10-Q 1 d611738d10q.htm 10-Q 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended October 31, 2013

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: 333-188927

CHC Helicopter S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Luxembourg   98-0596821

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4740 Agar Drive

Richmond, BC V7B 1A3, Canada

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

(604) 276-7500

(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 Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 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 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   x  (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

As of October 31, 2013, our ultimate parent, 6922767 Holding (Cayman) Inc., had 1,870,561,417 Class A Shares, 7,859,869 Class B Shares, 313,000 Special Shares and one Class C Share of stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CHC HELICOPTER S.A.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED

October 31, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page
Number
 
 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
  Trademarks      3   
  Glossary      3   
ITEM 1.   Financial statements      5   
  6922767 Holding S.à.r.l. consolidated balance sheets (unaudited) as of April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2013      5   
  6922767 Holding S.à.r.l. consolidated statements of operations (unaudited) for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013      6   
  6922767 Holding S.à.r.l. consolidated statements of comprehensive loss (unaudited) for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013      7   
  6922767 Holding S.à.r.l. consolidated statements of cash flows (unaudited) for the six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013      8   
  6922767 Holding S.à.r.l. consolidated statements of shareholder’s equity (unaudited) for the six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013      9   
  Notes to 6922767 Holding S.à.r.l. interim consolidated financial statements (unaudited)      10   
ITEM 2.   Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations      44   
ITEM 3.   Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk      74   
ITEM 4.   Controls and procedures      75   
  PART II—OTHER INFORMATION   
ITEM 1.   Legal proceedings      76   
ITEM 1A.   Risk factors      76   
ITEM 2.   Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds      89   
ITEM 3.   Defaults upon senior securities      89   
ITEM 4.   Mine safety disclosures      89   
ITEM 5.   Other information      89   
ITEM 6.   Exhibits      89   

 

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Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TRADEMARKS

CHC Helicopter and the CHC Helicopter logo are trademarks of CHC Capital (Barbados) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of CHC Helicopter S.A. All other trademarks and service marks appearing in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective holders. All rights reserved. The absence of a trademark or service mark or logo from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not constitute a waiver of trademark or other intellectual property rights of CHC Helicopter S.A, its subsidiaries, affiliates, licensors or any other persons.

GLOSSARY

 

Deepwater    Water depths of approximately 4,500 feet to 7,499 feet.
Embedded equity    Embedded equity, an intangible asset, represents the amount by which the estimated market value of a leased helicopter exceeded the leased helicopter purchase option price at September 16, 2008, the acquisition date of the predecessor of our direct parent company by First Reserve. Embedded equity is assessed on an ongoing basis for impairment. Impairment, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.
EMS    Emergency medical services.
Heavy helicopter    A category of twin-engine helicopters that requires two pilots, can accommodate 16 to 26 passengers and can operate under instrument flight rules, which allow daytime and nighttime flying in a variety of weather conditions. The greater passenger capacity, larger cabin, longer flight range, and ability to operate in adverse weather conditions make heavy helicopters more suitable than single engine helicopters for offshore support. Heavy helicopters are generally utilized to support the oil and gas sector, construction and forestry industries and SAR and EMS customer requirements.
HE count    Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted at 100% and 50%, respectively, to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters that are expected to be retired from the fleet.
HE Rate    The Heavy Equivalent Rate, or the HE Rate, is the third-party operating revenue from the Helicopter Services segment (excluding reimbursable revenue) divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet.
Long-

term contracts

   Contracts of three years or longer in duration.
Medium helicopter    A category of twin-engine helicopters that generally requires two pilots, can accommodate eight to 15 passengers and can operate under instrument flight rules, which allow daytime and nighttime flying in a variety of weather conditions. The greater passenger capacity, longer flight range, and ability to operate in adverse weather conditions make medium helicopters more suitable than single engine helicopters for offshore support. Medium helicopters are generally utilized to support the oil and gas sector, construction and forestry industries and SAR and EMS customer bases in certain jurisdictions. Medium helicopters can also be used to support the utility and mining sectors, as well as certain parts of the construction and forestry industries, where transporting a smaller number of passengers or carrying light loads over shorter distances is required.
MRO    Maintenance, repair and overhaul.
New technology    When used herein to classify our helicopters, a category of higher-value, recently produced, more sophisticated and more comfortable helicopters, including Eurocopter’s EC225, EC135, EC145 and EC155; Agusta’s AW139; and Sikorsky S76C+, S76C++ and S92A.

 

3


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OEM    Original equipment manufacturer.
PBH    Power-by-the-hour. A program where a helicopter operator pays a fee per flight hour to an MRO provider as compensation for repair and overhaul components required in order for the helicopter to maintain an airworthy condition.
Rotables    Helicopter parts that can be repaired and reused such that they typically have an expected life approximately equal to the helicopters they support.
SAR    Search and rescue.
Ultra-deepwater    Water depths of approximately 7,500 feet or more.

 

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Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars except share information)

(Unaudited)

 

     April 30,
2013
    October 31,
2013
 

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 123,714      $ 84,102   

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively

     317,249        293,564   

Income taxes receivable

     25,871        24,787   

Deferred income tax assets

     49        54   

Inventories (note 5)

     105,794        119,906   

Prepaid expenses

     22,219        30,212   

Other assets (note 6)

     56,083        58,536   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     650,979        611,161   

Property and equipment, net (note 3)

     1,075,254        1,010,106   

Investments

     26,896        29,451   

Intangible assets (note 7)

     197,810        186,588   

Goodwill

     430,462        429,865   

Restricted cash

     29,639        33,188   

Other assets (note 6)

     438,777        543,758   

Deferred income tax assets

     10,752        9,562   

Assets held for sale (note 4)

     32,047        38,519   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 2,892,616      $ 2,892,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Payables and accruals

   $ 419,179      $ 345,429   

Deferred revenue

     27,652        34,721   

Income taxes payable

     47,987        42,115   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     618        916   

Current facility secured by accounts receivable (note 2)

     53,512        43,400   

Other liabilities (note 8)

     22,791        21,155   

Current portion of long-term debt obligations (note 9)

     2,138        18,609   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     573,877        506,345   

Long-term debt obligations (note 9)

     1,475,087        1,646,670   

Deferred revenue

     55,990        72,659   

Other liabilities (note 8)

     246,455        253,344   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     10,627        10,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     2,362,036        2,489,201   

Redeemable non-controlling interest (note 2)

     (8,262     (7,177

Capital stock: Par value 1 Euro;

    

Authorized and issued: 1,228,377,771 and 1,228,377,772

     1,607,101        1,607,101   

Contributed surplus

     80,686        140,915   

Deficit

     (1,059,110     (1,230,878

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (89,835     (106,964
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     538,842        410,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 2,892,616      $ 2,892,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
    October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Revenue

   $ 446,786      $ 443,372      $ 862,855      $ 858,303   

Operating expenses:

        

Direct costs

     (351,397     (371,794     (697,484     (714,900

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     825        1,527        1,837        3,918   

General and administration costs

     (18,914     (19,092     (37,439     (37,153

Depreciation

     (27,635     (38,694     (55,945     (70,751

Restructuring costs

     (1,797     —          (3,727     —     

Asset impairments (notes 3, 4, 6 and 7)

     (9,846     (14,575     (16,347     (21,899

Loss on disposal of assets

     (3,026     (3,299     (4,617     (4,421
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (411,790     (445,927     (813,722     (845,206
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     34,996        (2,555     49,133        13,097   

Interest on long-term debt

     (30,075     (39,143     (59,958     (77,720

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     10,562        190        3,161        (12,958

Other financing income (charges) (note 10)

     (3,449     (1,707     (11,603     4,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     12,034        (43,215     (19,267     (73,464

Income tax expense (note 12)

     (5,022     (5,491     (6,303     (10,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     7,012        (48,706     (25,570     (84,263

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

     467        —          812        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 7,479      $ (48,706   $ (24,758   $ (84,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

        

Controlling interest

   $ 6,999      $ (48,415   $ (26,106   $ (86,620

Non-controlling interest

     480        (291     1,348        2,357   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 7,479      $ (48,706   $ (24,758   $ (84,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
    October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 7,479      $ (48,706   $ (24,758   $ (84,263

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Net foreign currency translation adjustments

     24,747        8,237        (3,817     (19,800

Net change in defined benefit pension plan, net of income tax

     (1,913     355        (4,553     698   

Net change in cash flow hedges

     —          —          (169     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 30,313      $ (40,114   $ (33,297   $ (103,365
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:

        

Controlling interest

   $ 30,123      $ (38,442   $ (36,111   $ (103,749

Non-controlling interest

     190        (1,672     2,814        384   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 30,313      $ (40,114   $ (33,297   $ (103,365
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Cash provided by (used in):

    

Operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (24,758   $ (84,263

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

     812        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

     (25,570     (84,263

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation

     55,945        70,751   

Loss on disposal of assets

     4,617        4,421   

Asset impairments

     16,347        21,899   

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     (1,837     (3,918

Deferred income taxes

     (6,252     978   

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

     223        229   

Amortization of unfavorable contract credits

     (2,826     —     

Amortization of lease related fixed interest rate obligations

     (1,443     (965

Amortization of long-term debt and lease deferred financing costs

     4,719        5,241   

Non-cash accrued interest income on funded residual value guarantees

     (3,580     (3,363

Mark to market loss (gain) on derivative instruments

     2,964        (10,340

Non-cash defined benefit pension expense (note 13)

     3,431        216   

Defined benefit contributions and benefits paid

     (20,867     (26,334

Increase to deferred lease financing costs

     (1,489     (2,893

Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency exchange translation

     (582     9,295   

Other

     7,922        3,055   

Decrease in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities (note 15)

     (55,480     (7,823
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in operating activities

     (23,758     (23,814
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

    

Sold interest in accounts receivable, net of collections

     8,917        (10,349

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock

     —          60,000   

Proceeds from issuance of senior secured notes

     202,000        —     

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes

     —          300,000   

Long-term debt proceeds (note 17 (e))

     390,229        450,000   

Long-term debt repayments (note 17 (e))

     (471,824     (561,378

Increase in revolver and notes deferred financing costs

     (3,793     (5,987

Dividend distribution to parent

     —          (85,148
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities

     125,529        147,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

    

Property and equipment additions

     (142,267     (227,562

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     93,413        169,209   

Aircraft deposits net of lease inception refunds

     (40,926     (92,676

Restricted cash

     5,384        (1,592

Distribution from equity investments

     —          1,677   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

     (84,396     (150,944
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

     17,375        (27,620

Cash flows provided by (used in) discontinued operations:

    

Cash flows provided by operating activities

     812        —     

Cash flows used in financing activities

     (812     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

     —          —     

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (4,144     (11,992
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents during the period

     13,231        (39,612

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     55,547        123,714   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 68,778      $ 84,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholder’s Equity

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Unaudited)

 

Six months ended October 31, 2012

   Capital
stock
     Contributed
surplus
     Deficit     Accumulated
other
comprehensive

loss
    Total
shareholder’s
equity
    Redeemable
non-

controlling
interests
 

April 30, 2012

   $ 1,607,101       $ 55,318       $ (940,031   $ (61,596   $ 660,792      $ 1,675   

Net change in cash flow hedges

     —           —           —          (169     (169     —     

Foreign currency translation

     —           —           —          (5,844     (5,844     2,027   

Stock compensation expense

     —           223         —          —          223        —     

Defined benefit plan, net of income tax

     —           —           —          (3,992     (3,992     (561

Net earnings (loss)

     —           —           (26,106     —          (26,106     1,348   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

October 31, 2012

   $ 1,607,101       $ 55,541       $ (966,137   $ (71,601   $ 624,904      $ 4,489   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Six months ended October 31, 2013

   Capital
stock
     Contributed
surplus
     Deficit     Accumulated
other
comprehensive

loss
    Total
shareholder’s
equity
    Redeemable
non-
controlling
interests
 

April 30, 2013

   $ 1,607,101       $ 80,686       $ (1,059,110   $ (89,835   $ 538,842      $ (8,262

Issuance of capital stock (note 11)

     —           60,000         —          —          60,000        —     

Dividend paid to Parent (note 17(d) and (f))

     —           —           (85,148     —          (85,148     —     

Capital contribution by shareholder (note 2)

     —           —           —          —          —          701   

Foreign currency translation

     —           —           —          (17,351     (17,351     (2,449

Stock compensation expense

     —           229         —          —          229        —     

Defined benefit plan, net of income tax

     —           —           —          222        222        476   

Net earnings (loss)

     —           —           (86,620     —          (86,620     2,357   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

October 31, 2013

   $ 1,607,101       $ 140,915       $ (1,230,878   $ (106,964   $ 410,174      $ (7,177
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

1. Significant accounting policies:

 

  (a) Basis of presentation:

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (“interim financial statements”) include the accounts of 6922767 Holding S.à.r.l., a Luxembourg private limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) which is the direct parent of CHC Helicopter S.A., the registrant, and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. The ultimate indirect parent of the Company is 6922767 Holding (Cayman) Inc. The interim financial statements are presented in United States dollars and have been prepared in accordance with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, the interim financial statements do not include all of the information and disclosures for complete financial statements.

In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year.

The financial information as of April 30, 2013 is derived from our annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our annual audited consolidated financial statements, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013 which was filed with the SEC on July 15, 2013.

 

  (b) Foreign currency:

The currencies which most influence our foreign currency translations and the relevant exchange rates were:

 

     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
     October 31,
2013
 

Average rates:

     

£/US $

     1.582551         1.557071   

CAD/US $

     0.998203         0.967305   

NOK/US $

     0.169695         0.168505   

AUD/US $

     1.023458         0.939447   

€/US $

     1.264125         1.326369   

Period end rates:

     

£/US $

     1.611044         1.606578   

CAD/US $

     1.000400         0.958865   

NOK/US $

     0.175170         0.168089   

AUD/US $

     1.036815         0.947071   

€/US $

     1.295818         1.359382   

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

1. Significant accounting policies (continued):

 

  (c) Comparative figures:

Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the financial presentation adopted for the current interim period. A portion of the General and administration costs have been reclassified to Direct costs to reflect the safety group being moved from Corporate to Helicopter Services to reflect its focus on safety within the flying services segment. The impairments of funded residual value guarantees, intangible assets, assets held for use and assets held for sale have been grouped together and shown as asset impairments on the consolidated statements of operations.

During the year ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“the CODM”) decided to tightly integrate aircraft planning with our Helicopter Services’ commercial operations. As a result, the fleet division previously included in the Corporate Segment was combined with Helicopter Services in the financial information provided to the CODM. Heli-One revenues were also restated to exclude the elimination of inter-company profits on the internal base maintenance work performed for our internal fleet of aircraft. The segmented information for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 has been restated in the financial information provided to the CODM to reflect the reclassification of the financial information for both of these changes.

 

  (d) Recent accounting pronouncements adopted in the period:

Reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss:

On May 1, 2013 we adopted the amendment to the disclosure requirements for amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Entities are required to separately provide information about the effects on net earnings (loss) of significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss if those amounts all are required under other accounting pronouncements to be reclassified to net earnings (loss) in their entirety in the same reporting period. Entities are required to provide this information together, either on the face of the statement where net earnings (loss) is presented or as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for defined benefit pension plans are included in the computation of net defined benefit pension plan expense (note 13). No other amounts are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Annual indefinite-life intangible asset impairment testing:

On May 1, 2013 we adopted the amended accounting guidance on the annual indefinite-life intangible asset impairment testing to allow for the assessment of qualitative factors in determining if it is more likely than not that an asset might be impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the intangible asset impairment test required by the current accounting standards. This new guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

  (e) Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted:

In July 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is effective for the annual financial statements for the year ending April 30, 2015. We are currently assessing the impact of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities:

 

  (a) VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary:

 

  (i) Local ownership VIEs:

Certain areas of operations are subject to local governmental regulations that may limit foreign ownership of aviation companies. Accordingly, operations in certain jurisdictions may require the establishment of local ownership entities that are considered to be VIEs. The nature of our involvement with consolidated local ownership entities is as follows:

EEA Helicopters Operations B.V. (“EHOB”)

EHOB is incorporated in the Netherlands and through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Ireland provides helicopter flying services to customers in Europe.

We own 49.9% of the common shares (9,896,085 Class B shares) of EHOB, with the remaining 50.1% of the common shares (9,935,750 Class A shares) held by a European investor. The Management Board of EHOB is comprised of one director nominated by the Class B shareholders and three directors nominated by the Class A shareholder.

We also own 7,000,000 par value 1 Euro Profit Certificates in EHOB. Through our ownership of the Profit Certificates, we are entitled to a cumulative annual dividend equal to 30% of the issue price of each Profit Certificate (equivalent to a cumulative annual dividend of € 2.1 million) for the first 7 years after issuance and thereafter, a cumulative annual dividend equal to 5% of the issue price of each Profit Certificate (equivalent to a cumulative annual dividend of €0.35 million), subject to Board approval and the availability of cash and further subject to any and all restrictions applicable under Dutch law.

We also hold a call option over the Class A shareholder’s stock in EHOB and have granted a put option to the Class A shareholder which entitles the Class A shareholder to put its shares back to us. Both the put and call are exercisable in certain circumstances including: liquidation, events of default, and if the Company makes a public offering of its shares resulting in change of control. The Class A shareholder also holds a call option over our Class B shares which is exercisable only in the event of bankruptcy.

We have determined that the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of EHOB are: servicing existing flying services contracts and entering into new contracts, safety and training, and maintenance of aircraft. Through agreement with EHOB, we have the right to enter directly into new flying services contracts and require that EHOB act as the subcontractor for provision of those services. EHOB’s fleet of aircraft is leased entirely from us and the lease agreements require that all aircraft maintenance be provided by us. The shareholders’ agreement requires EHOB to ensure safety standards meet minimums set by us.

As a result of consolidating EHOB, the Company has recorded a non-controlling interest relating to the 50.1% Class A shareholder’s interest in the net assets of EHOB. As at April 30, 2013, the redeemable non-controlling interest is a loss of $8.3 million and as at October 31, 2013, the redeemable non-controlling interest is a loss of $7.9 million. Because of the terms of the put and call arrangements with the European investor, the non-controlling interest is considered redeemable and is classified outside of equity.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities (continued):

 

  (a) VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary (continued):

 

  (i) Local ownership VIEs (continued):

 

BHH - Brazilian Helicopter Holdings S.A. (“BHH”)

BHH holds an investment in the common shares of its subsidiary, BHS - Brazilian Helicopter Services Taxi Aereo S.A. (“BHS”). BHS provides helicopter flying services to customers in Brazil.

We have a 60% interest in BHH, comprised of 100% of the non-voting preferred shares and 20% of the ordinary voting shares. The remaining equity interest comprised of 80% of the ordinary voting shares is held by a Brazilian investor, whose investment was financed by us and is therefore considered to be a related party.

We have entered into a put/call arrangement which gives us the right to purchase the BHH shares held by the Brazilian investor and the Brazilian investor the right to put its shares to us at any time and for any reason. The put/call price is the greater of the book value of the shares and the original capital contribution plus 2% per annum. The guaranteed return due to the Brazilian investor has been recorded as a redeemable non-controlling interest.

We have entered into a shareholders’ agreement with the Brazilian Investor, which requires unanimous shareholder consent for important business decisions.

CHC Helicopters Canada Inc (“CHC Canada”)

CHC Canada provides helicopter flying services to customers in Canada.

We own 200,000 Class A Common Shares (25%) and 200,000 (100%) Class B Non-voting Preferred Shares of CHC Canada, with the remaining 600,000 (75%) of the Class A Common Shares held by a Canadian Investor. The Board of CHC Canada is comprised of one director nominated by us and two directors nominated by the Canadian Investor.

We have entered into an arrangement which allows the Canadian Investor to put its shares back to us at any time for any reason. We have also entered into a call arrangement which allows us or the Canadian Investor to elect to purchase the other party’s shares. The calls are exercisable in certain circumstances including: liquidation, events of default, and if the Company makes a public offering of its shares resulting in change of control. The price on the put and the call arrangement is the higher of the book value of the shares and the original capital contribution plus 6% per annum. The guaranteed return due to the Canadian investor has been recorded as a redeemable non-controlling interest.

We have entered into a shareholders’ agreement with the Canadian Investor, which requires unanimous shareholder consent for CHC Canada to enter into any material contracts.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities (continued):

 

  (a) VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary (continued):

 

  (i) Local ownership VIEs (continued):

 

Atlantic Aviation Limited and Atlantic Aviation FZE (collectively “Atlantic Aviation”)

On October 22, 2012, the Company and a Nigerian company (“Nigerian Company”) finalized an agreement to provide helicopter flying services to customers in Nigeria through Atlantic Aviation.

We have no equity ownership in Atlantic Aviation as 100% of the share capital of Atlantic Aviation is held by the Nigerian Company.

The Nigerian Company’s risks and rewards are not representative of its equity interest as it is only entitled to management fees for the first four years of the agreement. In the fifth year the Nigerian Company can opt to receive 40% of the profits or losses or continue with the existing arrangement. We will bear the risk for substantially all of the losses for the first four years of the arrangement.

Under the terms of the agreement the Nigerian Company will not provide any additional funding to Atlantic Aviation as we are funding all start-up costs.

We have also entered into a put/call arrangement which gives us the right to purchase all of the Atlantic Aviation shares held by the Nigerian Company and the Nigerian Company the right to put its shares to us. The calls are exercisable in certain circumstances including: liquidation, events of default, and change of control of the Company or the Nigerian Company. The put is exercisable in the event the agreement is terminated with cause and the Nigerian Company does not continue the business of Atlantic Aviation. The price on the put/call arrangement is a multiple of the Nigerian Company’s share of the preceding 12 months of profits of Atlantic Aviation.

We have determined that the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Atlantic Aviation are: entering into flying contracts, safety and training, and maintenance of aircraft. Atlantic Aviation’s fleet of aircraft is leased entirely from us and the lease agreements require that all aircraft maintenance be provided by us. We have entered into various contracts with Atlantic Aviation to provide management, employees and technical services. The framework agreement requires Atlantic Aviation to ensure safety standards meet minimums set by us.

As a result of consolidating Atlantic Aviation, the Company has recorded a non-controlling interest relating to the Nigerian Company shareholder’s interest in the net assets of Atlantic Aviation. As at October 31, 2013, the redeemable non-controlling interest is $0.7 million. Because of the terms of the put and call arrangements with the Nigerian Company, the non-controlling interest is considered redeemable and is classified outside of equity.

Atlantic Aviation has a contingent credit with a third party bank for up to $10.0 million to be able to issue bonds.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities (continued):

 

  (a) VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary (continued):

 

  (i) Local ownership VIEs (continued):

 

Other local ownership VIEs

We also have operations in several other countries that are conducted through entities with local ownership. We have consolidated these entities because the local owners do not have extensive knowledge of the aviation industry and defer to us in the overall management and operation of these entities.

Financial information of local ownership VIEs

All of the local ownership VIEs and their subsidiaries have the same purpose and are exposed to similar operational risks and are monitored on a similar basis by management. As such, the financial information reflected on the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations for all local ownership VIEs has been presented in the aggregate below, including intercompany amounts with other consolidated entities:

 

     April 30,
2013
     October 31,
2013
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 46,366       $ 9,795   

Receivables, net of allowance

     102,659         118,440   

Other current assets

     37,174         50,739   

Goodwill

     72,042         72,517   

Other long-term assets

     114,657         133,738   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 372,898       $ 385,229   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Payables and accruals

   $ 338,802       $ 357,762   

Other current liabilities

     37,069         30,032   

Accrued pension obligations

     74,268         70,255   

Other long-term liabilities

     54,252         63,611   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ 504,391       $ 521,660   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
     October 31,
2013
    October 31,
2012
     October 31,
2013
 

Revenue

   $ 274,788       $ 272,092      $ 535,537       $ 528,270   

Net earnings (loss)

     1,700         (1,953     6,018         (4,978

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities (continued):

 

  (a) VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary (continued):

 

  (ii) Accounts receivable securitization:

We enter into trade receivables securitization transactions to raise financing, through the sale of pools of receivables, or beneficial interests therein, to a VIE, Finacity Receivables – CHC 2009, LLC (“Finacity”). Finacity only buys receivables, or beneficial interests therein, from us. These transactions with Finacity satisfy the requirements for sales accounting treatment. Finacity is financed directly by a multi-seller commercial paper conduit, Hannover Funding Company LLC (“Hannover”), which purchases undivided ownership interests in the receivables, or beneficial interests therein, acquired by Finacity from us.

We have determined that servicing decisions most significantly impact the economic performance of Finacity and as we have the power to make these decisions, we are the primary beneficiary of Finacity.

As a result of consolidation, intercompany receivables and payables between the Company and Finacity together with any gain/(loss) arising from the sales treatment of the securitization transactions have been eliminated. The securitized assets and associated liabilities are included in the consolidated financial statements. Cash and cash equivalent balances of Finacity are used only to support the securitizations of the receivables transferred, including the payment of related fees, costs and expenses. The receivables that have been included in securitizations are pledged as security for the benefit of Hannover and are only available for payment of the debt or other obligations arising in the securitization transactions until the associated debt or other obligations are satisfied. The asset backed debt has been issued directly by Finacity.

The following table shows the assets and the associated liabilities related to our secured debt arrangements that are included in the consolidated financial statements:

 

     April 30,
2013
     October 31,
2013
 

Restricted cash

   $ 14,143       $ 5,846   

Transferred receivables

     77,473         72,576   

Current facility secured by accounts receivable

     53,512         43,400   

 

  (iii) Trinity Helicopters Limited:

As at October 31, 2013 we leased two aircraft from Trinity Helicopters Limited (“Trinity”), an entity considered to be a VIE. Prior to December 2011, Trinity was funded by an unrelated lender who was considered to be the primary beneficiary. In conjunction with our lease covenant negotiations, we agreed to purchase the aircraft off lease from the lender. Instead of outright purchasing the aircraft we loaned the lease termination sum to Trinity which used these funds to repay the financing from the unrelated lender and continued to lease the aircraft to us. The security interest in the aircraft was assigned to us.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities (continued):

 

  (a) VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary (continued):

 

  (iii) Trinity Helicopters Limited (continued):

 

We have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and began consolidating this entity upon repayment of the previous lender. Prior to consolidation of this entity, the aircraft leases were recorded as capital leases.

 

  (b) VIEs of which the Company is not the primary beneficiary:

 

  (i) Local ownership VIEs:

Thai Aviation Services (“TAS”)

TAS provides helicopter flying services in Thailand. We have a 29.9% interest in the ordinary shares of TAS, with the remaining 70.1% owned by a group of Thai Investors who are considered to be related to each other. The Thai investors have the ability to call and we have the ability to put all shares owned by us to the Thai investors at fair value in the event of a dispute.

We have determined that the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of TAS are: servicing existing flying services contracts and entering into new contracts, safety and training, maintenance of aircraft and other investment activities. The Thai investors have the ability to control the majority of these decisions through Board majority.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded for TAS in the consolidated balance sheet:

 

     April 30, 2013      October 31, 2013  
     Carrying
amounts
     Maximum
exposure to
loss
     Carrying
amounts
     Maximum
exposure to
loss
 

Receivables, net of allowances

   $ 2,662       $ 2,662       $ 2,565       $ 2,565   

Equity method investment

     18,119         18,119         19,347         19,347   

 

  (ii) Leasing entities:

Related party lessors

As at October 31, 2012 and 2013 we had operating lease agreements for the lease of 29 aircraft and 31 aircraft, respectively, from individual related party entities considered to be VIEs. These transactions are carried out on an arm’s-length basis and are recorded at the exchange amounts. The total operating lease expense for these leases was $11.9 million and $12.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and $22.8 million and $25.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, with $4.5 million and $4.0 million outstanding in payables and accruals at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2013, respectively. Accounts receivable of $5.1 million and $6.7 million are due from related party lessors as at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2013, respectively.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

2. Variable interest entities (continued):

 

  (b) VIEs of which the Company is not the primary beneficiary (continued):

 

  (ii) Leasing entities (continued):

 

The lessor VIEs are considered related parties because they are partially financed through equity contributions from entities that have also invested in the Company. We have determined that the activity that most significantly impacts the economic performance of the related party lessor VIEs is the remarketing of the aircraft at the end of the lease term. As we do not have the power to make remarketing decisions, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the lessor VIEs.

Other VIE lessors

As at October 31, 2012 we leased 10 aircraft from two different entities considered to be VIEs. As at October 31, 2013 we leased 32 aircraft from three different entities considered to be VIEs. All 10 and 32 leases were considered to be operating leases as at October 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

We have determined that the activity that most significantly impacts the economic performance of the lessor VIEs is the remarketing of the aircraft at the end of the lease term. As we do not have the power to make remarketing decisions, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the lessor VIEs.

 

3. Property and equipment:

Due to aircraft coming off contract and with no plan to redeploy them within the business we recorded $2.5 million of impairment charges to write down the carrying value of three aircraft held for use to their fair values for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013. These amounts are included in asset impairments on the consolidated statements of operations. This measurement is considered a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy as the measurement of the fair value of the flying assets is based on aircraft values from third party appraisals using market data.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

4. Assets held for sale:

We have classified certain assets such as aircraft and buildings as held for sale as these assets are ready for immediate sale and management expects these assets to be sold within one year.

 

     April 30, 2013     October 31, 2013  
     # Aircraft           # Aircraft        

Aircraft held for sale:

        

Book value, beginning of period

     18      $ 79,293        14      $ 30,206   

Classified as held for sale, net of impairment

     11        7,454        14        27,005   

Sales

     (10     (35,303     (4     (12,405

Reclassified as held for use

     (5     (21,049     (6     (7,514

Foreign exchange

     —          (189     —          (677
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Aircraft held for sale

     14        30,206        18        36,615   

Buildings held for sale

     —          1,841        —          1,904   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets held for sale

     $ 32,047        $ 38,519   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

The aircraft classified as held for sale are older technology aircraft that are being divested by us. The buildings classified as held for sale are the result of relocation of certain of our base operations. During the six months ended October 31, 2013, there were six aircraft that were reclassified to assets held for use as management determined that we would obtain a higher value from using these aircraft as parts within the business than selling them in the external market.

During the three months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, we recorded impairment charges of $3.7 million and $11.4 million to write down the carrying value of eight aircraft and 12 aircraft held for sale to their fair value less costs to sell, respectively. During the six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, we recorded impairment charges of $9.3 million and $18.5 million to write down the carrying value of 15 aircraft and 19 aircraft held for sale to their fair value less costs to sell, respectively. These amounts are included in asset impairments on the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of assets held for sale is considered a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy as the measurement is based on third party appraisals using market data.

 

5. Inventories:

 

     April 30,
2013
    October 31,
2013
 

Work-in-progress for maintenance contracts under completed contract accounting

   $ 3,661      $ 5,384   

Consumables

     111,862        122,628   

Provision for obsolescence

     (9,729     (8,106
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 105,794      $ 119,906   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

6. Other assets:

 

     April 30,
2013
     October 31,
2013
 

Current:

     

Aircraft operating lease funded residual value guarantees (a)

   $ 20,184       $ 18,255   

Deferred financing costs

     8,771         9,641   

Mobilization costs

     6,474         8,240   

Residual value guarantee

     6,278         3,777   

Foreign currency embedded derivatives and forward contracts (note 14)

     5,764         8,595   

Prepaid aircraft rentals

     3,465         3,340   

Other (note 2 (b) (ii))

     5,147         6,688   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 56,083       $ 58,536   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current:

     

Aircraft operating lease funded residual value guarantees (a)

   $ 196,497       $ 201,954   

Aircraft deposits

     67,347         134,882   

Accrued pension asset

     49,562         67,445   

Deferred financing costs

     48,971         52,655   

Mobilization costs

     22,645         22,683   

Residual value guarantee

     15,047         15,252   

Security deposits

     10,903         24,349   

Pension guarantee assets

     10,141         9,833   

Prepaid aircraft rentals

     9,940         8,192   

Foreign currency embedded derivatives and forward contracts (note 14)

     2,223         4,152   

Other

     5,501         2,361   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 438,777       $ 543,758   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) Aircraft operating lease funded residual value guarantees:

We believe that the aircraft will realize a value upon sale at the end of the lease terms sufficient to recover the carrying value of these guarantees, including accrued interest. In the event that aircraft values decline such that we do not believe funded residual value guarantees are recoverable, an impairment is recorded. During the three months ended October 31, 2012 we recognized a recovery of $0.1 million. During the six months ended October 31, 2012, we recognized impairment losses of $0.6 million. The impairment losses are included in asset impairments on the consolidated statements of operations.

 

7. Intangible assets:

Due to a decline in aircraft values, we recorded impairment charges of $6.3 million and $0.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and $5.8 million and $0.9 million in the six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013 to write down a portion of our embedded equity to fair value. These amounts are included in asset impairments on the consolidated statements of operations. This measurement is considered a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy as the measurement of embedded equity is based on aircraft values from third party appraisals using market data.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

8. Other liabilities:

 

     April 30,
2013
     October 31,
2013
 

Current:

     

Foreign currency embedded derivatives and forward contracts (note 14)

   $ 12,732       $ 10,968   

Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks of aircraft

     4,632         6,325   

Fixed interest rate obligations

     1,783         829   

Aircraft modifications

     1,629         1,366   

Residual value guarantees

     944         875   

Contract inducement

     792         792   

Lease aircraft return costs

     279         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 22,791       $ 21,155   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current:

     

Accrued pension obligations

   $ 137,259       $ 130,573   

Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks of aircraft

     34,616         55,223   

Residual value guarantees

     27,401         26,098   

Foreign currency embedded derivatives and forward contracts (note 14)

     15,771         10,678   

Insurance claims accrual

     11,192         13,387   

Contract inducement

     9,247         8,877   

Fixed interest rate obligations

     1,155         445   

Deferred rent liabilities

     1,045         1,348   

Other

     8,769         6,715   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 246,455       $ 253,344   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

9. Long-term debt obligations:

 

     Principal
Repayment terms
     Facility maturity
dates
     April 30,
2013
    October 31,
2013
 

Senior secured notes

     At maturity         October 2020       $ 1,287,303      $ 1,287,901   

Senior unsecured notes

     At maturity         June 2021         —          300,000   

Revolving credit facility:

          

US LIBOR plus a 4.5% margin

     At maturity         October 2015         125,000        —     

Alternate Base Rate plus a 3.5% margin

     At maturity         October 2015         —          15,000   

Other term loans:

          

Eurocopter Loan - 2.50%

     At maturity         December 2015         2,238        2,340   

EDC-B.A. CDOR rate (6 month) plus a 0.8% margin

     Semi-annually         June 2014         1,616        1,040   

Capital lease obligations

     Quarterly        
 
May 2014 -
October 2017
  
  
     25,663        25,140   

Boundary Bay financing – 6.93%

     Monthly         April 2035         35,405        33,858   
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt obligations

           1,477,225        1,665,279   

Less: current portion

           (2,138     (18,609
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt obligations

         $ 1,475,087      $ 1,646,670   
        

 

 

   

 

 

 

On May 13, 2013, one of our subsidiaries issued $300.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the “unsecured notes”). The unsecured notes are issued under an indenture. The unsecured notes have an aggregate principal value of $300.0 million, were issued at par value, bear interest at a rate of 9.375% with semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 and mature on June 1, 2021.

The unsecured notes are guaranteed by us and most of our subsidiaries on a senior unsecured basis. The unsecured notes are effectively subordinated to the secured indebtedness including the revolving credit facility and the senior secured notes to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness and are senior to all unsecured subordinated indebtedness of each guarantor.

The unsecured notes have the following optional redemption features:

 

   

Any time prior to June 1, 2016, the issuer can redeem 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the unsecured notes at a redemption price of 109.375% of the principal plus accrued and unpaid interest with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal of the unsecured notes remains outstanding and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the closing date of the equity offering.

 

   

The issuer can redeem the unsecured notes in whole or part, on or after June 1, 2016, at redemption prices that range from 100% to 107.031% of the principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

9. Long-term debt obligations (continued):

 

   

The issuer can redeem the unsecured notes in whole or in part at a price of 100% of the aggregate principal amount plus a premium equal to the greater of 1% of the principal amount or the excess of the present value at the redemption date over the principal amount of the unsecured notes. Under this option, the present value at the redemption is to be computed based on a redemption price of 107.031% on June 1, 2016 plus all required interest payments due on the unsecured notes through June 1, 2016 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date). The applicable discount rate is equal to the treasury rate as of the redemption date plus 50 basis points.

Each holder of the unsecured notes has the right to require us to repurchase the unsecured notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of certain events constituting a change of control of the Company.

The unsecured notes contain certain covenants limiting the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens based on the ratio of consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization to fixed charges and total indebtedness as defined in the indenture and other restrictions including limitations on disposition of assets, the payment of dividends or redemption of equity interests and transactions with affiliates. At October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all long-term debt obligations covenants.

 

10. Other financing income (charges):

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
    October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

   $ (1,849   $ (2,091   $ (3,486   $ (5,849

Net gain (loss) on fair value of derivative financial instruments

     608        (5,434     (3,703     8,793   

Amortization of guaranteed residual values

     (546     514        (1,067     (1,094

Interest expense

     (3,282     (6,925     (6,363     (12,193

Interest income

     3,239        5,105        6,326        9,163   

Fee settlement

     —          10,000        —          10,000   

Other

     (1,619     (2,876     (3,310     (4,703
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (3,449   $ (1,707   $ (11,603   $ 4,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

11. Capital stock:

On August 26, 2013, we issued one share of capital stock for cash consideration of $60.0 million, which was allocated one Euro to the Capital Stock of the Company and $60.0 million to contributed surplus.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

12. Income taxes:

As we operate in several tax jurisdictions, our income is subject to various rates of taxation. The income tax expense differs from the amount that would have resulted from applying the Luxembourg statutory income tax rates to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes as follows:

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
    October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

   $ 12,034      $ (43,215   $ (19,267   $ (73,464

Combined Luxembourg statutory income tax rate

     29     29     29     29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax recovery (expense) calculated at statutory rate

     (3,490     12,533        5,587        21,305   

(Increase) decrease in income tax recovery (expense) resulting from:

        

Rate differences in various jurisdictions

     9,019        6,296        11,219        12,135   

Change in tax law

     (178     —          (757     (605

Non-deductible items

     (7,281     (20,195     (15,751     (31,756

Other foreign taxes

     (2,363     (5,236     (5,795     (7,290

Non-deductible portion of capital losses

     (102     (1,183     81        (645

Non-taxable income

     7,511        9,297        14,777        19,497   

Adjustments to prior years

     (667     —          (706     643   

Functional currency adjustments

     (3,904     (3,211     4,130        3,817   

Valuation allowance

     (3,630     (3,888     (18,791     (28,089

Other

     63        96        (297     189   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

   $ (5,022   $ (5,491   $ (6,303   $ (10,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at October 31, 2013, there was $23.9 million in unrecognized tax benefits, of which $16.4 million would have an impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized.

During the six months ended October 31, 2013, no new uncertain tax positions were identified. As of April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2013, interest and penalties totaling $4.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively, were accrued.

 

13. Employee pension plans:

The net defined benefit pension plan expense is as follows:

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
    October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Current service cost

   $ 4,808      $ 5,006      $ 9,458      $ 10,012   

Interest cost

     7,847        8,013        15,577        15,934   

Expected return on plan assets

     (10,391     (12,517     (20,485     (24,955

Amortization of net actuarial and experience losses

     258        444        511        876   

Amortization of past service credits

     (94     (92     (186     (180

Employee contributions

     (733     (736     (1,444     (1,471
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,695      $ 118      $ 3,431      $ 216   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

14. Derivative financial instruments and fair value measurements:

We are exposed to foreign exchange risk primarily from our subsidiaries which incur revenue and operating expenses in currencies other than US dollars with the most significant being Pound Sterling, Norwegian Kroner, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and Euros. We monitor these exposures through our cash forecasting process and regularly enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in expected future cash flows related to transactions in currencies other than the functional currency.

The outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts are as follows:

 

     Notional      Fair value
asset (liability)
   

Maturity dates

October 31, 2013:

       

Purchase contracts to sell US dollars and buy Canadian dollars

   CAD 251,956       $ (5,102  

November 2013

to May 2016

Purchase contracts to sell US dollars and buy Euros

   69,268         8,143      December 2013 to July 2014

Purchase contracts to sell Pounds Sterling and buy Euros

   45,000         (487   November 2013 to February 2016

We enter into long-term revenue agreements, which provide for pricing denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the parties to the contract. This pricing feature was determined to be an embedded derivative which has been bifurcated for valuation and accounting purposes. The embedded derivative contracts are measured at fair value and included in other assets or other liabilities.

A net gain of $0.6 million, a net loss of $3.7 million, a net loss of $5.4 million and a net gain of $8.8 million due to the non-hedging derivative forward exchange contracts and the change in the fair value of embedded derivatives was recognized in the statement of operations as part of other financing charges for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The following tables summarize the financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis excluding cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash:

 

     October 31, 2013  
     Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
unobservable
inputs

(Level 3)
     Fair value  

Financial assets:

           

Other assets, current:

           

Foreign currency forward contracts

   $ —         $ 8,222       $ —         $ 8,222   

Foreign currency embedded derivatives

     —           373         —           373   

Other assets, non-current:

           

Foreign currency forward contracts

     —           127         —           127   

Foreign currency embedded derivatives

     —           4,025         —           4,025   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —         $ 12,747       $ —         $ 12,747   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

14. Derivative financial instruments and fair value measurements (continued):

 

     October 31, 2013  
     Quoted prices
in active
markets for
identical assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
other
observable
inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
unobservable
inputs

(Level  3)
     Fair value  

Financial liabilities:

          

Other liabilities, current:

          

Foreign currency forward contracts

   $ —         $ (3,298   $ —         $ (3,298

Foreign currency embedded derivatives

     —           (7,670     —           (7,670

Other liabilities, non-current:

          

Foreign currency forward contracts

     —           (2,497     —           (2,497

Foreign currency embedded derivatives

     —           (8,181     —           (8,181
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —         $ (21,646   $ —         $ (21,646
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inputs to the valuation methodology for Level 2 measurements include publically available forward notes, credit spreads and US$ or Euro interest rates, and inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. There were no transfers between categories in the fair value hierarchy.

The carrying values of the other financial instruments, which are measured at other than fair value, approximate fair value due to the short terms to maturity, except for non-revolving debt obligations, the fair values of which are as follows:

 

     October 31, 2013  
     Fair value      Carrying value  

Senior secured notes

   $ 1,407,250       $ 1,287,901   

Senior unsecured notes

     303,000         300,000   

The fair value of the senior secured and unsecured notes are determined based on market information provided by third parties which is considered to be a level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

15. Supplemental cash flow information:

 

     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
     October 31,
2013
 

Cash interest paid

   $ 58,354       $ 63,867   

Cash taxes paid

     14,086         15,895   

Assets acquired through non-cash capital leases

     13,905         9,101   

Change in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

     Six months ended  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Receivables, net of allowance

   $ (36,666   $ 21,222   

Income taxes

     (7,546     (5,051

Inventories

     (7,503     (5,340

Prepaid expenses

     1,089        (8,074

Payables and accruals

     (2,733     (32,853

Deferred revenue

     348        21,659   

Other assets and liabilities

     (2,469     614   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (55,480   $ (7,823
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

16. Guarantees:

We have provided limited guarantees to third parties under some of our operating leases relating to a portion of the residual aircraft values at the termination of the leases, which have terms expiring between fiscal 2014 and 2024. Our exposure under the asset value guarantees including guarantees in the form of funded and unfunded residual value guarantees, rebateable advance rentals and deferred payments is approximately $232.3 million and $249.4 million as at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2013, respectively.

 

17. Related party transactions:

 

  (a) Related party leasing transactions and balances:

During the three months ended October 31, 2013 we engaged in leasing transactions with VIEs related to our ultimate parent (note 2).

 

  (b) Balances with ultimate parent:

At April 30, 2013, $2.0 million in payables and accruals is due to and $0.1 million in receivables is due from our ultimate parent. At October 31, 2013, $2.0 million in payables and accruals is due to our ultimate parent.

 

  (c) Balances with companies under common control with our ultimate parent company:

At April 30, 2013, $1.0 million in receivables is due from companies under common control with our ultimate parent. At October 31, 2013, $4.5 million in receivables is due from companies under common control with our ultimate parent company.

 

  (d) On June 24, 2013, we paid a dividend of $25.1 million to our parent.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

17. Related party transactions (continued):

 

  (e) On July 16, 2013, we borrowed $25.0 million from our parent. On July 19, 2013, the loan was repaid. The loan bore interest at 4.5% per annum and it expired on October 16, 2013.

 

  (f) In August 2013, we issued one share of capital stock (note 11) and paid a dividend of $60.0 million to our parent.

 

18. Commitments:

We have aircraft operating leases with 18 lessors for 166 aircraft and 19 lessors for 165 aircraft included in our fleet at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2013, respectively. As at October 31, 2013, these leases had expiry dates ranging from fiscal 2014 to 2024. We have the option to purchase the majority of the aircraft for agreed amounts that do not constitute bargain purchase options, but have no commitment to do so. With respect to such leased aircraft, substantially all of the costs of major inspections of airframes and the costs to perform inspections, major repairs and overhauls of major components are at our expense. We either perform this work internally through our own repair and overhaul facilities or have the work performed by an external repair and overhaul service provider.

At October 31, 2013, we have commitments with respect to operating leases for aircraft, buildings, land and equipment. The minimum lease rentals required under operating leases are payable in the following amounts over the following years ended October 31:

 

     Aircraft operating
leases
     Building, land and
equipment operating
leases
     Total operating
leases
 

2014

   $ 237,026       $ 13,064       $ 250,090   

2015

     221,893         11,461         233,354   

2016

     205,842         9,725         215,567   

2017

     181,553         7,614         189,167   

2018

     168,937         5,403         174,340   

and thereafter

     361,758         57,207         418,965   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,377,009       $ 104,474       $ 1,481,483   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As at October 31, 2013, we have committed to purchase 36 new aircraft and the total required additional expenditures for these aircraft is approximately $953.9 million. These aircraft are expected to be delivered in fiscal 2014 to 2017 and will be deployed in our Helicopter Services segment. We intend to enter into leases for these aircraft or purchase them outright upon delivery from the manufacturer. Additionally, we have committed to purchase $71.9 million of helicopter parts by October 31, 2015 and $100.0 million of heavy helicopters from Eurocopter prior to December 31, 2016.

The terms of certain of the helicopter lease agreements impose operating and financial limitations on us. Such agreements limit the extent to which we may, among other things, incur indebtedness and fixed charges relative to our level of consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Generally, in the event of a covenant breach, a lessor has the option to terminate the lease and require the return of the aircraft, with the repayment of any arrears of lease payments plus the present value of all future lease payments and certain other amounts which could be material to our financial position. The aircraft would then be sold and the surplus, if any, returned to us. Alternatively we could exercise our option to purchase the aircraft. As at October 31, 2013 we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

19. Contingencies:

One or more of our subsidiaries are, from time to time, named as defendants in lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of our business. Such disputes may involve, for example, breach of contract, employment, wrongful termination and tort claims. We maintain adequate insurance coverage to respond to most claims. We cannot predict the outcome of any such lawsuits with certainty, but our management team does not expect the outcome of pending or threatened legal matters to have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.

In addition, from time to time, the Company or its subsidiaries are involved in tax and other disputes with various government agencies. The following summarizes such presently pending disputes:

In 2006, we voluntarily disclosed to OFAC that several of our subsidiaries formerly operating as Schreiner Airways may have violated applicable US laws and regulations by re-exporting to Iran, Sudan, and Libya certain helicopters, related parts, map data, operation and maintenance manuals, and aircraft parts for third-party customers. OFAC’s investigation is ongoing and we continue to fully cooperate. Should the US government determine that these activities violated applicable laws and regulations, we or our subsidiaries may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including fines and/or suspension of the privilege to engage in trading activities involving goods, software and technology subject to the US jurisdiction. At October 31, 2013, it is not possible to determine the outcome of this matter, or the significance, if any, to our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Brazilian customs authorities seized one of our helicopters (customs value of $10.0 million) as a result of allegations that we violated Brazilian customs law by failing to ensure our customs agent and the customs agent’s third party shipping company followed approved routing of the helicopter during transport. We secured release of the helicopter and are disputing through court action any claim for penalties associated with the seizure and the alleged violation. We have preserved our rights by filing a civil action against our customs agent for any losses that may result. At October 31, 2013, it is not possible to determine the outcome of this matter, or the significance, if any, to our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In the United Kingdom, the Ministry for Transport is investigating potential wrongdoing involving two ex-employees in conjunction with the SAR-H bid award processes. This arose from our self-reporting potential improprieties by these individuals upon their discovery in 2010. The SAR-H bid process was subsequently cancelled. We will continue to cooperate in all aspects of the investigation. At October 31, 2013, it is not possible to determine the outcome of this matter, or the significance, if any, to our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

20. Segment information:

We operate under the following segments:

 

   

Helicopter Services;

 

   

Heli-One;

 

   

Corporate and other.

We have provided information on segment revenues and Adjusted EBITDAR because these are the financial measures used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in making operating decisions and assessing performance. Transactions between operating segments are at standard industry rates.

The segmented information for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 has been restated (see note 1(c)).

The Helicopter Services segment includes flying operations around the world serving offshore oil and gas, EMS/SAR and other industries and the management of the fleet.

Heli-One, the maintenance, repair and overhaul segment, includes facilities in Norway, Canada, Australia, Poland, and the US that provide helicopter repair and overhaul services for our fleet and for an external customer base in Europe, Asia and North America.

Corporate and other includes corporate office costs in various jurisdictions and is not considered a reportable segment.

The accounting policies of the segments and the basis of accounting for transactions between segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

20. Segment information (continued):

 

Three months ended October 31, 2012

                              
     Helicopter
Services
    Heli-One     Corporate and
other
    Inter-segment
eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenue from external customers

   $ 404,298      $ 42,488      $ —        $ —        $ 446,786   

Add: Inter-segment revenues

     1,288        78,373        —          (79,661     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     405,586        120,861        —          (79,661     446,786   

Direct costs (i)

     (289,482     (91,760     —          78,642        (302,600

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     825        —          —          —          825   

General and administration costs

     —          —          (18,914     —          (18,914
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR (ii)

     116,929        29,101        (18,914     (1,019     126,097   

Aircraft lease and associated costs

     (48,797     —          —          —          (48,797

Depreciation

             (27,635

Restructuring costs

             (1,797

Asset impairments (iii)

             (9,846

Loss on disposal of assets

             (3,026

Interest on long-term debt

             (30,075

Foreign exchange gain

             10,562   

Other financing charges

             (3,449

Income tax expense

             (5,022
          

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

             7,012   

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

             467   
          

 

 

 

Net earnings

           $ 7,479   
          

 

 

 

 

(i) Direct costs in the segment information presented excludes aircraft lease and associated costs. In the consolidated statement of operations these costs are combined.
(ii) Adjusted EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft lease and associated costs or total revenue plus earnings from equity accounted investees less direct costs excluding aircraft lease and associated costs and general and administration expenses.
(iii) Asset impairments relate to the Helicopter Services segment.

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

20. Segment information (continued):

 

Six months ended October 31, 2012

                              
     Helicopter
Services
    Heli-One     Corporate and
other
    Inter-segment
eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenue from external customers

   $ 795,821      $ 67,034      $ —        $ —        $ 862,855   

Add: Inter-segment revenues

     2,137        146,983        —          (149,120     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     797,958        214,017        —          (149,120     862,855   

Direct costs (i)

     (577,106     (171,103     —          147,952        (600,257

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     1,837        —          —          —          1,837   

General and administration costs

     —          —          (37,439     —          (37,439
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR (ii)

     222,689        42,914        (37,439     (1,168     226,996   

Aircraft lease and associated costs

     (97,227     —          —          —          (97,227

Depreciation

             (55,945

Restructuring costs

             (3,727

Asset impairments (iii)

             (16,347

Loss on disposal of assets

             (4,617

Interest on long-term debt

             (59,958

Foreign exchange gain

             3,161   

Other financing charges

             (11,603

Income tax expense

             (6,303
          

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

             (25,570

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

             812   
          

 

 

 

Net loss

           $ (24,758
          

 

 

 

 

(i) Direct costs in the segment information presented excludes aircraft lease and associated costs. In the consolidated statement of operations these costs are combined.
(ii) Adjusted EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft lease and associated costs or total revenue plus earnings from equity accounted investees less direct costs excluding aircraft lease and associated costs and general and administration expenses.
(iii) Asset impairments relate to the Helicopter Services segment.

 

33


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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

20. Segment information (continued):

 

Three months ended October 31, 2013

                              
     Helicopter
services
    Heli-One     Corporate and
other
    Inter-segment
eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenue from external customers

   $ 408,063      $ 35,309      $ —        $ —        $ 443,372   

Add: Inter-segment revenues

     1,354        68,785        —          (70,139     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     409,417        104,094        —          (70,139     443,372   

Direct costs (i)

     (298,006     (88,130     —          69,508        (316,628

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     1,527        —          —          —          1,527   

General and administration costs

     —          —          (19,092     —          (19,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR (ii)

     112,938        15,964        (19,092     (631     109,179   

Aircraft lease and associated costs

     (55,166     —          —          —          (55,166

Depreciation

             (38,694

Asset impairments (iii)

             (14,575

Loss on disposal of assets

             (3,299

Interest on long-term debt

             (39,143

Foreign exchange gain

             190   

Other financing charges

             (1,707

Income tax expense

             (5,491
          

 

 

 

Net loss

           $ (48,706
          

 

 

 

Segment assets

   $ 1,801,051      $ 417,377      $ 635,251      $ —        $ 2,853,679   

Segment assets - held for sale

     38,519        —          —          —          38,519   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,839,570      $ 417,377      $ 635,251      $        $ 2,892,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(i) Direct costs in the segment information presented excludes aircraft lease and associated costs. In the consolidated statement of operations these costs are combined.
(ii) Adjusted EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft lease and associated costs or total revenue plus earnings from equity accounted investees less direct costs excluding aircraft lease and associated costs and general and administration expenses.
(iii) Asset impairments relate to the Helicopter Services segment.

 

34


Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

20. Segment information (continued):

 

Six months ended October 31, 2013

                              
     Helicopter
Services
    Heli-One     Corporate and
other
    Inter-segment
eliminations
    Consolidated  

Revenue from external customers

   $ 795,365      $ 62,938      $ —        $ —        $ 858,303   

Add: Inter-segment revenues

     1,778        138,467        —          (140,245     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     797,143        201,405        —          (140,245     858,303   

Direct costs (i)

     (559,494     (183,818     —          138,857        (604,455

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     3,918        —          —          —          3,918   

General and administration costs

     —          —          (37,153     —          (37,153
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR (ii)

     241,567        17,587        (37,153     (1,388     220,613   

Aircraft lease and associated costs

     (110,445     —          —          —          (110,445

Depreciation

             (70,751

Asset impairments (iii)

             (21,899

Loss on disposal of assets

             (4,421

Interest on long-term debt

             (77,720

Foreign exchange loss

             (12,958

Other financing income

             4,117   

Income tax expense

             (10,799
          

 

 

 

Net loss

           $ (84,263
          

 

 

 

 

(i) Direct costs in the segment information presented excludes aircraft lease and associated costs. In the consolidated statement of operations these costs are combined.
(ii) Adjusted EBITDAR is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and aircraft lease and associated costs or total revenue plus earnings from equity accounted investees less direct costs excluding aircraft lease and associated costs and general and administration expenses.
(iii) Asset impairments relate to the Helicopter Services segment.

 

35


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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

21. Supplemental condensed consolidated financial information:

The Company and certain of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis certain outstanding indebtedness of CHC Helicopter SA, the registrant. The following consolidating schedules present financial information as of October 31, 2013 and for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, based on the guarantor structure that was in place at October 31, 2013.

 

36


Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Balance Sheets as at April 30, 2013

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent      Issuer      Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Assets

              

Current Assets

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,391       $ 3,478       $ 117,444      $ (13,121   $ (3,478   $ 123,714   

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

     4         113         147,134        170,744        (746     317,249   

Current intercompany receivables

     12,352         439,585         496,789        241,723        (1,190,449     —     

Income taxes receivable

     —           —           362        25,509        —          25,871   

Deferred income tax assets

     —           —           (8     57        —          49   

Inventories

     —           —           100,263        5,531        —          105,794   

Prepaid expenses

     26         49         10,287        11,906        (49     22,219   

Other assets

     —           5,593         46,715        93,038        (89,263     56,083   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     31,773         448,818         918,986        535,387        (1,283,985     650,979   

Property and equipment, net

     —           —           993,911        81,724        (381     1,075,254   

Investments

     507,725         393,062         357,608        18,116        (1,249,615     26,896   

Intangible assets

     —           —           194,360        3,450        —          197,810   

Goodwill

     —           —           334,129        96,333        —          430,462   

Restricted cash

     —           —           8,172        21,467        —          29,639   

Other assets

     —           29,449         377,211        61,596        (29,479     438,777   

Long-term intercompany receivables

     —           859,564         43,324        449,718        (1,352,606     —     

Deferred income tax assets

     —           —           10,104        648        —          10,752   

Assets held for sale

     —           —           32,047        —          —          32,047   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 539,498       $ 1,730,893       $ 3,269,852      $ 1,268,439      $ (3,916,066   $ 2,892,616   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

              

Current Liabilities

              

Payables and accruals

   $ 115       $ 6,516       $ 280,876      $ 138,188      $ (6,516   $ 419,179   

Deferred revenue

     —           —           18,901        8,751        —          27,652   

Income taxes payable

     525         457         36,891        10,571        (457     47,987   

Current intercompany payables

     —           35,729         284,548        466,300        (786,577     —     

Deferred income tax liabilities

     —           —           537        81        —          618   

Current facility secured by accounts receivable

     —           —           —          53,512        —          53,512   

Other liabilities

     —           83,596         100,129        6,332        (167,266     22,791   

Current portion of long-term debt obligations

     —           —           2,138        —          —          2,138   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     640         126,298         724,020        683,735        (960,816     573,877   

Long-term debt obligations

     —           1,337,303         1,475,087        —          (1,337,303     1,475,087   

Long-term intercompany payables

     —           —           436,282        56,789        (493,071     —     

Deferred revenue

     —           —           25,910        30,080        —          55,990   

Other liabilities

     16         —           145,550        100,889        —          246,455   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     —           —           9,287        1,340        —          10,627   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     656         1,463,601         2,816,136        872,833        (2,791,190     2,362,036   

Redeemable non-controlling interests

     —           —           —          (8,262     —          (8,262

Shareholder’s equity

     538,842         267,292         453,716        403,868        (1,124,876     538,842   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 539,498       $ 1,730,893       $ 3,269,852      $ 1,268,439      $ (3,916,066   $ 2,892,616   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

37


Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Balance Sheets as at October 31, 2013

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer      Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Assets

             

Current Assets 

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ (6,267   $ 14,075       $ 161,158      $ (70,789   $ (14,075   $ 84,102   

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

     4        113         104,676        189,510        (739     293,564   

Current intercompany receivables

     10,801        450,836         486,791        263,291        (1,211,719     —     

Income taxes receivable

     —          —           159        24,628        —          24,787   

Deferred income tax assets

     —          —           (5     59        —          54   

Inventories

     —          —           112,395        7,511        —          119,906   

Prepaid expenses

     —          91         11,659        18,553        (91     30,212   

Other assets

     —          6,272         46,032        187,228        (180,996     58,536   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     4,538        471,387         922,865        619,991        (1,407,620     611,161   

Property and equipment, net

     —          —           921,728        88,759        (381     1,010,106   

Investments

     405,920        411,927         482,153        19,345        (1,289,894     29,451   

Intangible assets

     —          —           183,139        3,449        —          186,588   

Goodwill

     —          —           333,253        96,612        —          429,865   

Restricted cash

     —          —           18,467        14,721        —          33,188   

Other assets

     —          31,763         470,867        72,891        (31,763     543,758   

Long-term intercompany receivables

     —          1,081,145         65,068        449,753        (1,595,966     —     

Deferred income tax assets

     —          —           506        9,056        —          9,562   

Assets held for sale

     —          —           38,519        —          —          38,519   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 410,458      $ 1,996,222       $ 3,436,565      $ 1,374,577      $ (4,325,624   $ 2,892,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

             

Current Liabilities

             

Payables and accruals

   $ 44      $ 20,151       $ 217,346      $ 128,039      $ (20,151   $ 345,429   

Deferred revenue

     —          —           21,950        12,771        —          34,721   

Income taxes payable

     220        538         34,889        7,006        (538     42,115   

Current intercompany payables

     —          44,047         308,081        452,775        (804,903     —     

Deferred income tax liabilities

     —          —           835        81        —          916   

Current facility secured by accounts receivable

     —          —           —          43,400        —          43,400   

Other liabilities

     —          174,741         191,486        4,393        (349,465     21,155   

Current portion of long-term debt obligations

     —          —           18,609        —          —          18,609   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     264        239,477         793,196        648,465        (1,175,057     506,345   

Long-term debt obligations

     —          1,602,901         1,646,670        —          (1,602,901     1,646,670   

Long-term intercompany payables

     —          —           449,750        65,075        (514,825     —     

Deferred revenue

     —          —           33,999        38,660        —          72,659   

Other liabilities

     20        —           161,991        91,333        —          253,344   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     —          —           7,018        3,165        —          10,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     284        1,842,378         3,092,624        846,698        (3,292,783     2,489,201   

Redeemable non-controlling interests

     —          —           —          (7,177     —          (7,177

Shareholder’s equity

     410,174        153,844         343,941        535,056        (1,032,841     410,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 410,458      $ 1,996,222       $ 3,436,565      $ 1,374,577      $ (4,325,624   $ 2,892,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

38


Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Statements of Operations for the three months ended October 31, 2012

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ —        $ —        $ 288,236      $ 291,016      $ (132,466   $ 446,786   

Operating expenses:

            

Direct costs

     —          (12     (210,318     (273,540     132,473        (351,397

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     7,116        55,305        84,217        490        (146,303     825   

General and administration costs

     (186     (1,118     (13,493     (5,209     1,092        (18,914

Depreciation

     —          —          (25,024     (2,611     —          (27,635

Restructuring costs

     —          —          (597     (1,200     —          (1,797

Asset impairments

     —          —          (9,846     —          —          (9,846

Loss on disposal of assets

     —          —          (3,021     (5     —          (3,026
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     6,930        54,175        (178,082     (282,075     (12,738     (411,790
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     6,930        54,175        110,154        8,941        (145,204     34,996   

Financing income (charges)

     (78     (46,422     (99,290     76,406        46,422        (22,962
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income tax

     6,852        7,753        10,864        85,347        (98,782     12,034   

Income tax recovery (expense)

     147        (1,224     (4,214     (955     1,224        (5,022
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     6,999        6,529        6,650        84,392        (97,558     7,012   

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          467        —          —          467   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

     6,999        6,529        7,117        84,392        (97,558     7,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to:

            

Controlling interest

     6,999        6,529        7,117        83,912        (97,558     6,999   

Non-controlling interests

     —          —          —          480        —          480   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 6,999      $ 6,529      $ 7,117      $ 84,392      $ (97,558   $ 7,479   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 30,123      $ 28,157      $ 30,240      $ 97,373      $ (155,580   $ 30,313   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

39


Table of Contents

6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Statements of Operations for the six months ended October 31, 2012
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ —        $ —        $ 549,636      $ 568,293      $ (255,074   $ 862,855   

Operating expenses:

            

Direct costs

     —          (43     (405,207     (547,346     255,112        (697,484

Earnings (loss) from equity accounted investees

     (26,075     (2,852     22,260        1,171        7,333        1,837   

General and administration costs

     (188     (2,816     (30,283     (6,986     2,834        (37,439

Depreciation

     —          —          (50,551     (5,394     —          (55,945

Restructuring costs

     —          —          (1,630     (2,097     —          (3,727

Asset impairments

     —          —          (16,347     —          —          (16,347

Gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     —          —          (4,645     28          (4,617
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (26,263     (5,711     (486,403     (560,624     265,279        (813,722
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (26,263     (5,711     63,233        7,669        10,205        49,133   

Financing income (charges)

     13        (17,666     (78,413     10,000        17,666        (68,400
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     (26,250     (23,377     (15,180     17,669        27,871        (19,267

Income tax recovery (expense)

     144        (1,984     (11,707     5,260        1,984        (6,303
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

     (26,106     (25,361     (26,887     22,929        29,855        (25,570

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

     —          —          812        —          —          812   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

     (26,106     (25,361     (26,075     22,929        29,855        (24,758
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

            

Controlling interest

     (26,106     (25,361     (26,075     21,581        29,855        (26,106

Non-controlling interests

     —          —          —          1,348        —          1,348   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ (26,106   $ (25,361   $ (26,075   $ 22,929      $ 29,855      $ (24,758
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (36,111   $ (34,849   $ (36,080   $ 18,390      $ 55,353      $ (33,297
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Cash Flows for the six months ended October 31, 2012

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ (2,604   $ (130,981   $ 6,099      $ (27,253   $ 130,981      $ (23,758

Financing activities:

            

Increase in revolver and notes deferred financing costs

     —          (3,793     (3,793     —          3,793        (3,793

Sold interest in accounts receivable, net of collections

     —          —          —          8,917        —          8,917   

Proceeds from senior secured notes

     —          202,000        202,000        —          (202,000     202,000   

Long term debt proceeds

     —          390,000        390,229        —          (390,000     390,229   

Long term debt repayments

     —          (465,000     (471,824     —          465,000        (471,824
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities

     —          123,207        116,612        8,917        (123,207     125,529   

Investing activities:

            

Property and equipment additions

     —          —          (132,286     (9,981     —          (142,267

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     —          —          93,380        33        —          93,413   

Aircraft deposits net of lease inception refunds

     —          —          (40,926     —          —          (40,926

Restricted cash

     —          —          —          5,384        —          5,384   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities

     —          —          (79,832     (4,564     —          (84,396

Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

     (2,604     (7,774     42,879        (22,900     7,774        17,375   

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations:

            

Cash provided by operating activities

     —          —          812        —          —          812   

Cash used in financing activities

     —          —          (812     —          —          (812
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations

     —          —          —          —          —          —     

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          (3,499     (645     —          (4,144
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents during the period

     (2,604     (7,774     39,380        (23,545     7,774        13,231   

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     196        (6,771     41,032        14,319        6,771        55,547   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   $ (2,408   $ (14,545   $ 80,412      $ (9,226   $ 14,545      $ 68,778   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Statements of Operations for the three months ended October 31, 2013
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ —        $ —        $ 289,834      $ 292,002      $ (138,464   $ 443,372   

Operating expenses:

            

Direct costs

     —          —          (226,020     (284,244     138,470        (371,794

Earnings (loss) from equity accounted investees

     (48,184     (33,209     15,894        1,006        66,020        1,527   

General and administration costs

     (179     (229     (13,798     (5,125     239        (19,092

Depreciation

     —          —          (32,091     (6,603     —          (38,694

Assets impairments

     —          —          (14,575     —          —          (14,575

Loss on disposal of assets

     —          —          (2,870     (429     —          (3,299
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (48,363     (33,438     (273,460     (295,395     204,729        (445,927
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (48,363     (33,438     16,374        (3,393     66,265        (2,555

Financing income (charges)

     (52     (13,569     (48,019     7,412        13,568        (40,660
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     (48,415     (47,007     (31,645     4,019        79,833        (43,215

Income tax recovery (expense)

     —          (710     (16,539     11,048        710        (5,491
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

     (48,415     (47,717     (48,184     15,067        80,543        (48,706
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

            

Controlling interest

     (48,415     (47,717     (48,184     15,358        80,543        (48,415

Non-controlling interests

     —          —          —          (291     —          (291
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ (48,415   $ (47,717   $ (48,184   $ 15,067      $ 80,543      $ (48,706
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (38,442   $ (40,654   $ (38,211   $ 42,653      $ 34,540      $ (40,114
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Statements of Operations for the six months ended October 31, 2013
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenue

   $ —        $ —        $ 563,722      $ 564,037      $ (269,456   $ 858,303   

Operating expenses:

            

Direct costs

     —          —          (430,736     (553,626     269,462        (714,900

Earnings (loss) from equity accounted investees

     (84,912     41,826        100,150        2,906        (56,052     3,918   

General and administration costs

     (1,610     (3,240     (31,256     (4,501     3,454        (37,153

Depreciation

     —          —          (60,795     (9,956     —          (70,751

Asset impairments

     —          —          (21,899     —          —          (21,899

Loss on disposal of assets

     —          —          (4,064     (357     —          (4,421
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (86,522     38,586        (448,600     (565,534     216,864        (845,206
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     (86,522     38,586        115,122        (1,497     (52,592     13,097   

Financing income (charges)

     (98     (120,817     (180,305     93,843        120,816        (86,561
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax

     (86,620     (82,231     (65,183     92,346        68,224        (73,464

Income tax recovery (expense)

     —          (1,424     (19,729     8,930        1,424        (10,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

     (86,620     (83,655     (84,912     101,276        69,648        (84,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

            

Controlling interest

     (86,620     (83,655     (84,912     98,919        69,648        (86,620

Non-controlling interests

     —          —          —          2,357        —          2,357   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ (86,620   $ (83,655   $ (84,912   $ 101,276      $ 69,648      $ (84,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (103,749   $ (102,206   $ (102,041   $ 120,344      $ 84,287      $ (103,365
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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6922767 HOLDING S.à.r.l.

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

(Tabular amounts expressed in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise noted)

 

 

 

Cash Flows for the six months ended October 31, 2013

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

   Parent     Issuer     Guarantor     Non-guarantor     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

   $ (510   $ (43,650   $ 30,106      $ (53,410   $ 43,650      $ (23,814

Financing activities:

            

Sold interest in accounts receivable, net of collections

     —          —          —          (10,349     —          (10,349

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock

     60,000        —          —          —          —          60,000   

Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes

     —          300,000        300,000        —          (300,000     300,000   

Long-term debt proceeds

     25,000        375,000        425,000        —          (375,000     450,000   

Long-term debt repayments

     (25,000     (410,000     (536,378     —          410,000        (561,378

Increase in revolver and notes deferred financing costs

     —          (5,987     (5,987     —          5,987        (5,987

Long term intercompany flow – issuance of debt

     —          (204,897     (18,820     18,820        204,897        —     

Dividend distribution to parent

     (85,148     —          —          —          —          (85,148
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (25,148     54,116        163,815        8,471        (54,116     147,138   

Investing activities:

            

Property and equipment additions

     —          —          (208,203     (19,359     —          (227,562

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

     —          —          169,069        140        —          169,209   

Aircraft deposits net of lease inception refunds

     —          —          (92,676     —          —          (92,676

Restricted cash

     —          —          (8,848     7,256        —          (1,592

Distributions from equity investments

     —          —          —          1,677        —          1,677   

Dividends received

     —          131        —          —          (131     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used) in investing activities

     —          131        (140,658     (10,286     (131     (150,944

Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations

     (25,658     10,597        53,263        (55,225     (10,597     (27,620

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     —          —          (9,549     (2,443     —          (11,992
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents during the period

     (25,658     10,597        43,714        (57,668     (10,597     (39,612

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period

     19,391        3,478        117,444        (13,121     (3,478     123,714   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period

   $ (6,267   $ 14,075      $ 161,158      $ (70,789   $ (14,075   $ 84,102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide an understanding of our results of operations, financial condition and where appropriate, factors that may affect future performance. The following discussion of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto as well as our annual audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, which was filed with the SEC on July 15, 2013, and the MD&A contained therein. In the discussion that follows, the term “current year quarter and prior year quarter” and “current year period and prior year period” refers to the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The following discussions include forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties, including those identified under Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those identified in the “Risk Factor” sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K which was filed with the SEC on July 15, 2013. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Other Industry and Market Data” below.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Other Industry and Market Data

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, about our future expectations, plans or prospects and our business. All statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “expect” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the following:

 

   

our level of indebtedness and obligations under our operating leases;

 

   

competition in the markets we serve;

 

   

loss of any of our large, long-term support contracts;

 

   

inherent risks in operating helicopters;

 

   

failure to mitigate losses through a robust safety management and insurance coverage program or to maintain standards of acceptable safety performance;

 

   

risks associated with our fixed operating expenses and long-term contracts;

 

   

our reliance on a small number of helicopter manufacturers;

 

   

limited number of suppliers and availability of replacement helicopter parts and subcontracted services;

 

   

inability to fund our working capital requirements;

 

   

reliance on the secondary used helicopter market to dispose of older helicopters;

 

   

extensive regulation;

 

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potential for conflict with the other owners of non-wholly owned variable interest entities;

 

   

political and economic uncertainty;

 

   

compliance risks associated with international activities;

 

   

application of tax laws in various jurisdictions;

 

   

foreign currency exposure and related hedging activities;

 

   

exposure to credit risks;

 

   

allocation of risk between our customers and us;

 

   

dependence on the oil and gas industry, and particular markets within that industry;

 

   

reduction or cancellation of services for government agencies;

 

   

inability to upgrade our technology;

 

   

reliance on information technology;

 

   

assimilation of acquisitions and the impact of any future material acquisitions;

 

   

loss of key personnel;

 

   

labor problems;

 

   

insufficient assets in our defined benefit pension plan;

 

   

adverse results of legal proceedings; and

 

   

potential adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

We caution you that the above list of cautionary statements is not exhaustive and should be considered with the risks described under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. We disclaim any intentions or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Overview of Business

We are the world’s largest commercial operator of helicopters based on revenue of $1.7 billion in fiscal 2013. We are also the world’s largest commercial operator of heavy and medium helicopters based on our fleet of 238 heavy and medium helicopters as of October 31, 2013. With bases on six continents, we are one of only two global commercial helicopter service providers to the offshore oil and gas industry. Our mission is to provide the highest level of service in the industry, which we believe will enable our customers to go further, do more and come home safely. Through our 60 years of experience providing helicopter services, we believe our brand and reputation have become associated with safe and reliable transportation and mission-critical logistics solutions. Our fleet of heavy and medium helicopters, global capabilities and reputation for safety position us to capitalize on anticipated increases in ultra-deepwater and deepwater drilling and production spending by our major, national and independent oil and gas company customers.

 

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Our helicopters are primarily used to facilitate large, long-distance crew changes on offshore production facilities and drilling rigs. We also provide search and rescue services, or SAR, and emergency medical services, or EMS, to government agencies. We maintain a presence in most major offshore oil and gas markets through a network of approximately 70 bases with operations in approximately 30 countries, more than any other commercial helicopter service provider in the world. We cover this expansive and diverse geography with a technologically advanced fleet of 238 helicopters and the expertise to serve customers in ultra-deepwater and deepwater locations. To secure and maintain operating certificates in the many jurisdictions in which we provide helicopter services, we must meet stringent and diverse regulatory standards across multiple jurisdictions, and have an established track record in obtaining and maintaining certificates as well as working with regulators and local partners.

We generate the majority of our oil and gas customer Helicopter Services revenue from contracts tied to our customers’ offshore production operations, which have long-term transportation requirements. A substantial portion of our remaining oil and gas customer Helicopter Services revenue comes from transporting personnel to and from offshore drilling rigs, and we believe this capability allows us to take advantage of expansion in the global ultra-deepwater rig fleet. Approximately 71% to 75% of the flying revenue in our Helicopter Services segment was attributable to fixed monthly charges for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

We also provide maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, services through our Heli-One business to both our own Helicopter Services segment and to third-party customers. Our MRO capabilities enable us to perform heavy structural repairs, and maintain, overhaul and test helicopters and helicopter components globally across various helicopter types. We believe our in-house MRO operations through our Heli-One business enable us to manage our supply chain and maintain our fleet more efficiently, thereby increasing the availability of our helicopters and reducing our overall cost of maintenance. In addition, we are the largest provider of these services (excluding original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs), which allows us to provide our Heli-One customers with comprehensive MRO services across multiple helicopter types and families. Our MRO services include complete maintenance outsourcing solutions, parts sales and distribution, high-value engineering services, design services and logistics support.

Segments

We conduct our business through two operating segments and have a Corporate Segment comprised primarily of general and administration costs. Our two operating segments are as follows:

Helicopter Services:

 

   

Our Helicopter Services segment consists of flying operations in the Eastern North Sea, the Western North Sea, the Americas, the Asia Pacific region and the Africa-Euro Asia region, primarily serving our offshore oil and gas customers and providing SAR and EMS to government agencies. The Eastern North Sea is comprised mainly of Norway while the Western North Sea includes the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Netherlands. The Americas is comprised of Brazil, North American countries and other South American countries. The Asia Pacific region includes Australia and Southeast Asian countries and the Africa-Euro Asia region includes Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Azerbaijan, Tanzania and other African and European countries.

 

   

Helicopter Services generates approximately 85% to 90% of its revenue from oil and gas customers, and of this amount, the majority is tied to our customers’ offshore production operations, which have long-term transportation requirements.

 

   

Helicopter Services also provides SAR and EMS to government agencies and to our oil and gas customers. SAR and EMS revenue to non-oil and gas customers has historically contributed approximately 10% of Helicopter Services revenue.

Heli-One:

 

   

Our Heli-One segment includes helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in Norway, Poland, Canada and the United States, providing helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services for our fleet

 

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and for a growing external customer base in Europe, Asia and North America. Although intersegment revenues are eliminated from the presentation of our financial information, operationally, Heli-One’s largest customer is our Helicopter Services segment.

 

   

We have historically generated the majority of our third-party Heli-One revenue by providing maintenance, repair and overhaul services to other helicopter operators. Approximately 28% and 34% of our third-party Heli-One revenue in the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, respectively, was derived from “power by the hour” contracts, where the customer pays a ratable monthly charge, typically based on the number of hours flown, for all scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance.

Key Financial and Operating Metrics

We use a number of key financial and operating metrics to measure the performance of our business, including Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDAR margin, Adjusted net earnings (loss) and our HE Rate. Adjusted EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDAR margin, Adjusted net earnings (loss) or the HE Rate are not required by, or presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US GAAP”) and should not be considered as alternatives to net earnings (loss) or any other performance or liquidity measures derived in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following charts show our revenue generated by segment, our HE Rate, our Adjusted EBITDAR and our Adjusted EBITDAR margin, for the six month periods ended October 31, 2012 and October 31, 2013:

 

LOGO

 

(1) HE Rate is the third-party operating revenue from our Helicopter Services segment excluding reimbursable revenue divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet. Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted at 100% and 50%, respectively, to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters expected to be retired from our fleet.
(2) Adjusted EBITDAR margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDAR divided by total revenue less reimbursable revenue. Cost reimbursements from customers are recorded as reimbursable revenue with the related reimbursement expense in direct costs.

We have chosen to include Adjusted EBITDAR as we consider this measure to be a significant indicator of our financial performance and use this measure to assist us in allocating available capital resources. Adjusted

 

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EBITDAR, which is defined as earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and helicopter lease and associated costs or total revenue plus earnings from equity accounted investees, less direct costs excluding helicopter lease and associated costs less general and administration costs. Adjusted EBITDAR also excludes restructuring costs, asset impairments, gain (loss) on disposal of assets and goodwill impairment, if any. These items are significant components to understanding and assessing financial performance and liquidity. For additional information about our segment revenue and Adjusted EBITDAR, including a reconciliation of these measures to our consolidated financial statements, see Note 20 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

We have chosen to include adjusted net earnings (loss) as it provides us with an understanding of the results from the primary activities of our business by excluding items such as asset dispositions, asset impairments, the revaluation of our derivatives and foreign exchange gain (loss), which is primarily driven by the translation of US dollar balances in entities with a non-US dollar functional currency. We believe that this measure is a useful supplemental measure as net loss includes these items, and the inclusion of these items are not meaningful indicators of our ongoing performance. For additional information about our adjusted net earnings (loss), including a reconciliation to our consolidated financial statements, see the “Consolidated Results of Operations.”

We have chosen to include the HE Rate, or Heavy Equivalent Rate, which is the third-party operating revenue from the Helicopter Services segment excluding reimbursable revenue divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet. Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted at 100% and 50%, respectively, to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters expected to be retired from the fleet. We believe this measure is useful as it provides a standardized measure of our operating revenue per helicopter taking into account the different revenue productivity and related costs of operating our fleet mix of heavy and medium helicopters.

Key Drivers Affecting our Results of Operations

Our results of operations and financial condition are affected by numerous factors, including those described under Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those described below:

 

   

General level of offshore production and drilling activity. Demand for our services depends primarily upon ongoing offshore hydrocarbon production and the capital spending of oil and gas companies and the level of offshore drilling activity. Higher activity levels can lead to greater utilization of our helicopters by our customers. Because a large portion of our costs are fixed, our Adjusted EBITDAR margins typically improve when more of our helicopters are deployed.

 

   

Impact of fleet mix. Generally, contracts for our helicopter services requiring heavier and newer helicopters provide an opportunity to generate greater profit than lighter and older helicopters. Consequently, our revenue and profit opportunity improves as we upgrade our fleet and enter into new contracts.

 

   

Timing of new contracts and our commencement of service under new contracts. Our results of operations in a particular period can be impacted by the timing of the execution of new contracts and our ability to provide under new contracts.

Market Outlook

We generate the majority of our Helicopter Services revenue from contracts tied to our oil and gas customers’ offshore production operations, which have long-term transportation requirements. A substantial portion of our remaining oil and gas customer Helicopter Services revenue comes from transporting personnel to and from offshore drilling rigs, and we believe this capability allows us to take advantage of expansion in the global ultra-deepwater rig fleet. Approximately 71% to 75% of the flying revenue in our Helicopter Services segment was attributable to fixed monthly charges for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The production business is typically less cyclical than the exploration and development business because production platforms remain in place over the long-term and are relatively unaffected by economic cycles, as the marginal cost of lifting a barrel of oil once a platform is in position is low. Our customers typically base their capital expenditure budgets on their long-term commodity price expectations.

Our MRO services, operated through our Heli-One business, are dependent on helicopter maintenance demand. This is generally highest during periods of high helicopter service demand where high flying hours result in more frequent maintenance, most of which is required by regulation.

We have seen an increase in ultra-deepwater and deepwater spending by our customers, which has led to improvement in many metrics reflected in our fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 financial performance. We are optimistic that growth will continue for fiscal 2014. We are continuing to see growth in offshore production as the industry moves offshore to find hydrocarbons. New technology has allowed oil and gas companies to continue exploration and drilling farther offshore. To remain competitive and to service existing and new contracts in this industry, we are augmenting our fleet by adding technologically advanced helicopters to meet customers’ changing demands. The industry is constrained by the pace at which it renews its fleet due to the limited supply of new technology helicopters produced annually by the OEMs. To address this constraint, we have leveraged our relationship with the OEMs to secure commitments to obtain new technology helicopters to support our future growth.

During the three months ended October 31, 2013, we took delivery of one helicopter. At October 31, 2013, we have commitments to purchase 36 helicopters, with the delivery of these helicopters beginning in fiscal 2014 and continuing through to fiscal 2017. These helicopters will be purchased outright or financed through leases. We also have the option to purchase 26 helicopters which, if exercised, would bring our total purchase commitments to 62 aircraft. In addition to this, we have committed to $100.0 million of additional helicopter purchases with Eurocopter.

 

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Norway and the United Kingdom continue to be our core operating areas, while Brazil, Australia and certain countries in the Africa-Euro Asia region, including Nigeria, are expected to contribute increasingly to our revenue in future periods due to an increase in ultra-deepwater and deepwater oil and gas activity. In December 2013, we obtained our own helicopter operating license in Tanzania and our joint venture partner in Nigeria, Atlantic Aviation, informed us that it has gained approval from the government of Nigeria to import AW139 helicopters, which we expect to eventually use to compete for flying contracts in that country. Also in December, 2013 we completed a two-year extension, through fiscal 2017, of an agreement with Statoil to provide services from bases in Bergen and Florø in Norway. The contract requires a dedicated fleet of 10 heavy aircraft. We have made continued wins for the year to date with new contracts in the U.K., Norway, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Brazil, Australia and Equatorial Guinea.

Heli-One continues to develop its third-party business, with recent contract wins in the United Kingdom, Europe, Brazil and the U.S. To further support the growth of our Heli-One business and expand our global footprint, we opened an additional facility in Poland in fiscal 2013. We are also expanding our online capabilities to provide customers with portal access to our available parts and exchanges through our portal known as EPIC (Exchange Parts Inventory Channel). We continue to review and improve our global inventory management processes through a number of lean process techniques to support efficiencies in our workshops and our supply chain for our business operations. These include improving and expanding our channel partner network, establishing higher standards for performance and accountability and a robust internal and external communication plan to expand awareness of partner performance.

Our broad transformation program continues to provide significant value to our operations. The transformation program looks at all major aspects of our operations and includes a number of work streams, each including many initiatives. The program includes transformative thinking and technology to achieve cost efficiencies through global standardization and organization efficiency to allow us to continue to enhance our earnings and cash flows. We previously announced the opening of the centralized Integrated Operations Center in Irving, Texas. The centralization process has been expanded in the current period to additional regional areas. We are continuing to implement our long-term crew planning and scheduling program to further improve customer service levels. We believe these transformative actions will allow us to maximize our value proposition to our customers.

We conduct our business in various foreign jurisdictions, and as such, our cash flows and earnings are subject to fluctuations and related risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Throughout the six months ended October 31, 2013, our primary foreign currency exposures were related to the Norwegian Kroner, the Euro, the British pound sterling, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar. For details on this exposure and the related impact on our results of operations, see Part I, Item 3 “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Recent Developments

Following an incident in October 2012 that led to the temporary industry-wide suspension of all over-water Eurocopter EC225 helicopters, we commenced in July 2013 the phased re-introduction of our EC225 fleet to full service. We expect to resume commercial service on the Eurocopter EC225 fleet by the end of the calendar year.

On August 23, 2013, one of our Eurocopter AS332L2 heavy helicopters was involved in an accident near Sumburgh in the Shetland Isles, United Kingdom. Authorities subsequently confirmed four fatalities and multiple injuries among the 16 passengers and two crew members on board. The cause of the accident is not yet known and full investigations are being carried out in conjunction with the U.K. Air Accident Investigation Branch, or UK AAIB, and Police Scotland.

Despite engineering and operating differences between the AS332L2, AS332L, AS332L1 and EC225 helicopters, for a limited period, we voluntarily canceled all our flights worldwide on those helicopter types (except for those involved in life-saving missions), out of respect for our work force and those of our customers, and to evaluate any implications associated with the accident.

 

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Within a week of the incident, after consultation with our principal regulators, customers, union representatives and industry groups, and based on findings that there was no evidence to support a continuation of our temporary voluntary suspension and, on recommendations to return to active service all variants of these helicopter types, we resumed commercial passenger flights with all of these helicopter types to and from offshore oil and gas installations worldwide, excluding those in the UK with AS332L2 helicopters. We resumed AS332L2 commercial flights in the UK in mid-September. All of these helicopter types worldwide have been returned to commercial operations.

On October 18, 2013, the UK AAIB issued its latest special bulletin about its investigation on the causes of the accident. A full copy of the special bulletin is available at http://www.aaib.gov.uk/publications/special_bulletins /s7_2013___as332_l2_super_puma__g_wnsb.cfm. Neither the foregoing website nor the information contained on the website nor the report accessible through such website shall be deemed incorporated into, and neither shall be a part of, this Form 10-Q filing of which it forms a part. In the special bulletin, the UK AAIB confirmed that, to date, the wreckage examination and analysis of recorded data as well as information from interviews of people involved in the accident have not found any evidence of a technical fault that could have been causal to the accident. The investigations by the UK AAIB and Police Scotland are not complete and are ongoing.

It is too early to determine the extent of the impact of the accident on our results of operations or financial condition based on information currently available.

Fleet

As of October 31, 2013, our fleet was comprised of the following helicopters:

 

 

Helicopter Type

   Total      Cruise
Speed
(kts)
    Approximate
Range
(nmi)
    Passenger
Capacity
    Maximum
Weight

(lbs)
 

Heavy:

           

Sikorsky S92A

     37         145        400        19        26,500   

Eurocopter EC225

     31         145        400        19        24,250   

Eurocopter (AS332 L, L1, and L2)

     40         130-140        250-350        17-19        18,000-20,500   

Sikorsky S61N

     5         N/A (1)      N/A (1)      N/A (1)      N/A (1) 
  

 

 

          

Total Heavy

     113            

Medium:

           

Agusta AW139

     39         145        280        12-15        15,000   

Sikorsky S76C++

     23         145        220        12        11,700   

Sikorsky S76C+

     22         145        175        12        11,700   

Sikorsky S76A/B/C

     16         135        110-130        12        10,800-11,700   

Bell 412

     11         125        135        13        11,900   

Eurocopter AS365 Series

     9         120-145        80        11        9,500   

Eurocopter EC135/145/155

     5         N/A (2)      N/A (2)      N/A (2)      N/A (2) 
  

 

 

          

Total Medium

     125            
  

 

 

          

Total Helicopters

     238            
  

 

 

          

 

(1) SAR only
(2) EMS only

As of October 31, 2013, we have committed to purchase $71.9 million of helicopter parts by October 31, 2015 and 36 new helicopters from multiple OEMs for a total commitment of approximately $953.9 million. These helicopters are expected to be delivered in fiscal 2014 ($253.7 million), 2015 ($315.5 million) and 2016 to 2017 ($384.7 million) and will be deployed in our Helicopter Services segment. In addition, we have committed to purchase $100.0 million of heavy helicopters from Eurocopter prior to December 31, 2016. These helicopters will be purchased outright or financed through leases. In addition, at October 31, 2013, we had the option to purchase 26

 

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helicopters which, if exercised, would represent a total purchase commitment of 62 helicopters, excluding the committed amount with Eurocopter. We have a pipeline of opportunities identified that we believe will create long-term contracts for these new helicopters.

The following table shows the expected delivery dates of the helicopter purchase commitments and options referred above:

 

     Number of helicopters  
     Purchase
commitments(i)
     Options  

2014

     10        —    

2015

     13        3  

2016

     10        8  

2017 and beyond

     3        15  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     36        26  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(i) Does not include helicopters related to our commitment to purchase $100.0 million of heavy helicopters from Eurocopter or our intention to lease 5 helicopters from an independent lessor with planned deliveries in 2014 and 2015.

 

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Summary Results of Operations

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

 

     For the three months ended:  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Operating Revenue

   $ 405,762      $ 403,217   

Reimbursable Revenue

     41,024        40,155   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     446,786        443,372   

Operating Expenses

    

Direct costs(i)

     (302,600     (316,628

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     825        1,527   

General and administration costs

     (18,914     (19,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR (ii)

     126,097        109,179   

Helicopter lease and associated costs

     (48,797     (55,166

Depreciation

     (27,635     (38,694

Restructuring costs

     (1,797     —     

Asset impairments

     (9,846     (14,575

Loss on disposal of assets

     (3,026     (3,299
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     34,996        (2,555

Interest on long-term debt

     (30,075     (39,143

Foreign exchange gain

     10,562        190   

Other financing charges

     (3,449     (1,707
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before tax

     12,034        (43,215

Income tax expense

     (5,022     (5,491
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations

     7,012        (48,706

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

     467        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

     7,479      $ (48,706
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

    

Controlling interest

     6,999        (48,415

Non-controlling interest

     480        (291
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 7,479      $ (48,706
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

    

Adjusted net loss (iii)

   $ 7,599      $ (26,598

Adjusted EBITDAR margin (ii)

     31.1     27.1

HE Rate(iv)

   $ 2,259      $ 2,243   

 

(i) Direct costs in the information above excludes helicopter lease and associated costs. These costs are combined in the consolidated statement of operations, which are included in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

(ii) See “—Key Financial and Operating Metrics” for the definition and discussion of these non-GAAP measures. Additional information about our Adjusted EBITDAR, including a reconciliation of this measure to our consolidated financial statements is also provided in Note 20 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, each included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See below for our reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAR margin.

 

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     For the three months ended
October 31,
 
     2012     2013  

Adjusted EBITDAR

   $ 126,097      $ 109,179  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues less reimbursable revenue

   $ 405,762      $ 403,217  

Adjusted EBITDAR Margin

     31.1     27.1 %

 

(iii) Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP measure that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP and has not been audited or reviewed by our independent auditors. We have chosen to include adjusted net loss as it provides us with an understanding of the results from the primary activities of our business by excluding items such as asset dispositions, asset impairments, the revaluation of our derivatives and foreign exchange gain (loss), which is primarily driven by the translation of U.S. dollar balances in entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency. We believe that this measure is a useful supplemental measure as net loss includes these items, and these items are not meaningful indicators of our ongoing performance. A description of the adjustments to, and reconciliations of, this non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP financial measure is as follows:

 

     For the three months ended
October 31,
 
     2012     2013  

Adjusted net earnings (loss)

   $ 7,599      $ (26,598 )

Asset impairments

     (9,846     (14,575 )

Loss on disposal of assets

     (3,026     (3,299 )

Foreign exchange gain

     10,562        190  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

     2,190        (4,424 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 7,479      $ (48,706 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(iv) HE Rate is a non-GAAP measure that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP and has not been audited or reviewed by our independent auditors. HE rate is the third-party operating revenue from the Helicopter Services segment excluding reimbursable revenue divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet. Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted as 100% and 50%, respectively, to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters expected to be retired from our fleet. See our “—Key Financial and Operating Metrics” for discussion of this non-GAAP financial measure. See below for the reconciliation of HE Rate.

 

     For the three months ended
October 31,
 
     2012      2013  

Helicopter Services total external revenue

   $ 404,298       $ 408,063  

Less: Reimbursable revenues

     41,024         40,155  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Helicopter Services operating revenue

   $ 363,274       $ 367,908  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

HE count

     160.8         164.0  

HE Rate

   $ 2,259       $ 2,243  

 

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Consolidated Results Summary

For the three months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                 Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Helicopter Services(i)

   $ 404,298      $ 408,063     $ 3,765        0.9 %

Heli-One

     42,488        35,309       (7,179     (16.9 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenue

     446,786       443,372       (3,414     (0.8 )%

Direct costs(ii)

     (302,600 )     (316,628 )     (14,028     (4.6 )%

Helicopter lease and associated costs

     (48,797 )     (55,166 )     (6,369     (13.1 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total direct costs

   $ (351,397 )   $ (371,794 )   $ (20,397     (5.8 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Flying hours

     42,391       38,768       (3,623     (8.5 )%

# of helicopters

     245        238       (7     (2.9 )%

HE count

     160.8        164.0       3.2        2.0 %

HE Rate

   $ 2,259      $ 2,243     $ (16     (0.7 )%

 

(i) Includes revenue from customer reimbursement of fuel costs of $26.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2012 and $23.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013.
(ii) Includes $27.1 million in fuel costs for the three months ended October 31, 2012, and $23.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue

Helicopter Services

For the three months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                   Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012      2013      $ Change     % Change  

Eastern North Sea

   $ 92,442       $ 96,894       $ 4,452        4.8

Western North Sea

     103,925        103,151         (774     (0.7 )% 

Americas

     81,091         72,606         (8,485     (10.5 )% 

Asia Pacific

     82,956        86,636         3,680        4.4

Africa-Euro Asia

     41,759         47,878         6,119        14.7

Other

     2,125         898         (1,227     (57.7 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 404,298       $ 408,063       $ 3,765        0.9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The total external revenue for Helicopter Services increased by $3.8 million, or 0.9%, compared to the prior year quarter. The key variances by region were as follows:

 

   

Eastern North Sea. Revenues in the Eastern North Sea increased by $4.5 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to new contract wins in Norway approximating $4.5 million and additional ad-hoc and other work on existing customer contracts approximating $1.0 million. The increase was partly offset by a $1.6 million revenue decrease from the EC225 suspension.

 

   

Western North Sea. Revenues in the Western North Sea decreased by $0.8 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the expiration of a SAR contract in the UK approximating $5.5 million, and decreased ad-hoc work due to reduced helicopter availability from the EC225 suspension of approximately $2.1 million. This decrease in revenue was partially offset by additional revenue of $4.3 million with existing customers in Scotland and of $2.7 million in Ireland as a result of the transition of an existing customer to a more technologically advanced helicopter.

 

 

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Americas. Revenues in the Americas decreased by $8.5 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to the expiration of customer contracts in the Falkland Islands and Canada resulting in approximately $7.5 million lower revenue compared to the prior year quarter. In Brazil, there was a decrease in revenue as a result of the EC225 suspension, approximating $5.4 million. These declines were offset in part by a $4.5 million revenue increase in Nicaragua from a new contract.

 

   

Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific revenues increased by $3.7 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of new contract wins and contract modifications in Australia and Malaysia approximating $9.4 million. These gains were offset in part by the expiry of short term and other contracts in Australia, approximating $5.2 million and by a $1.0 million revenue decrease from the EC225 suspension.

 

   

Africa-Euro Asia. Africa-Euro Asia revenues increased by $6.1 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of contract wins approximating $5.6 million, increased flying activity in Tanzania of $3.6 million and higher activity in Kazakhstan of $2.2 million. Offsetting these increases were contract expirations in Kenya, Namibia and Liberia approximating $4.1 million and lower activity in Mozambique approximating $1.2 million.

Heli-One

Heli-One’s external revenue decreased by $7.2 million, due primarily to decreased non-PBH project sales, including airframe, engine and component work approximating $8.6 million. The decrease in airframe, engine and component work was primarily attributable to fewer airframe maintenance and modification projects completed during the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter. Conversely, there was an increase in third-party PBH revenue of $1.4 million compared to the prior year quarter, due to the timing of major overhaul work offset in part by lower external third-party flying hours.

Direct Costs

For the three months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                 Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Crew costs

   $ (107,529 )   $ (109,464   $ (1,935     (1.8 )% 

Base and operations and other costs

     (95,231 )     (91,186     4,045        4.2

Maintenance

     (58,687 )     (74,254     (15,567     (26.5 )% 

Support costs

     (41,153 )     (41,724     (571     (1.4 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
   $ (302,600 )   $ (316,628   $ (14,028     (4.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Direct costs increased by $14.0 million to $316.6 million compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in direct costs was due primarily to an increase in maintenance expenditures in the current year period, offset in part by a reduction in base and operations and other costs.

Crew costs, including salary, benefits, training and recruitment, increased by $1.9 million to $109.5 million compared to the prior year quarter. Crew costs have primarily increased due to changes in contract activity levels within our Helicopter Services business. Additional costs were experienced as a result of new contract work primarily in the Eastern North Sea and Africa-Euro Asia regions of $3.4 million, with $0.7 million of costs also being incurred in Nigeria due to our renewed presence in that country. These were offset by a reduction in crew costs in other regions, including the Western North Sea of $0.8 million, primarily as a result of changing levels of SAR work, lower crew costs of $1.0 million in Brazil from lower activity and an expired contract in the Falklands Islands for $1.0 million.

 

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Base and operations and other costs, which include our base operations, rechargeable costs, insurance costs and other external expenses, decreased by $4.0 million to $91.2 million compared to the prior year quarter. This decrease was due primarily to a recovery of insurance in the current year quarter.

Maintenance costs increased by $15.6 million to $74.3 million compared to the prior year quarter. This was due to $3.3 million of additional costs incurred in the current period in preparing our EC225 fleet for return to service. In addition, maintenance costs increased over the prior year quarter as a result of continued investment in rotable parts maintenance in our Heli-One business, where the costs incurred for maintenance work on rotable parts are expensed as incurred, and due to higher maintenance activity on helicopters used as replacements during the EC225 suspension.

Support costs increased $0.6 million to $41.7 million compared to the prior year quarter due primarily to $0.5 million higher year over year costs as a result of our new centralized flying operations center and $0.7 million of additional support costs being incurred for our Nigeria operations. These were offset by lower salaries and benefit costs within our Heli-One business of $1.3 million, with the balance related to support cost changes at the regional level due to variations in the levels of contract activity.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased by $11.1 million to $38.7 million compared to the prior year quarter. The increase is primarily due to a depreciation review conducted during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. We plan to exit certain helicopter types after the helicopters complete existing customer contracts over the period from 2014 to 2018. When we conducted our depreciation review, we reduced the useful lives and residual values of 18 helicopters that will be exited and the current year quarter reflects a higher rate of depreciation as a result. Of the current year quarter depreciation expense, $21.8 million was related to Heli-One and $16.9 million was related to Helicopter Services.

Asset impairment

Asset impairment increased by $4.7 million to $14.6 million compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was due primarily to the impairment of assets held for sale which increased due to changes in market conditions.

Interest on Long-Term Debt

Interest on long-term debt increased by $9.1 million to $39.1 million compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to additional interest expense on the $200.0 million in senior secured notes issued on October 5, 2012 and the $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes issued on May 13, 2013. This was offset in part by a decrease in interest on our revolving credit facility of $1.2 million, due to repayments of this facility.

Foreign Exchange Gain

Foreign exchange gain decreased by $10.4 million to a gain of $0.2 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to foreign exchange losses arising on a net Australia dollar payable position held by non-Australia functional currency entities, as the Australia dollar gained strength in the current year quarter. This was offset by foreign exchange gains on receivables denominated in the British Pound, Euros and Danish Kroner, whose value increased in certain subsidiaries due to the weakening U.S. dollar.

Other Financing Charges

Other financing charges decreased by $1.7 million to $1.7 million due to a $10.0 million fee settlement which was primarily offset by a net loss on the valuation of derivatives and embedded derivatives of $6.0 million and a higher net interest cost on bank accounts of $1.8 million, compared to the prior year quarter.

 

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Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased by $0.5 million to an income tax expense of $5.5 million compared to the prior year quarter. The effective tax rate for the current year period is (13)% compared to 42% in the prior year quarter. The below table provides a breakdown of the items which caused the change in income tax expense between the current year quarter and the prior year quarter:

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)    Increase/(decrease)
in tax  expense
    Effective
tax rate
 

Income tax expense at October 31, 2012

   $ 5,022        42

Change in taxable income calculated at statutory rate

     (16,023  

Rate differences in various jurisdictions

     2,723     

Non-deductible items

     12,914     

Functional currency adjustments

     (693  

Valuation allowance

     258     

Other items

     1,290     
  

 

 

   

Income tax expense at October 31, 2013

   $ 5,491       (13 )%
  

 

 

   

The increase in the income tax expense as compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to an increase in non-deductible items and due to a higher proportion of income being in earned higher tax rate jurisdictions, offset by the change in taxable income calculated at the statutory rate. The increase in non-deductible items of $12.9 million was related primarily to a higher level of non-deductible interest due to tax legislative changes which have occurred in Norway and in the Netherlands. Income tax expense increased by $2.7 million due to rate differences in various jurisdictions due to the decrease in taxable income in lower tax rate jurisdictions in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter.

Non-Controlling Interest

Net loss allocated to non-controlling interest increased by $0.8 million to $0.3 million, due to net losses in EEA Helicopters Operations B.V. (“EHOB”). See Note 2 of our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for a further discussion on EHOB.

 

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Segmented Results of Operations

During the year ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) decided to tightly integrate helicopter planning with our Helicopter Services’ commercial operations. As a result, the fleet division previously included in the Corporate Segment was combined with Helicopter Services in the financial information provided to the CODM. Heli-One revenues were also restated to exclude the elimination of inter-company profits on the internal base maintenance work performed for our internal fleet of helicopters. The segmented information for the prior year quarter has been restated in the financial information provided to the CODM to reflect the reclassification of the financial information for both of these changes.

Helicopter Services

For the three months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                 Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Operating revenue

   $ 363,274     $ 367,908     $ 4,634        1.3 %

Reimbursable revenue

     41,024       40,155       (869     (2.1 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total third-party revenue

     404,298        408,063       3,765        0.9 %

Internal revenue

     1,288       1,354       66        5.1 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenue

     405,586       409,417       3,831        0.9 %

Direct costs

     (289,482 )     (298,006 )     (8,524     (2.9 )%

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     825       1,527       702        85.1 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR

   $ 116,929     $ 112,938      $ (3,991     (3.4 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR margin(i)

     32.1 %     30.6 %     (1.5     (4.7 )%

Flight Hours

     42,391       38,768        (3,623     (8.5 )%

# of Helicopters

     245       238        (7     (2.9 )%

Helicopter lease and associated costs

   $ (48,797 )   $ (55,166   $ (6,369     (13.1 )%

HE count(ii)

     160.8        164.0       3.2        2.0 %

HE Rate(ii)

   $ 2,259     $ 2,243     $ (16     (0.7 )% 

 

(i) Adjusted EBITDAR margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDAR divided by total revenue less reimbursable revenue. Cost reimbursements from customers are recorded as reimbursable revenue with the related reimbursement expense in direct costs.
(ii) HE Rate is the third-party operating revenue from the Helicopter Services segment excluding reimbursable revenue divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet. Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted at 100% and 50% respectively to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters expected to be retired from our fleet. Quarterly figures are an average of two quarters.

Helicopter Services Adjusted EBITDAR decreased by $4.0 million to $112.9 million compared to the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDAR margin declined slightly by 1.5% compared to the prior year quarter. The primary changes in Adjusted EBITDAR at the regional level were due to:

 

   

Eastern North Sea. The Eastern North Sea’s Adjusted EBITDAR decreased by $3.0 million over the prior year quarter and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 4.7%, principally due to the mix of contracts in the current year quarter and due to the EC225 suspension. This was offset by contract wins and increases in short-term and ad-hoc contract work.

 

   

Western North Sea. The Adjusted EBITDAR in the Western North Sea decreased by $2.3 million over the prior year quarter and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 2.3%. Compared to the prior year quarter, Adjusted EBITDAR was negatively impacted by the expiration of UK SAR contract work, which was offset by additional contract work in Scotland and an existing customer’s switch to a more technologically advanced helicopter type in Ireland.

 

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Americas. Adjusted EBITDAR decreased $4.3 million over the prior year quarter, and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 3.4%. This was due to the EC225 suspension and the expiry of contracts in the Falkland Islands and in Canada, offsetting a new contract win in Nicaragua, which resulted in a net decrease of $1.9 million in Adjusted EBITDAR compared to the prior year quarter.

 

   

Africa-Euro Asia and Asia Pacific. The Africa-Euro Asia region Adjusted EBITDAR increased by $0.5 million, and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 4.7% as a result of new contract wins offset by expirations. In addition, higher costs of $2.2 million were incurred in Nigeria compared to the prior year quarter, where we incurred additional crew, base and other costs due to the set up of operations within Nigeria. Asia Pacific’s Adjusted EBITDAR increased by $0.6 million over the prior year quarter and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 0.3%. This was due to new contract wins offset by the expiry of customer contract terms in certain regions.

The balance of the change in Adjusted EBITDAR relates to the results of our fleet operations, centralized costs and earnings from equity accounted investees compared to the prior year quarter. In the current year quarter, earnings from equity accounted investees have increased by $0.7 million.

Helicopter leasing costs increased by $6.4 million to $55.2 million, due primarily to an increase in technologically advanced helicopter operating leases entered into during the current year quarter, which have a higher lease cost. We are acquiring technologically advanced helicopters to meet customers’ needs as they continue exploration and development into deeper waters. We anticipate that we will continue to finance helicopters through operating leases and may make strategic decisions as required to purchase certain helicopters outright. The purchase of helicopters allows for greater jurisdictional flexibility as some lease agreements restrict the movement of helicopters to certain countries.

Heli-One

For the three months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                

Favorable

(Unfavorable)

 
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Third-party revenue

   $ 42,488        35,309      $ (7,179     (16.9 )% 

Internal revenue

     78,373        68,785        (9,588     (12.2 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenue

     120,861        104,094        (16,767     (13.9 )% 

Direct Costs

     (91,760     (88,130     3,630        4.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR

   $ 29,101        15,964      $ (13,137     (45.1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR Margin

     24.1     15.3     (8.8 )%      (36.5 )% 

Heli-One’s Adjusted EBITDAR decreased by $13.1 million to $16.0 million and Adjusted EBITDAR margin declined by 8.8% compared to the prior year quarter. The primary changes compared to the prior year quarter were as follows:

 

   

There was an increase in maintenance costs for the EC225 return to service, maintenance of rotables parts to improve helicopter availability and higher maintenance activity on helicopters used as replacements during the EC225 suspension. This decreased Adjusted EBITDAR by approximately $7.0 million, impacting Adjusted EBITDAR margin by 4.5%, compared to the prior year quarter;

 

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There were lower internal and external flight hours which reduced revenue earned in the period which resulted in decreased Adjusted EBITDAR margin of $3.4 million, impacting Adjusted EBITDAR margin by 2.3%; and

 

   

There was a decrease in Adjusted EBITDAR from lower non-PBH revenues due to the timing of the completion of airframes, components and engines work which resulted in an unfavorable impact of $3.1 million, impacting Adjusted EBITDAR margin by 2.0%.

 

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Summary Results of Operations

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

     For the six months ended:  
     October 31,
2012
    October 31,
2013
 

Operating Revenue

   $ 779,790     $ 776,276  

Reimbursable Revenue

     83,065       82,027  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     862,855       858,303  

Operating Expenses

    

Direct costs (i)

     (600,257     (604,455

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     1,837        3,918  

General and administration costs

     (37,439     (37,153 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR (ii)

     226,996        220,613  

Helicopter lease and associated costs

     (97,227     (110,445

Depreciation

     (55,945     (70,751

Restructuring costs

     (3,727     —     

Asset impairments

     (16,347     (21,899

Loss on disposal of assets

     (4,617     (4,421
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     49,133        13,097  

Interest on long-term debt

     (59,958     (77,720

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     3,161        (12,958

Other financing income (charges)

     (11,603     4,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before tax

     (19,267     (73,464

Income tax expense

     (6,303     (10,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

     (25,570 )     (84,263

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

     812       —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (24,758     (84,263 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to:

    

Controlling interest

     (26,106 )     (86,620 )

Non-controlling interest

     1,348       2,357  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (24,758 )   $ (84,263 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:

    

Adjusted net loss (iii)

   $ (3,991 )   $ (55,325 )

Adjusted EBITDAR margin (ii)

     29.1 %     28.4 %

HE Rate (iv)

   $ 4,413      $ 4,292   

 

(i) Direct costs in the information above excludes helicopter lease and associated costs. These costs are combined in the consolidated statement of operations, which are included in the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

(ii) See “—Key Financial and Operating Metrics” for the definition and discussion of these non-GAAP measures. Additional information about our Adjusted EBITDAR, including a reconciliation of this measure to our consolidated financial statements is also provided in Note 20 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the six months ended October 31, 2012 and 2013, each included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See below for our reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAR margin.

 

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      For the six months ended
October 31,
 
     2012     2013  

Adjusted EBITDAR

   $ 226,996      $ 220,613  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues less reimbursable revenue

   $ 779,790      $ 776,276  

Adjusted EBITDAR Margin

     29.1     28.4 %

 

(iii) Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP measure that has not been prepared in accordance with GAAP and has not been audited or reviewed by our independent auditors. This financial measure is therefore considered a non-GAAP financial measure. We have chosen to include adjusted net loss as it provides us with an understanding of the results from the primary activities of our business by excluding items such as asset dispositions, asset impairments, the revaluation of our derivatives and foreign exchange gain (loss), which is primarily driven by the translation of U.S. dollar balances in entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency. We believe that this measure is a useful supplemental measure as net loss includes these items, and these items are not meaningful indicators of our ongoing performance. A description of the adjustments to, and reconciliations of, this non-GAAP financial measure to the most comparable GAAP financial measure is as follows:

 

     For the six months ended
October 31,
 
     2012     2013  

Adjusted net loss

   $ (3,991   $ (55,325

Asset impairments

     (16,347     (21,899

Loss on disposal of assets

     (4,617     (4,421

Foreign exchange gain (loss)

     3,161        (12,958

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

     (2,964     10,340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (24,758   $ (84,263
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(iv) The HE Rate is calculated as the third-party operating revenue from the Helicopter Services Segment excluding reimbursable revenue divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet for that period. Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted at 100% and 50%, respectively, to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters expected to be retired from our fleet. See our “—Key Financial and Operating Metrics” for discussion of this non-GAAP financial measure. See below for the reconciliation of HE Rate.

 

     For the six months ended
October 31,
 
     2012      2013  

Helicopter Services total external revenue

   $ 795,821       $ 795,365   

Less: Reimbursable revenues

     83,065         82,027   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Helicopter Services operating revenue

   $ 712,756       $ 713,338   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

HE count

     161.5         166.2   

HE Rate

   $ 4,413       $ 4,292   

 

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Consolidated Results Summary

For the six months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Helicopter Services (i)

   $ 795,821      $ 795,365      $ (456     (0.1 )%

Heli-One

     67,034        62,938        (4,096     (6.1 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenue

     862,855        858,303        (4,552     (0.5 )%

Direct costs (ii)

     (600,257 )     (604,455     (4,198     (0.7 )%

Helicopter lease and associated costs

     (97,227 )     (110,445     (13,218     (13.6 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total direct costs

   $ (697,484 )   $ (714,900   $ (17,416     (2.5 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Flying hours

     85,763       77,924        (7,839     (9.1 )%

# of helicopters

     245       238        (7     (2.9 )%

HE count

     161.5        166.2        4.7        2.9 %

HE Rate

   $ 4,413      $ 4,292      $ (121     2.7

 

(i) Includes revenue from customer reimbursement of fuel costs of $52.2 million for the six months ended October 31, 2012 and $47.6 million for the six months ended October 31, 2013.
(ii) Includes $53.0 million in fuel costs for the six months ended October 31, 2012, and $47.9 million for the six months ended October 31, 2013.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue

Helicopter Services

For the six months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                   Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012      2013      $ Change     % Change  

Eastern North Sea

   $ 177,455       $ 191,606       $ 14,151        8.0 %

Western North Sea

     206,572        203,774         (2,798     (1.4 )%

Americas

     156,772         131,274         (25,498     (16.3 )%

Asia Pacific

     163,857        172,296         8,439        5.2 %

Africa-Euro Asia

     87,078         94,596         7,518        8.6 %

Other

     4,087         1,819         (2,268     (55.5 )%
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Total

   $ 795,821       $ 795,365       $ (456     (0.1 )%
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

The total external revenue for Helicopter Services was relatively flat compared to the prior year period, with the results for the overall period influenced by the continued suspension of the EC225 helicopters. The key variances by region were as follows:

 

   

Eastern North Sea. Revenues in the Eastern North Sea increased by $14.2 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to new contract wins in the oil and gas sector in Norway resulting in a $19.0 million increase in revenues. The increase was offset due to lost revenue as a result of the EC225 suspension of $4.9 million.

 

   

Western North Sea. Revenues in the Western North Sea decreased by $2.8 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the expiration of a UK SAR contract which reduced revenue by $8.8 million, the expiry of a contract in Denmark of $7.3 million and decreased ad-hoc work due to the EC225 suspension of $5.5 million. This decrease in revenue was offset by revenue gains with existing customers in Scotland, primarily for additional helicopters with oil and gas customers of $9.1 million, in Ireland with $5.3 million of additional revenue earned as a result of the transition of an existing customer to more technologically advanced helicopters, and primarily short term contract work in England for $4.2 million.

 

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Americas. Revenues in the Americas decreased by $25.5 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to decreased revenue activity in Brazil of $20.3 million as a result of the EC225 suspension. In addition the expiration of customer contracts in the Falkland Islands and Canada decreased revenue by $12.9 million. These decreases were offset by a $7.3 million increase in revenue from a contract win in Nicaragua.

 

   

Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific revenues increased by $8.4 million compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of new contract wins and contract modifications in Australia and Malaysia approximating $20.5 million. These increases were offset by the end of certain customer contracts and reductions in revenues earned with existing customers in Australia approximating $11.8 million, and by lost revenue of $1.7 million from the EC225 suspension.

 

   

Africa-Euro Asia. Africa-Euro Asia revenues increased by $7.5 million compared to the prior year period, primarily as a result of contract wins of $7.4 million, increased flying activity in Tanzania and Mozambique of $4.2 million and higher activity in Kazakhstan approximating $2.3 million. Offsetting these increases were contract expirations in Kenya, Namibia and Liberia approximating $6.4 million.

Heli-One

Heli-One’s external revenue decreased by $4.1 million compared to the prior year period. This was due primarily to a decrease in non-PBH project sales, including airframe, engine and component work, attributable to fewer airframe maintenance and modification projects completed during the current year period.

Direct Costs

For the six months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                 Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Crew costs

   $ (209,973 )   $ (217,427 )   $ (7,454 )     (3.5 )% 

Base and operations and other costs

     (185,257 )     (176,338 )     8,919        4.8 %

Maintenance

     (125,084 )     (122,368 )     2,716        2.2 %

Support costs

     (79,943 )     (88,322 )     (8,379     (10.5 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
   $ (600,257   $ (604,455 )   $ (4,198 )     (0.7 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Direct costs increased by $4.2 million to $604.5 million compared to the prior year period. The increase in direct costs was due primarily to an increase in crew and support costs in the current year period, offset by a reduction in maintenance and base and operations and other costs.

Crew costs, including salary, benefits, training and recruitment, increased by $7.5 million to $217.4 million compared to the prior year period. Crew costs have increased primarily due to changes in contract activity levels within our Helicopter Services business which have led to the hiring of additional crew. The increase in costs compared to the prior year period were experienced as a result of new contract work primarily in the East North Sea of $3.9 million, in Australia for $4.2 million, and Nigeria for $2.1 million due to our renewed presence in that country. These increases were offset by a reduction in crew costs in other regions, including the Falkland Islands, for $2.1 million.

 

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Base and operations and other costs, which include our base operations, rechargeable costs, insurance costs and other external expenses, decreased by $8.9 million to $176.3 million compared to the prior year period. This decrease was due primarily to a change in our insurance costs over the prior year period as a result of the receipt of insurance recoveries, offset by higher reimbursable costs which are recharged to customers.

Maintenance costs decreased by $2.7 million to $122.4 million compared to the prior year period. Maintenance costs declined in part because we received cash and immediately available credits, in light of the EC225 suspension, which were booked as reductions to maintenance costs as they related to short-term performance issues. This was offset by $10.1 million of additional costs incurred in the current period in preparing the Eurocopter EC225 helicopters for return to service. Furthermore, maintenance costs increased over the prior year period as a result of continued additional spend on rotable parts maintenance in our MRO business, where the costs incurred for the maintenance work on rotable parts are expensed as incurred, and due to higher maintenance activity on helicopters used as replacements during the EC225 suspension. We do not expect any adjustments in future periods for short-term performance issues for the EC225 suspension and we expect our maintenance costs to return to a level comparative to normal activity.

Support costs increased $8.4 million to $88.3 million compared to the prior year period due primarily to $1.5 million of higher year over year costs as a result of our new centralized flying operations center, $2.3 million of additional support costs being incurred for the start up of our Nigeria operations, $1.9 million of higher salaries and benefits costs in our head office location, which were offset by lower salaries and benefit and consulting costs within our Heli-One business of $1.7 million. The balance of the change in support costs related to variations in the levels of contract activity.

Depreciation

Depreciation increased by $14.8 million to $70.8 million compared to the prior year period. The increase is primarily due to a depreciation review conducted during the third quarter of fiscal 2013. We plan to exit certain helicopter types after the helicopters complete existing customer contracts over the period from 2014 to 2018. When we conducted our depreciation review, we reduced the useful lives and residual values of 18 helicopters that will be exited and the current year quarter reflects a higher rate of depreciation as a result. Of the current year period depreciation expense, $43.0 million was related to Heli-One and $27.8 million was related to Helicopter Services.

Asset impairment

Asset impairment increased by $5.6 million to $21.9 million compared to the prior year period. The increase was due primarily to the impairment of assets held for sale which increased due to changes in market conditions.

Interest on Long-Term Debt

Interest on long-term debt increased by $17.8 million to $77.7 million compared to the prior year period due primarily to the interest accrued on the additional $200.0 million in senior secured notes issued on October 5, 2012 and the $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes issued on May 13, 2013. This was offset by a decrease in interest on our revolving credit facility of $3.4 million, due to repayments of this facility.

Foreign Exchange Loss

Foreign exchange loss increased by $16.1 million to a loss of $13.0 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar denominated net liability positions in entities with Norwegian Kroner and Australian dollar functional currencies.

Other Financing Income (Charges)

Other financing income increased by $15.7 million to $4.1 million compared to the prior year period primarily from a $10.0 million fee settlement and by a net gain on the valuation of derivatives and embedded derivatives of $12.5 million. This was offset by higher net interest cost on bank accounts of $3.0 million and $2.4 million of higher amortization of deferred financing fees.

 

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Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased by $4.5 million to $10.8 million compared to the prior year period. The effective tax rate for the current year period is (15)% compared to (33)% in the prior year period. The below table provides a breakdown of the items which caused the change in tax expense between the current year period and the prior year period:

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)    Increase/(decrease)
in tax  expense
    Effective
tax rate
 

Income tax expense at October 31, 2012

   $ 6,303        (33 )% 

Change in taxable income calculated at statutory rate

     (15,718  

Rate differences in various jurisdictions

     (916  

Non-deductible items

     16,005     

Functional currency adjustments

     313     

Valuation allowance

     9,298     

Other items

     (4,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense at October 31, 2013

   $ 10,799       (15 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The increase in the income tax expense as compared to the prior year period was due to an increase in non-deductible items, a higher proportion of income being in higher rate tax jurisdictions and a higher valuation allowance offset by a change in taxable income as calculated at the statutory rate. The increase in non-deductible items of $16.0 million was related primarily to a higher level of non-deductible interest due to tax legislative changes which have occurred in Norway and in the Netherlands. The increase in valuation allowance was due to a change in our assessment of the realizability of certain tax assets in future years compared to the prior year period. This resulted in a net increase in the valuation allowance of $9.3 million, primarily in relation to deferred tax assets in Australia, the United States, Netherlands, Barbados and Norway. Other items include the impact of higher levels of non-taxable income in foreign jurisdictions, which decreased the tax expense by $4.7 million compared to the prior year period.

Non-Controlling Interest

Net earnings allocated to non-controlling interest increased by $1.0 million to $2.4 million, due to net earnings in EEA Helicopters Operations B.V. (“EHOB”). See Note 2 of our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for a further discussion on EHOB.

 

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Segmented Results of Operations

During the year ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”) decided to tightly integrate helicopter planning with our Helicopter Services’ commercial operations. As a result, the fleet division previously included in the Corporate Segment was combined with Helicopter Services in the financial information provided to the CODM. Heli-One’s revenues were also restated to exclude the elimination of inter-company profits on the internal base maintenance work performed for our internal fleet of helicopters. The segmented information for the prior year period has been restated in the financial information provided to the CODM to reflect the reclassification of the financial information for both of these changes.

Helicopter Services

For the six months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                 Favorable (Unfavorable)  
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Operating revenue

   $ 712,756     $ 713,338     $ 582        0.1 %

Reimbursable revenue

     83,065       82,027       (1,038     (1.2 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total third-party revenue

     795,821     $ 795,365       (456     (0.1 )%

Internal revenue

     2,137       1,778       (359     (16.8 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenue

     797,958       797,143       (815     (0.1 )%

Direct costs

     (577,106 )     (559,494 )     17,612       3.1 %

Earnings from equity accounted investees

     1,837       3,918       2,081       113.3 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR

     222,689     $ 241,567     $ 18,878       8.5 %
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR margin (i)

     31.1 %     33.8 %     2.7 %     8.7 %

Flight Hours

     85,763       77,924       (7,839     (9.1 )%

# of Helicopters

     245       238       (7 )     (2.9 )%

Helicopter lease and associated costs

   $ (97,227   $ (110,445 )   $ (13,218     (13.6 )%

HE count (ii)

     161.5        166.2        4.7       2.9 %

HE Rate (ii)

   $ 4,413     $ 4,292     $ (121     (2.7 )%

 

(i) Adjusted EBITDAR margin is calculated as Adjusted EBITDAR divided by total revenue less reimbursable revenue. Cost reimbursements from customers are recorded as reimbursable revenue with the related reimbursement expense in direct costs.
(ii) HE Rate is the third-party operating revenue from the Helicopter Services segment excluding reimbursable revenue divided by a weighted average factor corresponding to the number of heavy and medium helicopters in our fleet. Our heavy and medium helicopters, including owned and leased, are weighted at 100% and 50% respectively to arrive at a single HE count, excluding helicopters expected to be retired from our fleet. Quarterly figures are an average of two quarters.

Helicopter Services Adjusted EBITDAR increased by $18.9 million to $241.6 million compared to the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDAR improved in the North Sea, Africa-Euro Asia and in our Asia Pacific regions, and was flat in the Americas. Adjusted EBITDAR margin improved by 2.7% compared to the prior year period. The primary changes in Adjusted EBITDAR at the regional level were due to:

 

   

Eastern North Sea. The Eastern North Sea’s Adjusted EBITDAR increased by $2.7 million over the prior year period and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 0.6%. This was principally due to the impact of contract wins and other higher short-term and ad-hoc contract work in the period compared to the prior year period. This was offset as a result of lower revenues in the period as a result of the EC225 suspension.

 

   

Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific’s Adjusted EBITDAR increased by $9.8 million and Adjusted EBITDAR margin increased by 5.2%, primarily due to margins from new contracts in Australia combined with an increase in oil and gas activities in Southeast Asia, including East Timor.

 

   

Africa-Euro Asia. Adjusted EBITDAR increased by $3.7 million and Adjusted EBITDAR margin increased by 0.2%. This was due to new contract wins in the region and higher activity in Turkey, Mozambique, Kazakhstan and other African countries of $10.0 million, offset by lower activity in Equatorial Guinea and Azerbaijan, which decreased Adjusted EBITDAR by $1.3 million. In addition, higher costs of $4.6 million were incurred in Nigeria compared to the prior year period, where we incurred additional crew, base and other costs due to the set up of operations within Nigeria.

 

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The balance of the change in Adjusted EBITDAR relates to changes in the results of operations in our other regions and fleet operations, from centralized costs and earnings from equity accounted investees compared to the prior year period. In the current year period, earnings from equity accounted investees have increased by $2.1 million.

Helicopter leasing costs increased by $13.2 million to $110.4 million, due primarily to an increase in technologically advanced helicopter operating leases entered into during the current year period, which have a higher lease cost. We are acquiring technologically advanced helicopters to meet customers’ needs as they continue exploration and development into deeper waters. We anticipate that we will continue to finance helicopters through operating leases and may make strategic decisions as required to purchase certain helicopters outright. The purchase of helicopters allows for greater jurisdictional flexibility as some lease agreements restrict the movement of helicopters to certain countries.

Heli-One

For the six months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

                

Favorable

(Unfavorable)

 
     2012     2013     $ Change     % Change  

Third-party revenue

   $ 67,034     $ 62,938     $ (4,096 )     (6.1 )%

Internal revenue

     146,983       138,467       (8,516 )     (5.8 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenue

     214,017       201,405       (12,612 )     (5.9 )%

Direct costs

     (171,103 )     (183,818 )     (12,715 )     (7.4 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR

   $ 42,914     $ 17,587     $ (25,327 )     (59.0 )%
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDAR Margin

     20.1 %     8.7 %     (11.4 )%     (56.7 )%

Heli-One generates the majority of its revenue by supporting internal flying operations. Adjusted EBITDAR decreased by $25.3 million to $17.6 million and Adjusted EBITDAR margin decreased by 11.4% compared to the prior year period. The primary changes compared to the prior year period were as follows:

 

   

Increased costs are related to the EC225 return to service, the maintenance of rotables parts to improve helicopter availability and higher maintenance activity on helicopters used as replacements during the EC225 stand-down. This had an unfavorable impact on Adjusted EBITDAR of $17.5 million, which impacted Adjusted EBITDAR margin by 7.8%;

 

   

Lower internal and external revenue from flight hours reduced PBH revenue which had an unfavorable impact on Adjusted EBITDAR of $7.0 million, which impacted Adjusted EBITDAR margin by 3.1%; and

 

   

There was a decrease in non-PBH revenues due to the timing of completion of airframes, components and engines work in the current year period which resulted in an unfavorable Adjusted EBITDAR impact of $1.0 million, which impacted Adjusted EBITDAR margin by 0.5%.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND SOURCES OF LIQUIDITY

Analysis of Historical Cash Flows

For the six months ended October 31,

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

 

     2012     2013  

Cash used in operating activities

   $ (23,758 )   $ (23,814

Cash provided by financing activities

     125,529       147,138   

Cash used in investing activities

     (84,396 )     (150,944

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (4,144 )     (11,992
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in cash and cash equivalents during the period

   $ 13,231     $ (39,612 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows Used In Operating Activities

Cash flows used in operating activities were flat compared to the prior year period due to higher results from operations, adjusted for non-cash items and working capital movements of $6.8 million offset by higher pension contributions of $5.5 million and higher cash payments for deferred lease financing costs of $1.4 million.

Pension contributions and benefits paid increased primarily due to the timing of funding compared with the prior year period and increased pension contributions in Norway. Favorable changes in operating capital were driven by a decrease in receivables of $57.9 million as the result of collections, $21.3 million of higher deferred revenue related to contract activity offset by a $30.1 million decrease in accounts payable, due to the timing of supplier payments. Cash financing charges increased due to the issuance of the additional $200.0 million in senior secured notes issued on October 5, 2012 and the $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes issued on May 13, 2013 and the change in realized foreign exchange cash flows compared to the prior year period.

One of our continued areas of focus is the improvement of our cash flows through operational growth. We have implemented a number of initiatives, but have not consistently decreased our use of cash in operations. No assurance can be given that our efforts to reduce operational cash requirements, including continued efforts to achieve greater cost efficiencies through our broad transformation program, will be effective. The business may not generate sufficient net cash from operating activities and future borrowings may not be available in amounts sufficient to enable us to service our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs. It is currently expected that the net cash from operating activities will, together with our ability to access financing through our existing senior secured revolving credit facilities, other financing markets, new operating leases and proceeds from the sale of helicopters and other assets, be sufficient to meet the on-going cash flow requirements. If we are unable to meet our debt obligations or fund other liquidity needs, alternative financing plans may need to be undertaken, such as refinancing or restructuring debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or raising additional capital. See “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Net Losses and Our Indebtedness– Our level of indebtedness could affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in our business or our industry and place us at a competitive disadvantage” in Part II below.

Cash Flows Provided By Financing Activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by $21.6 million to $147.1 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to proceeds from the issuance of senior unsecured notes of $294.0 million, net of deferred financing costs on May 13, 2013, and by $60.0 million due to proceeds from the issuance of capital stock. In the prior year period, $202.0 million of senior secured notes were issued and no capital stock was issued. This net increase over the prior year period was partially offset by a decrease in the draws on the revolving credit facility net of repayments of $29.8 million, a decrease in the securitization of accounts receivables of $19.3 million, due to timing in the funding of receivables, and dividend payments to our parent of $85.1 million in the current year period. No dividend was paid in the prior year period.

 

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The gross proceeds from the senior unsecured notes of $300.0 million were used to repay the borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility and to fund general working capital requirements. We also incurred financing fees of $6.0 million, which are being amortized over the term of the senior unsecured notes. The senior unsecured notes were issued under an indenture dated May 13, 2013 among the Company, the guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The senior unsecured notes have an aggregate principal value of $300.0 million, were issued at par value, bear interest at an annual rate of 9.375% with semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 and mature on June 1, 2021.

Cash Flows Used In Investing Activities

Cash flows used in investing activities increased by $66.5 million to $150.9 million compared to the prior year period due primarily to an increase in property and equipment additions of $85.3 million. In the current year period, there was a higher level of lease buyout activity and helicopter purchases compared to the prior year period. In addition, there was an increase of $51.8 million in helicopter deposits in the current year period compared to the prior year period. The increase to investing activity was offset by higher proceeds from disposals of property and equipment, which includes proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions. The proceeds from disposal increased by $75.8 million compared to the prior year period.

Distributions of $1.7 million from our equity accounted investments were received in the current year period. No distributions were received in the prior year period.

Liquidity and Sources of Liquidity

At October 31, 2013, our liquidity totaled $429.4 million, which was comprised of cash and cash equivalents of $84.1 million, unused capacity under the senior secured revolving credit facility of $306.6 million, net of letters of credit of $53.4 million, plus undrawn overdraft facilities of $38.7 million. Our cash requirements include our normal operations as well as our debt and other contractual obligations as discussed under the caption “Future Cash Requirements” below. On May 13, 2013, we issued $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes which increased our overall liquidity. The aggregate principal value of $300.0 million in senior unsecured notes were issued at par, bear interest at an annual rate of 9.375% with semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 and mature on June 1, 2021. The net proceeds from the senior unsecured notes were used to repay the borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility and to fund general working capital requirements. Annual cash requirements have increased by approximately $28.1 million due to the additional interest payment obligations on the senior unsecured notes.

The ability to satisfy long-term debt obligations, including repayment of principal and interest will depend on future performance, which is subject to general economic conditions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Our earnings and cash flow may vary significantly from year to year due. As a result, the amount of debt that can be managed in some periods may not be appropriate in other periods. In addition, future cash flows may be insufficient to meet debt obligations and commitments, including our senior notes, and our senior secured revolving credit facility. Any insufficiency could negatively impact the business. In addition, each of the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes and senior secured notes allows us to incur additional indebtedness. The incurrence of additional indebtedness could negatively affect the repayment of principal and interest on the debt, including the senior unsecured notes and senior secured notes. We may face delays in obtaining cash from our subsidiaries in certain jurisdictions to fund future cash requirements due to central banking legislation or other regulations in these jurisdictions. These restrictions have not and are not expected to have an impact on our ability to meet our obligations. We believe that our existing and future cash flows, as well as our ability to access financing through the senior secured credit facility, other financing markets, new operating leases and proceeds from the sale of helicopters and other assets are sufficient to meet our on-going cash flow requirements. Similarly, we expect that our transformation program will generate new initiatives to create greater liquidity. However, our net earnings have been insufficient to cover our fixed charges since 2008. If cash flow from operations is insufficient to satisfy the debt obligations, alternative financing plans may need to be undertaken, such as refinancing or restructuring the debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or raising additional capital or indebtedness. Any alternative financing plans that may be undertaken by us, if necessary, may not be sufficient to meet our debt obligations. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, including obligations under the notes, or to obtain alternative financing, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. See “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Net Losses and Our Indebtedness– Our level of

 

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indebtedness could affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in our business or our industry and place us at a competitive disadvantage” in Part II below.

Sources of Liquidity

On October 5, 2012, we issued an additional $200.0 million of senior secured notes. The additional senior secured notes were issued under the same indenture that governs the $1.1 billion of senior secured notes that were previously issued in October 2010. The additional senior secured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million were issued at 101.0% of par value, bear interest at an annual rate of 9.25% with semiannual interest payments due on April 15 and October 15 and mature on October 15, 2020. The gross proceeds from the senior secured notes of $202.0 million were used to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. We also incurred financing fees of $3.8 million, which are being amortized over the term of the senior secured notes.

On May 13, 2013, we issued $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes which increased our overall liquidity. The aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million in senior unsecured notes were issued at par value, bear interest at an annual rate of 9.375% with semi-annual interest payments due on June 1 and December 1 and mature on June 1, 2021. The senior unsecured notes are guaranteed by CHC Helicopter Holding S.à r.l., and by its direct parent entity, 6922767 Holding S.à r.l., and by each of its direct and indirect restricted subsidiaries existing in Security jurisdictions on the date of issuance. The net proceeds from the notes were used to repay the borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. We also incurred financing fees of approximately $6.0 million, which will be amortized over the term of the senior unsecured notes.

The senior secured revolving credit facility for $375.0 million is held by a syndicate of financial institutions for a term of five years and bears interest at the alternate base rate, LIBOR, Canadian Prime Rate or EURIBOR, plus an applicable margin that ranges from 2.75% to 4.50%. The senior secured revolving credit facility is secured on a super senior first priority basis and ranks equally with the senior secured note holders except for payments upon enforcement and insolvency, where the revolving credit facility will rank before the senior secured note holders. The senior secured notes and revolving credit facility are guaranteed on a first-priority lien basis by most of our subsidiaries on a joint and several basis. For information about the financial position and results of operations of our non-guarantor subsidiaries, see Note 21 of our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

To assist with future growth opportunities, a key initiative of our transformation program is to create greater liquidity through the implementation of new cost control measures such as optimizing the procurement of capital expenditures and inventory, working capital improvements and optimization of customer contracts and improved profit growth. A more detailed review of other sources of liquidity such as asset securitizations, additional lease financing and alternative market financing is currently underway.

Future Cash Requirements

Operating Lease Commitments

We are party to helicopters operating leases with 19 lessors in respect of 165 helicopters included in our fleet as of October 31, 2013. As of October 31, 2013, these leases had expiry dates ranging from fiscal 2014 to 2024. We have the option to purchase the majority of our leased helicopters for agreed amounts that do not constitute bargain purchase options, but have no commitment to do so. With respect to such leased helicopters, substantially all of the costs of major inspections of airframes and the costs to perform inspections, major repairs and overhauls of major components are at our expense. We will either perform this work internally through our Heli-One business or have the work performed by an external repair and overhaul service provider. For more information, see Note 18 of our unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

At October 31, 2013, we had commitments with respect to operating leases for helicopters, buildings, land and equipment. For helicopters leases expiring in the next twelve months, we have the option to refinance these leases, purchase the helicopters or return the helicopters under the agreement terms.

 

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The terms of certain of our helicopter lease agreements impose operating and financial limitations on us. Such agreements limit the extent to which we may, among other things, incur indebtedness and fixed charges relative to our level of consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Generally, in the event of a covenant breach by us under our leases, the lessor has the option to terminate the lease and require the return of the helicopter that is subject of the leases , with the repayment of any arrears of related lease payments plus the present value of all future related lease payments and certain other amounts, which could be material to our financial position. The helicopters would then be sold and the surplus, if any, returned to us. Alternatively, we could exercise our option to purchase the helicopters.

Other Commitments

As at October 31, 2013, we have committed to purchase 36 new helicopters and the total required additional expenditures for these helicopters is approximately $953.9 million. These helicopters are expected to be delivered in fiscal 2014 ($253.7 million), 2015 ($315.5 million) and 2016 to 2017 ($384.7 million) and will be deployed in our Helicopter Services segment. We intend to enter into leases for these helicopters or purchase them outright upon delivery from the manufacturer. We have also committed to purchase $71.9 million of helicopter parts by October 31, 2015 and $100.0 million of heavy helicopters from Eurocopter prior to December 31, 2016. Furthermore, as of October 31, 2013, we had the option to purchase 26 additional helicopters.

Variable Interest Entities

We have a variable interest in certain entities that are not consolidated, as we are not the primary beneficiary, which provide operating lease financing to us and an entity that provides flying services to third-party customers. At October 31, 2013, we had operating leases for 63 helicopters with variable interest entities, or VIEs, that were not consolidated. See Note 2 of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of October 31, 2013 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Guarantees

We have provided limited guarantees to third parties under some of our operating leases relating to a portion of the residual helicopters values at the termination of the leases. The leases have terms expiring between fiscal 2014 and 2024. At October 31, 2013, our exposure under the asset value guarantees including guarantees in the form of funded and unfunded residual value guarantees, rebateable advance rentals and deferred payments is approximately $249.4 million.

Contingencies

We have exposure for certain legal matters as disclosed in Note 19 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes in our exposure to contingencies since October 31, 2013.

Covenants and Contractual Adjusted EBITDA

The Company’s senior secured notes, senior unsecured notes, senior secured revolving credit facility, other long-term debt obligations and certain helicopter lease agreements impose operating and financial limitations on the Company through financial covenants, which among other things, limit the ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, sell or sublease assets, engage in mergers or acquisitions and make dividend and other payments.

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated by adding to or subtracting from the consolidated net earnings (loss) certain of the adjustment items permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the applicable indenture governing the senior secured notes and the senior unsecured notes. We describe these adjustments to net earnings (loss) in the table below. Contractual Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of our ability to service indebtedness that is not required by, or presented in accordance with, U.S. GAAP.

 

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Contractual Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings (loss) or other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP, or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our liquidity. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA as presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. We use Contractual Adjusted EBITDA as a measure to calculate certain financial covenants related to our senior secured revolving credit facility, the senior secured notes indenture and the senior unsecured notes indenture. Under the senior secured revolving credit facility agreement, the Company must maintain a ratio of 2.5 to 1 or less of first priority net debt as defined in the senior secured revolving credit facility agreement to Contractual Adjusted EBITDA. If the financial covenant is not maintained, repayment of the senior secured revolving credit facility can be accelerated. Under the senior secured revolving credit facility agreement, senior secured notes indenture and senior unsecured notes indenture, the Company must meet certain Contractual Adjusted EBITDA ratios to incur additional indebtedness above the permitted indebtedness as defined in the senior secured revolving credit facility agreement, senior secured notes indenture and senior unsecured notes indenture. To incur additional indebtedness which is not otherwise permitted, the Company must have a Contractual Adjusted EBITDA to fixed charges ratio as defined in the senior secured revolving credit facility agreement, senior secured notes indenture and senior unsecured notes indenture that is equal to or greater than 2.0 to 1.0. However, if the indebtedness is secured by a lien then the Company must also have a total secured indebtedness, net of cash, to Contractual Adjusted EBITDA ratio as defined in the revolving credit facility agreement and notes indenture that is less than or equal to 5.0 to 1.0.

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider such measure either in isolation or as a substitute for net earnings (loss), cash flow or other methods of analyzing our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

 

   

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

 

   

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cash requirements necessary to service principal payments on our indebtedness;

 

   

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the cash requirements to pay our taxes;

 

   

Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Contractual Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and

 

   

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA is not adjusted for all cash and non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flow.

Because of these limitations, Contractual Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as discretionary cash available to us to reinvest in the growth of our business or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of net loss to Contractual Adjusted EBITDA derived from the last twelve months ended October 31, 2013. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness.

 

(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

   For the last
twelve months
ended
October 31, 2013
 

Net loss

   $ (175,637

Discontinued operations

     (213

Earnings from equity accounted investees, net of cash distributions received

     (3,073

Fixed charges (a)

     140,443   

Other financing charges

     35,052   

 

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(In thousands of U.S. dollars)

   For the last
twelve months
ended
October 31, 2013
 

Income tax expense

     58,937   

Amortization

     146,732   

Asset impairment charge (b)

     35,475   

Loss on disposal of assets

     15,287   

Restructuring costs

     9,063   

Business optimization costs

     4,378   

Stock-based compensation expense

     451   

Amortization of deferred charges (c)

     3,590   

Amortization of advanced helicopter rental payments

     3,689   

Unusual/non-recurring costs (d)

     24,242   

Investment/acquisition/permitted disposal (e)

     —     

Pension adjustment (f)

     (13,099

Pro-forma capital lease adjustment (g)

  
  

 

 

 

Contractual Adjusted EBITDA (h)

   $ 285,317   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Fixed charges include interest expense, the interest component of payments associated with capital lease obligations, net of interest income, and pro-forma adjustments as per the applicable indenture governing the senior secured notes and the senior unsecured notes. The amortization of debt issuance costs and financing fees are excluded from fixed charges.
(b) Asset impairment charge includes impairment (recovery) of funded residual value guarantees, impairment of assets held for sale, impairment of assets held for use and impairment of intangible assets.
(c) Amortization of initial costs on leased helicopters.
(d) Unusual or non-recurring costs that include professional fees.
(e) Costs incurred related to potential investment, acquisitions and divestures.
(f) This is an adjustment to arrive at the current service cost of the pension.
(g) This is a pro-forma adjustment resulting from the capitalization of certain operating leases.
(h) Contractual Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented does not include the pro forma effect of helicopter acquisitions or disposals. However, the senior secured revolving credit facility and the applicable indenture governing the senior secured notes and the senior unsecured notes permit us to calculate Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of the applicable covenants contained therein, giving pro forma effect to helicopter acquisitions, net of disposals.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2013, for a discussion of our critical accounting policies. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates since April 30, 2013.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013, contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to certain market risks arising from the use of financial instruments in the ordinary course of business. This risk arises primarily as a result of potential changes in the fair market value of financial instruments that would result from adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, credit risk and interest rate risk as

 

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discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2013 which we filed with the SEC on July 15, 2013, and Note 1 in the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk since April 30, 2013.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 31, 2013. Based upon this evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 31, 2013, the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer do not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be considered relative to their cost. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all of our control issues and all instances of fraud, if any. The design of any system of controls also is based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving our stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three and six months ended October 31, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We have certain actions or claims pending that have been discussed and previously reported in Part I. Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2013 which we filed with the SEC on July 15, 2013. Developments in these previously reported matters are described in Note 19 in the “Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The risks described below could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such risks and uncertainties, they may include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed below. Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider not to be material to our operations. You should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all risks and uncertainties. Those items denominated by an asterisk (*) have materially changed from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 16, 2013.

Risks Related to Our Net Losses and Indebtedness

We have a history of net losses.*

We have incurred net losses in the past five years and on a cumulative basis since our inception. As of October 31, 2013, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $1,230.9 million. We may continue to incur net losses in the future and our net losses may increase in the future, including as a result of our planned helicopter acquisitions, and we cannot assure you that we will achieve or sustain profitability, or that we will continue to generate sufficient cash flow and liquidity through access to the capital markets to meet our debt and interest obligations as and when they become due.

Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in our business or our industry and place us at a competitive disadvantage.

We are highly leveraged. As of October 31, 2013 our total indebtedness was $1,677.4 million. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it could:

 

   

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

limit our ability to fund future capital expenditures and working capital, to engage in future acquisitions or development activities, or to otherwise realize the value of our assets and opportunities fully because of the need to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments of interest and principal on our debt or to comply with any restrictive terms of our debt;

 

   

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

   

impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future; and

 

   

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.

If we fail to comply with the covenants or other terms of any agreements governing our indebtedness, our creditors may have the right to accelerate the maturity of that debt and, in the case of our secured debt, foreclose upon the collateral securing that debt. Realization of any of these factors could adversely affect our financial condition.

 

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In addition, if we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as:

 

   

refinancing or restructuring our debt;

 

   

selling assets;

 

   

reducing or delaying capital investments; or

 

   

seeking to raise additional capital.

However, any alternative financing plans that we undertake, if necessary, might not allow us to meet our debt obligations. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, including our obligations under our outstanding senior notes, or to obtain alternative financing, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

Failure to comply with covenants contained in certain of our lease agreements could limit our ability to maintain our leased helicopter fleet and could adversely affect our business.

The terms of our helicopter lease agreements contain covenants that impose operating and financial limitations on us. Such lease agreements limit, among other things, our ability to utilize helicopters in certain jurisdictions and/or sublease helicopters, and may contain restrictions upon a change of control. A breach of lease covenants could result in an obligation to repay amounts outstanding under the lease. If such an event occurs, we may not be able to pay all amounts due under the leases or refinance such leases on terms satisfactory to us or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have in prior periods entered into discussions with specific lessors for covenant resets, amendments and waivers when we have anticipated to fail covenant obligations, and in other instances received financial support from our shareholders to avoid covenant breaches. While we do not currently anticipate any breaches, no assurance can be made that we will not in the future, or that we will be successful in negotiating covenant resets, amendments or waivers, as necessary, or that financial support will be available.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Many of the markets in which we operate are highly competitive, which may result in a loss of market share or a decrease in revenue or profit margins.

Many of the markets in which we operate are highly competitive, which could result in a loss of market share or a decrease in revenue or profit margins. Contracting for helicopter services is usually done through a competitive

 

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bidding process among those having the necessary equipment and resources. Factors that affect competition in our industry include price, reliability, safety, professional reputation, helicopter availability, equipment and quality of service. We compete against a number of helicopter operators including the other major global commercial helicopter operator, and other local and regional operators. There can be no assurance that our competitors will not be successful in capturing a share of our present or potential customer base. In addition, many oil and gas companies and government agencies to which we provide services have the financial ability to perform their own helicopter flying operations in-house should they elect to do so.

The main MRO competitors to our Heli-One business are the OEMs of helicopters and helicopter components. As such, our main competitors in this industry are also our main parts suppliers and MRO license providers. A conflict with the OEMs could result in our inability to obtain parts and licenses in a timely manner in required quantities and at competitive prices. In addition, the OEMs hold greater inventory of helicopter components, have more extensive operational experience and significantly greater capital resources. These, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely on a limited number of large offshore helicopter support contracts with a limited number of customers. If any of these are terminated early or not renewed, our revenues could decline.

We rely on a limited number of large offshore helicopter support contracts with a limited number of customers. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, revenue from Statoil ASA totaling $245.9 million and Petrobras totaling $247.1 million were each approximately 14% of our total revenues. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, our top ten customers accounted for approximately 60% of our total revenues. Many of our contracts contain clauses that allow for early termination by the customer for convenience if exercised, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Operating helicopters involves a degree of inherent risk and we are exposed to the risk of losses from safety incidents.*

Hazards, such as helicopter accidents, adverse weather conditions, darkness, collisions and fire are inherent in furnishing helicopter services and can result in personal injury and loss of life, accidents, reduced number of flight hours, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment and suspension of operations or grounding of helicopters. For example, on October 22, 2012, one of our EC225 helicopters made a controlled water landing in the North Sea with no injuries to crew or passengers. All flights of all operators using the same type of helicopter were subsequently suspended for the duration of a lengthy investigation and corrective action from the manufacturer. In addition, on August 23, 2013, one of our L2 helicopters was involved in an accident in the North Sea, resulting in four fatalities among the 16 passengers and two crew members on board. The cause of the accident is not yet known and full investigations are being carried out. As of October 31, 2013, our global fleet of L2 helicopters were operating. We voluntarily restricted the use of this model of helicopter worldwide and in the United Kingdom for a limited period. In addition to any loss of property or liability associated with helicopter crashes, our revenue, profitability and margins would decline to the extent any of our helicopters were voluntarily or mandatorily grounded. While we seek to mitigate the financial impact of such risks and preserve our rights through commercial and other arrangements with all those involved, when available, these mitigation efforts may not be successful or available for all incidents. Our performance, profitability and margins may fluctuate from period to period as a result of such incidents and our mitigation efforts.

If we are unable to mitigate potential losses through a robust safety management and insurance coverage program, our financial condition would be jeopardized in the event of a safety or other hazardous incident.*

We attempt to protect ourselves against potential losses through our safety management system and insurance coverage. However, portions of our insurance coverage is subject to deductibles and maximum coverage amounts, and we do not carry insurance against all types of losses. We cannot ensure that our existing coverage will be sufficient to protect against all losses, that we will be able to maintain our existing coverage in the future or that the premiums will not increase substantially, including potentially, in connection with the AS332 accident that occurred in August 2013. Our safety management system may not be effective. In addition, terrorist activity, risk of war, accidents or other events could increase our insurance premiums. Our inability to renew our aviation insurance coverage or the loss, expropriation or confiscation of, or severe damage to, a large number of our helicopters could adversely affect our operations and possibly our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, we are not insured for loss of profit, loss of use of our helicopters, business interruption or loss of flight hours. The loss of,

 

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or limited availability of, our liability insurance coverage, inadequate coverage from our liability insurance or substantial increases in future premiums could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to maintain standards of acceptable safety performance could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract and retain customers and could adversely impact our reputation, operations and financial performance.

Our customers consider safety and reliability as the two primary attributes when selecting a provider of helicopter transportation services. If we fail to maintain standards of safety and reliability that are satisfactory to our customers, our ability to retain current customers and attract new customers may be adversely affected. Moreover, helicopter crashes or similar disasters of another helicopter operator could impact customer confidence and lead to a reduction in customer contracts or result in the grounding of our helicopters, particularly if such helicopter crash or disaster were due to a safety fault in a type of helicopter used in our fleet. In addition, the loss of any helicopter as a result of an accident could cause significant adverse publicity and the interruption of air services to our customers, which could adversely impact our reputation, operations and financial results. Our helicopters have been involved in accidents in the past, some of which have included loss of life and property damage.

Negative publicity may adversely impact us.

Media coverage and public statements that insinuate improper actions by us, regardless of their factual accuracy or truthfulness, may result in negative publicity, litigation or governmental investigations by regulators. Addressing negative publicity and any resulting litigation or investigations may distract management, increase costs and divert resources. Negative publicity may have an adverse impact on our reputation and the morale of our employees, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our fixed operating expenses and long-term contracts with customers could adversely affect our business under certain circumstances.*

Our profitability is directly related to demand for our helicopter services. Because of the significant expenses related to helicopter financing, crew wages and benefits, lease costs, insurance and maintenance programs, a substantial portion of our operating expenses are fixed and must be paid even when certain helicopters are not actively servicing customers and thereby generating income. A decrease in our revenues could therefore result in a disproportionate decrease in our earnings, as a substantial portion of our operating expenses would remain unchanged. Similarly, the discontinuation of any rebates, discounts or preferential financing terms offered to us by helicopter manufacturers would have the effect of increasing our fixed expenses, and without a corresponding increase in our revenues, would negatively impact our results of operations. Prospectively we expect our maintenance costs to return to a level comparative to normal activity; however no assurance can be given that our costs will not exceed this level particularly when incidents may impact our helicopters.

Our long-term helicopter services and Heli-One contracts contain pre-determined price escalation terms and conditions. Although supplier costs and other cost increases are passed through to our customers through rate increases where possible, these escalations may not be sufficient to enable us to recoup increased costs in full. In addition, because many of our contracts are long-term in nature, cost increases may not be adjusted in our contract rates until the contracts are up for renewal. In particular, in our Heli-One business, approximately 28% and 34% of our third-party Heli-One revenue in the 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, respectively, was derived from PBH contracts, where the customer pays a ratable monthly charge, typically based on the number of hours flown, for all scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance. It can be difficult to correctly estimate the cost of providing maintenance on a PBH basis. There can be no assurance that we will be able to estimate costs accurately or recover increased costs by passing these costs on to our customers. In the event that we are unable to do so, the profitability of our customer contracts and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We depend on a small number of helicopter manufacturers.

We contract with only four manufacturers of heavy and medium helicopters: Eurocopter, Sikorsky, Agusta Westland and Bell. These manufacturers have limited availability of helicopters, particularly heavy helicopters, and we have limited alternative sources of new helicopters. If we are unable to acquire new helicopters, continue operating helicopters already in our fleet, or purchase helicopters in the secondary markets, our business would be harmed.

Lead times for delivery of new heavy and medium helicopters are long (currently at least one year and historically as long as two years) and increasing for certain models, and annual production of new heavy and

 

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medium helicopters is limited. If any of these helicopter manufacturers faced production delays due to, for example, natural disasters, labor strikes, unavailability of skilled labor or safety issues, we may experience a significant delay in the delivery of previously ordered helicopters. During these periods, we may not be able to obtain additional helicopters with acceptable pricing, delivery dates or other terms. Delivery delays or our inability to obtain acceptable helicopter orders would adversely affect our revenue and profitability and could jeopardize our ability to meet the demands of our customers and execute our growth strategy. Although we have been able to acquire sufficient helicopters to date, a lack of available helicopters or the failure of our suppliers to deliver helicopters we have ordered on a timely basis could limit our ability to take advantage of growth opportunities or jeopardize our ability to meet the demands of our customers. Additionally, lack of availability of new helicopters could result in an increase in prices for certain types of used helicopters.

If any of the helicopter manufacturers we contract with, or the government bodies that regulate them, identify safety issues with helicopter models we currently operate or that we intend to acquire, we may be unable to operate a portion of our fleet or could experience a delay in acquiring new helicopters, both of which would negatively affect our business. For example, in October 2012, one of our EC225 helicopters made a controlled water landing in the North Sea with no injuries to crew or passengers. All flights of all operators using the same type of helicopter were subsequently suspended for the duration of a lengthy investigation and corrective action from the manufacturer. In August 2013, one of our AS332L2 helicopters was involved in an accident in the North Sea, resulting in four fatalities, see “Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Operating helicopters involves a degree of inherent risk and we are exposed to the risk of losses from safety incidents.” The cause of the August 2013 accident is not yet known. Regulatory investigations and political debate are currently in process or planned in the United Kingdom. The AS332L2 and the EC225 are produced by the same manufacturer, and we operate other helicopter types by this manufacturer (as of October 31, 2013, 85 helicopters in total), which total represents approximately 35% of our entire fleet). If it is ever determined that a safety issue exists across one or more model types by the same manufacturer, we may be required to suspend flight operations of a significant and material portion of our fleet.

If we are unable to fully resume operations with the AS322L2 or EC225, or are forced to suspend operations of different helicopter models, our business, financial condition and results of operations during any period in which flight operations are suspended could be affected.

We depend on a limited number of third-party suppliers for helicopter parts and subcontract services.

We rely on a few key vendors for the supply of parts and subcontract services required to maintain our helicopters. Due to high demand, these vendors could experience backlogs in their manufacturing schedules and some parts may be in limited supply from time to time, which could have an adverse impact upon our ability to maintain and repair our helicopters.

We currently obtain a substantial portion of our helicopter spare parts and components from helicopter manufacturers and maintain supply arrangements with other key suppliers. To the extent that these suppliers also supply parts for helicopters used by the military or other government organizations, parts delivery for our helicopters may be delayed during periods in which there are high levels of military or government operations. Our inability to perform timely maintenance and repairs can result in our helicopters being underutilized which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, our operations in remote locations, where delivery of these components and parts could take a significant period of time, could experience delays in our ability to maintain and repair our helicopters. While every effort is made to mitigate the impact of any such delays, this may pose a risk to our results of operations. We do not have an alternative source of supply for parts and components supplied by the main helicopter manufacturers. Failure or significant delay by these vendors in providing necessary parts could, in the absence of alternative sources of supply, have a material adverse effect on our business, including the withholding of payments by customers in certain cases. Due to our dependence on helicopter manufacturers for helicopter parts and components, we may also be subject to adverse impacts from unusually high price increases that are greater than overall inflationary trends. We might not be able to increase our contract rates. An unusually high increase in the price of parts or components that cannot be fully passed on to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our business requires substantial capital expenditures, lease and working capital financing. Any deterioration of current economic conditions could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations and we might be unable to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms or at all.

 

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Our business requires substantial capital expenditures including significant ongoing investment to purchase or lease new helicopters, refinance existing leases and maintain our existing fleet. To the extent that we do not generate sufficient cash from our operations, we will need to raise additional funds through operating lease financing or other debt financing to execute our growth strategy and make the capital expenditures required to operate our business successfully.

Concerns about a systemic impact of a potential long-term and wide-spread economic recession, increased energy costs, the availability and cost of credit, diminished business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment rates contribute to increased market volatility and diminish expectations for western and emerging economies, including the jurisdictions in which we operate. In particular, the cost of raising money in the credit markets could increase substantially as many lenders and institutional investors, concerned about the stability of the financial markets generally and about the solvency of counterparties, could increase interest rates, enact tighter lending standards and reduce and, in some cases, cease to provide funding, to borrowers. In addition, financial market instability could leave our creditors unable to meet their obligations to us.

Our ability to access capital and bank markets or the availability of lease or other financings may be restricted at a time when we would like to, or need to access capital. Such inability could have an impact on our growth plans or on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. In addition, our credit facilities and helicopter leases will have maintenance covenants which may need to be renegotiated from time to time, and the financial market instability could have an impact on the lenders’ or lessors’ willingness to renegotiate these covenants on reasonable terms.

We rely on the secondary used helicopter market to dispose of our older helicopters and parts due to our ongoing fleet modernization efforts.

We are dependent upon the secondary used helicopters and parts market to dispose of older models of helicopters as part of our ongoing fleet modernization efforts and any spare helicopter capacity associated with the termination or non-renewal of existing contracts. If we are unable to dispose of our older helicopters and parts due to a lack of demand in the secondary market, our helicopters and parts carrying costs may increase above requirements for our current operations, or we may accept lower selling prices, resulting in losses on disposition. A failure to dispose of helicopters and parts in the secondary market could impair our ability to operate our fleet efficiently and service existing contracts or win new mandates and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our operations are subject to extensive regulations which could increase our costs and adversely affect us.*

The helicopter industry is regulated by various laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. The scope of such regulation includes infrastructure and operational issues relating to helicopters, maintenance, spare parts and route flying rights as well as safety and security requirements. We cannot fully anticipate all changes that might be made to the laws and regulations to which we are subject nor the possible impact of such changes. These changes could subject us to additional costs and restrictions.

We are subject to governmental regulation that limits foreign ownership of aircraft companies. Based on regulations in various jurisdictions in which we operate, our authorizations, licenses and certificates may be suspended or revoked and we may lose our ability to operate within these regions if certain levels of local ownership are not maintained.

Our ability to conduct our business is dependent on our ability to maintain authorizations, licenses and certificates, which in many jurisdictions require us to subcontract with third-parties to obtain required helicopter operating leases. We are routinely audited to ensure compliance with all flight operation and helicopter maintenance requirements. There can be no assurance that we will pass all such audits. Our failure to pass such audits or any breach of regulations applicable to us could result in fines, adverse publicity or suspension of our helicopters, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, especially if a regulatory breach were to lead to a helicopter crash or accident. Changes in laws or regulations could have a material adverse impact on our cost of operations or revenues from operations.

 

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If we are unable to maintain required government-issued licenses for our operations or if our ownership in our foreign partners exceeds permitted levels, we will be unable to conduct helicopter operations in the applicable jurisdiction, as outlined below.

Europe

Approximately 25% of our revenue for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013 originated from helicopter flying services provided by subsidiaries of EEA Helicopter Operations B.V., or the EHOB, a Dutch Company 49.9% owned by us. These subsidiaries operate in the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands and Ireland (member states of the European Union, or the EU, and Norway (member state of the EEA). To operate helicopters in the EU and EEA, an operator must be licensed by the applicable national Civil Aviation Authority. Under applicable European law, an operator must be “effectively controlled” and “majority owned” by nationals of member states of the EU or the EEA to maintain its license. We believe that the majority shareholder in EHOB is an EU national and therefore these subsidiaries are currently “majority owned” and “effectively controlled” within the meaning of European Union and European Economic Area licensing requirements. Any change in the national status of the majority shareholder in EHOB could affect the licenses of these subsidiaries.

Canada

Our helicopter operations in Canada are conducted through CHC Helicopters Canada Inc., a company in which we hold a minority interest. Our flying operations are regulated by Transport Canada and are conducted under that company’s air operator’s certificate, or AOC. Our ability to conduct our helicopter operating business in Canada is dependent on our ability to maintain our relationship with CHC Helicopters Canada Inc. Our helicopter operations in certain other countries are conducted pursuant to an AOC issued by the Minister of Transport (Canada) under the provisions of the Aeronautics Act (Canada) for approximately 20 helicopters which our wholly owned subsidiary holds pursuant to an exemption until 2015. If we are unable to extend the ministerial exemption pursuant to which this certificate is issued, we will need to obtain licenses and certificates issued by the countries in which we conduct such operations or reach an agreement with CHC Helicopters Canada Inc. and/or customers in such countries to transfer the operations there to CHC Helicopters Canada Inc. We cannot give any assurance that we will be able to either extend the ministerial exemption, obtain local licenses and certificates or transfer such operations to CHC Helicopters Canada Inc., either at all or on acceptable terms.

Australia

Civil aviation in Australia is governed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cwlth) of Australia, and regulations made thereunder. To operate a helicopter in Australia, it must be registered with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority and a Certificate of Airworthiness must be obtained, be valid and be in effect. The operation of a helicopter for a commercial purpose into, out of, or within Australian territory can only be undertaken as authorized by an Air Operators’ Certificate. Our ability to offer our helicopter transportation services in Australia is dependent on maintaining this certificate.

Brazil

Approximately 16% of our revenue for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013 originated from helicopter flying services provided by a subsidiary of Brazilian Helicopter Holdings S.A., or BHH, a Brazilian Company 60% owned by us. This subsidiary operates in Brazil. To operate helicopters in Brazil, an operator must be licensed by the applicable national Civil Aviation Authority. Under applicable Brazilian law, in order to maintain its license, an operator must be “controlled” by nationals of Brazil and its officers must be Brazilian as well. By “control”, Brazilian aviation legislation refers to holding of at least 80% of operator’s voting shares. We believe that the majority holder of voting shares in BHH is a Brazilian national and therefore this subsidiary is currently “controlled” within the meaning of Brazil licensing requirements. Any change in the national status of the majority shareholder in BHH and/or in the nationality of the officers of this subsidiary could affect the licenses of BHH.

Our helicopter operations in Brazil are conducted through BHS – Brazilian Helicopter Services Táxi Aéreo S.A., the above-mentioned subsidiary of BHH. Our flying operations are regulated by the National Agency for Civil Aviation and are conducted under that company’s AOC. Our ability to conduct our helicopter operating business in Brazil is dependent on our ability to maintain such AOC. If we are unable to keep such AOC, we will be prevented from performing flying operations in Brazil.

 

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Other Countries and Regulations

Our operations in other foreign jurisdictions are regulated to various degrees by the governments of such jurisdictions and must be conducted in compliance with those regulations and, where applicable, in accordance with our air service licenses and AOC. These regulations may require us to obtain a license to operate in that country, may favor local companies or require operating permits that can only be obtained by locally registered companies and may impose other nationality requirements. In such cases, we partner with local persons, but there is no assurance regarding which foreign governmental regulations may be applicable in the future to our helicopter operations and whether we would be able to comply with them.

The revocation of any of the licenses discussed above or the termination of any of the relationships with local parties discussed above could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our MRO business, Heli-One, could suffer if licenses issued by the OEMs and/or governmental authorities are not renewed or we cannot obtain additional licenses.

Our MRO business, Heli-One, receives a significant portion of its third-party revenue from activities that require licenses from the OEMs and governmental authorities. The Heli-One business may require additional licenses to grow. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to obtain such licenses from the OEMs and/or governmental authorities on acceptable terms or at all. Furthermore, our MRO business could decline if existing licenses are revoked or cannot be renewed upon the expiration of existing terms.

We derive significant revenue from non-wholly owned variable interest entities. If we are unable to maintain good relations with the other owners of such non-wholly owned entities, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected.*

Local aviation regulations require us to operate through non-wholly owned entities with local shareholders. We conduct many of our international operations through entities in which we have a minority investment or through strategic alliances with foreign partners. We derive significant amounts of revenue from these entities. For the six months ended October 2013, we derived $528.3 million of revenue, representing 62% of our total revenue from variable interest entities owned in part by local shareholders. We depend to some extent upon good relations with our local shareholders to ensure profitable operations. These shareholders may have interests that are not always aligned with ours. These shareholders are not required to provide any funding that these entities may require. Furthermore, certain shareholders’ agreements with local shareholders contain call arrangements which allow the local shareholder to elect to purchase our shares and/or require us to bear all of the losses of these entities. The calls are exercisable in certain circumstances, including liquidation and events of default. In the event shareholder disputes arise or we lose our interest in these entities and/or find other local partners, this could negatively impact our revenues and profit sharing from these entities, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our operations may suffer due to political and economic uncertainty.

Risks associated with some of our operations include political, social and economic instability, war, terrorism and civil disturbances or other events that may limit or disrupt markets, expropriation without fair compensation, requirements to award contracts, concessions or licenses to nationals, international exchange restrictions and currency fluctuations, changing political conditions and monetary policies of foreign governments. Any of these events could materially adversely affect our ability to provide services to our customers. Certain of our helicopter leases and loan agreements impose limitations on our ability, including requiring the prior approval of the lessor or the lender, to locate particular helicopters in certain countries. We cannot provide assurance that these limitations will not affect our ability to allocate resources in the future to meet our operational needs.

Our business in countries with a history of corruption and transactions with foreign governments increases the compliance risks associated with our international activities.

Our international operations could expose us to trade and economic sanctions or other restrictions imposed by the United States or other governments or organizations. The U.S. Department of Justice, or the DOJ, and other federal agencies and authorities have a broad range of civil and criminal penalties at their disposal to impose against

 

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corporations and individuals for violations of trading sanctions laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, and other federal statutes. Under trading sanctions laws, the government may seek to impose modifications to business practices, including cessation of business activities in sanctioned countries, and modifications to compliance programs, which may increase compliance costs, and could subject us to fines, penalties and other sanctions. If any of the risks described above were to materialize, they could adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations.

These laws also prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have operations, deal with government entities and have contracts in countries known to experience corruption. Our activities in these countries create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by one of our employees, consultants, sales agents or associates that could be in violation of various laws including the FCPA, even though these parties are not always subject to our control. Our existing safeguards and procedures might prove to be less than fully effective, and our employees, consultants, sales agents or associates might engage in conduct for which we could be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA could result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we could be subject to other liabilities that could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, from time to time, we and our subsidiaries are subject to investigation by various government agencies in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In 2006, we voluntarily disclosed to the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control, or the OFAC, that our subsidiary, formerly operating as Schreiner Airways might have violated applicable U.S. laws and regulations by re-exporting to Iran, Sudan, and Libya certain helicopters, related parts, map data, operation and maintenance manuals, and helicopter parts for third-party customers. OFAC’s investigation is ongoing and we continue to fully cooperate. Should the U.S. government determine that these activities violated applicable laws and regulations, we or our subsidiaries could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including fines and/or suspension of the privilege to engage in trading activities involving goods, software and technology subject to U.S. jurisdiction. At October 31, 2013, it is not possible to determine the outcome of this matter, or the significance, if any, to our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety laws, rules, regulations and ordinances that could have an adverse impact on our business.

We are subject to extensive laws, rules, regulations and ordinances in the various jurisdictions in which we operate relating to pollution and protection of the environment and to human health and safety, including those relating to discharge of noise, emissions to the air, releases or discharges to soil or water, the use, storage and disposal of petroleum and other regulated materials and the remediation of contaminated sites.

Our operations, including helicopter maintenance and helicopter fueling, involve the use, handling, storage and disposal of materials that may be classified as hazardous to human health and safety and to the environment. Laws protecting the environment have become more stringent in recent years and may, in certain circumstances, impose liability for the investigation and cleanup of releases of regulated materials and related environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault. These laws also might expose us to liability for the conduct of, or conditions caused by, others such as historic spills of regulated materials at our facilities, for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time such acts were performed, and for contamination at third-party sites where substances were sent for off-site treatment or disposal. Additionally, any failure by us to comply with applicable environmental, health and safety or planning laws and regulations could result in governmental authorities or other third parties taking action against our business that could adversely impact our operations and financial condition, including the:

 

   

issuance of administrative, civil and criminal penalties;

 

   

denial or revocation of permits or other authorizations;

 

   

imposition of limitations on our operations; and

 

   

performance of site investigatory, remedial or other corrective actions.

 

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In addition, changes in laws or regulations protecting the environment may result in changes in the regulation of the offshore oil and gas industry, which in turn could adversely affect us. We cannot predict the likelihood of change to any of these laws or in their enforcement or the impact that any such change, or any discovery of previously unknown conditions, could have on our costs and financial position.

We are subject to many different forms of taxation in various jurisdictions throughout the world, which could lead to disagreements with tax authorities regarding the application of tax laws.

We are subject to many different forms of taxation including, but not limited to, income tax, withholding tax, commodity tax and payroll-related taxes. Tax law and administration is extremely complex and often requires us to make subjective determinations. The tax authorities in the various jurisdictions where we conduct business might not agree with the determinations that are made by us with respect to the application of tax law. Such disagreements could result in lengthy legal disputes and, ultimately, in the payment of substantial funds to the government authorities of foreign and local jurisdictions where we carry on business or provide goods or services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our estimate of tax related assets, liabilities, recoveries and expenses incorporates significant assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the tax laws in various jurisdictions, the effect of tax treaties between jurisdictions, taxable income projections, and the benefits of various restructuring plans. To the extent that such assumptions differ from actual results, we may have to record additional income tax expenses and liabilities.

We are exposed to foreign currency risks.

Our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. However, a significant portion of our revenue and operating expenses are denominated in currencies consisting primarily of Pound Sterling, Norwegian Kroner, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars and the Euro. The functional currencies of many of our subsidiaries are non-U.S. currencies. There can be no assurances that our foreign currency risk management strategies will be effective and that foreign currency fluctuations will not adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our failure to hedge exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates effectively could unfavorably affect our financial performance.

We currently utilize derivative instruments to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates. These instruments may involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in our consolidated financial statements. Further, our financial results from operations of our subsidiaries which incur revenue and operating expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars may be negatively affected if we fail to execute or if we improperly hedge our exposure to currency fluctuations.

We are exposed to credit risks.

We are exposed to credit risk on our financial investments which depends on the ability of our counterparties to fulfill their obligations to us. We manage credit risk by entering into arrangements with established counterparties and through the establishment of credit policies and limits, which are applied in the selection of counterparties.

Credit risk on financial instruments arises from the potential for counterparties to default on their contractual obligations and is limited to those contracts on which we would incur a loss in replacing the instrument. We limit our credit risk by dealing only with counterparties that possess investment grade credit ratings and monitor our concentration risk with counterparties on an ongoing basis. The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure for financial assets.

Credit risk arises on our trade receivables from the unexpected loss in cash and earnings when a customer cannot meet its obligation to us or when the value of security provided declines. To mitigate trade credit risk, we have developed credit policies that include the review, approval and monitoring of new customers, annual credit evaluations and credit limits. There can be no assurance that our risk mitigation strategies will be effective and that credit risk will not adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our customers may seek to shift risk to us.

We give to and receive from our customers indemnities relating to damages caused or sustained by us in connection with our operations. Our customers’ changing views on risk allocation could cause us to accept greater risk to win new business or could result in us losing business if we are not prepared to take such risks. To the extent that we accept such additional risk, and seek to insure against it, our insurance premiums could rise.

Our operations are largely dependent upon the level of activity in the oil and gas industry.*

To varying degrees, activity levels in the oil and gas industry are affected by long-term trends in oil and gas prices. Historically, the prices for oil and gas have been volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to changes in the supply of and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond our control, such as:

 

   

actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil producing countries to control prices or change production levels;

 

   

general economic and political conditions, both worldwide and in the regions in which we operate;

 

   

governmental regulation and policy;

 

   

the price and availability of alternative fuels;

 

   

advances in exploration, development and production technology; and

 

   

the effects of hostilities or instability in oil-producing countries or the regions in which they are located.

We cannot predict future oil and gas price movements. Any prolonged reduction in oil and gas prices could depress the level of helicopter activity in support of exploration and, to a lesser extent, production activity and, therefore have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, revenue generated by helicopter transportation services for the oil and gas industry was approximately 81% of our total revenues.

Additionally, an increase in onshore fracking, which generally does not require use of our helicopter services, could have an adverse effect on our operations. If onshore fracking were to meaningfully increase in the international markets in which we operate, and if it were to drive a meaningful increase in the supply of hydrocarbons available to the markets we serve, it could potentially adversely impact the level of activity in our offshore oil and gas markets and the demand for our helicopter services.

Our customers are primarily in the oil and gas industry and, as a result, changes in economic and industry conditions could expose us to additional credit risk.

The majority of our customers are engaged in oil and gas production, exploration and development. For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, revenue generated by helicopter transportation services from oil and gas customers represented approximately 81% of our total revenues. This concentration could impact the overall exposure to credit risk because changes in economic and industry conditions that adversely affect the oil and gas industry could affect the majority of our customers. We generally do not require letters of credit or other collateral to support our trade receivables. Accordingly, a sudden or protracted downturn in the economic condition of the oil and gas industry could adversely impact our ability to collect our receivables and thus impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are highly dependent upon the level of activity in the North Sea, which is a mature exploration and production region.

For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013, approximately 44% of our gross revenue was derived from helicopter services provided to customers operating in the North Sea. The North Sea is a mature exploration and production region that has undergone substantial seismic survey and exploration activity for many years. Because a large

 

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number of oil and gas properties in this region have already been drilled, additional prospects of sufficient size and quality could be more difficult to identify. Generally, the production from these drilled oil and gas properties is declining. In the future, production could decline to the point that such properties are no longer economical to operate, in which case, our services with respect to such properties will no longer be needed. Oil and gas companies might not identify sufficient additional drilling sites to replace those that become depleted or cease to be economically viable. If activity in oil and gas exploration, development and production in the North Sea materially declines, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. We cannot predict the levels of activity in this or any other geographic area.

If oil and gas companies undertake cost reduction methods, there may be an adverse effect on our business.

Oil and gas companies engaged in the production, exploration and development sector continually seek to implement measures aimed at reducing costs, including the cost of helicopter support operations. For example, oil and gas companies in some circumstances have reduced manning levels on both old and new platforms, rigs and other installations by using new technology to permit unmanned operations, which could increase the length of offshore shifts and reduce the frequency of transportation of employees. The implementation of such measures could reduce the demand for helicopter transportation services and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Reductions in spending on helicopter services by government agencies could lead to modifications of SAR and EMS contract terms or delays in receiving payments, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.*

We receive significant revenue from government agencies in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia. Any reductions in the budgets of government agencies for spending on helicopter services, implementations of cost savings measures by government agencies, imposed modifications of contract term or delays in collecting receivables owed to us by our government agency customers or loss of contracts could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, there are inherent risks in contracting with government agencies. Applicable laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate may enable our government agency customers to (i) terminate contracts for convenience, (ii) reduce, modify or cancel contracts or subcontracts if requirements or budgetary constraints change and/or (iii) terminate contracts or adjust their terms.

Failure to develop or implement new technologies and disruption to our systems could affect our results of operations.

Many of the helicopters we operate are characterized by changing technology, introductions and enhancements of models of helicopters and services and shifting customer demands, including technology preferences. Our future growth and financial performance will depend in part upon our ability to develop market and integrate new services and to accommodate the latest technological advances and customer preferences. In addition, the introduction of new technologies or services that compete with our services could result in our revenues decreasing over time. If we are unable to upgrade our operations or fleet with the latest technological advances in a timely manner, or at all, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer. Any disruption to computers, communication systems or other technical equipment used by us and our fleet could significantly impair our ability to operate our business efficiently and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely on information technology, and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected.

We rely on information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information; to coordinate our business across our global operation bases; and to communicate within our company and with customers, suppliers, partners and other third-parties. These information technology systems, including the system at our global operations center in Irving, Texas may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns, hardware or software failures, power outages, computer viruses, cyber attacks, telecommunication failures, user errors or catastrophic events. If our information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption

 

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or shutdown, and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our operations could be disrupted and our business could be negatively affected. In addition, cyber attacks could lead to potential unauthorized access and disclosure of confidential information, and data loss and corruption. There is no assurance that we will not experience these service interruptions or cyber attacks in the future.

Assimilating any future material acquisitions into our company may strain our resources and have an adverse effect on our business.

The assimilation of any future material acquisitions we may make will require substantial time, effort, attention and dedication of management resources and may distract management from ordinary operations. The transition process could create a number of potential challenges and adverse consequences, including the possible unexpected loss of key employees, customers or suppliers, a possible loss of revenues or an increase in operating or other costs. Inefficiencies and difficulties may arise because of unfamiliarity with new assets and the business associated with them, new geographic areas and new regulatory systems. These types of challenges and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to effectively manage the combined operations and assets or realize any of the anticipated benefits of future material acquisitions.

The loss of key personnel could affect our growth and future success.

Loss of the services of key management personnel at our corporate and regional headquarters without being able to attract personnel of equal ability could have a material adverse effect upon us.

Our ability to attract and retain qualified pilots, mechanics, technicians and other highly-trained personnel is an important factor in determining our future success. The market for these experienced and highly trained personnel is competitive and may become more competitive. Accordingly, we cannot be assured that we will be successful in our efforts to attract and retain such personnel in the future. A limited supply of qualified applicants may contribute to wage increases that increase the related costs to us. Our failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Labor problems could adversely affect us.

Certain of our employees in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Brazil, Canada and Australia (collectively, approximately 76% of our employees as of October 31, 2013) are represented under collective bargaining or union agreements. Any disputes over the terms of these agreements or our potential inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with the unions that represent our employees could result in strikes, work stoppages or other slowdowns by the affected workers. Periodically, certain groups of our employees who are not covered under a collective bargaining agreement consider entering into such an agreement.

If our unionized workers engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, other employees elect to become unionized, existing labor agreements are renegotiated, or future labor agreements contain terms that are unfavorable to us, we could experience a disruption of our operations or higher ongoing labor costs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

If the assets in our defined benefit pension plans are not sufficient to meet the plans’ obligations, we could be required to make substantial cash contributions and our liquidity could be adversely affected.

We sponsor funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans for our employees principally in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Norway. As of April 30, 2013, there was an $87.7 million funding deficit related to our various defined benefit pension plans which require ongoing funding by us.

Our estimate of liabilities and expenses for pensions incorporates significant assumptions, including the interest rate used to discount future liabilities and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. Our pension contributions and expenses, results of operations, liquidity or shareholders’ equity in a particular period could be materially adversely affected by market returns that are less than the plans’ expected long-term rates of return, a decline in the rate used to discount future liabilities and changes in the currency exchange rates. If the assets of our pension plans do not achieve expected investment returns for a fiscal year, such deficiency may result in increases in pension expense. Changing economic conditions, poor pension investment returns or other factors may require us to make substantial cash contributions to the pension plans in the future, preventing the use of such cash for other purposes and adversely affecting our liquidity.

 

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Adverse results of legal proceedings could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to and may in the future be subject to a variety of legal proceedings and claims that arise out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Irrespective of its merits, litigation may be both lengthy and disruptive to our operations and could cause significant expenditure and diversion of management attention. We may be faced with significant monetary damages or injunctive relief against us that could materially adversely affect a portion of our business operations or materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations should we fail to prevail in certain matters.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits are attached hereto and filed herewith:

EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are attached hereto and filed herewith:

 

Exhibit
Number
   Description
3.1#    CHC Helicopter S.A., Articles of Association, dated February 14, 2012.
3.2+    6922767 Holding S.à r.l, Articles of Association, dated August 29, 2013.
4.1#    Indenture, dated as of October 4, 2010, among CHC Helicopter S.A., the Guarantors named therein, HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as Collateral Agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, governing the 9.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2020.
4.2#    Form of 9.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (included in Exhibit 4.1)

 

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Exhibit
Number
  Description
4.3#   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 4, 2010, by and among CHC Helicopter S.A., the Guarantors named therein, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., RBC Capital Markets Corporation and UBS Securities LLC.
4.4#   Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent Appointment Deed, dated October 4, 2010, among HSBC Bank plc, as Administrative Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Notes Trustee, the Grantors identified therein, the Lenders identified therein, the Arrangers identified therein, and HSBC Corporate Trust Company (UK) Limited, as Collateral Agent.
4.5(1)   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 20, 2012, among CHC Global Operations Canada (2008) Inc., CHC Helicopter S.A., the Guarantors named therein, HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as Collateral Agent, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, governing the 9.250% Senior Secured Notes due 2020.
4.6(2)   Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 4, 2010, among CHC Helicopter S.A., the other Grantors party thereto, HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited, as Initial Collateral Agent, HSBC Bank plc, as Administrative Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon, as Indenture Trustee, and each Additional Collateral Agent from time to time party thereto.
4.7(3)   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2012, by and among CHC Helicopter S.A. and the Initial Purchasers as identified therein.
4.8(4)   Indenture, dated as of May 13, 2013, among CHC Helicopter S.A., the Guarantors named therein, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, governing the 9.375% Senior Notes due 2021.
4.9(4)   Form of 9.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (included in Exhibit 4.8)
4.10(4)   Registration Rights Agreement, dated May 13, 2013, among CHC Helicopter S.A. and the Initial Purchasers as identified therein and the Guarantors listed therein.
10.1 †(+)   Helicopter Purchase Agreement dated September 9, 2013 by and between Sikorsky International Operations, Inc. and CHC Helicopters Barbados Limited.
31.1+   Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+   Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1+   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2+   Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as 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.DEF§+   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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Exhibit
Number
   Description
101.LAB§+    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE§+    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

+ Filed herewith
Confidential information has been omitted from this exhibit and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a confidential treatment request under Rule 406.
# Filed on January 18, 2012 as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference.
§ In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits, when filed, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
(1) Filed on March 28, 2012 as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4/A and incorporated herein by reference.
(2) Filed on May 9, 2012 as an exhibit to Amendment No. 3 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4/A and incorporated herein by reference.
(3) Filed on October 9, 2012 as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
(4) Filed on May 14, 2013 as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURE

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.

 

CHC Helicopter S.A.
By:  

/s/ Joan Schweikart Hooper

 

Joan Schweikart Hooper

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of

Heli-One Canada, Inc.* and A Director

Date: December 13, 2013

 

* CHC Helicopter S.A. has entered into an agreement with its wholly owned subsidiary, Heli-One Canada Inc., to provide certain management services subject to the authority limits as determined by CHC Helicopter S.A.’s board of directors and set out in such agreement

 

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