air10q123110.htm
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 December 31, 2010
 
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 0-11720
 
Air T, Inc.
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
                                       Delaware                                                                                                                            52-1206400
       (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)                                                                                        (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


3524 Airport Road, Maiden, North Carolina 28650
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
                            (828) 464 –8741                  
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


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                                      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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Large Accelerated Filer _______    Accelerated Filer________     Non-Accelerated Filer________     Smaller Reporting Company___X____
          (Do not check if 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____
 

 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

       Common Stock                                                                           Outstanding Shares at January 21, 2011
              Common Shares, par value of $.25 per share                                                                   2,431,286

 
 

 

 
AIR T, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     
 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
     
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
         
     
Page
 
 
PART I
     
         
Item 1.
Financial statements
     
         
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    3  
 
Three Months and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
       
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    4  
 
December 31, 2010 (Unaudited) and March 31, 2010
       
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    5  
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
       
           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
    6  
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
       
           
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
    7  
           
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    10  
           
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market risk
    16  
           
Item 4(T).
Controls and Procedures
    16  
           
           
 
PART II
       
           
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
    16  
Item 6.
Exhibits
    16  
 
Signatures
    17  
 
Exhibit Index
    18  
 
Certifications
    19  
           
 
 
 
 

 

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

AIR T, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating Revenues:
                       
Overnight air cargo
  $ 10,718,997     $ 9,991,420     $ 29,963,524     $ 28,594,095  
Ground equipment sales
    10,036,373       9,769,016       20,980,186       25,964,537  
Ground support services
    1,558,320       2,560,691       6,564,539       6,852,590  
      22,313,690       22,321,127       57,508,249       61,411,222  
                                 
Operating Expenses:
                               
Flight-air cargo
    4,522,341       4,516,982       13,139,044       12,797,373  
Maintenance-air cargo
    4,632,982       4,038,547       12,244,359       11,312,464  
Ground equipment sales
    8,375,763       7,477,230       17,338,331       19,438,142  
Ground support services
    1,150,276       1,801,877       4,851,226       4,887,652  
General and administrative
    2,631,419       2,612,140       7,520,060       7,824,147  
Depreciation and amortization
    86,329       105,706       273,912       317,070  
      21,399,110       20,552,482       55,366,932       56,576,848  
                                 
Operating Income
    914,580       1,768,645       2,141,317       4,834,374  
                                 
Non-operating Income (Expense):
                               
Gain on retirement plan settlement
    -       -       -       8,460  
Interest expense
    (208 )     (262 )     (1,563 )     (17,182 )
Investment income
    19,447       20,875       115,795       75,454  
Other
    3,700       -       3,700       (2,826 )
      22,939       20,613       117,932       63,906  
                                 
Earnings Before Income Taxes
    937,519       1,789,258       2,259,249       4,898,280  
                                 
Income Taxes
    339,000       542,000       816,000       1,686,000  
                                 
                                 
Net Earnings
  $ 598,519     $ 1,247,258     $ 1,443,249     $ 3,212,280  
                                 
Earnings Per Share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.25     $ 0.51     $ 0.59     $ 1.32  
            $ 0.51                  
Diluted
  $ 0.24     $ 0.51     $ 0.58     $ 1.32  
                                 
Dividends Declared Per Share
  $ -     $ -     $ 0.33     $ 0.33  
                                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
                         
Basic
    2,431,286       2,424,486       2,431,301       2,424,486  
Diluted
    2,452,589       2,459,754       2,468,496       2,434,751  
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
                         

 

 


AIR T, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
   
December 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
 
ASSETS
 
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6,136,011     $ 9,777,587  
Short-term investments
    50,000       2,254,589  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for
               
  doubtful accounts of $74,000 and $89,000
    10,890,138       5,601,064  
Notes and other non-trade receivables-current
    228,595       570,931  
Income tax receivable
    373,654       467,000  
Inventories
    12,628,592       6,843,347  
Deferred income taxes
    496,000       404,000  
Prepaid expenses and other
    524,250       360,635  
  Total Current Assets
    31,327,240       26,279,153  
                 
Property and Equipment, net
    1,216,713       1,317,290  
                 
Deferred Income Taxes
    443,000       372,000  
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies
    1,548,839       1,497,836  
Notes and Other Non-Trade Receivables-LongTerm
    152,855       50,000  
Other Assets
    81,007       87,968  
  Total Assets
  $ 34,769,654     $ 29,604,247  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 7,127,626     $ 2,623,590  
Accrued expenses
    2,086,233       2,059,373  
Current portion of long-term obligations
    11,434       13,573  
 Total Current Liabilities
    9,225,293       4,696,536  
                 
Long-term Obligations
    -       7,071  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 50,000 shares authorized
    -       -  
Common stock, $.25 par value; 4,000,000 shares authorized,
         
  2,431,286 and 2,431,326 shares issued and outstanding
    607,821       607,831  
Additional paid-in capital
    6,236,898       6,234,079  
Retained earnings
    18,699,642       18,058,730  
  Total Stockholders' Equity
    25,544,361       24,900,640  
  Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 34,769,654     $ 29,604,247  
                 
                 
                 
                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
         

 

 


AIR T, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net earnings
  $ 1,443,249     $ 3,212,280  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
               
  cash used in operating activities:
               
Loss on sale of assets
    3,700       2,839  
Change in accounts receivable and inventory reserves
    80,523       27,657  
Depreciation and amortization
    273,912       317,070  
Change in cash surrender value of life insurance
    (51,003 )     (51,003 )
Deferred income taxes
    (163,000 )     288,000  
Gain on retirement plan settlement
    -       (8,460 )
Warranty reserve
    93,308       100,002  
Compensation expense related to stock options
    3,200       134,125  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
  Accounts receivable
    (5,274,742 )     (5,373,054 )
  Notes receivable and other non-trade receivables
    239,481       233,963  
  Inventories
    (5,879,551 )     905,467  
  Prepaid expenses and other
    (160,901 )     (86,319 )
  Accounts payable
    4,504,036       494,622  
  Accrued expenses
    (66,448 )     (664,268 )
  Accrued  compensation to executive
    -       (941,540 )
  Income taxes receivable
    93,346       81,000  
Total adjustments
    (6,304,139 )     (4,539,899 )
 Net cash used in operating activities
    (4,860,890 )     (1,327,619 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from sale of investments, net
    2,204,589       900  
Capital expenditures
    (173,337 )     (103,428 )
Stock repurchase
    (391 )     -  
 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    2,030,861       (102,528 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Aircraft term loan payments
    -       (450,035 )
Payment of cash dividend
    (802,337 )     (800,080 )
Payment on capital leases
    (9,210 )     (19,585 )
 Net cash used in financing activities
    (811,547 )     (1,269,700 )
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (3,641,576 )     (2,699,847 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    9,777,587       6,852,713  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 6,136,011     $ 4,152,866  
                 
                 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
         
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 2,083     $ 21,924  
Income taxes
    886,000       1,318,000  
                 
                 
                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
               

 

 

 

AIR T, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)


 
   
Common Stock
   
Additional
         
Total
 
               
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Stockholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Equity
 
Balance, March 31, 2009
    2,424,486     $ 606,121     $ 6,045,330     $ 15,101,787     $ 21,753,238  
                                         
Net earnings
                            3,212,280       3,212,280  
                                         
Cash dividend ($0.33 per share)
                            (800,080 )     (800,080 )
                                         
Compensation expense related to
                                       
    stock options
                    134,125               134,125  
Balance, December 31, 2009
    2,424,486     $ 606,121     $ 6,179,455     $ 17,513,987     $ 24,299,563  
                                         
                                         
                                         
                                         
                                         
   
Common Stock
   
Additional
           
Total
 
                   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Stockholders'
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Equity
 
Balance, March 31, 2010
    2,431,326     $ 607,831     $ 6,234,079     $ 18,058,730     $ 24,900,640  
                                         
Net earnings
                            1,443,249       1,443,249  
                                         
Cash dividend ($0.33 per share)
                            (802,337 )     (802,337 )
                                         
Compensation expense related to
                                       
    stock options
                    3,200               3,200  
                                         
Stock repurchase
    (40 )     (10 )     (381 )             (391 )
Balance, December 31, 2010
    2,431,286     $ 607,821     $ 6,236,898     $ 18,699,642     $ 25,544,361  
                                         
                                         
                                         
                                         
                                         
                                         
                                         
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
                 
 
 
 

 

 


AIR T, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)



1.  
Financial Statement Presentation

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Air T, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the following disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been made.

It is suggested that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010.  The results of operations for the periods ended December 31 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

2.  
Income Taxes

The tax effect of temporary differences, primarily asset reserves, stock-based compensation and accrued liabilities, gave rise to the Company's deferred tax assets in the accompanying December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 consolidated balance sheets. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of such temporary differences at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when the differences reverse.

The income tax provisions for the respective three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 differ from the federal statutory rate primarily as a result of state income taxes offset by permanent tax differences, including the federal production deduction.

3.  
Net Earnings Per Share

The Company calculates basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period.  For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share, shares issuable under employee stock options were considered potential common shares and were included in the weighted average common shares unless they were anti-dilutive.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is as follows:

   
Three Months Ended December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Net earnings
  $ 598,519     $ 1,247,258     $ 1,443,249     $ 3,212,280  
                                 
Earnings Per Share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.25     $ 0.51     $ 0.59     $ 1.32  
Diluted
  $ 0.24     $ 0.51     $ 0.58     $ 1.32  
                                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
                               
Basic
    2,431,286       2,424,486       2,431,301       2,424,486  
Diluted
    2,452,589       2,459,754       2,468,496       2,434,751  
                                 


For the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, options to acquire 13,500 and 16,000 shares of common stock, and for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, options to acquire 1,000 and 31,000 shares of common stock, were not included in computing diluted earnings per common share because their effects were anti-dilutive.
 
 
 
7

 

4.  
Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:
 

   
December 31,
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
 Aircraft parts and supplies
  $ 128,261     $ 124,777  
 Ground equipment manufacturing:
               
Raw materials
    9,483,045       5,029,982  
Work in process
    2,052,021       415,920  
Finished goods
    1,661,309       1,873,857  
 Total inventories
    13,324,636       7,444,536  
 Reserves
    (696,044 )     (601,189 )
                 
Total, net of reserves
  $ 12,628,592     $ 6,843,347  
                 


5.  
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains stock-based compensation plans which allow for the issuance of stock options to officers, other key employees of the Company, and to members of the Board of Directors.  The Company accounts for stock compensation using fair value recognition provisions.

No options were exercised during the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.  Options for 2,500 shares were granted to a Director during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010.  Stock-based compensation expense has been recognized in the amount of $1,600 and $3,440 for each of the three-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3,200 and $134,125 for each of the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  At December 31, 2010, there was $3,200 of unrecognized compensation expense to be recognized through June 30, 2011.

6.  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company measures and reports financial assets and liabilities at their fair value, on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).

The Company’s assets measured at fair value (all Level 1 categories) were as follows:


   
Fair Value Measurements at
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
March 31, 2010
 
             
Short-term investments
  $ 50,000     $ 2,254,589  
                 


Short-term investments consist of certificates of deposit placed through individual banks as well as CDARS, with original maturities of six to fifteen months.    The original cost of the assets is equal to fair value.

7.  
Financing Arrangements

The Company has a $7,000,000 secured long-term revolving credit line with an expiration date of August 31, 2012.  The revolving credit line contains customary events of default, a subjective acceleration clause and a fixed charge coverage requirement, with which the Company was in compliance at December 31, 2010.  There is no requirement for the Company to maintain a lock-box arrangement under this agreement.  The amount of credit available to the Company under the agreement at any given time is determined by an availability calculation, based on the eligible borrowing base, as defined in the credit agreement, which includes the Company’s outstanding receivables, inventories and equipment, with certain exclusions, less any outstanding letters of credit.  At December 31, 2010, $7,000,000 was available under the terms of the credit facility and no amounts were outstanding.  Amounts advanced under the credit facility bear interest at the 30-day “LIBOR” rate (0.26% at December 31, 2010) plus 150 basis points.
 
 
8

 
 
The Company assumes various financial obligations and commitments in the normal course of its operations and financing activities.  Financial obligations are considered to represent known future cash payments that the Company is required to make under existing contractual arrangements such as debt and lease agreements.
 
  
8.  
Segment Information
The Company operates in three business segments.  The overnight air cargo segment, comprised of its Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. (“MAC”) and CSA Air, Inc. (“CSA”) subsidiaries, operates in the air express delivery services industry.  The ground equipment sales segment, comprised of its Global Ground Support, LLC (“GGS”) subsidiary, manufactures and provides mobile deicers and other specialized equipment products to passenger and cargo airlines, airports, the military and industrial customers.  The ground support services segment, comprised of its Global Aviation Services, LLC (“GAS”) subsidiary, provides ground support equipment maintenance and facilities maintenance services to domestic airlines and aviation service providers.  Each business segment has separate management teams and infrastructures that offer different products and services.  The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on operating income.
 
Segment data is summarized as follows:
 

   
Three Months Ended December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating Revenues:
                       
Overnight Air Cargo
  $ 10,718,997     $ 9,991,420     $ 29,963,524     $ 28,594,095  
Ground Equipment Sales:
                               
   Domestic
    6,291,824       8,109,459       11,796,050       20,139,466  
   International
    3,744,549       1,659,557       9,184,136       5,825,071  
Total Ground Equipment Sales
    10,036,373       9,769,016       20,980,186       25,964,537  
Ground Support Services
    1,558,320       2,560,691       6,564,539       6,852,590  
Total
  $ 22,313,690     $ 22,321,127     $ 57,508,249     $ 61,411,222  
                                 
Operating Income (Loss):
                               
Overnight Air Cargo
  $ 773,159     $ 627,161     $ 2,169,216     $ 2,027,105  
Ground Equipment Sales
    581,060       1,280,647       780,348       3,588,369  
Ground Support Services
    62,223       397,433       593,262       962,724  
Corporate
    (501,862 )     (536,596 )     (1,401,509 )     (1,743,824 )
Total
  $ 914,580     $ 1,768,645     $ 2,141,317     $ 4,834,374  
                                 
Capital Expenditures:
                               
Overnight Air Cargo
  $ 7,650     $ 5,849     $ 31,804     $ 40,434  
Ground Equipment Sales
    37,457       -       53,149       20,436  
Ground Support Services
    41,850       -       74,490       13,304  
Corporate
    2,369       517       13,894       29,254  
Total
  $ 89,326     $ 6,366     $ 173,337     $ 103,428  
                                 
Depreciation and Amortization:
                         
Overnight Air Cargo
  $ 49,995     $ 52,124     $ 147,556     $ 158,271  
Ground Equipment Sales
    6,029       12,971       17,266       38,119  
Ground Support Services
    18,746       27,477       73,700       81,699  
Corporate
    11,559       13,134       35,390       38,981  
Total
  $ 86,329     $ 105,706     $ 273,912     $ 317,070  
                                 


 
9.  
Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is currently involved in certain personal injury matters, which involve pending or threatened lawsuits.  Those claims are subject to defense under the Company's liability insurance program and management believes that the results of these threatened or pending lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
 
 
9

 
 
 
10.  
Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated all events or transactions through the date of this filing.  During this period, the Company did not have any material subsequent events that impacted its consolidated financial statements.


Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

The Company operates in three business segments.  The overnight air cargo segment, comprised of its Mountain Air Cargo, Inc. (“MAC”) and CSA Air, Inc. (“CSA”) subsidiaries, operates in the air express delivery services industry.  The ground equipment sales segment, comprised of its Global Ground Support, LLC (“GGS”) subsidiary, manufactures and provides mobile deicers and other specialized equipment products to both domestic and international customers including passenger and cargo airlines, airports, the U.S. military and industrial customers.  The ground support services segment, comprised of its Global Aviation Services, LLC (“GAS”) subsidiary, provides ground support equipment maintenance and facilities maintenance services to domestic airlines and aviation service providers.  Each business segment has separate management teams and infrastructures that offer different products and services.  The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on operating income.
 
Following is a table detailing revenues by segment and by major customer category:


(In thousands)
 
 
                                           
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                                 
Overnight Air Cargo Segment:
                                               
    FedEx
  $ 10,719       48 %   $ 9,991       45 %   $ 29,964       52 %   $ 28,594       47 %
Ground Equipment Sales Segment:
                                                               
    Military
    156       1 %     4,759       21 %     734       1 %     12,395       20 %
    Commercial - Domestic
    6,136       27 %     3,350       15 %     11,062       19 %     7,744       13 %
    Commercial - International
    3,744       17 %     1,660       7 %     9,184       16 %     5,825       9 %
      10,036       45 %     9,769       43 %     20,980       36 %     25,964       42 %
                                                                 
Ground Support Services Segment
    1,558       7 %     2,561       12 %     6,564       12 %     6,853       11 %
    $ 22,313       100 %   $ 22,321       100 %   $ 57,508       100 %   $ 61,411       100 %
                                                                 

 
MAC and CSA are short-haul express airfreight carriers and provide air cargo services to one primary customer, FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”).  MAC will also on occasion provide maintenance services to other airline customers and the U.S.  Military.  Under the terms of dry-lease service agreements, which currently cover all of the 81 revenue aircraft, the Company receives a monthly administrative fee based on the number of aircraft operated and passes through to its customer certain cost components of its operations without markup.  The cost of fuel, flight crews, landing fees, outside maintenance, parts and certain other direct operating costs are included in operating expenses and billed to the customer as cargo and maintenance revenue, at cost.  As a result, the fluctuating cost of fuel has no direct impact on our air cargo operating results.  Pursuant to such agreements, FedEx determines the type of aircraft and schedule of routes to be flown by MAC and CSA, with all other operational decisions made by the Company.  These agreements are renewable on two to five-year terms and may be terminated by FedEx at any time upon 30 days’ notice.  The Company believes that the short term and other provisions of its agreements with FedEx are standard within the airfreight contract delivery service industry.  FedEx has been a customer of the Company since 1980.  Loss of its contracts with FedEx would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
MAC and CSA combined contributed approximately $29,964,000 and $28,594,000 to the Company’s revenues for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, a current year increase of $1,370,000 (5%).

GGS manufactures and supports aircraft deicers and other specialized industrial equipment on a worldwide basis.  GGS manufactures five basic models of mobile deicing equipment with capacities ranging from 700 to 2,800 gallons.  GGS also provides fixed-pedestal-mounted deicers.  Each model can be customized as requested by the customer, including single operator configuration, fire suppressant equipment, open basket or enclosed cab design, a patented forced-air deicing nozzle and on-board glycol blending system to substantially reduce glycol usage, color and style of the exterior finish.  GGS also
 
 
10

 
 
manufactures five models of scissor-lift equipment, for catering, cabin service and maintenance service of aircraft, and has developed lines of decontamination equipment, glycol recovery vehicles, flight line tow tractors and other special purpose mobile equipment.  GGS competes primarily on the basis of the quality, performance and reliability of its products, prompt delivery, customer service and price.

In June 1999, GGS was awarded a four-year contract to supply deicing equipment to the United States Air Force (USAF).  In June 2003 GGS was awarded a three-year extension of that contract and a further three-year extension was awarded in June 2006.  On July 15, 2009, GGS was awarded a new contract to supply deicing trucks to the USAF.  The contract award is for one year with four additional one-year extension options that may be exercised by the USAF.  In June 2010, the first option period under the contract was exercised, extending the contract to July 2011.  For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010, no deicer units have been delivered to the USAF under this contract.  GGS’ backlog at December 31, 2010 includes $4.9 million of deicers ordered by the USAF under the terms of this contract.

In September 2010, GGS was awarded a contract to supply flight line tow tractors to the USAF.  The contract award is for one year commencing September 28, 2010 with four additional one-year extension options that may be exercised by the USAF.  The value of the contract, as well as the number of units to be delivered, will be determined based upon annual requirements and available funding of the USAF.  GGS backlog at December 31, 2010 includes one pre-production unit under this contract.

GGS contributed approximately $20,980,000 and $25,964,000 to the Company’s revenues for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The $4,984,000 (19%) decrease in revenues was due largely to no military deicing units being delivered in the current period.  Revenues from sales to the USAF were down $11,661,000 (94%) for the current nine-month period compared to the prior year comparable period, while commercial domestic sales were up $3,318,000 (43%) and international sales were up $3,359,000 (58%) over the same periods.  At December 31, 2010, GGS’s total order backlog was $19.0 million compared to $5.7 million at December 31, 2009 and $1.3 million at March 31, 2010.

GAS was formed in September 2007 to operate the aircraft ground support equipment and airport facility maintenance services business of the Company.  GAS is providing aircraft ground support equipment and airport facility maintenance services to a wide variety of customers at a number of locations throughout the country.  A key component of the GAS business has been a three-year contract with Delta Airlines (successor to Northwest Airlines) which was to expire in December 2010.  In July 2010, after a highly competitive bidding process, GAS was notified of changes to its contract with Delta, which has resulted in a significant reduction in the scope of work performed for Delta, principally beginning in September 2010.  The services being reduced, which include services being eliminated at GAS’s largest Delta location, accounted for almost half of GAS’s historical revenues and a greater proportion of its operating income.  Accordingly, the Company has experienced significant reductions in revenue and profitability of GAS in the current quarter as these reductions have become effective.

GAS contributed approximately $6,564,000 and $6,853,000 to the Company’s revenues for the nine-month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Third Quarter Highlights
 
After three consecutive record years of gross revenues and net profits, the Company experienced a decline in both in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, reflecting the difficult economic and industry conditions.  The first quarter of fiscal 2011 saw a continuation of this trend and decline.  Revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 returned to a level consistent with the same quarter of the prior year, but profits for the second quarter, while improved over the first quarter, were still down from the comparable prior year second quarter.  The third quarter has produced results similar to the second quarter, with revenues consistent with the prior year comparable quarter, but profits down.  Our combined cash and short-term investments balance at the end of the third quarter is up slightly from the end of the second quarter.

During the prior quarter, FedEx delivered four additional ATR-72 passenger aircraft to MAC for heavy maintenance work.  During the third quarter, one of the aircraft was completed and put onto MAC’s operating certificate and is being operated by MAC as of November 2010.  We are unable to determine at this time whether MAC will ultimately operate the other three aircraft as revenue aircraft.  However, we are receiving administrative fee revenue and maintenance labor revenue on the aircraft as we perform heavy maintenance services and prepare the aircraft for conversion to freighter configuration.  The heavy maintenance work on the remaining three aircraft is expected to be completed by our current fiscal year end.

Revenues for GGS increased by 3% compared to the comparable third quarter of the prior fiscal year.  GGS has yet to ship any deicers to the USAF in the current fiscal year and revenues from sales to the USAF were down $4,603,000 (97%) compared to the third quarter of the prior fiscal year.  However, GGS has received an order for two pre-production deicer units as well as an order for additional deicer units
 
 
 
11

 
which comprises $4.9 million of the GGS backlog at December 31, 2010.  GGS international sales have been strong this fiscal year, driven by increased demand in the Asian markets.  International sales were up 126% in the third quarter and they are up 58% for the first nine-months of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year comparable period.  During the third quarter, GGS also received a $10.5 million contract to supply deicers to the City of Charlotte, the majority of which will be delivered during our fourth quarter.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, revenues from our GAS subsidiary totaled $1,558,000, representing a $1,003,000 (39%) decrease from the comparable prior year quarter.  In July 2010, after a highly competitive bidding process, GAS was notified of changes to its contract with Delta Airlines, which has resulted in a significant reduction in the scope of work performed for Delta, principally beginning in September 2010.  The services being reduced, which include services being eliminated at GAS’s largest Delta location, accounted for almost half of GAS’s historical revenues and a greater proportion of its operating income.  The impact of the reductions is reflected in the operating results for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the use of estimates and assumptions to determine certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  Management bases these estimates and assumptions upon the best information available at the time of the estimates or assumptions.  The Company’s estimates and assumptions could change materially as conditions within and beyond our control change.  Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from estimates.  The Company believes that the following are its most significant accounting policies:
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  An allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is established based on management’s estimates of the collectability of accounts receivable.  The required allowance is determined using information such as customer credit history, industry information, credit reports, customer financial condition and the collectability of outstanding accounts receivables.  The estimates can be affected by changes in the financial strength of the aviation industry, customer credit issues or general economic conditions.

Inventories.  The Company’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market.  Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories are based on assessment of the marketability of slow-moving and obsolete inventories.  Historical parts usage, current period sales, estimated future demand and anticipated transactions between willing buyers and sellers provide the basis for estimates.  Estimates are subject to volatility and can be affected by reduced equipment utilization, existing supplies of used inventory available for sale, the retirement of aircraft or ground equipment and changes in the financial strength of the aviation industry.

Warranty Reserves.  The Company warranties its ground equipment products for up to a three-year period from date of sale.  Product warranty reserves are recorded at time of sale based on the historical average warranty cost and are adjusted quarterly as actual warranty cost becomes known.

Income Taxes.  Income taxes have been provided using the liability method.  Deferred income taxes reflect the net affects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting purposes using enacted rates expected to be in effect during the year in which the basis differences reverse.

Revenue Recognition.  Cargo revenue is recognized upon completion of contract terms.  Maintenance and ground support services revenue is recognized when the service has been performed.  Revenue from product sales is recognized when contract terms are completed and ownership has passed to the customer.

Seasonality

GGS’s business has historically been seasonal.  In the past, GGS has been able to reduce seasonal fluctuations in revenues and earnings by increasing military and international sales and broadening its product line to increase revenues and earnings throughout the year.  Although sales remain somewhat seasonal, particularly with regard to commercial deicers which typically are delivered prior to the winter season, this diversification has lessened the seasonal impacts in recent years and allowed the Company to be more efficient in its planning and production.  If sales to the military and international customers do not continue to be collectively a significant component of GGS’s sales, seasonal patterns of revenues and earnings attributable to its commercial deicer business may resume.  The overnight air cargo and ground support services segments are not susceptible to seasonal trends.
 
 
 
12

 
 
 
Results of Operations

Third Quarter Fiscal 2011 Compared to Third Quarter Fiscal 2010

Consolidated revenue decreased $8,000 to $22,313,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to its equivalent prior period. A number of offsetting factors made up this minimal decrease.  Revenues in the ground equipment segment increased $267,000 (3%) to $10,036,000.  While the increase in that segment was minimal, there was a significant swing in the product and customer mix principally resulting from the lack of deicer sales to the USAF during the third quarter of fiscal 2011, offset by increased deicer sales in the commercial domestic and international markets.  Revenues in the air cargo segment were up $728,000 (7%) largely as a result of increases in administrative fee revenue and maintenance labor revenue relating to the four ATR-72 aircraft that were delivered by FedEx during the prior quarter, as well as flight and maintenance operating costs passed through to our customer at cost.  Heavy maintenance on one of the ATR-72 aircraft was completed and it was placed into revenue service during the third quarter and we expect heavy maintenance work on the remaining three aircraft to be completed by the end of our current fiscal year. Finally, revenues in the ground support services segment were down $1,003,000 (39%) resulting from the reduction in scope of work performed for Delta within this segment.

Operating expenses increased $847,000 (4%) to $21,399,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to its equivalent prior period.  The increase was due to a number of offsetting factors. Ground equipment sales segment operating costs increased $899,000 (12%).  Gross margins on equipment sales are down from the comparable quarter of a year ago, reflecting a very competitive commercial market both domestically and internationally, as well as changes in customer and product mix.  Operating expenses in the air cargo segment were up $600,000 (7%), corresponding to the percentage increase in segment revenues.  Operating expenses in the ground support services segment decreased by $652,000 (36%) largely a result of the reduction in work performed for Delta.  General and administrative expenses increased by $19,000 or less than 1%.

Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 was $915,000, an $854,000 (48%) decrease from the same quarter of the prior year.  The ground equipment sales segment experienced a 55% decrease in its operating income relating to the changes in revenues and operating costs discussed above.  The ground support services segment saw an 84% decrease in its operating income reflecting reduced revenues and increased costs associated with the closure of certain locations as a result of changes in the Delta Airlines contract in early September 2010.  The overnight air cargo segment partially offset these reductions with a 23% increase in its operating income as a result of the additional administrative fee and maintenance labor revenue related to the four additional ATR-72 aircraft.

Non-operating income, net, was $23,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to $21,000 in the equivalent prior period.

Pretax earnings decreased $852,000 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to 2009, primarily due to the decrease in the ground equipment sales segment operating income and to a lesser extent, the decrease in ground support services segment operating income.

During the three-month period ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded $339,000 in income tax expense, which resulted in an estimated annual tax rate of 36.1%, compared to the 30.3% rate for the comparable quarter in the prior year.  The estimated annual effective tax rates for both periods differ from the U. S. federal statutory rate of 34% primarily due to the effect of state income taxes offset by permanent tax differences, including the federal production deduction.  In addition, the estimated annual effective tax rate for the prior period was unusually low primarily due to the true up of federal income taxes on prior year tax filings and foreign tax credits.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2011 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2010

Consolidated revenue decreased $3,903,000 (6%) to $57,508,000 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to its equivalent prior period. The decrease in revenues resulted from a number of factors.  Revenues in the ground equipment sales segment decreased $4,984,000 (19%) to $20,980,000 principally as a result of a decrease in military deicer units and revenues during the first nine months of fiscal 2011, partially offset by increases in commercial domestic and international deicer sales.  Revenues in the air cargo segment were up $1,370,000 (5%) primarily as a result of increased administrative fee and maintenance labor revenues generated by the additional four ATR-72 aircraft that were delivered during the second quarter as well as increased flight and maintenance operating costs passed through to the customer at cost.  In addition, GAS provided revenues of $6,564,000 during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010, compared to revenue of $6,853,000 in the prior year comparable period, the decrease principally due to the reduction in scope of work performed for Delta that took effect in September 2010.
 
 
 
13

 

Operating expenses decreased $1,210,000 (2%) to $55,367,000 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to its equivalent prior period.  The decrease was due to a number of factors.  Ground equipment sales segment operating costs decreased $2,100,000 (11%) following the decrease in revenues for this segment.  Gross margins on equipment sales are down from the comparable quarter of a year ago, reflecting a very competitive commercial market both domestically and internationally, as well as changes in customer and product mix.  Operating expenses in the air cargo segment were up $1,274,000 (5%) tracking the increased revenues in the segment.  The ground support services segment reported a $36,000 decrease in operating expenses related to the decreased revenue provided by GAS this period.  General and administrative expenses decreased $304,000 (4%) to $7,520,000 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to its equivalent prior period. There were a number of significant components comprising this decrease.  Professional fee expense decreased by $132,000, compensation expense relating to stock options has declined and was $131,000 less in the current period and profit sharing expense was $331,000 less in the current period based on the decreased earnings.  Offsetting these decreases was an increase in travel expense of $82,000 and lesser increases in salaries and benefits, rent and information technology costs.

Operating income for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 was $2,141,000, a $2,693,000 (56%) decrease from the same period of the prior year.  The ground equipment sales segment experienced a 78% decrease in its operating income principally a result of the changes to revenues and costs as discussed above.  The ground support services segment saw a 38% decrease in its operating income as a result of the reductions to the Delta Airlines contract beginning in early September 2010.  The overnight air cargo segment partially offset these reductions with a 7% increase in its operating income as a result of the additional administrative fee and maintenance labor revenue related to the four additional ATR-72 aircraft.

Non-operating income, net, was $118,000 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to $64,000 in the equivalent prior period.  The increase was principally due to an increase in investment income of $40,000 resulting from increased cash and investment balances in the current period.

Pretax earnings decreased $2,639,000 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior period, due primarily to the decrease in the ground equipment sales segment operating revenues and income.

During the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded $816,000 in income tax expense, which resulted in an estimated annual tax rate of 36.1%, compared to 34.4% for the comparable prior period.  The estimated annual effective tax rates for both periods differ from the U. S. federal statutory rate of 34% primarily due to the effect of state income taxes offset by permanent tax differences, including the federal production deduction.  In addition, the estimated annual effective tax rate for the prior period was unusually low primarily due to the true up of federal income taxes on prior year tax filings and foreign tax credits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2010 the Company's working capital amounted to $22,102,000, an increase of $519,000 compared to March 31, 2010.

The Company has a $7,000,000 secured long-term revolving credit line with an expiration date of August 31, 2012.  The revolving credit line contains customary events of default, a subjective acceleration clause and a fixed charge coverage requirement, with which the Company was in compliance at December 31, 2010.  There is no requirement for the Company to maintain a lock-box arrangement under this agreement.  The amount of credit available to the Company under the agreement at any given time is determined by an availability calculation, based on the eligible borrowing base, as defined in the credit agreement, which includes the Company’s outstanding receivables, inventories and equipment, with certain exclusions, less any outstanding letters of credit.  At December 31, 2010, $7,000,000 was available for borrowing under the credit line and no amounts were outstanding.
 
Amounts advanced under the credit facility bear interest at the 30-day “LIBOR” rate plus 150 basis points.  The LIBOR rate at December 31, 2010 was 0.26%. The Company is exposed to changes in interest rates on its line of credit with respect to any borrowings outstanding under the line of credit.  However, because the Company’s outstanding balance under the line of credit was negligible during the quarter ended December 31, 2010, changes in the LIBOR rate during that period would have had a minimal affect on its interest expense for the quarter.


 
14

 



Following is a table of changes in cash flow for the respective periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:



   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
  $ (4,861,000 )   $ (1,328,000 )
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
    2,031,000       (102,000 )
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
    (812,000 )     (1,270,000 )
                 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ (3,642,000 )   $ (2,700,000 )
                 


Cash used in operating activities was $3,533,000 more for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 compared to the similar prior year period, resulting from a variety of offsetting factors.  Inventories remained fairly constant in the prior period while increasing significantly during the current nine-month period, accounting for a $6,785,000 increase in cash used in operating activities.  The current period increase in inventories relates directly to the increased backlog this quarter.  Additionally, earnings were down significantly in the current period compared to the prior comparable period, reflecting $1,769,000 less cash from operating activities.  Offsetting this, accounts payable also remained fairly constant in the prior period while also increasing significantly in the current nine-month period, accounting for a $4,009,000 decrease in cash used.
 
 
Cash provided by investing activities for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010 was $2,133,000 more than the comparable prior year period due to the conversion of short-term investments to cash in the current period.

Cash used in financing activities was $458,000 less in the nine-month period ended December 31, 2010, than in the corresponding prior year period primarily due to the payoff of the aircraft term loan in April 2009.

There are currently no commitments for significant capital expenditures. The Company’s Board of Directors on August 7, 1998 adopted the policy to pay an annual cash dividend, based on profitability and other factors, in the first quarter of each fiscal year, in an amount to be determined by the Board.  The Company paid a $0.33 per share cash dividend in June 2010.

Impact of Inflation

The Company believes that inflation has not had a material effect on its operations, because increased costs to date have been passed on to its customers. Under the terms of its air cargo business contracts the major cost components of its operations, consisting principally of fuel, crew and other direct operating costs, and certain maintenance costs are reimbursed, without markup by its customer.  Significant increases in inflation rates could, however, have a material impact on future revenue and operating income.
 
Forward Looking Statements
 
 
Certain statements in this report, including those contained in “Overview,” are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business.  Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believes”, “pending”, “future”, “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “depends” or similar expressions.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those risks set forth under the heading “Risk factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.  Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements, because of, among other things, potential risks and uncertainties, such as:
 
 
·  
Economic conditions in the Company’s markets;

·  
The risk that contracts with FedEx could be terminated or that the three ATR aircraft undergoing heavy maintenance will not be assigned by FedEx to MAC;

·  
The risk that the number of aircraft operated for FedEx will be further reduced;
 
·  
The risk that the United States Air Force will defer or substantially reduce orders under its contracts with GGS;

·  
The impact of any terrorist activities on United States soil or abroad;
 
 
 
15

 

 
·  
The Company’s ability to manage its cost structure for operating expenses, or unanticipated capital requirements, and match them to shifting customer service requirements and production volume levels;

·  
The risk of injury or other damage arising from accidents involving the Company’s air cargo operations, equipment sold by GGS or services provided by GGS or GAS;

·  
Market acceptance of the Company’s new commercial and military equipment and services;

·  
Competition from other providers of similar equipment and services;

·  
Changes in government regulation and technology;

·  
Mild winter weather conditions reducing the demand for deicing equipment.

A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those future events or circumstances may not occur.  We are under no obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Not applicable.

Item 4(T). Controls and Procedures

Our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of December 31, 2010. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, including the accumulation and communication of information to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving the stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
 
There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Information on legal proceedings is set forth in Note 9 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this report, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Item 6.  Exhibits

(a)
 
Exhibits
   
   
No.
 
Description
         
      31.1  
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
           
      31.2  
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
           
      32.1  
Section 1350 Certifications

 
16 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 T, INC.


Date:  January 27, 2011
/s/ Walter Clark                                                                           
Walter Clark, Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)



/s/ John Parry
John Parry, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)






































  17
 

 


AIR T, INC.
EXHIBIT INDEX



(a)
 
Exhibits
   
   
No.
 
Description
         
      31.1  
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
           
      31.2  
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
           
      32.1  
Section 1350 Certifications



 





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18