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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000835768-01-500005.txt : 20010702
<SEC-HEADER>0000835768-01-500005.hdr.sgml : 20010702
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000835768-01-500005
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K405
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20010331
FILED AS OF DATE: 20010629
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MESABA HOLDINGS INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000835768
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: AIR TRANSPORTATION, SCHEDULED [4512]
IRS NUMBER: 411616499
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MN
FISCAL YEAR END: 0331
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 10-K405
SEC ACT:
SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-17895
FILM NUMBER: 1672637
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 7501 26TH AVE S
CITY: MINNEAPOLIS
STATE: MN
ZIP: 55450
BUSINESS PHONE: 6127265151
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 7501 26TH AVE SOUTH
CITY: MINNEAPOLIS
STATE: MN
ZIP: 55450
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>10-K405
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>b.txt
<DESCRIPTION>10K FOR MARCH 31, 2001
<TEXT>
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001
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 No. 0-17895
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC.
---------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota 41-1616499
(State of other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization Identification No.)
7501 26th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55450
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (612) 726-5151
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock,
par value $.01
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, and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form
10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant as of June 5, 2001 was approximately $228,038,000.
As of June 5, 2001, there were 20,288,141 shares of Common Stock of the
registrant issued and outstanding.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
-----------------------------------
Certain portions of the documents listed below have been incorporated by
reference into the indicated part of this Form 10-K.
Document Incorporated Part of Form 10-K
--------------------- -----------------
Proxy Statement for 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Part III
<PAGE>
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT UNDER THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the captions "Business"
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations," as well as oral statements that may be made by the Company
or by officers, directors or employees of the Company acting on the
Company's behalf, that are not historical fact may constitute "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 involve factors that could
cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from historical
results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. The Company cautions the public not to place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements, which may be based on assumptions and
anticipated events that do not materialize. Factors which could cause the
Company's actual results to differ from forward-looking statements include
material changes in the relationship between the Company and Northwest
Airlines; reductions or interruptions in Northwest Airlines' air service;
changes in regulations affecting the Company, including DOT and FAA
regulations or directives affecting airworthiness of aircraft; the
acquisition and phase-in of a new aircraft; downturns in economic activity;
seasonal factors; and labor relationships, including labor shortages, slow
downs and/or work stoppages associated with the outcome of contract
negotiations between the Company and the Association of Flight Attendants.
<PAGE>
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Mesaba Holdings, Inc. ("Mesaba Holdings" or the "Company") is the
holding company for Mesaba Aviation, Inc. ("Mesaba"). Mesaba is a regional
airline currently providing scheduled passenger service under the name
"Mesaba Airlines/Northwest Airlink" or "Mesaba Airlines/Northwest Jet
Airlink" to 99 cities and metropolitan areas in 27 states and three provinces
of Canada. All flights currently operated by Mesaba are designated as
Northwest Airlines flights under agreements with Northwest Airlines, Inc.
("Northwest"). Mesaba's flight schedules are coordinated with those of
Northwest to facilitate interline connections at the Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport and the Memphis
International Airport.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On November 1, 2000, Northwest Airlines presented the Company with an
offer to purchase all of the Company's outstanding shares not currently
owned by Northwest at a price of $13.00 per share. Northwest owns 5.7
million shares, or approximately 28% of the Company's current shares
outstanding. The Company's Board of Directors appointed a special committee
of independent directors to consider and act upon Northwest's offer and
other alternatives on behalf of Mesaba and its public shareholders.
On June 14, 2001, Northwest Airlines announced that it had withdrawn
its offer to purchase the Company's shares.
AGREEMENTS WITH NORTHWEST
The Company operates as a regional air carrier providing scheduled
jet-prop passenger and air freight service as Mesaba Airlines/Northwest
Airlink under an Airline Services Agreement (the "Airlink Agreement") with
Northwest to 78 cities in the Upper Midwest and Canada from Northwest's hub
airports in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Detroit. The Airlink Agreement
provides for exclusive jet-prop rights to designated service areas and
extends through June 30, 2007. Either Northwest or Mesaba has the right to
terminate the Airlink Agreement without cause upon 365 days notice.
Mesaba also operates regional jet aircraft under a separate Regional
Jet Services Agreement (the "Jet Agreement"), under which Mesaba operates
Avro RJ85 ("RJ85") regional jets for Northwest. As of June 1, 2001, Mesaba
served 48 cities under the Jet Agreement. The aircraft are subleased from
Northwest and are operated as Northwest Jet Airlink from the Minneapolis/St.
Paul, Detroit and Memphis hubs. Northwest has the right to terminate the Jet
Agreement without cause upon not less than 180 days nor more than 365 days
notice, such notice not to be given before October 25, 2003.
Under the agreements, all flights that Mesaba currently operates are
designated as Northwest flights using Northwest's designator code in all
computer reservations systems, including the Official Airline Guide, with an
asterisk and a footnote indicating that Mesaba is the carrier providing the
service. In addition, flight schedules of Mesaba and Northwest are closely
coordinated to facilitate interline connections, and Mesaba's passenger gate
facilities at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, Detroit
Metropolitan Airport and Memphis International Airport are integrated with
Northwest's facilities in the main terminal buildings, rather than at the
more remote commuter air terminals. The agreements with Northwest also
permit Mesaba to offer its passengers fares between the cities serviced by
Mesaba and all of the destinations served by Northwest as well as
participation in Northwest's frequent flyer program. Mesaba's jet aircraft
are painted in the colors of Northwest Airlines and the jet-prop aircraft
are painted in a distinctive "Northwest Airlink" configuration, with a
Northwest Airlines logo in addition to Mesaba's name.
Mesaba, through the agreements, receives ticketing and certain
check-in, baggage, freight and aircraft handling services from Northwest at
certain airports. In addition, Mesaba receives its computerized
reservations services from Northwest. Northwest also performs all
marketing, schedules, yield management and pricing services for Mesaba's
flights.
<PAGE>
Mesaba believes that its competitive position is enhanced as a result
of its marketing and other agreements with Northwest, particularly through
the ability of Mesaba to offer its passengers coordinated flight schedules
to the destinations served by Northwest. Loss of Mesaba's affiliation with
Northwest or Northwest's failure to materially perform under the Airlink
Agreement or Jet Agreement for any reason would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations and financial position.
ROUTE SYSTEM
The following sets forth certain information with respect to
Mesaba's scheduled route system for June 2001.
Cities served from Minneapolis/St. Paul: Grand Rapids, MN, Brainerd, MN,
Pierre, SD, Sioux Falls, SD, Bemidji, MN, Thief River Falls, MN, Aberdeen,
SD, Wausau, WI, Lincoln, NE, Grand Forks, ND, Watertown, SD, Fargo, ND,
Omaha, NE, Moline, IL, Houghton/Hancock, MI, Marquette, MI, LaCrosse, WI,
Bloomington, IL, Thunder Bay, Ontario, St. Cloud, MN, Escanaba, MI, Ely,
MN, Bismarck, ND, Kalamazoo, MI, Rochester, MN, Kenora, Ontario, Green
Bay, WI, Cincinnati, OH, Traverse City, MI, Waterloo, IA, Mason City, IA,
Fort Dodge, IA, Sioux City, IA, Hibbing, MN, Duluth, MN, Rhinelander, WI,
Eau Claire, WI, Dubuque, IA, Peoria, IL, Rockford, IL, Appleton, WI ,
International Falls, MN, Pellston, MI, Cedar Rapids, IA, Aspen, CO, White
Plains, NY, Saginaw, MI, Madison, WI, Rapid City, SD, Flint, MI,
Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO, Charlotte, NC, Columbus, OH, Dayton, OH,
Winnipeg Ontario.
Cities served from Detroit: Erie, PA, Akron/Canton, OH, Dayton, OH, Flint,
MI, Traverse City, MI, Pellston, MI, Wausau, WI, Houghton/Hancock, MI,
Marquette, MI, Toledo, OH, Muskegon, MI, Columbus, OH, Kalamazoo, MI,
Cincinnati, OH, Lansing, MI, Youngstown, OH, Fort Wayne, IN, Lexington,
KY, Charleston, WV, London, Ontario, Binghamton, NY, Roanoke, VA,
Lafayette, IN, Bloomington, IL, South Bend, IN, Louisville, KY, Escanaba,
MI, Champaign, IL, Evansville, IN, Knoxville, TN, State College, PA,
Saginaw, MI, Harrisburg, PA, Ottawa, Ontario, Elmira, NY, Allentown, PA,
Cleveland, OH, Rochester, NY, Appleton, WI, Rockford, IL, Pittsburgh, PA,
Des Moines, IA, Green Bay, WI, Peoria, IL, Rhinelander, WI, Montreal,
Quebec, White Plains, NY, Alpena, MI, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Dubuque, IA,
Duluth, MN, Greensboro, NC, St. Louis, MO, Buffalo, NY, Charleston, SC,
Grand Rapids, MI
Cities served from Memphis: Cincinnati, OH, St. Louis, MO, Knoxville, TN,
Huntsville, AL, Wichita, KS, Cleveland, OH, Fayetteville, AK, Baton Rouge,
LA, Jackson MS, Biloxi/Gulfport, MS, Nashville, TN, St. Louis, MO,
Birmingham, AL, Charlotte, NC, Grand Rapids, MI.
From time to time Mesaba reviews the feasibility of expanding the
frequency of its service to airports currently being served, as well as
initiating passenger service to additional cities generally within its
service area. Mesaba works closely with Northwest to coordinate flight
schedules and to facilitate connections between Mesaba and Northwest. See
"Business - Agreements with Northwest."
AIRCRAFT
The following table sets forth certain information as to Mesaba's
passenger aircraft fleet as of June 1, 2001:
Approximate Approximate
Single Average
Flight Cruising
Type of Number of Seating Range Speed
Aircraft Aircraft Capacity (miles) (M.P.H.)
--------- --------- -------- ----------- -----------
Avro RJ85 36 69 1,400 410
Saab 340 73 30/34 500 300
<PAGE>
Mesaba leases or sub-leases its Avro RJ85 aircraft from Northwest
under operating leases with terms of up to 10 years. The Jet Agreement
allows Mesaba to return aircraft to Northwest upon the occurrence of certain
events. The Avro RJ85 aircraft are pressurized jet airplanes with galleys,
dual class cabins, standup headroom, lavatories, ACARS, radar, ground
proximity warning, traffic collision avoidance and de-icing systems.
Mesaba leases all of its Saab 340 aircraft, either directly from
aircraft leasing companies or through sub-leases with Northwest under
operating leases with initial terms of up to 17 years. The Airlink
Agreement allows Mesaba to return aircraft to Northwest upon the occurrence
of certain events. The Saab 340 aircraft are fast, fuel efficient,
pressurized jet-prop airplanes with galleys, standup headroom, lavatories,
radar, global positioning, ground proximity warning, traffic collision
avoidance and de-icing systems.
All of Mesaba's aircraft comply fully with all current Federal
Aviation Regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA").
As of June 2001, Mesaba's existing fleet of Avro RJ85 and Saab 340
aircraft had remaining lease terms of six months to 15 years. The current
aggregate monthly lease payments for all aircraft is approximately
$8,900,000.
COMPETITION
The airline industry is highly competitive as a result of the Airline
Deregulation Act of 1978 (the "Deregulation Act"). In general, the
Deregulation Act increased competition by eliminating restrictions on fares
and route selection. The Deregulation Act also contributed to the
withdrawal of national and major carriers from short-haul markets by
allowing them to more easily obtain additional long-haul routes, which can
be more efficiently and profitably served by larger jet aircraft.
Elimination of barriers to entry into new markets, however, also creates
greater potential for competing service by other carriers operating small,
fuel-efficient aircraft on short-haul routes serving small and medium-sized
cities. Mesaba currently competes directly with other regional airlines on
some routes it serves. Mesaba also faces competition from regional carriers
offering service to alternative hubs for connecting flights. No assurance
can be given that other carriers, including major carriers, will not
institute competing service on routes served by Mesaba.
Competitive factors in the airline industry generally include fares,
frequency and dependability of service, convenience of flight schedules,
type of aircraft flown, airports served, relationships with travel agents,
and efficiency and reliability of reservations systems and ticketing
services. The compatibility of flight schedules with those of other
airlines and the ability to offer through fares and convenient inter-airline
flight connections are also important competitive factors. The Company
believes that Mesaba is competitive with respect to each of such factors
because of its established reputation, cost structure, aircraft fleet which
is properly suited for the small and medium-sized cities served, and
especially its relationship with Northwest.
FUEL
The cost of aviation fuel accounted for 6.5% of total operating costs
for the year ended March 31, 2001, 7.5% the year ended March 31, 2000, and
8.5% for the year ended March 31, 1999.
The Company has arrangements with Northwest and ten major fuel
suppliers for substantial portions of its fuel requirements. The Company
believes that such arrangements assure an adequate supply of fuel for
current and anticipated future operations. Both the cost and availability
of fuel, however, are subject to factors beyond the control of the Company.
Certain provisions of the Airlink Agreement protect Mesaba from
fluctuations in aviation fuel prices and Northwest provides fuel for all of
the jet operations.
<PAGE>
FARES
Mesaba derives its passenger revenues by selling its capacity to
Northwest at predetermined rates. Passenger fares vary primarily in
relation to the length of the flight and other factors and are established
by Northwest. Under the agreements with Northwest, the Company has the
ability to enter into arrangements with other air carriers for service to
cities not served by Northwest, so long as the Company does not use the "NW"
designator code, Avro RJ85 or Saab 340 aircraft with respect to such
service. The Company would need to acquire additional aircraft if it
entered into an arrangement for service to carriers other than Northwest.
Regulation
Pursuant to the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended (the
"Aviation Act"), the Federal Department of Transportation ("DOT"),
principally through the FAA, has certain regulatory authority over the
operations of all air carriers. The jurisdiction of the FAA extends
primarily to the safety and operational provisions of the Aviation Act,
while the responsibility of the DOT involves principally the regulation of
certain economic aspects of airline operations.
FAA REGULATION. Mesaba holds an "Air Carrier Certificate" from the
FAA, under Part 119 of the Federal Aviation Regulation, permitting it to
conduct flight operations in compliance with Part 121 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations. The Part 121 regulations are the same regulatory
requirements applied to major airlines. The FAA regulations to which Mesaba
is subject are extensive and include, among other items, regulation of
aircraft maintenance and operations, equipment, ground facilities, dispatch,
communications, training, weather observation, flight personnel and other
matters affecting air safety. To ensure compliance with its regulations,
the FAA requires airlines to obtain operating, airworthiness and other
certificates that are subject to suspension or revocation for cause. Mesaba
holds all certificates necessary for its operations.
DOT REGULATION. Prior to October 1992, Mesaba was registered under
Part 298 of the economic regulations of the DOT. On October 26, 1992, the
DOT granted Mesaba a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under
Section 401 of the Aviation Act. As a certificated carrier, Mesaba is
required to file certain additional quarterly reports with the DOT,
including a report of aircraft operating expenses and related statistics.
The Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity is a prerequisite for
operations with aircraft larger than 60 seats.
OTHER REGULATION. Under the Noise Control Act of 1972 and the
Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979, the FAA has authority to
monitor and regulate aircraft engine noise. Management of the Company
believes that Mesaba's aircraft comply with or are exempt from such
regulations and that Mesaba complies with standards for aircraft exhaust
emissions and fuel storage facilities issued by the Environmental Protection
Agency. The Company is also required to comply with the drug-testing
program adopted under Part 14 CFR by the DOT. As a foreign carrier
operating in Canada, the Company is subject to regulation by the Canadian
Department of Transport and has been issued Foreign Air Carrier Operating
Certificates by such agency. Because Northwest maintains certain contracts
with the Department of Defense (the "DOD"), Mesaba is subject to periodic
inspections by the DOD.
INSURANCE
Mesaba carries the types of insurance customary in the airline
industry, including coverage for public liability, passenger liability,
property damage, aircraft loss or damage, baggage and cargo liability, and
workers' compensation. The Company believes that this insurance is adequate
as to amounts and risks covered. There can be no assurance, however, that
the insurance carried would be sufficient to protect the Company adequately
in the event of a catastrophic accident.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENEANCE
Mesaba employs its own aircraft, avionics and engine maintenance staff
that perform substantially all routine maintenance to its aircraft and
engines. Major overhauls on its airframes, engines, and other rotable parts
on Saab 340 and RJ85 aircraft are performed internally or at FAA authorized
facilities.
<PAGE>
AIRPORT AND TERMINAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Mesaba's ticket counter and baggage-handling space is leased from
local airport authorities or other airlines at all of the airports served.
In 47 of the cities it serves, Mesaba receives support service under
agreements with Northwest.
Mesaba pays local airport authorities for the use of landing fields at
rates that are based on the number of flights per day, fixed fees, or on the
number of aircraft landings and aircraft weight.
PROPERTIES
The Company's principal executive offices are located at the
Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport. Mesaba leases approximately
293,000 square feet of facilities, ramp, parking and unimproved land at the
airport under separate ground and facilities leases with the Metropolitan
Airports Commission. Mesaba's primary facility contains approximately
83,000 square feet of office, shop, and hangar space. Mesaba is obligated
to make payments of approximately $35,000 per month under the lease for the
hangar, office and maintenance facility, in addition to approximately
$13,000 per month under the ground lease for the underlying land and access
ramp. Mesaba has entered into an agreement with the Metropolitan Airports
Commission ("MAC") to terminate these leases on January 1, 2003, to
accommodate planned runway construction. As part of the runway expansion
plan, Mesaba will relocate its hangar facilities to the west side of the
airport and is currently evaluating lease options with the MAC.
Mesaba leases approximately 394,000 square feet of facilities, ramp,
parking and unimproved land at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport under
separate ground and facilities leases. The facilities lease covers
approximately 60,000 square feet of hangar and maintenance space and
obligates Mesaba to pay monthly rentals ranging between approximately
$22,000 and $36,000 until August 1, 2002 as part of Special Facilities Bond
financing provided by Wayne County, Michigan. The ground lease has a 20-year
term concurrent with the facilities lease, which expires August 1, 2010.
Monthly lease payments of approximately $7,000 are currently required under
the ground lease, subject to an annual adjustment on January 1 each year
based upon the percentage change in an index published by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Commerce. On May 9, 2000, the
hangar collapsed due to a severe storm. During reconstruction, Mesaba
expanded the facility to approximately 60,000 square feet. Due to the
hangar incident and corresponding reconstruction, the lease was reclassified
from a capital to operating lease. The hangar facility reopened on June 1,
2001.
Mesaba owns approximately 38,000 square feet of hangar and office
space located on approximately 102,000 square feet of land and parking areas
of which Mesaba is ground lessee, at the Central Wisconsin Airport in
Mosinee, Wisconsin. Mesaba pays approximately $800 per month under the
terms of the ground lease relating to such facility, which expires on
December 31, 2011, subject to two 10-year renewal options.
Mesaba leases approximately 497,000 square feet of facilities, ramp,
parking and unimproved land at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport
under separate ground and facilities leases. The facilities lease covers
approximately 126,000 square feet of hangar and maintenance space and Mesaba
pays monthly rentals of approximately $88,000 until January 29, 2029 as part
of Special Facilities Bond financing provided by Cincinnati/Northern
Kentucky Airport Authority. The ground lease has a 30-year term concurrent
with the facilities lease, which expires January 29, 2029. Monthly lease
payments of approximately $10,500 are required under the ground lease.
EMPLOYEES
As of June 1, 2001, Mesaba employed 3,700 persons, of whom 975 were
pilots, 345 were management, administrative and clerical personnel, 360 were
aircraft maintenance personnel, 1,400 were station managers, station agents
and line services personnel, and 620 were flight attendants. Approximately
600 of Mesaba's employees are part-time.
<PAGE>
The Air Line Pilots Association ("ALPA") represents Mesaba's pilots.
Mesaba concluded negotiations with ALPA and reached a collective bargaining
agreement effective June 1, 1996, with a term of four years. In October
1996, Mesaba and ALPA reached agreement on a modification of the collective
bargaining agreement which, in addition to other enhancements, extended the
term of the agreement to June 1, 2002.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association ("AMFA") represents
Mesaba's mechanics. Mesaba concluded negotiations with AMFA and reached a
new collective bargaining agreement effective August 22, 1999, with a term
of four years.
The Transportation Workers Union ("TWU") represents Mesaba's
dispatchers. Mesaba concluded negotiations with TWU and reached a new
collective bargaining agreement effective May 26, 2000, with a term of five
years.
The Association of Flight Attendants ("AFA") represents Mesaba's
flight attendants. Formal negotiations between Mesaba and AFA are currently
in progress. The Company has yet to achieve its first contract with AFA,
although negotiations have been underway since May 2000.
The Railway Labor Act precludes any job action without a formal
declaration of an impasse by the NMB, which has not occurred. Any work
stoppage, whether from a failure to enter into a new collective bargaining
agreement or otherwise, could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Mesaba has had no work stoppages and management, in general, believes
that its relations with its employees are good. Cyclicality and
SEASONALITY
The airline industry generally is subject to cyclical moves in the
economy. Because both personal discretionary travel and business travel
may be expected to decline during periods of economic weakness, the
airline industry tends to experience poorer financial results during such
periods. Seasonal factors, primarily weather conditions and passenger
demand, historically have affected Mesaba's monthly passenger boardings.
The first and second fiscal quarters have typically shown a higher level
of passenger boardings as compared with the third and fourth quarters for
many of the cities served by Mesaba. As a result of such factors, the
Company's revenues and earnings historically have been higher during the
first six months of the fiscal year.
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table sets forth certain information regarding
the executive officers of the Company and its subsidiary, Mesaba
Aviation, Inc.
Officer
Name Age Positon Since
--------------- ----- ---------------------------------- ------
Carl R. Pohlad 85 Chairman of the Company and Mesaba 1995
Paul F. Foley 48 President and Chief Executive 1999
Officer of the Company and Mesaba
John S. 52 Executive Vice President, 1992
Fredericksen Administration, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company and Mesaba
Robert E. Weil 36 Vice President, Chief Financial 2000
Officer and Treasurer of the
Company and Mesaba
James B. Glennon 40 Vice President, Strategic Planning 2000
of the Company and Mesaba
Scott L. Durgin 39 Vice President, Customer Service of 1996
Mesaba
John G. Spanjers 46 Vice President, Flight Operations 1999
of Mesaba
Scott R. Bussell 48 Vice President, Technical 2000
Operations of Mesaba
Jeffrey W. 41 Vice President, Minneapolis Hub 2001
Wehrenberg Operations of Mesaba
Joseph E. Fillar 43 Vice President, Detroit Hub 2001
Operations of Mesaba
Robert T. Meekin 39 Vice President, People and 2001
Processes of Mesaba
CARL R. POHLAD is a Class Two director and Chairman of the Board
of Directors. Mr. Pohlad has been President and a director of Marquette
Bancshares, Inc. since 1993. Prior to 1993, Mr. Pohlad served as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Marquette Bank Minneapolis and Bank Shares
Incorporated. Mr. Pohlad is also an owner, director and the President of
CRP Sports, Inc., the managing general partner of the Minnesota Twins
baseball club, and is a director of Genmar Holdings, Inc.
PAUL F. FOLEY is a Class Three director and President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Foley was appointed President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company in October 1999. Prior to joining
the Company, Mr. Foley was Vice President of Operations Support at Atlas
Air, Inc. In this position, he was responsible for Airline Flight Crew and
Ground Operations in 66 cities and 33 countries. He was previously at LSG
Lufthansa Service/Sky Chefs as Group Vice President of Operations, North
America. He also served as President of Continental Airline's subsidiary,
Chelsea Catering Corporation. Mr. Foley holds a Bachelor of Science degree
from Cornell University and a Masters Degree from Southern Methodist
University.
<PAGE>
JOHN S. FREDERICKSEN joined the Company as Vice President, General
Counsel in July 1992. In August 1993, Mr. Fredericksen was appointed Senior
Vice President, Operations of the Company and Mesaba. He was appointed
Secretary of the Company and Mesaba in November 1994. In October 1999, he
was appointed to his current positions with the Company and Mesaba. From
March 1987 until joining the Company, Mr. Fredericksen was employed by the
Regional Airline Association, Washington, D.C. and served most recently as
its President. From 1980 until 1987, Mr. Fredericksen was an attorney with
the Federal Aviation Administration.
ROBERT E. WEIL was named Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer of the Company and Mesaba in January 2000. Mr. Weil was the
Managing Director of Finance - Ground Operations for Northwest Airlines
from December 1997 until joining the Company. He also held the position
of Controller - Ground Operations and held various other finance positions
at Northwest since 1991. Mr. Weil holds a Masters degree in Management
from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
JAMES B. GLENNON was named Vice President, Strategic Planning and
Business Development in June 2000. Before joining the Company, Mr. Glennon
was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Atlantic Coast
Airlines, Inc. from 1994 to 1997. He held various financial positions
during twelve years at Continental Airlines, including Chief Financial
Officer of Continental's subsidiary, Chelsea Catering Corporation. He also
served as a consultant to Northwest Airlines, Chautauqua Airlines and
Aeromexico. Mr. Glennon holds a Masters of Business Adninistration from
Wharton Graduate School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a
Bachelor's of Arts degree from Davidson College.
SCOTT L. DURGIN joined the Company as Vice President, Customer
Service in December 1996. Mr. Durgin was Vice President, Customer Service
of Business Express Airlines from May 1995 until joining the Company. He
served as a Regional Director for Express I Airlines from December 1991 to
May 1995, and held various positions, the last being Director of Stations,
at Pilgrim Airlines from 1983 until December 1991.
JOHN G. SPANJERS was named Vice President, Flight Operations of
Mesaba when he joined the Company in November 1999. Mr. Spanjers was
employed by Northwest Airlines from June 1988 to November 1999, serving most
recently as Director of Performance Engineering. Prior to that, Mr.
Spanjers held various operational positions within the regional and charter
airline industry.
SCOTT R. BUSSELL was named Vice President, Technical Operations of
Mesaba in May 2000. Mr. Bussell joined the Company in October 1995 as
Director of Maintenance for Mesaba Airlines. Before coming to Mesaba in
1995, Mr. Bussell held the position of Director of Maintenance for Renown
Aviation in Roswell, New Mexico. From 1977 to 1994 Mr. Bussell held
numerous positions in Technical Operations while employed at Continental
Airlines and Frontier Airlines in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Bussell graduated
with honors from Colorado Aero Tech and holds a FAA Airframe and
Powerplant License.
JEFFREY W. WEHRENBERG was named Vice President, Minneapolis Hub
Operations for Minneapolis in March 2001. Mr Wehrenberg joined the
Company in September 2000 as Director of Systems Operations Control.
Before coming to Mesaba, Mr. Wehrenberg held the position of Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer at TransMeridian Airlines since May
1999. He also was President and Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Express
Airlines between November 1998 and may 1999 and served in a variety of
senior operational positions with Express Airlines I, between 1995 and 1998
including Vice President of Customer Service and Vice President and General
Manager of the Express'northern region.
JOSEPH E. FILLAR was named Vice President, Detroit Hub Operations
when he joined the Company in April 2001. Before joining the Company, Mr.
Fillar worked for Northwest Airlines since 1979. He served most recently as
Director of Customer Service in Detroit since 1998 and Manager of Ramp
Procedures and System Deicing prior to 1998.
<PAGE>
ROBERT T. MEEKIN was named Vice President, People and Processes in
March 2001. Before joining the Company, Mr. Meekin held the position of
Director of Organization Development for Becton Dickinson in Franklin
Lakes, New Jersey. Mr. Meekin has held numerous positions in human
resource management and organizational development at Becton Dickinson
since 1997, The Perrier Group of America from 1992 to 1997 and Exxon
Chemical Company from 1987 to 1992. Mr. Meekin holds a Masters Degree in
Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota and a
Masters Degree in Management and Organizational Development from American
University.
<PAGE>
Item 2. PROPERTIES
See information provided under the captions "Business . Aircraft,"
". Airport and Terminal Facilities and Services," and ". Properties" in Item
1 herein.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In early November 2000, the Company was served with four lawsuits
filed in Hennepin County District Court and one lawsuit filed in Dakota
County District Court. The Dakota County suit has been transferred to
Hennepin County, where all five suits are now pending. The lawsuits have
been styled as purported class actions on behalf of the Company's
shareholders. Also named as defendants in the lawsuits are each of the
Company's current directors and Northwest Airlines Corporation.
The lawsuits arise out of the proposal by Northwest Airlines
Corporation to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company's
common stock which Northwest does not presently own. The lawsuits allege
that the defendants have breached their fiduciary duties to the Company's
shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Each of the
lawsuits seeks to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the proposed
transaction and, if the transaction is completed, to rescind the
transaction or to compensate the Company's shareholders for alleged
damages. The complaints also seek legal fees and other expenses on behalf
of the plaintiffs.
The Company believes the lawsuits are without merit particularly since
Northwest has withdrawn its proposal, and intends to defend them
vigorously. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted
with certainty.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS DURING FOURTH
QUARTER OF FISCAL YEAR
There were no matters submitted to a vote of the Company's
shareholders during the three-month period ended March 31, 2001.
<PAGE>
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded under the symbol "MAIR" on
the NASDAQ National Market.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low sale
prices for the Company's Common Stock and the dividends per share for each
of the fiscal quarters of the two years ended March 31, 2001. Quotations
for such periods are as reported by NASDAQ for National Market issues. The
Company has not issued cash dividends since September 1995.
Stock Quotations
($)High ($)Low
------- ------
Fiscal 2000
First quarter 17.00 12.00
Second quarter 14.75 10.75
Third quarter 14.13 8.88
Fourth quarter 12.56 10.00
Fiscal 2001
First quarter 12.88 9.13
Second quarter 11.06 9.00
Third quarter 14.00 10.25
Fourth quarter 13.50 10.25
On June 6, 2001, the number of holders of record of Common Stock
was 790.
The transfer agent for the Company's Common Stock is Wells Fargo
Bank Minnesota, National Association, 161 North Concord Exchange, South St.
Paul, Minnesota, 55075-0738, telephone: (651) 450-4064.
<PAGE>
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA AND STATISTICAL COMPARISON
The following table sets forth selected financial data with
respect to the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The
selected financial data has been derived from the audited financial
statements. The financial data set forth below should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" contained in Item 7.
For the Year Ended March 31,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Statement of Operations Data: (amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Operating revenues $439,803 $406,199 $331,753 $277,225 $185,701
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Operating expenses 410,455 359,364 299,531 246,856 166,118
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Operating income 29,348 46,835 32,222 30,369 19,583
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net income 19,784 31,061 21,271 19,804 11,986
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net income per share -
Basic $ 0.98 $ 1.54 $ 1.07 $ 1.03 $ 0.63
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding - Basic 20,288 20,177 19,793 19,270 19,143
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net income per share -
Diluted $ 0.94 $ 1.48 $ 0.99 $ 0.95 $ 0.62
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding and common share
equivalents - Diluted 20,941 21,043 21,512 20,846 19,310
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
As of March 31,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Balance Sheet Data: (dollars in thousands)
Current assets $156,740 $139,952 $116,369 $ 89,499 $ 67,601
Net property and
equipment 56,248 54,109 47,195 32,097 19,772
Other noncurrent
assets 10,746 13,663 15,659 15,595 17,193
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total assets 223,734 207,724 179,223 137,191 104,566
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Current liabilities 46,566 44,686 48,674 42,509 33,393
Long-term liabilities 12,487 18,320 21,310 19,136 21,379
Shareholders' equity 164,681 144,718 109,239 75,546 49,794
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $223,734 $207,724 $179,223 $137,191 $104,566
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<PAGE>
Mesaba Aviation, Inc.
Year ended March 31,
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Selected Operating Data:
Revenue passengers
carried 6,207,400 5,667,600 4,342,200 3,324,146 1,959,632
Revenue passenger miles
(000's) (1) 1,725,460 1,534,116 1,112,050 805,495 445,871
Available seat miles
(000's) (2) 2,948,239 2,677,712 1,994,626 1,469,229 864,083
Passenger revenue per
available seat mile $ .146 $ .150 $ .165 $ .186 $ .212
Cost per available seat
mile $ .139 $ .134 $ .150 $ .168 $ .192
Passenger load factor (3) 58.5% 57.3% 55.8% 54.8% 51.6%
Yield per revenue
passenger mile (4) $ .249 $ .262 $ .295 $ .340 $ .416
Departures 269,596 274,357 236,209 201,622 144,266
__________________________
(1) "Revenue passenger miles" are determined by multiplying the
number of fare paying passengers carried by the distance
flown.
(2) "Available seat miles" are determined by multiplying the
number of seats available for passengers by the number of
miles flown.
(3) "Passenger load factor" is determined by dividing revenue
passenger miles by available seat miles.
(4) "Yield per revenue passenger mile" is determined by dividing
passenger revenue by revenue passenger miles.
<PAGE>
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (As used herein, "unit cost" means operating
cost per available seat mile. Dollars and shares outstanding are
expressed in millions)
EARNINGS SUMMARY
The Company reported net income of $19.8 million or $0.94 per diluted
share for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, compared to $31.1 million
or $1.48 per diluted share in fiscal 2000 and $21.3 million or $0.99 per
diluted share in fiscal 1999. Weighted average common shares and common
share equivalents outstanding was 20.9 million, 21.0 million and 21.5
million in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OPERATING REVENUES. Operating revenues rose 8.3% to $439.8 million in
fiscal 2001 from $406.2 million in fiscal 2000 and $331.8 million in fiscal
1999. Passenger revenue per available seat mile ("RASM") decreased 2.7% to
$0.146 from $0.150 in 2000 and 11.5% from $0.165 in 1999, primarily due to
additional deliveries of the higher capacity RJ85 aircraft. Mesaba's revenue
per available seat mile is lower on the RJ85 than the Saab 340 because
Northwest provides more services under the Jet Agreement. Mesaba's average
passenger load factor was 58.5% in 2001, up from 57.3% in 2000 and 55.8% in
1999. The improvements in traffic and load factor are attributable to the
introduction of three RJ85 aircraft as well as overall increases in
passenger demand within the industry offset by lower levels of planned
capacity in response to adverse weather conditions and higher than planned
pilot attrition.
OPERATING EXPENSES. Due to additional aircraft as well as adverse
weather and high levels of pilot attrition, total operating expenses
increased 14.2% to $410.5 million in 2001 from $359.4 million in 2000 and
$299.5 million in 1999. Mesaba experienced a 3.7% increase in the cost per
available seat mile ("CASM") to 13.9 cents compared with 13.4 cents in 2000.
Seat capacity (measured in available seat miles or "ASM") increased 10.1%
in 2001 to 2.95 billion, primarily as a result of the introduction of three
RJ85 aircraft. The following table compares components of Mesaba's
operating cost per ASM for the years ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999:
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Wages and benefits 3.9 CENTS 3.7 CENTS 4.0 CENTS
Aircraft fuel 0.9 1.0 1.3
Aircraft maintenance 2.6 2.6 2.8
Aircraft rents 3.4 3.3 3.5
Landing fees 0.2 0.3 0.4
Insurance and taxes 0.2 0.2 0.4
Depreciation and
amortization 0.6 0.5 0.5
Other 2.1 1.8 2.1
---- ---- ----
Total 13.9 CENTS 13.4 CENTS 15.0 CENTS
==== ==== ====
Wages and benefits increased 15.2% to $114.1 million in fiscal 2001
compared to $99.1 million in fiscal 2000 and $80.3 million in fiscal 1999.
Unit cost increased 5.9% to 3.9 cents from 3.7 cents. The overall dollar
increase is a result of increased cost of flight crews due to a 2.0%
increase in block hours flown, the addition of flight crews to support the
continued introduction of the RJ85 aircraft and the increase in pilot
attrition year over year. Wage and benefit cost of mechanics increased with
the opening of a new maintenance facility in Cincinnati. Wage and benefit
cost of airport personnel also increased due to an increase in scheduled
operations and introduction of RJ85 ground handling at the Minneapolis/St.
Paul Hub. Normal wage and benefit increases also contributed to the higher
<PAGE>
expenses. Overall, personnel levels (measured on a full time equivalent
basis at the fiscal year end) increased to approximately 3,700 from 3,000.
Total fuel costs decreased 3.2% to $25.9 million in fiscal 2001 from
$26.8 million in fiscal 2000 and $25.5 million in fiscal 1999. The change
is attributable to decreased consumption caused by a decrease in block hours
flown by the jet-prop operation. The average price per gallon, including
taxes and into-plane fees, was 83.5 cents in fiscal years 2001, 2000 and
1999. Certain provisions of the Airlink Agreement protect Mesaba from
future fluctuations in fuel prices. Unit cost decreased 10.0% to 0.9 cents
from 1.0 cents. Mesaba is not required to provide fuel for the jet
operation.
Direct maintenance expense, excluding wages and benefits costs,
increased to $78.4 million in fiscal 2001 from $69.8 million in fiscal 2000
and $56.7 million in fiscal 1999. This increase was attributable to the
aging of the fleet as well as the addition of three RJ85 aircraft to the
fleet during fiscal 2001. Unit costs remained unchanged at 2.6 cents.
Aircraft rentals were $100.0 million in fiscal 2001, $88.9 million in
fiscal 2000 and $70.4 million in fiscal 1999. Mesaba added three RJ85
aircraft during fiscal 2001. The new aircraft, combined with the full year
effect of the 11 aircraft added in fiscal 2000, led to unit costs increasing
3.0% to 3.4 cents from 3.3 cents.
Landing fees were $6.3 million in fiscal 2001, $7.5 million in fiscal
2000 and $6.9 million in fiscal 1999. The decrease in 2001 is attributable
to a 5.8% decrease in jet-prop departures, which caused a decrease in the
total gross landing weight as well as a one-time credit of $0.6 million from
the Detroit Wayne County airport due to budget a surplus at the airport. On
a unit cost basis the cost decreased to 0.2 cents from 0.3 cents in fiscal
2000. Mesaba is not required to pay landing fees for the jet operation.
Insurance and taxes were $5.4 million in fiscal 2001, $5.7 million in
fiscal 2000 and $6.9 million in fiscal 1999. This decrease in fiscal 2001
compared to fiscal 2000 is due primarily to decreasing fleet values
partially offset by an increase in passenger volume. The decrease in 2000
compared to fiscal 1999 is attributable to lower insurance rates due to
joint purchasing efforts with Northwest. Because of the greater capacity
generated by the additional aircraft, unit costs were unchanged at 0.2
cents.
Depreciation and amortization totaled $17.8 million in fiscal 2001
compared to $14.4 million in fiscal 2000 and $10.0 million in fiscal 1999.
The increase in Mesaba's depreciation and amortization resulted primarily
from the acquisition of spare parts to support the RJ85 and Saab 340 fleet
and the amortization of the Northwest warrants. In April and June 1998, the
Company paid a contract rights fee in the form of stock purchase warrants to
Northwest as part of the amendments to the Jet Agreement allowing for the
increase from 12 to 36 aircraft. Contract rights are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over the minimum term of the Jet Agreement. Unit cost
increased 20.0% to 0.6 cents from 0.5 cents.
Administrative and other costs totaled $62.6 million in fiscal 2001,
$47.3 million in fiscal 2000 and $42.8 million in fiscal 1999. This
increase is primarily attributable to 31.1% higher crew related expenses due
to increased flying and training to support the RJ85 and Saab 340 fleet as
well as a significant increase in pilot attrition levels. Pilot attrition
increased from approximately 10% annually in fiscal 1999 to 20% annually in
fiscal 2001, primarily due to increased hiring at the major airlines.
Additionally, higher passenger and airport related expenses were incurred
due to increases in traffic, adverse weather and the number of cities
served. Unit cost increased 16.6% to 2.1 cents from 1.8 cents. Mesaba is
generally not required to provide airport and passenger related services for
the jet operation.
OPERATING INCOME. The Company's operating income was $29.3 million in
fiscal 2001, $46.8 million in fiscal 2000 and $32.2 million in fiscal 1999.
Mesaba's operating margins were 6.7% in 2001, 11.5% in 2000 and 9.7% in
1999. Fiscal 2001 operating margins decreased due to lower revenues and
higher expenses associated with pilot attrition, adverse weather, the
Detroit hangar collapse and proposed Northwest buyout.
NONOPERATING INCOME. Nonoperating income was $5.6 million in fiscal
2001, $4.4 million in fiscal 2000 and $4.0 million in fiscal 1999.
Interest and investment income increased $2.0 million to $6.3 million in
2001 from $4.3 million in 2000 due to higher yields on cash balances.
<PAGE>
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES. The provision for income taxes was $15.2
million in fiscal 2001, $20.2 million in fiscal 2000 and $14.1 million in
fiscal 1999. The effective tax rate was 43.5% in 2001, 39.4% in 2000 and
39.0% in 1999. The effective tax rate increased due to higher levels of
nondeductible expenses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's working capital increased to $110.2 million with a
current ratio of 3.4 at March 31, 2001 compared to $95.3 million and 3.1 at
March 31, 2000. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $81.3 million to
$18.9 million at March 31, 2001 due to a change in the investment portfolio
from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments. Net cash flows
provided by operating activities totaled $16.8 million in fiscal 2001, $31.5
million in fiscal year 2000 and $35.9 million in fiscal 1999. The change
from fiscal 2000 is primarily due to the increase in receivable balances for
insurance recoveries. Net cash flows used for investing activities totaled
$97.8 million in fiscal 2001, $18.4 million in fiscal 2000 and $22.7 million
in fiscal 1999. The change from fiscal 2000 is primarily a result of the
change in the investment portfolio to the use of more short-term
investments. Net cash flows used in financing activities amounted to $0.2
million in fiscal 2001 and consisted of principal payments of $0.4 million,
offset by issuance of common stock of $0.2 million related to the exercise
of stock options.
Long term debt, net of current maturities, totaled $2.1 million at
March 31, 2001 and $3.9 million as of March 31, 2000. Long-term debt
consists principally of capitalized lease financing for the Minneapolis/St.
Paul hangar facility. The ratio of long-term debt to shareholders' equity
was 1% at March 31, 2001, compared to 4% at the end of fiscal 2000. The
change is as a result of the reclassification of the Detroit maintenance
hangar from a capital lease to an operating lease.
As of June 2001, Mesaba's fleet consisted of 109 aircraft covered under
operating leases with remaining terms of six months to 15 years and
aggregate monthly lease payments of approximately $8.9 million. Operating
leases have been the Company's primary method for acquiring aircraft, and
management expects to continue relying on this method to meet most of its
future aircraft financing needs. Continued funding of the monthly lease
payments is ensured as long as the current operating contracts with
Northwest are in effect.
During fiscal 2001, Mesaba committed to reconstruct its maintenance
facility located at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The new facility is
approximately 25% larger than the previous hangar, which was substantially
destroyed on May 9, 2000 due to severe weather. Mesaba has committed to
pay for the additional space that will not be covered by insurance
proceeds. This commitment amounts to approximately $3.0 million and will
be funded with current cash balances. The Company maintains property and
business interruption insurance coverage on their facilities. The Company
is preparing a claim to recover certain lost revenues and expenses under the
business interruption policy related to the hangar damage. No amounts have
been recorded under this claim as of March 31, 2001. Recovery amounts will
be recorded upon ultimate resolution.
During fiscal 2000, Mesaba leased approximately 497,000 square feet of
facilities, ramp, parking and unimproved land at the Cincinnati/Northern
Kentucky Airport. The lease covers approximately 126,000 square feet of
hangar and maintenance space and obligates Mesaba to pay monthly rentals of
$0.9 million until January 29, 2029 as part of Special Facilities Bond
financing provided by Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport Authority. The
ground lease has a 30-year term concurrent with the facilities lease, which
expires January 29, 2029. Monthly lease payments of approximately $0.1
million are required under the ground lease. Mesaba intends to make these
lease payments from cash provided by operations.
Approximately 80% of Mesaba's passengers connected with Northwest in
fiscal 2001, 80% in 2000 and 81% in 1999. Approximately 80% of the
Company's accounts receivable balance at March 31, 2001 are due from
Northwest. Loss of the Company's affiliation with Northwest or Northwest's
failure to make timely payment of amounts owed to the Company or to
otherwise materially perform under the Airlink Agreement or Jet Agreement
for any reason would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
operations and financial results.
The Company has historically relied upon internally generated funds to
support its working capital requirements. Management believes that funds
from operations will provide adequate resources for meeting non-aircraft
capital needs in fiscal 2002.
<PAGE>
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company's principal market risks are changes in interest rates and the
availability of jet fuel.
The Company does not have significant exposure to changing interest rates
because its long-term debt as the interest rates on such debt are fixed.
Likewise, the Company does not hold long-term interest sensitive assets and
therefore is not exposed to interest rate fluctuations from its assets. The
Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for
trading purposes.
The Company has not experienced difficulties with fuel availability and
expects to be able to obtain fuel at prevailing prices in quantities
sufficient to meet its future requirements. As a part of the Airlink
Agreement, Northwest Airlines, Inc. bears the economic risk of fuel price
fluctuations for the fuel requirements. As such, the Company reasonably
expects that its results of operations will not be directly affected by fuel
price volatility.
<PAGE>
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related
Report of Independent Public Accountants are included in this Form 10-K on
the pages indicated below.
Page
Report of Independent Public Accountants..................... 21
Consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2001 and 2000.... 22
Consolidated statements of operations for the years
ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.................... 23
Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity for the years
ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.................... 24
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years
ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.................... 25
Notes to consolidated financial statements................... 26
<PAGE>
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Mesaba Holdings, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation) and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2001
and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended March 31, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Mesaba Holdings, Inc. and
Subsidiary as of March 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March
31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States.
As explained in Note 2 to the financial statements, effective April 1, 1998,
the Company changed its method of accounting for start-up costs.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota,
May 17, 2001
<PAGE>
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Balance Sheets As of March 31,
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Information)
2001 2000
--------- ---------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,916 $ 100,172
Short term investments 78,049 -
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of
$400 and $2,298 35,771
20,090
Inventories 8,046 6,103
Prepaid expenses and deposits 5,583 4,371
Deferred income taxes 10,375 9,216
--------- ---------
Total current assets 156,740 139,952
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Facilities under capital lease 4,862 9,147
Flight equipment 69,480 55,446
Other property and equipment 23,681 26,676
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (41,775) (37,160)
--------- ---------
Net property and equipment 56,248 54,109
OTHER ASSETS, net 10,746 13,663
--------- ---------
$ 223,734 $ 207,724
========== =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of capital lease obligations $ 229 $ 429
Accounts payable 15,819 13,003
Accrued liabilities-
Payroll 7,626 8,271
Maintenance 14,246 14,064
Deferred income 2,579 2,579
Other, primarily property and income taxes 6,067 6,340
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 46,566 44,686
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current maturities 2,172 3,866
OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES 10,315 14,454
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 3 and 6)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 60,000,000 shares
authorized; 20,288,141 and 20,267,141 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively 203 203
Paid-in capital 49,606 49,427
Warrants 16,500 16,500
Retained earnings 98,372 78,588
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 164,681 144,718
--------- ---------
$ 223,734 $ 207,724
========== =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
<PAGE>
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Information)
For the Years Ended March 31,
--------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger $429,811 $401,342 $328,244
Freight and other 9,992 4,857 3,509
-------- -------- --------
Total operating revenues 439,803 406,199 331,753
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Wages and benefits 114,082 99,070 80,297
Aircraft fuel 25,946 26,809 25,512
Aircraft maintenance 78,364 69,767 56,682
Aircraft rents 100,048 88,877 70,422
Landing fees 6,322 7,520 6,886
Insurance and taxes 5,336 5,677 6,894
Depreciation and amortization 17,768 14,354 10,027
Other 62,589 47,290 42,811
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses 410,455 359,364 299,531
-------- -------- --------
Operating income 29,348 46,835 32,222
NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest expense (367) (404) (443)
Interest and investment income and other 6,014 4,785 4,405
-------- -------- --------
Income before provision for income taxes
and change in accounting princple 34,995 51,216 36,184
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 15,211 20,155 14,113
-------- -------- --------
Net income before change in accounting principle 19,784 31,061 22,071
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CHANGE IN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, net of tax - - (800)
-------- -------- --------
Net income $ 19,784 $ 31,061 $ 21,271
======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Common Share Before
Accounting Change - Basic $ 0.98 $ 1.54 $ 1.12
======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Common Share - Basic $ 0.98 $ 1.54 $ 1.07
======== ======== ========
Weighted Average Number of Common
Shares Outstanding - Basic 20,288 20,177 19,793
======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Common Share Before
Accounting Change - Diluted $ 0.94 $ 1.48 $ 1.03
======== ======== ========
Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted
Weighted Average Number of Common $ 0.94 $ 1.48 $ 0.99
======== ======== ========
Shares Outstanding and Common Share
Equivalents Outstanding - Diluted 20,941 21,043 21,512
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
For the Years Ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
(In Thousands, Except Share Information)
Total
Common Stock Paid-In Warrants Retained Shareholders'
Shares Amount Capital Shares Amount Earnings Equity
------------------ ------- ------------------ -------- --------
</CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, March 31, 1998 19,397,253 $ 194 $41,196 2,242,500 $ 7,900 $ 26,256 $ 75,546
Issuance of warrants - - - 1,909,422 8,600 - 8,600
Exercise of stock options,
net of related tax effects 466,576 5 3,817 - - - 3,822
Net income - - - - - 21,271 21,271
---------- ------ ------- --------- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE, March 31, 1999 19,863,829 199 45,013 4,151,922 16,500 47,527 109,239
Exercise of stock options,
net of related tax effects 403,312 4 4,414 - - - 4,418
Net income - - - - - 31,061 31,061
---------- ------ ------- --------- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE, March 31, 2000 20,267,141 203 49,427 4,151,922 16,500 78,588 144,718
Exercise of stock options,
net of related tax effects 21,000 - 179 - - - 179
Net income - - - - - 19,784 19,784
---------- ------ ------- --------- ------- -------- --------
BALANCE, March 31, 2001 20,288,141 $ 203 $49,606 4,151,922 $16,500 $ 98,372 $164,681
========== ====== ======= ========= ======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
<PAGE>
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)
For the Years Ended March 31,
-----------------------------
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 19,784 $ 31,061 $ 21,271
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities-
Depreciation and amortization 17,768 14,354 10,027
Gain on sale of equipment - (125) -
Loss on lease conversion 694 - -
Deferred income taxes (524) (2,889)
(517)
Change in current operating items:
Accounts receivable, net (15,681) (4,185) (1,018)
Inventories (1,943) 461 (443)
Prepaid expenses and deposits (1,212) (652) 69
Accounts payable and other (2,060) (6,521) 6,493
-------- -------- --------
Net cash flows provided by
operating activities 16,826 31,504 35,882
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of short-term investments (265,220) - -
Sales of short-term investments 187,171 - -
Purchases of property and equipment, net (19,784) (19,343) (22,669)
Proceeds from sale of equipment - 898 -
-------- -------- --------
Net cash flows used in investing activities (97,833) (18,445) (22,669)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayment of capital lease obligations (428) (457) (437)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net 179 4,418 3,822
-------- -------- --------
Net cash flows provided by (used
in) financing activities (249) 3,961 3,385
-------- -------- --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS (81,256) 17,020 16,598
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year 100,172 83,152 66,554
-------- -------- --------
End of year $ 18,916 $100,172 $ 83,152
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for-
Interest $ 367 $ 404 $ 443
======== ======== ========
Income taxes $ 17,121 $ 19,636 $ 14,569
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
<PAGE>
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Information)
1. CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
Corporate Organization
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiary, Mesaba Aviation, Inc.
("Mesaba"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have
been eliminated in consolidation.
Business
The Company operates a regional air carrier providing scheduled passenger
and air freight service as Mesaba Airlines/Northwest Airlink and Mesaba
Airlines/Northwest Jet Airlink under two separate agreements with Northwest
Airlines, Inc. ("Northwest") to 97 cities from Northwest's hub airports,
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Detroit and Memphis.
Under the Airline Services Agreement (the "Airlink Agreement") the Company
operates SAAB 340 jet-prop aircraft for Northwest. This agreement provides
for exclusive rights to designated service areas and extends through
June 30, 2007, automatically renewing indefinitely thereafter. Either
Northwest or the Company may terminate the Airlink Agreement on 365 days
notice. In addition, Mesaba purchases fuel, reservation systems, ground
handling and other services from Northwest. The Company paid $28,738 to
Northwest in fiscal 2001, $20,645 in 2000 and $16,440 in 1999 for these
services.
Under the Regional Jet Services Agreement (the "Jet Agreement") the Company
operates Avro RJ85 ("RJ85") regional jets for Northwest. This agreement
extends through April 30, 2007, automatically renewing indefinitely
thereafter. Northwest may terminate the Jet Agreement on not less than 180
days nor more than 365 days notice any time after October 25, 2003. Under
the Jet Agreement, Mesaba is not required to provide fuel and airport and
passenger related services.
Under the agreements, all Mesaba flights appear in Northwest's timetables
and Mesaba receives ticketing and certain check-in, baggage and freight-
handling services from Northwest at certain airports. Mesaba also benefits
from its relationship with Northwest through advertising and marketing
programs. The Airlink Agreement and Jet Agreement provide for certain
incentive payments from Northwest to Mesaba based on achievement of certain
operational or financial goals, as defined. Such incentives totaled $3,165
in 2001, $5,159 in 2000 and $4,830 in 1999 and are included in passenger
revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Approximately 80% of Mesaba's passengers connected with Northwest in fiscal
2001, 80% in 2000 and 81% in 1999. Approximately 78% and 84% of the
March 31, 2001 and 2000 accounts receivable balances in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets are due from Northwest.
<PAGE>
Although Mesaba maintains an expanding air system serving different
markets, loss of Mesaba's affiliation with Northwest or Northwest's failure
to make timely payment of amounts owed to the Company or to otherwise
materially perform under the Airlink or Jet Agreements would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's operations, financial position and
cash flows. Northwest and the Company review contract compliance on a
periodic basis.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist primarily of U.S. government securities and
interest-bearing deposits with average maturities of less than 90 days and
are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Investments
Investments consist principally of corporate bonds and municipal securities
and are classified as available-for-sale as of March 31, 2001.
Available-for-sale investments are reported at fair value with unrealized
gains and losses excluded from operations and reported as a separate
component of shareholders' equity, except for other-than-temporary
impairments, which are reported as a charge to current operations and
result in a new cost basis for the investment. The amortized cost and
fair value of the investments as of March 31, 2001 were not materially
different. All investments are due within one year.
March 31, 2001
Fair Value
----------
Municipal securities $ 28,699
Corporate bonds 43,845
U.S. government obligations 4,147
Asset backed securities 1,358
----------
Total $ 78,049
==========
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market and consist
of expendable aircraft service parts and fuel. Expendable parts are charged
to maintenance as used.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-
line basis for financial reporting purposes over estimated useful lives of
5-10 years for aircraft engines, flight equipment and rotable parts; 3-10
years for all other equipment; 5-36 years for buildings and improvements;
and over the lease term for facilities under capital lease. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the lease or the
life of the asset. Depreciation and amortization expense on property and
equipment totaled $15,488, $12,429 and $8,475 for the years ended March 31,
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Other Assets
In connection with the Jet Agreement as amended, the Company paid a
contract rights fee in fiscal 1998 and 1999 the form of stock purchase
warrants. Contract rights totaled $11,700 and related accumulated
amortization totaled $5,006 and $3,204 at March 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Contract rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over
six years to coincide with the minimum term of the Jet Agreement. The
Company's warrants under the Jet Agreement consisted of the following as of
March 31, 2001:
Exercise Vesting Expiration
Grant Date Shares Price Date Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
October 1996 922,500 $ 7.25 May 1998 October 2006
April 1998 474,192 21.25 October 1998 October 2006
June 1998 1,435,230 21.25 May 2000 October 2006
In connection with the Airlink Agreement, the Company paid a contract
rights fee in the form of a stock purchase warrant to Northwestfor
1,320,000 shares of common stock at $9.42 and were fully exercisable upon
issuance and expire July 1, 2007. Contract rights totaled $4,800 and
related accumulated amortization totaled $1,800 and $1,320 at March 31,
2001 and 2000, respectively. Contract rights are amortized on a
straight-line basis over ten years to coincide with the term of the
Airlink Agreement.
<PAGE>
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company periodically evaluates whether events and circumstances have
occurred which may affect the estimated useful life or the recoverability
of the remaining balance of its long-lived assets. If such events or
circumstances were to indicate that the carrying amount of these assets
would not be recoverable, the Company would estimate the future cash flows
expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual
disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted
and without interest charges) were less than the carrying amount of the
intangible assets, the Company would recognize an impairment loss. No such
impairment losses were required to be recorded in the years ended March 31,
2001, 2000 and 1999.
Revenue Recognition
Mesaba is paid by Northwest for each completed flight. Under the Airlink
Agreement, Mesaba is paid for each completed ASM and under the Jet
Agreement, Mesaba is paid for each block hour flown. Passenger revenues
are recorded as income when the services are rendered.
Frequent Flyer Awards
As a Northwest Airlink carrier, Mesaba participates in Northwest's frequent
flyer program (WorldPerks), and passengers may use mileage accumulated in
that program to obtain discounted or free trips that might include a flight
segment on one of Mesaba's flights. However, under the Airlink and Jet
Agreements, Northwest is responsible for the administration of WorldPerks,
and Mesaba receives revenue from Northwest for WorldPerks travel awards
redeemed on Mesaba flight segments.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method whereby
deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for
differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities. These differences will result in taxable or deductible
amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the
periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income.
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
In order to assist the Company in integrating new aircraft into its fleet,
certain manufacturers provide the Company with spare parts or other
credits. The Company has deferred these amounts and amortizes them over
the terms of the Airlink Agreement as a reduction of aircraft rent expense.
Amortization of $4,139, $2,497 and $1,822 was recorded during the years
ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Ultimate results could differ from those
estimates.
Start Up Costs
Effective April 1, 1998, the Company adopted AICPA Statement of Position
(SOP) 98-5 "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities" which requires
all start-up costs to be charged to expense as incurred. The adoption of
<PAGE>
SOP 98-5 resulted in an $800 charge (net of tax) to operations, or $0.04
per basic and diluted share for previously capitalized start-up costs and
was recorded as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.
Segment Reporting
The Company has reviewed Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information" and determined that the aggregation criteria outlined in SFAS
No. 131 have been achieved and therefore the Company's operations are
reported as a single reportable segment.
New Accounting Pronouncement
On April 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended. SFAS No. 133
requires all derivative contracts to be reported on the balance sheet at
fair value through earnings currently, unless special hedge accounting
criteria are met. Since the Company does not have any of these types of
instruments, the adoption of SFAS No. 133 did not have an impact on the
Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
3. FLIGHT EQUIPMENT
The Company's airline fleet consisted of the following aircraft held under
operating leases as of March 31, 2001:
Number
of Seating
Aircraft Type of Aircraft Capacity
-------- ----------------- ----------
73 Saab 340 30/34
36 Avro RJ85 69
Under terms of the Jet Agreement, the Company subleases its RJ85 aircraft
from Northwest under operating leases with original terms of up to ten
years. The Jet Agreement allows the Company to return aircraft to
Northwest upon the occurrence of certain events, including termination or
breach of the Jet Agreement.
The Company leases all of its Saab 340 aircraft, either directly from
aircraft leasing companies or through subleases with Northwest under
operating leases with terms of up to 17 years. The Airlink Agreement allows
Mesaba to return aircraft to Northwest upon the occurrence of certain
events.
Aircraft maintenance and repairs on Saab 340 and RJ85 aircraft are charged
to expense when incurred, except for the cost of major airframe
inspections, for which the estimated cost is accrued and charged to
maintenance expense based upon hours flown, thus providing for the
inspection cost when it occurs.
The aircraft operating leases require future minimum rental payments as
follows at March 31, 2001:
2002 $106,890
2003 105,535
2004 102,457
2005 99,617
2006 98,547
Thereafter 247,149
Rent expense under aircraft operating leases totaled approximately $100,048
in 2001, $88,877 in 2000 and $70,422 in 1999 (including $61,598, $48,422
and $32,472 paid to Northwest in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively).
<PAGE>
4. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes for the three years ended March 31 is
comprised of the following elements:
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
Current:
Federal $ 12,942 $ 19,213 $ 11,657
State 2,793 3,831 2,973
Deferred (524) (2,889) (517)
-------- -------- --------
Total provision for income taxes $ 15,211 $ 20,155 $14,113
The actual income tax expense differs from the expected tax expense for
2001, 2000 and 1999 as follows:
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
Computed tax expense at federal statutory
rate of 35% $ 12,248 $ 17,926 $ 12,664
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 1,785 2,490 1,932
Non-deductible flight crew expenses 769 877 754
Other, net 409 (1,138) (1,237)
-------- -------- --------
Total income tax expense $ 15,211 $ 20,155 $ 14,113
======== ======== ========
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following as of
March 31:
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
Derred tax assets:
Maintenance $ 4,029 $ 4,064 $ 3,456
Prepaids 1,153 1,938 1,288
Warrants 2,618 3,069 411
Leases - 3,181 1,320
Inventories 538 678 892
Other Accruals 6,566 2,536 1,460
-------- -------- --------
Gross deferred tax assets 14,904 15,466 8,827
Derred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment 3,477 4,563 746
Preoperating costs - - 67
-------- -------- --------
Gross deferred tax liabilities 3,477 4,563 813
-------- -------- --------
Net deferred tax assets $ 11,427 $ 10,903 $ 8,014
======== ======== ========
<PAGE>
5. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stock Option Plans
The Company has stock option plans for key employees, directors,
consultants and advisors to the Company and employees of its
subsidiary or business partner, which authorize the issuance of shares of
common stock for such options. Under the plans, options are granted by the
compensation committee of the board of directors and vesting is determined
at the time of the award. The purchase price of the stock for
non-qualified options is determined at the time of the award and is 100% of
the fair market value at the time of the award for incentive stock options.
Stock option transactions for the three years ended March 31 were as
follows:
Average Weighted
Shares Exercise Price
--------- -----------------
Options outstanding, March 31, 1998 1,306,566 $ 6.85
Granted 190,000 21.82
Exercised (470,779) 5.74
---------
Options outstanding, March 31, 1999 1,025,787 10.07
Granted 420,000 10.73
Exercised (403,312) 6.28
Canceled (265,475) 12.66
---------
Options outstanding, March 31, 2000 777,000 11.51
Granted 374,000 9.85
Exercised ( 21,000) 7.14
Canceled ( 61,500) 11.76
---------
Options outstanding, March 31, 2001 1,068,500 $11.00
=========
Exercisable at March 31, 2001 405,000 $11.39
=========
Options outstanding at March 31, 2001:
Weighted Average
Remaining
Exercise Price Range Shares Contractual Life
-------------------- --------- -----------------
$ 4.75 22,500 .56 years
$ 8.00 - $14.25 941,000 4.05 years
$18.00 - $23.00 105,000 3.25 years
---------
1,068,500
=========
As of March 31, 2001, 1,086,975 options are available for grant to
non-employee directors and certain management personnel. The fair value
of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions summarized below:
2001 2000 1999
Risk free interest rate 5.90% - 6.31% 5.26% - 6.23% 5.56% - 5.59%
Expected life of option grants 6 yrs. 6 yrs. 6 yrs.
Expected volatility of
option grants 42.83% 51.08% 54.91%
Weighted average fair value
of option grants $5.02 $6.28 $11.90
<PAGE>
The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting
for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting
for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been
recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Had
compensation cost been recognized based on the fair values of options at
the grant dates consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company's net income and net income per
common share would have been decreased to the following pro forma amounts:
2001 2000 1999
------- ------- -------
Net Income
As reported $19,784 $31,061 $21,271
Pro forma $18,305 $29,515 $19,904
Basic Earnings Per Share
As reported $ 0.98 $1.54 $ 1.07
Pro forma $ 0.90 $1.46 $ 1.01
Diluted Earnings Per Share
As reported $ 0.94 $1.48 $ 0.99
Pro forma $ 0.87 $1.40 $ 0.93
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Commitments
In addition to the aircraft described in Note 3, the Company leases land,
office and hangar facilities and certain terminal facilities under
capitalized and operating leases through 2019 which provide for approximate
future minimum rental payments as follows at March 31, 2001:
Capitalized Operating
Leases Leases
2002 $ 424 $ 2,592
2003 424 2,051
2004 424 1,940
2005 424 1,916
2006 424 1,853
Thereafter 1,591 16,851
--------- --------
3,711 $ 27,203
Less- Amount representing interst 1,310 ========
---------
2,401
Less- Current maturities 229
---------
Total long-term capital lease obligations $ 2,172
=========
Rent expense under all facility operating leases totaled approximately
$3,864 in 2001, $3,850 in 2000 and $3,421 in 1999. On May 9, 2000, the
Detroit hangar collapsed due to a severe storm. During reconstruction,
Mesaba expanded the facility to approximately 60,000 square feet and it
reopened on June 1, 2001. Due to the hangar incident and corresponding
reconstruction, the lease was reclassified from a capital to operating
lease. The Company maintains property and business interuption
insurance coverage on their facilities. The Company is preparing a
claim to recover certain lost revenues and expenses under the
business interuption policy related to the hangar damage. No amounts
have been recorded under this claim as of March 31, 2001. Recovery
amounts will be recorded upon ultimate resolution.
Mesaba has entered into an agreement with the Metropolitan Airport
Commission ("MAC") to terminate the lease for its Minneapolis/St. paul
facility on January 1, 2003 with specific early termination fees, to
accommodate planned runway construction. As part of the runway expansion
plan, Mesaba will relocate its hangar facilities to the west side of the
airport and is currently evaluating lease options with the MAC.
<PAGE>
Benefit Plan
The Company maintains a 401(k) benefit plan for eligible employees whereby
the Company will match 25% to 75% of employee contributions to the plan, up
to 8% of each employee's compensation, depending on each employee's length
of service. The Company's contribution to the plan totaled $1,355 in 2001,
$1,086 in 2000 and $882 in 1999.
Related Party
On November 1, 2000, Northwest Airlines presented the Company with an offer
to purchase all of the Company's outstanding shares not currently owned by
Northwest at a price of $13.00 per share. Northwest owns 5.7 million
shares, or approximately 28% of the Company's current shares outstanding.
The Company's Board of Directors appointed a special committee of
independent directors to consider and act upon Northwest's offer and other
alternatives on behalf of Mesaba and its public shareholders.
On June 14, 2001, Northwest Airlines announced that it had withdrawn its
offer to purchase the Company's shares.
Litigation
The Company is a party to ongoing legal and tax proceedings arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution
of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations or its cash flows.
In early November 2000, the Company was served with four lawsuits filed in
Hennepin County District Court and one lawsuit filed in Dakota County
District Court. The Dakota County suit has been transferred to Hennepin
County, where all five suits are now pending. The lawsuits have been
styled as purported class actions on behalf of the Company's shareholders.
Also named as defendants in the lawsuits are each of the Company's current
directors and Northwest Airlines Corporation.
The lawsuits arise out of the proposal by Northwest Airlines Corporation to
acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock which
Northwest does not presently own. The lawsuits allege that the defendants
have breached their fiduciary duties to the Company's shareholders in
connection with the proposed transaction. Each of the lawsuits seeks to
enjoin the defendants from proceeding with the proposed transaction and, if
the transaction is completed, to rescind the transaction or to compensate
the Company's shareholders for alleged damages. The complaints also seek
legal fees and other expenses on behalf of the plaintiffs.
On June 14, 2001, Northwest Airlines announced that it had withdrawn its
offer to purchase the Company's shares. The Company believes the lawsuits
are without merit particularly since Northwest has withdrawn its proposal,
and intends to defend them vigorously. The ultimate outcome of these
lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty.
<PAGE>
7. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the
year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the
sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
plus all additional common stock that would have been outstanding if
potentially dilutive common shares related to stock options and warrants
had been issued. Options and warrants totaling 4,503, 4,063 and 3,459 were
excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years
ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, as the impact would have
been anti-dilutive. The following table reconciles the number of shares
utilized in the earnings per share calculations:
2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- --------
Numerator:
Net Income $ 19,784 $ 31,061 $ 21,271
Denominator:
For Earnings per Common Share - Basic:
Weighted average number of issued shares
outstanding 20,288 20,177 19,793
Effect of dilutive securities:
Computed shares outstanding under the
Company's stock option plan utilizing the
treasury stock method 130 230 486
Computed shares outstanding under warrants
issued utilizing the treasury stock method 523 636 1,233
-------- -------- --------
For Earnings per Common Share - Diluted:
Weighted Average Common Shares and Common
Share Equivalents Outstanding 20,941 21,043 21,512
======== ======== ========
Earnings per share - Basic $ 0.98 $ 1.54 $ 1.07
======== ======== ========
Earnings per share - Diluted $ 0.94 $ 1.48 $ 0.99
======== ======== ========
<PAGE>
8. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands except share and per share data)
Quarters of Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2001
------------------------------------------------
June 30, Sept.30 Dec. 31 March 31, Fiscal
2000 2000 2000 2001 Year 2001
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating revenues $107,826 $115,070 $105,621 $111,286 $439,803
Operating income 11,725 13,411 2,111 2,101 29,348
Net income 7,718 8,800 2,280 986 19,784
Earnings per Common
Share - Basic $ 0.38 $ 0.43 $ 0.11 $ 0.05 $ 0.98
Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding -
Basic 20,269 20,278 20,288 20,288 20,288
Earnings per Common
Share - Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.43 $ 0.11 $ 0.05 $ 0.94
Weighted Average Common
Shares and Share
Equivalents
Outstanding - Diluted 20,956 20,692 21,134 20,983 20,941
Quarters of Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2000
------------------------------------------------
June 30, Sept.30 Dec. 31 March 31, Fiscal
1999 1999 1999 2000 Year 2000
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total operating revenues $ 99,815 $102,503 $101,008 $102,873 $406,199
Operating income 14,028 11,224 11,593 9,990 46,835
Net income 9,076 7,318 7,851 6,816 31,061
Earnings per Common
Share - Basic $ 0.45 $ 0.36 $ 0.39 $ 0.34 $ 1.54
Weighted Average Common
Shares Outstanding -
Basic 19,968 20,221 20,252 20,267 20,177
Earnings per Common
Share - Diluted $ 0.43 $ 0.35 $ 0.38 $ 0.33 $ 1.48
Weighted Average Common
Shares and Share
Equivalents
Outstanding - Diluted 21,266 21,119 20,913 20,875 21,043
<PAGE>
Report of independent public accountants
To Mesaba Holdings, Inc.:
We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States, the consolidated financial statement of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. and Subsidiary included in this registration statements and have
issued our report thereon dated May 17, 2001. Our audit was made for the
purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated basic financial
statements taken as a whole. Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts, is the responsibility of the Company's management and is
presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange
Commission's rules and is not a part of the consolidated basic financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in the audit of the consolidated basic financial statements and, in
our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the consolidated basic
financial statements taken as a whole.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 17, 2001
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCHEDULE II
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
ADDITIONS
------------------------
BALANCES AT CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS CHARGED END OF
OF YEAR AND EXPENSES TO REVENUE DEDUCTIONS YEAR
----------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
</CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
2001:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,298 - 5,175 7,073 (1) $ 400
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH
31, 2000:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,287 688 2,295 2,972 (2) $ 2,298
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
1999:
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 1,368 - 1,547 628 (2) $ 2,287
</TABLE>
(1) Write-off of uncollectible receivables of $4,977 and recoveries of $2096.
(2) Write-off of uncollectible receivables.
<PAGE>
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information regarding the directors of the Company is incorporated
herein by reference to the descriptions set forth under the caption
"Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders (the "2001 Proxy Statement"). Information regarding
executive officers of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to
Item 1 of this Form 10-K under the caption "Executive Officers of the
Company" on page 9.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by
reference to the information set forth under the caption "Compensation of
Executive Officers" in the 2001 Proxy Statement.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners
and management of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to the
information set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management" in the 2001 Proxy Statement.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions
with the Company is incorporated herein by reference to the information set
forth under the caption "Certain Transactions" in the 2001 Proxy Statement.
<PAGE>
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Documents filed with this report.
(1) Financial Statements of Mesaba Holdings, Inc.
Page of this
Form 10-K
Report of independent public accountants 21
Consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2001 and 2000 22
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 23
Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity for the
years ended March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 24
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended
March 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 25
Notes to consolidated financial statements 26
(2) Schedule II
Report of independent public accountants 36
Schedule II 37
<PAGE>
(3) Exhibits
3A. Restated Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 31, 1995.
3B. Articles of Amendment to the Company's Articles of Incorporation.
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3A to the Company's 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
3C. Bylaws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form S-4,
Registration No. 333-22977.
4A. Specimen certificate for shares of the Common Stock of the
Company. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4A to the Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1989.
4B. Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated October 25, 1996 issued to
Northwest Airlines, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4A
to the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
4C. Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated October 17, 1997 issued to
Northwest Airlines, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4A
to the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
9A. Shareholder's Agreement regarding election of representative of
Northwest Aircraft Inc. to Board of Directors. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 9A to Mesaba's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, Registration No. 33-820.
10A. FAA Air Carrier Operating Certificate. Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10A to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March
31, 1989.
10B. 1986 Stock Option Plan (as Amended). Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10D to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March
31, 1990.
10C. 1991 Director Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10(i) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 33-62386.
10D. CAB Part 298 Registration. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10G to Mesaba's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1987.
10E. Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement Dated as of November 7,
1988 between Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. and Mesaba Aviation,
Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10F to the Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1989.
10F. Airline Services Agreement between Mesaba Aviation, Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. and Northwest Airlines, Inc. dated July 1, 1997
(certain portions of this agreement are subject to an order
granting confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A to the Company's Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.
10G. Regional Jet Services Agreement between Mesaba Holdings, Inc.,
Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and Northwest Airlines, Inc., dated October
25, 1996 (certain provisions of this agreement are subject to an
order granting confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A to the Company's Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
10H. Foreign Air Carrier Operating Certificates issued May 6, 1991 by
the Canadian Department of Transport. Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10H to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March
31, 1991.
<PAGE>
10I. Facility Lease and Operating Agreement dated April 18, 1988,
between the Metropolitan Airport Commission and Mesaba Aviation,
Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10K to the Company's
Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1989. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10J to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended March 31, 1997.
10J. Ninth Amendment to Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement and
Amendment to Revolving Note between Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and
Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10J to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended March 31, 1997.
10K. Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement dated as of August 1,
1990 between Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and Norwest Bank Minnesota,
National Association. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A to
the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990.
10L. Special Facilities Lease dated as of August 1, 1990 between
Charter County of Wayne, State of Michigan and Mesaba Aviation,
Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10B to the Company's
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990.
10M. Ground Lease dated August 1, 1990 between Charter County of Wayne,
State of Michigan and Mesaba Aviation, Inc. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10C to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1990.
10N. Combination Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Rents, Security
Agreement and Fixture Financing Statement dated as of August 1,
1990 between Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and Norwest Bank Minnesota,
National Association. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10D to
the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1990.
10O. Letter Agreement dated December 24, 1992 relating to the
repurchase of shares of Common Stock from Northwest Aircraft, Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10EE to the Company's Form
10-K for the year ended March 31, 1993.
10P. DOT Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity dated October
26, 1992. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10FF of the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1993.
10Q. Stock Purchase Agreement between AirTran Corporation and Carl R.
Pohlad dated as of October 18, 1993. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10 of the Company's Form 8-K dated October 19, 1993.
10R. 1994 Stock Option Plan (as amended July 1, 1997). Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10B to the Company's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1997.
10S. Agreement between AirTran Corporation, Mesaba Aviation, Inc.,
Northwest Aircraft, Inc., and Northwest Airlines, Inc. dated May
18, 1995. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A of the
Company's Form 8-K as filed May 18, 1995.
10T. Preliminary Agreement between AirTran Corporation, Mesaba
Aviation, Inc. and Northwest Airlines, Inc. dated March 8, 1995.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company's Form 8-K
as filed March 8, 1995.
10U. Term Sheet Proposal for the Acquisition of Saab 340 Aircraft by
Mesaba Aviation, Inc. dated March 7, 1996 (certain portions of
this document have been deleted pursuant to an application for
confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2). Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10U to the Company's Form 10-K/A for the year
ended March 31, 1996.
10V. Letter Agreement regarding Saab 340B Plus Acquisition Financing
dated March 7, 1996 (certain portions of this document have been
deleted pursuant to an application for confidential treatment
under Rule 24b-2). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10V to the
Company's Form 10-K/A for the year ended March 31, 1996.
<PAGE>
10W. Letter Agreement of April 26, 1996 relating to Airline Services
Agreement between Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and Northwest Airlines,
Inc. (certain portions of this document have been deleted pursuant
to an application for confidential treatment under Rule 24b-2).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10W to the Company's Form 10-
K/A for the year ended March 31, 1996.
10X. Letter Agreement of October 25, 1996 relating to Regional Jet
Services Agreement between Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and Northwest
Airlines, Inc. (certain portions of this document have been
deleted pursuant to an application for confidential treatment
under Rule 24b-2). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A to the
Company's Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
10Y. Amendment No. 1 to Regional Jet Services Agreement dated April
1, 1998 between Mesaba Holdings, Inc., Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and
Northwest Airlines, Inc. (certain portions of this document have
been deleted pursuant to an application for confidential treatment
under Rule 24b-2). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10A to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998
10Z. Amendment No. 2 to Regional Jet Services Agreement dated June
2, 1998 between Mesaba Holdings, Inc., Mesaba Aviation, Inc. and
Northwest Airlines, Inc. (certain portions of this document have
been deleted pursuant to an application for confidential treatment
under Rule 24b-2). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10B to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998
10AA.Lease Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999, between Kenton County
Airport Board and Mesaba Aviation, Inc. Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10AA to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended
March 31, 2000.
10BB.Ground Lease, dated as of September 1, 1999, between Kenton
County Airport Board and Mesaba Aviation, Inc. Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10BB to the Company's Form 10-K for the year
ended March 31, 2000.
21. Subsidiaries. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to the
Company's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997.
23. Consent of independent public accountants. Filed herewith.
24. Powers of Attorney. Filed herewith.
(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K
for the three-month period ended March 31, 2001.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
MESABA HOLDINGS, INC.
Dated: June 29, 2001 By /s/ Paul F. Foley
----------------------------------
Paul F. Foley
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Paul F. Foley June 29, 2001
- ---------------------- President and Chief Executive Officer
Paul F. Foley (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
/s/ Robert E. Weil June 29, 2001
- --------------------- Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Robert E. Weil (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Jon R. Meyer June 29, 2001
- --------------------- Director of Accounting and Controller
Jon R. Meyer (Principal Accounting Officer)
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Donald E. Benson
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Richard H. Andersen
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Douglas M. Steenland
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Carl R. Pohlad
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Robert C. Pohlad
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Pierson M. Grieve
* Director June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Raymond W. Zehr, Jr.
*By /s/ Paul F. Foley Attorney-in-fact June 29, 2001
- ---------------------
Paul F. Foley
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-13
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>ex13.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT
<TEXT>
EXHIBIT 23
Consent of independent public accountants
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report included in this Form 10-K into the Company's previously
filed Registration Statements File Nos. 333-49138, 33-89930, 33-62386, 33-
42757, 33-42759, 33-19528 and 2-93739.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota,
June 29, 2001
<PAGE>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-24
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>poa.txt
<DESCRIPTION>POWERS OF ATTORNEY
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: May 24, 2000
Signed: /s/ Richard H. Andersen
---------------------------
Richard H. Andersen
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: June 5, 2000
Signed: /s/ Donald E. Benson
---------------------------
Donald E. Benson
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: June 5, 2000
Signed: /s/ Carl R. Pohlad
---------------------------
Carl R. Pohlad
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: June 5, 2000
Signed: /s/ Robert C. Pohlad
---------------------------
Robert C. Pohlad
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: June 5, 2000
Signed: /s/ Douglas M. Steenland
---------------------------
Douglas M. Steenland
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: June 5, 2000
Signed: /s/ Raymond W. Zehr
---------------------------
Raymond W. Zehr
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and/or director of Mesaba Holdings,
Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Paul F. Foley and John S.
fredericksen, or either of them, with power to act without the
other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full
power of substituition and resubstituition, for him and in his
stead, in any and all capacities to sign Form 10-K of Mesaba
Holdings, Inc. for the year ended March 31, 2001, pursuant to the
requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in connection
therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, herby ratifying and confiming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue herof.
Dated: June 29, 2000
Signed: /s/ Pierson M. Grieve
---------------------------
Pierson M. Grieve
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
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