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company completed the buyout for $8,854,000.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(3)

Stockholders’ Equity

 

Changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016, consisted of the following (amounts in thousands except share amounts):

 

		Shares Outstanding				Amount
Balances at January 1, 2016			39,003,026			$	573,875
Issuance of common shares for options exercised			45,360				803
Stock-based compensation			49,039				1,537
Purchase of treasury shares			(347,522	)			(13,444	)
Adjustments to redeemable non-controlling interests			—				(866	)
Other comprehensive income			—				70
Net income			—				20,453
Balances at March 31, 2016			38,749,903			$	582,428

 

(4)

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition

 

Trade receivables are presented net of allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care. The Company determines its allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care based on estimated payer mix, payer reimbursement schedules, and historical collection experience. The allowances are reviewed monthly and adjusted periodically, including adjustments between contractual discounts and uncompensated care, based on actual collections. Billings are charged off against the uncompensated care allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The allowance for contractual discounts is related primarily to Medicare, Medicaid, and other government-sponsored insurance plan patients. The allowance for uncompensated care is related primarily to receivables recorded for self-pay patients.

 

Historically, the Company’s allowance and provision for contractual discounts were calculated based entirely on Medicare and Medicaid patient transports. The Company determined that uncollectible amounts related to other government-sponsored insurance plans and to private insurance carriers with whom the Company has established a contractual relationship should have been categorized as contractual discounts rather than as uncompensated care in prior periods. Effective in the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company presented these uncollectible amounts as contractual discounts and corrected the presentation in prior periods. As a result, the Company increased the provision for contractual discounts and correspondingly decreased the provision for uncompensated care by $25,697,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

 

The Company has not changed its discount policies related to self-pay patients or deductible and copayment balances for insured patients during either 2016 or 2015. The allowance for uncompensated care was 46.6% of receivables from non-contract payers as of March 31, 2016, compared to 42.0% at December 31, 2015, and 45.1% at March 31, 2015.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(4)

Patient Transport Revenue Recognition, continued

 

The Company recognizes patient transport revenue at its standard rates for services provided, regardless of expected payer. In the period that services are provided and based upon historical experience, the Company records a significant provision for uncompensated care related to uninsured patients who will be unable or unwilling to pay for the services provided and a provision for contractual discounts related to Medicare, Medicaid, and other transports covered by contracts. Patient transport revenue, net of provision for contractual discounts but before provision for uncompensated care, by major payer class, was as follows for quarters ended March 31 (amounts in thousands):

 

		2016				2015
Third-party payers		$	290,954				197,849
Self-pay			87,875				67,490
Total		$	378,829				265,339

 

 

(5)

Income per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by all outstanding and dilutive potential common shares during the period.

 

In accordance with FASB ASC 480-10-S99, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and solely for the purpose of calculating earnings per share, net income for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, was decreased by $866,000 and $67,000, respectively, for adjustments to the value of redeemable non-controlling interests.

 

The reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is as follows for the quarters ended March 31:

 

		2016				2015
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic			38,803,817				39,262,063
Dilutive effect of:
Common stock options			11,805				40,760
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units			46,269				87,592
Unvested performance share units			11,058				—
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted			38,872,949				39,390,415

 

Common stock options totaling 930,244 and 577,532 were not included in the diluted shares outstanding for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Performance share units totaling 105,512 were not included in the diluted shares outstanding for the quarters ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(6)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosures about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy by which these assets and liabilities must be grouped based on the type of inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

Level 1:

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2:

quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or

Level 3:

unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, notes payable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities:

 

The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 

Derivative instruments:

 

The Company endeavors to acquire jet fuel at the lowest possible cost and to reduce volatility in operating expenses through the use of short-term purchased call options. Financial derivative instruments covering fuel purchases are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at fair value. Fair value is determined based on quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of all fuel derivative instruments included in prepaid expenses and other current assets was $828,000 at March 31, 2016 and $0 at December 31, 2015. The Company’s financial derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting, and, therefore, realized and non-cash mark to market adjustments are included in aircraft operations expense in the Company’s statements of comprehensive income. Aircraft operations expense included a non-cash mark to market derivative gain of $149,000 and loss of $149,000 for the first quarters of 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were no cash settlements under the terms of the agreements in the first quarters of 2016 or 2015.

 

Long-term debt:

 

The fair value of long-term debt is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy because it is determined based on the present value of future contractual cash flows discounted at an interest rate that reflects the risks inherent in those cash flows. Based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for loans with similar terms and average maturities and on recent transactions, the fair value of long-term debt as of March 31, 2016, is estimated to be $856,901,000, compared to carrying value of $845,629,000. The fair value of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015, was estimated to be $612,264,000, compared to carrying value of $610,090,000.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(7)

Business Segment Information

 

Summarized financial information for the Company’s operating segments is shown in the following table (amounts in thousands). Amounts in the “Corporate Activities” column represent corporate headquarters expenses, corporate income tax expense, and results of insignificant operations. The Company does not allocate assets between all operating segments for internal reporting and performance evaluation purposes. Operating segments and their principal products or services are as follows:

 

·

Air Medical Services (AMS) - provides air medical transportation services to the general population as an independent service and to hospitals or other institutions under exclusive operating agreements. Services include aircraft operation and maintenance, medical care, dispatch and communications, and medical billing and collection.

·

Tourism – provides helicopter tours and charter flights, primarily focusing on Grand Canyon and Hawaiian Island tours.

·

United Rotorcraft (UR) Division - designs, manufactures, and installs aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers.

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(7)

Business Segment Information, continued

 

For quarter ended March 31:		AMS				Tourism				UR				Corporate Activities				Intersegment Eliminations				Consolidated
2016
External revenue		$	235,215				27,246				6,937				—				—				269,398
Intersegment revenue			—				—				5,371				—				(5,371	)			—
Total revenue			235,215				27,246				12,308				—				(5,371	)			269,398
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(163,710	)			(23,421	)			(10,942	)			(12,366	)			4,623				(205,816	)
Depreciation & amortization			(18,824	)			(2,266	)			(897	)			(579	)			—				(22,566	)
Interest expense			(6,142	)			(1,069	)			—				(593	)			4				(7,800	)
Other income, net			515				17				—				(218	)			(4	)			310
Income tax expense			—				—				—				(13,102	)			—				(13,102	)
Segment net income (loss)			47,054				507				469				(26,858	)			(748	)			20,424
Less net loss attributable to non-controlling interests			(29	)			—				—				—				—				(29	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	47,083				507				469				(26,858	)			(748	)			20,453
2015
External revenue		$	205,941				28,221				4,134				3				—				238,299
Intersegment revenue			—				—				8,367				—				(8,367	)			—
Total revenue			205,941				28,221				12,501				3				(8,367	)			238,299
Operating expenses, excluding depreciation & amortization			(154,024	)			(24,515	)			(10,716	)			(10,814	)			7,601				(192,468	)
Depreciation & amortization			(16,932	)			(1,827	)			(749	)			(536	)			—				(20,044	)
Interest expense			(3,672	)			(782	)			—				(533	)			2				(4,985	)
Other income, net			561				1				—				(196	)			(2	)			364
Income tax expense			—				—				—				(8,290	)			—				(8,290	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations			31,874				1,098				1,036				(20,366	)			(766	)			12,876
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax			(9	)			—				—				—				—				(9	)
Segment net income (loss)			31,865				1,098				1,036				(20,366	)			(766	)			12,867
Less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests			(38	)			277				—				—				—				239
Net income (loss) attributable to Air Methods Corporation and subsidiaries		$	31,903				821				1,036				(20,366	)			(766	)			12,628

 

  

Air Methods Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, continued

(unaudited)

 

(8)

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of accounting for shared-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, forfeitures, and statement of cash flow classification. The Company elected to adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2016, as permitted, and to recognize forfeitures as they occur. Consequently, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect reduction of $80,000 in retained earnings as of January 1, 2016, for the change in accounting for forfeitures. In addition, an excess tax benefit of $12,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, has been reclassified from financing activities to operating activities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. All other provisions of the ASU have been adopted prospectively, as required.

 

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03, Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires that debt issuance costs be presented as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. Debt issuance costs of $126,000 and $480,000 as of December 31, 2015, have been reclassified from other assets to current installments of long-term debt and long-term debt, respectively, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, with a number of optional practical expedients. The Company has not yet determined which, if any, of the optional practical expedients it may elect to apply nor the effect that the ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for public entities to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, although early adoption will be permitted as of the original effective date (i.e., for periods beginning after December 15, 2016). In March and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU Nos. 2016-08 and 2016-10, respectively, to clarify guidance on specific provisions within ASU No. 2014-09. ASU No. 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

  

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion of the results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of this report. This report, including the information incorporated by reference, contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of any of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our possible or assumed future results; flight volume, collection rates and days’ sales outstanding for patient transports; size, structure and growth of our air medical services, aerial tourism, and products markets; continuation and/or renewal of hospital contracts; acquisition of new and profitable UR Division contracts; impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and other changes in laws and regulations; expected receipt of funds related to the decrease in purchase price of TSCF; delivery of new aircraft and disposition of older aircraft; commitments to purchase new aircraft; and other matters. The actual results that we achieve may differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors section of this report, in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and in other sections of this report, as well as in our annual report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

We provide air medical transportation services throughout the United States and design, manufacture, and install medical aircraft interiors and other aerospace products for domestic and international customers. We also provide tourism operations in and around the Grand Canyon and Hawaiian Islands. Our divisions, or business segments, are organized according to the type of service or product provided and consist of the following:

·

Air Medical Services (AMS) - provides air medical transportation services to the general population as an independent service (also called community-based services) and to hospitals or other institutions under exclusive operating agreements (also called hospital-based services). Patient transport revenue consists of flight fees billed directly to patients, their insurers, or governmental agencies, and cash flow is dependent upon collection from these individuals or entities. Air medical services contract revenue consists of fixed monthly fees (approximately 80% of total contract revenue) and hourly flight fees (approximately 20% of total contract revenue) billed to hospitals or other institutions. In the first quarter of 2016, the AMS Division generated 87% of our total revenue, compared to 86% in the first quarter of 2015.

·

Tourism Division – provides helicopter tours and charter flights, primarily focusing on Grand Canyon and Hawaiian Island tours. In the first quarter of 2016, the Tourism Division generated 10% of our total revenue, compared to 12% in the first quarter of 2015.

·

United Rotorcraft (UR) Division - designs, manufactures, and installs aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers. In the first quarter of 2016, the UR Division generated 3% of our total revenue, compared to 2% in the first quarter of 2015.

 

See Note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this report for operating results by segment.

 

  

We believe that the following factors have the greatest impact on our results of operations and financial condition:

 

·

Patient transport volume. Almost all of patient transport revenue is derived from flight fees, as compared to approximately 20% of AMS contract revenue. By contrast, 87% of AMS operating costs incurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, was mainly fixed in nature. While flight volume is affected by many factors, including competition and the effectiveness of marketing and business development initiatives, the greatest single variable has historically been weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions—such as fog, high winds, or heavy precipitation—hamper our ability to operate our aircraft safely and, therefore, result in reduced flight volume. Further, prolonged periods of adverse weather conditions may lead referring agencies to incorrectly assume that our bases are out-of-service for weather even though that is not the case, thereby leading to decreases in requests and patient transports. Total patient transports for community-based locations were 16,980 for the first quarter of 2016 compared to 13,852 for the first quarter of 2015. Patient transports for community-based locations open longer than one year (Same-Base Transports) were 13,965 in the first quarter of 2016, compared to 13,551 in the first quarter of 2015. Cancellations due to unfavorable weather conditions for community-based locations open longer than one year were 454 lower in the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Requests for community-based services increased 1.7% for bases open greater than one year.

 

·

Reimbursement per transport. We respond to calls for air medical transports without pre-screening third-party payer coverage or creditworthiness of the patient and are subject to collection risk for services provided to insured and uninsured patients. Medicare and Medicaid also receive contractual discounts from our standard charges for flight services. Patient transport revenue is recorded net of provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care. Both provisions are estimated during the period the related services are performed based on historical collection experience and any known trends or changes in reimbursement rate schedules and payer mix. The provisions are adjusted as required based on actual collections in subsequent periods. Net reimbursement per patient transport is primarily a function of collection rate, payer mix, and timely and effective collection efforts. Both the pace of collections and the ultimate collection rate are affected by the overall health of the U.S. economy, which impacts the number of indigent patients and funding for state-run programs, such as Medicaid. Medicaid reimbursement rates in many jurisdictions have remained well below the cost of providing air medical transportation.

 

Private insurers may also take additional time to review claims and related documentation, including proof of medical necessity, and increase the frequency of such reviews, thus elongating the collection cycle. The collection rate and cycle may also both be impacted if private insurers pay patients directly rather than remitting payment to the Company.

 

One of the primary goals of PPACA was to decrease the number of uninsured Americans. We believe that the movement from self-pay patients to Medicaid in our payer mix shown below is attributable to the expansion of Medicaid eligibility under PPACA. To date, we have not experienced an increase in the percentage of transports covered by private insurance as a result of PPACA.

 

Net reimbursement per transport decreased 0.2% in the first quarter of 2016, compared to 2015, attributed to recent price increases net of deteriorations in payer mix and collection rate. Payer mix inclusive of TSCF, based on number of transports, was as follows:

 

		For quarters ended  March 31,
		2016				2015
Private insurance carriers			26.2	%			27.0	%
Government-sponsored insurance plans			3.7	%			3.6	%
Medicare			35.6	%			34.8	%
Medicaid			24.5	%			23.9	%
Self-pay patients			10.0	%			10.7	%

 

  

Excluding the effect of TSCF, private insurance carriers represented 26.9% of total transports for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

 

Although price increases generally increase the net reimbursement per transport from insurance payers, the amount per transport collectible from private patient payers, Medicare, and Medicaid does not increase proportionately with price increases. Therefore, depending upon overall payer mix, price increases will usually result in an increase in the percentage of uncollectible accounts. Certain insurance companies have also not increased their reimbursement rates proportionately with recent price increases to the same extent they did with previous price increases. Continued price increases may cause insurance companies to limit coverage for air medical transport to amounts less than our historical collection rates.

 

·

Tourism passenger count. Tourism revenue is entirely derived from passenger fees, but 74% of tourism operating costs incurred during the first quarter of 2016 was mainly fixed in nature. Passenger count is impacted by many variables, including weather, competition, and tour prices. Because international travelers account for a significant number of tourism customers, flight volume may also be impacted by worldwide economic conditions and international currency exchange rates. Total Tourism passenger count decreased to 95,593 in the first quarter of 2016 from 100,196 in the first quarter of 2015.

 

·

Aircraft maintenance. AMS and Tourism operations are directly affected by fluctuations in aircraft maintenance costs. Proper operation of the aircraft by flight crews and standardized maintenance practices can help to contain maintenance costs. Increases in spare parts prices from original equipment manufacturers tend to be higher for aircraft which are no longer in production. In addition, on-condition components are more likely to require replacement with age. During the first quarter of 2015, we entered into an agreement to take delivery of 200 Bell 407GXP helicopters beginning in 2016 over a ten-year term, subject to an early termination right exercisable by us. Since January 1, 2015, we have taken delivery of 35 new aircraft, including four Bell 407GXP helicopters, and expect to take delivery of eleven additional new aircraft through the end of 2016. We have replaced discontinued models and other older aircraft with the new aircraft, as well as provided capacity for base expansion. Replacement models of aircraft typically have higher ownership costs than the models targeted for replacement but lower maintenance costs. Total AMS aircraft maintenance expense decreased 21.3% from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2016, while total flight hours for AMS operations increased 13.6% over the same period. Excluding TSCF operations, AMS aircraft maintenance expense decreased 27.3%, compared to an increase of 5.9% in total flights hours for corresponding operations. Aircraft maintenance expense for the Tourism Division decreased 1.0% in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, reflecting a 4.7% decrease in total flight hours. The change in maintenance expense reflects normal fluctuations in the timing of overhaul and replacement cycles for aircraft parts. During the first quarter of 2015, we also incurred $2.6 million to remediate certification documentation issues related to Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) installations in certain of our aircraft.

 

·

Competitive pressures from low-cost providers. We are recognized within the industry for our standard of service and our use of cabin-class aircraft. Many of our competitors utilize aircraft with lower ownership and operating costs and do not require a similar level of experience for aviation and medical personnel. Reimbursement rates established by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance providers are not contingent upon the type of aircraft used or the experience of personnel. However, we believe that higher quality standards help to differentiate our service from competitors and, therefore, lead to higher utilization.

 

·

Employee recruitment and relations. The ability to deliver quality services is partially dependent upon our ability to hire and retain employees who have advanced aviation, nursing, and other technical skills. In addition, hospital contracts typically contain minimum certification requirements for pilots and mechanics. Our AMS pilots are represented by a collective bargaining unit and are covered under a collective bargaining agreement which is effective through December 31, 2016. Other employee groups may also elect to be represented by unions in the future.

 

  

Results of Operations

 

We reported net income of $20,453,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, compared to $12,628,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Same-Base Transports were 3.1% higher in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, while net reimbursement per patient transport decreased 0.2%, primarily as a result of recent price increases net of a deterioration in payer mix and collection rate.

 

Air Medical Services

 

Patient transport revenue is recorded net of provisions for contractual discounts and uncompensated care and increased $36,016,000, or 22.3%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, compared to 2015, for the following reasons:

·

Net revenue of $15,274,000 from TSCF’s operations during the first quarter of 2016.

·

Increase in Same-Base Transports of 414, or 3.1%, in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 2015. Cancellations due to unfavorable weather conditions for bases open longer than one year were 454 lower in the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Requests for community-based services increased 1.7% for bases open greater than one year.

·

Decrease of 0.2% in net reimbursement per transport for the first quarter of 2016, compared to 2015, due primarily to recent price increases net of a deterioration in payer mix and collection rate.

·

Incremental net revenue of $23,623,000 generated from the addition of 27 new bases, including thirteen bases resulting from the conversion of hospital contracts, during or subsequent to the first quarter of 2015.

·

Closure of nine bases due to insufficient flight volume during or subsequent to the first quarter of 2015, resulting in a decrease in net revenue of approximately $3,191,000.

 

Air medical services contract revenue decreased $6,995,000, or 17.2%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, compared to 2015, for the following reasons:

·

Cessation of service under three contracts and the conversion of three contracts to community-based operations subsequent to the first quarter of 2015, resulting in a decrease in revenue of approximately $8,092,000.

·

Incremental revenue of $829,000 generated from the expansion of three contracts to additional bases of operation during 2015 or 2016.

·

Decrease of 0.7% in flight volume for all contracts, excluding the contract expansions and closed contracts described above.

·

Annual price increases in the majority of contracts based on stipulated contractual increases or changes in the Consumer Price Index or spare parts prices from aircraft manufacturers.

 

Flight center costs (consisting primarily of pilot, mechanic, and medical staff salaries and benefits) increased $12,279,000, or 13.1%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, compared to 2015, for the following reasons:

·

Flight center costs of $5,393,000 related to TSCF’s operations during the first quarter of 2016.

·

Increase of approximately $11,598,000 for the addition of personnel to staff new base locations described above.

·

Decrease of $5,250,000 due to the closure of base locations described above.

 

Aircraft operating expenses decreased $5,428,000, or 14.5%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, in comparison to the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Aircraft operating expenses consist primarily of fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs for AMS operations and generally are a function of the size of the fleet, type of aircraft flown, and number of hours flown. The change in costs is due to the following:

·

Aircraft operating expenses of $2,152,000 related to TSCF’s fleet during the first quarter of 2016.

·

Decrease of $8,073,000, or 27.3%, in AMS aircraft maintenance expense to $21,552,000, excluding the effect of the TSCF fleet. Total flight volume for corresponding AMS operations increased 5.9% for the first quarter of 2016 compared to 2015. The change in maintenance expense reflects normal fluctuations in the timing of overhaul and replacement cycles for aircraft parts. During the first quarter of 2015, we also incurred $2,635,000 to remediate certification documentation issues related to NVIS installations in certain of our aircraft.

·

Decrease of approximately 36.1% in the cost of aircraft fuel per hour flown for AMS operations. Excluding the effect of the TSCF fleet, total fuel cost decreased by $1,249,000 to a total expense of $3,403,000 for 2016.

·

Decrease in hull insurance rates effective July 2015.

 

  

Tourism

 

Tourism and charter revenue decreased $994,000, or 3.5%, for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015, reflecting a decrease in tourism passengers from 100,196 to 95,593.

 

Tourism operating expenses consist primarily of pilot and mechanic salaries and benefits; aircraft maintenance, fuel, and insurance; landing fees; commissions; and cost of tour amenities and typically vary with passenger count, flight volume, and number and type of aircraft. Expenses decreased $767,000, or 3.9%, in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015 for the following reasons:

·

Decrease in the number of passengers, as described above.

·

Decrease of $75,000, or 1.0%, in tourism aircraft maintenance expense to $7,107,000 in the first quarter of 2016 compared to 2015, reflecting a decrease of 4.7% in total flight hours, as well as normal fluctuations in the timing of overhaul and replacement cycles for aircraft parts.

·

Decrease of 26.5% in the cost of aircraft fuel per hour flown for tourism operations.

 

Medical Interiors and Products

 

Medical interiors and products revenue increased $2,820,000, or 68.2%, for the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015. Significant projects during the first quarter of 2016 included the completion of six multi-mission interiors for the U.S. Army’s HH-60M helicopter and work under two contracts for a total of 73 interior kits for an older generation of the Black Hawk helicopter. Revenue by product line was as follows:

·

$5,390,000 – governmental entities

·

$1,567,000 – commercial customers

 

Significant projects during the first quarter of 2015 included the completion of six multi-mission interiors for the U.S. Army’s HH-60M helicopter and work on two contracts for commercial customers. Revenue by product line was as follows:

·

$3,157,000 – governmental entities

·

$980,000 – commercial customers

 

Cost of medical interiors and products increased $2,779,000, or 86.8%, for the first quarter of 2016, as compared to the previous year, due primarily to the increase in related revenue. Cost of medical interiors and products also includes certain fixed costs, such as administrative salaries and facilities rent, which do not vary with volume of sales and which are absorbed by both projects for external customers and interdivisional projects.

 

General

 

Depreciation and amortization increased $2,522,000, or 12.6%, for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015. Depreciation related to TSCF’s fixed assets was approximately $469,000 and amortization of TSCF’s intangible assets was $701,000 for the first quarter of 2016. In addition, since March 31, 2015, we have placed 29 aircraft with a total depreciable basis of $88.0 million into service. These increases were offset, in part, by the buyout of nineteen aircraft which were previously leased under capital lease obligations since March 31, 2015. Aircraft under capital leases are amortized over the terms of the underlying leases with no assigned salvage value. Aircraft which are owned directly are depreciated over a 25-year life, based on the year of manufacture, with a 25% salvage value. As a result, the buyout of aircraft from capital lease obligations results in a decrease in depreciation expense.

 

  

General and administrative (G&A) expenses increased $3,667,000, or 10.3%, for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015. G&A expenses include executive management, legal, accounting and finance, billing and collections, information services, human resources, aviation management, pilot training, dispatch and communications, AMS program administration, and tourism customer service and reservations. G&A expenses directly attributable to TSCF operations totaled $1,586,000 for the first quarter of 2016. We also incurred $755,000 in legal and other TSCF acquisition-related expenses. Since March 31, 2015, we have opened a net of 18 new community-based locations, contributing to an increase in billing and collections, dispatch, and AMS program administration requirements.

 

Interest expense increased $2,815,000, or 56.5%, for the first quarter of 2016, compared to the first quarter of 2015, primarily due to $220 million of term loans originated during January 2016 to finance the acquisition of TSCF. In addition, we carried an average balance of $20.3 million against our line of credit in the first quarter of 2016, compared to no balance in the first quarter of 2015.

 

Income tax expense was $13,102,000 in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $8,290,000 in the first quarter of 2015, at effective tax rates of approximately 39.1% and 39.2%, respectively. Changes in our effective tax rate are affected by the apportionment of revenue and income before taxes for the various jurisdictions in which we operate and by changing tax laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our working capital position as of March 31, 2016, was $337,979,000, compared to $323,821,000 at December 31, 2015. Cash generated by continuing operations was $42,370,000 in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $34,504,000 in the first quarter of 2015, reflecting the results of operations described above. Receivables decreased $11.8 million during the first quarter of 2016, compared to increasing $475,000 during the first quarter of 2015. Excluding the effect of TSCF, days’ sales outstanding (DSO’s) related to patient transports, measured by comparing net patient transport revenue for the annualized previous six-month period to outstanding open net accounts receivable, were 150 at March 31, 2016, compared to 129 at March 31, 2015. The increase in DSO’s is attributed in part to additional time taken by private insurers to review claims and related documentation, including proof of medical necessity, prior to processing and to an increase in the number of accounts subjected to the extended review process by private insurers. We do not expect the claims processing times for private insurers to improve in the near-term. The increase in patient transport receivables caused by increasing DSO’s was offset in part by decreases in receivables for AMS contracts, consistent with decreases in related revenue.

 

Cash used by continuing investing activities totaled $260,119,000 in the first quarter of 2016 compared to $26,073,000 in the first quarter of 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, we acquired TSCF for $217.2 million (net of cash deposits acquired) and completed the buyout of our minority partners in Blue Hawaiian Holdings, LLC, for $8.8 million. Equipment acquisitions in the first quarter of 2016 included the purchase of seven aircraft for approximately $26.2 million and the buyout of three previously leased aircraft for $4.5 million. Equipment acquisitions in the first quarter of 2015 included the purchase of six aircraft for approximately $19.1 million.

 

Continuing financing activities provided $217,026,000 in 2016 compared to $3,254,000 in 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, we utilized $220 million of new term loans under the senior credit facility to finance the acquisition of TSCF and originated seven notes totaling $28.1 million to finance the acquisition of new aircraft. We also repurchased 347,522 shares of our common stock on the open market for $13.4 million. During the first quarter of 2015, we originated seven notes totaling $21.1 million primarily to finance the acquisition of aircraft.

 

In the first quarter of 2015, we entered into an agreement to purchase 200 Bell 407GXP helicopters totaling $882.6 million over a ten-year term beginning in 2016. We expect to take delivery of a total of twelve aircraft under this agreement in 2016, including four which have already been delivered. In the event we exercise our right to termination for convenience or are prevented from taking or decline to take delivery of the aircraft for any other reason, we may forfeit nonrefundable deposits up to $6.3 million. We intend to use the new aircraft for base expansion opportunities as well as to replace older models of aircraft in the fleet. We plan to either sell the aircraft which are replaced, use them for spare parts, or redeploy them into the backup fleet.

 

  

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

On an on-going basis, management evaluates our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, deferred income taxes, and valuation of long-lived assets and goodwill. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue relating to tourism and charter flights is recognized upon completion of the services. Fixed contract revenue under our operating agreements with hospitals is recognized monthly over the terms of the agreements. Revenue relating to patient transports is recognized upon completion of the services and is recorded net of provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care. Both provisions are estimated during the period related services are performed based on historical collection experience and any known trends or changes in reimbursement rate schedules and payer mix. The provisions are adjusted as required based on actual collections in subsequent periods. We have from time to time experienced delays in reimbursement from third-party payers. In addition, third-party payers may disallow, in whole or in part, claims for reimbursement based on determinations that certain amounts are not reimbursable under plan coverage, determinations of medical necessity, or the need for additional information. Laws and regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid programs are very complex and subject to interpretation. We also provide services to patients who have no insurance or other third-party payer coverage. There can be no guarantee that we will continue to experience the same collection rates that we have in the past. If actual future collections are more or less than those projected by management, adjustments to allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care may be required. Based on related patient transport revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, a change of 100 basis points in the percentage of estimated contractual discounts and uncompensated care would have resulted in a change of approximately $8,550,000 in patient transport revenue.

 

Revenue related to fixed fee medical interior and products contracts is recorded as costs are incurred using the percentage of completion method of accounting. We estimate the percentage of completion based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of an estimate of the total costs to complete the project. Losses on contracts in process are recognized when determined. If total costs to complete a project are greater or less than estimated, the gross margin on the project may be greater or less than originally recorded under the percentage of completion method.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for public entities to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, although early adoption will be permitted as of the original effective date (i.e., for periods beginning after December 15, 2016). In March and April 2016, the FASB issued ASU Nos. 2016-08 and 2016-10, respectively, to clarify guidance on specific provisions within ASU No. 2014-09. The ASU permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We have not yet selected a transition method and are currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

In preparation of the consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items, such as depreciable assets, for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in the consolidated balance sheets. We then assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recoverable from future taxable income in the respective federal or state jurisdiction as appropriate and record a valuation allowance for those amounts we believe are not likely to be realized. We consider estimated future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and the expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences in assessing the need for a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. Establishing or increasing a valuation allowance in a period increases income tax expense. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would increase income in the period such determination was made. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in statutory tax rates applicable to the Company is also recognized in income in the period of the change. We evaluate the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the tax position and applicable tax law and other tax pronouncements. Changes in our estimates of uncertain tax positions would be recognized as an adjustment to income tax expense in the period of the change.

 

Long-lived Assets Valuation

 

In accounting for long-lived assets, we make estimates about the expected useful lives, projected residual values and the potential for impairment. Estimates of useful lives and residual values of aircraft are based upon actual industry experience with the same or similar aircraft types and anticipated utilization of the aircraft. Changing market prices of new and used aircraft, government regulations and changes in our maintenance program or operations could result in changes to these estimates. Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Our cash flow estimates are based on historical results adjusted for estimated current industry trends, the economy, and operating conditions.

 

Goodwill Valuation

 

We evaluate goodwill annually in accordance with ASU No. 2011-08, Testing for Goodwill Impairment, which allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Factors considered include overall economic conditions within our markets, access to capital, changes in the cost of operations, the financial performance of the Company, and change in our stock price during the year. Based upon our qualitative assessment of factors impacting the value of goodwill as of December 31, 2015, we determined that it was not likely that the fair value of any reporting unit was less than its carrying amount and that a quantitative assessment of goodwill was not necessary. Changes in these factors or a sustained decline in general economic conditions could change our conclusion regarding an impairment of goodwill and potentially result in a non-cash impairment loss in a future period.

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in market risk at March 31, 2016, from that reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, except as follows:

 

We are subject to interest rate risk on our debt obligations and notes receivable, all of which have fixed interest rates except our line of credit, which had no outstanding balance at March 31, 2016, and $457,875,000 in notes payable. Based on the amounts outstanding at March 31, 2016, the annual impact of a change of 100 basis points in interest rates would be approximately $4,579,000. Interest rates on these instruments approximate current market rates as of March 31, 2016.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission’s rules and forms, and that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive and financial officers (referred to in this report as the Certifying Officers), as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Certifying Officers, evaluated the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2016, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Certifying Officers have concluded that, as of March 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recently completed fiscal quarter 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

 

There have been no material changes in legal proceedings from those disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we purchased shares of our common stock on the open market as follows:

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs				Approximate Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
January 1 – 31, 2016			319,022			$	38.95				319,022				$174.1 million
February 1 – 29, 2016			—				—				—				—
March 1 – 31, 2016			28,500			$	35.04				28,500				$173.1 million

 

On August 6, 2015, we publicly announced our Board of Directors’ approval of a repurchase program of up to $200 million of our common stock. The program as approved by the Board does not have an expiration date; however, future purchases may be subject to restrictions by the terms of our senior credit facility.

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 4.

Reserved

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

Not Applicable.

 

  

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

10.1

Cooperation Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2016, by and between Air Methods Corporation and Voce Capital Management LLC1

 

31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32

Certification adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

1

Filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

  

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.

 

	AIR METHODS CORPORATION
Date:  May 6, 2016	By	/s/ Aaron D. Todd
		Aaron D. Todd
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:  May 6, 2016	By	/s/ Trent J. Carman
		Trent J. Carman
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)
Date:  May 6, 2016	By	/s/ Sharon J. Keck
		Sharon J. Keck
		Chief Accounting Officer
		(Principal Accounting Officer)