NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) |
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| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basis of Consolidation |
Basis of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Era Group Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities that meet the criteria of Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company employs the equity method of accounting for investments in business ventures when it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the ventures. The Company reports such investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as equity investments and advances. The Company reports its share of earnings or losses of equity investees in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as equity earnings (losses), net of tax.
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| Use of Estimates |
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include, among other items, those related to allowance for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment, inventories, income tax provisions, impairments, fair values used in purchase price allocations and certain accrued liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences may be material.
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| Reclassifications |
Reclassifications. Certain amounts reported for prior years in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation.
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| Revenue Recognition |
Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue that does not meet these criteria is deferred until the criteria are met.
As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, deferred revenues included $42.1 million and $31.0 million, respectively, related to dry-lease revenues for certain helicopters leased by the Company to Aeróleo Taxi Aero S/A (“Aeróleo”), its Brazilian joint venture (see Note 5). The deferral originated from difficulties experienced by Aeróleo following one of its customer’s cancellation of certain contract awards for a number of AW139 medium helicopters under dry-lease from the Company, and the deferral continues as a result of financial difficulties at Aeróleo. On October 1, 2015, the Company’s former partner in Aeróleo transfered its 50% economic and 80% voting interest to a third party, and, as a result of the new shareholders’ agreement, the Company began consolidating the results of Aeróleo in its consolidated financial statements due to Aeróleo’s status as a VIE and the Company’s status as the primary beneficiary (see further explanation in Note 5). As a result, future collections on the deferred revenues will not be recorded as revenue. Instead, they will be recorded as a settlement of an intercompany receivable which is eliminated in consolidation.
Deferred revenues and related activity during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
The Company charters the majority of its helicopters through master service agreements, subscription agreements, day-to-day charter arrangements, fixed-term noncancelable contracts and dry-leases. Master service agreements and subscription agreements typically require a fixed monthly fee plus incremental payments based on hours flown. These agreements have fixed terms ranging from one month to five years and generally may be canceled by providing 30-90 days’ notice. Day-to-day charter arrangements call for either a combination of a daily fixed fee plus a charge based on hours flown or an hourly rate with a minimum number of hours to be charged daily. Dry-leases require a fixed monthly fee for the customer’s right to use the helicopter and, where applicable, a charge based on hours flown as compensation for any maintenance, parts, and/or personnel support that the Company may provide to the customer. Dry-leases generally run from two to five years with no early cancellation provisions. Air medical services are provided under contracts with hospitals that typically include a fixed monthly and hourly rate structure. With respect to flightseeing operations, the Company allocates block space to cruise lines, and seats are sold directly to customers. The Company also operated a fixed base operation (“FBO”) at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport that sold fuel on an ad-hoc basis and leased storage space.
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| Cash Equivalents |
Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of overnight investments.
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| Trade Receivables |
Trade Receivables. Customers are primarily major integrated and independent exploration and production companies, hospitals, international helicopter operators and U.S. government agencies. Customers are typically granted credit on a short-term basis, and related credit risks are considered minimal. The Company routinely reviews its trade receivables and makes provisions for probable doubtful accounts; however, those provisions are estimates and actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences may be material. Trade receivables are deemed uncollectible and removed from accounts receivable and the allowance for doubtful accounts when collection efforts have been exhausted.
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| Derivative Instruments |
Derivative Instruments. The Company accounts for derivative positions at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges are reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations as derivative losses, net.
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| Concentrations of Credit Risk |
Concentrations of Credit Risk. The Company is exposed to concentrations of credit risk relating to its receivables due from customers in the industries described above. The Company does not generally require collateral or other security to support its outstanding receivables. The Company minimizes its credit risk relating to receivables by performing ongoing credit evaluations and, to date, credit losses have not been material. The Company is also exposed to concentrations of credit risk associated with cash, cash equivalents and derivative instruments. The Company minimizes its credit risk relating to these positions by monitoring the financial condition of the financial institutions and counterparties involved and by primarily conducting business with large, well-established financial institutions and diversifying its counterparties.
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| Inventories |
Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market value and consist primarily of spare parts and fuel.
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| Property and Equipment |
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment, stated at cost, is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset to an estimated salvage value. With respect to helicopters, the estimated useful life is typically based upon a newly built asset being placed into service and represents the point at which it is typically not justifiable for the Company to continue to operate the asset in the same or similar manner. From time to time, the Company may acquire older assets that have already exceeded the Company’s useful life policy, in which case the Company depreciates such assets based on its best estimate of remaining useful life. The Company reviews the estimated useful lives and salvage values of its property and equipment on an ongoing basis.
As of December 31, 2015, the estimated useful life (in years) of the Company’s categories of new property and equipment was as follows:
Equipment maintenance and repair costs and the costs of routine overhauls and inspections performed on helicopter engines and major components are charged to operating expense as incurred. Expenditures that extend the useful life or improve the marketing and commercial characteristics of equipment, as well as major improvements to other properties, are capitalized.
The Company engages a number of third-party vendors to maintain the engines and certain components on some of its helicopter models under programs known as “power-by-hour” maintenance contracts. These programs require the Company to pay for the maintenance service ratably over the contract period, typically based on actual flight hours. Power-by-hour providers generally bill monthly based on hours flown in the prior month, the costs being expensed as incurred. In the event the Company places a helicopter in a program after a maintenance period has begun, it may be necessary to pay an initial buy-in charge based on hours flown since the previous maintenance event. The buy-in charge is normally recorded as a prepaid expense and amortized as an operating expense over the remaining power-by-hour contract period. If a helicopter is sold or otherwise removed from a program before the scheduled maintenance work is carried out, the Company may be able to recover part of its payments to the power-by-hour provider, in which case the Company records a reduction to operating expense when it receives the refund.
The Company also incurs repairs and maintenance expense through vendor arrangements whereby the Company obtains repair quotes and authorizes service through a repair order process. Under these arrangements, the Company records the repairs and maintenance cost as the work is completed. As a result, the timing of repairs and maintenance may result in operating expenses varying substantially when compared with a prior year or prior quarter if a disproportionate number of repairs, refurbishments or overhauls for components not covered under power-by-hour arrangements are performed during a period.
Certain interest costs incurred during the construction of equipment are capitalized as part of the assets’ carrying values and are amortized over such assets’ estimated useful lives.
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| Impairment |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The Company performs an impairment analysis on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present. The Company’s helicopters in operation are evaluated for impairment on an aggregate fleet basis. If the carrying value of the assets is not recoverable, as determined by the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value of the assets is reduced to fair value. Generally, fair value is determined using valuation techniques, such as expected discounted cash flows or appraisals, as appropriate. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized no impairment charges.
Impairment of Equity Investees. The Company performs regular reviews of each investee’s financial condition, the business outlook for its products and services, and its present and projected results and cash flows. When an investee has experienced consistent declines in financial performance or difficulties in raising capital to continue operations, and when the Company expects the decline to be other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the uncertainty regarding the projected financial performance of investees, the severity and expected duration of declines in value and the available liquidity in the capital markets to support the continuing operations of the investees in which the Company has investments.
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
Goodwill. Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company performs an annual impairment test of goodwill and interim tests to the extent indicators of impairment develop between annual impairment tests. The Company tests goodwill at the reporting unit level. The Company’s impairment review process compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. To determine its fair value, the Company uses a discounted future cash flow approach that uses estimates including, among others, projected utilization of our fleet and contract rates. These estimates are reviewed each time the Company tests goodwill for impairment and are typically developed as part of the Company’s routine business planning and forecasting process. While the Company believes its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, variations from those estimates could produce materially different results.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company performed an interim impairment test after noting several events and circumstances that led to the determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Company’s reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including a decline in the price of crude oil and the Company’s stock price and a prolonged downturn in the oil and gas market. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment of $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company’s estimate included the use of significant unobservable inputs, representative of Level 3 measurements, including the assumptions related to future performance as described in the preceding paragraph. The Company did not recognize any goodwill impairments during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Intangible Assets. Intangible assets with indefinite lives is recorded during purchase price accounting in a business combination. The Company performs an annual impairment test of indefinite lived intangible asses and interim tests to the extent indicators of impairment develop between annual impairment tests. The Company’s impairment review process compares the fair value of the book value. To determine its fair value, the Company uses a discounted future cash flow approach that uses estimates including, among others, projected utilization of our fleet and contract rates. These estimates are reviewed each time the Company tests indefinite lived assets for impairment. While the Company believes its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, variations from those estimates could produce materially different results. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had indefinite lived intangible assets of $1.0 million and intangible assets with finite lives of $0.2 million.
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| Business Combinations |
Business Combinations. The Company recognizes, with certain exceptions, 100 percent of the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non controlling interests when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. Shares issued in consideration for a business combination, contingent consideration arrangements and pre-acquisition loss and gain contingencies are all measured and recorded at their acquisition-date fair value. Subsequent changes to fair value of contingent consideration arrangements are generally reflected in earnings. Acquisition-related transaction costs are expensed as incurred, and any changes in an acquirer’s existing income tax valuation allowances and tax uncertainty accruals are recorded as an adjustment to income tax expense. The operating results of entities acquired are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition.
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| Deferred Financing Costs |
Deferred Financing Costs. Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are amortized over the life of the related debt using the effective interest rate method for term loans and straight line method for revolving credit facilities.
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| Income Taxes |
Income Taxes. Era Group and its majority-owned U.S. subsidiaries files a standalone consolidated U.S. federal tax return. Era Group’s foreign consolidated subsidiaries each file tax returns in their applicable jurisdictions. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been provided in recognition of the income tax effect attributable to the book and tax basis differences of assets and liabilities reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are provided using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which they are expected to be settled or realized. Interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions are recognized in interest expense and administrative and general expense, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
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| Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions |
Foreign Currency Translation. Certain of the Company’s equity investments and advances were measured using their functional currency, which is the currency of the primary foreign economic environment in which they operate. These investments are translated to U.S. dollars at currency exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates and its equity earnings (losses) at the weighted average currency exchange rates during the applicable reporting periods. Translation adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Foreign Currency Transactions. From time to time, the Company enters into transactions denominated in currencies other than its functional currency. Gains and losses resulting from changes in currency exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are included in foreign currency gains (losses), net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in the period which the currency exchange rates change.
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| Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share |
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share. Basic earnings (loss) per common share of the Company are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding during the relevant periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share of the Company are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares issued and outstanding plus the effect of potentially dilutive securities through the application of the if-converted method and/or treasury method. Dilutive securities for this purpose assumes all common shares have been issued and outstanding during the relevant periods pursuant to the conversion of all outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and common shares have been issued pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock options.
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| Savings Plan |
Savings Plan. The Company provides a defined contribution plan (the “Savings Plan”) for its eligible U.S.-based employees. The Savings Plan provides for qualified, non-elective Company contributions in an amount equal to 3% of each employee’s eligible pay plus an amount equal to 100% of an employee’s first 3% of wages invested in the Savings Plan and immediate and full vesting in the Company’s contributions. The Savings Plan is subject to annual review by the Board of Directors of Era Group.
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| Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 - Revenue From Contracts With Customers, which will base revenue recognition on the contract between a vendor and customer and will require reporting entities to allocate the transaction price to various performance obligations in a contract and recognize revenues when those performance obligations are satisfied. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and any interim periods within that period. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and any interim periods within that period. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact and the method of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU-2014-15 - Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern on determining when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within a year of the date the financial statements are issued. The standard applies to all entities and is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this standard will have on our financial statements and related disclosures.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02 - Consolidation, which amends the guidance for evaluating whether certain entities should be consolidated, particularly for general partner and limited partner relationships and VIEs that have fee arrangements or related party relationships with a reporting entity. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and any interim periods within that period, and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company has not adopted ASU 2015-02, and believes adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 - Interest - Imputation of Interest, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct reduction of the carrying amount of that liability. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected by this ASU. ASU 2015-03 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and any interim periods within that period, and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 - Interest - Imputation of Interest, which amends ASU 2015-03 to allow issuers to continue to recognize debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and amortize that asset over the term of the credit agreement. The Company has not adopted ASU 2015-03 or ASU 2015-15. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had debt issuance costs of $2.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively, exclusive of debt issuance costs associated with its Revolving Credit Facility. Such costs are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company believes the adoption of ASU 2015-03 would reduce other assets and long-term debt by such amounts.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 - Inventory, which is intended to simplify the way reporting entities account for inventory by requiring it to be valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value unless that entity uses the last-in, first-out or the retail inventory valuation method. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and any interim periods within that period, and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company has not adopted ASU 2015-11, and believes adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 - Business Combinations, which requires adjustments to provisional amounts recorded in business combinations to be recognized in the reporting period in which they are identified either separately on the face of the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and any interim periods within that period, and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2015-16 effective on July 1, 2015, and such adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 - Income Taxes, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and any interim periods within that period, and early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 effective on October 1, 2015 using the prospective method. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had deferred tax assets of $2.0 million that are classified as current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 - Leases, which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption of is permitted as of the standard’s issuance date. ASU2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. The Company has not adopted ASU 2016-02 and believes such adoption will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
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