Exhibit 99.1

eralogoa07.jpg     
PRESS RELEASE

ERA GROUP INC. REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2018 RESULTS AND ANNOUNCES SALE OF DART JOINT VENTURE

Houston, Texas
March 7, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) today reported net loss attributable to the Company for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2018 (“current quarter”) of $5.8 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $52.0 million compared to net income of $31.3 million, or $1.44 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $54.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 (“preceding quarter”). The Company reported net income attributable to the Company of $13.9 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2018 (“current year”) on operating revenues of $221.7 million compared to net loss of $28.2 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $231.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“prior year”).
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) was $4.6 million in the current quarter compared to $51.5 million in the preceding quarter. EBITDA adjusted to exclude losses on asset dispositions and special items was $6.3 million in the current quarter compared to $9.8 million in the preceding quarter. Losses on asset dispositions were $0.7 million in the current quarter compared to $0.1 million in the preceding quarter. Special items in the current quarter consisted of a $1.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to the Company's last remaining H225 helicopter. Special items in the preceding quarter consisted of $42.0 million in litigation settlement proceeds and $0.2 million in non-routine professional service fees related to the settled litigation.
“We expect offshore helicopter market activity in 2019 to vary considerably by geographic region, with Mexico and the Guyana-Suriname basin representing two of the bright spots,” said Chris Bradshaw, President and Chief Executive Officer of Era Group Inc. “The supply and demand balance has tightened meaningfully for certain helicopter types, and our dry-leasing activities have benefited from these improved market conditions. From the beginning of October 2018 through February 2019, we placed five helicopters on new lease contracts with third party operators.”
Sale of Dart Joint Venture
On March 7, 2019, the Company in conjunction with its 50% joint venture partner entered into an agreement to sell its Dart Holding Company Ltd. joint venture ("Dart"). The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions. At closing, the Company expects to receive cash proceeds, including repayment of a related party note receivable, of approximately $40 million. The Company's tax basis in Dart was $23.6 million as of December 31, 2018.
"We are very pleased with the value received for our 50% equity interest in Dart, and we wish the Dart team well as they move forward with the new owners," said Bradshaw. “We continue to believe that our strong balance sheet and cash flow profile present multiple opportunities to create value for Era shareholders during the expected market recovery.”
Sequential Quarter Results
Operating revenues were $2.6 million lower in the current quarter compared to the preceding quarter primarily due to lower utilization of helicopters in oil and gas operations and the conclusion of a search and rescue contract. These decreases were partially offset by higher dry-leasing revenues due to new lease contracts that commenced in the current quarter.
Operating expenses were $0.5 million higher compared to the preceding quarter primarily due to an increase in repairs and maintenance expenses. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in personnel and other operating expenses.
Administrative and general expenses were $0.6 million higher compared to the preceding quarter.
The Company disposed of one H225 heavy helicopter via a sales-type lease and disposed of capital parts for a net loss of $0.7 million in the current quarter.

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Income tax benefit was $1.6 million in the current quarter primarily due to pre-tax losses. Income tax expense was $7.9 million in the preceding quarter primarily due to the recognition of litigation settlement proceeds.

Calendar Quarter Results
Operating revenues in the current quarter were $5.5 million lower compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2017 (“prior year quarter”) primarily due to lower utilization of light and medium helicopters in oil and gas operations, the weakening of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar, and the conclusion of a search and rescue contract. These decreases were partially offset by higher utilization of heavy helicopters in oil and gas operations in the current quarter.
Operating expenses were $7.3 million lower compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to decreased repairs and maintenance and personnel expenses and the accounting for a Tax Special Regularization Program (“PERT”) in Brazil in the prior year quarter.
Administrative and general expenses were $1.5 million lower in the current quarter primarily due to the absence of professional service fees related to litigation that has now been settled.
EBITDA was $4.6 million in the current quarter compared to $2.0 million in the prior year quarter. EBITDA adjusted to exclude losses on asset dispositions and special items was $6.3 million in the current quarter compared to $6.9 million in the prior year quarter. Losses on asset dispositions were $0.7 million in the current quarter compared to $0.5 million in the prior year quarter. Special items in the current quarter consisted of a $1.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to the Company's last remaining H225 helicopter. Special items in the prior year quarter consisted of $2.2 million in non-routine professional services fees related to now settled litigation, $2.0 million in non-cash charges related to the Company’s Brazil subsidiary entering the PERT program and $0.2 million of other non-cash charges.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.6 million lower in the current quarter primarily due to assets that became fully depreciated subsequent to the prior year quarter.
Interest income was $0.7 million higher in the current quarter primarily due to interest earned on sales-type leases of H225 helicopters.
Interest expense was $1.7 million lower in the current quarter primarily due to lower debt balances.
Income tax benefit was $1.6 million in the current quarter primarily due to pre-tax losses. Income tax benefit was $74.6 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to adjustments related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Net loss attributable to the Company was $5.8 million in the current quarter compared to net income attributable to the Company of $61.7 million in the prior year quarter.
Full Year Results
Operating revenues were $9.6 million lower in the current year primarily due to lower utilization of light helicopters in oil and gas operations, the absence of flightseeing revenues following the sale of the Company's flightseeing assets in early 2018, the weakening of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar, lower dry-leasing revenues, and the end of certain emergency response services contracts. These decreases were partially offset by higher utilization of heavy helicopters servicing U.S. oil and gas operations.
Operating expenses were $15.9 million lower in the current year primarily due to a reduction in headcount, lower repairs and maintenance expenses, the accounting for PERT in the prior year, and the absence of expenses related to flightseeing activities.
Administrative and general expenses were $3.0 million higher in the current year primarily due to an increase in professional services fees related to litigation that has now been settled, partially offset by decreases in compensation and other administrative and general costs.

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EBITDA was $69.0 million in the current year compared to negative $89.5 million in the prior year. EBITDA adjusted to exclude gains on asset dispositions and special items was $37.5 million in the current year compared to $31.2 million in the prior year. Gains on asset dispositions were $1.6 million in the current year compared to $4.5 million in the prior year. Special items in the current year consisted of $42.0 million in litigation settlement proceeds, $11.2 million in non-routine professional services fees related to the settled litigation, a $1.0 million non-cash impairment charge related to the Company's last remaining H225 helicopter, and a $0.2 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to a previously settled tax dispute in Brazil. Special items in the prior year consisted of non-cash impairment charges of $117.0 million related to the impairment of the Company’s H225 helicopters, $5.5 million in non-routine professional services fees related to now settled litigation, $2.0 million in non-cash charges related to the Company’s Brazil subsidiary entering the PERT program, $0.6 million of severance-related expenses due to changes in senior management and $0.2 million of other non-cash charges.
Depreciation expense was $6.2 million lower in the current year primarily due to lower depreciation on the H225 helicopters following their impairment in the prior year, the subsequent sale of most of these helicopters during the current year, and certain assets becoming fully depreciated subsequent to the prior year.
Interest income was $1.3 million higher in the current year primarily due to interest earned on sales-type leases of H225 helicopters.
Interest expense was $1.6 million lower in the current year primarily due to accounting for PERT in the prior year and lower outstanding debt balances in the current year.
Foreign currency losses were $1.0 million in the current year primarily due to the weakening of the Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar.
Income tax expense was $2.9 million in the current year primarily due to the recognition of litigation settlement proceeds. Income tax benefit was $122.7 million in the prior year primarily due to the impact of changes in U.S. income tax legislation and the impairment of the Company’s H225 helicopters.
Equity earnings were $0.8 million higher in the current year primarily due to higher earnings at Dart.
Net income attributable to the Company was $13.9 million in the current year compared to net loss of $28.2 million in the prior year.  The increase in net income in the current year was primarily due to the recognition of litigation settlement proceeds and a decrease in losses recognized on impairment.
Liquidity
As of December 31, 2018, the Company had $50.8 million in cash balances and $124.1 million of remaining availability under its $125 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Facility"), for total liquidity of $174.9 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s senior secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Facility, was 0.3x, and the Company’s interest coverage ratio, as defined in the Facility, was 2.9x.
Capital Commitments
The Company had unfunded capital commitments of $81.1 million as of December 31, 2018, consisting primarily of orders for new helicopters. The Company may terminate all of its capital commitments without further liability other than aggregate liquidated damages of $2.1 million.
Included in these capital commitments are agreements to purchase three AW189 heavy helicopters and five AW169 light twin helicopters. The AW189 helicopters are scheduled to be delivered in 2019 and 2020. Delivery dates for the AW169 helicopters have not been determined. In addition, the Company had outstanding options to purchase up to ten additional AW189 helicopters. If these options are exercised, the helicopters would be scheduled for delivery in 2020 and 2021.

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Conference Call
Management will conduct a conference call starting at 10:00 a.m. ET (9:00 a.m. CT) on March 8, 2019 to review the results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018. The conference call can be accessed as follows:
All callers will need to reference the access code 9375212
Within the U.S.: Operator Assisted Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (800) 458-4121
Outside the U.S.: Operator Assisted International Dial-In Number: (323) 794-2597
Replay
A telephone replay will be available through March 22, 2019 and may be accessed by calling (888) 203-1112 using the replay passcode 9375212. An audio replay will also be available on the Company’s website at www.erahelicopters.com shortly after the call and will be accessible through March 22, 2019. The accompanying investor presentation will be available on Friday, March 8, 2019, on Era’s website at www.erahelicopters.com.
About Era Group
Era is one of the largest helicopter operators in the world and the longest serving helicopter transport operator in the U.S. In addition to servicing its U.S. customers, Era provides helicopters and related services to customers and third-party helicopter operators in other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Spain and Suriname. Era’s helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore oil and gas production platforms, drilling rigs and other installations. In addition, Era’s helicopters are used to perform emergency response services, firefighting, utility, VIP transport and other services. Era also provides a variety of operating lease solutions and technical fleet support to third party operators.
Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
Certain statements discussed in this release as well as in other reports, materials and oral statements that the Company releases from time to time to the public include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements concerning management's expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated performance and financial condition and other similar matters involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements of results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements discussed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, among others, the Company’s dependence on, and the cyclical and volatile nature of, offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production activity, and the impact of general economic conditions and fluctuations in worldwide prices of and demand for oil and natural gas on such activity levels; the Company’s reliance on a limited number of customers and the reduction of its customer base resulting from bankruptcies or consolidation; risks that the Company’s customers reduce or cancel contracted services or tender processes or obtain comparable services through other forms of transportation; dependence on United States (“U.S.”) government agency contracts that are subject to budget appropriations; cost savings initiatives implemented by the Company’s customers; risks inherent in operating helicopters; the Company’s ability to maintain an acceptable safety record and level of reliability; the impact of increased U.S. and foreign government regulation and legislation, including potential government implemented moratoriums on drilling activities; the impact of a grounding of all or a portion of the Company’s fleet for extended periods of time or indefinitely on the Company’s business, including its operations and ability to service customers, results of operations or financial condition and/or the market value of the affected helicopter(s); the Company’s ability to successfully expand into other geographic and aviation service markets; risks associated with political instability, governmental action, war, acts of terrorism, trade policies and changes in the economic condition in any foreign country where the Company does business, which may result in expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or deprivation of the Company’s assets or result in claims of a force majeure situation; the impact of declines in the global economy and financial markets; the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on the Company’s asset values and cost to purchase helicopters, spare parts and related services; risks related to investing in new lines of aviation service without realizing the expected benefits; risks of engaging in competitive processes or expending significant resources for strategic opportunities, with no guaranty of recoupment; the Company’s reliance on a small number of helicopter manufacturers and suppliers; the Company’s ongoing need to replace aging helicopters; the Company’s reliance on the secondary helicopter market to dispose of

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used helicopters and parts; the Company’s reliance on information technology and potential harm from cyber-security incidents; the impact of allocation of risk between the Company and its customers; the liability, legal fees and costs in connection with providing emergency response services; adverse weather conditions and seasonality; risks associated with the Company’s debt structure; the Company’s counterparty credit risk exposure; the impact of operational and financial difficulties of the Company’s joint ventures and partners and the risks associated with identifying and securing joint venture partners when needed; conflict with the other owners of the Company’s non-wholly owned subsidiaries and other equity investees; adverse results of legal proceedings; significant increases in fuel costs; the Company’s ability to obtain insurance coverage and the adequacy and availability of such coverage; the possibility of labor problems; the attraction and retention of qualified personnel; restrictions on the amount of foreign ownership of the Company’s common stock; the risk that one or more closing conditions to the Dart transaction, may not be satisfied or waived on a timely basis; the Company may not realize the anticipated net proceeds upon the closing of the Dart transaction; and various other matters and factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. In addition, these statements constitute Era Group's cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, the foregoing should not be considered a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. The words "estimate," "project," "intend," "believe," "plan" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. Era Group disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in Era Group's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based. The forward-looking statements in this release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the Company's businesses, particularly those mentioned under "Risk Factors" in Era Group's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and in Era Group's current reporting on Form 8-K (if any).
For additional information concerning Era Group, contact Jennifer Whalen at (713) 369-4636 or visit Era Group’s website at www.erahelicopters.com.


5


ERA GROUP INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended 
 December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Operating revenues
 
$
52,016

 
$
57,531

 
$
221,676

 
$
231,321

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
37,018

 
44,367

 
151,523

 
167,446

Administrative and general
 
9,412

 
10,881

 
45,126

 
42,092

Depreciation and amortization
 
9,530

 
10,101

 
39,541

 
45,736

Total costs and expenses
 
55,960

 
65,349

 
236,190

 
255,274

Gains (losses) on asset dispositions, net
 
(694
)
 
(541
)
 
1,575

 
4,507

Litigation settlement proceeds
 

 

 
42,000

 

Loss on impairment
 
(991
)
 

 
(991
)
 
(117,018
)
Operating income (loss)
 
(5,629
)
 
(8,359
)

28,070


(136,464
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
818

 
119

 
2,042

 
760

Interest expense
 
(3,485
)
 
(5,143
)
 
(15,131
)
 
(16,763
)
Foreign currency gains (losses), net
 
77

 
(130
)
 
(1,018
)
 
(226
)
Gain on debt extinguishment
 

 

 
175

 

Other, net
 
33

 
17

 
54

 
(12
)
Total other income (expense)
 
(2,557
)
 
(5,137
)
 
(13,878
)
 
(16,241
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense and equity earnings
 
(8,186
)
 
(13,496
)
 
14,192

 
(152,705
)
Income tax expense (benefit), net
 
(1,609
)
 
(74,599
)
 
2,940

 
(122,665
)
Income (loss) before equity earnings
 
(6,577
)
 
61,103

 
11,252

 
(30,040
)
Equity earnings, net of tax
 
629

 
356

 
2,206

 
1,425

Net income (loss)
 
(5,948
)
 
61,459

 
13,458

 
(28,615
)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary
 
154

 
235

 
464

 
454

Net income (loss) attributable to Era Group Inc.
 
$
(5,794
)
 
$
61,694

 
$
13,922

 
$
(28,161
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
2.89

 
$
0.64

 
$
(1.36
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
2.89

 
$
0.64

 
$
(1.36
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
 
21,251,638

 
20,893,600

 
21,167,550

 
20,760,530

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
 
21,251,638

 
20,905,020

 
21,180,490

 
20,760,530

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
 
$
4,640

 
$
1,985

 
$
69,028

 
$
(89,541
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
5,631

 
$
6,343

 
$
39,026

 
$
35,749

Adjusted EBITDA excluding Gains
 
$
6,325

 
$
6,884

 
$
37,451

 
$
31,242




6


ERA GROUP INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited, in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Sep 30,
2018
 
Jun 30,
2018
 
Mar 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
Operating revenues
 
$
52,016

 
$
54,610

 
$
57,728

 
$
57,322

 
$
57,531

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating
 
37,018

 
36,513

 
40,332

 
37,660

 
44,367

Administrative and general
 
9,412

 
8,837

 
14,806

 
12,071

 
10,881

Depreciation and amortization
 
9,530

 
9,541

 
10,116

 
10,354

 
10,101

Total costs and expenses
 
55,960

 
54,891

 
65,254

 
60,085

 
65,349

Gains (losses) on asset dispositions, net
 
(694
)
 
(148
)
 
(1,997
)
 
4,414

 
(541
)
Litigation settlement proceeds
 

 
42,000

 

 

 

Loss on impairment
 
(991
)
 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)
 
(5,629
)
 
41,571

 
(9,523
)
 
1,651

 
(8,359
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
818

 
732

 
346

 
146

 
119

Interest expense
 
(3,485
)
 
(3,549
)
 
(3,521
)
 
(4,576
)
 
(5,143
)
Foreign currency gains (losses), net
 
77

 
(94
)
 
(1,075
)
 
74

 
(130
)
Gains on debt extinguishment
 

 

 

 
175

 

Other, net
 
33

 
15

 
14

 
(8
)
 
17

Total other income (expense)
 
(2,557
)
 
(2,896
)
 
(4,236
)
 
(4,189
)
 
(5,137
)
Income (loss) before income tax expense and equity earnings
 
(8,186
)
 
38,675

 
(13,759
)
 
(2,538
)
 
(13,496
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(1,609
)
 
7,861

 
(2,574
)
 
(738
)
 
(74,599
)
Income (loss) before equity earnings
 
(6,577
)
 
30,814

 
(11,185
)
 
(1,800
)
 
61,103

Equity earnings, net of tax
 
629

 
465

 
669

 
443

 
356

Net income (loss)
 
(5,948
)
 
31,279

 
(10,516
)
 
(1,357
)
 
61,459

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest in subsidiary
 
154

 
10

 
137

 
163

 
235

Net income (loss) attributable to Era Group Inc.
 
$
(5,794
)
 
$
31,289

 
$
(10,379
)
 
$
(1,194
)
 
$
61,694

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
1.44

 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
2.89

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
1.44

 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
2.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
 
21,251,638

 
21,215,576

 
21,199,280

 
21,003,777

 
20,893,600

Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
 
21,251,638

 
21,239,189

 
21,199,280

 
21,003,777

 
20,905,020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
 
$
4,640

 
$
51,498

 
$
201

 
$
12,689

 
$
1,985

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
5,631

 
$
9,678

 
$
7,347

 
$
16,370

 
$
6,343

Adjusted EBITDA excluding Gains
 
$
6,325

 
$
9,826

 
$
9,344

 
$
11,956

 
$
6,884




7


ERA GROUP INC.
OPERATING REVENUES BY LINE OF SERVICE
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Sep 30,
2018
 
Jun 30,
2018
 
Mar 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
Oil and gas: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
 
$
33,876

 
$
35,473

 
$
37,771

 
$
36,536

 
$
35,063

International
 
13,357

 
13,665

 
14,160

 
15,617

 
16,163

Total oil and gas
 
47,233


49,138


51,931


52,153


51,226

Dry-leasing (2)
 
2,938

 
2,716

 
3,256

 
2,572

 
3,680

Emergency response (3)
 
1,845

 
2,756

 
2,541

 
2,597

 
2,625

 
 
$
52,016

 
$
54,610

 
$
57,728

 
$
57,322

 
$
57,531


FLIGHT HOURS BY LINE OF SERVICE (4) 
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Sep 30,
2018
 
Jun 30,
2018
 
Mar 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
Oil and gas: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
 
5,235

 
6,132

 
6,991

 
5,705

 
5,967

International
 
2,410

 
2,288

 
2,185

 
2,296

 
2,218

Total oil and gas
 
7,645

 
8,420

 
9,176

 
8,001

 
8,185

Emergency Response (3)
 
90

 
108

 
95

 
100

 
110

 
 
7,735

 
8,528

 
9,271

 
8,101

 
8,295

____________________
(1)
Primarily oil and gas services, but also includes revenues and flight hours from utility services, such as firefighting, and VIP transport.
(2)
Includes certain property rental income that was previously in emergency response services and oil and gas lines of service.
(3)
Includes revenues and flight hours from search and rescue ("SAR") and air medical services.
(4)
Does not include hours flown by helicopters in our dry-leasing line of service.


8


ERA GROUP INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Sep 30,
2018
 
Jun 30,
2018
 
Mar 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
50,753

 
$
47,631

 
$
15,057

 
$
16,553

 
$
13,583

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
 
37,109

 
39,488

 
39,286

 
38,700

 
38,964

Tax receivables
 
3,187

 
3,117

 
3,206

 
3,466

 
2,829

Other
 
2,343

 
2,701

 
1,451

 
4,168

 
1,623

Inventories, net
 
20,673

 
20,157

 
20,864

 
20,830

 
21,112

Prepaid expenses
 
1,807

 
2,367

 
2,548

 
2,804

 
1,203

Escrow deposits
 

 

 

 

 
3,250

Total current assets
 
115,872

 
115,461

 
82,412

 
86,521

 
82,564

Property and equipment
 
917,161

 
927,477

 
923,249

 
949,064

 
972,942

Accumulated depreciation
 
(317,967
)
 
(314,736
)
 
(305,745
)
 
(297,341
)
 
(299,028
)
Net property and equipment
 
599,194

 
612,741

 
617,504

 
651,723

 
673,914

Equity investments and advances
 
27,112

 
26,600

 
30,982

 
30,445

 
30,056

Intangible assets
 
1,107

 
1,111

 
1,115

 
1,118

 
1,122

Other assets
 
21,578

 
18,421

 
18,680

 
4,798

 
4,441

Total assets
 
$
764,863

 
$
774,334

 
$
750,693

 
$
774,605

 
$
792,097

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
13,161

 
$
10,438

 
$
17,246

 
$
11,084

 
$
16,421

Accrued wages and benefits
 
9,267

 
8,605

 
7,516

 
6,530

 
8,264

Accrued interest
 
569

 
3,404

 
545

 
3,485

 
606

Accrued income taxes
 
973

 
2,993

 
40

 
46

 
28

Current portion of long-term debt
 
2,058

 
2,158

 
2,257

 
2,296

 
2,736

Accrued other taxes
 
1,268

 
2,396

 
1,965

 
1,856

 
1,810

Accrued contingencies
 
630

 
1,014

 
946

 
892

 
859

Other current liabilities
 
878

 
1,033

 
3,224

 
3,166

 
1,720

Total current liabilities
 
28,804

 
32,041

 
33,739

 
29,355

 
32,444

Long-term debt
 
160,217

 
160,476

 
172,787

 
188,470

 
202,174

Deferred income taxes
 
108,357

 
108,138

 
103,303

 
105,865

 
106,598

Other liabilities
 
747

 
1,753

 
1,350

 
1,596

 
1,434

Total liabilities
 
298,125

 
302,408

 
311,179

 
325,286

 
342,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
 
3,302

 
3,456

 
3,466

 
3,603

 
3,766

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Era Group Inc. stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
 
219

 
219

 
219

 
219

 
215

Additional paid-in capital
 
447,298

 
447,013

 
445,885

 
445,174

 
443,944

Retained earnings
 
18,285

 
24,079

 
(7,210
)
 
3,169

 
4,363

Treasury shares, at cost
 
(2,476
)
 
(2,951
)
 
(2,951
)
 
(2,951
)
 
(2,951
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
110

 
110

 
105

 
105

 
110

Total equity
 
463,436

 
468,470

 
436,048

 
445,716

 
445,681

Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and stockholders’ equity
 
$
764,863

 
$
774,334

 
$
750,693

 
$
774,605

 
$
792,097



9


The Company’s management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to assess the performance and operating results of our business. EBITDA is defined as Earnings before Interest (includes interest income and interest expense), Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA further adjusted for certain special items that occur during the reported period, as noted below. We include EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to provide investors with a supplemental measure of our operating performance. Neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA is a recognized term under generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). Accordingly, they should not be used as an indicator of, or an alternative to, net income as a measure of operating performance. In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not intended to be measures of free cash flow available for management’s discretionary use, as they do not consider certain cash requirements, such as debt service requirements. Because the definitions of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (or similar measures) may vary among companies and industries, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Net Income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA further adjusted to exclude gains on dispositions (in thousands).
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Year Ended
 
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Sep 30,
2018
 
Jun 30,
2018
 
Mar 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
Net Income
 
$
(5,948
)
 
$
31,279

 
$
(10,516
)
 
$
(1,357
)
 
$
61,459

 
$
13,458

 
$
(28,615
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
9,530

 
9,541

 
10,116

 
10,354

 
10,101

 
39,541

 
45,736

Interest income
 
(818
)
 
(732
)
 
(346
)
 
(146
)
 
(119
)
 
(2,042
)
 
(760
)
Interest expense
 
3,485

 
3,549

 
3,521

 
4,576

 
5,143

 
15,131

 
16,763

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(1,609
)
 
7,861

 
(2,574
)
 
(738
)
 
(74,599
)
 
2,940

 
(122,665
)
EBITDA
 
$
4,640

 
$
51,498


$
201


$
12,689


$
1,985


$
69,028


$
(89,541
)
Special items (1)
 
991

 
(41,820
)
 
7,146

 
3,681

 
4,358

 
(30,002
)
 
125,290

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
5,631


$
9,678


$
7,347


$
16,370


$
6,343


$
39,026


$
35,749

Gains on asset dispositions, net (“Gains”)
 
694

 
148

 
1,997

 
(4,414
)
 
541

 
(1,575
)
 
(4,507
)
Adjusted EBITDA excluding Gains
 
$
6,325


$
9,826


$
9,344


$
11,956


$
6,884


$
37,451


$
31,242

____________________
(1)
Special items include the following:
In the three months ended December 31, 2018, a non-cash impairment charge of $1.0 million related to the impairment of the Company’s last remaining H225 helicopter;
Non-routine litigation expenses related to the H225 helicopters of $0.2 million, $7.1 million, $3.9 million, and $2.2 million, in Q3 2018, Q2 2018, Q1 2018, and Q4 2017, respectively;
In the three months ended September 30, 2018, $42.0 million in litigation settlement proceeds;
In the three months ended March 31, 2018, a $0.2 million gain on the extinguishment of debt related to a previously settled tax dispute in Brazil;
In the three months ended December 31, 2017, $2.0 million in non-cash charges related to our Brazil subsidiary entering the PERT program and $0.2 million of other non-cash items; and
In the year ended December 31, 2017, non-cash impairment charges of $117.0 million primarily related to the impairment of the Company’s H225 model helicopters, $5.5 million in non-routine professional services fees related to now settled litigation, $2.0 million in non-cash charges related to our Brazil subsidiary entering the PERT program, $0.6 million of severance-related expenses due to changes in senior management, and $0.2 million of other non-cash charges.
The Facility requires that the Company maintain certain financial ratios on a trailing four-quarter basis. The interest coverage ratio is a trailing four-quarter quotient of (i) EBITDA (as defined in the Facility) less dividends and distributions divided by (ii) interest expense. The interest coverage ratio is not a measure of operating performance or liquidity defined by GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The senior secured leverage ratio is calculated by dividing (i) the sum of total secured debt for borrowed money, capital lease obligations and guaranties of obligations of non-consolidated entities by (ii) EBITDA (as defined in the Facility). The senior secured leverage ratio is not a measure of operating performance or liquidity defined by GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. EBITDA is calculated under the Facility differently than as presented elsewhere in this release.


10



ERA GROUP INC.
FLEET COUNTS (1) 
(unaudited)
 
 
Dec 31,
2018
 
Sep 30,
2018
 
Jun 30,
2018
 
Mar 31,
2018
 
Dec 31,
2017
Heavy:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
S92
 
4

 
4

 
4

 
4

 
3

H225
 
1

 
2

 
2

 
9

 
9

AW189
 
4

 
4

 
4

 
4

 
4

 
 
9

 
10

 
10

 
17

 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medium:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AW139
 
36

 
36

 
36

 
36

 
36

S76 C+/C++
 
5

 
5

 
5

 
5

 
5

B212
 
5

 
5

 
5

 
6

 
6

 
 
46

 
46

 
46

 
47

 
47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Light—twin engine:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A109
 
7

 
7

 
7

 
7

 
7

EC135
 
13

 
15

 
15

 
15

 
15

EC145
 

 

 

 

 
2

BK117
 

 

 
2

 
2

 
2

BO105
 
3

 
3

 
3

 
3

 
3

 
 
23

 
25

 
27

 
27

 
29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Light—single engine:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A119
 
13

 
13

 
13

 
13

 
14

AS350
 
17

 
17

 
17

 
17

 
26

 
 
30


30


30


30


40

Total Helicopters
 
108


111


113


121


132

____________________
(1)
Includes all owned, joint ventured, leased-in and managed helicopters but excludes helicopters fully paid for and delivered but not yet placed in service as of the applicable dates.


11