ar033110q.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

[ü]Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010.

[  ]Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period From   to  .
 
Commission file number 1-8400.

AMR Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
75-1825172
(State or other jurisdiction
 of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
4333 Amon Carter Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas
 
 
76155
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
                                                                      
Registrant's telephone number, including area code      (817) 963-1234  
     
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year , if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   þ  Yes   ¨  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.   þ Large Accelerated Filer     ¨ Accelerated Filer     ¨ Non-accelerated Filer    
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  ¨  Yes   ¨  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  ¨ Yes  þ No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common Stock, $1 par value – 332,711,488 shares as of April 14, 2010.
 
 

 

 
INDEX

AMR CORPORATION




PART I:    FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  Financial Statements

Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -- March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -- March 31, 2010

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

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures


PART II:    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Item 6.  Exhibits


SIGNATURE




 

 
PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

AMR CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)  
       
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Revenues
           
  Passenger - American Airlines
  $ 3,831     $ 3,680  
                     - Regional Affiliates
    498       457  
  Cargo
    154       144  
  Other revenues
    585       558  
    Total operating revenues
    5,068       4,839  
                 
Expenses
               
  Wages, salaries and benefits
    1,703       1,688  
  Aircraft fuel
    1,476       1,298  
  Other rentals and landing fees
    352       324  
  Maintenance, materials and repairs
    351       305  
  Depreciation and amortization
    267       272  
  Commissions, booking fees and credit card expense
    234       217  
  Aircraft rentals
    129       124  
  Food service
    115       114  
  Special charges
    -       13  
  Other operating expenses
    739       678  
    Total operating expenses
    5,366       5,033  
                 
Operating Loss
    (298 )     (194 )
                 
Other Income (Expense)
               
  Interest income
    5       11  
  Interest expense
    (209 )     (186 )
  Interest capitalized
    10       10  
  Miscellaneous - net
    (13 )     (16 )
      (207 )     (181 )
                 
Loss Before Income Taxes
    (505 )     (375 )
Income tax
    -       -  
Net Loss
  $ (505 )   $ (375 )

             
Loss Per Share
           
Basic
  $ (1.52 )   $ (1.35 )
                 
Diluted
  $ (1.52 )   $ (1.35 )
                 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

AMR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited) (In millions)  
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Assets
           
Current Assets
           
  Cash
  $ 189     $ 153  
  Short-term investments
    4,357       4,246  
  Restricted cash and short-term investments
    460       460  
  Receivables, net
    842       768  
  Inventories, net
    552       557  
  Fuel derivative contracts
    149       135  
  Other current assets
    285       323  
    Total current assets
    6,834       6,642  
                 
Equipment and Property
               
  Flight equipment, net
    12,293       12,265  
  Other equipment and property, net
    2,252       2,277  
  Purchase deposits for flight equipment
    562       639  
      15,107       15,181  
                 
Equipment and Property Under Capital Leases
               
  Flight equipment, net
    235       243  
  Other equipment and property, net
    51       52  
      286       295  
                 
International slots and route authorities
    735       736  
Domestic slots and airport operating and gate lease rights, less accumulated amortization, net
     246        252  
Other assets
    2,317       2,332  
    $ 25,525     $ 25,438  
Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity
               
Current Liabilities
               
  Accounts payable
  $ 1,140     $ 1,064  
  Accrued liabilities
    2,010       2,039  
  Air traffic liability
    3,906       3,431  
  Fuel derivative liability
    45       80  
  Current maturities of long-term debt
    1,055       1,024  
  Current obligations under capital leases
    85       90  
    Total current liabilities
    8,241       7,728  
                 
Long-term debt, less current maturities
    9,861       9,984  
Obligations under capital leases, less current obligations
    559       599  
Pension and postretirement benefits
    7,531       7,397  
Other liabilities, deferred gains and deferred credits
    3,225       3,219  
                 
Stockholder’s Equity
  Preferred stock                                                                                                             
     -        -  
  Common stock
    339       339  
  Additional paid-in capital
    4,412       4,399  
  Treasury stock
    (367 )     (367 )
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (2,635 )     (2,724 )
  Accumulated deficit
    (5,641 )     (5,136 )
      (3,892 )     (3,489 )
    $ 25,525     $ 25,438  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 

 
AMR CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (In millions)  
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  $ 456     $ 459  
 
               
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
               
  Capital expenditures
    (317 )     (169 )
  Net (increase) decrease in short-term investments
    (111 )     239  
  Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash and short-term investments
    -       (3 )
  Proceeds from sale of equipment and property
    -       3  
  Cash collateral on spare parts financing
    -       45  
        Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
    (428 )     115  
                 
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
               
  Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    (291 )     (753 )
  Proceeds from:
               
    Issuance of debt and sale leaseback transactions
    297       174  
    Exercise of stock options
    1       -  
    Reimbursement from construction reserve account
    1       1  
        Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
    8       (578 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    36       (4 )
Cash at beginning of period
    153       191  
                 
Cash at end of period
  $ 189     $ 187  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

 

AMR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.  
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (U.S.) generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods indicated. Results of operations for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year.  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMR Corporation (AMR or the Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, including (i) its principal subsidiary American Airlines, Inc. (American) and (ii) its regional airline subsidiary, AMR Eagle Holding Corporation and its primary subsidiaries, American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, AMR Eagle). The condensed consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in AMR’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2010 (the 2009 Form 10-K).

2.  
As of March 31, 2010, American had 35 Boeing 737-800 aircraft purchase commitments for the remainder of 2010 and eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft purchase commitments in 2011.  In addition to these aircraft purchase commitments, American has firm commitments for eleven Boeing 737-800 aircraft and seven Boeing 777 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2013 through 2016.  In addition, American previously announced plans (subject to certain reconfirmation rights) to acquire 42 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with the right to acquire an additional 58 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.  American has selected GE Aviation as the exclusive provider of engines for its expected order of Boeing 787-9 aircraft.  AMR Eagle has firm commitments for 22 Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2010 and 2011.

As of March 31, 2010, payments for the above purchase commitments will approximate $1.3 billion in the remainder of 2010, $524 million in 2011, $217 million in 2012, $463 million in 2013, $224 million in 2014, and $246 million for 2015 and beyond. These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers.

On December 18, 2007, the European Commission issued a Statement of Objection (SO) against 26 airlines, including the Company.  The SO alleges that these carriers participated in a conspiracy to set surcharges on cargo shipments in violation of European Union (EU) law.  The SO states that, in the event that the allegations in the SO are affirmed, the Commission will impose fines against the Company.  The Company intends to vigorously contest the allegations and findings in the SO under EU laws, and it intends to cooperate fully with all other pending investigations.  Based on the information to date, the Company has not recorded any reserve for this exposure as of March 31, 2010. In the event that the SO is affirmed or other investigations uncover violations of the U.S. antitrust laws or the competition laws of some other jurisdiction, or if the Company were named and found liable in any litigation based on these allegations, such findings and related legal proceedings could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

3.
Accumulated depreciation of owned equipment and property at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $10.5 billion and $10.3 billion, respectively.  Accumulated amortization of equipment and property under capital leases at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $539 million and $571 million, respectively.

4.
As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2009 Form 10-K, the Company has a valuation allowance against the full amount of its net deferred tax asset. The Company currently provides a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of its deferred tax assets, will not be realized. The Company’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance increased approximately $137 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $3.0 billion as of March 31, 2010, including the impact of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and changes from other adjustments.
 

 
AMR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
Under current accounting rules, the Company is required to consider all items (including items recorded in other comprehensive income) in determining the amount of tax benefit that results from a loss from continuing operations and that should be allocated to continuing operations.  As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit on the loss from continuing operations in 2009, which was exactly offset by income tax expense on other comprehensive income.  The Company generally does not record any such tax benefit allocation in interim reporting periods as the Company concluded the potential benefit is not considered realizable because the change in the pension liability, a material component of other comprehensive income, is determined annually.  Thus, any such interim tax benefit allocation may subsequently be subject to reversal.

5.
As of March 31, 2010, AMR had issued guarantees covering approximately $1.6 billion of American’s tax-exempt bond debt (and interest thereon) and $450 million of American’s secured debt (and interest thereon).  American had issued guarantees covering approximately $887 million of AMR’s unsecured debt (and interest thereon).  In addition, as of March 31, 2010, AMR and American had issued guarantees covering approximately $239 million of AMR Eagle’s secured debt (and interest thereon) and AMR has issued additional guarantees covering $1.9 billion of AMR Eagle’s secured debt (and interest thereon).  AMR also guarantees $176 million of American’s leases of certain Super ATR aircraft, which are subleased to AMR Eagle.

6.
The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities.  The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.   The Company’s short-term investments classified as Level 2 primarily utilize broker quotes in a non-active market for valuation of these securities.  The Company’s fuel derivative contracts, which consist of commodity options and collars, are valued using energy and commodity market data which is derived by combining raw inputs with quantitative models and processes to generate forward curves and volatilities.  No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

(in millions)
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2010
 
Description
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                           
Short term investments 1, 2
                       
 
Money market funds
  $ 217     $ 217     $ -     $ -  
 
Government agency investments
    642       -       642       -  
 
Repurchase investments
    1,028       -       1,028       -  
 
Short term obligations
    2,470       -       2,470       -  
        4,357       217       4,140       -  
                                   
Restricted cash and short-term investments 1
    460       460       -       -  
Fuel derivative contracts 1
    149       -       149       -  
Fuel derivative liability 1
    (45 )     -       (45 )     -  
                                   
Total
  $ 4,921     $ 677     $ 4,244     $ -  

1 Unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments, restricted cash and short-term investments and derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) at each measurement date.

2 The majority of the Company’s short-term investments mature in one year or less except for $150 million of U.S. government agency notes which have maturity dates exceeding one year.
 

 
                                                                                                                                              
AMR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
No significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2010.  The Company’s policy regarding the recording of transfers between levels is to record any such transfers at the end of the reporting period.

In January 2010, the Venezuelan Government devalued its currency from 2.15 bolivars per U.S. dollar to 4.30 bolivars per U.S. dollar and the Venezuelan economy was designated as highly inflationary.  As a result, the Company recognized a loss of $53 million related to the currency remeasurement in January 2010.  The Company does not expect any significant ongoing impact of the currency devaluation on its system-wide operations.

The fair values of the Company's long-term debt were estimated using quoted market prices where available.  For long-term debt not actively traded, fair values were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's current estimated incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 
The carrying value and estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, were (in millions):
     
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
     
Carrying Value
   
Fair
Value
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair
Value
 
 
Secured variable and fixed rate indebtedness
  $ 5,336     $ 4,195     $ 5,553     $ 4,310  
 
Enhanced equipment trust certificates
    2,146       2,190       2,022       1,999  
 
6.0% - 8.5% special facility revenue bonds
    1,659       1,648       1,658       1,600  
 
AAdvantage Miles advance purchase
    890       897       890       893  
 
4.50% - 6.25% senior convertible notes
    460       533       460       476  
 
9.0% - 10.20% debentures
    214       182       214       158  
 
7.88% - 10.55% notes
    211       188       211       181  
      $ 10,916     $ 9,833     $ 11,008     $ 9,617  

7.
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (in millions):
     
Pension Benefits
   
Retiree Medical and Other Benefits
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                           
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost
                       
                           
 
Service cost
  $ 93     $ 84     $ 15     $ 14  
 
Interest cost   
    185       178       42       44  
 
Expected return on assets
    (149 )     (143 )     (4 )     (3 )
 
Amortization of:
                               
 
Prior service cost
    4       4       (5 )     (2 )
 
Unrecognized net (gain) loss
    37       37       (2 )     (3 )
 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 170     $ 160     $ 46     $ 50  

 

 
                                                                                                                                              
AMR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
The Company is required to make minimum contributions to its defined benefit pension plans under the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  On April 15, 2010, the Company contributed $72 million to its defined benefit pension plans.

8.
As a result of the revenue environment, high fuel prices and the Company’s restructuring activities, including its capacity reductions, the Company has recorded a number of charges during the last few years.  In 2008 and 2009, the Company announced capacity reductions due to unprecedented high fuel costs at that time and the other challenges facing the industry.  In connection with these capacity reductions, the Company incurred special charges related to aircraft and certain other charges.

The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s special charges, the remaining accruals for these charges and the capacity reduction related charges (in millions) as of March 31, 2010:

     
Aircraft Charges
   
Facility
Exit Costs
   
Total
 
 
 
Remaining accrual at December 31, 2009
  $  155     $  20     $  175  
 
Capacity reduction charges
     -        -        -  
 
Non-cash charges
    -       -       -  
 
Adjustments
    (6 )     1       (5 )
 
Payments
    (27 )     (1 )     (28 )
 
Remaining accrual at March 31, 2010
  $ 122     $ 20     $ 142  
 
 
Cash outlays related to the accruals for aircraft charges and facility exit costs will occur through 2017 and 2018, respectively. 
 
9.
As part of the Company's risk management program, it uses a variety of financial instruments, primarily heating oil option and collar contracts, as cash flow hedges to mitigate commodity price risk.  The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company had fuel derivative contracts outstanding covering 27 million barrels of jet fuel that will be settled over the next 24 months.  A deterioration of the Company’s liquidity position may negatively affect the Company’s ability to hedge fuel in the future.
 
For the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized an increase of approximately $50 million and $268 million, respectively, in fuel expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations related to its fuel hedging agreements, including the ineffective portion of the hedges.  The net fair value of the Company’s fuel hedging agreements at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, representing the amount the Company would receive upon termination of the agreements (net of settled contract assets), totaled $111 million and $57 million, respectively, which excludes a payable related to contracts that settled in the last month of each respective reporting period.


 

 
AMR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
The impact of cash flow hedges on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is depicted below (in millions):
 

 
Fair Value of Aircraft Fuel Derivative Instruments (all cash flow hedges)
 
 
Asset Derivatives as of
 
Liability Derivatives as of
 
 
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
March 31, 2010
 
December 31, 2009
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
 
Fuel derivative contracts
  $ 149  
Fuel derivative contracts
  $ 126  
Fuel derivative liability
  $ 45  
Fuel derivative liability
  $ 71     

   
Effect of Aircraft Fuel Derivative Instruments on Statements of Operations (all cash flow hedges)
 
   
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative1 as of March 31,
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 1
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income1 as of March 31,
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative 2
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative 2 as of March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                         
    $ 4     $ (127 )
Aircraft Fuel
  $ (51 )   $ (271 )
Aircraft Fuel
  $ 1     $ 3     
                                                     
   
1 Effective portion of gain (loss)
                                 
   
2 Ineffective portion of gain (loss)
         
 
 
The Company is also exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to these financial instruments, and although no assurances can be given, the Company does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.  The credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts with a positive fair value at the reporting date, reduced by the effects of master netting agreements.  To manage credit risks, the Company selects counterparties based on credit ratings, limits its exposure to a single counterparty under defined guidelines, and monitors the market position of the program and its relative market position with each counterparty. The Company also maintains industry-standard security agreements with a number of its counterparties which may require the Company or the counterparty to post collateral if the value of selected instruments exceed specified mark-to-market thresholds or upon certain changes in credit ratings.
 
The Company includes changes in the fair value of certain derivative financial instruments that qualify for hedge accounting and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities in comprehensive income. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, comprehensive loss was $416 million and $186 million, respectively. The difference between net earnings (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 is due primarily to the accounting for the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the actuarial loss on the pension benefit obligation of the Company’s pension plans.
 

 
 

 
AMR CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
10.
The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted loss per share (in millions, except per share data):

     
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
     
2010
   
2009
 
 
Numerator:
           
 
Net loss – numerator for diluted loss per share
  $ (505 )   $ (375 )
                   
 
Denominator:
               
 
Denominator for basic loss per share –
  weighted average shares
    333       279  
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
  Senior convertible notes
    -       -  
 
  Employee options and shares
    -       -  
 
  Assumed treasury shares repurchased
    -       -  
 
  Dilutive potential common shares
    -       -  
 
 
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share –
  weighted average shares
    333       279  
                   
 
Basic loss per share
  $ (1.52 )   $ (1.35 )
                   
 
Diluted loss per share
  $ (1.52 )   $ (1.35 )
                   
 
The following were excluded from the calculation:
               
 
    Convertible notes, employee stock options and deferred stock because inclusion would be anti-dilutive
    58       10  
 
    Employee stock options because the options exercise prices were greater than the average market price of shares
    10       15  

 

 

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

Forward-Looking Information

Statements in this report contain various 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, which represent the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events.  When used in this document and in documents incorporated herein by reference, the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," “indicates,” “believes,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “targets” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe the Company’s objectives, plans or goals, or actions the Company may take in the future, are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the Company’s expectations concerning operations and financial conditions, including changes in capacity, revenues, and costs; future financing plans and needs; the amounts of its unencumbered assets and other sources of liquidity; fleet plans; overall economic and industry conditions; plans and objectives for future operations; regulatory approvals and actions, including the Company’s applications for antitrust immunity with other oneworld alliance members; and the impact on the Company of its results of operations in recent years and the sufficiency of its financial resources to absorb that impact.  Other forward-looking statements include statements which do not relate solely to historical facts, such as, without limitation, statements which discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured.  All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this report.  The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  Guidance given in this report regarding capacity, fuel consumption, fuel prices, fuel hedging, and unit costs, and statements regarding expectations of regulatory approval of the Company’s applications for antitrust immunity with other oneworld members are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations.  The following factors, in addition to other possible factors not listed, could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements:  the materially weakened financial condition of the Company, resulting from its significant losses in recent years; very weak demand for air travel and lower investment asset returns resulting from the severe global economic downturn; the Company’s need to raise substantial additional funds and its ability to do so on acceptable terms; the ability of the Company to generate additional revenues and reduce its costs; continued high and volatile fuel prices and further increases in the price of fuel, and the availability of fuel; the Company’s substantial indebtedness and other obligations; the ability of the Company to satisfy certain covenants and conditions in certain of its financing and other agreements; changes in economic and other conditions beyond the Company’s control, and the volatile results of the Company’s operations; the fiercely and increasingly competitive business environment faced by the Company; potential industry consolidation and alliance changes; competition with reorganized carriers; low fare levels by historical standards and the Company’s reduced pricing power; changes in the Company’s corporate or business strategy; extensive government regulation of the Company’s business; conflicts overseas or terrorist attacks; uncertainties with respect to the Company’s international operations; outbreaks of a disease (such as SARS, avian flu or the H1N1 virus) that affects travel behavior; labor costs that are higher than those of the Company’s competitors; uncertainties with respect to the Company’s relationships with unionized and other employee work groups; increased insurance costs and potential reductions of available insurance coverage; the Company’s ability to retain key management personnel; potential failures or disruptions of the Company’s computer, communications or other technology systems; losses and adverse publicity resulting from any accident involving the Company’s aircraft; interruptions or disruptions in service at one or more of the Company’s primary market airports; the heavy taxation of the airline industry; changes in the price of the Company’s common stock; and the ability of the Company to reach acceptable agreements with third parties.  Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the Company’s 2009 Form 10-K.

 

 

Overview

The Company recorded a net loss of $505 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a net loss of $375 million in the same period last year.  The Company’s loss reflects a significant year-over-year increase in fuel prices from an average of $1.91 per gallon in the first quarter 2009 to an average of $2.23 per gallon in the first three months of 2010, including the effects of hedging.  The price increase resulted in $211 million in incremental year-over-year fuel expense in the first quarter of 2010 (based on the year-over-year increase in the average price per gallon multiplied by gallons consumed).

Further, in January 2010, the Venezuelan Government devalued its currency from 2.15 bolivars per U.S. dollar to 4.30 bolivars per U.S. dollar and the Venezuelan economy was designated as highly inflationary.  As a result, the Company recognized a loss of $53 million related to the currency remeasurement in January 2010.  The Company does not expect any significant ongoing impact of the currency devaluation on its system-wide operations.

The Company’s unit costs excluding fuel and the Venezuelan currency devaluation impact were greater for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 than for the same period in 2009, driven by headwinds related to capacity reductions, airport and facility cost increases, the timing of materials and repairs expenses and revenue related expenses.

The significant rise in fuel price and the loss on Venezuelan currency was partially offset by higher unit revenues (passenger revenue per available seat mile).  Mainline passenger unit revenues increased 6.8 percent for the first quarter due to a 2.2 point load factor increase and a 3.7 percent increase in passenger yield (passenger revenue per passenger mile) compared to the same period in 2009.  Although load factor performance and passenger yield showed year-over-year improvement, passenger yield has not kept pace with the increase in fuel prices, or sufficiently offset the protracted recovery of the global economy and inflation.  The Company believes this is the result of a fragmented industry with numerous competitors, excess capacity and pricing transparency resulting from the use of the Internet, and other factors.  The Company believes that its reduced pricing power could persist indefinitely.

In late 2009, the Company unveiled a new business plan – FlightPlan 2020.  FlightPlan 2020 is a strategic framework developed to secure the Company’s future by focusing on what will be required to succeed in the airline business over the next decade.  It establishes the Company’s priorities and a clear path to better position the Company to meet the challenges of the coming years.  This plan for achieving sustained profitability has five tenets: (i) Invest Wisely, (ii) Earn Customer Loyalty, (iii) Strengthen and Defend our Global Network, (iv) Be a Good Place for Good People and (v) Fly Profitably.

In reaction to the challenges of increased fuel prices and the protracted recovery of demand for air travel in the wake of the severe downturn in the global economy, the Company has continued to work to implement and maintain several key strategic actions under FlightPlan 2020 designed to help it manage through these near term challenges while seeking to position itself for long-term success, including the execution of its fleet renewal and replacement plan, initiatives to improve dependability and on-time performance, and initiatives to strengthen its global network through applications for antitrust immunity with certain airlines as further described in the following paragraphs.  In addition, the Company recently announced the strengthening of its global network through enhanced frequent flyer cooperation with GOL, Brazil’s largest airline, the addition of Mexicana, Mexico’s largest international airline, to the oneworld alliance in late 2009, the announcement that S7 Airlines, Russia’s largest airline, will join the oneworld alliance in late 2010, and the addition of Kingfisher, India’s leading domestic airline, to the oneworld alliance in 2011.

In March 2010, the Company announced various agreements for commercial collaboration in New York and Boston with JetBlue Airways (JetBlue) that are intended to benefit customers of both airlines.  The agreements will provide customers with interline service in non-overlapping markets and routes, which will offer them more choices and more convenient connections.  The agreements will provide more connections for more passengers at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston to and from American’s international destinations in Europe, Asia and South America.  Under the terms of one of the agreements, American intends to transfer eight slot pairs at Ronald Reagan National Airport (currently owned by American) and one slot pair at White Plains, New York (currently owned by AMR Eagle) to JetBlue, and JetBlue intends to transfer twelve slot pairs at JFK to American.  Certain portions of the cooperative agreements may be subject to regulatory review.

 

 
In 2008, American entered into a joint business agreement and related marketing arrangements with British Airways and Iberia, providing for commercial cooperation on flights between North America and most countries in Europe, pooling and sharing of certain revenues and costs, expanded codesharing, enhanced frequent flyer program reciprocity, and cooperation in other areas. In connection with the joint business agreement, American, British Airways and Iberia, along with Finnair and Royal Jordanian, applied to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for antitrust immunity (ATI) for their planned cooperation.  In 2008, the carriers also began providing information to the EU Directorate General Competition (DG Comp) regarding the proposed business agreement.  In September 2009, DG Comp issued an SO in which it preliminarily identified competition concerns on a number of routes where the carriers operate competing services.  The carriers timely responded to the SO under applicable EU procedures. 

In response to DG Comp’s competition concerns identified in the SO, the carriers have offered to undertake certain commitments.  Those commitments include, among other obligations, an offer to lease up to four slot pairs at London Heathrow for direct service on certain specified routes.  The carriers could also be required to lease an additional two Heathrow slot pairs and two JFK operational authorities if current competitive conditions change.  The carriers will make these slots available for lease to non-oneworld alliance airlines. In March 2010, the EU began seeking public comment on these proposed commitments.

In February of 2010, DOT tentatively granted the carriers’ application for ATI subject to certain conditions including requirements that American and British Airways lease a total of four takeoff and landing slot pairs at London Heathrow to other carriers beginning in 2011, that specified provisions of the joint business agreement be amended, and that the carriers submit reports regarding progress towards the alliance’s stated goals and the realization of public benefits.  DOT also established a procedure that allowed any interested party to submit comments on its tentative findings within 45 days of the grant of tentative approval.  American reviewed the order granting tentative approval with the other applicant carriers, and responded to DOT within the required 45 day comment period.  A final decision on the application is expected after DOT’s review of responses received from American and other interested parties.

Implementation of the joint business agreement and the related arrangements is subject to conditions, including final approval from DOT and clearance from the European Commission (EC), various other U.S. and foreign regulatory approvals, successful negotiation of certain detailed financial and commercial arrangements, and other approvals.  Following satisfaction of those conditions, American expects to begin implementing the joint business agreement in the second half of 2010.  No assurances can be given as to any arrangements that may ultimately be implemented or any benefits the Company may derive from such arrangements.

Also in February 2010, American and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced the decision to strengthen their relationship.  The carriers, both members of the oneworld alliance, jointly applied to DOT for ATI on certain routes, and jointly notified the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) of the proposed cooperation. The Company believes this application will meet DOT’s pro-consumer and pro-competition criteria for granting ATI.  As a part of the application, American and JAL entered into a joint business agreement which will enhance their scope of cooperation on routes between North America and Asia, through adjustments to their respective networks, flight schedules, and other business activities. This, in turn, will allow both carriers to better complement each other’s operations and to develop and offer competitive products and quality service to their customers.

As a part of these commercial benefits, American determined that with ATI and by participating in a joint business agreement with American, JAL could realize approximately $100 million in annual incremental revenue. American has given JAL a guarantee to that effect covering the first three years following implementation of the joint business agreement, subject to certain terms and conditions.  The Company and other oneworld members have also discussed various possible financing arrangements with JAL.  The Company has agreed to negotiate in good faith towards a capital investment in JAL by American, oneworld and a private investment firm in the future if invited by JAL and the Government of Japan.  To date, the Government of Japan has declined any such investment, and the Company does not expect that any such investment will be made in the near term.  Any such investment would be on and subject to terms and conditions customary to such an arrangement.  The Company also expects that the amount of such a capital investment, if any, would not exceed $1.4 billion, with the contribution by American and other oneworld carriers not to exceed $300 million, and the remainder to be made by a private investment firm.
 

 
Implementation of the joint business agreement with JAL is subject to U.S. and foreign regulatory authorization, successful negotiation of certain detailed financial and commercial arrangements, and other approvals.   No assurances can be given as to any arrangements that may ultimately be implemented or any benefits that the Company may derive from such arrangements. The joint business agreement is subject to ATI approval and certain other conditions.

In March of 2010, the President signed into law comprehensive health care reform legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR 3590) and the Health Care Education and Affordability Reconciliation Act (HR 4872) (the Acts). The Acts contain provisions which could impact the Company's accounting for retiree medical benefits in future periods. However, the extent of that impact, if any, cannot be determined until regulations are promulgated under the Acts and additional interpretations of the Acts become available.  Elements of the Acts the impact of which are currently not determinable include the elimination of lifetime limits on retiree medical coverage.  The Company will continue to assess the accounting implications of the Acts as related regulations and interpretations of the Acts become available.  Based on the analysis to date of the provisions in the Acts the impact of which are reasonably determinable, a re-measurement of the Company’s retiree plan liabilities is not required at this time.  In addition, the Company may consider plan amendments in future periods that may have accounting implications.

Also in March 2010, the EU and the U.S. committed to the extension of the “open skies” air services agreement that provides airlines from the U.S. and EU member states open access to each other’s markets, with freedom of pricing and unlimited rights to fly beyond the U.S. and any airport in the EU.  The extension of this agreement reinforces the relationship between the EU and the U.S. and furthers the cause of aviation liberalization.

The Company’s ability to become profitable and its ability to continue to fund its obligations on an ongoing basis will depend on a number of factors, many of which are largely beyond the Company’s control.  Certain risk factors that affect the Company’s business and financial results are discussed in the Risk Factors listed in Item 1A in the 2009 Form 10-K.  In addition, most of the Company’s largest domestic competitors and several smaller carriers have filed for bankruptcy in the last several years and have used this process to significantly reduce contractual labor and other costs.  In order to remain competitive and to improve its financial condition, the Company must continue to take steps to generate additional revenues and to reduce its costs.  Although the Company has a number of initiatives underway to address its cost and revenue challenges, some of these initiatives involve changes to the Company’s business which it may be unable to implement. It has become increasingly difficult to identify and implement significant revenue enhancement and cost savings initiatives.  The adequacy and ultimate success of the Company’s initiatives to generate additional revenues and reduce costs cannot be assured. Moreover, whether the Company’s initiatives will be adequate or successful depends in large measure on factors beyond its control, notably the overall industry environment, including passenger demand, yield and industry capacity growth, and fuel prices. It will be very difficult for the Company to continue to fund its obligations on an ongoing basis, and to return to profitability, if the overall industry revenue environment does not improve substantially or if fuel prices were to persist at high levels for an extended period.


 


 

 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Significant Indebtedness and Future Financing

The Company remains heavily indebted and has significant obligations (including substantial pension funding obligations), as described more fully under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s 2009 Form 10-K.  Indebtedness is a significant risk to the Company as discussed in the Risk Factors listed in Item 1A in the 2009 Form 10-K.  During the last few years, the Company raised substantial financing to fund capital commitments (mainly for aircraft and ground properties), debt maturities, and employee pension obligations, and to bolster its liquidity.  As of the date of this Form 10-Q, the Company believes it has sufficient liquidity to fund its operations and obligations, including repayment of debt and capital leases, capital expenditures and other contractual obligations; however there can be no assurances to that effect.  To meet the Company’s commitments, to maintain sufficient liquidity and because the Company has significant debt, lease and other obligations in the next several years, including commitments to purchase aircraft, as well as substantial pension funding obligations (refer to Contractual Obligations in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the 2009 Form 10-K), the Company will need access to substantial additional funding.  An inability to obtain necessary additional funding on acceptable terms would have a material adverse impact on the Company and on its ability to sustain its operations.

For the remainder of 2010, the Company will be required to make approximately $672 million of principal payments on long-term debt and approximately $41 million in principal payments on capital leases, and the Company expects to spend approximately $1.7 billion on capital expenditures, including aircraft commitments.  In addition, the global economic downturn, rising fuel prices, the possibility of being required to post reserves under credit card processing agreements, and the obligation to post cash collateral on fuel hedging contracts and fund pension plan contributions, among other things, may in the future negatively impact the Company’s liquidity.

The Company’s substantial indebtedness and other obligations have important consequences.  For example, they: (i) limit the Company’s ability to obtain additional funding for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments and general corporate purposes, and adversely affect the terms on which such funding could be obtained; (ii) require the Company to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to payments on its indebtedness and other obligations, thereby reducing the funds available for other purposes; (iii) make the Company more vulnerable to economic downturns and catastrophic external events; and (iv) limit the Company’s ability to withstand competitive pressures and reduce its flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions.

The Company’s possible remaining financing sources primarily include: (i) a very limited amount of additional secured aircraft debt or sale leaseback transactions involving owned aircraft; (ii) debt secured by other assets; (iii) securitization of future operating receipts; (iv) the sale or monetization of certain assets; (v) unsecured debt; and (vi) issuance of equity or equity-like securities. Besides unencumbered aircraft, the Company’s most likely sources of liquidity include the financing of route authorities, takeoff and landing slots, spare parts, and the sale or financing of certain of AMR’s business units and subsidiaries, such as AMR Eagle.  The Company’s ability to obtain future financing is limited by the value of its unencumbered assets.  Almost all of the Company’s aircraft assets (including aircraft eligible for the benefits of Section 1110 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code) are encumbered.  Also, the market value of these aircraft assets has declined in recent years, and may continue to decline.  The Company believes it has approximately $2 billion in assets that could be used as possible financing sources as of the date of this filing. However, many of these assets may be difficult to finance, and the availability and level of the financing sources described above cannot be assured.

As of March 31, 2010, American had 35 Boeing 737-800 aircraft purchase commitments for the remainder of 2010 and eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft purchase commitments in 2011.  In addition to these aircraft, American has firm commitments for eleven Boeing 737-800 aircraft and seven Boeing 777 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2013 through 2016.  In addition, American previously announced plans (subject to certain reconfirmation rights) to acquire 42 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with the right to acquire an additional 58 Boeing 787-9 aircraft.  American has selected GE Aviation as the exclusive provider of engines for its expected order of Boeing 787-9 aircraft.  AMR Eagle has firm commitments for 22 Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft scheduled to be delivered in 2010 and 2011.

As of March 31, 2010, payments for the above purchase commitments will approximate $1.3 billion in the remainder of 2010, $524 million in 2011, $217 million in 2012, $463 million in 2013, $224 million in 2014, and $246 million for 2015 and beyond. These amounts are net of purchase deposits currently held by the manufacturers.

In 2008, the Company entered into a new purchase agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of 42 firm Boeing 787-9 aircraft and purchase rights to acquire up to 58 additional B787 aircraft (subject to certain reconfirmation rights).  Per the purchase agreement, the first such aircraft was scheduled to be delivered in 2012, and the last firm aircraft was scheduled to be delivered in 2018 with deliveries of additional aircraft, if any, scheduled between 2015 and 2020.  The Company and Boeing are currently discussing a revised delivery schedule due to the impact of the overall Boeing 787 program delay on American’s delivery positions.  The revised delivery schedule is expected to include terms and conditions consistent with the original agreement and to allow the Company confirmation rights similar to those described in the Company’s 2009 Form 10-K.

The Company’s continued aircraft replacement strategy, and its execution of that strategy, will depend on such factors as future economic and industry conditions and the financial condition of the Company.

Credit Card Processing Agreements

American has agreements with a number of credit card companies and processors to accept credit cards for the sale of air travel and other services. Under certain of these agreements, the related credit card processor may hold back a reserve from American’s credit card receivables following the occurrence of certain events, including the failure of American to maintain certain levels of liquidity (as specified in each agreement).
 
Under such agreements, the amount of the reserve that may be required generally is based on the processor’s exposure to the Company under the applicable agreement and, in the case a reserve is required because of American’s failure to maintain a certain level of liquidity, the amount of such liquidity.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company was not required to maintain any reserve under such agreements.  If circumstances were to occur that would allow the credit card processor to require the Company to maintain a reserve, the Company’s liquidity would be negatively impacted.

Pension Funding Obligation

The Company is required to make minimum contributions to its defined benefit pension plans under the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004 and the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  On April 15, 2010, the Company contributed $72 million to its defined benefit pension plans.

Cash Flow Activity

At March 31, 2010, the Company had $4.5 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, which is a slight increase from the balance as of December 31, 2009.  Net cash provided by operating activities in the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 was $456 million, which was comparable to $459 million over the same period in 2009.

The Company made scheduled debt and capital lease payments of $291 million and invested $317 million in capital expenditures in the first three months of 2010.  Capital expenditures primarily consisted of new aircraft and certain aircraft modifications.

The Company also continued to enter into previously arranged debt and sale leasebacks upon the delivery of new aircraft in the quarter ended March 31, 2010.  In the first quarter of 2010, AMR received delivery of ten new aircraft financed through $297 million of various previously announced arrangements.

In the past, the Company has from time to time refinanced, redeemed or repurchased its debt and taken other steps to reduce its debt or lease obligations or otherwise improve its balance sheet.  Going forward, depending on market conditions, its cash positions and other considerations, the Company may continue to take such actions.

War-Risk Insurance

The U.S. government has agreed to provide commercial war-risk insurance for U.S. based airlines through August 31, 2010, covering losses to employees, passengers, third parties and aircraft. If the U.S. government were to cease providing such insurance in whole or in part, it is likely that the Company could obtain comparable coverage in the commercial market, but the Company would incur substantially higher premiums and more restrictive terms.  There can be no assurance that comparable war-risk coverage will be available in the commercial market.  If the Company is unable to obtain adequate war-risk coverage at commercially reasonable rates, the Company would be adversely affected.
 

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

Revenues

The Company’s revenues increased approximately $229 million, or 4.7 percent, to $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2010 from the same period last year.  American’s passenger revenues increased by 4.1 percent, or $151 million, on a 2.5 percent decrease in capacity (available seat miles) (ASMs).  American’s passenger load factor increased 2.2 points to 77.9 percent while passenger yield increased by 3.7 percent to 13.35 cents.  This resulted in an increase in passenger revenue per available seat mile (RASM) of 6.8 percent to 10.40 cents. Following is additional information regarding American’s domestic and international RASM and capacity:

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
 
   
RASM
(cents)
   
Y-O-Y
Change
   
ASMs (billions)
   
Y-O-Y
Change
 
                         
DOT Domestic
    10.24       5.8 %     22.8       (0.9 )%
International
    10.65       8.4       14.0       (4.9 )
   DOT Latin America
    11.90       6.0       7.3       (5.1 )
   DOT Atlantic
    9.29       16.8       5.0       (5.5 )
   DOT Pacific
    9.19       (0.9 )     1.6       (1.9 )

The Company’s Regional Affiliates include two wholly owned subsidiaries, American Eagle Airlines, Inc. and Executive Airlines, Inc. (collectively, AMR Eagle), and an independent carrier with which American has a capacity purchase agreement, Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. (Chautauqua).

Regional Affiliates’ passenger revenues, which are based on industry standard proration agreements for flights connecting to American flights, increased $41 million, or 9.0 percent, to $498 million as a result of a reduction in capacity, increased passenger traffic and higher yield.  Regional Affiliates’ traffic remained effectively unchanged at 1.9 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs), on a capacity decrease of 1.6 percent to 2.8 billion ASMs, resulting in a 1.2 point increase in the passenger load factor to 67.2 percent. 

Other revenues increased 4.8 percent, or $27 million, to $585 million due to increases in baggage and AAdvantage partner revenues.


 

 
Operating Expenses

The Company’s total operating expenses increased 6.6 percent, or $333 million, to $5.4 billion in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009.  The Company’s operating expenses per ASM in the first quarter of 2010 increased 9.3 percent to 13.55 cents compared to the first quarter of 2009. These increases are due primarily to increased fuel prices in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 and a loss of $53 million recognized as a result of the impact of the Venezuelan currency devaluation.

(in millions)
 
Operating Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2010
   
Change from 2009
   
Percentage Change
   
                     
Wages, salaries and benefits
  $ 1,703       15       0.9 %  
Aircraft fuel
    1,476       178       13.7  
(a)
Other rentals and landing fees
    352       28       8.6    
Maintenance, materials and repairs
    351       46       15.1  
(b)
Depreciation and amortization
    267       (5 )     (1.8 )  
Commissions, booking fees and credit card expense
    234       17       7.8    
Aircraft rentals
    129       5       4.0    
Food service
    115       1       0.9    
Special charges
    -       (13 )     (100.0 )  
Other operating expenses
    739       61       9.0  
(c)
Total operating expenses
  $ 5,366       333       6.6 %  

(a)  
Aircraft fuel expense increased primarily due to a 16.7 percent increase in the Company’s price per gallon of fuel (net of the impact of fuel hedging). The Company recorded $50 million and $268 million in net losses on its fuel hedging contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively.

(b)  
Maintenance, materials and repairs increased due to the timing of materials and repairs expenses.

 
(c)  
In January 2010, the Venezuelan Government devalued its currency from 2.15 bolivars per U.S. dollar to 4.30 bolivars per U.S. dollar and the Venezuelan economy was designated as highly inflationary.  As a result, the Company recognized a loss of $53 million related to the currency remeasurement.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest income decreased $6 million due to a decrease in interest rates.  Interest expense increased $23 million as a result of an increase in the Company’s long-term debt balance.

Income Tax

The Company did not record a net tax provision (benefit) associated with its first quarter 2010 or 2009 net loss due to the Company providing a valuation allowance, as discussed in Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.



 

 

 
Operating Statistics
The following table provides statistical information for American and Regional Affiliates for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
American Airlines, Inc. Mainline Jet Operations
           
    Revenue passenger miles (millions)
    28,700       28,593  
    Available seat miles (millions)
    36,846       37,783  
    Cargo ton miles (millions)
    447       371  
    Passenger load factor
    77.9 %     75.7 %
    Passenger revenue yield per passenger mile (cents)
    13.35       12.87  
    Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents)
    10.40       9.74  
    Cargo revenue yield per ton mile (cents)
    34.37       38.90  
    Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding Regional Affiliates (cents) (*)
    12.91       11.82  
    Fuel consumption (gallons, in millions)
    598       617  
    Fuel price per gallon (dollars)
    2.22       1.91  
    Operating aircraft at period-end
    616       617  
                 
Regional Affiliates
               
    Revenue passenger miles (millions)
    1,863       1,861  
    Available seat miles (millions)
    2,773       2,818  
    Passenger load factor
    67.2 %     66.0 %

(*)
Excludes $629 million and $596 million of expense incurred related to Regional Affiliates in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Operating aircraft at March 31, 2010, included:
               
American Airlines Aircraft
     
AMR Eagle Aircraft
     
Boeing 737-800
    117  
Bombardier CRJ-700
    25  
Boeing 757-200
    124  
Embraer 135
    39  
Boeing 767-200 Extended Range
    15  
Embraer 140
    59  
Boeing 767-300 Extended Range
    58  
Embraer 145
    118  
Boeing 777-200 Extended Range
    47  
Super ATR
    39  
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
    255  
Total
    280  
Total
    616            
                   
The average aircraft age for American’s and AMR Eagle’s aircraft is 15.1 years and 9.1 years, respectively.

Almost all of the Company’s owned aircraft are encumbered by liens granted in connection with financing transactions entered into by the Company.

Of the operating aircraft listed above, one owned McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and 16 owned Embraer RJ-135 aircraft were in temporary storage as of March 31, 2010.

In April 2010, the Company permanently retired one McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft.

Owned and leased aircraft not operated by the Company at March 31, 2010, included:

American Airlines Aircraft
     
AMR Eagle Aircraft
     
Boeing 737-800
    1  
Saab 340B
    46  
Airbus A300-600R
    28  
Total
    46  
Fokker 100
    4            
McDonnell Douglas MD-80
    35            
Total
    68            
 

 
Outlook

The Company currently expects capacity for American’s mainline jet operations to increase by approximately three quarters of a percent in the second quarter of 2010 versus second quarter of 2009.  American’s mainline capacity for the full year 2010 is expected to increase approximately one percent from 2009 with a marginal decrease in domestic capacity and approximately a three percent growth in international capacity. 

The Company expects second quarter 2010 mainline unit costs to increase approximately 8.0 percent year over year.  The second quarter 2010 unit cost expectations reflect the projected increase in the cost of fuel year over year.  In addition, unit cost increases are expected due to anticipated higher revenue-related expenses (such as booking fees and commissions) and financing costs related to Boeing 737-800 and other aircraft deliveries.  Due to these cost pressures, the Company expects second quarter unit costs excluding fuel to also be modestly higher than the prior year period.

As of the date of this Form 10-Q, the Company's North Atlantic operations are being severely impacted by the eruption of the Icelandic volcano which began in April 2010.  Flight disruptions to and from the Company’s European destinations will have an adverse impact on the Company's second quarter 2010 results, the magnitude of which is unknown at this time.

The Company’s results are significantly affected by the price of jet fuel, which is in turn affected by a number of factors beyond the Company’s control.  Although fuel prices have abated considerably from the record high prices recorded in July 2008, they have steadily increased since the first quarter of 2009 and remain high and extremely volatile by historical standards.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  The Company believes its estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, actual results and the timing of the recognition of such amounts could differ from those estimates.  The Company has identified the following critical accounting policies and estimates used by management in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements: long-lived assets, international slot and route authorities, passenger revenue, frequent flyer program, stock compensation, pensions and retiree medical and other benefits, income taxes and derivatives.  These policies and estimates are described in the 2009 Form 10-K.

 

 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of the Company’s 2009 Form 10-K.  The change in market risk for aircraft fuel is discussed below for informational purposes.

The risk inherent in the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments and positions is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in the price of fuel, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates as discussed below.  The sensitivity analyses presented do not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor do they consider additional actions management may take to mitigate the Company’s exposure to such changes.  Therefore, actual results may differ.  The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Aircraft Fuel   The Company’s earnings are substantially affected by changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel.  In order to provide a measure of control over price and supply, the Company trades and ships fuel and maintains fuel storage facilities to support its flight operations.  The Company also manages the price risk of fuel costs primarily by using jet fuel and heating oil hedging contracts.  Market risk is estimated as a hypothetical ten percent increase in the March 31, 2010 cost per gallon of fuel.  Based on projected fuel usage for the next twelve months, such an increase would result in an increase to Aircraft fuel expense of approximately $526 million, inclusive of the impact of effective fuel hedge instruments outstanding at March 31, 2010, and assumes the Company’s fuel hedging program remains effective.  Comparatively, based on projected 2010 fuel usage, such an increase would have resulted in an increase to aircraft fuel expense of approximately $499 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, inclusive of the impact of fuel hedge instruments outstanding at December 31, 2009.  The change in market risk is primarily due to the increase in fuel prices.

Ineffectiveness is inherent in hedging jet fuel with derivative positions based in crude oil or other crude oil related commodities.  The Company assesses, both at the inception of each hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in its hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged items.  In doing so, the Company uses a regression model to determine the correlation of the change in prices of the commodities used to hedge jet fuel (e.g., NYMEX Heating oil) to the change in the price of jet fuel.  The Company also monitors the actual dollar offset of the hedges’ market values as compared to hypothetical jet fuel hedges.  The fuel hedge contracts are generally deemed to be “highly effective” if the R-squared is greater than 80 percent and the dollar offset correlation is within 80 percent to 125 percent.  The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively if it determines that a derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective as a hedge or if it decides to discontinue the hedging relationship.

As of March 31, 2010, the Company had cash flow hedges, with collars and options, covering approximately 34 percent of its estimated remaining 2010 fuel requirements.  The consumption hedged for the remainder of 2010 is capped at an average price of approximately $2.41 per gallon of jet fuel, and the Company’s collars have an average floor price of approximately $1.82 per gallon of jet fuel (both the capped and floor price exclude taxes and transportation costs).  The Company’s collars represent approximately 33 percent of its estimated remaining 2010 fuel requirements.  A deterioration of the Company’s financial position could negatively affect the Company’s ability to hedge fuel in the future.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

The term “disclosure controls and procedures” is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. This term refers to the controls and procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009.  Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2010. During the quarter ending on March 31, 2010, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 

 
PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

Between April 3, 2003 and June 5, 2003, three lawsuits were filed by travel agents, some of whom opted out of a prior class action (now dismissed) to pursue their claims individually against American, other airline defendants, and in one case, against certain airline defendants and Orbitz LLC.  The cases, Tam Travel et. al., v. Delta Air Lines et. al., in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco (51 individual agencies), Paula Fausky d/b/a Timeless Travel v. American Airlines, et. al, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division (29 agencies) and Swope Travel et al. v. Orbitz et. al. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division (71 agencies) were consolidated for pre-trial purposes in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division.  Collectively, these lawsuits seek damages and injunctive relief alleging that the certain airline defendants and Orbitz LLC: (i) conspired to prevent travel agents from acting as effective competitors in the distribution of airline tickets to passengers in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act;  (ii) conspired to monopolize the distribution of common carrier air travel between airports in the United States in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act; and that (iii) between 1995 and the present, the airline defendants conspired to reduce commissions paid to U.S.-based travel agents in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act.  On September 23, 2005, the Fausky plaintiffs dismissed their claims with prejudice.  On September 14, 2006, the court dismissed with prejudice 28 of the Swope plaintiffs.  On October 29, 2007, the court dismissed all actions.  The Tam plaintiffs appealed the court’s decision, and on October 2, 2009, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court decision.  The Tam plaintiffs have filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.  The Swope plaintiffs and the remaining defendants, including American, have agreed to terms for settling the case for a nominal amount.  American continues to vigorously defend the Tam Travel case.  A final adverse court decision awarding substantial money damages or placing material restrictions on the Company’s distribution practices would have a material adverse impact on the Company.

On July 12, 2004, a consolidated class action complaint that was subsequently amended on November 30, 2004, was filed against American and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the union which represents American’s flight attendants (Ann M. Marcoux, et al., v. American Airlines Inc., et al. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York). While a class has not yet been certified, the lawsuit seeks on behalf of all of American’s flight attendants or various subclasses to set aside and to obtain damages allegedly resulting from the April 2003 Collective Bargaining Agreement referred to as the Restructuring Participation Agreement (RPA). The RPA was one of three labor agreements American successfully reached with its unions in order to avoid filing for bankruptcy in 2003.  In a related case (Sherry Cooper, et al. v. TWA Airlines, LLC, et al., also in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York), the court denied a preliminary injunction against implementation of the RPA on September 30, 2003. The Marcoux suit alleges various claims against the APFA and American relating to the RPA and the ratification vote on the RPA by individual APFA members, including: violation of the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) and the APFA’s Constitution and By-laws, violation by the APFA of its duty of fair representation to its members, violation by American of provisions of the Railway Labor Act (RLA) through improper coercion of flight attendants into voting or changing their vote for ratification, and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 (RICO). On March 28, 2006, the district court dismissed all of various state law claims against American, all but one of the LMRDA claims against the APFA, and the claimed violations of RICO.  On July 22, 2008, the district court granted summary judgment to American and APFA concerning the remaining claimed violations of the RLA and the duty of fair representation against American and the APFA (as well as one LMRDA claim and one claim against the APFA of a breach of its constitution).  A notice of appeal was filed on behalf of the purported class of flight attendants. On September 21, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision in favor of American and the APFA.  The plaintiffs are now seeking a review by the U.S. Supreme Court of the decision of the Court of Appeals.  Although the Company believes the case against it is without merit and both American and the APFA have vigorously defended the lawsuit, a final adverse court decision invalidating the RPA and awarding substantial money damages would have a material adverse impact on the Company.

 

 

On February 14, 2006, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) served the Company with a grand jury subpoena as part of an ongoing investigation into possible criminal violations of the antitrust laws by certain domestic and foreign air cargo carriers. At this time, the Company does not believe it is a target of the DOJ investigation.  The New Zealand Commerce Commission notified the Company on February 17, 2006 that it is also investigating whether the Company and certain other cargo carriers entered into agreements relating to fuel surcharges, security surcharges, war-risk surcharges, and customs clearance surcharges.  On February 22, 2006, the Company received a letter from the Swiss Competition Commission informing the Company that it too is investigating whether the Company and certain other cargo carriers entered into agreements relating to fuel surcharges, security surcharges, war-risk surcharges, and customs clearance surcharges.  On March 11, 2008, the Company received from the Swiss Competition Commission a request for information concerning, among other things, the scope and organization of the Company’s activities in Switzerland.  On December 19, 2006 and June 12, 2007, the Company received requests for information from the European Commission seeking information regarding the Company's corporate structure, and revenue and pricing announcements for air cargo shipments to and from the European Union.  On January 23, 2007, the Brazilian competition authorities, as part of an ongoing investigation, conducted an unannounced search of the Company’s cargo facilities in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  On April 24, 2008, the Brazilian competition authorities charged the Company with violating Brazilian competition laws.  On December 31, 2009, the Brazilian competition authorities made a non-binding recommendation to the Brazilian competition tribunal that it find the Company in violation of competition laws.  The authorities are investigating whether the Company and certain other foreign and domestic air carriers violated Brazilian competition laws by illegally conspiring to set fuel surcharges on cargo shipments.  The Company is vigorously contesting the allegations and the preliminary findings of the Brazilian competition authorities.  On June 27, 2007 and October 31, 2007, the Company received requests for information from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission seeking information regarding fuel surcharges imposed by the Company on cargo shipments to and from Australia and regarding the structure of the Company's cargo operations. On September 1, 2008, the Company received a request from the Korea Fair Trade Commission seeking information regarding cargo rates and surcharges and the structure of the Company’s activities in Korea. On December 18, 2007, the European Commission issued a Statement of Objection (SO) against 26 airlines, including the Company.  The SO alleges that these carriers participated in a conspiracy to set surcharges on cargo shipments in violation of EU law.  The SO states that, in the event that the allegations in the SO are affirmed, the Commission will impose fines against the Company.  The Company intends to vigorously contest the allegations and findings in the SO under EU laws, and it intends to cooperate fully with all other pending investigations. In the event that the SO is affirmed or other investigations uncover violations of the U.S. antitrust laws or the competition laws of some other jurisdiction, or if the Company were named and found liable in any litigation based on these allegations, such findings and related legal proceedings could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Forty-five purported class action lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. against the Company and certain foreign and domestic air carriers alleging that the defendants violated U.S. antitrust laws by illegally conspiring to set prices and surcharges on cargo shipments.  These cases, along with other purported class action lawsuits in which the Company was not named, were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York as In re Air Cargo Shipping Services Antitrust Litigation, 06-MD-1775 on June 20, 2006.  Plaintiffs are seeking trebled money damages and injunctive relief.  The Company has not been named as a defendant in the consolidated complaint filed by the plaintiffs.  However, the plaintiffs have not released any claims that they may have against the Company, and the Company may later be added as a defendant in the litigation.  If the Company is sued on these claims, it will vigorously defend the suit, but any adverse judgment could have a material adverse impact on the Company.  Also, on January 23, 2007, the Company was served with a purported class action complaint filed against the Company, American, and certain foreign and domestic air carriers in the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Canada (McKay v. Ace Aviation Holdings, et al.). The plaintiff alleges that the defendants violated Canadian competition laws by illegally conspiring to set prices and surcharges on cargo shipments.  The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages under Canadian law.  On June 22, 2007, the plaintiffs agreed to dismiss their claims against the Company.  The dismissal is without prejudice and the Company could be brought back into the litigation at a future date.  If litigation is recommenced against the Company in the Canadian courts, the Company will vigorously defend itself; however, any adverse judgment could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
 

 

On June 20, 2006, DOJ served the Company with a grand jury subpoena as part of an ongoing investigation into possible criminal violations of the antitrust laws by certain domestic and foreign passenger carriers.  At this time, the Company does not believe it is a target of the DOJ investigation.  The Company intends to cooperate fully with this investigation.  On September 4, 2007, the Attorney General of the State of Florida served the Company with a Civil Investigative Demand as part of its investigation of possible violations of federal and Florida antitrust laws regarding the pricing of air passenger transportation.  In the event that this or other investigations uncover violations of the U.S. antitrust laws or the competition laws of some other jurisdiction, such findings and related legal proceedings could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Approximately 52 purported class action lawsuits have been filed in the U.S. against the Company and certain foreign and domestic air carriers alleging that the defendants violated U.S. antitrust laws by illegally conspiring to set prices and surcharges for passenger transportation.  On October 25, 2006, these cases, along with other purported class action lawsuits in which the Company was not named, were consolidated in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California as In re International Air Transportation Surcharge Antitrust Litigation, Civ. No. 06-1793 (the Passenger MDL).  On July 9, 2007, the Company was named as a defendant in the Passenger MDL.  On August 25, 2008, the plaintiffs dismissed their claims against the Company in this action.  On March 13, 2008, and March 14, 2008, two additional purported class action complaints, Turner v. American Airlines, et al., Civ. No. 08-1444 (N.D. Cal.), and LaFlamme v. American Airlines, et al., Civ. No. 08-1079 (E.D.N.Y.), were filed against the Company, alleging that the Company violated U.S. antitrust laws by illegally conspiring to set prices and surcharges for passenger transportation in Japan and certain European countries, respectively.  The Turner plaintiffs have failed to perfect service against the Company, and it is unclear whether they intend to pursue their claims.  On February 17, 2009, the LaFlamme plaintiffs agreed to dismiss their claims against the Company without prejudice.  In the event that the Turner plaintiffs pursue their claims or the LaFlamme plaintiffs re-file claims against the Company, the Company will vigorously defend these lawsuits, but any adverse judgment in these actions could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

On August 21, 2006, a patent infringement lawsuit was filed against American and American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (then a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Ronald A. Katz Technology Licensing, L.P. v. American Airlines, Inc., et al.).  This case has been consolidated in the Central District of California for pre-trial purposes with numerous other cases brought by the plaintiff against other defendants.    The plaintiff alleges that American infringes a number of the plaintiff’s patents, each of which relates to automated telephone call processing systems.  The plaintiff is seeking past and future royalties, injunctive relief, costs and attorneys' fees.  On December 1, 2008, the court dismissed with prejudice all claims against American Beacon.  On May 22, 2009, following its granting of summary judgment to American based on invalidity and non-infringement, the court dismissed all claims against American.  Plaintiff filed a notice of appeal on June 22, 2009 with respect to the court’s ruling for American.  Although the Company believes that the plaintiff’s claims are without merit and is vigorously defending the lawsuit, a final adverse court decision awarding substantial money damages or placing material restrictions on existing automated telephone call system operations would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
 

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.  Where the amount of securities authorized to be issued under any of AMR’s long-term debt agreements does not exceed 10 percent of AMR’s assets, pursuant to paragraph (b) (4) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, in lieu of filing such as an exhibit, AMR hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of any agreement with respect to such long-term debt.

The following exhibits are included herein:

12  
Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

31.1  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2  
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

32  
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) and section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code).



 

 

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


     AMR CORPORATION




Date:  April 21, 2010                                                            BY:    /s/ Thomas W. Horton                                           
       Thomas W. Horton
       Executive Vice President – Finance and Planning and
              Chief Financial Officer
 
                       (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)