10-K 1 d820060d10k.htm 10-K 10-K
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission

File Number

 

Exact Name of Registrant as

Specified in its Charter, Principal
Executive

Office Address and

Telephone Number

 

State of

Incorporation

 

I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.

001-06033

  United Continental Holdings, Inc.
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(872) 825-4000
  Delaware   36-2675207

001-10323

  United Airlines, Inc.
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
(872) 825-4000
  Delaware   74-2099724

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

    

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

    Common Stock, $0.01 par value     New York Stock Exchange

United Airlines, Inc.

    None     None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

  

        United Continental Holdings, Inc.

     None      
  

        United Airlines, Inc.

     None      

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   
 

United Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x   
 

United Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x   

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.

 

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   
 

United Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   

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).

 

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   
 

United Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  x    No  ¨   

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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.

 

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.            

  ¨   
 

United Airlines, Inc.

  x   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

United Continental

Holdings, Inc.

  Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨   Smaller reporting company  ¨

United Airlines, Inc.

  Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  x   Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x   
 

United Airlines, Inc.

  Yes  ¨    No  x   

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of United Continental Holdings, Inc. was $15,303,043,375 as of June 30, 2014. There is no market for United Airlines, Inc. common stock.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of February 10, 2015.

 

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

   384,226,369 shares of common stock ($0.01 par value)

United Airlines, Inc.

   1,000 (100% owned by United Continental Holdings, Inc.)

This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by United Continental Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines, Inc.

OMISSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION

United Airlines, Inc. meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and are therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format allowed under that General Instruction.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information required by Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 of Part III of this Form 10-K are incorporated by reference for United Continental Holdings, Inc. from its definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.


Table of Contents

United Continental Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

United Airlines, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies

Annual Report on Form 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

                  Page          
   PART I   

Item 1.

   Business      3   

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors      11   

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      22   

Item 2.

   Properties      23   

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      25   

Item 4.

   Mine Safety Disclosures      25   
     
   PART II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities      26   

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      28   

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      33   

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      52   

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      55   
   Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements      69   

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      116   

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      117   

Item 9B.

   Other Information      120   
     
   PART III   

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      120   

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      121   

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters      121   

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence      121   

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      122   
     
   PART IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      123   

 

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This Form 10-K contains 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. Forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events, based on information available to the Company on the date of the filing of this Form 10-K, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those referenced in the forward-looking statements are listed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors and in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Overview

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UAL” or the “Company”) is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiary is United Airlines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “United”). On March 31, 2013, the Company merged United Air Lines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., with and into Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Continental”), a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., to form one legal entity with Continental continuing as the surviving corporation. Continental’s name was subsequently changed to United Airlines, Inc. As UAL consolidates United for financial statement purposes, disclosures that relate to activities of United also apply to UAL, unless otherwise noted. United’s operating revenues and operating expenses comprise nearly 100% of UAL’s revenues and operating expenses. In addition, United comprises approximately the entire balance of UAL’s assets, liabilities and operating cash flows. When appropriate, UAL and United are named specifically for their individual contractual obligations and related disclosures and any significant differences between the operations and results of UAL and United are separately disclosed and explained. We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” in this report for disclosures that relate to all of UAL and United.

UAL was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 30, 1968. Our world headquarters is located at 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (telephone number (872) 825-4000).

The Company’s website is www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com. The information contained on or connected to the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Through this website, the Company’s filings with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, are accessible without charge as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Such filings are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Operations

Network. The Company transports people and cargo through its mainline operations, which use jet aircraft with at least 118 seats, and its regional operations. See Part I, Item 2, Properties, for a description of the Company’s mainline and regional aircraft.

With key global air rights in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, UAL has the world’s most comprehensive global route network. UAL, through United and its regional carriers, operates an average of 5,055 flights a day to 373 airports across six continents from the Company’s hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport (“Newark Liberty”), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (“Chicago

 

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O’Hare”), Denver International Airport (“Denver”), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (“Houston Bush”), Los Angeles International Airport (“LAX”), A.B. Won Pat International Airport (“Guam”), San Francisco International Airport (“SFO”) and Washington Dulles International Airport (“Washington Dulles”).

All of the Company’s domestic hubs are located in large business and population centers, contributing to a large amount of “origin and destination” traffic. The hub and spoke system allows us to transport passengers between a large number of destinations with substantially more frequent service than if each route were served directly. The hub system also allows us to add service to a new destination from a large number of cities using only one or a limited number of aircraft. As discussed under Alliances below, United is a member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest alliance network.

Financial information on the Company’s operating revenues by geographic regions, as reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation (the “DOT”), can be found in Note 18 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Regional. The Company has contractual relationships with various regional carriers to provide regional jet and turboprop service branded as United Express. These regional operations are an extension of the Company’s mainline network. This regional service complements our operations by carrying traffic that connects to our mainline service and allows flights to smaller cities that cannot be provided economically with mainline aircraft. Republic Airlines (“Republic”), CommutAir Airlines (“CommutAir”), ExpressJet Airlines (“ExpressJet”), GoJet Airlines (“GoJet”), Mesa Airlines (“Mesa”), Shuttle America (“Shuttle”), SkyWest Airlines (“SkyWest”) and Trans States Airlines (“Trans States”) are all regional carriers, which operate most of their capacity contracted to United under capacity purchase agreements (“CPAs”) with United. Under these CPAs, the Company pays the regional carriers contractually-agreed fees (carrier-controlled costs) for operating these flights plus a variable reimbursement (incentive payment for operational performance) based on agreed performance metrics. The fees for carrier-controlled costs are based on specific rates for various operating expenses of the regional carriers, such as crew expenses, maintenance and aircraft ownership, some of which are multiplied by specific operating statistics (e.g., block hours, departures) while others are fixed monthly amounts. Under these CPAs, the Company is responsible for all fuel costs incurred as well as landing fees, facilities rent and other costs, which are passed through by the regional carrier to the Company without any markup. In return, the regional carriers operate this capacity exclusively for United, on schedules determined by the Company. The Company also determines pricing and revenue management, assumes the inventory and distribution risk for the available seats, and permits mileage accrual and redemption for regional flights through its MileagePlus loyalty program.

While the regional carriers operating under CPAs comprise more than 95% of all regional flights, the Company also has prorate agreements with Hyannis Air Service, Inc. (“Cape Air”), SkyWest and Trans States. Under these commercial flying agreements, the Company and its regional carriers agree to divide revenue collected from each passenger according to a formula, while both the Company and its regional carriers are individually responsible for their own costs of operations. Unlike CPAs, under a prorate agreement, the regional carrier retains the control and risk of scheduling, and in most cases, market selection, local seat pricing and inventory for its flights, although the Company and its regional carriers may coordinate schedules to maximize connections.

Alliances. United has a number of strategic bilateral and multilateral alliances with other airlines, including marketing alliances and joint ventures, which enhance travel options for customers by providing greater time of day coverage to common destinations, additional mileage accrual and redemption opportunities, and expanded global network access. These marketing alliances typically include one or more of the following features: loyalty program reciprocity; codesharing of flight operations (whereby one carrier’s selected flights can be marketed under the brand name of another carrier); coordination of reservations, ticketing, passenger check-in, baggage handling, airport lounge access and flight schedules, and other resource-sharing activities that include joint sales and marketing.

United is a member of Star Alliance, a global integrated airline network co-founded by United in 1997 and the largest and most comprehensive airline alliance in the world. As of January 1, 2015, Star Alliance carriers served over 1,300 airports in more than 190 countries with over 18,500 daily departures. Current Star Alliance members, in addition to United, are Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand,

 

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All Nippon Airways (“ANA”), Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, THAI Airways International and Turkish Airlines.

United has a variety of bilateral commercial alliance agreements and obligations with Star Alliance members, addressing, among other things, reciprocal earning, redemption of frequent flyer miles and access to airport lounges and, with certain Star Alliance members, codesharing of flight operations. In addition to the alliance agreements with Star Alliance members, United currently maintains independent marketing alliance agreements with other air carriers currently unaffiliated with a global alliance, including Aeromar, Aer Lingus, Air Dolomiti, Cape Air, Germanwings, Great Lakes Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Island Air, Jet Airways and Silver Airways. United also offers a train-to-plane codeshare and frequent flyer alliance with Amtrak from Newark Liberty on select city pairs in the Northeastern United States.

United also participates in joint ventures, one with Air Canada and the Lufthansa Group (which includes Lufthansa and its affiliates Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS) covering transatlantic routes, and another with ANA covering certain transpacific routes. These joint ventures enable the participating carriers to integrate the services they provide in the respective regions, capturing revenue synergies and delivering highly competitive flight schedules, fares and services.

Loyalty Program. United’s MileagePlus program builds customer loyalty by offering awards and services to program participants. Members in this program earn mileage credit for flights on United, United Express, airlines in Star Alliance and certain other airlines that participate in the program. Members can also earn miles by purchasing the goods and services of our network of non-airline partners, such as credit card issuers, retail merchants, hotels and car rental companies. Members can redeem mileage credits for free (other than taxes and government imposed fees), discounted or upgraded travel and non-travel awards.

Under the Company’s Consolidated Amended and Restated Co-Branded Card Marketing Services Agreement (the “Co-Brand Agreement”) with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”), loyalty program members accrue MileagePlus miles for making purchases using co-branded credit cards issued by Chase. The Co-Brand Agreement provides for joint marketing of the Company’s credit card program and provides Chase with other benefits such as permission to market to the Company’s customer database.

Approximately 4.8 million and 5.0 million MileagePlus flight awards were used on United in 2014 and 2013, respectively. These awards represented 7.1% and 7.7% of United’s total revenue passenger miles in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total miles redeemed for flights on United in 2014, including class-of-service upgrades, represented approximately 77% of the total miles redeemed.

In addition, excluding miles redeemed for flights on United, MileagePlus members redeemed miles for approximately 1.75 million other awards in 2014 as compared to two million in 2013. These awards include United Club memberships, car and hotel awards, merchandise and flights on other air carriers.

Fuel. Aircraft fuel has been the Company’s single largest operating expense for the last several years. The table below summarizes UAL’s aircraft fuel consumption and expense during the last three years.

 

   

  Year

   Gallons
Consumed

(in millions)
     Fuel Expense
(in millions)
     Average Price
Per Gallon
     Percentage of
Total
Operating
Expense (a)
      
    2014      3,905         $ 11,675        $ 2.99          32%      
    2013      3,947         $ 12,345        $ 3.13          34%      
    2012      4,016         $ 13,138        $ 3.27          37%      

 

(a) Calculation excludes special charges identified in Note 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

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The availability and price of aircraft fuel significantly affect the Company’s operations, results of operations, financial position and liquidity. To provide adequate supplies of fuel, the Company routinely enters into short-term and long-term purchase contracts and has some ability to store fuel close to its major hub locations. To protect against increases in the prices of aircraft fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements. The Company generally uses commonly used financial hedge instruments based on aircraft fuel or closely related commodities including diesel fuel and crude oil.

Third-Party Business. United generates third-party business revenue that includes fuel sales, catering, ground handling, maintenance services and frequent flyer award non-air redemptions, and third-party business revenue is recorded in Other operating revenue. United also incurs third-party business expenses, such as maintenance, ground handling and catering services for third parties, fuel sales and non-air mileage redemptions, and those third-party business expenses are recorded in Other operating expenses.

Distribution Channels. The Company’s airline seat inventory is distributed through the Company’s direct channels, traditional travel agencies and on-line travel agencies. Agency sales are primarily sold using global distribution systems (“GDS”). United has developed capability to sell certain ancillary products through the GDS channel to reach customers who purchase in that channel. The use of the Company’s direct sales website, united.com, the Company’s mobile applications and alternative distribution systems, provides the Company with an opportunity to de-commoditize its services, better control its content, make more targeted offerings, better retain its customers, enhance its brand and lower its ticket distribution costs. To encourage customer use of lower-cost channels and capitalize on these cost-saving opportunities, the Company will continue to expand the capabilities of its website and mobile applications and explore alternative distribution channels.

Industry Conditions

Domestic Competition. The domestic airline industry is highly competitive and dynamic. Currently, any U.S. carrier deemed fit by the DOT is free to operate scheduled passenger service between any two points within the United States. The Company’s competitors consist primarily of other airlines and, to a lesser extent, other forms of transportation. Competition can be direct, in the form of another carrier flying the exact non-stop route, or indirect, where a carrier serves the same two cities non-stop from an alternative airport in that city or via an itinerary requiring a connection at another airport. Air carriers’ cost structures are not uniform and there are numerous factors influencing cost structure. Carriers with lower costs may offer lower fares to passengers, which could have a potential negative impact on the Company’s revenues. Decisions on domestic pricing are based on intense competitive pressure exerted on the Company by other U.S. airlines. In order to remain competitive and maintain passenger traffic levels, we often find it necessary to match competitors’ discounted fares. Since we compete in a dynamic marketplace, attempts to generate additional revenue through increased fares oftentimes fail.

International Competition. Internationally, the Company competes not only with U.S. airlines, but also with foreign carriers. International competition has increased and may increase in the future as a result of airline mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, alliances, restructurings, liberalization of aviation bilateral agreements and new or increased service by competitors. Competition on international routes is subject to varying degrees of governmental regulation. The Company’s ability to compete successfully with non-U.S. carriers on international routes depends in part on its ability to generate traffic to and from the entire United States via its integrated domestic route network and its ability to overcome business and operational challenges across its network worldwide. Foreign carriers currently are prohibited by U.S. law from carrying local passengers between two points in the United States and the Company experiences comparable restrictions in foreign countries except where “fifth freedom rights” have been negotiated between the U.S. government and other countries. In addition, in the absence of open skies and fifth freedom rights, U.S. carriers are constrained from carrying passengers to points beyond designated international gateway cities due to limitations in air service agreements and restrictions imposed unilaterally by foreign governments. To compensate partially for these structural limitations, U.S. and foreign carriers have entered into alliances, joint ventures and marketing arrangements that enable these carriers to exchange traffic between each other’s flights and route networks. See Alliances, above, for additional information.

 

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Seasonality. The air travel business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, demand for air travel is higher in the second and third quarters, driving higher revenues, than in the first and fourth quarters, which are periods of lower travel demand.

Industry Regulation

Domestic Regulation

General. All carriers engaged in air transportation in the United States are subject to regulation by the DOT. Absent an exemption, no air carrier may provide air transportation of passengers or property without first being issued a DOT certificate of public convenience and necessity. The DOT also grants international route authority, approves international codeshare arrangements, and regulates methods of competition. The DOT regulates consumer protection and maintains jurisdiction over advertising, denied boarding compensation, tarmac delays, baggage liability and other areas, and may add additional expensive regulatory burdens in the future. The DOT’s series of rules to enhance airline passenger protections have required U.S. air carriers to adopt contingency plans and procedures for tarmac delays exceeding three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights and to charge the same baggage fee throughout a passenger’s entire itinerary (even if on multiple carriers). In May 2014, the DOT issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to regulate the disclosure of air carrier’s ancillary fees and other consumer protection issues.

Airlines are also regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”), an agency within the DOT, primarily in the areas of flight safety, air carrier operations, and aircraft maintenance and airworthiness. The FAA issues air carrier operating certificates and aircraft airworthiness certificates, prescribes maintenance procedures, oversees airport operations, and regulates pilot and other employee training. The 2011 FAA final rule amending existing flight, duty and rest regulations applicable to U.S. air carriers under Part 117 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which took effect on January 4, 2014, mandates extensive changes to the way the Company schedules crews and deploys aircraft. From time to time, the FAA issues directives that require air carriers to inspect or modify aircraft and other equipment, potentially causing the Company to incur substantial, unplanned expenses. The airline industry is also subject to numerous other federal laws and regulations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has jurisdiction over virtually every aspect of civil aviation security. In March 2014, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) extended its regulatory programs for hazard communication, hearing conservation and blood-borne pathogens to areas of cabin crewmember safety and health. The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has jurisdiction over certain airline competition matters. The U.S. Postal Service has authority over certain aspects of the transportation of mail by airlines. Labor relations in the airline industry are generally governed by the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”), a federal statute. The Company is also subject to investigation inquiries by the DOT, FAA, DOJ, DHS and other U.S. and international regulatory bodies.

Airport Access. Access to landing and take-off rights, or “slots,” at several major U.S. airports and many foreign airports served by the Company are, or recently have been, subject to government regulation. Federally mandated domestic slot restrictions currently apply at Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C., and at John F. Kennedy International Airport (“JFK”), LaGuardia Airport (“LaGuardia”) and Newark Liberty in the metropolitan New York region. In addition, to address concerns about airport congestion, the FAA has imposed operating restrictions at certain airports, including Newark Liberty, JFK, and LaGuardia, which may include capacity reductions. Additional restrictions on airline routes and takeoff and landing slots at these and other airports may be proposed in the future that could affect the Company’s rights of ownership and transfer.

Legislation. The airline industry is subject to legislative activity that may have an impact on operations and costs. In 2015, the U.S. Congress will begin consideration of legislation to reauthorize the FAA, which encompasses all significant aviation tax and policy related issues. As with previous reauthorization legislation, the U.S. Congress may consider a range of policy changes that could impact operations and costs. Climate change legislation is also likely to be a significant area of legislative and regulatory focus and could adversely impact the Company’s costs. See Environmental Regulation, below.

 

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Finally, aviation security continues to be the subject of legislative and regulatory action, requiring changes to the Company’s security processes, increasing the cost of its security procedures, and affecting its operations.

International Regulation

General. International air transportation is subject to extensive government regulation. In connection with the Company’s international services, the Company is regulated by both the U.S. government and the governments of the foreign countries the Company serves. In addition, the availability of international routes to U.S. carriers is regulated by aviation agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments, and in some cases, fares and schedules require the approval of the DOT and/or the relevant foreign governments.

Legislation. Foreign countries are increasingly enacting passenger protection laws, rules and regulations that meet or exceed U.S. requirements. In cases where this activity exceeds U.S. requirements, additional burden and liability may be placed on the Company. Certain countries have regulations requiring passenger compensation and/or enforcement penalties from the Company in addition to changes in operating procedures due to canceled and delayed flights.

Airport Access. Historically, access to foreign markets has been tightly controlled through bilateral agreements between the U.S. and each foreign country involved. These agreements regulate the markets served, the number of carriers allowed to serve each market and the frequency of carriers’ flights. Since the early 1990s, the U.S. has pursued a policy of “open skies” (meaning all U.S.-flag carriers have access to the destination), under which the U.S. government has negotiated a number of bilateral agreements allowing unrestricted access between U.S. and foreign markets. Currently, there are more than 100 open skies agreements in effect. However, many of the airports that the Company serves in Europe, Asia and Latin America maintain slot controls. A large number of these are restrictive due to congestion at these airports. London Heathrow International Airport, Frankfurt Rhein-Main Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Beijing Capital International Airport, Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport and Tokyo Haneda International Airport are among the most restrictive foreign airports due to capacity limitations.

The Company’s ability to serve some foreign markets and expand into certain others is limited by the absence of aviation agreements between the U.S. government and the relevant foreign governments. Shifts in U.S. or foreign government aviation policies may lead to the alteration or termination of air service agreements. Depending on the nature of any such change, the value of the Company’s international route authorities and slot rights may be materially enhanced or diminished.

Environmental Regulation

General. The airline industry is subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local and international environmental laws and regulations concerning emissions to the air, discharges to surface and subsurface waters, safe drinking water, aircraft noise, and the management of hazardous substances, oils and waste materials. Areas of either proposed regulations or implementation of new regulations include regulations surrounding climate change (discussed further below), State of California regulations regarding air emissions from ground support equipment, regulations limiting the use of certain chemicals and a federal rule-making seeking to regulate airport fuel hydrant systems under the underground storage tank regulations.

Climate Change. There are certain laws and regulations relating to climate change that apply to the Company, including the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (“EU ETS”), environmental taxes for certain international flights (including Germany’s departure ticket tax), greenhouse gas reporting requirements, and the State of California’s greenhouse gas cap and trade regulations (that impact United’s San Francisco maintenance center). In addition, there are land-use planning laws that could apply to airport expansion projects, requiring a review of carbon emissions. These laws could affect airlines in certain circumstances.

The 2009 European Union (“EU”) directive to include aviation carbon emissions from flights to and from the EU in the EU ETS has been the subject of significant international dispute among countries, including the United

 

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States. In April 2013, to give the International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) an opportunity to reach international agreement, the EU approved a one year stay such that the requirements of the EU ETS would apply only to intra-EU flights, and in April 2014, this stay was further extended to 2016.

The ICAO adopted a resolution establishing the path for development of a global market-based-measure to regulate international aviation carbon emissions for final approval by ICAO in 2016 and the work has progressed during 2014 in developing this regulatory scheme. The cost to the Company of such a global measure is not known at this time as there are many variables under consideration. The Company is taking various actions to reduce its carbon emissions through fleet renewal, aircraft retrofits and actions seeking to stimulate the commercialization of aviation alternative fuels.

Other Environmental Matters. Some U.S. and foreign airports have established airport restrictions to limit noise, including restrictions on aircraft types and operating times. In some instances, these restrictions have caused curtailments in services or increased operating costs, and could limit our ability to expand our operations at the affected airports. In addition, some foreign airports and/or governments either have established or are seeking to establish environmental fees applicable to carbon emissions, local air quality pollutants and/or noise. The Company is engaged in a number of geographic locations where changes to existing noise and emissions policies are being considered.

The airline industry is also subject to other federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that require the Company to remediate soil or groundwater to meet certain objectives and which may require significant expenditures. Under such environmental cleanup laws, generators of waste materials and owners or operators of facilities can be subject to liability for investigation and remediation costs at locations that have been identified as requiring response actions. The Company also conducts voluntary environmental assessment and remediation actions. Environmental cleanup obligations can arise from, among other circumstances, the operation of aircraft fueling facilities, which primarily involve airport sites. Future costs associated with these activities are currently not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

Employees

As of December 31, 2014, UAL, including its subsidiaries, had approximately 84,000 employees. Approximately 80% of the Company’s employees were represented by various U.S. labor organizations as of December 31, 2014.

Collective bargaining agreements between the Company and its represented employee groups are negotiated under the RLA. Such agreements typically do not contain an expiration date and instead specify an amendable date, upon which the contract is considered “open for amendment.” The Company continues to integrate its remaining employee groups in connection with the Company’s merger transaction in 2010, such process being governed by a combination of the RLA, the McCaskill-Bond Amendment, and where applicable, the existing provisions of United’s collective bargaining agreements and union policies.

 

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The following table reflects the Company’s represented employee groups, number of employees per represented group, union representation for each of United’s employee groups where applicable, amendable date for each employee group’s collective bargaining agreement and whether the group is engaged in negotiations for a joint collective bargaining agreement:

 

Employee

Group

   
 
Number of
Employees (a)
  
  
  

Union

 

Contract Open

for Amendment

  Common
Union
Representation
Determined
 

Joint

Negotiations

in Progress (b)

Flight Attendants

    20,931       Association of Flight Attendants  

December 2014/

February 2016

  X   X

Passenger Service

    12,630       Int’l Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers   January 2017   X  

Fleet Service

    12,575       Int’l Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers   January 2017   X  

Pilots

    10,612       Air Line Pilots Association, International   February 2017   X  

Technicians and Related

    8,790       Int’l Brotherhood of Teamsters  

December 2012/

June 2013

  X   X

Storekeeper Employees

    932       Int’l Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers   January 2017   X  

Dispatchers

    356       Professional Airline Flight Control Association   July 2018   X  

Food Service Employees Security Officers Load Planners

Fleet Tech Instructors

Maintenance Instructors

   

 

 

 

 

29

46

68

151

44

  

  

  

  

  

   Int’l Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers   January 2010 January 2017 May 2018 January 2019 January 2019   X

X

X

X

X

  X

Flight Simulator Technicians

    109       Int’l Brotherhood of Teamsters   January 2013/June 2013   X   X

 

(a) The table includes the Company’s U.S. based (and Guam) union represented employees only.

(b) The respective amendable dates for those joint negotiations in progress reflect the remaining United, Continental and/or Continental Micronesia, Inc. stand-alone agreements.

The Company cannot predict the outcome of negotiations with its unionized employee groups, although significant increases in the pay and benefits resulting from new collective bargaining agreements would have an adverse financial impact on the Company. See Notes 15 and 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on labor negotiations and costs.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

The following risk factors should be read carefully when evaluating the Company’s business and the forward-looking statements contained in this report and other statements the Company or its representatives make from time to time. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward-looking statements are made in this report.

High and/or volatile fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s strategic plans, operating results, financial position and liquidity.

Aircraft fuel is critical to the Company’s operations and has been the Company’s single largest and most volatile operating expense for the last several years. The Company generally sources adequate supplies of fuel at prevailing market prices and has some ability to store fuel close to major hub locations to ensure supply continuity in the short term. Timely and adequate supply of aircraft fuel depends on the continued availability of reliable fuel supply sources and delivery infrastructure. Although the Company has some ability to cover short term supply and infrastructure disruptions at its major demand locations, it can neither predict nor guarantee the continued timely availability of aircraft fuel throughout the Company’s system.

Market prices for aircraft fuel depend on a multitude of unpredictable factors beyond the Company’s control. These factors include changes in global crude oil prices, aircraft fuel supply-demand balance, inventory levels and fuel production and transportation capacity, as well as indirect factors, such as geopolitical events, economic growth indicators, fiscal/monetary policies, fuel tax policies and financial investments. Both actual changes as well as changes in market expectations of these factors can potentially drive rapid changes in fuel price levels and price volatility.

Given the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, the Company may not be able to increase its fares and fees sufficiently to offset the full impact of increases in fuel prices, especially if these increases are rapid and sustained. Further, such fare and fee increases may not be sustainable, may reduce the general demand for air travel and may also eventually impact the Company’s strategic growth and investment plans for the future. In addition, decreases in fuel prices for an extended period may result in increased industry capacity, increased competitive actions for market share and lower fares or surcharges in general. If fuel prices were subsequently to rise significantly, there may be a lag between improvement of revenue and the adverse impact of higher fuel prices as a result of any increased industry capacity.

To protect against increases in the market prices of fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements. However, the Company’s hedging program may not be successful in mitigating higher fuel costs, and any price protection provided may be limited due to market conditions, including choice of hedging instruments, breakdown of correlation between hedging instrument and market price of fuel and failure of hedge counterparties. To the extent that the Company uses hedge contracts that have the potential to create an obligation to pay upon settlement if fuel prices decline significantly, including swaps or sold put options as part of a collar, such hedge contracts may limit the Company’s ability to benefit fully from lower fuel costs in the future. If fuel prices decline significantly from the levels existing at the time the Company enters into a hedge contract, the Company may be required to post collateral (margin) beyond certain thresholds. There can be no assurance that the Company’s hedging arrangements will provide any particular level of protection against rises in fuel prices or that its counterparties will be able to perform under the Company’s hedging arrangements. Additionally, deterioration in the Company’s financial condition could negatively affect its ability to enter into new hedge contracts in the future and may potentially require the Company to post increased amounts of collateral under its fuel hedging agreements.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and regulations promulgated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) require centralized clearing for over-the-counter derivatives and record-keeping and reporting requirements that are applicable to the Company’s fuel hedge contracts. The UAL Board of Directors (“Board of Directors”) has approved the Company’s election of the

 

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CFTC’s end-user exception, which permits the Company as a non-financial end user of derivatives to hedge commercial risk and be exempt from the CFTC mandatory clearing requirements. However, several of the Company’s hedge counterparties are also subject to these requirements, which may raise the counterparties’ costs. Those increased costs may in turn be passed on to the Company, resulting in increased transaction costs to execute hedge contracts and lower credit thresholds to post collateral (margin).

See Note 10 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on the Company’s hedging programs.

Terrorist attacks or international hostilities, or the fear of terrorist attacks or hostilities, even if not made directly on the airline industry, could negatively affect the Company and the airline industry.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 involving commercial aircraft severely and adversely impacted the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, as well as the prospects for the airline industry. Among the effects experienced from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were substantial flight disruption costs caused by the FAA-imposed temporary grounding of the U.S. airline industry’s fleet, significantly increased security costs and associated passenger inconvenience, increased insurance costs, substantially higher ticket refunds and significantly decreased traffic and passenger revenue.

Additional terrorist attacks, even if not made directly on the airline industry, or the fear of or the precautions taken in anticipation of such attacks (including elevated national threat warnings or selective cancellation or redirection of flights) could materially and adversely affect the Company and the airline industry. Wars and other international hostilities could also have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. The Company’s financial resources may not be sufficient to absorb the adverse effects of any future terrorist attacks or other international hostilities.

The Company relies heavily on technology and automated systems to operate its business and any significant failure or disruption of the technology or these systems could materially harm its business.

The Company depends on automated systems and technology to operate its business, including computerized airline reservation systems, flight operations systems, revenue management systems, accounting systems, telecommunication systems and commercial websites, including www.united.com. United’s website and other automated systems must be able to accommodate a high volume of traffic, maintain secure information and deliver important flight and schedule information, as well as process critical financial transactions. These systems could suffer substantial or repeated disruptions due to various events, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, including natural disasters, power failures, terrorist attacks, equipment or software failures, computer viruses or cyber security attacks. Substantial or repeated systems failures or disruptions, including failures or disruptions related to the Company’s complex integration of systems, could reduce the attractiveness of the Company’s services versus those of its competitors, materially impair its ability to market its services and operate its flights, result in the unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, result in increased costs, lost revenue and the loss or compromise of important data, and may adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

Disruptions to the Company’s regional network and United Express flights provided by third-party regional carriers could adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial condition.

The Company has contractual relationships with various regional carriers to provide regional jet and turboprop service branded as United Express. These regional operations are an extension of the Company’s mainline network and complement the Company’s operations by carrying traffic that connects to mainline service and allows flights to smaller cities that cannot be provided economically with mainline aircraft. The Company’s business and operations are dependent on its regional flight network, with regional capacity accounting for approximately 13% of the Company’s total as of December 31, 2014.

Although the Company has agreements with its regional carriers that include contractually agreed performance metrics, the Company does not control the operations of these carriers. A number of factors may impact the

 

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Company’s regional network, including weather-related effects and seasonality. In addition, the decrease in qualified pilots driven by federal regulations has adversely impacted and could continue to affect the Company’s regional flying. For example, the FAA’s expansion of minimum pilot qualification standards, including a requirement that a pilot have at least 1,500 total flight hours, as well as the FAA’s revised pilot flight and duty time rules, effective January 2014, have contributed to an increasing need for pilots for regional carriers. The decrease in qualified pilots resulting from the regulations as well as factors including a decreased student pilot population and a shrinking U.S. military from which to hire qualified pilots, could adversely impact the Company’s operations and financial condition, and also require the Company to reduce regional carrier flying.

If a significant disruption occurs to the Company’s regional network or flights or if one or more of the regional carriers with which the Company has relationships is unable to perform their obligations over an extended period of time, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and operations.

The Company is subject to increasing legislative and regulatory and customer focus on privacy issues and data security.

The Company is subject to increasing legislative and regulatory and customer focus on privacy issues and data security. A number of the Company’s commercial partners, including credit card companies, have imposed data security standards that the Company must meet and these standards continue to evolve. The Company will continue its efforts to meet new and increasing privacy and security standards; however, it is possible that certain new standards may be difficult to meet and could increase the Company’s costs. Additionally, any compromise of the Company’s technology systems could result in the loss, disclosure, misappropriation of or access to customers’, employees’ or business partners’ information. Any such loss, disclosure, misappropriation or access could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information. Any significant data breach or the Company’s failure to comply with applicable U.S. and foreign privacy or data security regulations or security standards imposed by the Company’s commercial partners may adversely affect the Company’s reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.

Economic and industry conditions constantly change and unfavorable global economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and results of operations.

The Company’s business and results of operations are significantly impacted by general economic and industry conditions. The airline industry is highly cyclical, and the level of demand for air travel is correlated to the strength of the U.S. and global economies. Robust demand for the Company’s air transportation services depends largely on favorable economic conditions, including the strength of the domestic and foreign economies, low unemployment levels, strong consumer confidence levels and the availability of consumer and business credit.

Air transportation is often a discretionary purchase that leisure travelers may limit or eliminate during difficult economic times. In addition, during periods of unfavorable economic conditions, business travelers usually reduce the volume of their travel, either due to cost-saving initiatives or as a result of decreased business activity requiring travel. During such periods, the Company’s business and results of operations may be adversely affected due to significant declines in industry passenger demand, particularly with respect to the Company’s business and premium cabin travelers, and a reduction in fare levels.

Stagnant or weakening global economic conditions either in the United States or in other geographic regions, and any future volatility in U.S. and global financial and credit markets may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues, results of operations and liquidity. If such economic conditions were to disrupt capital markets in the future, the Company may be unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms (or at all) to refinance certain maturing debt and to satisfy future capital commitments.

 

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The Company could experience adverse publicity, harm to its brand, reduced travel demand and potential tort liability as a result of an accident, catastrophe, or incident involving its aircraft, the aircraft of its regional carriers or the aircraft of its codeshare partners, which may result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

An accident, catastrophe, or incident involving an aircraft that the Company operates, or an aircraft that is operated by a codeshare partner or one of the Company’s regional carriers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company if such accident, catastrophe, or incident created a public perception that the Company’s operations, or the operations of its codeshare partners or regional carriers, are not safe or reliable, or less safe or reliable than other airlines. Such public perception could in turn result in adverse publicity for the Company, cause harm to the Company’s brand and reduce travel demand on the Company’s flights, or the flights of its codeshare partners or regional carriers.

In addition, any such accident, catastrophe, or incident could expose the Company to significant tort liability. Although the Company currently maintains liability insurance in amounts and of the type the Company believes to be consistent with industry practice to cover damages arising from any such accident or catastrophe, and the Company’s codeshare partners and regional carriers carry similar insurance and generally indemnify the Company for their operations, if the Company’s liability exceeds the applicable policy limits or the ability of another carrier to indemnify it, the Company could incur substantial losses from an accident, catastrophe or incident which may result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

The Company’s business relies extensively on third-party service providers. Failure of these parties to perform as expected, or interruptions in the Company’s relationships with these providers or their provision of services to the Company, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The Company has engaged an increasing number of third-party service providers to perform a large number of functions that are integral to its business, including regional operations, operation of customer service call centers, distribution and sale of airline seat inventory, provision of information technology infrastructure and services, transmitting or uploading of data, provision of aircraft maintenance and repairs, provision of various utilities and performance of aircraft fueling operations, among other vital functions and services. The Company does not directly control these third-party service providers, although it does enter into agreements with many of them that define expected service performance. Any of these third-party service providers, however, may materially fail to meet their service performance commitments to the Company, may suffer disruptions to their systems that could impact their services, or the agreements with such providers may be terminated. For example, flight reservations booked by customers and travel agencies via third-party GDSs may be adversely affected by disruptions in the business relationships between the Company and GDS operators. Such disruptions, including a failure to agree upon acceptable contract terms when contracts expire or otherwise become subject to renegotiation, may cause the Company’s flight information to be limited or unavailable for display, significantly increase fees for both the Company and GDS users, and impair the Company’s relationships with its customers and travel agencies. The failure of any of the Company’s third-party service providers to perform their service obligations adequately, or other interruptions of services, may reduce the Company’s revenues and increase its expenses, prevent the Company from operating its flights and providing other services to its customers or result in adverse publicity or harm to its brand. In addition, the Company’s business and financial performance could be materially harmed if its customers believe that its services are unreliable or unsatisfactory.

Inadequate liquidity or a negative impact on the Company’s liquidity from factors beyond the Company’s control may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and business.

The Company has a significant amount of financial leverage from fixed obligations, including aircraft lease and debt financings, leases of airport property and other facilities, and other material cash obligations. In addition, the Company has substantial non-cancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including for the acquisition of new aircraft and related spare engines.

 

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Although the Company’s cash flows from operations and its available capital, including the proceeds from financing transactions, have been sufficient to meet these obligations and commitments to date, the Company’s future liquidity could be negatively affected by the risk factors discussed in this Item 1A., including, but not limited to, substantial volatility in the price of fuel, adverse economic conditions, disruptions in the global capital markets and catastrophic external events.

If the Company’s liquidity is constrained due to the various risk factors noted in this Item 1A. or otherwise, the Company might not be able to timely pay its debts or comply with certain operating and financial covenants under its financing and credit card processing agreements or with other material provisions of its contractual obligations. These covenants require the Company or United, as applicable, to maintain minimum liquidity and/or minimum collateral coverage ratios, depending on the particular agreement. The Company’s ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond its control, including the overall industry revenue environment, the level of fuel costs and the appraised value of certain collateral.

If the Company does not timely pay its debts or comply with such covenants, a variety of adverse consequences could result. These potential adverse consequences include an increase of required reserves under credit card processing agreements, withholding of credit card sale proceeds by its credit card service providers, loss of undrawn lines of credit, the occurrence of one or more events of default under the relevant agreements, the acceleration of the maturity of debt and/or the exercise of other remedies by its creditors and equipment lessors that could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. The Company cannot provide assurance that it would have sufficient liquidity to repay or refinance such debt if it were accelerated. In addition, an event of default or acceleration of debt under certain of its financing agreements could result in one or more events of default under certain of the Company’s other financing agreements due to cross default and cross acceleration provisions.

Furthermore, constrained liquidity may limit the Company’s ability to withstand competitive pressures and downturns in the travel business and the economy in general.

The Company’s substantial level of indebtedness and non-investment grade credit rating, as well as market conditions and the availability of assets as collateral for loans or other indebtedness, may make it difficult for the Company to raise additional capital to meet its liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all.

See Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of this report for additional information regarding the Company’s liquidity.

Union disputes, employee strikes or slowdowns, and other labor-related disruptions, as well as the integration of United’s workforces in connection with the Company’s merger transaction in 2010, could adversely affect the Company’s operations and could result in increased costs that impair its financial performance.

United is a highly unionized company. As of December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries had approximately 84,000 active employees, of whom approximately 80% were represented by various U.S. labor organizations.

The successful integration of United’s workforces in connection with the Company’s merger transaction in 2010 and achievement of the anticipated benefits of the combined company depend in part on integrating employee groups and maintaining productive employee relations. In order to fully integrate the Company’s pre-merger represented employee groups, the Company must negotiate a joint collective bargaining agreement covering each combined group. The process for integrating the labor groups is governed by a combination of the RLA, the McCaskill-Bond Amendment, and where applicable, the existing provisions of collective bargaining agreements and union policies. A delay in or failure to integrate employee groups presents the potential for increased operating costs and labor disputes that could adversely affect the Company’s operations.

The Company can provide no assurance that a successful or timely resolution of labor negotiations for all amendable collective bargaining agreements will be achieved. There is a risk that unions or individual employees might pursue judicial or arbitral claims arising out of changes implemented as a result of the Company’s merger

 

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transaction in 2010. There is also a possibility that employees or unions could engage in job actions such as slow-downs, work-to-rule campaigns, sick-outs or other actions designed to disrupt the Company’s normal operations, in an attempt to pressure the Company in collective bargaining negotiations. Although the RLA makes such actions unlawful until the parties have been lawfully released to self-help, and the Company can seek injunctive relief against premature self-help, such actions can cause significant harm even if ultimately enjoined. In addition, achieving joint collective bargaining agreements with the Company’s represented employee groups is likely to increase the Company’s labor costs, which increase could be material.

See Notes 15 and 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on labor negotiations and costs.

An outbreak of a disease or similar public health threat could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial position and results of operations.

An outbreak of a disease or similar public health threat that affects travel demand or travel behavior, or travel restrictions or reduction in the demand for air travel caused by an outbreak of a disease or similar public health threat in the future, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company is subject to economic and political instability and other risks of doing business globally.

The Company is a global business with operations outside of the United States from which it derives approximately 40% of its operating revenues, as measured and reported to the DOT. The Company’s operations in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East are a vital part of its worldwide airline network. Volatile economic, political and market conditions in these international regions may have a negative impact on the Company’s operating results and its ability to achieve its business objectives. In addition, significant or volatile changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, and the imposition of exchange controls or other currency restrictions, may have a material adverse impact upon the Company’s liquidity, revenues, costs and operating results.

Most recently, economic instability in Venezuela resulted in exchange rate changes that apply to the Company’s funds held in Venezuelan bolivars. The Company had approximately $100 million of its unrestricted cash balance held in Venezuelan bolivars as of December 31, 2014 based on a mix of historical rates in effect at the time of submission for repatriation. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to repatriate any or all of the funds held in Venezuelan bolivars in the future. Additionally, the amount and exchange rate at which the balance of funds will be repatriated could change resulting in a loss to the Company. If economic instability and devaluation of the local currency continue for a period of time in Venezuela, such conditions may have an adverse impact on the Company’s business.

Extensive government regulation could increase the Company’s operating costs and restrict its ability to conduct its business.

Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory and legal oversight. Compliance with U.S. and international regulations imposes significant costs and may have adverse effects on the Company. Laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates and charges, both domestically and internationally, have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the cost of airline operations or reduce airline revenue. The Company cannot provide any assurance that current laws and regulations, or laws or regulations enacted in the future, will not adversely affect its financial condition or results of operations.

United provides air transportation under certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the DOT. If the DOT altered, amended, modified, suspended or revoked these certificates, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. The DOT is also responsible for promulgating consumer protection and other regulations such as the rule against lengthy tarmac delays, that will impose significant compliance costs on the Company. The FAA regulates the safety of United’s operations. United operates pursuant to an air carrier operating certificate issued by the FAA. In January 2014, the FAA’s more stringent pilot flight and duty time

 

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requirements under Part 117 of the Federal Aviation Regulations took effect, which has increased costs for all carriers. In July 2014, minimum qualifications took effect for air carrier first officers. These regulations impact the Company and its regional partner flying, as they have caused mainline airlines to hire regional pilots, while simultaneously significantly reducing the pool of new pilots from which regional carriers themselves can hire. Although this is an industry issue, it directly affects the Company and requires it to reduce regional partner flying, as several regional partners have experienced difficulty flying their schedules due to reduced pilot availability. From time to time, the FAA also issues orders, airworthiness directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require material expenditures or operational restrictions by the Company. These FAA orders and directives could include the temporary grounding of an entire aircraft type if the FAA identifies design, manufacturing, maintenance or other issues requiring immediate corrective action. FAA requirements cover, among other things, retirement of older aircraft, security measures, collision avoidance systems, airborne windshear avoidance systems, noise abatement and other environmental concerns, aircraft operation and safety and increased inspections and maintenance procedures to be conducted on older aircraft. These FAA directives or requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Also, OSHA’s regulatory programs for hazard communication, hearing conservation and blood-borne pathogens in the areas of cabin crewmember safety and health, which began in March 2014, have exposed the Company to increased regulatory requirements in the aircraft cabin, with associated increased costs and the possibility for operational impacts.

In addition, the Company’s operations may be adversely impacted due to the existing antiquated air traffic control (“ATC”) system utilized by the U.S. government. During peak travel periods in certain markets, the current ATC system’s inability to handle existing travel demand has led to short-term capacity constraints imposed by government agencies and resulted in delays and disruptions of air traffic. In addition, the current system will not be able to effectively handle projected future air traffic growth. Imposition of these ATC constraints on a long-term basis may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. Failure to update the ATC system in a timely manner, and the substantial funding requirements of a modernized ATC system that may be imposed on air carriers may have an adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The airline industry is subject to extensive federal, state and local taxes and fees that increase the cost of the Company’s operations. In addition to taxes and fees that the Company is currently subject to, proposed taxes and fees are currently pending and if imposed, would increase the Company’s operating expenses.

Access to landing and take-off rights, or “slots,” at several major U.S. airports and many foreign airports served by the Company are, or recently have been, subject to government regulation. Certain of the Company’s major hubs are among increasingly congested airports in the United States and have been or could be the subject of regulatory action that might limit the number of flights and/or increase costs of operations at certain times or throughout the day. The FAA may limit the Company’s airport access by limiting the number of departure and arrival slots at high density traffic airports, which could affect the Company’s ownership and transfer rights, and local airport authorities may have the ability to control access to certain facilities or the cost of access to its facilities, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business. The FAA historically has taken actions with respect to airlines’ slot holdings that airlines have challenged; if the FAA were to take actions that adversely affect the Company’s slot holdings, the Company could incur substantial costs to preserve its slots. Further, the Company’s operating costs at airports at which it operates, including the Company’s major hubs, may increase significantly because of capital improvements at such airports that the Company may be required to fund, directly or indirectly. In some circumstances, such costs could be imposed by the relevant airport authority without the Company’s approval and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.

The ability of carriers to operate flights on international routes between airports in the United States and other countries may be subject to change. Applicable arrangements between the United States and foreign governments may be amended from time to time, government policies with respect to airport operations may be revised, and the availability of appropriate slots or facilities may change. The Company currently operates a number of flights on international routes under government arrangements, regulations or policies that designate the number of

 

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carriers permitted to operate on such routes, the capacity of the carriers providing services on such routes, the airports at which carriers may operate international flights, or the number of carriers allowed access to particular airports. Any further limitations, additions or modifications to such arrangements, regulations or policies could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Additionally, a change in law, regulation or policy for any of the Company’s international routes, such as open skies, could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations and could result in the impairment of material amounts of related tangible and intangible assets. In addition, competition from revenue-sharing joint ventures and other alliance arrangements by and among other airlines could impair the value of the Company’s business and assets on the open skies routes. The Company’s plans to enter into or expand U.S. antitrust immunized alliances and joint ventures on various international routes are subject to receipt of approvals from applicable U.S. federal authorities and obtaining other applicable foreign government clearances or satisfying the necessary applicable regulatory requirements. There can be no assurance that such approvals and clearances will be granted or will continue in effect upon further regulatory review or that changes in regulatory requirements or standards can be satisfied.

Many aspects of the Company’s operations are also subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local and international laws protecting the environment. Future environmental regulatory developments, such as climate change regulations in the United States and abroad could adversely affect operations and increase operating costs in the airline industry. There are certain climate change laws and regulations that have already gone into effect and that apply to the Company, including the EU ETS, the State of California’s greenhouse gas cap and trade regulations, environmental taxes for certain international flights, limited greenhouse gas reporting requirements and land-use planning laws which could apply to airports and could affect airlines in certain circumstances. In addition, there is the potential for additional regulatory actions in regard to the emission of greenhouse gases by the aviation industry. The precise nature of future requirements and their applicability to the Company are difficult to predict, but the financial impact to the Company and the aviation industry would likely be adverse and could be significant.

In 2015, the U.S. Congress will begin consideration of legislation to reauthorize the FAA, which encompasses all significant aviation tax and policy related issues. As with previous reauthorization legislation, the U.S. Congress may consider a range of policy changes that could impact the Company’s operations and costs.

See Part I, Item 1, Business—Industry Regulation, of this report for additional information on government regulation impacting the Company.

The airline industry is highly competitive and susceptible to price discounting and changes in capacity, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The U.S. airline industry is characterized by substantial price competition including from low-cost carriers. The significant market presence of low-cost carriers, which engage in substantial price discounting, has diminished the ability of large network carriers to achieve sustained profitability on domestic and international routes.

Airlines also compete for market share by increasing or decreasing their capacity, including route systems and the number of markets served. Several of the Company’s domestic and international competitors have increased their international capacity by including service to some destinations that the Company currently serves, causing overlap in destinations served and therefore increasing competition for those destinations. In addition, the Company and certain of its competitors have implemented significant capacity reductions in recent years in response to high and volatile fuel prices and stagnant global economic growth. Further, certain of the Company’s competitors may not reduce capacity or may increase capacity, impacting the expected benefit to the Company from capacity reductions. This increased competition in both domestic and international markets may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

 

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UAL’s obligations for funding United’s defined benefit pension plans are affected by factors beyond UAL’s control.

The Company maintains two primary defined benefit pension plans, one covering certain pilot employees and another covering certain U.S. non-pilot employees. The timing and amount of UAL’s funding requirements under these plans depend upon a number of factors, including labor negotiations with the applicable employee groups and changes to pension plan benefits as well as factors outside of UAL’s control, such as the number of applicable retiring employees, asset returns, interest rates and changes in pension laws. Changes to these and other factors that can significantly increase UAL’s funding requirements, such as its liquidity requirements, could have a material adverse effect on UAL’s financial condition.

The airline industry may undergo further consolidation, creation or modification of alliances or joint ventures or bankruptcy restructuring, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company faces and may continue to face strong competition from other carriers due to industry consolidation, the creation and modification of alliances and joint ventures and bankruptcy restructuring. Both the U.S. and international airline industries have experienced consolidation through a number of mergers and acquisitions. The Company is also facing stronger competition from expanded airline alliances and joint ventures. Carriers may improve their competitive positions through airline alliances, slot swaps and/or joint ventures. Certain types of airline joint ventures further competition by allowing multiple airlines to coordinate routes, pool revenues and costs, and enjoy other mutual benefits, achieving many of the benefits of consolidation. “Open Skies” agreements, including the agreements between the United States and the European Union and between the United States and Japan, may also give rise to additional consolidation or better integration opportunities among international carriers. Movement of airlines between current global airline alliances could reduce joint network coverage for members of such alliances while also creating opportunities for joint ventures and bilateral alliances that did not exist before such realignment. A number of carriers, both domestic and international, have filed for bankruptcy protection in the last ten years and other domestic and international carriers could restructure or consolidate in bankruptcy or threaten to do so in the future to reduce their costs. Carriers operating under bankruptcy protection can operate in a manner that could be adverse to the Company, could divest assets to the Company’s competitors and could emerge from bankruptcy as more vigorous competitors.

There is ongoing speculation that further airline and airline alliance consolidations or reorganizations could occur in the future. The Company routinely engages in analysis and discussions regarding its own strategic position, including current and potential alliances, asset acquisitions and divestitures and may have future discussions with other airlines regarding strategic activities. If other airlines participate in such activities, those airlines may significantly improve their cost structures or revenue generation capabilities, thereby potentially making them stronger competitors of the Company and potentially impairing the Company’s ability to realize expected benefits from its own strategic relationships.

Increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage may materially and adversely impact the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company could be exposed to significant liability or loss if its property or operations were to be affected by a natural catastrophe or other event, including aircraft accidents. If the Company is unable to obtain sufficient insurance (including but not limited to aviation hull and liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and property and business interruption coverage) to cover such liabilities or losses, whether due to insurance market conditions or otherwise, its results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Company’s insurance costs increased significantly and the availability of third-party war risk (terrorism) insurance decreased significantly. From September 2001 through May 2014, the Company obtained third-party war risk (terrorism) insurance through a FAA-administered program. In anticipation of the government discontinuing this program, effective May 2014, the Company terminated its FAA-administered insurance and returned to the commercial insurance markets to obtain third-party war risk

 

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(terrorism) insurance. The government subsequently discontinued the FAA-administered program in December 2014. If the Company is unable in the future to obtain third-party war risk (terrorism) insurance with acceptable terms, or if the coverage obtained is insufficient relative to actual liability or losses that the Company experiences, its results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

The Company’s results of operations fluctuate due to seasonality and other factors associated with the airline industry.

Due to greater demand for air travel during the spring and summer months, revenues in the airline industry in the second and third quarters of the year are generally stronger than revenues in the first and fourth quarters of the year, which are periods of lower travel demand. The Company’s results of operations generally reflect this seasonality, but have also been impacted by numerous other factors that are not necessarily seasonal including, among others, the imposition of excise and similar taxes, extreme or severe weather, air traffic control congestion, geological events, natural disasters, changes in the competitive environment due to industry consolidation, general economic conditions and other factors. As a result, the Company’s quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year and historical operating results in a quarterly or annual period are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.

The Company may never realize the full value of its intangible assets or its long-lived assets causing it to record impairments that may negatively affect its financial position and results of operations.

In accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Company is required to test its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis on October 1 of each year, or more frequently if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred. In addition, the Company is required to test certain of its other assets for impairment if conditions indicate that an impairment may have occurred.

The Company may be required to recognize impairments in the future due to, among other factors, extreme fuel price volatility, tight credit markets, a decline in the fair value of certain tangible or intangible assets, unfavorable trends in historical or forecasted results of operations and cash flows and an uncertain economic environment, as well as other uncertainties. The Company can provide no assurance that a material impairment charge of tangible or intangible assets will not occur in a future period. The value of the Company’s aircraft could be impacted in future periods by changes in supply and demand for these aircraft. Such changes in supply and demand for certain aircraft types could result from grounding of aircraft by the Company or other carriers. An impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The Company’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be significantly limited due to various circumstances, including certain possible future transactions involving the sale or issuance of UAL common stock, or if taxable income does not reach sufficient levels.

As of December 31, 2014, UAL reported consolidated federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $9.6 billion.

The Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards may be limited if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 (“Section 382”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. An ownership change generally occurs if certain stockholders increase their aggregate percentage ownership of a corporation’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest percentage ownership at any time during the testing period, which is generally the three-year period preceding any potential ownership change.

There is no assurance that the Company will not experience a future ownership change under Section 382 that may significantly limit or possibly eliminate its ability to use its NOL carryforwards. Potential future transactions involving the sale or issuance of UAL common stock, including the exercise of conversion options under the terms of any convertible debt that UAL may issue in the future, the repurchase of such debt with UAL common stock, any issuance of UAL common stock for cash and the acquisition or disposition of such stock by a

 

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stockholder owning 5% or more of UAL common stock, or a combination of such transactions, may increase the possibility that the Company will experience a future ownership change under Section 382.

Under Section 382, a future ownership change would subject the Company to additional annual limitations that apply to the amount of pre-ownership change NOLs that may be used to offset post-ownership change taxable income. This limitation is generally determined by multiplying the value of a corporation’s stock immediately before the ownership change by the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. Any unused annual limitation may, subject to certain limits, be carried over to later years, and the limitation may under certain circumstances be increased by built-in gains in the assets held by such corporation at the time of the ownership change. This limitation could cause the Company’s U.S. federal income taxes to be greater, or to be paid earlier, than they otherwise would be, and could cause all or a portion of the Company’s NOL carryforwards to expire unused. Similar rules and limitations may apply for state income tax purposes. The Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards will also depend on the amount of taxable income it generates in future periods. Its NOL carryforwards may expire before the Company can generate sufficient taxable income to use them in full.

UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation limits certain transfers of its stock which could have an effect on the market price of UAL common stock.

To reduce the risk of a potential adverse effect on the Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains a 5% ownership limitation. This limitation generally remains effective until February 1, 2017, or until such later date as may be approved by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. The limitation prohibits (i) an acquisition by a single stockholder of shares that results in that stockholder owning 5% or more of UAL common stock and (ii) any acquisition or disposition of common stock by a stockholder that already owns 5% or more of UAL common stock, unless prior written approval is granted by the Board of Directors.

Any transfer of common stock in violation of these restrictions will be void and will be treated as if such transfer never occurred. This provision of UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation may impair or prevent a sale of common stock by a stockholder and adversely affect the price at which a stockholder can sell UAL common stock. In addition, this limitation may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company, creating a perception that a change in control cannot occur or otherwise discouraging takeover attempts that some stockholders may consider beneficial, which could also adversely affect the market price of the UAL common stock. The Company cannot predict the effect that this provision in UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation may have on the market price of the UAL common stock. For additional information regarding the 5% ownership limitation, please refer to UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation available on the Company’s website.

Certain provisions of UAL’s Governance Documents could discourage or delay changes of control or changes to the Board of Directors.

Certain provisions of UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws (together, the “Governance Documents”) may make it difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Board of Directors and may discourage takeover attempts that some of its stockholders may consider beneficial.

Certain provisions of the Governance Documents may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes in control if the Board of Directors determines that such changes in control are not in the best interests of UAL and its stockholders. These provisions of the Governance Documents are not intended to prevent a takeover, but are intended to protect and maximize the value of UAL’s stockholders’ interests. While these provisions have the effect of encouraging persons seeking to acquire control of UAL to negotiate with the Board of Directors, they could enable the Board of Directors to prevent a transaction that some, or a majority, of its stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or, they could prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.

 

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The issuance of additional shares of UAL’s capital stock, including the issuance of common stock upon conversion of convertible notes, would cause dilution to the interests of its existing stockholders.

UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes up to one billion shares of common stock. In certain circumstances, UAL can issue shares of common stock without stockholder approval. In addition, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 250 million shares of preferred stock, without par value, without any action on the part of UAL’s stockholders. The Board of Directors also has the power, without stockholder approval, to set the terms of any series of shares of preferred stock that may be issued, including voting rights, conversion rights, dividend rights, preferences over UAL’s common stock with respect to dividends or if UAL liquidates, dissolves or winds up its business and other terms. If UAL issues preferred stock in the future that has a preference over its common stock with respect to the payment of dividends or upon its liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or if UAL issues preferred stock with voting rights that dilute the voting power of its common stock, the rights of holders of its common stock or the market price of its common stock could be adversely affected.

The Company is also authorized to issue, without stockholder approval, other securities convertible into either preferred stock or, in certain circumstances, common stock. The number of shares issued could be significant and such an issuance could cause significant dilution to the interests of its existing stockholders. In addition, if UAL elects to pay the repurchase price in cash, its liquidity could be adversely affected.

In the future, UAL may decide to raise additional capital through offerings of UAL common stock, securities convertible into UAL common stock, or exercise rights to acquire these securities or its common stock. The issuance of additional shares of common stock, including upon the conversion or repurchase of convertible debt, could result in significant dilution of existing stockholders’ equity interests in UAL. Issuances of substantial amounts of its common stock, or the perception that such issuances could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for UAL’s common stock and UAL cannot predict the effect this dilution may have on the price of its common stock.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

Fleet

Including aircraft operating by United’s regional carriers, United operated 1,257 aircraft as of December 31, 2014, the detail of which is presented in the tables below:

 

Aircraft Type

   Total          Owned              Leased                 Seats in Standard
Configuration
     Average Age (In
Years)
 

Mainline:

                 

747-400

     23           15           8              374           19.4     

777-200ER

     55           38           17              267-269           14.8     

777-200

     19           19           —              266-348           17.9     

787-9

     2           2           —              252           0.2     

787-8

     12           12           —              219           1.5     

767-400ER

     16           14           2              242           13.3     

767-300ER

     35           19           16              183-214           19.5     

757-300

     21           9           12              213           12.3     

757-200

     73           45           28              142-182           19.8     

737-900ER

     105           105           —              167-179           2.9     

737-900

     12           8           4              167           13.3     

737-800

     130           57           73              152-160           11.9     

737-700

     36           12           24              118-124           16.0     

A320-200

     97           51           46              150           16.5     

A319-100

     55           45           10              128           14.9     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

          

 

 

 

Total mainline

                 691           451           240                 13.4     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

          

Aircraft Type

   Total          Owned              Leased          Capacity
Purchase
     Regional Carrier
Operator and
Number of
Aircraft
     Seats in Standard
Configuration
 

Regional:

                 

Embraer E175

     33           14           —           19          

 

SkyWest: 19  

Mesa: 14  

  

  

     76     

Bombardier Q400

     28           —           —           28           Republic: 28           71     

Embraer 170

     38           —           —           38           Shuttle: 38           70     

CRJ700

     115           —           —           115          
 
 
SkyWest: 70  
GoJet: 25  
Mesa: 20  
  
  
  
     66-70     

CRJ200

     68           —           29           39          
 
SkyWest: 61  
ExpressJet: 7  
  
  
     50     

Embraer ERJ 145 (XR/LR/ER)

     245           16           206           23          
 
ExpressJet: 222  
Trans States: 23  
  
  
     50     

Q300

     5           —           —           5           CommutAir: 5           50     

Embraer ERJ 135

     9           —           9           —           ExpressJet: 9           37     

Q200

     16           —           —           16           CommutAir: 16           37     

Embraer EMB 120

     9           —           9           —           SkyWest: 9           30     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

Total regional

     566           30           253           283           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

Total

             1,257           481           493           283           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

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In addition to the aircraft operating in scheduled service presented in the tables above, United owns or leases the following aircraft listed below as of December 31, 2014:

 

   

One owned Boeing 747-400 operating in charter service;

   

One owned Boeing 767-200 in storage and one leased Boeing 767-200 which is being subleased to another airline;

   

14 Boeing 757-200s, which are in the process of being returned to the lessor;

   

Three Airbus A330s, which are subleased to another airline;

   

21 leased Embraer ERJ 135s that are permanently grounded;

   

Five owned Embraer E175s, which are in the process of being introduced to active service; and

   

Four leased Embraer ERJ 145s, which are in the process of being returned to the lessor.

Firm Order and Option Aircraft

As of December 31, 2014, United had firm commitments to purchase aircraft from The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), Embraer S.A. (“Embraer”) and Airbus S.A.S. (“Airbus”) presented in the table below:

 

Aircraft Type

  

Number of Firm
Commitments (a)(b)

 Airbus A350-1000

   35  

 Boeing 737-900ER

   34  

 Boeing 737 MAX 9

   100  

 Boeing 787-9/-10

   51  

 Embraer E175

   11  

 

  

 (a) United also has options and purchase rights for additional aircraft.

 (b) United also has committed to purchase two used 737-700 aircraft in 2015.

The aircraft listed in the table above are scheduled for delivery from 2015 through 2025. In 2015, United expects to take delivery of 23 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, 11 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, 11 Embraer E175 aircraft and two used Boeing 737-700 aircraft. See Notes 11 and 15 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.

In 2014, the Company began a multi-year initiative to reduce its reliance on 50 seat regional jets operated by regional carriers doing business as United Express. Also in 2014, regional carriers began operating the Embraer E175 aircraft and will continue to add Embraer E175 aircraft into their respective United Express operations through 2015. Another United Express regional carrier will begin to add Embraer E175 aircraft into its United Express operation in 2015 and will continue to add Embraer E175 aircraft through 2017. Regional carriers doing business as United Express will also be removing the Embraer EMB 120 aircraft from United Express service during the second quarter of 2015 and the Bombardier Q400 aircraft from United Express service during the third quarter of 2016.

Facilities

United’s principal facilities relate to leases of airport facilities, gates, hangar sites, terminal buildings and other facilities in most of the municipalities it serves with its most significant leases at airport hub locations. United has major terminal facility leases at SFO, Washington Dulles, Chicago O’Hare, LAX, Denver, Newark Liberty, Houston Bush, Hopkins International Airport and Guam with expiration dates ranging from 2015 to 2041. Substantially all of these facilities are leased on a net-rental basis, resulting in the Company’s responsibility for maintenance, insurance and other facility-related expenses and services.

United also maintains administrative offices, terminal, catering, cargo and other airport facilities, training facilities, maintenance facilities and other facilities to support operations in the cities served. United also has multiple leases, which expire from 2022 through 2028 and include approximately 1,100,000 square feet of office space for its corporate headquarters and operations center in downtown Chicago, and certain administrative offices in downtown Houston.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Environmental Proceedings

In 2001, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (“CRWQCB”) mandated a field study of the area surrounding Continental Airlines, Inc.’s aircraft maintenance hangar in Los Angeles. The study was completed in September 2001 and identified aircraft fuel and solvent contamination on and adjacent to this site. In April 2005, Continental began environmental remediation of aircraft fuel contamination surrounding its aircraft maintenance hangar pursuant to a workplan submitted to and approved by the CRWQCB and its landlord, the Los Angeles World Airports. The Company could be responsible for environmental remediation costs related to contamination on and near this site. The Company accrued a reserve in an amount expected by the Company to cover environmental remediation costs for this site.

On January 13, 2014, United received an offer of settlement from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for three Notices of Violation (“NOVs”) issued in 2012 and 2013 to United’s San Francisco maintenance center (the “Maintenance Center”). The NOVs relate to the frequency of filter replacement for painting booths and associated recordkeeping at the Maintenance Center. Under the NOVs, the Company could be responsible for paying a civil penalty. The Company accrued a reserve in an amount expected to cover any settlement of the NOVs.

Other Legal Proceedings

The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions involving passengers, customers, suppliers, employees and government agencies arising in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, from time to time, the Company becomes aware of potential non-compliance with applicable environmental regulations, which have either been identified by the Company (through internal compliance programs such as its environmental compliance audits) or through notice from a governmental entity. In some instances, these matters could potentially become the subject of an administrative or judicial proceeding and could potentially involve monetary sanctions. After considering a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the views of legal counsel, the nature of contingencies to which the Company is subject and prior experience, management believes that the ultimate disposition of these contingencies will not materially affect its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company and certain of its executive officers and employees have received federal grand jury subpoenas requesting records and testimony related to certain individuals formerly associated with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and related operations of the Company and the Company is conducting an internal investigation in response. The Company is cooperating with the government’s investigation.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

UAL’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “UAL.” The following table sets forth the ranges of high and low sales prices per share of UAL common stock during the last two fiscal years, as reported by the NYSE:

 

     UAL  
     2014      2013  
     High      Low      High      Low  

1st quarter

     $     49.20             $     37.50             $     32.95             $     23.62       

2nd quarter

     48.20             38.06             35.27             27.90       

3rd quarter

     52.45             36.65             36.74             27.32       

4th quarter

     67.77             39.46             40.19             29.11       

Based on reports by the Company’s transfer agent for UAL common stock, as of February 10, 2015, there were approximately 9,900 record holders of UAL common stock and approximately 24,000 holders of UAL common stock comprised of UAL’s record holders and bankruptcy distribution holders under UAL Corporation’s Chapter 11 plan of reorganization.

UAL did not pay any dividends in 2014 or 2013. United paid a dividend of $212 million to UAL in 2014. United did not pay any dividends in 2013. Under the restricted payment provisions of the Company’s Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2013 (the “Credit Agreement”), and certain indentures, UAL’s ability to pay dividends on or repurchase UAL’s common stock is subject to limits on the amount of such payments and to certain conditions, including that no default or event of default exists under those instruments and that after giving effect to the making of any such payments, UAL would be in compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. Any future determination regarding dividend or distribution payments will be at the discretion of the UAL Board of Directors, subject to the foregoing limits and applicable limitations under Delaware law.

 

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The following graph shows the cumulative total shareholder return for UAL’s common stock during the period from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014. The graph also shows the cumulative returns of the Standard and Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index and the NYSE Arca Airline Index (“AAI”) of 13 investor-owned airlines. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2009 in UAL common stock.

 

LOGO

Note: The stock price performance shown in the graph above should not be considered indicative of potential future stock price performance.

The following table presents repurchases of UAL common stock made in the fourth quarter of 2014:

 

Period          Total number of
shares
purchased (a)
     Average price
paid per share (d)
     Total number of
shares purchased
as part of publicly
announced plans or
programs (a)
     Approximate dollar value
of shares that may yet be
purchased under the
plans or programs
(in millions) (a)
 
October 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 (b)(c)          799,323         $ 46.87           799,323         $ 772     
November 1, 2014 through November 30, 2014 (c)          728,900           55.65           728,900           732     
December 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 (c)          820,555           63.32           820,555           680     
      

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

         2,348,778              2,348,778        

 

      

 

 

       

 

 

    

(a) On July 24, 2014, UAL announced a $1 billion share repurchase program, which was authorized by UAL’s Board of Directors. UAL may repurchase shares through the open market, privately negotiated transactions, block trades, or accelerated share repurchase transactions from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws. UAL will repurchase shares of common stock subject to prevailing market conditions, and may discontinue such repurchases at any time.

(b) On July 24, 2014, pursuant to the $1 billion share repurchase program, UAL entered into agreements to repurchase approximately $200 million of shares of UAL common stock through an accelerated share repurchase program (the “ASR Program”). Final settlement of the ASR Program occurred in the third and fourth quarters of 2014 with UAL repurchasing an aggregate of 4,446,993 shares under the ASR Program. Of the 4,446,993 shares, 3,785,770 shares were delivered to the Company in the third quarter of 2014 and 661,223 shares were delivered to the Company in October 2014. The aggregate number of shares repurchased by UAL under the ASR Program is based on the volume-weighted average price per share of UAL’s common stock during the calculation periods determined pursuant to each agreement, less a discount.

(c) UAL made open market purchases of 1,687,555 shares of UAL common stock at an average price of $59.07 per share in the fourth quarter of 2014.

(d) Average price paid per share is calculated on a settlement basis and excludes commission.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements and statistical data are provided in the tables below.

 

UAL Statement of Consolidated Operations Data

  

(In millions, except per share
amounts)
  Year Ended December 31,  

 

  2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  

Income Statement Data:

         

Operating revenue

   $         38,901        $         38,279        $         37,152        $         37,110        $         23,325    

Operating expense

     36,528         37,030         37,113         35,288         22,349    

Operating income

    2,373         1,249         39         1,822         976    
         

Net income (loss)

    1,132         571         (723)        840         253   
Net income excluding special revenue item and operating and nonoperating special charges, net (a)     1,639         1,084         589         1,323         942    

Basic earnings (loss) per share

    3.05         1.64         (2.18)        2.55         1.22    

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

    2.93         1.53         (2.18)        2.26         1.08    
         

Balance Sheet Data at December 31:

         
Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments    $ 4,384       $ 5,121       $ 6,543       $ 7,762        $ 8,680    

Total assets

    37,353         36,812         37,628         37,988         39,598    

Debt and capital lease obligations

    12,115         12,409         13,166         12,735         15,133    

 

(a) See “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this Item 6 for further details related to items that significantly impacted UAL’s results.

 

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UAL Selected Operating Data

Presented below is the Company’s operating data for the years ended December 31.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
  

 

 

 
Mainline    2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Passengers (thousands) (a)

     91,475            91,329            93,595            96,360            65,365      

Revenue passenger miles (“RPMs”) (millions) (b)

     179,015            178,578            179,416            181,763            122,182      

Available seat miles (“ASMs”) (millions) (c)

     214,105            213,007            216,330            219,437            145,738      

Cargo ton miles (millions)

     2,487            2,213            2,460            2,646            2,176      

Passenger load factor (d)

     83.6%         83.8%         82.9%         82.8%         83.8%   

Passenger revenue per available seat mile (“PRASM”) (cents)

     12.51            12.20            11.93            11.84            10.99      

Total revenue per available seat mile (cents)

     14.81            14.51            13.92            13.77            12.91      

Average yield per revenue passenger mile (“Yield”) (cents) (e)

     14.96            14.56            14.38            14.29            13.11      

Cost per available seat mile (“CASM”) (cents)

     14.03            14.31            14.12            13.15            12.51      

Average price per gallon of fuel, including fuel taxes

   $ 2.98          $ 3.12          $ 3.27          $ 3.01          $ 2.27      

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)

     3,183            3,204            3,275            3,303            2,280      

Average stage length (miles) (f)

     1,958            1,934            1,895            1,844            1,789      

Average daily utilization of each aircraft (hours) (g)

     10:26            10:28            10:38            10:42            10:47      
              

Regional

              

Passengers (thousands) (a)

     46,554            47,880            46,846            45,439            32,764      

RPMs (millions) (b)

     26,544            26,589            26,069            25,768            18,675      

ASMs (millions) (c)

     31,916            32,347            32,530            33,091            23,827      

Passenger load factor (d)

     83.2%         82.2%         80.1%         77.9%         78.4%   
              

Consolidated

              

Passengers (thousands) (a)

     138,029            139,209            140,441            141,799            98,129      

RPMs (millions) (b)

     205,559            205,167            205,485            207,531            140,857      

ASMs (millions) (c)

     246,021            245,354            248,860            252,528            169,565      

Passenger load factor (d)

     83.6%         83.6%         82.6%         82.2%         83.1%   

PRASM (cents)

     13.72            13.50            13.09            12.87            11.93      

Yield (cents) (e)

     16.42            16.14            15.86            15.67            14.37      

CASM (cents)

     14.85            15.09            14.91            13.97            13.18      

Average price per gallon of fuel, including fuel taxes

   $ 2.99          $ 3.13          $ 3.27          $ 3.06          $ 2.39      

Fuel gallons consumed (millions)

     3,905            3,947            4,016            4,038            2,798      

 

(a) The number of revenue passengers measured by each flight segment flown.

(b) The number of scheduled miles flown by revenue passengers.

(c) The number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of scheduled miles those seats are flown.

(d) RPM divided by ASM.

(e) The average passenger revenue received for each revenue passenger mile flown.

(f) Average stage length equals the average distance a flight travels weighted for size of aircraft.

(g) The average number of hours per day that an aircraft flown in revenue service is operated (from gate departure to gate arrival).

 

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Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company evaluates its financial performance utilizing various accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and Non-GAAP financial measures including net income/loss excluding special charges, net earnings/loss per share excluding special charges and CASM, among others. CASM is a common metric used in the airline industry to measure an airline’s cost structure and efficiency. The Company believes that excluding fuel costs from certain measures is useful to investors because it provides an additional measure of management’s performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. Fuel hedge operating non-cash mark-to-market (“MTM”) gains (losses) are excluded as the Company did not apply cash flow hedge accounting for certain of the periods presented, and these adjustments may provide a better comparison to the Company’s peers, most of which either apply cash flow hedge accounting or exclude cash MTM gains or losses in certain disclosures of fuel expense. The Company believes that adjusting for special items is useful to investors because the special items are non-recurring items not indicative of the Company’s ongoing performance. The Company also believes that excluding third-party business expenses, such as maintenance, ground handling and catering services for third parties, fuel sales and non-air mileage redemptions, provides more meaningful disclosure because these expenses are not directly related to the Company’s core business. In addition, the Company believes that reflecting Economic Hedge Adjustments, consisting of MTM gains and losses recorded in Nonoperating expense from fuel hedges settling in future periods and of prior period gains recorded in Nonoperating expense on fuel contracts settled in the current period, is useful because the adjustments allow investors to better understand the cash impact of settled hedges in a given period. The Company excludes profit sharing because this exclusion allows investors to better understand and analyze its recurring cost performance and provides a more meaningful comparison of its core operating costs to the airline industry. Pursuant to SEC Regulation G, the Company has included the following reconciliation of reported Non-GAAP financial measures to comparable financial measures reported on a GAAP basis (in millions, except CASM amounts). For additional information related to special items, see Note 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

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    Year ended December 31,  
    2014     2013     2012     2011     2010  
Net income excluding special revenue item and operating and nonoperating special charges, net:          

Net income (loss)—GAAP

   $ 1,132        $ 571       $ (723)       $ 840        $ 253    

Special revenue item and operating and nonoperating special charges, net of income taxes

    507         513         1,312         483         689    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net income excluding special revenue item and operating and nonoperating special charges, net—Non-GAAP    $ 1,639        $ 1,084        $ 589        $ 1,323        $ 942    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
Special revenue item and operating and nonoperating special charges (millions)          

Special revenue item

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 107        $ —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         

Severance and benefit costs

    199         105         125         —         —    

Integration-related costs

    96         205         739         517         564    

Costs associated with permanently grounding Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft

    66         —         —         —         —    

Impairment of assets

    49         33         30                165    

Labor agreement costs

    —         127         475         —         —    

(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special (gains) losses, net

    33         50         (46)        71         (60)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Special operating expense

    443         520         1,323         592         669    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating non-cash MTM loss

    —         —         —         —         32    

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other, net

    74         —         —         —         —    

Income tax benefit

    10                11                12    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total special revenue item and operating and nonoperating special charges, net (a)

   $ 507        $ 513        $ 1,312        $ 483        $ 689    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2014     2013                    
Net income excluding operating and nonoperating special charges, net and reflecting Economic Hedge Adjustments:          

Net income—GAAP

   $ 1,132        $ 571          

Operating and nonoperating special charges, net

    507         513          

MTM (gains) losses from fuel hedges settling in future periods

    244         (84)         

Prior period gains on fuel contracts settled in the current period

    83         39          
 

 

 

   

 

 

       
Net income excluding operating and nonoperating special charges, net and reflecting Economic Hedge Adjustments—Non-GAAP    $ 1,966        $ 1,039          
 

 

 

   

 

 

       
    2014     2013                    
Diluted earnings per share excluding operating and nonoperating special charges, net and reflecting Economic Hedge Adjustments—Non-GAAP          

Diluted earnings per share—GAAP

   $ 2.93        $ 1.53          

Operating and nonoperating special charges, net

    1.29         1.31          

MTM (gains) losses from fuel hedges settling in future periods

    0.62         (0.21)         

Prior period gains on fuel contracts settled in the current period

    0.21         0.10          

Impact of dilution

    0.01         —          
 

 

 

   

 

 

       
Diluted earnings per share excluding operating and nonoperating special charges, net and reflecting Economic Hedge Adjustments—Non-GAAP    $ 5.06        $ 2.73          
 

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

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      Year ended December 31,  
      2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  
Mainline CASM               

Operating expense

    $ 30,030         $ 30,483         $ 30,539         $ 28,850         $ 18,228    

Special charges

     443          520          1,323          592          669    

Third-party business expenses

     534          694          298          235          218    

Aircraft fuel and related taxes

     9,497          9,990          10,713          9,936          5,387    

Profit sharing

     235          190          119          265          166    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expense excluding above items

    $ 19,321         $ 19,089         $ 18,086         $ 17,822         $ 11,788    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              

ASMs - mainline

     214,105          213,007          216,330          219,437          145,738    
              

CASM (cents)

     14.03          14.31          14.12          13.15          12.51    

CASM, excluding special charges

     13.82          14.07          13.51          12.88          12.03    
CASM, excluding special charges and third-party business expenses      13.57          13.74          13.37          12.77          11.88    
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses and fuel      9.13          9.05          8.42          8.24          8.20    
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing      9.02          8.96          8.36          8.12          8.09    
              
Consolidated CASM               

Operating expense

    $ 36,528         $ 37,030         $ 37,113         $ 35,288         $ 22,349    

Special charges

     443          520          1,323          592          669    

Third-party business expenses

     534          694          298          235          218    

Aircraft fuel and related taxes

     11,675          12,345          13,138          12,375          6,687    

Profit sharing

     235          190          119          265          166    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expense excluding above items

    $ 23,641         $ 23,281         $ 22,235         $ 21,821         $ 14,609    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
              

ASMs - consolidated

     246,021          245,354          248,860          252,528          169,565    
              

CASM (cents)

     14.85          15.09          14.91          13.97          13.18    

CASM, excluding special charges

     14.67          14.88          14.38          13.74          12.77    
CASM, excluding special charges and third-party business expenses      14.45          14.60          14.26          13.65          12.64    
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses and fuel      9.70          9.57          8.98          8.75          8.71    
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing      9.61          9.49          8.93          8.64          8.62    

 

(a) See Note 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Overview

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UAL” or the “Company”) is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiary is United Airlines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “United”). As UAL consolidates United for financial statement purposes, disclosures that relate to activities of United also apply to UAL, unless otherwise noted. United’s operating revenues and operating expenses comprise nearly 100% of UAL’s revenues and operating expenses. In addition, United comprises approximately the entire balance of UAL’s assets, liabilities and operating cash flows. When appropriate, UAL and United are named specifically for their individual contractual obligations and related disclosures and any significant differences between the operations and results of UAL and United are separately disclosed and explained. We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” in this report for disclosures that relate to all of UAL and United.

2014 Financial Highlights

 

   

2014 net income was $1.1 billion, or $2.93 diluted earnings per share. The Company recorded Non-GAAP net income of $1.97 billion for 2014, or $5.06 diluted earnings per share, which excludes $507 million of operating and nonoperating special charges and $327 million of Economic Hedge Adjustments, consisting of $244 million of mark-to-market losses recorded in Nonoperating expense from fuel hedges settling in future periods and $83 million of prior period gains recorded in Nonoperating expense on fuel contracts settled in the current period. See Part II, Item 6 of this report for a reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP net income.

 

   

United’s consolidated PRASM increased 1.6% for 2014 compared to 2013.

 

   

2014 consolidated CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, increased 1.3% year-over-year on a consolidated capacity increase of 0.3%. 2014 CASM, including those items, decreased 1.6% year-over-year.

 

   

In 2014, UAL returned approximately $320 million to shareholders as part of its previously announced $1 billion share repurchase program. In addition, throughout the year, United spent $310 million to retire convertible debt that was convertible into approximately 5.8 million shares of UAL common stock.

 

   

UAL ended the year with $5.7 billion in unrestricted liquidity, which consisted of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and available capacity under the revolving credit facility of the Company’s Credit Agreement.

2014 Operational Highlights

 

   

Consolidated RPMs for 2014 increased 0.2% as compared to 2013, and consolidated ASMs increased 0.3% from the prior year, resulting in a consolidated load factor of 83.6% in 2014, which is the same load factor as in 2013.

 

   

The Company took delivery of four new Boeing 787-8 and two new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in 2014, bringing its total Dreamliner fleet to 14 aircraft. The Company also took delivery of 29 new Boeing 737-900ERs and 19 new Embraer E175s in 2014. United exited from scheduled service 37 Boeing 757-200s.

2015 Outlook

Set forth below is a discussion of the principal matters that we believe could impact our financial and operating performance and cause our results of operations in future periods to differ materially from our historical operating results and/or from our anticipated results of operations described in the forward-looking statements in this report. See Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this report and the factors described under “Forward-Looking Information” below for additional discussion of these and other factors that could affect us.

 

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The Company is committed to improving the efficiency and quality of all aspects of its business in 2015. Key initiatives for the year include improving our operational reliability and the handling of customers during irregular operations, such as adverse weather, improving our customer experience by adding satellite-based Wi-Fi to nearly all our mainline aircraft, introducing a new united.com website, refurbishing aircraft interiors, investing in our airports and taking delivery of more than 40 new, highly-efficient and customer-pleasing aircraft, and improving our financial performance.

Economic Conditions. The economic outlook for the aviation industry in 2015 is characterized by expected slow or modest U.S. and global economic growth. In such conditions, we expect a modest increase in the demand for air travel. Continuing economic uncertainty, along with the strengthening U.S. dollar, is providing uncertainty in key Asian and European markets, and along with continued political and socioeconomic tensions in regions such as the Middle East, may result in diminished demand for air travel. The global economy is also being impacted by declining oil prices, putting pressure on certain geographic markets.

Capacity. Over the past three years, the Company leveraged the flexibility of its fleet to better match capacity with market demand. In 2015, the Company expects consolidated ASMs to grow between 1.5% and 2.5% year-over-year.

Fuel. The Company’s average aircraft fuel price per gallon including related taxes was $2.99 in 2014 as compared to $3.13 in 2013. Recently, the price of jet fuel has declined, but remains volatile. Decreases in fuel prices for an extended period may result in increased industry capacity, increased competitive actions for market share and lower fares or surcharges in general. If fuel prices were subsequently to rise significantly, there may be a lag between improvement of revenue and the adverse impact of higher fuel prices. Given the highly competitive nature of the airline industry, the Company may not be able to increase its fares and fees sufficiently to offset the full impact of increases in fuel prices, especially if these increases are rapid and sustained. Further, such fare and fee increases may not be sustainable, may reduce the general demand for air travel and may also eventually impact the Company’s strategic growth and investment plans for the future. Based on projected fuel consumption in 2015, a one dollar change in the price of a barrel of crude oil would change the Company’s annual fuel expense by approximately $93 million. To protect against increases in the prices of aircraft fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements.

Labor. As of December 31, 2014, United had approximately 80% of employees represented by unions. During 2014, United’s maintenance instructor, load planner, fleet technical instructor, security officer and dispatcher work groups ratified new joint labor agreements. We are in the process of negotiating joint collective bargaining agreements with our technicians and flight attendants. The Company cannot predict the outcome of negotiations with its unionized employee groups, although significant increases in the pay and benefits resulting from new collective bargaining agreements would have a material financial impact on the Company.

CASM. In 2015, the Company expects CASM, excluding fuel, third-party business expense, profit sharing and special charges to be flat to up one percent year-over-year. We are unable to project CASM on a GAAP basis as the nature and amount of special charges are not determinable at this time. 

The Company’s cost initiative project that began in 2014, called Project Quality, has a goal to reduce the Company’s annual costs by $2 billion and generate an incremental $700 million in additional ancillary revenue by the end of 2017. The anticipated savings are comprised of $1 billion in annual fuel savings, based on fuel prices in 2013, and $1 billion of non-fuel savings. In 2014, the Company achieved approximately $200 million in fuel savings and $380 million in non-fuel savings.

MileagePlus. Effective March 1, 2015, the Company will modify its MileagePlus program for most tickets from the current model in which members earn redeemable miles based on distance traveled to one based on ticket price (including base fare and carrier imposed surcharges). Members will be able to earn between five and eleven miles per dollar spent based on their MileagePlus status. The updated program will enhance the rewards for customers who spend more with United and give them improved mileage-earning opportunities.

 

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Results of Operations

In this section, we compare results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 with results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 with results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. Non-GAAP financial measures are presented because they provide management and investors with the ability to measure and monitor the Company’s performance on a consistent basis.

2014 compared to 2013

Operating Revenue

The table below illustrates the year-over-year percentage change in the Company’s operating revenues for the years ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

      2014      2013      Increase
(Decrease)
     % Change  

Passenger—Mainline

    $ 26,785         $ 25,997         $ 788          3.0    

Passenger—Regional

     6,977          7,125          (148)         (2.1)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total passenger revenue

     33,762          33,122          640          1.9    

Cargo

     938          882          56          6.3    

Other operating revenue

     4,201          4,275          (74)         (1.7)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 38,901        $ 38,279        $ 622          1.6    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The table below presents the Company’s selected passenger revenue and selected operating data based on geographic region (regional flights consist primarily of domestic routes):

 

    Increase (decrease) in 2014 from 2013 (a):  
        Domestic           Pacific           Atlantic           Latin             Total
  Mainline     
      Regional           Consolidated      
Passenger revenue (in millions)    $ 490           $ (41)          $ 169           $ 170           $ 788          $ (148)          $ 640       

Passenger revenue

    3.9 %        (0.9)%        2.9 %        6.5 %        3.0 %        (2.1)%        1.9 %   
Average fare per passenger     4.7 %        2.2 %        4.1 %        (4.2)%        2.9 %        0.7 %        2.8 %   

Yield

    4.9 %        (1.6)%        3.6 %        (1.9)%        2.7 %        (1.9)%        1.7 %   

PRASM

    5.2 %        (3.6)%        2.6 %        — %        2.5 %        (0.8)%        1.6 %   

Average stage length

    0.5 %        4.8 %        0.9 %        (1.8)%        1.2 %        3.5 %        2.4 %   

Passengers

    (0.8)%        (3.0)%        (1.2)%        11.2 %        0.2 %        (2.8)%        (0.8) %   

RPMs (traffic)

    (1.0)%        0.8 %        (0.8)%        8.5 %        0.2 %        (0.2)%        0.2 %   

ASMs (capacity)

    (1.3)%        2.8 %        0.3 %        6.5 %        0.5 %        (1.3)%        0.3 %   
Passenger load factor (points)     0.3            (1.6)           (0.8)           1.5            (0.2)           1.0            —       

 

  (a) See Part II, Item 6 of this report for the definition of these statistics.

Consolidated passenger revenue in 2014 increased $640 million, or 1.9%, as compared to 2013. This increase was primarily due to an increase in consolidated yield of 1.7% and an increase in average fare per passenger of 2.8%. There was also an increase in capacity and traffic of 0.3%and 0.2%, respectively, as compared to 2013. The 2014 average fare increase was due in part to a strong domestic demand environment and a number of new long-haul routes that generated higher fares than the system average. Also in 2014, the Company improved its revenue management demand forecast process related to close-in bookings which improved yields. 2013 consolidated passenger revenue was negatively impacted by factors including additional competitive capacity in China and the Japanese yen weakening against the U.S. dollar, resulting in lower Pacific yields.

 

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Cargo revenue increased by $56 million, or 6.3%, in 2014 as compared to 2013, which was primarily due to higher freight volumes and an improvement in mail revenue year-over-year, partially offset by lower yield on freight.

Other operating revenue decreased $74 million, or 1.7%, in 2014 as compared to 2013, which was primarily due to the Company’s decision to discontinue sales of aircraft fuel to a third party, partially offset by increases in ancillary, MileagePlus and contract services revenue.

Operating Expense

The table below includes data related to the Company’s operating expense for the year ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2014      2013      Increase
(Decrease)
     % Change  

Aircraft fuel

    $ 11,675         $ 12,345         $ (670)         (5.4)   

Salaries and related costs

     8,935          8,625          310          3.6    

Regional capacity purchase

     2,344          2,419          (75)         (3.1)   

Landing fees and other rent

     2,274          2,090          184          8.8    

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     1,779          1,821          (42)         (2.3)   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,679          1,689          (10)         (0.6)   

Distribution expenses

     1,373          1,390          (17)         (1.2)   

Aircraft rent

     883          936          (53)         (5.7)   

Special charges

     443          520          (77)         NM    

Other operating expenses

     5,143          5,195          (52)         (1.0)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
    $ 36,528         $ 37,030         $ (502)         (1.4)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The decrease in aircraft fuel expense was primarily attributable to decreased fuel prices partially offset by losses from fuel hedging activity and a 0.3% increase in capacity.

 

    (In millions)     %
Change
    Average price per gallon  
     2014     2013       2014     2013     %
Change
 
Total aircraft fuel purchase cost excluding fuel hedge impacts    $   11,586        $   12,363         (6.3)       $ 2.97        $ 3.13         (5.1)   
Hedge gains (losses) reported in fuel expense     (89)        18         NM         (0.02)        —         NM    
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Fuel expense as reported

    11,675         12,345         (5.4)        2.99         3.13         (4.5)   
Cash received (paid) on settled hedges that did not qualify for hedge accounting (a)     (138) (b)      39         NM         (0.04)        0.01         NM    
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
Fuel expense including all gains (losses) from settled hedges    $ 11,813        $   12,306         (4.0)       $ 3.03        $ 3.12         (2.9)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total fuel consumption (gallons)

    3,905         3,947         (1.1)         

 

(a) Includes ineffectiveness gains (losses) on cash-settled hedges and gains (losses) on cash-settled hedges that were not designated for hedge accounting. Ineffectiveness gains (losses) and gains (losses) on hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net.

(b) Includes $81 million for hedges settled in the fourth quarter of 2014 prior to their original 2015 maturity dates.

Salaries and related costs increased $310 million, or 3.6%, in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily due to higher pay rates driven by collective bargaining agreements, increased medical and dental costs and costs associated with crew shortages and new crew rest rules, partially offset by lower post-employment benefit costs.

 

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Landing fees and other rent increased $184 million, or 8.8%, in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily due to a transition from paying regional carriers for landing fees to paying airports directly. Landing fees have also increased due to airport security services and modernization projects at certain airport locations.

Aircraft rent decreased $53 million, or 5.7%, in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily due to aircraft lease expirations and terminations of several Boeing 757-200 aircraft leases resulting from the Company’s purchase of the leased aircraft.

The table below presents integration-related costs and special items incurred by the Company during the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

     2014      2013  

Severance and benefit costs

    $ 199         $ 105    

Integration-related costs

     96          205    

Costs associated with permanently grounding Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft

     66          —    

Impairment of assets

     49          33    

Labor agreement costs

     —          127    

(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special (gains) losses, net

     33          50    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total special items

    $ 443         $ 520    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

The following table illustrates the year-over-year dollar and percentage changes in the Company’s nonoperating income (expense) (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2014      2013      Increase
(Decrease)
     % Change  

Interest expense

    $ (735)        $ (783)        $ (48)         (6.1)   

Interest capitalized

     52          49                  6.1    

Interest income

     22          21                  4.8    

Miscellaneous, net

     (584)                 (587)         NM    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

    $ (1,245)        $ (710)        $ 535          75.4    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The decrease in interest expense of $48 million, or 6.1%, in 2014 as compared to 2013 was primarily due to the Company’s extinguishment of certain of its debt instruments and the refinancing of certain of its debt instruments at lower interest rates.

In 2014, Miscellaneous, net included a MTM loss of $465 million from fuel hedge derivatives as compared to a gain of $84 million in 2013. Miscellaneous, net also included foreign currency losses of $41 million and $29 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. 2014 Miscellaneous, net includes a $64 million debt extinguishment charge related to the retirement of the $248 million 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures.

United’s nonoperating expense also included a net gain of $19 million associated with marking to market the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities related to agreements that provide for United’s convertible debt to be settled with UAL common stock as compared to a net gain of $70 million in 2013. These net gains and related derivatives are reflected only in the United stand-alone financial statements as they are eliminated at the consolidated level. See Note 9 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.

 

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2013 compared to 2012

Operating Revenue

The table below illustrates the year-over-year percentage change in the Company’s operating revenues for the years ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2013      2012      Increase
(Decrease)
     % Change  

Passenger—Mainline

    $ 25,997         $ 25,804         $ 193          0.7    

Passenger—Regional

     7,125          6,779          346          5.1    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total passenger revenue

     33,122          32,583          539          1.7    

Cargo

     882          1,018          (136)         (13.4)   

Other operating revenue

     4,275          3,551          724          20.4    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
    $ 38,279         $ 37,152         $ 1,127          3.0    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The table below presents the Company’s selected passenger revenue and selected operating data based on geographic region (regional flights consist primarily of domestic routes):

 

    Increase (decrease) in 2013 from 2012 (a):  
        Domestic           Pacific           Atlantic           Latin             Total
  Mainline     
      Regional         Consolidated    

Passenger revenue (in millions)

   $ 58           $ (212)          $ 331           $ 16           $ 193            $ 346           $ 539       

Passenger revenue

    0.5 %        (4.3)%        5.9 %        0.6 %        0.7 %        5.1 %        1.7 %   

Average fare per passenger

    4.0 %        (3.7)%        4.4 %        0.8 %        3.2 %        2.8 %        2.6 %   

Yield

    1.7 %        (3.7)%        5.1 %        (0.2)%        1.3 %        3.1 %        1.8 %   

PRASM

    2.7 %        (3.2)%        7.2 %        0.8 %        2.3 %        5.7 %        3.1 %   

Average stage length

    2.3 %        0.3 %        (0.6)%        2.1 %        2.1 %        — %        1.2 %   

Passengers

    (3.4)%        (0.5)%        1.5 %        (0.2)%        (2.4)%        2.2 %        (0.9)%   

RPMs (traffic)

    (1.2)%        (0.5)%        0.8 %        0.8 %        (0.5)%        2.0 %        (0.2)%   

ASMs (capacity)

    (2.1)%        (1.1)%        (1.2)%        (0.2)%        (1.5)%        (0.6)%        (1.4)%   

Passenger load factor (points)

    0.8            0.4            1.6            0.8            0.9            2.1            1.0       

 

  (a) See Part II, Item 6 of this report for the definition of these statistics.

Consolidated passenger revenue in 2013 increased $539 million, or 1.7%, as compared to 2012. This increase was primarily due to an increase in consolidated yield of 1.8% and an increase in average fare per passenger of 2.6%, offset in part by a decline in capacity of 1.4% and a reduction in traffic of 0.2% as compared to the year-ago period. Consolidated passenger revenue was also impacted by factors including additional competitive capacity in China and the Japanese yen weakening against the U.S. dollar, resulting in lower Pacific yields and a revenue management demand forecast which underestimated the amount of close-in booking demand resulting in a lower-than-expected yield mix in 2013.

Cargo revenue decreased by $136 million, or 13.4%, in 2013 as compared to 2012 due to lower volumes on freight primarily in the Domestic and Atlantic regions offset slightly by an increase in mail revenue for the period. Both freight volume and yield continued to decrease in 2013 compared to 2012 due primarily to the continuation of declining demand for shipments of freight.

Other operating revenue increased $724 million, or 20.4%, in 2013 as compared to 2012, which was primarily due to the sale of aircraft fuel of approximately $400 million to a third party. Other operating revenue also increased due to additional revenue from non-airline partners under our MileagePlus loyalty program, passenger ticket change fees and sales of airport lounge access.

 

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Operating Expense

The table below includes data related to the Company’s operating expense for the year ended December 31 (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

      2013      2012      Increase
(Decrease)
     % Change  

Aircraft fuel

    $ 12,345         $ 13,138         $ (793)         (6.0)   

Salaries and related costs

     8,625          7,945          680          8.6    

Regional capacity purchase

     2,419          2,470          (51)         (2.1)   

Landing fees and other rent

     2,090          1,929          161          8.3    

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     1,821          1,760          61          3.5    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,689          1,522          167          11.0    

Distribution expenses

     1,390          1,352          38          2.8    

Aircraft rent

     936          993          (57)         (5.7)   

Special charges

     520          1,323          (803)         NM    

Other operating expenses

     5,195          4,681          514          11.0    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    
    $ 37,030         $ 37,113         $ (83)         (0.2)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The significant decrease in aircraft fuel expense was primarily attributable to decreased fuel prices, a 1.4% reduction in capacity and gains (losses) from fuel hedging activity in both years, as shown in the table below:

 

    (In millions)     %
Change
    Average price per gallon  
     2013     2012       2013     2012     %
Change
 
Total aircraft fuel purchase cost excluding fuel hedge impacts    $   12,363        $   12,997         (4.9    $   3.13        $   3.24         (3.4)   
Hedge gains (losses) reported in fuel expense     18         (141)        NM         —         (0.03)        NM    
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Fuel expense as reported

    12,345         13,138         (6.0     3.13         3.27         (4.3)   
Cash received (paid) on settled hedges that did not qualify for hedge accounting (a)     39         (1)        NM         0.01         —         NM    
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
Fuel expense including all gains (losses) from settled hedges    $ 12,306        $ 13,139         (6.3    $ 3.12        $ 3.27         (4.6)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total fuel consumption (gallons)

    3,947         4,016         (1.7)         

 

(a) Includes ineffectiveness gains (losses) on cash-settled hedges and gains (losses) on cash-settled hedges that were not designated for hedge accounting. These amounts are recorded in Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net.

Salaries and related costs increased $680 million, or 8.6%, in 2013 as compared to 2012. The increase was due to higher pay rates driven by new collective bargaining agreements, profit sharing and other incentive programs, as well as increased pension and retirement plan costs.

Landing fees and other rent increased $161 million, or 8.3%, in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily due to a transition from paying regional carriers for landing fees to paying airports directly. Landing fees paid directly to airports are charged to Landing fees and other rent while payments to regional carriers are recorded to Regional capacity purchase. As a result of this change, there was a significant shift of expense out of Regional capacity purchase into Landing fees and other rent in 2013. Other rent also increased as a result of the increase in rent at Newark Liberty pursuant to an amendment to United’s Terminal C lease signed in early 2013 that extended the term of the Terminal C lease with respect to concourses C-1 and C-2 at Newark Liberty until 2033.

 

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Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs increased $61 million, or 3.5%, in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily due to increased volume and scope of airframe heavy checks, mainly on the Boeing 747 and Boeing 757 fleet types, partially offset by a reduction in engine maintenance volumes driven mainly by the timing of overhauls.

Depreciation and amortization increased $167 million, or 11.0%, in 2013 as compared to 2012 due to additions in owned property and equipment in the current year, specifically related to new aircraft and improvements at airport facilities, as well as accelerated depreciation of $89 million on 30 Boeing 757-200 aircraft in process of being sold to a third party.

Other operating expenses increased $514 million, or 11.0%, in 2013 as compared to 2012 due to the cost of aircraft fuel sold to a third party and an increase in other personnel-related expenses.

The table below presents integration-related costs and special items incurred by UAL during the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

     2013      2012  

Severance and benefit costs

    $ 105         $ 125    

Integration-related costs

     205          739    

Impairment of assets held for disposal

     33          30    

Labor agreement costs

     127          475    

(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special (gains) losses, net

     50          (46)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total special items

    $ 520         $ 1,323    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 17 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.

Nonoperating Income (Expense)

The following table illustrates the year-over-year dollar and percentage changes in UAL’s nonoperating income (expense) (in millions, except percentage changes):

 

     2013      2012      Increase
(Decrease)
     % Change  

Interest expense

    $ (783)        $ (835)        $ (52)         (6.2)   

Interest capitalized

     49          37          12          32.4    

Interest income

     21          23          (2)         (8.7)   

Miscellaneous, net

             12          (9)         (75.0)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

    $ (710)        $ (763)        $ (53)         (6.9)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

The decrease in interest expense of $52 million, or 6.2%, in 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily due to lower average debt principal outstanding for a majority of the year.

In 2013, miscellaneous, net included a gain of $84 million from fuel hedge derivatives as compared to a gain of $37 million in 2012.

United’s nonoperating expense also included a net gain of $70 million associated with marking to market the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities related to agreements that provide for United’s convertible debt to be settled with UAL common stock as compared to a net gain of $42 million in 2012. This net gain and related derivatives were reflected only in the United stand-alone financial statements as they were eliminated at the consolidated level. See Note 9 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $4.4 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, a decrease of $0.7 billion from December 31, 2013. The Company had its entire commitment capacity of $1.35 billion under the Credit Agreement available for letters of credit or borrowings as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had $320 million of restricted cash and cash equivalents, which is primarily collateral for performance bonds, letters of credit, credit card processing agreements and estimated future workers’ compensation claims. We may be required to post significant additional cash collateral to provide security for obligations that are not currently backed by cash. Restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 totaled $395 million. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had cash collateralized $74 million of letters of credit. Approximately $100 million of the Company’s unrestricted cash balance was held as Venezuelan bolivars as of December 31, 2014 based on a mix of historical rates in effect at the time of submission for repatriation. United is working with Venezuelan authorities regarding the timing and exchange rate applicable to the repatriation of funds held in local currency.

As is the case with many of our principal competitors, we have a high proportion of debt compared to capital. We have a significant amount of fixed obligations, including debt, aircraft leases and financings, leases of airport property and other facilities and pension funding obligations. At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $12.1 billion of debt and capital lease obligations, including $1.4 billion that are due within the next 12 months. In addition, we have substantial non-cancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of new aircraft and related spare engines. The Company had principal payments of debt and capital lease obligations totaling $2.6 billion in 2014.

The Company will continue to evaluate opportunities to prepay its debt, including open market repurchases, to reduce its indebtedness and the amount of interest paid on its indebtedness.

For 2015, the Company expects between $3.0 billion and $3.2 billion of gross capital expenditures. See Notes 11 and 15 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on commitments.

As of December 31, 2014, a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, principally aircraft, route authorities and certain other intangible assets, were pledged under various loan and other agreements. See Note 11 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on assets provided as collateral by the Company.

Although access to the capital markets improved in recent years as evidenced by our financing transactions, we cannot give any assurances that we will be able to obtain additional financing or otherwise access the capital markets in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. We must sustain our profitability and/or access the capital markets to meet our significant long-term debt and capital lease obligations and future commitments for capital expenditures, including the acquisition of aircraft and related spare engines.

The following is a discussion of the Company’s sources and uses of cash from 2012 through 2014.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

2014 compared to 2013

The Company’s cash from operating activities increased by $1.2 billion in 2014, as compared to 2013. Cash from operations increased primarily due to an increase in operating income and advanced ticket sales and a decrease in other working capital items in 2014.

2013 compared to 2012

The Company’s cash from operating activities increased by $509 million in 2013, as compared to 2012. Cash from operations increased primarily due to the Company’s improvement in earnings in 2013.

 

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Cash Flows from Investing Activities

2014 compared to 2013

The Company’s capital expenditures were $2.0 billion and $2.2 billion in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company’s capital expenditures for both years were primarily attributable to the purchase of aircraft, facility and fleet-related costs.

2013 compared to 2012

The Company’s capital expenditures were $2.2 billion and $2 billion in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company’s capital expenditures for both years were primarily attributable to the purchase of aircraft and other fleet-related expenditures to improve the onboard experience of our customers on our existing aircraft.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Significant financing events in 2014 were as follows:

Share Repurchases

The Company used $320 million of cash to purchase 6.5 million shares of its common stock during 2014 under its $1 billion share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has $680 million remaining to spend under that program. See Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” of this report for additional information.

Debt Issuances

During 2014, United issued debt related to three separate enhanced equipment trust certificate (“EETC”) offerings to finance new aircraft deliveries, bringing the total issued at year end 2014 pursuant to these three EETC offerings to $2.0 billion. Including the EETC offering in 2013, United recorded $1.8 billion of proceeds as debt during 2014. See Note 16 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on financing activities not affecting cash related to net property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt.

United borrowed a $500 million term loan under the Credit Agreement.

Debt and Capital Lease Payments

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company made debt and capital lease payments of $2.6 billion, including the following prepayments:

 

   

UAL retired, at par, $400 million principal balance of its 8% Notes due 2024.

 

   

United used cash to purchase approximately $276 million principal amount of convertible notes and retired the notes.

 

   

United retired, at par, the entire $800 million principal balance of its 6.75% Senior Secured Notes.

Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash

UAL amended its revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement increasing the capacity from $1.0 billion to $1.35 billion and establishing the maturity date for $1.315 billion in lender commitments as January 2, 2019.

UAL issued approximately 17 million shares in exchange for, or conversion of, $260 million of convertible notes and retired the notes.

 

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Significant financing events in 2013 were as follows:

Debt Issuances

During 2013, United issued debt related to three separate EETC offerings to finance new aircraft deliveries, bringing the total issued at year end 2013 pursuant to these three EETC offerings to $1.5 billion. Including the EETC offerings in 2012, United recorded $900 million of proceeds as debt during 2013.

UAL issued $600 million unsecured Senior Notes.

United and UAL entered into the Credit Agreement as the borrower and guarantor, respectively. The Company’s Credit Agreement originally consisted of a $900 million term loan due April 1, 2019 and a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility available for drawing until April 1, 2018.

Debt and Capital Lease Payments

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company made debt and capital lease payments of $2.3 billion, including the following prepayments:

 

   

The Company used $900 million from the Credit Agreement, together with approximately $300 million of cash to retire the entire principal balance of a $1.2 billion term loan due 2014 that was outstanding under United’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007.

 

   

United redeemed all of the $400 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2013 and $200 million aggregate principal amount of 12.0% Senior Second Lien Notes due 2013.

 

   

United redeemed $303 million aggregate principal amount of EETC notes.

Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash

UAL issued approximately 28 million shares of UAL common stock pursuant to agreements that UAL entered into with certain of its securityholders in exchange for approximately $240 million in aggregate principal amount of UAL’s outstanding 6% Convertible Senior Notes held by the holders of these notes. The Company retired the 6% Convertible Senior Notes acquired in the exchange.

Significant financing events in 2012 were as follows:

The Company received $1.5 billion in proceeds from EETC transactions in 2012.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company made debt and capital lease payments of $1.5 billion, including prepayments. These payments include $195 million related to United’s Series 2002-1 EETCs.

In August 2012, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”) issued approximately $101 million of special facility revenue bonds (the “2012 Bonds”) to provide funds for the defeasance of approximately $100 million of the Authority’s previously issued and outstanding special facility revenue bonds maturing on September 15, 2012 (the “Refunded Bonds”). The Refunded Bonds were guaranteed by United and payable from certain rental payments made by United pursuant to two lease agreements between the Authority and United. The 2012 Bonds are payable from certain loan repayments made by United under a loan agreement between United and the Authority. The 2012 Bonds are recorded by the Company as unsecured long-term debt.

For additional information regarding these matters, see Notes 3, 11, 13, 14 and 16 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

 

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Credit Ratings. As of the filing date of this report, UAL and United had the following corporate credit ratings:

 

         S&P    Moody’s    Fitch
  UAL    B    B1    B
  United    B    *    B

*The credit agency does not issue corporate credit ratings for subsidiary entities.

These credit ratings are below investment grade levels. Downgrades from these rating levels, among other things, could restrict the availability or increase the cost of future financing for the Company.

Other Liquidity Matters

Below is a summary of additional liquidity matters. See the indicated notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional details related to these and other matters affecting our liquidity and commitments.

 

Pension and other postretirement plans

   Note 8

Hedging activities

   Note 10

Long-term debt and debt covenants (a)

   Note 11

Leases and capacity purchase agreements

   Note 13

Commitments and contingencies

   Note 15

(a) Certain of the Company’s financing agreements have covenants that impose certain operating and financial restrictions, as applicable, on the Company and its material subsidiaries.

Contractual Obligations. The Company’s business is capital intensive, requiring significant amounts of capital to fund the acquisition of assets, particularly aircraft. In the past, the Company has funded the acquisition of aircraft through outright purchase, by issuing debt, by entering into capital or operating leases, or through vendor financings. The Company also often enters into long-term lease commitments with airports to ensure access to terminal, cargo, maintenance and other required facilities.

The table below provides a summary of the Company’s material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in billions):

 

    2015     2016     2017     2018     2019     After
2019
    Total  

Long-term debt (a)

    $ 1.3          $ 1.2          $ 0.8          $ 1.3          $ 1.7          $ 5.2          $ 11.5     

Capital lease obligations—principal portion

    0.1          0.1          0.1          0.1          —          0.3          0.7     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt and capital lease obligations

    1.4          1.3          0.9          1.4          1.7          5.5          12.2     

Interest on debt and capital lease obligations (b)

    0.7          0.6          0.5          0.3          0.3          1.1          3.5     

Aircraft operating lease obligations

    1.4          1.2          1.1          0.9          0.7          2.0          7.3     

Regional CPAs (c)

    1.9          1.8          1.7          1.3          1.0          3.4          11.1     

Other operating lease obligations

    1.3          1.1          1.1          0.8          0.8          7.9          13.0     

Postretirement obligations (d)

    0.1          0.1          0.1          0.1          0.1          0.8          1.3     

Pension obligations (e)

    0.1          —          0.1          0.2          0.2          1.6          2.2     

Capital purchase obligations (f)

    3.2          2.3          1.3          2.2          3.3          10.7          23.0     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

    $ 10.1          $ 8.4          $ 6.8          $ 7.2          $ 8.1          $ 33.0          $ 73.6     

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
(a) Long-term debt presented in the Company’s financial statements is net of a $99 million debt discount which is being amortized over the debt terms. Contractual payments are not net of the debt discount. Contractual long-term debt includes $65 million of non-cash obligations as these debt payments are made directly to the creditor by a company that leases three aircraft from United. The creditor’s only recourse to United is repossession of the aircraft.

 

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(b) Includes interest portion of capital lease obligations of $58 million in 2015, $52 million in 2016, $32 million in 2017, $23 million in 2018, $18 million in 2019 and $210 million thereafter. Future interest payments on variable rate debt are estimated using estimated future variable rates based on a yield curve.
(c) Represents our estimates of future minimum noncancelable commitments under our CPAs and does not include the portion of the underlying obligations for aircraft and facility rent that is disclosed as part of aircraft and nonaircraft operating leases. Amounts also exclude a portion of United’s capital lease obligation recorded for certain of its CPAs. See Note 13 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for the significant assumptions used to estimate the payments.
(d) Amounts represent postretirement benefit payments, net of subsidy receipts, through 2024. Benefit payments approximate plan contributions as plans are substantially unfunded.
(e) Represents estimate of the minimum funding requirements as determined by government regulations for United’s material pension plans. Amounts are subject to change based on numerous assumptions, including the performance of assets in the plan and bond rates. See Critical Accounting Policies, below, for a discussion of our current year assumptions regarding United’s pension plans.
(f) Represents contractual commitments for firm order aircraft and spare engines only and noncancelable commitments to purchase goods and services, primarily information technology support. See Note 15 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of our purchase commitments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a company has (1) made guarantees, (2) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (3) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity, or (4) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements. The Company’s primary off-balance sheet arrangements include operating leases, which are summarized in the contractual obligations table in Contractual Obligations, above, and certain municipal bond obligations, as discussed below.

As of December 31, 2014, United had cash collateralized $74 million of letters of credit. United also had $410 million of performance bonds and letters of credit relating to various real estate, customs and aircraft financing obligations at December 31, 2014. Most of the letters of credit have evergreen clauses and are expected to be renewed on an annual basis and the performance bonds have expiration dates through 2019.

As of December 31, 2014, United is the guarantor of approximately $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt special facilities revenue bonds and interest thereon. These bonds, issued by various airport municipalities, are payable solely from rentals paid under long-term agreements with the respective governing bodies. The leasing arrangements associated with a majority of these obligations are accounted for as operating leases and are not recorded in the Company’s financial statements. The leasing arrangements associated with a portion of these obligations are accounted for as capital leases. The annual lease payments for those obligations accounted for as operating leases are included in the operating lease payments in the contractual obligations table above.

EETCs. In August 2014, April 2014 and August 2013, United completed three separate EETC offerings for a total principal amount of $2.9 billion. Of the $2.9 billion, United has received and recorded $2.0 billion of proceeds as debt as of December 31, 2014. United expects to receive all proceeds from the August 2014 pass-through trusts by the end of 2015. See Notes 11 and 14 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on EETC pass-through trusts and variable interest entity consideration.

Increased Cost Provisions. See Note 15 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information on increased cost provisions related to the Company’s debt.

Fuel Consortia. United participates in numerous fuel consortia with other air carriers at major airports to reduce the costs of fuel distribution and storage. Interline agreements govern the rights and responsibilities of the consortia members and provide for the allocation of the overall costs to operate the consortia based on usage. The consortia (and in limited cases, the participating carriers) have entered into long-term agreements to lease certain airport fuel storage and distribution facilities that are typically financed through tax-exempt bonds (either special facilities lease revenue bonds or general airport revenue bonds), issued by various local municipalities. In general, each consortium lease agreement requires the consortium to make lease payments in amounts sufficient to pay the maturing principal and interest payments on the bonds. As of December 31, 2014, approximately $1.4 billion principal amount of such bonds were secured by significant fuel facility leases in which United

 

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participates, as to which United and each of the signatory airlines have provided indirect guarantees of the debt. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s contingent exposure was approximately $239 million principal amount of such bonds based on its recent consortia participation. The Company’s contingent exposure could increase if the participation of other air carriers decreases. The guarantees will expire when the tax-exempt bonds are paid in full, which range from 2015 to 2041. The Company did not record a liability at the time these indirect guarantees were made.

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are affected by significant judgments and uncertainties which potentially could result in materially different accounting under different assumptions and conditions. The Company has prepared the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company has identified the following critical accounting policies that impact the preparation of the financial statements.

Passenger Revenue Recognition. The value of unused passenger tickets is included in current liabilities as advance ticket sales. The Company records passenger ticket sales and tickets sold by other airlines for use on United as passenger revenue when the transportation is provided or upon estimated breakage. Tickets sold by other airlines are recorded at the estimated values to be billed to the other airlines. Differences between amounts billed and the actual amounts may be rejected and rebilled or written off if the amount recorded was different from the original estimate. When necessary, the Company records a reserve against our interline billings and payables if historical experience indicates that these amounts are different. Non-refundable tickets generally expire on the date of the intended flight, unless the date is extended by notification from the customer on or before the intended flight date.

Fees charged in association with changes or extensions to non-refundable tickets are recorded as other revenue at the time the fee is incurred. The fare on the changed ticket, including any additional collection of fare, is deferred and recognized in accordance with our transportation revenue recognition policy at the time the transportation is provided. Change fees related to non-refundable tickets are considered a separate transaction from the air transportation because they represent a charge for the Company’s additional service to modify a previous sale. Therefore, the pricing of the change fee and the initial customer order are separately determined and represent distinct earnings processes.

The Company records an estimate of breakage revenue on the flight date for tickets that will expire unused. These estimates are based on the evaluation of actual historical results and forecasted trends. Refundable tickets expire after one year from the date of issuance.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and created a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This amendment prescribes that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The amendments will become effective for the Company’s annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017. Under the new standard, certain airline ancillary fees directly related to passenger revenue tickets, such as airline change fees and baggage fees, are likely to no longer be considered distinct performance obligations separate from the passenger travel component. In addition, the change fees which were previously recognized when incurred, will likely be recognized when transportation is provided. The Company is evaluating other impacts on its consolidated financial statements.

Frequent Flyer Accounting. The Company’s MileagePlus program is designed to increase customer loyalty. Program participants earn miles by flying on United and certain other participating airlines. Program participants can also earn miles through purchases from other non-airline partners that participate in the Company’s loyalty

 

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program. We sell miles to these partners, which include credit card issuers, retail merchants, hotels, car rental companies and our participating airline partners. Miles can be redeemed for free (other than taxes and government imposed fees), discounted or upgraded air travel and non-travel awards. The Company records its obligation for future award redemptions using a deferred revenue model.

In the case of the sale of air services, the Company recognizes a portion of the ticket sales as revenue when the air transportation occurs and defers a portion of the ticket sale representing the value of the related miles as a multiple-deliverable revenue arrangement. The miles are recorded in frequent flyer deferred revenue on the Company’s balance sheet and recognized into revenue when the transportation is provided.

The Company determines the estimated selling price of air transportation and miles as if each element is sold on a separate basis. The total consideration from each ticket sale is then allocated to each of these elements individually on a pro rata basis. The Company’s estimated selling price of miles prior to April 1, 2014 was based on the price we sell miles to Star Alliance partners in our reciprocal frequent flyer agreements as the best estimate of selling price for these miles.

On March 30, 2014, US Airways exited Star Alliance. Effective with the exit date, the Company updated its estimated selling price for miles to a value based on the equivalent ticket value less fulfillment discount, which incorporates the expected redemption of miles. The equivalent ticket value used as the basis for the estimated selling price of miles is based on the prior 12 months’ weighted average equivalent ticket value of similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions while taking into consideration such factors as redemption pattern, cabin class, loyalty status and geographic region. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted by a fulfillment discount that considers a number of factors, including redemption patterns of various customer groups. This change in estimate was applied on a prospective basis beginning April 1, 2014. The impact of this change resulted in an increase in consolidated revenue of approximately $95 million (and an increase of approximately $0.26 per UAL basic share and $0.24 per UAL diluted share) in 2014.

United has a significant contract to sell MileagePlus miles to its co-branded credit card partner, Chase. United identified five revenue elements in the Co-Brand Agreement: the air transportation element represented by the value of the mile (generally resulting from its redemption for future air transportation and whose fair value is described above); use of the United brand and access to MileagePlus member lists; advertising; baggage services; and airport lounge usage (together, excluding “the air transportation element,” the “marketing-related deliverables”).

The fair value of the elements is determined using management’s estimated selling price of each element. The objective of using the estimated selling price based methodology is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. Accordingly, we determine our best estimate of selling price by considering multiple inputs and methods including, but not limited to, discounted cash flows, brand value, volume discounts, published selling prices, number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed. The Company estimated the selling prices and volumes over the term of the Co-Brand Agreement in order to determine the allocation of proceeds to each of the multiple elements to be delivered. The method for determining the selling price of the mile component changed March 30, 2014, as described above. We also evaluate volumes on an annual basis, which may result in a change in the allocation of estimated selling price on a prospective basis.

The Company accounts for miles sold and awarded that will never be redeemed by program members, which we refer to as breakage. The Company reviews its breakage estimates annually based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns. Miles expire after 18 months of member account inactivity.

The Company’s estimate of the expected expiration of miles requires significant management judgment. Current and future changes to expiration assumptions or to the expiration policy, or to program rules and program redemption opportunities, may result in material changes to the deferred revenue balance as well as recognized revenues from the programs.

 

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The Company records passenger revenue related to the air transportation element when the transportation is delivered. The other elements are generally recognized as Other operating revenue when earned.

The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s frequent flyer deferred revenue liability:

 

Frequent flyer deferred revenue at December 31, 2014 (in millions)

   $ 4,937      

% of miles earned expected to expire

     18%   

Impact of 1% change in outstanding miles or weighted average ticket value on deferred revenue (in millions)

   $ 55      

Effective March 1, 2015, the Company will modify its MileagePlus program for most tickets from the current model in which members earn redeemable miles based on distance traveled to one based on ticket price (including base fare and carrier imposed surcharges). Members will be able to earn between five and eleven miles per dollar spent based on their MileagePlus status. The updated program will enhance the rewards for customers who spend more with United and give them improved mileage-earning opportunities.

Long-Lived Assets. The net book value of operating property and equipment for the Company was $19 billion and $18 billion at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The assets’ recorded value is impacted by a number of accounting policy elections, including the estimation of useful lives and residual values and, when necessary, the recognition of asset impairment charges.

The Company records assets acquired, including aircraft, at acquisition cost. Depreciable life is determined through economic analysis, such as reviewing existing fleet plans, obtaining appraisals and comparing estimated lives to other airlines that operate similar fleets. As aircraft technology has improved, useful life has increased and the Company has generally estimated the lives of those aircraft to be 30 years. Residual values are estimated based on historical experience with regard to the sale of both aircraft and spare parts and are established in conjunction with the estimated useful lives of the related fleets. Residual values are based on when the aircraft are acquired and typically reflect asset values that have not reached the end of their physical life. Both depreciable lives and residual values are revised periodically as facts and circumstances arise to recognize changes in the Company’s fleet plan and other relevant information. A one-year increase in the average depreciable life of the Company’s flight equipment would reduce annual depreciation expense on flight equipment by approximately $50 million.

The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets and intangible assets subject to amortization whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. For purposes of this testing, the Company has generally identified the aircraft fleet type as the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for purposes of testing aircraft for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its net undiscounted future cash flows and its fair market value. The amount of the charge is the difference between the asset’s carrying value and fair market value.

Defined Benefit Plan Accounting. We sponsor defined benefit pension plans for eligible employees and retirees. The most critical assumptions impacting our defined benefit pension plan obligations and expenses are the weighted average discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets.

United’s pension plans’ under-funded status was $2.2 billion at December 31, 2014. Funding requirements for tax-qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by government regulations. In 2015, we anticipate contributing at least $400 million to our pension plans, substantially all of which is in excess of the minimum funding requirements. The fair value of the plans’ assets was $2.6 billion at December 31, 2014.

When calculating pension expense for 2015, the Company assumed that its plans’ assets would generate a long-term rate of return of 7.36%. The expected long-term rate of return assumption was developed based on historical experience and input from the trustee managing the plans’ assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on a target allocation of assets, which is based on a goal of earning the highest rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels. Our projected long-term rate of return reflects the active management of our plans’ assets. The plans strive to have assets sufficiently diversified so that adverse or unexpected results

 

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from one security class will not have an unduly detrimental impact on the entire portfolio. Plan fiduciaries regularly review actual asset allocation and the pension plans’ investments are periodically rebalanced to the targeted allocation when considered appropriate.

The defined benefit pension plans’ assets consist of return generating investments and risk mitigating investments which are held through direct ownership or through interests in common collective trusts. Return generating investments include primarily equity securities, fixed-income securities and alternative investments (e.g. private equity and hedge funds). Risk mitigating investments include primarily U.S. government and investment grade corporate fixed-income securities. The allocation of assets was as follows at December 31, 2014:

 

     Percent of Total      Expected Long-Term
Rate of Return
 

  Equity securities

     46  %         10  %   

  Fixed-income securities

     32              4        

  Alternatives

     14              7        

  Other

     8              6        

Pension expense increases as the expected rate of return on plan assets decreases. Lowering the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets by 50 basis points (from 7.36% to 6.86%) would increase estimated 2015 pension expense by approximately $13 million.

Future pension obligations for United’s plans were discounted using a weighted average rate of 4.20% at December 31, 2014. The Company selected the 2014 discount rate for each of its plans by using a hypothetical portfolio of high quality bonds at December 31, 2014 that would provide the necessary cash flows to match the projected benefit payments.

The pension liability and future pension expense both increase as the discount rate is reduced. Lowering the discount rate by 50 basis points (from 4.20% to 3.7%) would increase the pension liability at December 31, 2014 by approximately $532 million and increase the estimated 2015 pension expense by approximately $61 million.

Future changes in plan asset returns, plan provisions, assumed discount rates, pension funding law and various other factors related to the participants in our pension plans will impact our future pension expense and liabilities. We cannot predict with certainty what these factors will be in the future.

Actuarial gains or losses are triggered by changes in assumptions or experience that differ from the original assumptions. Under the applicable accounting standards for defined benefit pension plans, those gains and losses are not required to be recognized currently as pension benefit expense, but instead may be deferred as part of accumulated other comprehensive income and amortized into expense over the average remaining service life of the covered active employees. All gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income are amortized to expense over the remaining years of service of the covered active employees. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had unrecognized actuarial losses for pension benefit plans of $982 million and $162 million, respectively, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

During 2014, the Company experienced changes in its benefit obligations related to changes in discount rates and mortality tables in its pension plans. The Company used the Society of Actuaries’ 2014 mortality tables, modified to reflect the Social Security Administration Trustee’s Report on current projections regarding expected longevity improvements. See Note 8 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information related to pension plans.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Accounting. United’s postretirement plan provides certain health care benefits, primarily in the United States, to retirees and eligible dependents, as well as certain life insurance benefits to certain retirees reflected as “Other Benefits.” United also has retiree medical programs that permit

 

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retirees who meet certain age and service requirements to continue medical coverage between retirement and Medicare eligibility. Eligible employees are required to pay a portion of the costs of their retiree medical benefits, which in some cases may be offset by accumulated unused sick time at the time of their retirement. Plan benefits are subject to co-payments, deductibles, and other limits as described in the plans.

The Company accounts for other postretirement benefits by recognizing the difference between plan assets and obligations, or the plan’s funded status, in its financial statements. Other postretirement benefit expense is recognized on an accrual basis over employees’ approximate service periods and is generally calculated independently of funding decisions or requirements. United has not been required to pre-fund its plan obligations, which has resulted in a significant net obligation, as discussed below. The Company’s benefit obligation was $2.1 billion and $1.8 billion for the other postretirement benefit plans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The calculation of other postretirement benefit expense and obligations requires the use of a number of assumptions, including the assumed discount rate for measuring future payment obligations and the health care cost trend rate. The Company determines the appropriate discount rate for each of the plans based on current rates on high quality corporate bonds that would generate the cash flow necessary to pay plan benefits when due. The Company’s weighted average discount rate to determine its benefit obligations as of December 31, 2014 was 4.07%, as compared to 4.94% for December 31, 2013. The health care cost trend rate assumed for 2014 was 7.25%, declining to 5.0% in 2023, as compared to assumed trend rate for 2015 of 7.00%, declining to 5.0% in 2023. A 1% increase in assumed health care trend rates would increase the Company’s total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2014 by $13 million; whereas, a 1% decrease in assumed health care trend rates would decrease the Company’s total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2014 by $11 million. A one percentage point decrease in the weighted average discount rate would increase the Company’s postretirement benefit liability by approximately $247 million and increase the estimated 2014 benefits expense by approximately $10 million.

Actuarial gains or losses are triggered by changes in assumptions or experience that differ from the original assumptions and prior service credits result from a retroactive reduction in benefits due under the plans. Under the applicable accounting standards for postretirement welfare benefit plans, actuarial gains and losses and prior service credits are not required to be recognized currently, but instead may be deferred as part of accumulated other comprehensive income and amortized into expense over the average remaining service life of the covered active employees or the average life expectancy of inactive participants. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had unrecognized actuarial gains for postretirement welfare benefit plans of $233 million and $555 million, respectively, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

During 2014, the Company experienced changes in its benefit obligations related to changes in discount rates and mortality tables in its other postretirement benefit plans. The Company used the Society of Actuaries’ 2014 mortality tables, modified to reflect the Social Security Administration Trustee’s Report on current projections regarding expected longevity improvements. See Note 8 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information related to other postretirement benefit plans.

Income Taxes. Our effective tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily because of the impact of changes to existing valuation allowances. We continue to provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities because we have concluded that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will ultimately not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income (including the reversals of deferred tax liabilities) during the periods in which those deferred tax assets will become deductible. The Company’s management assesses available positive and negative evidence regarding the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. To form a conclusion, management considers positive evidence in the form of reversing temporary differences, projections of future taxable income and tax planning strategies and negative evidence such as historical losses. Although the Company was not in a three-year cumulative loss position at the end of 2014, management determined that the low level of cumulative pretax income, combined with uncertainty about forecasted results,

 

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supports the conclusion that the valuation allowance is still necessary. Management will continue to evaluate future financial performance to determine whether such performance is both sustained and significant enough to provide sufficient evidence to support reversal of the valuation allowance. If we reverse the valuation allowance, we will begin to record income tax expense at an effective rate of approximately 37%. However, we will not pay significant cash taxes until we utilize our NOL carryforward of $9.6 billion.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements throughout Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and elsewhere in this report are forward-looking and thus reflect the Company’s current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “will,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “indicates,” “believes,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements which do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, 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, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The Company’s actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: its ability to comply with the terms of its various financing arrangements; the costs and availability of financing; its ability to maintain adequate liquidity; its ability to execute its operational plans and revenue-generating initiatives, including optimizing its revenue; its ability to control its costs, including realizing benefits from its resource optimization efforts, cost reduction initiatives and fleet replacement programs; its ability to utilize its net operating losses; its ability to attract and retain customers; demand for transportation in the markets in which it operates; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; demand for travel and the impact that global economic conditions have on customer travel patterns; excessive taxation and the inability to offset future taxable income; general economic conditions (including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, investment or credit market conditions, crude oil prices, costs of aircraft fuel and energy refining capacity in relevant markets); economic and political instability and other risks of doing business globally; its ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel; any potential realized or unrealized gains or losses related to fuel or currency hedging programs; the effects of any hostilities, act of war or terrorist attack; the ability of other air carriers with whom the Company has alliances or partnerships to provide the services contemplated by the respective arrangements with such carriers; disruptions to its regional network; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; competitive pressures on pricing and demand; its capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of its competitors; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including open skies agreements and environmental regulations); labor costs; its ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and the results of the collective bargaining agreement process with its union groups; any disruptions to operations due to any potential actions by its labor groups; weather conditions; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A., Risk Factors, of this report, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports the Company files with the SEC.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rates. Our net income (loss) is affected by fluctuations in interest rates (e.g. interest expense on variable rate debt and interest income earned on short-term investments). The Company’s policy is to manage interest rate risk through a combination of fixed and variable rate debt. The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s interest rate market risk at December 31 (in millions):

 

     2014      2013  
     UAL      United      UAL      United  

  Variable rate debt

           

  Carrying value of variable rate debt at December 31

    $ 2,534         $ 2,534         $ 2,136         $ 2,136    
  Impact of 100 basis point increase on projected interest expense for the   following year      24          24          20          20    

  Fixed rate debt

           

  Carrying value of fixed rate debt at December 31

     8,900          8,899          9,403           9,252    

  Fair value of fixed rate debt at December 31

     9,971          9,971          10,575           10,128    

  Impact of 100 basis point increase in market rates on fair value

     (385)         (385)         (321)         (320)   

A change in market interest rates would also impact interest income earned on our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Assuming our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments remain at their average 2014 levels, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a corresponding increase in the Company’s interest income of approximately $51 million during 2015.

Commodity Price Risk (Aircraft Fuel). The price level of aircraft fuel can significantly affect the Company’s operations, results of operations, financial position and liquidity.

To protect against increases in the prices of aircraft fuel, the Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements. The Company generally uses financial hedge instruments including fixed price swaps, purchased call options, and commonly used combinations using put and call options including collars (a sold put option combined with a purchased call option), three-ways (a collar with a higher strike sold call option) and four-way collars (a collar with a higher strike sold call option and a lower strike purchased put option). These hedge instruments are generally based on aircraft fuel or closely related commodities including diesel fuel and crude oil.

If the prices of the underlying commodity drop and stay below specified floor prices in some hedge contracts such as fixed price swaps and collars, the Company may incur losses. However, the negative impact of these losses would be significantly outweighed by the benefit of lower aircraft fuel cost since the Company typically hedges only a portion of its future fuel requirements. In addition, the Company continually monitors its portfolio of hedge contracts and may take actions to curtail or limit its losses from such hedge contracts if market conditions change. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for non-risk management purposes.

If fuel prices decline significantly from the levels existing at the time we enter into a hedge contract, we may be required to post collateral (margin) with our hedge counterparties. The Company frequently monitors this margin risk and assesses the potential of depositing additional collateral with each of its counterparties. At times, when the fair market value of the Company’s hedge contracts is net positive to the Company, it is exposed to the event of non-performance by the counterparty to the hedge contract. The Company periodically monitors the credit worthiness of its counterparties, requires its counterparties to post collateral above certain thresholds and generally limits its exposure to any single counterparty.

 

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The Company may adjust its hedging program based on changes in market conditions. The following table summarizes information related to the Company’s cost of fuel and hedging (in millions, except percentages):

 

Fuel Costs

  

In 2014, fuel cost as a percent of total operating expenses (a)

     32%   

Impact of $1 increase in price per barrel of aircraft fuel on annual fuel expense (b)

    $ 93      

Fuel Hedges

  

Liability fair value at December 31, 2014 (c)

    $ 717      

Increase in fuel hedge liability that would result from a concurrent 10% decrease in forward prices of the underlying commodities of fuel hedges (d)

    $ 138      

Collateral deposited with fuel hedge counterparties as of December 31, 2014

    $ 577      

Additional collateral the Company would be required to deposit with fuel hedge counterparties upon a concurrent 10% decrease in forward prices of the underlying commodities of fuel hedges (e)

    $ 53      

 

(a) Includes related taxes and excludes hedging impacts and special charges. In 2013, the Company’s fuel cost was 34% of total operating expenses.

(b) Based on 2015 projected fuel consumption. Does not include the impact of fuel hedges.

(c) As of December 31, 2013, the net fair value of the Company’s fuel hedges was an asset of $104 million.

(d) Based on fuel hedge positions at December 31, 2014.

(e) Assumes instantaneous change in prices and includes margin related to some hedge positions beyond December 31, 2015; approximately 1% for 2016.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had hedged approximately 22% and 1% of its projected fuel requirements (859 million and 35 million gallons, respectively) for 2015 and 2016, respectively, with commonly used financial hedge instruments based on aircraft fuel or crude oil. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had fuel hedges expiring through March 2016.

The fuel hedge portfolio is comprised of many individual hedge contracts (primarily option contracts) on multiple underlying commodities and entered into at various points in time, resulting in a wide range of strike prices with several hedge counterparties. The table below provides a view of the economic impact of the hedge portfolio on the Company’s 2015 fuel costs given significant moves (up to +/-30%) in market fuel prices from December 31, 2014 (in millions).

 

Year ending December 31, 2015
(in $ per gallon)
       
Change in market
fuel prices (a)
  (Increase) decrease
to unhedged fuel
cost (b)
  Hedge gain (loss) (c)   Net (increase)
decrease to fuel cost

30%

  (0.53)   (0.07)   (0.61)

20%

  (0.36)   (0.11)   (0.47)

10%

  (0.18)   (0.15)   (0.33)

(10)%

  0.18   (0.22)   (0.04)

(20)%

  0.36   (0.25)   0.10

(30)%

  0.53   (0.29)   0.24

(a) Projected using equal shifts in spot and forward prices for aircraft fuel and crude oil underlying hedge contracts from December 31, 2014 levels.

(b) Projections based on estimated consumption of 3.9 billion gallons and a price of $1.78 per gallon, excluding taxes and other delivery costs.

(c) Cash gain/(loss), including premiums, on existing hedges as of December 31, 2014. Includes all hedges whether or not the hedges are designated for hedge accounting.

 

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Foreign Currency. The Company generates revenues and incurs expenses in numerous foreign currencies. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact the Company’s results of operations through changes in the dollar value of foreign currency-denominated operating revenues and expenses. Some of the Company’s more significant foreign currency exposures include the Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, European euro and Japanese yen. At times, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign currency. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for non-risk management purposes. At December 31, 2014, the Company had forward contracts and collars outstanding to hedge 60% of its projected European euro-denominated net cash inflows, primarily from passenger ticket sales, through the end of 2015. 

The result of a uniform 10 percent strengthening in the value of the U.S. dollar from December 31, 2014 levels relative to each of the currencies in which the Company has foreign currency exposure would result in a decrease in pre-tax income of approximately $262 million for the year ending December 31, 2015. This sensitivity analysis was prepared based upon projected 2015 foreign currency-denominated revenues and expenses as of December 31, 2014 and reflects the potential benefit of the European euro hedges mentioned above.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related statements of consolidated operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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 consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated February 20, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 20, 2015

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholder of

United Airlines, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of United Airlines, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related statements of consolidated operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholder’s equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and 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 consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 20, 2015

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2014                      2013                      2012          

Operating revenue:

        

Passenger—Mainline

    $ 26,785         $ 25,997         $ 25,804    

Passenger—Regional

     6,977          7,125          6,779    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total passenger revenue

     33,762          33,122          32,583    

Cargo

     938          882          1,018    

Other operating revenue

     4,201          4,275          3,551    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     38,901          38,279          37,152    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Operating expense:         

Aircraft fuel

     11,675          12,345          13,138    

Salaries and related costs

     8,935          8,625          7,945    

Regional capacity purchase

     2,344          2,419          2,470    

Landing fees and other rent

     2,274          2,090          1,929    

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     1,779          1,821          1,760    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,679          1,689          1,522    

Distribution expenses

     1,373          1,390          1,352    

Aircraft rent

     883          936          993    

Special charges

     443          520          1,323    

Other operating expenses

     5,143          5,195          4,681    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     36,528          37,030          37,113    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Operating income      2,373          1,249          39    
        
Nonoperating income (expense):         

Interest expense

     (735)         (783)         (835)   

Interest capitalized

     52          49          37    

Interest income

     22          21          23    

Miscellaneous, net

     (584)                 12    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,245)         (710)         (763)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Income (loss) before income taxes      1,128          539          (724)   

Income tax benefit

     (4)         (32)         (1)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,132         $ 571         $ (723)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

    $ 3.05         $ 1.64         $ (2.18)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

    $ 2.93         $ 1.53         $ (2.18)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
           2014                  2013                  2012        

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,132         $ 571         $ (723)   
        

Other comprehensive income (loss), net change related to:

        

Employee benefit plans

     (1,171)         1,626          (730)   

Fuel derivative financial instruments

     (510)         21          90    

Investments and other

     (6)                 11    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,687)         1,654          (629)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss), net

    $ (555)        $ 2,225         $ (1,352)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
ASSETS            2014                     2013          

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

    $ 2,002        $ 3,220    

Short-term investments

     2,382         1,901    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     4,384         5,121    

Restricted cash

     44         31    

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2014—$22; 2013—$13)

     1,146         1,503    

Fuel hedge collateral deposits

     577         —    

Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance (2014—$169; 2013—$162)

     666         667    

Deferred income taxes

     591         676    

Prepaid expenses and other

     730         704    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     8,138         8,702    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Operating property and equipment:     

Owned—

    

Flight equipment

     21,107         18,786    

Other property and equipment

     4,016         3,687    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     25,123         22,473    

Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (7,079)        (6,080)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     18,044         16,393    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    

Purchase deposits for flight equipment

     706         706    
    

Capital leases—

    

Flight equipment

     1,272         1,490    

Other property and equipment

     331         307    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,603         1,797    

Less—Accumulated amortization

     (886)        (849)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     717         948    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     19,467         18,047    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other assets:

    

Goodwill

     4,523         4,523    

Intangibles, less accumulated amortization (2014—$1,049; 2013—$933)

     4,284         4,436    

Restricted cash

     276         364    

Other, net

     665         740    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     9,748         10,063    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 37,353        $ 36,812    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(continued on next page)

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    2014     2013  

Current liabilities:

    

Advance ticket sales

    $ 3,701       $ 3,405    

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,058         2,369    

Accounts payable

     1,882         2,087    

Accrued salaries and benefits

     1,818         1,696    

Current maturities of long-term debt

     1,313         1,368    

Current maturities of capital leases

     110         117    

Fuel derivative instruments

     694         —    

Other

     932         1,065    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     12,508         12,107    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    

Long-term debt

     10,121         10,171    

Long-term obligations under capital leases

     571         753    
    
Other liabilities and deferred credits:     

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,879         2,535    

Postretirement benefit liability

     1,933         1,703    

Pension liability

     2,226         1,650    

Advanced purchase of miles

     1,217         1,338    

Deferred income taxes

     1,591         1,662    

Lease fair value adjustment, net

     466         626    

Other

     1,445         1,283    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     11,757         10,797    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock

     —         —    

Common stock at par, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares; outstanding 374,525,916 and 362,283,555 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively

              

Additional capital invested

     7,721         7,425    

Accumulated deficit

     (3,883)        (5,015)   

Stock held in treasury, at cost

     (367)        (38)   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,079)        608    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     2,396         2,984    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 37,353        $ 36,812    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
             2014                      2013                      2012          

 Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

        

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,132         $ 571         $ (723)   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities -

        

Depreciation and amortization

     1,679          1,689          1,522    

Special charges, non-cash portion

     78          50          389    

Deferred income taxes

     13          (14)         13    

Other operating activities

     (21)         18          (115)   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities -

        

Increase in fuel hedge collateral

     (577)         —          —    

Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel derivatives and change in related pending settlements

     436          (56)         120    

Increase in advance ticket sales

     296          45          246    

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (251)         (265)         285    

(Increase) decrease in receivables

     209          (142)         (21)   

Decrease in frequent flyer deferred revenue and advanced purchase of miles

     (88)         (415)         (712)   

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     (238)         (201)         415    

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (34)         164          (484)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,634          1,444          935    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     (2,005)         (2,164)         (2,016)   

Purchases of short-term and other investments

     (1,041)         (575)         (742)   

Redemptions of short-term and other investments

     584          455          497    

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     94          152          183    

Decrease in restricted cash, net

     75          52          122    

Other, net

     37          58          (1)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,256)         (2,022)         (1,957)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

        

Payments of long-term debt

     (2,503)         (2,185)         (1,392)   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     1,432          1,423          1,121    

Repurchases of common stock

     (312)         —          —    

Principal payments under capital leases

     (127)         (134)         (125)   

Capitalized financing costs

     (104)         (103)         (71)   

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

     60          29          17    

Other

     (42)         (2)         (4)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,596)         (972)         (454)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,218)         (1,550)         (1,476)   

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     3,220          4,770          6,246    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

    $ 2,002         $ 3,220         $ 4,770    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In millions)

 

    Common
Stock
    Additional
Capital
Invested
    Treasury
Stock
     Accumulated
Deficit
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
     Total  
    Shares     Amount               

 Balance at December 31, 2011

    331        $       $ 7,114       $ (31)        $ (4,863)        $ (417)        $ 1,806    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss

    —         —         —         —          (723)         —          (723)   

Other comprehensive loss

    —         —         —         —          —          (629)         (629)   

Share-based compensation

    —         —         14         —          —          —          14    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

           —         17         —          —          —          17    

Other

    —         —         —         (4)         —          —          (4)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Balance at December 31, 2012

    332                7,145         (35)         (5,586)         (1,046)         481    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

    —         —         —         —          571          —          571    

Other comprehensive income

    —         —         —         —          —          1,654          1,654    

Convertible debt redemption

    28                240         —          —          —          241    

Share-based compensation

    —         —         11         —          —          —          11    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

           —         29         —          —          —          29    

Other

    —         —         —         (3)         —          —          (3)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Balance at December 31, 2013

    362                7,425         (38)         (5,015)         608          2,984    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

    —         —         —         —          1,132          —          1,132    

Other comprehensive loss

    —         —         —         —          —          (1,687)         (1,687)   

Convertible debt redemptions

    17         —         260         —          —          —          260    

Repurchase of convertible debt

    —         —         (34)        —          —          —          (34)   

Share-based compensation

    —         —         10         —          —          —          10    

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

           —         60         —          —          —          60    

Repurchases of common stock

    (6)        —         —         (320)         —          —          (320)   

Other

    —         —         —         (9)         —          —          (9)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 Balance at December 31, 2014

    375        $       $ 7,721        $ (367)        $ (3,883)        $ (1,079)        $ 2,396    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

(In millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Operating revenue:

        

Passenger—Mainline

    $ 26,785        $ 25,997         $ 25,804    

Passenger—Regional

     6,977          7,125          6,779    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total passenger revenue

     33,762          33,122          32,583    

Cargo

     938          882          1,018    

Other operating revenue

     4,201          4,283          3,559    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     38,901          38,287          37,160    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expense:

        

Aircraft fuel

     11,675          12,345          13,138    

Salaries and related costs

     8,935          8,625          7,945    

Regional capacity purchase

     2,344          2,419          2,470    

Landing fees and other rent

     2,274          2,090          1,929    

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

     1,779          1,821          1,760    

Depreciation and amortization

     1,679          1,689          1,522    

Distribution expenses

     1,373          1,390          1,352    

Aircraft rent

     883          936          993    

Special charges

     443          520          1,323    

Other operating expenses

     5,139          5,193          4,677    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     36,524          37,028          37,109    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating income

     2,377          1,259          51    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
        

Nonoperating income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (742)         (781)         (823)   

Interest capitalized

     52          49          37    

Interest income

     22          21          23    

Miscellaneous, net

     (599)         89          55    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,267)         (622)         (708)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     1,110          637          (657)   

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (4)         (17)           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,114         $ 654         $ (661)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012  

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,114         $ 654         $ (661)   
        

Other comprehensive income (loss), net change related to:

        

Employee benefit plans

     (1,171)         1,626          (730)   

Fuel derivative financial instruments

     (510)         21          90    

Investments and other

     (6)                 12    

Other

     —                  —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,687)         1,661          (628)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss), net

    $ (573)        $ 2,315         $ (1,289)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
ASSETS    2014      2013  

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

    $ 1,996         $ 3,214    

Short-term investments

     2,382          1,901    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

     4,378          5,115    

Restricted cash

     44          31    

Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2014—$22; 2013—$13)

     1,146          1,503    

Fuel hedge collateral deposits

     577          —    

Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance (2014—$169; 2013—$162)

     666          667    

Deferred income taxes

     591          674    

Prepaid expenses and other

     779          705    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     8,181          8,695    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating property and equipment:

     

Owned—

     

Flight equipment

     21,107          18,786    

Other property and equipment

     4,016          3,687    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     25,123          22,473    

Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (7,079)         (6,080)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     18,044          16,393    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     

Purchase deposits for flight equipment

     706          706    
     

Capital leases—

     

Flight equipment

     1,272          1,490    

Other property and equipment

     331          307    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     1,603          1,797    

Less—Accumulated amortization

     (886)         (849)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     717          948    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     19,467          18,047    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other assets:

     

Goodwill

     4,523          4,523    

Intangibles, less accumulated amortization (2014—$1,049; 2013—$933)

     4,284          4,436    

Restricted cash

     276          364    

Other, net

     1,377          1,221    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     10,460          10,544    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ 38,108         $ 37,286    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(continued on next page)

 

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UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except shares)

 

     At December 31,  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY    2014      2013  

Current liabilities:

     

Advance ticket sales

    $ 3,701         $ 3,405    

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,058          2,369    

Accounts payable

     1,886          2,092    

Accrued salaries and benefits

     1,818          1,696    

Current maturities of long-term debt

     1,313          1,368    

Current maturities of capital leases

     110          117    

Fuel derivative instruments

     694          —    

Payables to related parties

     —          114    

Other

     933          1,064    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     12,513          12,225    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     

Long-term debt

     10,120          10,020    

Long-term obligations under capital leases

     571          753    
     

Other liabilities and deferred credits:

     

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,879          2,535    

Postretirement benefit liability

     1,933          1,703    

Pension liability

     2,226          1,650    

Advanced purchase of miles

     1,217          1,338    

Deferred income taxes

     1,591          1,661    

Lease fair value adjustment

     466          626    

Other

     1,957          1,552    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     12,269          11,065    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

     

Stockholder’s equity:

     

Common stock at par, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding 1,000 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013

     —          —    

Additional capital invested

     7,347          7,590    

Accumulated deficit

     (3,628)         (4,743)   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,079)         608    

Receivable from related parties

     (5)         (232)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     2,635          3,223    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ 38,108         $ 37,286    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
         2014              2013              2012      

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

        

Net income (loss)

    $ 1,114         $ 654         $ (661)   

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities -

        

Depreciation and amortization

     1,679          1,689          1,522    

Special charges, non-cash portion

     78          50          389    

Deferred income taxes

     13                  13    

Other operating activities

             (41)         (151)   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities -

        

Increase in fuel hedge collateral

     (577)         —          —    

Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel derivatives and change in related pending settlements

     436          (56)         120    

Increase in advance ticket sales

     296          45          246    

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (251)         (265)         285    

(Increase) decrease in receivables

     209          (142)         (21)   

Decrease in frequent flyer deferred revenue and advanced purchase of miles

     (88)         (415)         (712)   

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

     (236)         (203)         422    

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (34)         163          (484)   

Decrease in intercompany payables

     (118)         (34)         (28)   

Increase in intercompany receivables

     —          (5)         (9)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,525          1,441          931    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

        

Capital expenditures

     (2,005)         (2,164)         (2,016)   

Purchases of short-term and other investments

     (1,041)         (575)         (737)   

Redemptions of short-term and other investments

     584          455          497    

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     94          152          183    

Decrease in restricted cash, net

     75          52          121    

Other, net

     37          57          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,256)         (2,023)         (1,952)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

        

Payments of long-term debt

     (2,503)         (2,185)         (1,392)   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     1,432          1,423          1,121    

Dividend to UAL

     (212)         —          —    

Principal payments under capital leases

     (127)         (134)         (125)   

Capitalized financing costs

     (104)         (103)         (71)   

UAL contributions related to stock plans

     60          29          17    

Other, net

     (33)                 (4)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,487)         (969)         (454)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,218)         (1,551)         (1,475)   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     3,214          4,765          6,240    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

    $ 1,996         $ 3,214         $ 4,765    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(In millions)

 

     Common
Stock
     Additional
Capital
Invested
     Accumulated
Deficit
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
     Receivable
from Related
Parties, Net
     Total  

Balance at December 31, 2011

     —         $ 7,580         $ (4,736)        $ (425)        $ —         $ 2,419    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss

     —          —          (661)         —          —          (661)   

Other comprehensive loss

     —          —          —          (628)         —          (628)   

Share-based compensation

     —          14          —          —          —          14    

UAL contribution related to stock plans

     —          17          —          —          —          17    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     —          7,611          (5,397)         (1,053)         —          1,161    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     —          —          654          —          —          654    

Other comprehensive income

     —          —          —          1,661          —          1,661    

Income taxes

     —          (68)         —          —          —          (68)   

Contribution of asset by UAL

     —                  —          —          —             

Share-based compensation

     —          11          —          —          —          11    

UAL contribution related to stock plans

     —          29          —          —          —          29    

Reclassification of related party receivables to equity

     —          —          —          —          (232)         (232)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

     —          7,590          (4,743)         608          (232)         3,223    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

     —          —          1,114          —          —          1,114    

Other comprehensive loss

     —          —          —          (1,687)         —          (1,687)   

Convertible debt redemption

     —          156          —          —          —          156    

Dividend and other capital distributions to UAL

     —          (469)                 —          232          (236)   

Share-based compensation

     —          10          —          —          —          10    

UAL contribution related to stock plans

     —          60          —          —          —          60    

Other

     —          —          —          —          (5)         (5)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

     —         $ 7,347         $ (3,628)        $ (1,079)        $ (5)        $ 2,635    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Overview

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “UAL” or the “Company”) is a holding company and its principal, wholly-owned subsidiary is United Airlines, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “United”). On March 31, 2013, the Company merged United Air Lines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., with and into Continental Airlines, Inc. (“Continental”), a wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings, Inc., to form one legal entity with Continental continuing as the surviving corporation. Continental’s name was subsequently changed to United Airlines, Inc. As UAL consolidates United for financial statement purposes, disclosures that relate to activities of United also apply to UAL, unless otherwise noted. United’s operating revenues and operating expenses comprise nearly 100% of UAL’s revenues and operating expenses. In addition, United comprises approximately the entire balance of UAL’s assets, liabilities and operating cash flows. When appropriate, UAL and United are named specifically for their individual contractual obligations and related disclosures and any significant differences between the operations and results of UAL and United are separately disclosed and explained. We sometimes use the words “we,” “our,” “us,” and the “Company” in this report for disclosures that relate to all of UAL and United.

NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a) Use of Estimates and Reclassifications—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain prior years’ cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Within the investing activities section, the change in the short-term and other investments category was further separated between purchases and redemptions. The net effect of this presentation remains unchanged for prior years.

 

(b) Revenue Recognition—The value of unused passenger tickets is included in current liabilities as advance ticket sales. The Company records passenger ticket sales and tickets sold by other airlines for use on United as passenger revenue when the transportation is provided or upon estimated breakage. Tickets sold by other airlines are recorded at the estimated values to be billed to the other airlines. Differences between amounts billed and the actual amounts may be rejected and rebilled or written off if the amount recorded was different from the original estimate. When necessary, the Company records a reserve against our interline billings and payables if historical experience indicates that these amounts are different. Non-refundable tickets generally expire on the date of the intended flight, unless the date is extended by notification from the customer on or before the intended flight date.

Fees charged in association with changes or extensions to non-refundable tickets are recorded as other revenue at the time the fee is incurred. The fare on the changed ticket, including any additional collection of fare, is deferred and recognized in accordance with our transportation revenue recognition policy at the time the transportation is provided. Change fees related to non-refundable tickets are considered a separate transaction from the air transportation because they represent a charge for the Company’s additional service to modify a previous sale. Therefore, the pricing of the change fee and the initial customer order are separately determined and represent distinct earnings processes.

The Company records an estimate of breakage revenue on the flight date for tickets that will expire unused. These estimates are based on the evaluation of actual historical results and forecasted trends. Refundable tickets expire after one year from the date of issuance.

 

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The Company recognizes cargo and other revenue as service is provided.

Under our capacity purchase agreements (“CPAs”) with regional carriers, we purchase all of the capacity related to aircraft covered by the contracts and are responsible for selling all of the related seat inventory. We record the passenger revenue and related expenses as separate operating revenue and expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

Accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts due from credit card companies and customers of our aircraft maintenance and cargo transportation services. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts equal to the estimated losses expected to be incurred based on historical write-offs and other specific analyses. Bad debt expense and write-offs were not material for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

 

(c) Frequent Flyer Accounting—United’s MileagePlus program is designed to increase customer loyalty. Program participants earn miles by flying on United and certain other participating airlines. Program participants can also earn miles through purchases from other non-airline partners that participate in United’s loyalty program. We sell miles to these partners, which include credit card issuers, retail merchants, hotels, car rental companies and our participating airline partners. Miles can be redeemed for free (other than taxes and government imposed fees), discounted or upgraded air travel and non-travel awards. The Company records its obligation for future award redemptions using a deferred revenue model.

Miles Earned in Conjunction with Flights

In the case of the sale of air services, the Company recognizes a portion of the ticket sales as revenue when the air transportation occurs and defers a portion of the ticket sale representing the value of the related miles as a multiple-deliverable revenue arrangement. The miles are recorded in frequent flyer deferred revenue on the Company’s balance sheet and recognized into revenue when the transportation is provided.

The Company determines the estimated selling price of air transportation and miles as if each element is sold on a separate basis. The total consideration from each ticket sale is then allocated to each of these elements individually on a pro rata basis. The Company’s estimated selling price of miles prior to April 1, 2014 was based on the price we sell miles to Star Alliance partners in our reciprocal frequent flyer agreements as the best estimate of selling price for these miles.

On March 30, 2014, US Airways exited Star Alliance. Effective with the exit date, the Company updated its estimated selling price for miles to a value based on the equivalent ticket value less fulfillment discount, which incorporates the expected redemption of miles. The equivalent ticket value used as the basis for the estimated selling price of miles is based on the prior 12 months’ weighted average equivalent ticket value of similar fares as those used to settle award redemptions while taking into consideration such factors as redemption pattern, cabin class, loyalty status and geographic region. The estimated selling price of miles is adjusted by a fulfillment discount that considers a number of factors, including redemption patterns of various customer groups. This change in estimate was applied on a prospective basis beginning April 1, 2014. The impact of this change resulted in an increase in consolidated revenue of approximately $95 million (and an increase of approximately $0.26 per UAL basic share and $0.24 per UAL diluted share) in 2014.

Co-branded Credit Card Partner Mileage Sales

United has a significant contract, the Consolidated Amended and Restated Co-Branded Card Marketing Services Agreement (the “Co-Brand Agreement”), to sell MileagePlus miles to its co-branded credit card partner, Chase Bank USA, N.A. (“Chase”). United identified five revenue elements in the Co-Brand Agreement: the air transportation element represented by the value of the mile (generally resulting from its redemption for future air transportation and whose fair value is described above); use

 

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of the United brand and access to MileagePlus member lists; advertising; baggage services; and airport lounge usage (together, excluding “the air transportation element,” the “marketing-related deliverables”).

The fair value of the elements is determined using management’s estimated selling price of each element. The objective of using the estimated selling price based methodology is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. Accordingly, we determine our best estimate of selling price by considering multiple inputs and methods including, but not limited to, discounted cash flows, brand value, volume discounts, published selling prices, number of miles awarded and number of miles redeemed. The Company estimated the selling prices and volumes over the term of the Co-Brand Agreement in order to determine the allocation of proceeds to each of the multiple elements to be delivered. The method for determining the selling price of the mile component changed March 30, 2014, as described above. We also evaluate volumes on an annual basis, which may result in a change in the allocation of estimated selling price on a prospective basis.

The Company records passenger revenue related to the air transportation element when the transportation is delivered. The other elements are generally recognized as Other operating revenue when earned.

Expiration of Miles

The Company accounts for miles sold and awarded that will never be redeemed by program members, which we refer to as breakage. The Company reviews its breakage estimates annually based upon the latest available information regarding redemption and expiration patterns. Miles expire after 18 months of member account inactivity.

The Company’s estimate of the expected expiration of miles requires significant management judgment. Current and future changes to expiration assumptions or to the expiration policy, or to program rules and program redemption opportunities, may result in material changes to the deferred revenue balance as well as recognized revenues from the programs.

Other Information

The following table provides additional information related to the frequent flyer program (in millions):

 

Year Ended

December 31,

   Cash Proceeds
from Miles Sold
     Other Revenue
Recognized Upon
Award of Miles
to Third-Party
Customers (a)
     Increase in Frequent
Flyer Deferred
Revenue for Miles
Awarded  (b)
     Increase
(Decrease) in
Advanced
Purchase of
Miles (c)
 

2014

    $ 2,861         $ 882         $ 2,178         $ (199)   

2013

     2,903          903          2,174          (174)   

2012

     2,852          816          2,036          —    

 

          
(a) This amount represents other revenue recognized during the period from the sale of miles to third parties, representing the marketing-related deliverable services component of the sale.    
(b) This amount represents the increase to frequent flyer deferred revenue during the period.   
(c) This amount represents the net increase (decrease) in the advance purchase of miles obligation due to cash payments for the sale of miles in excess of (less than) miles awarded to customers.    

 

(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash—Highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less on their acquisition date are classified as cash and cash equivalents.

Restricted cash primarily includes cash collateral associated with workers’ compensation obligations, reserves for institutions that process credit card ticket sales and cash collateral received from fuel hedge

 

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counterparties. Restricted cash is classified as short-term or long-term in the consolidated balance sheets based on the expected timing of return of the assets to the Company. Airline industry practice includes classification of restricted cash flows as either investing cash flows or operating cash flows. Cash flows related to restricted cash activity are classified as investing activities because the Company considers restricted cash arising from these activities similar to an investment.

 

(e) Short-term Investments—Short-term investments are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are reflected in nonoperating income (expense) in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

(f) Aircraft Fuel, Spare Parts and Supplies—The Company accounts for aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies at average cost and provides an obsolescence allowance for aircraft spare parts with an assumed residual value of 10% to 11% of original cost depending on the fleet type.

 

(g) Property and Equipment—The Company records additions to owned operating property and equipment at cost when acquired. Property under capital leases and the related obligation for future lease payments are recorded at an amount equal to the initial present value of those lease payments. Modifications that enhance the operating performance or extend the useful lives of airframes or engines are capitalized as property and equipment. It is the Company’s policy to record compensation from delays in delivery of aircraft as a reduction of the cost of the related aircraft.

Depreciation and amortization of owned depreciable assets is based on the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the remaining term of the lease, including estimated facility renewal options when renewal is reasonably assured at key airports, or the estimated useful life of the related asset, whichever is less. Properties under capital leases are amortized on the straight-line method over the life of the lease or, in the case of certain aircraft, over their estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter. Amortization of capital lease assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows:

 

     Estimated Useful Life (in years)    

Aircraft and related rotable parts

     25 to 30    

Buildings

     25 to 45    

Other property and equipment

     3 to 15    

Computer software

       

Building improvements

     1 to 40    

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had a carrying value of computer software of $281 million and $290 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s depreciation expense related to computer software was $81 million, $72 million and $81 million, respectively. Aircraft and aircraft parts were assumed to have residual values with a range of 10% to 11% of original cost, depending on type, and other categories of property and equipment were assumed to have no residual value.

 

(h) Maintenance and Repairs—The cost of maintenance and repairs, including the cost of minor replacements, is charged to expense as incurred, except for costs incurred under our power-by-the-hour (“PBTH”) engine maintenance agreements. PBTH contracts transfer certain risk to third-party service providers and fix the amount we pay per flight hour or per cycle to the service provider in exchange for maintenance and repairs under a predefined maintenance program. Under PBTH agreements, the Company recognizes expense at a level rate per engine hour, unless the level of service effort and the related payments during the period are substantially consistent, in which case the Company recognizes expense based on the amounts paid.

 

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(i) Lease Fair Value Adjustments—Lease fair value adjustments, which arose from recording operating leases at fair value under fresh start or business combination accounting, are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term.

 

(j) Regional Capacity Purchase—Payments made to regional carriers under CPAs are reported in Regional capacity purchase in our consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014, United had 281 call options to purchase regional jet aircraft being operated by certain regional carriers. At December 31, 2014, none of the call options was exercisable because none of the required conditions to make an option exercisable by United was met.

 

(k) Advertising—Advertising costs, which are included in Other operating expenses, are expensed as incurred. Advertising expenses were $179 million, $178 million and $154 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

(l) Intangibles—The Company has finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Goodwill and indefinite-lived assets are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, or on an interim basis whenever a triggering event occurs. See Notes 2 and 17 of this report for additional information related to intangibles.

 

(m) Long-Lived Asset Impairments—The Company evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets subject to amortization whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. For purposes of this testing, the Company has generally identified the aircraft fleet type as the lowest level of identifiable cash flows for purposes of testing aircraft for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its net undiscounted future cash flows and its fair market value. The amount of the charge is the difference between the asset’s carrying value and fair market value. See Note 17 of this report for additional information related to asset impairments.

 

(n) Share-Based Compensation—The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The resulting cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period. Obligations for restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are remeasured at fair value throughout the requisite service period on the last day of each reporting period based upon UAL’s stock price. In addition to the service requirement, certain RSUs have performance metrics that must be achieved prior to vesting. These awards are accrued based on the expected level of achievement at each reporting period. A cumulative adjustment is recorded on the last day of each reporting period to adjust compensation expense based on both UAL’s stock price and the then current level of expected performance achievement for the performance-based awards. See Note 5 of this report for additional information on UAL’s share-based compensation plans.

 

(o) Ticket Taxes—Certain governmental taxes are imposed on the Company’s ticket sales through a fee included in ticket prices. The Company collects these fees and remits them to the appropriate government agency. These fees are recorded on a net basis (excluded from operating revenue).

 

(p) Retirement of Leased Aircraft—The Company accrues for estimated lease costs over the remaining term of the lease at the present value of future minimum lease payments, net of estimated sublease rentals (if any), in the period that aircraft are permanently removed from service. When reasonably estimable and probable, the Company estimates maintenance lease return condition obligations for items such as minimum aircraft and engine conditions specified in leases and accrues these amounts over the lease term while the aircraft are operating, and any remaining unrecognized estimated obligations are accrued in the period that an aircraft is removed from service.

 

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(q) Uncertain Income Tax Positions—The Company has recorded reserves for income taxes and associated interest that may become payable in future years. Although management believes that its positions taken on income tax matters are reasonable, the Company nevertheless has established tax and interest reserves in recognition that various taxing authorities may challenge certain of the positions taken by the Company, potentially resulting in additional liabilities for taxes and interest. The Company’s uncertain tax position reserves are reviewed periodically and are adjusted as events occur that affect its estimates, such as the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitation, the conclusion of tax audits, the measurement of additional estimated liability, the identification of new tax matters, the release of administrative tax guidance affecting its estimates of tax liabilities, or the rendering of relevant court decisions. The Company records penalties and interest relating to uncertain tax positions in Other operating expense and Interest expense, respectively, in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company has not recorded any significant expense or liabilities related to interest or penalties in its consolidated financial statements.

 

(r) Labor Costs—The Company records expenses associated with amendable labor agreements when the employee group has earned the compensation and the amounts are probable and estimable. These include costs associated with lump sum cash payments that would be made in conjunction with the ratification of labor agreements. To the extent these upfront costs are in lieu of future pay increases, they would be capitalized and amortized over the term of the labor agreements. If not, these amounts would be expensed once earned and when they become probable and estimable.

 

(s) Third-Party Business—The Company has third-party business revenue that includes fuel sales, catering, ground handling, maintenance services and frequent flyer award non-air redemptions, and third-party business revenue is recorded in Other operating revenue. The Company also incurs third-party business expenses, such as maintenance, ground handling and catering services for third parties, fuel sales and non-air mileage redemptions, and those third-party business expenses are recorded in Other operating expenses. In addition, the Company previously had a contract to sell aircraft fuel to a third party which was earnings-neutral but resulted in revenue and expense, specifically cost of sales which was unrelated to the operation of the airline. This contract ended in 2014.

 

(t) Recently Issued Accounting Standards—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the FASB Accounting Standards Codification and created a new Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This amendment prescribes that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The amendments will become effective for the Company’s annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017. Under the new standard, certain airline ancillary fees directly related to passenger revenue tickets, such as airline change fees and baggage fees, are likely to no longer be considered distinct performance obligations separate from the passenger travel component. In addition, the change fees which were previously recognized when incurred, will likely be recognized when transportation is provided. The Company is evaluating other impacts on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTE 2 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table presents information about the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets at December 31 (in millions):

 

         2014     2013  

Item

   Asset life (a)   Gross  Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Gross  Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
 

Goodwill

      $ 4,523          $ 4,523      
          

Finite-lived intangible assets

          

Airport slots and gates

   8    $ 97        $ 97        $ 98       $ 88    

Hubs

   20     145         67         145         59    

Patents and tradenames

   3     108         108         108         108    

Frequent flyer database (b)

   22     1,177         624         1,177         536    

Contracts

   12     155         86         167         86    

Other

   25     109         67         109         56    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      $ 1,791        $ 1,049        $ 1,804        $ 933    
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

          

Airport slots and gates

      $ 956          $ 963      

Route authorities

       1,589           1,605      

Tradenames and logos

       593           593      

Alliances

       404           404      
    

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total

      $ 3,542          $ 3,565      
    

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(a) Weighted average life expressed in years.

(b) The frequent flyer database is amortized based on an accelerated amortization schedule to reflect utilization of the assets. Estimated cash flows correlating to the expected attrition rate of customers in the frequent flyer database is considered in the determination of the amortization schedules.

Amortization expense in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $128 million, $142 million and $121 million, respectively. Projected amortization expense in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 is $105 million, $92 million, $81 million, $72 million and $66 million, respectively.

See Note 17 of this report for additional information related to impairment of intangible assets.

NOTE 3 - COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND PREFERRED SECURITIES

During 2014, United used $62 million of cash to purchase and retire $28 million aggregate principal amount of United’s 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015 (the “4.5% Convertible Notes”) in market transactions. UAL and United recorded reductions of additional paid-in capital of $34 million and $62 million, respectively, to record the transactions. At December 31, 2014, the remaining balance of these notes was $202 million. In January 2015, the holders of substantially all of the remaining $202 million principal amount of the 4.5% Convertible Notes exercised their conversion option resulting in the issuance of 11 million shares of UAL common stock.

United paid a dividend of $212 million to UAL in 2014. United recorded the dividend as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

At December 31, 2013, United had receivables from two affiliates, which were wholly-owned subsidiaries of UAL, of $232 million that were classified against stockholder’s equity. UAL transferred all of its equity interest in each of the two subsidiaries to United in 2014, and United reflected the transfers as reductions in additional paid-in capital.

In 2014, UAL issued approximately 12 million shares of UAL common stock in exchange for, or upon conversion of, $104 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029 (the “6% Convertible Senior Notes”) held by the holders of these notes.

 

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In January 2014, holders of substantially all of the remaining $156 million outstanding principal amount of the 4.5% Senior Limited-Subordination Convertible Notes due 2021 (the “4.5% Notes”) exercised their right to convert such notes into approximately five million shares of UAL common stock. See Note 11 of this report for additional information related to exercises of rights under the 4.5% Notes.

On July 24, 2014, UAL announced a $1 billion share repurchase program, which was authorized by UAL’s Board of Directors. UAL may repurchase shares through the open market, privately negotiated transactions, block trades, or accelerated share repurchase transactions from time to time in accordance with applicable securities laws. UAL will repurchase shares of common stock subject to prevailing market conditions, and may discontinue such repurchases at any time.

On July 24, 2014, pursuant to the $1 billion share repurchase program, UAL entered into two separate agreements to repurchase an aggregate of $200 million of shares of UAL common stock through an accelerated share repurchase program (the “ASR Program”). UAL paid $200 million and received approximately 4.4 million shares. In addition to shares purchased under the ASR Program, UAL spent $120 million on open market repurchases of 2.1 million shares of UAL common stock in 2014.

At December 31, 2014, approximately 21 million shares of UAL’s common stock were reserved for future issuance related to the conversion of convertible debt securities and the issuance of equity based awards under the Company’s incentive compensation plans.

As of December 31, 2014, UAL had two shares of junior preferred stock (par value $0.01 per share) outstanding. In addition, UAL is authorized to issue 250 million shares of preferred stock (without par value) under UAL’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

 

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NOTE 4 - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

The computations of UAL’s basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share and the number of securities that have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share amounts because they were antidilutive are set forth below for the years ended December 31 (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

            2014                     2013                     2012          

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

     

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 1,132        $ 571        $ (723)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

    371         348         331    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

   $ 3.05        $ 1.64        $ (2.18)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

     

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders

   $ 1,132        $ 571        $ (723)   

Effect of dilutive securities

    11         26         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) available to common stockholders including the effect of dilutive securities

   $ 1,143        $ 597        $ (723)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     

Diluted shares outstanding:

     

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

    371         348         331    

Effect of convertible notes

    18         42         —    

Effect of restricted stock and employee stock options

                  —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

    390         391         331    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

   $ 2.93        $ 1.53        $ (2.18)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
Potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted per share amounts:      

Restricted stock and stock options

                    

Convertible notes

                  61    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  66    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See Notes 3 and 11 of this report for additional information related to the ASR Program, open market share repurchases, open market purchases of the Company’s convertible debt and exchange of shares for redemption of convertible debt.

NOTE 5 - SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

UAL maintains several share-based compensation plans. These plans provide for grants of qualified and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, RSUs, performance compensation awards, performance units, cash incentive awards and other types of equity-based and equity-related awards.

All awards are recorded as equity or a liability in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The share-based compensation expense is directly recorded in salaries and related costs or integration-related expense.

In February 2014, UAL granted share-based compensation awards pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan. These share-based compensation awards include approximately

 

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0.3 million shares of restricted stock and 0.5 million of RSUs that vest pro-rata over three years on the anniversary of the grant date. The time vested RSUs are cash-settled based on the 20-day average closing price of UAL common stock immediately prior to the vesting date. In addition, UAL granted 0.6 million RSUs that will vest based on UAL’s return on invested capital for the three years ending December 31, 2016. If this performance condition is achieved, cash payments will be made after the end of the performance period based on the 20-day average closing price of UAL common stock immediately prior to the vesting date (subject to a maximum payment valued at two times the closing stock price on the grant date). The Company accounts for the RSUs as liability awards.

The following table provides information related to UAL’s share-based compensation plan cost for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

         2014              2013              2012      

Compensation cost: (a)

        

RSUs

    $ 104         $ 88         $ 37    

Restricted stock

     10          11          13    

Other

     —                    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    $ 114         $ 100         $ 57    

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(a) All compensation cost is recorded to Salaries and related costs, with the exception of $3 million, $9 million and $9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that was recorded in integration-related costs as a component of special charges.

The table below summarizes UAL’s unearned compensation and weighted-average remaining period to recognize costs for all outstanding share-based awards that are probable of being achieved for the year ended December 31, 2014 (in millions, except as noted):

 

     Unearned
Compensation
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Period (in
years)
 

RSUs

    $ 55          1.4    

Restricted stock

             1.4    
  

 

 

    

Total

    $ 62       
  

 

 

    

RSUs and Restricted Stock. All outstanding RSUs are settled in cash. As of December 31, 2014, UAL had recorded a liability of $136 million related to its RSUs. UAL paid $86 million, $29 million and $35 million related to its share-based liabilities during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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The table below summarizes UAL’s RSUs and restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31 (shares in millions):

 

     RSUs        Restricted Stock      Weighted-
Average
Grant Price
 

Non-vested at December 31, 2011

     3.4            1.0        $ 23.33    

Granted

     2.0            0.5          24.01    

Vested

     (0.6)           (0.6)         23.05    

Surrendered

     (0.5)           (0.1)         24.01    
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Non-vested at December 31, 2012

     4.3            0.8          23.94    

Granted

     1.8            0.5          25.98    

Vested

     (0.5)           (0.3)         23.93    

Surrendered

     (0.2)           (0.1)         24.76    
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Non-vested at December 31, 2013

     5.4            0.9          25.02    

Granted

     0.9            0.3          43.33    

Vested

     (2.2)           (0.4)         24.66    

Surrendered

     (0.3)           (0.1)         28.88    
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Non-vested at December 31, 2014

     3.8            0.7          32.55    
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

The fair value of RSUs and restricted stock vested in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $97 million, $22 million and $27 million, respectively. The fair value of the restricted stock awards was primarily based upon the UAL common stock price on the date of grant. These awards are accounted for as equity awards. The fair value of the RSUs was based on the UAL common stock price as of the last day preceding the settlement date. These awards were accounted for as liability awards. Restricted stock vesting and the recognition of the expense is similar to the stock option vesting described below.

Stock Options. UAL has not granted any stock options since 2010. Historically, stock options were awarded with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of UAL’s common stock on the date of grant. UAL stock options generally vested over a period of either three or four years and have a contractual life of 10 years. Expense related to each portion of an option grant was recognized on a straight-line basis over the specific vesting period for those options. The Company determined the fair value of stock options at the grant date using a Black Scholes option pricing model. As of December 31, 2014, there were approximately 1 million outstanding stock option awards, all of which were exercisable, with a weighted-average exercise price of $29.73.

 

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NOTE 6 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The tables below present the components of the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of tax (in millions):

 

UAL (a)

   Pension and
Other
Postretirement
Unrecognized
Actuarial
Gains (Losses)
and Prior
Service Cost
    Unrealized
Gains  (Losses)
on Derivatives
     Investments
and Other
     Total  

Balance at December 31, 2011

    $ (312)       $ (100)        $ (5)        $ (417)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

     (747) (b)      (51)         11          (787)   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

     17         141          —          158    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

     (730)        90          11          (629)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

    $ (1,042)       $ (10)        $        $     (1,046)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     1,584  (b)      39                  1,630    

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

     42         (18)         —          24    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,626         21                  1,654    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

    $ 584        $ 11         $ 13         $ 608    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

     (1,106) (b)      (599)         —          (1,705)   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

     (65)        89          (6)         18    
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,171)        (510)         (6)         (1,687)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

    $ (587)       $ (499)        $        $ (1,079)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Details about AOCI Components

   Amount Reclassified from AOCI to
Income
     Affected Line Item in
the Statement Where
Net Income is Presented
     Year Ended December 31,       
     2014      2013      2012       

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

           

Fuel contracts-reclassifications of (gains) losses into earnings (c)

    $ 89         $ (18)        $ 141        Aircraft fuel

Amortization of pension and post-retirement items

           

Amortization of unrecognized (gains) losses and prior service cost and the effect of curtailments and settlements (c) (d)

     (65)         42          17        Salaries and related costs

Investments and other

           

Available for sale securities—reclassifications of gains into earnings (c)

     (6)         —          —        Miscellaneous, net

 

 

(a) UAL and United amounts are substantially the same except for an additional $6 million of income tax benefit at United in 2013. In addition, United had additional gains related to investments and other of $1 million in both 2012 and 2013.

(b) For 2014, prior service credits increased by $3 million and actuarial losses increased by approximately $1.1 billion. For 2013, prior service credits increased by $331 million and actuarial gains increased by approximately $1.3 billion. The amount for 2012 was not material.

 

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(c) Income tax expense for these items was offset by the Company’s valuation allowance.

(d) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in the computation of net periodic pension and other postretirement costs (see Note 8 of this report for additional information).

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES

The significant components of the income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in millions):

 

2014

   UAL      United  

Current

    $ (17)        $ (17)   

Deferred

     13          13    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ (4)        $ (4)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

2013

             

Current

    $ (18)        $ (18)   

Deferred

     (14)           
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ (32)        $ (17)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

2012

             

Current

    $ (14)        $ (9)   

Deferred

     13          13    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ (1)        $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The income tax provision differed from amounts computed at the statutory federal income tax rate, as follows (in millions):

 

UAL

   2014      2013      2012  

Income tax provision at statutory rate

    $ 395         $ 189         $ (253)   

State income taxes, net of federal income tax

     16                  (15)   

Foreign income taxes

                       

Nondeductible employee meals

     15          15          12    

Nondeductible interest expense

     —          —          19    

State rate change

     —          (33)         —    

Valuation allowance

     (441)         (219)         234    

Other, net

                     (5)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ (4)        $ (32)        $ (1)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United

   2014      2013      2012  

Income tax provision at statutory rate

    $ 388         $ 223         $ (230)   

State income taxes, net of federal income tax

     15                  (7)   

Foreign income taxes

                       

Nondeductible employee meals

     15          15          12    

Nondeductible interest expense

     —          —          19    

Derivative market adjustment

     (7)         (24)         (15)   

State rate change

     —          (33)         —    

Valuation allowance

     (426)         (229)         223    

Other, net

             23          (5)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $ (4)        $ (17)        $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in millions):

 

     UAL      United  
     December 31,      December 31,  
     2014      2013      2014      2013  

Deferred income tax asset (liability):

           

Federal and state net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards

    $ 3,491         $ 4,006         $ 3,423         $ 3,943    

Frequent flyer deferred revenue

     2,287          2,254          2,287          2,254    

Employee benefits, including pension, postretirement and medical

     1,943          1,701          1,943          1,701    

Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards

     214          233          214          233    

Other

     657          340          659          340    

Less: Valuation allowance

     (4,751)         (4,591)         (4,721)         (4,561)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

    $    3,841         $    3,943         $    3,805         $    3,910    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
           

Depreciation, capitalized interest and other

    $ (3,212)        $ (3,201)        $ (3,212)        $ (3,201)   

Intangibles

     (1,545)         (1,585)         (1,545)         (1,585)   

Other

     (84)         (144)         (48)         (111)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

    $ (4,841)        $ (4,930)        $ (4,805)        $ (4,897)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liability

    $ (1,000)        $ (987)        $ (1,000)        $ (987)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United and its domestic consolidated subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return with UAL. Under an intercompany tax allocation policy, United and its subsidiaries compute, record and pay UAL for their own tax liability as if they were separate companies filing separate returns. In determining their own tax liabilities, United and each of its subsidiaries take into account all tax credits or benefits generated and utilized as separate companies and they are each compensated for the aforementioned tax benefits only if they would be able to use those benefits on a separate company basis.

The federal and state NOL carryforwards relate to prior years’ NOLs, which may be used to reduce tax liabilities in future years. These tax benefits are mostly attributable to federal pre-tax NOL carryforwards of $9.6 billion for UAL. If not utilized these federal pre-tax NOLs will expire as follows (in billions): $1.1 in 2024, $2.5 in 2025, $2.0 in 2026 and $4.0 after 2026. In addition, the majority of tax benefits of the state net operating losses of $111 million for UAL will expire over a five to 20-year period.

Our effective tax rates are lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily because of the impact of changes to existing valuation allowances. We continue to provide a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities because we have concluded that it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets will ultimately not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income (including the reversals of deferred tax liabilities) during the periods in which those deferred tax assets will become deductible. The Company’s management assesses available positive and negative evidence regarding the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets and records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. To form a conclusion, management considers positive evidence in the form of reversing temporary differences, projections of future taxable income and tax planning strategies and negative evidence such as historical losses. Although the Company was not in a three-year cumulative loss position at the end of 2014, management determined that the low level of cumulative pretax income, combined with uncertainty about forecasted results, supports the conclusion that the valuation allowance is still necessary. Management will continue to evaluate

 

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future financial performance to determine whether such performance is both sustained and significant enough to provide sufficient evidence to support reversal of the valuation allowance.

The December 31, 2014 valuation allowances of $4.8 billion and $4.7 billion for UAL and United, respectively, if reversed in future years will reduce income tax expense. The current valuation allowance reflects increases from December 31, 2013 of $160 million, for both UAL and United, including amounts charged directly to other comprehensive income.

The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions were $9 million, $14 million and $19 million at 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Included in the ending balance at 2014 is $7 million that would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect significant increases or decreases in their unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

There are no significant amounts included in the balance at December 31, 2014 for tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions (in millions):

 

     2014      2013      2012  

Balance at January 1,

    $ 14         $ 19         $ 24    

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits relating to settlements with taxing authorities

     (5)         —          (12)   

Increase in unrecognized tax benefits as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period

     —          —            

Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits relating from a lapse of the statute of limitations

     —          (5)         (1)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

    $        $ 14         $ 19    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s federal income tax returns for tax years after 2002 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and state taxing jurisdictions. Currently, there are no ongoing examinations of the Company’s prior year tax returns being conducted by the IRS.

NOTE 8 - PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The following summarizes the significant pension and other postretirement plans of United:

Pension Plans

United maintains two primary defined benefit pension plans, one covering certain pilot employees and another covering certain U.S. non-pilot employees. Each of these plans provide benefits based on a combination of years of benefit accruals service and an employee’s final average compensation. Additional benefit accruals were frozen under the plan covering certain pilot employees during 2005 and management and administrative employees as of December 31, 2013 at which time any existing accrued benefits for those employees were preserved. Benefit accruals for certain non-pilot employees under its other primary defined benefit pension plan continue. United maintains additional defined benefit pension plans, which cover certain international employees.

Other Postretirement Plans

We maintain postretirement medical programs which provide medical benefits to certain retirees and eligible dependents, as well as life insurance benefits to certain retirees participating in the plan. Benefits provided are subject to applicable contributions, co-payments, deductible and other limits as described in the specific plan documentation.

 

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Changes in benefits that either qualified as curtailments (which reduced prior actuarial losses) or negative plan amendments are detailed in the tables below. Actuarial assumption changes are reflected as a component of the net actuarial gains/(losses) during 2014 and 2013. These amounts will be amortized over the average remaining service life of the covered active employees or the average life expectancy of inactive participants and will impact 2014 and 2013 pension and retiree medical expense as described below.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation and plan assets, the funded status and the amounts recognized in these financial statements for the defined benefit and other postretirement plans (in millions):

 

    Pension Benefits  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Accumulated benefit obligation:

   $ 4,068        $ 3,383    
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

Change in projected benefit obligation:

   

Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 4,000        $ 4,526    

Service cost

    98         121    

Interest cost

    201         191    

Actuarial (gain) loss

    807         (464)   

Gross benefits paid and settlements

    (281)        (269)   

Curtailments

    —         (84)   

Other

    (22)        (21)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 4,803        $ 4,000    
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

Change in plan assets:

   

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 2,397        $ 2,157    

Actual gain on plan assets

    151         239    

Employer contributions

    307         277    

Gross benefits paid and settlements

    (281)        (269)   

Other

    (12)        (7)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 2,562        $ 2,397    
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status—Net amount recognized

   $ (2,241)       $ (1,603)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Pension Benefits  
     December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

     

Noncurrent asset

    $        $ 49    

Current liability

     (17)         (2)   

Noncurrent liability

     (2,226)         (1,650)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liability

    $ (2,241)        $ (1,603)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:

     

Net actuarial loss

    $ (982)        $ (162)   

Prior service loss

     (1)         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

    $ (983)        $ (162)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     Other Postretirement Benefits  
     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
     Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Change in benefit obligation:

     

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

    $ 1,819         $ 2,743    

Service cost

     19          52    

Interest cost

     88          110    

Plan participants’ contributions

     67          67    

Actuarial (gain) loss

     262          (640)   

Federal subsidy

               

Plan amendments

     (3)         (331)   

Curtailments

               

Gross benefits paid

     (212)         (197)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

    $ 2,052         $ 1,819    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

     

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

    $ 57         $ 58    

Actual return on plan assets

               

Employer contributions

     144          128    

Plan participants’ contributions

     67          67    

Benefits paid

     (212)         (197)   

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

     57          57    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funded status—Net amount recognized

    $ (1,995)        $ (1,762)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

    Other Postretirement Benefits  
    December 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

   

Current liability

   $ (62)       $ (59)   

Noncurrent liability

    (1,933)        (1,703)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liability

   $ (1,995)       $ (1,762)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:    

Net actuarial gain

   $ 233        $ 555    

Prior service credit

    278         306    
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 511        $ 861    
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following information relates to all pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation and a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31 (in millions):

 

        2014             2013      

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 4,625        $ 3,820    

Accumulated benefit obligation

    3,930         3,245    

Fair value of plan assets

    2,387         2,176    

 

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Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 included the following components (in millions):

 

     2014      2013      2012  
     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Service cost     $ 98         $ 19         $ 121         $ 52         $ 99         $ 50    
Interest cost      201          88          191          110          184          124    
Expected return on plan assets      (180)         (2)         (163)         (2)         (138)         (2)   
Curtailment loss      —          —                          —          —    
Amortization of prior service credits      —          (31)         —          (3)         (1)         —    
Settlement (gain) loss              —          (10)         —                  —    
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss      12          (47)         48                  21          (3)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Net periodic benefit cost     $ 132         $ 27         $ 189         $ 162         $ 166         $ 169    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The estimated amounts that will be amortized in 2015 out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in millions):

 

     Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 

Actuarial (gain) loss

    $ 87         $ (22)   

Prior service credit

     —          (32)   

The assumptions used for the benefit plans were as follows:

 

        Pension Benefits       

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations

        2014                2013       

Discount rate

    4.20%        5.09%   

Rate of compensation increase

    3.66%        3.49%   
   

Assumptions used to determine net expense

   

Discount rate

    5.10%        4.48%   

Expected return on plan assets

    7.36%        7.56%   

Rate of compensation increase

    3.50%        2.48%   

 

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     Other Postretirement Benefits  
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations        2014              2013      

Discount rate

     4.07%         4.94%   
     

Assumptions used to determine net expense

     

Discount rate

     4.94%         4.12%   

Expected return on plan assets

     4.00%         4.00%   

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

     7.00%         7.25%   

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate in 2023)

     5.00%         5.00%   

During 2014, the Company experienced changes in its benefit obligations related to changes in discount rates and mortality tables in its pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company used the Society of Actuaries’ 2014 mortality tables, modified to reflect the Social Security Administration Trustee’s Report on current projections regarding expected longevity improvements.

The Company selected the 2014 discount rate for most of its plans by using a hypothetical portfolio of high quality bonds at December 31, 2014, that would provide the necessary cash flows to match projected benefit payments.

We develop our expected long-term rate of return assumption for such plans based on historical experience and by evaluating input from the trustee managing the plans’ assets. Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for these plans is based on a target allocation of assets, which is based on our goal of earning the highest rate of return while maintaining risk at acceptable levels. The plans strive to have assets sufficiently diversified so that adverse or unexpected results from one security class will not have an unduly detrimental impact on the entire portfolio. Plan fiduciaries regularly review our actual asset allocation and the pension plans’ investments are periodically rebalanced to our targeted allocation when considered appropriate. United’s plan assets are allocated within the following guidelines:

 

    

Percent of Total

  

Expected Long-Term

Rate of Return

     

Equity securities

       40-54    %        10    %

Fixed-income securities

   26-34       4  

Alternatives

   14-20       7  

Other

   4-8    6  

One-hundred percent of other postretirement plan assets are invested in a deposit administration fund.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the other postretirement plans. A 1% change in the assumed health care trend rate for the Company would have the following additional effects (in millions):

 

     1% Increase      1% Decrease  

Effect on total service and interest cost for the year ended December 31, 2014

    $ 13         $ (11)   

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2014

     254          (220)   

A one percentage point decrease in the weighted average discount rate would increase the postretirement benefit liability by approximately $247 million and increase the estimated 2014 benefits expense by approximately $10 million.

 

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Fair Value Information. Accounting standards require us to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

 

Level 1

   Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities identical to those to be reported at fair value

Level 2

   Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs

Level 3

   Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require us to develop our own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the valuation techniques identified in the tables below. The valuation techniques are as follows:

(a) Market approach. Prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities; and

(b) Income approach. Techniques to convert future amounts to a single current value based on market expectations (including present value techniques, option-pricing and excess earnings models).

The following tables present information about United’s pension and other postretirement plan assets at December 31 (in millions):

 

     2014          2013  
Pension Plan Assets:    Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3              Total          Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Equity securities funds

    $ 1,181         $ 388         $ 793         $ —            $ 1,158         $ 389         $ 769         $ —    

Fixed-income securities

     813          —          813          —             702          —          698            

Alternatives

     359          —          148          211             405          —          199          206    

Insurance contract

     21          —          —          21             26          —          —          26    

Other investments

     188          —          165          23             106          —          106          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    $ 2,562         $ 388         $ 1,919         $ 255            $ 2,397         $ 389         $ 1,772         $ 236    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets:                           

Deposit administration fund

    $ 57         $ —         $ —         $ 57            $ 57         $ —         $ —         $ 57    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity and Fixed-Income Securities. Equity securities include investments in both developed market and emerging market equity securities. Fixed-income securities include primarily U.S. and non-U.S. government fixed-income securities and U.S. and non-U.S corporate fixed-income securities.

Insurance Contract and Deposit Administration Fund. Each of these investments are stable value investment products structured to provide investment income.

Alternatives. Alternative investments consist primarily of investments in hedge funds, real estate and private equity interests.

Other investments. Other investments consist primarily of investments in currency and commodity commingled funds.

 

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The reconciliation of United’s defined benefit plan assets measured at fair value using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in millions):

 

     2014      2013  

Balance at beginning of year

     $ 293           $ 256     

  Actual return on plan assets:

     

  Sold during the year

     7           15     

  Held at year end

     6           7     

  Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net)

     6           15     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

     $   312           $   293     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funding requirements for tax-qualified defined benefit pension plans are determined by government regulations. United’s contributions reflected above have satisfied its required contributions through the 2014 calendar year. In 2015, employer anticipated contributions to all of United’s pension and postretirement plans are at least $400 million and approximately $120 million, respectively.

The estimated future benefit payments, net of expected participant contributions, in United’s pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2014 are as follows (in millions):

 

           Pension            Other
   Postretirement  
       Other Postretirement—  
subsidy receipts
 

2015

     $ 299           $ 125           $ 6     

2016

     283           126           7     

2017

     294           129           8     

2018

     291           132           9     

2019

     293           135           9     

Years 2020 – 2024

     1,581           732           56     

Defined Contribution Plans

Depending upon the employee group, employer contributions consist of matching contributions and/or non-elective employer contributions. United’s employer contribution percentages vary from 1% to 16% of eligible earnings depending on the terms of each plan. United recorded contributions to its defined contribution plans of $503 million, $433 million and $330 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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Multi-Employer Plans

United’s participation in the IAM National Pension Plan (“IAM Plan”) for the annual period ended December 31, 2014 is outlined in the table below. There have been no significant changes that affect the comparability 2014 and 2013 contributions. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans, as United may be subject to additional risks that others do not meet their obligations, which in certain circumstances could revert to United. The IAM Plan reported $368 million in employers’ contributions for the year ended December 31, 2013. For 2013, the Company’s contributions to the IAM Plan represented more than 5% of total contributions to the IAM Plan.

 

  Pension Fund

   IAM National Pension Fund

  EIN/ Pension Plan Number

   51-6031295 - 002

  Pension Protection Act Zone Status (2014 and 2013)

   Green Zone. Plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.

  FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented

   No

  United’s Contributions

   $39 million, $38 million and $36 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively

  Surcharge Imposed

   No

  Expiration Date of Collective Bargaining Agreement

   N/A

At the date the financial statements were issued, Forms 5500 were not available for the plan year ending in 2014.

Profit Sharing

Substantially all employees participated in profit sharing, which depending on the work group and the Company’s earnings thresholds, determines profit sharing payments based on receiving a portion of 5% to 20% of total pre-tax earnings, excluding special items, profit sharing expense and share-based compensation expense, to eligible employees. Eligible U.S. co-workers in each participating work group received a profit sharing payout using a formula based on the ratio of each qualified co-worker’s annual eligible earnings to the eligible earnings of all qualified co-workers in all domestic work groups. The international profit sharing plan paid eligible non-U.S. co-workers based on the calculation under the U.S. profit sharing plan for management and administrative employees. The Company recorded profit sharing and related payroll tax expense of $235 million, $190 million and $119 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Profit sharing expense is recorded as a component of Salaries and related costs in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

NOTE 9 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair Value Information. Accounting standards require us to use valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs are prioritized as follows:

 

Level 1

  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities identical to those to be reported at fair value

Level 2

  Other inputs that are observable directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or market-corroborated inputs

Level 3

  Unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require us to develop our own assumptions about how market participants would price the assets or liabilities

 

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The table below presents disclosures about the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31 (in millions):

 

     2014      2013  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  
     UAL  

Cash and cash equivalents

      $2,002         $ 2,002        $ —        $ —        $ 3,220        $ 3,220        $ —        $ —    

Short-term investments:

                       

Asset-backed securities

     901          —          901          —          694          —          694          —    

Corporate debt

     876          —          876          —          685          —          685          —    

Certificates of deposit placed through an account registry service (“CDARS”)

     256          —          256          —          301          —          301          —    

U.S. government and agency notes

     68          —          68          —          38          —          38          —    

Auction rate securities

     26          —          —          26          105          —          —          105    

Other fixed income securities

     255          —          255          —          78          —          78          —    

Enhanced equipment trust certificates (“EETC”)

     28          —          —          28          61          —          —          61    

Fuel derivatives asset (liability), net

     (717)         —          (717)         —          104          —          104          —    

Foreign currency derivatives

             —                  —                  —                  —    

Restricted cash

     320          320          —          —          395          395          —          —    
     United  

Cash and cash equivalents

    $     1,996         $     1,996         $ —         $ —         $     3,214         $     3,214        $ —        $ —    

Short-term investments:

                       

Asset-backed securities

     901          —          901          —          694          —          694          —    

Corporate debt

     876          —          876          —          685          —          685          —    

CDARS

     256          —          256          —          301          —          301          —    

U.S. government and agency notes

     68          —          68          —          38          —          38          —    

Auction rate securities

     26          —          —          26          105          —          —          105    

Other fixed income securities

     255          —          255          —          78          —          78          —    

EETC

     28          —          —          28          61          —          —          61    

Fuel derivatives asset (liability), net

     (717)         —          (717)         —          104          —          104          —    

Foreign currency derivatives

             —                  —                  —                  —    

Restricted cash

     320          320          —          —          395          395          —          —    

Convertible debt derivative asset

     712          —          —          712          480          —          —          480    

Convertible debt option liability

     (511)         —          —          (511)         (270)         —          —          (270)   

 

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Available-for-sale investment maturities—The short-term investments shown in the table above are classified as available-for-sale. As of December 31, 2014, asset-backed securities have remaining maturities of less than one year to approximately 40 years, corporate debt securities have remaining maturities of less than one year to approximately six years and CDARS have maturities of less than one year. U.S. government and other securities have maturities of less than one year to approximately four years.

The tables below present disclosures about the activity for “Level 3” financial assets and financial liabilities for the year ended December 31 (in millions):

 

    2014     2013  
    UAL and United     United     UAL and United     United  
    Student
Loan-Related
Auction Rate
Securities
    EETC     Convertible
Debt
Supplemental
Derivative
Asset
    Convertible
Debt
Conversion
Option
Liability
    Student
Loan-Related
Auction Rate
Securities
    EETC     Convertible
Debt
Supplemental
Derivative
Asset
    Convertible
Debt
Conversion
Option
Liability
 

Balance at January 1

   $ 105        $   61        $ 480        $ (270)       $ 116       $ 63        $ 268        $ (128)   
Purchases, (sales), issuances and settlements (net)     (84)        (33)        (62)        34         (19)        (4)        —         —    

Gains and (losses):

               

Reported in earnings:

               

Realized

    10                (5)                      —         —         —    

Unrealized

    —         —         299         (280)               —         212         (142)   

Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

    (5)        (1)        —         —                       —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ 26        $ 28       $ 712        $ (511)       $ 105        $ 61        $ 480        $ (270)   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

United’s debt-related derivatives presented in the tables above relate to (a) supplemental indentures that provide that United’s convertible debt is convertible into shares of UAL common stock upon the terms and conditions specified in the indentures, and (b) the embedded conversion options in United’s convertible debt that are required to be separated and accounted for as though they are free-standing derivatives as a result of the United debt becoming convertible into the common stock of a different reporting entity. The derivatives described above relate to the 6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2030 (the “6% Convertible Debentures”) and the 4.5% Convertible Notes. Gains (losses) on these derivatives are recorded in Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in United’s Statements of Consolidated Operations. These derivatives along with their gains (losses) are reported in United’s separate financial statements and are eliminated in consolidation for UAL.

In October 2014, United used cash to retire, at par, the entire $248 million principal balance of the 6% Convertible Debentures. In January 2015, the holders of substantially all of the remaining $202 million principal amount of the 4.5% Convertible Notes exercised their conversion options. The derivative assets and liabilities associated with the 6% Convertible Debentures and the 4.5% Convertible Notes were settled in connection with the retirement of the related convertible debt. See Note 11 of this report for additional information related to the 6% Convertible Debentures and the 4.5% Convertible Notes.

 

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Derivative instruments and investments presented in the tables above have the same fair value as their carrying value. The table below presents the carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments not presented in the tables above as of December 31 (in millions):

 

    Fair Value of Debt by Fair Value Hierarchy Level  
    2014     2013  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value     Carrying
Amount
    Fair Value  
          Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3           Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

UAL debt

   $   11,434        $   12,386        $ —        $   8,568       $   3,818        $   11,539        $   12,695        $ —       $   8,829       $   3,866    

United debt

    11,433         12,386         —         8,568         3,818         11,388         12,249         —         8,383         3,866    

Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)

 

Item

   Fair Value at
December 31, 2014
    

Valuation Technique

  

Unobservable Input

  

Input Value

Auction rate securities

   $ 26        Valuation Service / Broker Quotes    Broker quotes (a)    NA

EETC

     28        Discounted Cash Flows    Structure credit risk (b)    4%

Convertible debt derivative asset

     712        Binomial Lattice Model   

Expected volatility (c)

Own credit risk (d)

  

40%

5%

Convertible debt option liability

     (511)       Binomial Lattice Model   

Expected volatility (c)

Own credit risk (d)

  

40%

5%

 

(a) Broker quotes obtained by a third-party valuation service.

(b) Represents the credit risk premium of the EETC structure above the risk-free rate that the Company has determined market participants would use when pricing the instruments.

(c) Represents the volatility estimate that the Company has determined market participants would use when pricing the instruments.

(d) Represents the Company-specific risk adjustment that the Company has determined market participants would use as a model input.

Valuation Processes - Level 3 Measurements - Depending on the instrument, the Company utilizes broker quotes obtained from third-party valuation services, discounted cash flow methods, or option pricing methods, as indicated above. Valuations using discounted cash flow methods are generally conducted by the Company. Valuations using option pricing models are generally provided to the Company by third-party valuation experts. Each reporting period, the Company reviews the unobservable inputs used by third-party valuation experts for reasonableness utilizing relevant information available to the Company from other sources.

The Company uses broker quotes obtained from a valuation service (in replacement of a discounted cash flows method) for valuing auction rate securities. This approach provides the best available information.

Sensitivity Analysis - Level 3 Measurements - Changes in the structure credit risk would be unlikely to cause material changes in the fair value of the EETCs.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the United convertible debt derivative assets and liabilities are the expected volatility in UAL common stock and the Company’s own credit risk. Significant increases (decreases) in expected stock volatility would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the Company’s own credit risk would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. A change in one of the inputs would not necessarily result in a directionally similar change in the other.

 

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Fair value of the financial instruments included in the tables above was determined as follows:

 

Description

  

Fair Value Methodology

Cash and cash equivalents    The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these assets.
Short-term investments and Restricted cash    Fair value is based on (a) the trading prices of the investment or similar instruments, (b) an income approach, which uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts into a single present amount based on current market expectations about those future amounts when observable trading prices are not available, (c) internally-developed models of the expected future cash flows related to the securities, or (d) broker quotes obtained by third-party valuation services.

Fuel derivatives

   Derivative contracts are privately negotiated contracts and are not exchange traded. Fair value measurements are estimated with option pricing models that employ observable inputs. Inputs to the valuation models include contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, fuel price curves and measures of volatility, among others.
Foreign currency derivatives    Fair value is determined with a formula utilizing observable inputs. Significant inputs to the valuation models include contractual terms, risk-free interest rates and forward exchange rates.

Debt

   Fair values were based on either market prices or the discounted amount of future cash flows using our current incremental rate of borrowing for similar liabilities.
Convertible debt derivative asset and option liability    United used a binomial lattice model to value the conversion options and the supplemental derivative assets. Significant binomial model inputs that are not objectively determinable include volatility and the Company’s credit risk component of the discount rate.

NOTE 10 - HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Fuel Derivatives

The Company routinely hedges a portion of its future fuel requirements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had hedged approximately 22% and 1% of its projected fuel requirements (859 million and 35 million gallons, respectively) for 2015 and 2016, respectively, with commonly used financial hedge instruments based on aircraft fuel or crude oil. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had fuel hedges expiring through March 2016. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for non-risk management purposes.

As required, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each of its individual hedges on a quarterly basis. The Company also examines the effectiveness of its entire hedging program on a quarterly basis utilizing statistical analysis. This analysis involves utilizing regression and other statistical analyses that compare changes in the price of aircraft fuel to changes in the prices of the commodities used for hedging purposes.

Upon proper qualification, the Company accounts for certain fuel derivative instruments as cash flow hedges. All derivatives designated as hedges that meet certain requirements are granted hedge accounting treatment. The types of instruments the Company utilizes that qualify for special hedge accounting treatment typically include swaps, call options, collars (which consist of a purchased call option and a sold put option) and four-way collars (a collar with a higher strike sold call option and a lower strike purchased put option). Generally, utilizing hedge accounting, all periodic changes in fair value of the derivatives designated as hedges that are considered to be effective are recorded in AOCI until the underlying fuel is consumed and recorded in fuel expense. The Company is exposed to the risk that its hedges may not be effective in offsetting changes in the cost of fuel and that its hedges may not continue to qualify for hedge accounting. Hedge ineffectiveness results when the change

 

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in the fair value of the derivative instrument exceeds the change in the value of the Company’s expected future cash outlay to purchase and consume fuel. To the extent that the periodic changes in the fair value of the derivatives are not effective, that ineffectiveness is classified as Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in the statements of consolidated operations.

The Company also utilizes certain derivative instruments that are economic hedges but do not qualify for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP. As with derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting, the purpose of these economic hedges is to mitigate the adverse financial impact of potential increases in the price of fuel. Currently, the only such economic hedges in the Company’s hedging portfolio are three-way collars (a collar with a higher strike sold call option). The Company records changes in the fair value of three-way collars to Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in the statements of consolidated operations.

If the Company settles a derivative prior to its contractual settlement date, then the cumulative gain or loss recognized in AOCI at the termination date remains in AOCI until the forecasted transaction occurs. In a situation where it becomes probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains and/or losses that have been recorded to AOCI would be required to be immediately reclassified into earnings. All cash flows associated with purchasing and settling derivatives are classified as operating cash flows in the statements of consolidated cash flows.

The Company records each derivative instrument as a derivative asset or liability (on a gross basis) in its consolidated balance sheets, and, accordingly, records any related collateral on a gross basis. The table below presents the fair value amounts of fuel derivative assets and liabilities and the location of amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements.

 

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At December 31, the Company’s derivatives were reported in its consolidated balance sheets as follows (in millions):

 

Classification

  

Balance Sheet Location

       2014              2013      

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

        

Assets:

        

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Receivables     $ —         $ 19    

Fuel contracts with maturities greater than one year

   Other assets: Other, net      —            
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

       $ —         $ 25    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Fuel derivative instruments     $ 450         $ —    

Fuel contracts with maturities greater than one year

   Other liabilities and deferred credits: Other      27          —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 
       $ 477         $ —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated for hedge accounting

        

Assets:

        

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Receivables     $        $ 70    

Fuel contracts with maturities greater than one year

   Other assets: Other, net      —            
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

       $        $ 79    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Fuel derivative instruments     $ 244         $ —    

Fuel contracts with maturities greater than one year

   Other liabilities and deferred credits: Other                —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

       $ 246         $ —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivatives

        

Assets:

        

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Receivables     $        $ 89    

Fuel contracts with maturities greater than one year

   Other assets: Other, net      —          15    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

       $        $ 104    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Fuel contracts due within one year

   Fuel derivative instruments     $ 694         $ —    

Fuel contracts with maturities greater than one year

   Other liabilities and deferred credits: Other      29          —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

       $ 723         $ —    
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivative Credit Risk and Fair Value

The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to its derivative instruments. While the Company records derivative instruments on a gross basis, the Company monitors its net derivative position with each counterparty to monitor credit risk. Based on the fair value of our fuel derivative instruments, our counterparties may require us to post collateral when the price of the underlying commodity decreases, and we may require our counterparties to provide us with collateral when the price of the underlying commodity increases. The Company posted $577 million of collateral with fuel derivative counterparties as of December 31, 2014. The collateral is recorded as Fuel hedge collateral deposits on the Company’s balance sheet. The Company did not post or hold collateral as of December 31, 2013.

 

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We have master trading agreements with all of our fuel hedging counterparties that allow us to net our fuel hedge derivative positions. We have elected not to net the fair value positions and collateral recorded on our consolidated balance sheets. The following table shows the potential net fair value positions (including fuel derivatives and related collateral) had we elected to offset. The table reflects offset at the counterparty level (in millions):

 

     December 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Receivables

    $ —         $ 89    

Other assets: Other, net

     —          15    

Current liabilities: Other

     (209)         —    

Other liabilities and deferred credits: Other

     (30)         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Hedge derivatives assets (liabilities), net

    $ (239)        $ 104    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following tables present the fuel hedge gains (losses) recognized during the periods presented and their classification in the financial statements (in millions):

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges

 

     Amount of Gain  (Loss)
Recognized
in AOCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
     Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income

(Fuel Expense)
(Effective Portion)
     Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
Nonoperating income
(expense): Miscellaneous, net
(Ineffective Portion)
 
             2014                      2013                      2014                      2013                      2014                      2013          

Fuel contracts

    $ (599)        $ 39         $ (89)        $ 18         $ (3)        $   

Derivatives not designated for hedge accounting

 

     Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Nonoperating income (expense):
Miscellaneous, net
      
             2014                      2013                      2012               

Fuel contracts

    $ (462)        $ 79         $ 38       

 

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NOTE 11 - DEBT

 

(In millions)

   At December 31,  
     2014     2013  

United:

    

Secured

    
Notes payable, fixed interest rates of 1.42% to 12.00% (weighted average rate of 5.86% as of December 31, 2014), payable through 2026     $ 7,464        $ 6,279    
Notes payable, floating interest rates of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 0.20% to 5.46%, payable through 2026      1,151         1,243    
Term loan, LIBOR subject to a 0.75% floor, plus 2.75%, or alternative rate based on certain market rates plus 1.75%, due 2019      884         893    
Term loan, LIBOR subject to a 0.75% floor, plus 3.00%, or alternative rate based on certain market rates plus 2%, due 2021      499         —    
6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015      —         800    
Unsecured     
6% Notes due 2026 to 2028 (a)      632         652    
6% Senior Notes due 2020 (a)      300         300    
6.375% Senior Notes due 2018 (a)      300         300    
4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015      202         230    
8% Notes due 2024 (a)      —         400    
6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2030      —         248    
4.5% Senior Limited-Subordination Convertible Notes due 2021 (a)      —         156    
Other      101         103    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     11,533         11,604    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: unamortized debt discount

     (99)        (169)   

Less: current portion of long-term debt—United

     (1,313)        (1,368)   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net—United (b)

    $     10,121        $ 10,067    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

UAL:

    

6% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

    $ —       $ 104    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net—UAL

    $ 10,121       $ 10,171    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) UAL is the issuer of this debt. United is a guarantor.

(b) As further described below under “Convertible Debt Securities and Derivatives,” there is a basis difference between UAL and United debt values, because we applied different accounting methodologies. The United debt presented above does not agree to United’s balance sheet by the amount of this adjustment.

The table below presents the Company’s contractual principal payments at December 31, 2014 under then-outstanding long-term debt agreements in each of the next five calendar years (in millions):

 

     UAL and United  

2015

    $ 1,313    

2016

     1,195    

2017

     755    

2018

     1,269    

2019

     1,721    

After 2019

     5,280    
  

 

 

 
    $     11,533    
  

 

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2014, a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, principally aircraft, route authorities and certain other intangible assets, were pledged under various loan and other agreements. As of December 31, 2014, UAL and United were in compliance with their respective debt covenants. Continued compliance depends on many factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, including the overall industry revenue environment and the level of fuel costs.

United secured debt

2013 Credit and Guaranty Agreement. On March 27, 2013, United and UAL entered into the Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) as the borrower and guarantor, respectively. The Company’s Credit Agreement originally consisted of a $900 million term loan due April 1, 2019 and a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility available for drawing until April 1, 2018.

On March 27, 2013, the Company used $900 million from the Credit Agreement, together with approximately $300 million of cash, to retire the entire principal balance of a $1.2 billion term loan due 2014 that was outstanding under United’s Amended and Restated Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2007 (the “Amended Credit Facility”). The Amended Credit Facility was terminated concurrently with the repayment of the term loan.

In March 2014, United amended the Credit Agreement to reduce the interest rate payable on the existing $893 million term loan from LIBOR plus a margin of 3.0% per annum to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% per annum, subject to a 0.75% floor. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a variable rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 3.0% per annum, or another rate based on certain market interest rates, plus a margin of 2.0% per annum. The principal amount of the term loan must be repaid in consecutive quarterly installments of 0.25% of the original principal amount thereof, commencing on June 30, 2013, with any unpaid balance due on April 1, 2019. United may prepay all or a portion of the loan from time to time, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest. United pays a commitment fee equal to 0.75% per-annum on the undrawn amount available under the revolving credit facility.

The Credit Agreement requires United to repay the term loan and any other outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement at par plus accrued and unpaid interest if certain changes of control of UAL occur.

In September 2014, United borrowed a $500 million term loan under the Credit Agreement, of which $499 million is outstanding. The loan is due September 2021 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.0% per annum, subject to a 0.75% floor. The $500 million term loan ranks pari passu with the $900 million term loan that United originally borrowed under the Credit Agreement, of which $884 million is outstanding. Also in September 2014, UAL amended its revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement increasing the capacity from $1.0 billion to $1.35 billion and establishing the maturity date for $1.315 billion in lender commitments as January 2, 2019.

As of December 31, 2014, United had its entire capacity of $1.35 billion available under the revolving credit facility of the Company’s Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2014, United had cash collateralized $74 million of letters of credit. United also had $410 million of performance bonds and letters of credit relating to various real estate, customs and aircraft financing obligations at December 31, 2014. Most of the letters of credit have evergreen clauses and are expected to be renewed on an annual basis and the performance bonds have expiration dates through 2019.

6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015. In September 2014, United retired, at par, the entire $800 million principal balance of its 6.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, which had originally been issued in August 2010.

EETCs. United has $7.2 billion principal amount of equipment notes outstanding issued under EETC financings included in notes payable in the table of outstanding debt above. Generally, the structure of these EETC financings consist of pass-through trusts created by United to issue pass-through certificates, which represent fractional undivided interests in the respective pass-through trusts and are not obligations of United. The proceeds of the issuance of the pass-through certificates are used to purchase equipment notes which are issued

 

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by United and secured by its aircraft. The payment obligations under the equipment notes are those of United. Proceeds received from the sale of pass-through certificates are initially held by a depositary in escrow for the benefit of the certificate holders until United issues equipment notes to the trust, which purchases such notes with a portion of the escrowed funds. These escrowed funds are not guaranteed by United and are not reported as debt on United’s consolidated balance sheet because the proceeds held by the depositary are not United’s assets.

In August 2014, April 2014 and August 2013, United created separate EETC pass-through trusts, each of which issued pass-through certificates. The proceeds of the issuance of the pass-through certificates are used to purchase equipment notes issued by United and secured by its aircraft. The Company records the debt obligation upon issuance of the equipment notes rather than upon the initial issuance of the pass-through certificates. United expects to receive all proceeds from these pass-through trusts by the end of 2015. Certain details of the pass-through trusts with proceeds received from issuance of debt in 2014 are as follows (in millions, except stated interest rate):

 

EETC Date

  

Class

   Principal     

Final

expected
distribution
date

   Stated
interest
rate
     Total debt
recorded
as of December 31,
2014
     Proceeds
received from
issuance of
debt during
2014
     Remaining
proceeds from
issuance of debt
to be received
in future
periods
 

August 2014

   A     $ 823        September 2026      3.75%        $ 112         $ 112         $ 711    

August 2014

   B      238        September 2022      4.625%         32          32          206    

April 2014

   A      736        April 2026      4.0%         736          736          —    

April 2014

   B      213        April 2022      4.75%         213          213          —    

August 2013

   A      720        August 2025      4.3%         720          567          —    

August 2013

   B      209        August 2021      5.375%         209          165          —    
     

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
       $ 2,939               $ 2,022         $ 1,825         $ 917    
     

 

 

          

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

United unsecured debt

6% Senior Notes due 2020. In November 2013, UAL issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due December 1, 2020 (the “6% Senior Notes”). The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed and recorded by United on its balance sheet as debt. The indenture for the 6% Senior Notes requires UAL to offer to repurchase the notes for cash if certain changes of control of UAL occur at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest.

6.375% Senior Notes due 2018. In May 2013, UAL issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due June 1, 2018 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”). The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed and recorded by United on its balance sheet as debt. The indenture for the 6.375% Senior Notes includes the same change of control covenant as the indenture for the 6% Senior Notes.

4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015. The 4.5% Convertible Notes were convertible by holders into shares of UAL common stock at a conversion price of approximately $18.93 per share. During 2014, United used $62 million of cash to purchase and retire $28 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.5% Convertible Notes in market transactions. UAL recorded $34 million of the repurchase cost as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. At December 31, 2014, the remaining balance of these notes was $202 million. In January 2015, the holders of substantially all of the remaining $202 million principal amount of the 4.5% Convertible Notes exercised their conversion option resulting in the issuance of 11 million shares of UAL common stock.

8% Notes due 2024. UAL redeemed in cash at par value all $400 million aggregate principal amount of the 8% Notes due 2024 (the “8% Notes”) on January 17, 2014. The 8% Notes were recorded in current liabilities as of December 31, 2013.

6% Convertible Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2030. In October 2014, United used cash to retire, at par, the entire $248 million principal balance of the 6% Convertible Debentures and the 6% Convertible Preferred Securities, Term Income Deferrable Equity Securities (TIDES). UAL accounted for this debt extinguishment in Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net for approximately $64 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

 

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4.5% Senior Limited-Subordination Convertible Notes due 2021. On January 10, 2014, UAL called all of the 4.5% Notes that remained outstanding for redemption on February 10, 2014. As a result, holders of substantially all of the remaining $156 million outstanding principal amount of the 4.5% Notes exercised their right to convert such notes into approximately five million shares of UAL common stock at a conversion rate of 30.6419 shares of UAL common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 4.5% Notes.

Convertible Debt Securities and Derivatives. UAL, United and the trustee for the 6% Convertible Debentures and the 4.5% Convertible Notes were parties to supplemental indentures that made United’s convertible debt convertible into shares of UAL common stock. For purposes of United separate-entity reporting, as a result of the remaining outstanding debt having been convertible into the stock of a non-consolidated entity, the embedded conversion options in United’s convertible debt are required to be separated and accounted for as though they are free-standing derivatives. As a result, the carrying value of United’s debt, net of current maturities, on a separate-entity reporting basis as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $1 million and $47 million, respectively, lower than the consolidated UAL carrying value on those dates.

In addition, UAL’s contractual commitment to provide common stock to satisfy United’s obligation upon conversion of the debt is an embedded call option on UAL common stock that was also required to be separated and accounted for as though it were a free-standing derivative. The fair value of the indenture derivatives on a separate-entity reporting basis as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was an asset of $712 million and $480 million, respectively. The fair value of the embedded conversion options as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, was a liability of $511 million and $270 million, respectively. The 2013 balances of the indenture derivatives and conversion options included amounts related to the 6% Convertible Debentures and the 4.5% Convertible Notes. The 6% Convertible Debentures and their related indenture derivative and conversion options were retired in 2014. The initial contribution of the indenture derivatives to United by UAL is accounted for as additional paid-in capital in United’s separate-entity financial statements. Changes in fair value of both the indenture derivatives and the embedded conversion options subsequent to October 1, 2010 are recognized in Nonoperating income (expense).

UAL

6% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029. During 2013, UAL issued approximately 28 million shares of UAL common stock pursuant to agreements that UAL entered into with certain holders of its 6% Convertible Senior Notes in exchange for approximately $240 million in aggregate principal amount of these notes held by such securityholders. The Company retired the 6% Convertible Senior Notes acquired in the exchange. In 2014, UAL issued approximately 12 million shares of UAL common stock in exchange for, or upon conversion of, $104 million in aggregate principal amount of UAL’s outstanding 6% Convertible Senior Notes held by the holders of these notes. The Company retired the 6% Convertible Senior Notes acquired in the exchange.

 

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The collateral, covenants and cross default provisions of the Company’s principal debt instruments that contain such provisions are summarized in the table below:

 

Debt Instrument   Collateral, Covenants and Cross Default Provisions

Credit Agreement

 

Secured by certain of United’s international route authorities, specified take-off and landing slots at certain airports and certain other assets.

 

The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain at least $3.0 billion of unrestricted liquidity at all times, which includes unrestricted cash, short-term investments and any undrawn amounts under any revolving credit facility, and to maintain a minimum ratio of appraised value of collateral to the outstanding obligations under the Credit Agreement of 1.67 to 1.0 at all times. The Credit Agreement contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of UAL and its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to incur additional indebtedness and to pay dividends on or repurchase stock.

 

The Credit Agreement contains events of default customary for this type of financing, including a cross default and cross acceleration provision to certain other material indebtedness of the Company.

6% Notes due 2026

 

6% Notes due 2028

 

The amended and restated indenture for these notes, which are unsecured, contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends on or repurchase stock.

 

These covenants cease to be in effect when the indenture covering the 6.375% Senior Notes due 2018 is discharged.

 

The indenture contains events of default that are customary for similar financings.

6.375% Senior Notes due 2018

 

6% Senior Notes due 2020

 

The indentures for these notes, which are unsecured, contain covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) to incur additional indebtedness and pay dividends on or repurchase stock.

 

The indentures contain events of default that are customary for similar financings.

NOTE 12 - ADVANCED PURCHASE OF MILES

United previously sold MileagePlus miles to Chase which United recorded as Advanced Purchase of Miles. United has the right, but is not required, to repurchase the pre-purchased miles from Chase during the term of the agreement. The balance of pre-purchased miles is eligible to be allocated by Chase to MileagePlus members’ accounts by a maximum of $224 million in 2015, $249 million in 2016 and the remainder in 2017. The Co-Brand

 

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Agreement contains termination penalties that may require United to make certain payments and repurchase outstanding pre-purchased miles in cases such as United’s insolvency, bankruptcy or other material breaches. The Company has recorded these amounts as advanced purchase of miles in the liabilities section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

The obligations of UAL, United and Mileage Plus Holdings, LLC to Chase under the Co-Brand Agreement are joint and several. Certain of United’s obligations under the Co-Brand Agreement are secured by a junior lien in all collateral pledged by United under the Credit Agreement. United also provides a first priority lien to Chase on its MileagePlus assets to secure certain of its obligations under the Co-Brand Agreement and its obligations under the new combined credit card processing agreement among United, Paymentech, LLC and JPMorgan Chase.

NOTE 13 - LEASES AND CAPACITY PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

United leases aircraft, airport passenger terminal space, aircraft hangars and related maintenance facilities, cargo terminals, other airport facilities, other commercial real estate, office and computer equipment and vehicles.

At December 31, 2014, United’s scheduled future minimum lease payments under operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms of more than one year, aircraft leases, including aircraft rent under CPAs and capital leases (substantially all of which are for aircraft) were as follows (in millions):

 

     Capital Leases (a)      Facility and Other
Operating Leases (b)
     Aircraft Operating
Leases (c)
 

  2015

    $ 168         $ 1,283         $ 1,446    

  2016

     154          1,123          1,247    

  2017

     115          1,089          1,147    

  2018

     104          842          908    

  2019

     38          766          682    

  After 2019

     495          7,919          1,910    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

  Minimum lease payments

    $ 1,074         $ 13,022         $ 7,340    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Imputed interest

     (393)         
  

 

 

       

Present value of minimum lease payments

     681          

Current portion

     (110)         
  

 

 

       

Long-term obligations under capital leases

    $ 571          
    

 

 

       

(a) As of December 31, 2014, United’s aircraft capital lease minimum payments relate to leases of 37 mainline and 38 regional aircraft as well as to leases of nonaircraft assets. Imputed interest rate ranges are 3.5% to 18.3%.

(b) See Note 17 of this report for additional information related to facility and other operating leases at Hopkins International Airport (“Cleveland”).

(c) The operating lease payments presented above include future payments of $72 million related to 21 nonoperating aircraft as of December 31, 2014.

Aircraft operating leases have initial terms of six to twenty-eight years, with expiration dates ranging from 2015 through 2024. Under the terms of most leases, United has the right to purchase the aircraft at the end of the lease term, in some cases at fair market value, and in others, at fair market value or a percentage of cost. United has facility operating leases that extend to 2041.

United is the lessee of real property under long-term operating leases at a number of airports where we are also the guarantor of approximately $1.5 billion of underlying debt and interest thereon as of December 31, 2014. These leases are typically with municipalities or other governmental entities, which are excluded from the consolidation requirements concerning a variable interest entity (“VIE”). To the extent United’s leases and related guarantees are with a separate legal entity other than a governmental entity, United is not the primary beneficiary because the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and the lease does not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option, or similar feature.

 

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In September 2014, United entered into a 10-year lease extension through 2035 with the City and County of Denver to continue its use of the airport terminal space at Denver International Airport. This extension is expected to result in annual cost savings through 2025 for the Company.

In November 2013, United signed a lease amendment with the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports (“LAWA”) to its terminal facilities lease at Los Angeles International Airport (“LAX”). The amendment allows United to make approximately $450 million in renovations at LAX that we expect to complete in late 2017. United will fund the cost of these renovations and LAWA will acquire the improvements at the end of each designated construction phase through a cash payment at the construction cost. United expects to be considered the owner of the property during and after the construction period for accounting purposes. As a result, the construction project will be included on the Company’s balance sheet as operating property and equipment and with the construction obligation under other liabilities.

United’s nonaircraft rent expense was approximately $1.4 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In addition to nonaircraft rent and aircraft rent, which is separately presented in the consolidated statements of operations, United had aircraft rent related to regional aircraft operating leases, which is included as part of regional capacity purchase expense in United’s consolidated statement of operations, of $442 million, $428 million and $463 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In connection with UAL Corporation’s and United Air Lines, Inc.’s fresh-start reporting requirements upon their exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2006 and the Company’s acquisition accounting adjustments related to the Company’s merger transaction in 2010, lease valuation adjustments for operating leases were initially recorded in the consolidated balance sheet, representing the net present value of the differences between contractual lease rates and the fair market lease rates for similar leased assets at the time. An asset (liability) results when the contractual lease rates are more (less) favorable than market lease terms at the valuation date. The lease valuation adjustment is amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase (decrease) to rent expense over the individual applicable remaining lease terms, resulting in recognition of rent expense as if United had entered into the leases at market rates. The related remaining lease terms are one to ten years for United. The lease valuation adjustments are classified within other noncurrent liabilities and the net accretion amounts are $160 million, $173 million and $240 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Regional CPAs

United has CPAs with certain regional carriers. We purchase all of the capacity from the flights covered by the CPA at a negotiated price. We pay the regional carrier a pre-determined rate, subject to annual inflation adjustments, primarily for block hours flown (the hours from gate departure to gate arrival) and other operating factors and reimburse the regional carrier for various pass-through expenses related to the flights. Under the CPAs, we are responsible for the cost of providing fuel for all flights and for paying aircraft rent for all of the aircraft covered by the CPAs. Generally, the CPAs contain incentive bonus and rebate provisions based upon each regional carrier’s operational performance. United’s CPAs are for 566 regional aircraft, and the CPAs have terms expiring through 2029. Aircraft operated under CPAs include aircraft leased directly from the regional carriers and those owned by United or leased from third-party lessors and operated by the regional carriers.

In September 2014, United entered into an amendment to a contract with Shuttle America Corporation (“Shuttle America”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings, for Shuttle America to operate 50 new Embraer S.A. (“Embraer”) 175 aircraft under the United Express brand and extend the term of 38 existing Embraer 170 aircraft operating under the United Express brand. Shuttle America will acquire fifty 76-seat Embraer E175 aircraft with deliveries from 2015 through 2017, although United has the right to acquire the aircraft under certain circumstances and lease the aircraft to Shuttle America. These 50 aircraft are in addition to United’s other 70 Embraer E175 aircraft that are currently being operated or will in the future be operated by different United Express carriers under CPAs. In a separate but related amendment with Republic Airways Holdings Inc. and its subsidiary, Republic Airline Inc. (“Republic”), United and Republic agreed to remove 31 Q400 aircraft from United Express service in 2015 and 2016.

 

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In May 2013, United entered into a CPA with SkyWest Airlines, Inc. (“SkyWest”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. to operate 40 Embraer E175 aircraft under the United Express brand. As of December 31, 2014, SkyWest is operating 19 of these aircraft and expects to bring into service the remaining 21 aircraft in 2015.

In April 2013, United agreed to purchase 30 Embraer E175 aircraft. In August 2013, United entered into a CPA with Mesa Air Group, Inc. and Mesa Airlines, Inc. (“Mesa”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mesa Air Group, Inc., for Mesa to operate these 30 Embraer E175 aircraft under the United Express brand. As of December 31, 2014, Mesa is operating 14 of these aircraft with the remaining aircraft to be brought into service in 2015.

Our future commitments under our CPAs are dependent on numerous variables, and are therefore difficult to predict. The most important of these variables is the number of scheduled block hours. Although we are not required to purchase a minimum number of block hours under certain of our CPAs, we have set forth below estimates of our future payments under the CPAs based on our assumptions. United’s estimates of its future payments under all of the CPAs do not include the portion of the underlying obligation for any aircraft leased to ExpressJet or deemed to be leased from other regional carriers and facility rent that are disclosed as part of aircraft and nonaircraft operating leases. For purposes of calculating these estimates, we have assumed (1) the number of block hours flown is based on our anticipated level of flight activity or at any contractual minimum utilization levels if applicable, whichever is higher, (2) that we will reduce the fleet as rapidly as contractually allowed under each CPA, (3) that aircraft utilization, stage length and load factors will remain constant, (4) that each carrier’s operational performance will remain at historic levels and (5) an annual projected inflation rate. These amounts exclude variable pass-through costs such as fuel and landing fees, among others. Based on these assumptions as of December 31, 2014, our future payments through the end of the terms of our CPAs are presented in the table below (in millions):

 

2015

    $ 1,893    

2016

     1,760    

2017

     1,653    

2018

     1,301    

2019

     973    

After 2019

     3,497    
  

 

 

 
    $         11,077    
  

 

 

 

It is important to note that the actual amounts we pay to our regional operators under CPAs could differ materially from these estimates. For example, a 10% increase or decrease in scheduled block hours for all of United’s regional operators (whether as a result of changes in average daily utilization or otherwise) in 2015 would result in a corresponding change in annual cash obligations under the CPAs of approximately $152 million (8.0%).

NOTE 14 - VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Variable interests are contractual, ownership or other monetary interests in an entity that change with fluctuations in the fair value of the entity’s net assets exclusive of variable interests. A VIE can arise from items such as lease agreements, loan arrangements, guarantees or service contracts. An entity is a VIE if (a) the entity lacks sufficient equity or (b) the entity’s equity holders lack power or the obligation and right as equity holders to absorb the entity’s expected losses or to receive its expected residual returns. Therefore, if the equity owners as a group do not have the power to direct the entity’s activities that most significantly impact its economic performance, the entity is a VIE.

If an entity is determined to be a VIE, the entity must be consolidated by the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the holder of the variable interests that has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that (i) most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses of or the right to

 

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receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Therefore, the Company must identify which activities most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and determine whether it, or another party, has the power to direct those activities.

The Company’s evaluation of its association with VIEs is described below:

Aircraft Leases. We are the lessee in a number of operating leases covering the majority of our leased aircraft. The lessors are trusts established specifically to purchase, finance and lease aircraft to us. These leasing entities meet the criteria for VIEs. We are generally not the primary beneficiary of the leasing entities if the lease terms are consistent with market terms at the inception of the lease and do not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature that obligates us to absorb decreases in value or entitles us to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. This is the case for many of our operating leases; however, leases of approximately 60 mainline jet aircraft contain a fixed-price purchase option that allow United to purchase the aircraft at predetermined prices on specified dates during the lease term. Additionally, leases covering approximately 239 leased regional jet aircraft contain an option to purchase the aircraft at the end of the lease term at prices that, depending on market conditions, could be below fair value. United has not consolidated the related trusts because, even taking into consideration these purchase options, United is still not the primary beneficiary. United’s maximum exposure under these leases is the remaining lease payments, which are reflected in future lease commitments in Note 13 of this report.

EETCs. United evaluated whether the pass-through trusts formed for its EETC financings, treated as either debt or aircraft operating leases, are VIEs required to be consolidated by United under applicable accounting guidance, and determined that the pass-through trusts are VIEs. Based on United’s analysis as described below, United determined that it does not have a variable interest in the pass-through trusts.

The primary risk of the pass-through trusts is credit risk (i.e. the risk that United, the issuer of the equipment notes, may be unable to make its principal and interest payments). The primary purpose of the pass-through trust structure is to enhance the credit worthiness of United’s debt obligation through certain bankruptcy protection provisions, a liquidity facility (in certain of the EETC structures) and improved loan-to-value ratios for more senior debt classes. These credit enhancements lower United’s total borrowing cost. Pass-through trusts are established to receive principal and interest payments on the equipment notes purchased by the pass-through trusts from United and remit these proceeds to the pass-through trusts’ certificate holders.

United does not invest in or obtain a financial interest in the pass-through trusts. Rather, United has an obligation to make interest and principal payments on its equipment notes held by the pass-through trusts. United did not intend to have any voting or non-voting equity interest in the pass-through trusts or to absorb variability from the pass-through trusts. Based on this analysis, the Company determined that it is not required to consolidate the pass-through trusts.

NOTE 15 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments. As of December 31, 2014, United had firm commitments to purchase aircraft from The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), Embraer and Airbus S.A.S. (“Airbus”) presented in the table below:

 

Aircraft Type

   Number of Firm
         Commitments (a) (b)        
 

Airbus A350-1000

     35    

Boeing 737-900ER

     34    

Boeing 737 MAX 9

     100    

Boeing 787-9/-10

     51    

Embraer E175

     11    

(a) United also has options and purchase rights for additional aircraft.

(b) United also has committed to purchase two used 737-700 aircraft in 2015.

  

  

 

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The aircraft listed in the table above are scheduled for delivery from 2015 through 2025.

The table below summarizes United’s commitments as of December 31, 2014 (including those assigned from UAL), which primarily relate to the acquisition of aircraft and related spare engines, aircraft improvements and include other commitments primarily to acquire information technology services and assets for the years ended December 31 (in billions):

 

2015

    $                     3.2    

2016

     2.3    

2017

     1.3    

2018

     2.2    

2019

     3.3    

After 2019

     10.7    
  

 

 

 
    $ 23.0    
  

 

 

 

Any incremental firm aircraft orders, including through the exercise of purchase options and purchase rights, will increase the total future capital commitments of the Company.

As of December 31, 2014, United has arranged for EETC financing for 20 of our 2015 aircraft deliveries, including 11 Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, four Boeing 787-9 aircraft and five Embraer E175 aircraft. In addition, United has secured backstop financing commitments from certain of its aircraft manufacturers for a limited number of its future aircraft deliveries, subject to certain customary conditions. Financing will be necessary to satisfy the Company’s capital commitments for its firm order aircraft and other related capital expenditures.

Legal and Environmental. The Company has certain contingencies resulting from litigation and claims incident to the ordinary course of business. Management believes, after considering a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the information currently available, the views of legal counsel, the nature of contingencies to which the Company is subject and prior experience, that the ultimate disposition of the litigation and claims will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. The Company records liabilities for legal and environmental claims when a loss is probable and reasonably estimable. These amounts are recorded based on the Company’s assessments of the likelihood of their eventual disposition.

Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into numerous real estate leasing and aircraft financing arrangements that have various guarantees included in the contracts. These guarantees are primarily in the form of indemnities under which the Company typically indemnifies the lessors and any tax/financing parties against tort liabilities that arise out of the use, occupancy, operation or maintenance of the leased premises or financed aircraft. Currently, the Company believes that any future payments required under these guarantees or indemnities would be immaterial, as most tort liabilities and related indemnities are covered by insurance (subject to deductibles). Additionally, certain leased premises such as fueling stations or storage facilities include indemnities of such parties for any environmental liability that may arise out of or relate to the use of the leased premises.

As of December 31, 2014, United is the guarantor of approximately $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of tax-exempt special facilities revenue bonds and interest thereon. These bonds, issued by various airport municipalities, are payable solely from rentals paid under long-term agreements with the respective governing bodies. The leasing arrangements associated with $1.5 billion of these obligations are accounted for as operating leases with the associated expense recorded on a straight-line basis resulting in ratable accrual of the lease obligation over the expected lease term. These tax-exempt special facilities revenue bonds are included in our lease commitments disclosed in Note 13 of this report. The leasing arrangements associated with $290 million of these obligations are accounted for as capital leases. All of these bonds are due between 2015 and 2038.

In United’s financing transactions that include loans, United typically agrees to reimburse lenders for any reduced returns with respect to the loans due to any change in capital requirements and, in the case of loans in

 

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which the interest rate is based on LIBOR, for certain other increased costs that the lenders incur in carrying these loans as a result of any change in law, subject in most cases to obligations of the lenders to take certain limited steps to mitigate the requirement for, or the amount of, such increased costs. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $2.5 billion of floating rate debt and $159 million of fixed rate debt, with remaining terms of up to twelve years, that are subject to these increased cost provisions. In several financing transactions involving loans or leases from non-U.S. entities, with remaining terms of up to twelve years and an aggregate balance of $2.7 billion, the Company bears the risk of any change in tax laws that would subject loan or lease payments thereunder to non-U.S. entities to withholding taxes, subject to customary exclusions.

Fuel Consortia. United participates in numerous fuel consortia with other air carriers at major airports to reduce the costs of fuel distribution and storage. Interline agreements govern the rights and responsibilities of the consortia members and provide for the allocation of the overall costs to operate the consortia based on usage. The consortia (and in limited cases, the participating carriers) have entered into long-term agreements to lease certain airport fuel storage and distribution facilities that are typically financed through tax-exempt bonds (either special facilities lease revenue bonds or general airport revenue bonds), issued by various local municipalities. In general, each consortium lease agreement requires the consortium to make lease payments in amounts sufficient to pay the maturing principal and interest payments on the bonds. As of December 31, 2014, approximately $1.4 billion principal amount of such bonds were secured by significant fuel facility leases in which United participates, as to which United and each of the signatory airlines has provided indirect guarantees of the debt. As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s contingent exposure was approximately $239 million principal amount of such bonds based on its recent consortia participation. The Company’s contingent exposure could increase if the participation of other air carriers decreases. The guarantees will expire when the tax-exempt bonds are paid in full, which ranges from 2015 to 2041. The Company did not record a liability at the time these indirect guarantees were made.

Credit Card Processing Agreements. United has agreements with financial institutions that process customer credit card transactions for the sale of air travel and other services. Under certain of United’s credit card processing agreements, the financial institutions either require, or under certain circumstances have the right to require, that United maintains a reserve equal to a portion of advance ticket sales that has been processed by that financial institution, but for which United has not yet provided the air transportation. Such financial institutions may require additional cash or other collateral reserves to be established or additional withholding of payments related to receivables collected if United does not maintain certain minimum levels of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments. United’s current level of unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments is substantially in excess of these minimum levels.

Labor Negotiations. As of December 31, 2014, United, including its subsidiaries, had approximately 84,000 employees. Approximately 80% of United’s employees were represented by various U.S. labor organizations as of December 31, 2014. During 2014, United’s maintenance instructor, load planner, fleet technical instructor, security officer and dispatcher work groups ratified new joint labor agreements. We are in the process of negotiating joint collective bargaining agreements with our technicians and flight attendants. 

 

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NOTE 16 - STATEMENT OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS - SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information and non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31 are as follows (in millions):

 

2014

       UAL              United      

 Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:

     

  Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

    $ 748         $ 748    

  Income taxes

     (16)         (16)   

 Non-cash transactions:

     

  Net property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt

    $ 1,114        $ 1,114    

  Airport construction financing

     14          14    

  Exchanges of certain 4.5% Notes and 6% Convertible Senior Notes for common stock

     260          156    

  Transfer of UAL subsidiaries to United

     —          186    
     

2013

             

 Cash paid (refunded) during the period for:

     

  Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

    $ 752         $ 752    

  Income taxes

     (20)         (15)   

 Non-cash transactions:

     

  Net property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt

    $ 229         $ 229    

  Airport construction financing

     40          40    

  Exchanges of certain 6% Convertible Senior Notes for common stock

     240          —    
     

2012

             

 Cash paid during the period for:

     

  Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

    $ 766         $ 766    

  Income taxes

               

 Non-cash transactions:

     

  Net property and equipment acquired through issuance of debt

    $ 544         $ 544    

  8% Contingent Senior Notes and 6% Senior Notes due 2031, net of discount

     357          357    

  Special facility payment financing

     101          101    

  Airport construction financing

     50          50    

 

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NOTE 17 - INTEGRATION-RELATED COSTS AND SPECIAL ITEMS

Integration-related costs and special items classified as special charges in the statements of consolidated operations consisted of the following for the years ended December 31 (in millions):

 

Operating:            2014                      2013                      2012          

Severance and benefit costs

    $                 199        $                 105        $                 125    

Integration-related costs

     96          205          739    
Costs associated with permanently grounding Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft      66          —          —    

Impairment of assets

     49          33          30    

Labor agreement costs

     —          127          475    
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special (gains) losses, net      33          50          (46)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Special charges

    $ 443        $ 520         $ 1,323    

Nonoperating:

        

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other, net

    $ 74        $ —         $ —    

Income tax benefit

     (10)         (7)         (11)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating and nonoperating special charges, net of income taxes

    $ 507        $ 513         $ 1,312    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2014

The Company recorded $141 million of severance and benefit costs related primarily to a voluntary early-out program for its flight attendants. More than 2,500 participants elected a one-time opportunity to voluntarily separate from the Company and will receive a severance payment, with a maximum value of $100,000 per participant, based on years of service, with retirement dates from November 30, 2014 through the end of 2015. The Company will record approximately $100 million of additional expense associated with this program through 2015 over the remaining required service periods. In addition, the Company recorded $58 million of severance and benefits primarily related to reductions of management and front-line employees, including from Cleveland, as part of its cost savings initiatives. The Company is currently evaluating its options regarding its long-term contractual lease commitments at Cleveland. The capacity reductions at Cleveland may result in further special charges, which could be significant, related to our contractual commitments.

Integration-related costs include compensation costs related to systems integration, training, severance and relocation for employees.

The Company recorded $66 million for the permanent grounding of 21 of the Company’s Embraer ERJ 135 regional aircraft under lease through 2018, which includes an accrual for remaining lease payments and an amount for maintenance return conditions. As a result of fuel prices, new Embraer E175 regional jet deliveries and impact of pilot shortages at regional carriers, the Company decided to permanently ground these 21 Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft. The Company continues to operate nine Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft and will assess the possibility of grounding those aircraft when the term of the current capacity purchase contract ends in 2015.

The Company recorded a charge of $16 million ($10 million net of related income tax benefits) related to its annual assessment of impairment of its indefinite-lived intangible assets (certain international Pacific routes). In addition, the Company recorded $33 million for charges related primarily to impairment of its flight equipment held for disposal associated with its Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 fleets.

 

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United used cash to retire, at par, the entire $248 million principal balance of the 6% Convertible Debentures and the 6% Convertible Preferred Securities, Term Income Deferrable Equity Securities (TIDES) and incurred $74 million of expense primarily associated with the write-off of the related non-cash debt discounts recorded due to purchase accounting during the Company’s merger transaction in 2010.

2013

The Company offered a voluntary retirement program for its fleet service, passenger service, storekeeper and pilot work groups. Approximately 1,200 employees volunteered under the program during the fourth quarter of 2013 and United recorded approximately $64 million of severance and benefit costs for the programs. The Company also offered voluntary leave of absence programs which allowed for continued medical coverage for flight attendants who volunteered during the leave of absence period, resulting in a charge of approximately $26 million. The remaining $15 million of severance and benefit costs was related to involuntary severance programs associated with flight attendants and other work groups.

Integration-related costs included compensation costs related to systems integration and training, branding activities, new uniforms, write-off or acceleration of depreciation on systems and facilities that were no longer used or planned to be used for significantly shorter periods, relocation for employees and severance primarily associated with administrative headcount reductions.

The Company recorded $32 million of impairment charges of its flight equipment held for disposal associated with its Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 fleets and $1 million on an intangible asset for a route to Manila in order to reflect the estimated fair value of this asset as part of the Company’s annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

The fleet service, passenger service and storekeeper employees represented by the International Association of Machinists ratified a joint collective bargaining agreement with the Company during 2013. The Company recorded a $127 million special charge for lump sum payments made in conjunction with the ratification. The lump sum payments were not in lieu of future pay increases. The Company completed substantially all cash payments in 2013.

The Company recorded $18 million associated with the temporary grounding of its Boeing 787 aircraft. The charges were comprised of aircraft depreciation expense and dedicated personnel costs that the Company incurred while the aircraft were grounded. The aircraft returned to service in May 2013. In addition, the Company adjusted its reserves for certain legal matters by $29 million and recorded approximately $11 million in accruals for future rent associated with the early retirement of four leased Boeing 757-200 aircraft. Additionally, the Company recorded a $5 million gain related to a contract termination and $3 million in gains on the sale of assets.

2012

The Company recorded $125 million of severance and benefits associated with various voluntary retirement and leave of absence programs for its various employee groups. During the first quarter of 2012, approximately 400 mechanics offered to retire early in exchange for a cash severance payment that was based on the number of years of service each employee had accumulated. The expense for this voluntary program was approximately $32 million. The Company also offered a voluntary leave of absence program that approximately 1,800 flight attendants accepted, which allowed for continued medical coverage during the leave of absence period. The expense for this voluntary program was approximately $17 million. During the second quarter of 2012, as part of the recently amended collective bargaining agreement with the Association of Flight Attendants, the Company offered a voluntary program for flight attendants to retire early in exchange for a cash severance payment. The payments are dependent on the number of years of service each employee has accumulated. Approximately 1,300 flight attendants accepted this program and the expense for this voluntary program was approximately $76 million.

Integration-related costs included compensation costs related to systems integration and training, branding activities, write-off or acceleration of depreciation on systems and facilities that are either no longer used or

 

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planned to be used for significantly shorter periods, as well as relocation for employees and severance primarily associated with administrative headcount reductions.

On December 31, 2012, UAL and United Air Lines, Inc. entered into an agreement with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) that reduced the aggregate amount of 8% Contingent Senior Notes to be issued by UAL, and eliminated the contingent nature of such obligation by replacing the $188 million principal amount of 8% Contingent Senior Notes incurred as of December 31, 2012 and the obligation to issue any additional 8% Contingent Senior Notes with $400 million principal amount of new 8% Notes. In addition, UAL agreed to replace the $652 million principal amount outstanding of 6% Senior Notes due 2031 with $326 million principal amount of new 6% Notes due 2026 and $326 million principal amount of 6% Notes due 2028 (collectively, the “New 6% Notes” and together with the 8% Notes, the “New PBGC Notes”). The Company did not receive any cash proceeds in connection with the issuance of the New PBGC Notes. The Company accounted for this agreement as a debt extinguishment, resulting in a charge of $309 million in 2012 that represented the fair value of $212 million of 8% Notes that it agreed to issue and the change in the fair value of the New 6% Notes and the $188 million of 8% Notes versus their previous carrying values. The Company classified the expense as a component of special charges within integration-related costs because the note restructuring would not have occurred if it were not for the Company’s merger transaction in 2010.

The Company recorded impairment charges of $30 million on an intangible asset for European take-off and landing slots in order to reflect the estimated fair value of these assets as part of its annual impairment test of indefinite-lived intangible assets.

In December 2012, the pilots represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International ratified a new joint collective bargaining agreement with the Company. The Company recorded $475 million of expense associated with lump sum cash payments that would be made in conjunction with the ratification of the contract and the completion of the integrated pilot seniority list. This charge also includes $80 million associated with changes to existing pilot disability plans negotiated in connection with the agreement. The lump sum payments are not in lieu of future pay increases. The Company completed substantially all cash payments in 2013.

The Company recorded net gains of $46 million related to gains and losses on the disposal of aircraft and related parts and other assets.

Accrual Activity

Activity related to the accruals for severance and medical costs and future lease payments on permanently grounded aircraft is as follows (in millions):

 

     Severance/
  Medical Costs  
         Permanently    
Grounded Aircraft
 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    $ 55         $ 31    

Accrual

     170          (1)   

Payments

     (160)         (25)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     65            

Accrual

     120          10    

Payments

     (94)         (4)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

     91          11    

Accrual

     199          102    

Payments

     (181)         (11)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

    $ 109         $ 102    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s accrual and payment activity is primarily related to severance and other compensation expense associated with voluntary employee programs and the Company’s merger transaction in 2010, respectively.

 

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NOTE 18 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise with separate financial information, which are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker and are used in resource allocation and performance assessments.

The Company deploys its aircraft across its route network through a single route scheduling system to maximize its value. When making resource allocation decisions, the Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates flight profitability data, which considers aircraft type and route economics. The Company’s chief operating decision maker makes resource allocation decisions to maximize the Company’s consolidated financial results. Managing the Company as one segment allows management the opportunity to maximize the value of its route network.

The Company’s operating revenue by principal geographic region (as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation) for the years ended December 31 is presented in the table below (in millions):

 

2014

   UAL      United  

Domestic (U.S. and Canada)

    $ 22,320         $ 22,320    

Pacific

     5,767          5,767    

Atlantic

     7,321          7,321    

Latin America

     3,493          3,493    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    $ 38,901         $ 38,901    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

2013

             

Domestic (U.S. and Canada)

    $ 22,092         $ 22,100    

Pacific

     5,794          5,794    

Atlantic

     7,132          7,132    

Latin America

     3,261          3,261    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    $ 38,279         $ 38,287    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

2012

             

Domestic (U.S. and Canada)

    $ 21,276         $ 21,284    

Pacific

     6,040          6,040    

Atlantic

     6,582          6,582    

Latin America

     3,254          3,254    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

    $     37,152         $     37,160    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company attributes revenue among the geographic areas based upon the origin and destination of each flight segment. The Company’s operations involve an insignificant level of dedicated revenue-producing assets in geographic regions as the overwhelming majority of the Company’s revenue producing assets (primarily U.S. registered aircraft) can be deployed in any of its geographic regions.

 

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NOTE 19 - SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

UAL                                                                    

  Quarter Ended  

(In millions, except per share amounts)            

      March 31             June 30             September 30             December 31      

2014

       

Operating revenue

  $       8,696       $       10,329       $ 10,563       $ 9,313    

Income (loss) from operations

    (349)        906         1,191         625    

Net income (loss)

    (609)        789         924         28    

Basic earnings (loss) per share

    (1.66)        2.11         2.49         0.08    

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

    (1.66)        2.01         2.37         0.07    

2013

       

Operating revenue

  $ 8,721       $ 10,001       $ 10,228       $ 9,329    

Income (loss) from operations

    (264)        770         508         235    

Net income (loss)

    (417)        469         379         140    

Basic earnings (loss) per share

    (1.26)        1.37         1.06         0.39    

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

    (1.26)        1.21         0.98         0.37    

 

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UAL’s quarterly financial data is subject to seasonal fluctuations and historically its second and third quarter financial results, which reflect higher travel demand, are better than its first and fourth quarter financial results. UAL’s quarterly results were impacted by the following significant items (in millions):

 

     Quarter Ended  
     March 31      June 30      September 30      December 31  

2014

           

Operating:

           

Severance and benefit costs

    $ 14         $ 38         $        $ 141    

Integration-related costs

     34          17          28          17    

Costs associated with permanently grounding Embraer ERJ 135 aircraft

     —          66          —          —    

Impairment of assets

             32          —          16    

Losses on sale of assets and other special (gains) losses, net

             16                    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Special charges

     52          169          43          179    

Nonoperating:

           

Loss on extinguishment of debt and other, net

     21          —          —          53    

Income tax benefit

     (1)         —          (3)         (6)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating and nonoperating special charges, net of income taxes

    $           72         $           169         $ 40         $ 226    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

2013

           

Special charges (income):

           

Severance and benefit costs

    $ 14         $ —         $ —         $ 91    

Integration-related costs

     70          45          50          40    

Labor agreement costs

     —          —          127          —    

Impairment of assets

     —          —          —          33    

(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special (gains) losses, net

                     34            
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total special items

     92          52          211          165    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

     —          —          —          (7)   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total special items, net of tax

    $ 92         $ 52         $ 211         $ 158    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

See Note 17 of this report for additional information of these items.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

 

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures

UAL and United each maintain controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted by UAL and United to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The management of UAL and United, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation to conclude with reasonable assurance that UAL’s and United’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed and operating effectively to report the information each company is required to disclose in the reports they file with the SEC on a timely basis. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of UAL and United have concluded that as of December 31, 2014, disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting during the Quarter Ended December 31, 2014

During the three months ended December 31, 2014, there was no change in UAL’s or United’s internal control over financial reporting during their most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, their internal control over financial reporting.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

United Continental Holdings, Inc.

We have audited United Continental Holdings, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014 of the Company and our report dated February 20, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 20, 2015

 

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United Continental Holdings, Inc. Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

February 20, 2015

To the Stockholders of United Continental Holdings, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

The management of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (“UAL”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, who audited UAL’s consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued a report on UAL’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.

United Airlines, Inc. Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

February 20, 2015

To the Stockholder of United Airlines, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois

The management of United Airlines, Inc. (“United”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). United’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including United’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, United conducted an evaluation of the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, United’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of United’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by United’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit United to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Certain information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Information regarding the executive officers of UAL is presented below.

Information required by this item with respect to United is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF UAL

The executive officers of UAL are listed below, along with their ages, tenure as officer and business background for at least the last five years.

Michael P. Bonds. Age 52. Mr. Bonds has been Executive Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations of UAL and United since October 2010. From June 2005 to September 2010, Mr. Bonds served as Senior Vice President Human Resources and Labor Relations of Continental. Mr. Bonds joined Continental in 1995.

James E. Compton. Age 59. Mr. Compton has been Vice Chairman and Chief Revenue Officer of UAL and United since December 2012. From October 2010 to December 2012, Mr. Compton served as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of UAL, United and Continental. From January 2010 to September 2010, Mr. Compton served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Continental. From August 2004 to December 2009, Mr. Compton served as Executive Vice President—Marketing of Continental. Mr. Compton joined Continental in 1995.

Irene E. Foxhall. Age 63. Ms. Foxhall has been Executive Vice President Communications and Government Affairs of UAL and United since October 2010. From January 2010 to September 2010, Ms. Foxhall served as Senior Vice President Communications and Government Affairs of Continental. From October 2008 to December 2009, Ms. Foxhall served as Senior Vice President—Global Communications and Public Affairs of Continental. From September 2007 to October 2008, Ms. Foxhall served as Senior Vice President International and State Affairs of Continental. From September 2005 to September 2007, Ms. Foxhall served as Vice President International and State Affairs of Continental. Ms. Foxhall joined Continental in 1995.

Brett J. Hart. Age 45. Mr. Hart has been Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of UAL and United since February 2012. From December 2010 to February 2012, he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of UAL, United and Continental. From June 2009 to December 2010, Mr. Hart served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Sara Lee Corporation. From March 2005 to May 2009, Mr. Hart served as Deputy General Counsel and Chief Global Compliance Officer of Sara Lee Corporation. Mr. Hart joined UAL in 2010.

Gregory L. Hart. Age 49. Mr. Hart has been Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of UAL and United since February 2014. From December 2013 to February 2014, he served as Senior Vice President Operations of UAL and United. From September 2012 to December 2013, Mr. Hart served as Senior Vice President Technical Operations of United. From October 2010 to September 2012, Mr. Hart served as Senior Vice President Network of United and Continental. From September 2008 to September 2010, Mr. Hart served as Vice President Network Strategy of Continental. Mr. Hart joined Continental in 1997.

 

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Linda P. Jojo. Age 49. Ms. Jojo has been Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of UAL and United since November 2014. From July 2011 to October 2014, Ms. Jojo served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Rogers Communications, Inc. From October 2008 to June 2011, Ms. Jojo served as Chief Information Officer of Energy Future Holdings.

Chris Kenny. Age 50. Mr. Kenny has been Vice President and Controller of UAL and United since October 2010. From September 2003 to September 2010, Mr. Kenny served as Vice President and Controller of Continental. Mr. Kenny joined Continental in 1997.

John D. Rainey. Age 44. Mr. Rainey has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UAL and United since April 2012. From October 2010 to April 2012, Mr. Rainey served as Senior Vice President Financial Planning and Analysis of United and Continental. From September 2007 to September 2010, Mr. Rainey served as Vice President Financial Planning and Analysis of Continental. From September 2005 to September 2007, Mr. Rainey served as Staff Vice President Financial Planning and Analysis of Continental. Mr. Rainey joined Continental in 1997.

Jeffery A. Smisek. Age 60. Mr. Smisek was named Chairman of the UAL Board effective December 31, 2012 and has been President and Chief Executive Officer of UAL and Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of United since October 2010. From January 2010 to September 2010, Mr. Smisek served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Continental. From September 2008 to December 2009, Mr. Smisek served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Continental. From December 2004 to September 2008, Mr. Smisek served as President of Continental. Mr. Smisek joined Continental in 1995.

There are no family relationships among the executive officers or the directors of UAL. The executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors each year and hold office until the organization meeting of the Board of Directors in the subsequent year, until his or her successor is chosen or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

The Company has a code of ethics, the “Ethics and Compliance Principles,” for its directors, officers and employees. The code serves as a “Code of Ethics” as defined by SEC regulations, and as a “Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” under the listed Company Manual of the NYSE. The code is available on the Company’s website. Waivers granted to certain officers from compliance with or future amendments to the code will be disclosed on the Company’s website in accordance with Item 5.05 of Form 8-K.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Information required by this item with respect to United is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Information required by this item with respect to United is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Information required by this item with respect to UAL is incorporated by reference from UAL’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

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Information required by this item with respect to United is omitted pursuant to General Instruction I(2)(c) of Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The Audit Committee of the UAL Board of Directors has adopted a policy on pre-approval of services of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. As a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL, United’s audit services are determined by UAL. The policy provides that the Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided to UAL and its subsidiaries and affiliates by its independent auditors. The process by which this is carried out is as follows:

For recurring services, the Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves the independent registered public accounting firm’s annual audit services in conjunction with the annual appointment of the outside auditors. The reviewed materials include a description of the services along with related fees. The Audit Committee also reviews and pre-approves other classes of recurring services along with fee thresholds for pre-approved services. In the event that the additional services are required prior to the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting, pre-approvals of additional services follow the process described below.

Any requests for audit, audit related, tax and other services not contemplated with the recurring services approval described above must be submitted to the Audit Committee for specific pre-approval and cannot commence until such approval has been granted. Normally, pre-approval is provided at regularly scheduled meetings. However, the authority to grant specific pre-approval between meetings, as necessary, has been delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Chair must update the Audit Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting of any services that were granted specific pre-approval.

On a periodic basis, the Audit Committee reviews the status of services and fees incurred year-to-date and a list of newly pre-approved services since its last regularly scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee has considered whether the 2014 and 2013 non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, are compatible with maintaining auditor independence.

All of the services in 2014 and 2013 under the Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees, Tax Fees and All Other Fees categories below have been approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the Exchange Act.

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the Company’s independent auditors in 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Service

       2014              2013      

Audit Fees

    $ 3,827         $ 3,814    

Audit Related Fees

     181          178    

Tax Fees

     560          1,118    

All Other Fees

               
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
    $         4,573         $         5,115    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note: UAL and United amounts are the same.

AUDIT FEES

For 2014 and 2013, audit fees consist primarily of the audit and quarterly reviews of the consolidated financial statements and the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Audit fees also include the audit of the consolidated financial statements of United, employee benefit plan audits, attestation services required by statute or regulation, comfort

 

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letters, consents, assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC, work performed by tax professionals in connection with the audit and quarterly reviews, and accounting and financial reporting consultations and research work necessary to comply with generally accepted auditing standards.

AUDIT RELATED FEES

In 2014, fees for audit related services consisted of an assessment of certain information technology security related controls.

TAX FEES

Tax fees for 2014 and 2013 include professional services provided for preparation of tax returns of certain expatriate employees, personal tax compliance and advice, preparation of federal, foreign and state tax returns, review of tax returns prepared by the Company, research and consultations regarding tax accounting and tax compliance matters and assistance in assembling data to prepare for and respond to governmental reviews of past tax filings, exclusive of tax services rendered in connection with the audit.

ALL OTHER FEES

Fees for all other services billed in 2014 and 2013 consist of subscriptions to Ernst & Young LLP’s on-line accounting research tool.

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a)(1)   Financial Statements. The financial statements required by this item are listed in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data herein.
(2)   Financial Statement Schedules. The financial statement schedule required by this item is listed below and included in this report after the signature page hereto.
  Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
  All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
(b)   Exhibits. The exhibits required by this item are listed in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes the exhibits filed with this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by this reference. Each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement is denoted with a “†” in the Exhibit Index.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each registrant has duly caused this Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

 UNITED AIRLINES, INC.

 (Registrants)

 By:

 

 

 /s/ John D. Rainey

 

 John D. Rainey

 

 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 20, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature                    

 

Capacity                    

 /s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

 Jeffery A. Smisek

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 /s/ John D. Rainey

 John D. Rainey

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 /s/ Chris Kenny

 Chris Kenny

 

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 /s/ Carolyn Corvi

 Carolyn Corvi

  Director

 /s/ Richard A. Delaney

 Richard A. Delaney

  Director

 /s/ Jane C. Garvey

 Jane C. Garvey

  Director

 /s/ James J. Heppner

 James J. Heppner

  Director

 /s/ Walter Isaacson

 Walter Isaacson

  Director

 

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Signature                    

 

Capacity                    

 /s/ Henry L. Meyer III

 Henry L. Meyer III

  Director

 /s/ Oscar Munoz

 Oscar Munoz

  Director

 /s/ William R. Nuti

 William R. Nuti

  Director

 /s/ Laurence E. Simmons

 Laurence E. Simmons

  Director

 /s/ David J. Vitale

 David J. Vitale

  Director

 /s/ John H. Walker

 John H. Walker

  Director

 /s/ Charles A. Yamarone

 Charles A. Yamarone

  Director

Date:    February 20, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of United Airlines, Inc. and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

Signature                    

 

Capacity                    

 /s/ Jeffery A. Smisek

 Jeffery A. Smisek

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 /s/ John D. Rainey

 John D. Rainey

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

and Director

(Principal Financial Officer)

 /s/ Chris Kenny

 Chris Kenny

 

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 /s/ James E. Compton

 James E. Compton

  Director

 /s/ Gregory L. Hart

 Gregory L. Hart

  Director

Date: February 20, 2015

 

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Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012

 

(In millions)

 

Description

  Balance at
Beginning  of
Period
    Additions
Charged  to
Costs and
Expenses
    Deductions
(a)
    Other
(b)
    Balance at
End of
Period
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts - UAL and United:

         

2014

   $ 13        $ 45        $ 36        $ —        $ 22    

2013

    13         35         35         —         13    

2012

           12                —         13    

Obsolescence allowance—spare parts - UAL and United:

         

2014

   $ 162        $ 35        $ 28        $ —        $ 169    

2013

    125         38                —         162    

2012

    89         40                —         125    

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets - UAL:

         

2014

   $ 4,591        $ 156        $ —        $       $ 4,751    

2013

    5,388                888         84         4,591    

2012

    4,922         487         21         —         5,388    

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets - United:

         

2014

   $ 4,561        $ 167        $ —        $ (7)       $ 4,721    

2013

    5,288                898         163         4,561    

2012

    4,833         661         206         —         5,288    

 

(a) Deduction from reserve for purpose for which reserve was created.

(b) See Note 7 to the financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this report for additional information related to other valuation allowance adjustments.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Registrant

  

Exhibit

        

Plan of Merger

    *2.1  

UAL

United

   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 2, 2010, by and among UAL Corporation, Continental Airlines, Inc. and JT Merger Sub Inc. (schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K) (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed May 4, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *2.2   United    Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 28, 2013, by and between Continental Airlines, Inc. and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed April 3, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
        

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

    *3.1   UAL    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *3.2   UAL    Amended and Restated Bylaws of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to UAL’s Form 10-K filed February 20, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *3.3   United    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Airlines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed April 3, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *3.4   United    Amended and Restated By-laws of United Airlines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed April 3, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
        

Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures

    *4.1  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of January 11, 2013, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc. as Issuer, United Air Lines, Inc. as Guarantor, and the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as Trustee, providing for issuance of 6% Notes due 2028, 6% Notes due 2026 and 8% Notes due 2024 (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.2  

UAL

United

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2013, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of January 11, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed April 3, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.3  

UAL

United

   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2013, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, to the Amended and Restated Indenture, dated as of January 11, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed September 19, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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    *4.4   United    Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1997, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as trustee related to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015 (filed as Exhibit to 4.1 to Continental’s Form S-3/A filed July 18, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.5  

UAL

United

   Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among Continental Airlines, Inc., United Continental Holdings, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, with respect to the Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1997, between Continental Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank One, N.A.), as trustee related to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s 4.5% Convertible Notes due 2015 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to UAL’s Form 8-K dated October 1, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.6  

UAL

United

   Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 15, 2014, among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on May 19, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.7  

UAL

United

   Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2013, among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.8  

UAL

United

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 7, 2013, among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, providing for the issuance of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2018 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.9  

UAL

United

   Form of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2018 (filed as Exhibit A to Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.10  

UAL

United

   Form of Notation of Note Guarantee (filed as Exhibit B to Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.11  

UAL

United

   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 8, 2013, among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Airlines, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, providing for the issuance of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2020 (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.12  

UAL

United

   Form of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2020 (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
    *4.13  

UAL

United

   Form of Notation of Note Guarantee (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed on November 12, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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Material Contracts

*†10.1   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (amended and restated effective January 1, 2014, except as otherwise provided therein) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
  †10.2   UAL    First Amendment to United Continental Holdings, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan (effective January 1, 2014)
*†10.3   UAL    SERP Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and James E. Compton (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.4   UAL    Employment Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2010, by and among United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc., Continental Airlines, Inc. and Jeffery A. Smisek (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.5   UAL    Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, dated April 23, 2009, by and among Continental Airlines, Inc. and Jeffery A. Smisek (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental Airlines, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.6   UAL    Description of Benefits for Officers of United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc., and Continental Airlines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.7   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Officer Travel Policy (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.8   UAL    UAL Corporation 2006 Management Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed February 1, 2006, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.9   UAL    Amendment to Outstanding Awards granted under the UAL Corporation 2006 Management Equity Incentive Plan, effective May 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.10   UAL    Amendment No. 1 to the UAL Corporation 2006 Management Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.11   UAL    UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Annex A to UAL Corporation’s 2013 Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 26, 2013 , Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference) (now named the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan)
*†10.12   UAL    Amendment No. 1 to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (changing the name to United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan) (filed as Annex A to UAL’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 26, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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*†10.13   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan) (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.14   UAL    First Amendment to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan) (effective with respect to performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.15   UAL    Second Amendment to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan) (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.16   UAL    Form of Stock Option Award Notice pursuant to the UAL Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.25 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.17   UAL    Form of Restricted Share Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (2012 and 2013 awards) (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated by reference)
*†10.18   UAL    Form of Restricted Share Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (awards during and after 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated by reference)
*†10.19   UAL    Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (2012 awards) (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.20   UAL    Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Program (for performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.21   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated February 17, 2011 (previously named the Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010) (filed as Annex B to UAL’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 26, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.22   UAL    First Amendment to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated February 17, 2011 (filed as Annex B to UAL’s 2013 Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 26, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, incorporated herein by reference)

 

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*†10.23   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010) (as amended and restated February 21, 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.43 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.24   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010) (filed as Exhibit 10.43 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.25   UAL    First Amendment to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010) (effective with respect to performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2012) (filed as Exhibit 10.49 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.26   UAL    Second Amendment to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (adopted pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010) (effective with respect to performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.40.2 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.27   UAL    Form of Annual Incentive Program Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Annual Incentive Program (for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.28   UAL    Form of Long-Term Relative Performance Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (for use with respect to performance periods beginning January 1, 2012 and 2013) (filed as Exhibit 10.53 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.29   UAL    Form of Long-Term Relative Performance Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. Long-Term Relative Performance Program (for use with respect to performance periods beginning on or after January 1, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
  †10.30   UAL    Description of Compensation and Benefits for United Continental Holdings, Inc. Non-Employee Directors
*†10.31   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, effective February 20, 2014, filed as Annex A to UAL’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed April 25, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.32   UAL    Form of Share Unit Award Notice pursuant to the United Continental Holdings, Inc. 2006 Director Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference) (for awards granted on or after June 2011)

 

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*†10.33   UAL    Form of Outside Director Stock Option Grant pursuant to the Continental Airlines, Inc. 1998 Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.12(c) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.34   UAL    Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2000, as amended and restated (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.35   UAL    Amendment to Incentive Plan 2000, dated as of March 12, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.36   UAL    Second Amendment to Incentive Plan 2000, dated as of June 6, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.37   UAL    Third Amendment to Incentive Plan 2000, dated as of September 14, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.38   UAL    Form of Outside Director Stock Option Agreement pursuant to Incentive Plan 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.39   UAL    Form of Outside Director Stock Option Grant pursuant to Incentive Plan 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.40   UAL    Form of Non-Employee Director Option Grant Document pursuant to Continental Airlines, Inc. Incentive Plan 2010, as amended and restated through February 17, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.41   UAL    United Air Lines, Inc. Management Cash Direct & Cash Match Program (amended and restated effective January 1, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.64 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*†10.42   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. Executive Severance Plan (effective October 1, 2014) (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed June 20, 2014, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.43  

UAL

United

   Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.44  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 1 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.45  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 2 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

132


Table of Contents
*^10.46  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 3 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.47  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 4 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.48  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 5 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.49  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.50  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 7 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.51  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 8 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.52  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 9 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.53  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 10 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.54  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 11 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.55  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 12 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.56  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 13 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated March 5, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines. Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.40 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

133


Table of Contents
*^10.57  

UAL

United

   Amendment No. 1 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 25, 2010, by and among Airbus S.A.S and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.58  

UAL

United

   Amendment No. 2 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.59  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 2 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.60  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 3 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.61  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 4 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.62  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 5 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.63  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 6 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.64  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 7 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.65  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 10 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.66  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 12 to the Airbus A350-900XWB Purchase Agreement, dated June 19, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.67  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement No. 1951, including exhibits and side letters thereto, dated July 23, 1996, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.68  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 10, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(a) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

134


Table of Contents
*^10.69  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 5, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323 and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.70  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 3, including exhibit and side letter, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 17, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(c) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.71  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 4, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 10, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.14(d) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.72  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 5, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 10, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.73  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 6, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 30, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.74  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 7, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 12, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.24(g) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.75  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 8, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 7, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.24(h) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.76  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-GOC-131R1 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 26, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.77  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 9, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated February 18, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.78  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 10, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 19, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4(a) to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.79  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 11, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 14, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.4(a) to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.80  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 12, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 2, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

135


Table of Contents
*^10.81  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 13 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 13, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.25(n) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.82  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 14 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 13, 1999 (filed as Exhibit 10.25(o) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.83  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 15, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated January 13, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.84  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 16, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 17, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.85  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 17, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated May 16, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.86  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 18, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated September 11, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.87  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 19, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 31, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.20(t) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.88  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 20, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 21, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 10.20(u) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.89  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 21, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 30, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.90  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 22, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated May 23, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.91  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 23, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 29, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

136


Table of Contents
*^10.92  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 24, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 31, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.93  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 25, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 31, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.22(z) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.94  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 26, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 29, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.95  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 27, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 6, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.96  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 28, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated April 1, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.97  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 29, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 19, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.98  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 30 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 4, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.23(ae) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.99  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 31 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 20, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.100  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 32, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 29, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(ag) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.101  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 33, including side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 29, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(ah) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.102  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 34 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 22, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

137


Table of Contents
*^10.103  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 35 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 30, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.104  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 36 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 28, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.105  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 37 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 30, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.106  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 38 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 6, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.107  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 39 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 3, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.108  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 40 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 5, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.23(ao) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.109  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 41 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 1, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.110  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 42 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 12, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.111  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 43 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 18, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.112  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 44 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 7, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(as) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.113  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 45 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated February 20, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.114  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 46 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated June 25, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

138


Table of Contents
*^10.115  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 47 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated October 30, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.21(av) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.116  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 48 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated January 29, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.117  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 49 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated May 1, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.118  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 50 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 23, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.119  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 51 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 5, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.120  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 52 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 31, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.121  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 53 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated December 23, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 10.22(bb) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.122  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 54 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 2, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.123  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 55 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 31, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.124  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 56 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated August 12, 2010 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.125  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 57 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated March 2, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.126  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 58 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated January 6, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

139


Table of Contents
*^10.127  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 59 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated July 12, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.128  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 60 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated November 7, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.129  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 61 to Purchase Agreement No. 1951, dated September 11, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.130  

UAL

United

   Aircraft General Terms Agreement, dated October 10, 1997, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Commission File Number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.131  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement 6-1162-CHL-048, dated February 8, 2002, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.44 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.132  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement No. 2484, including exhibits and side letters, dated December 29, 2004, by and among Continental and Boeing (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.133  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated June 30, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.134  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 2, including exhibits and side letters, to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated January 20, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.27(b) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.135  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 3 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated May 3, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.136  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 4 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated July 14, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.137  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 5 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated March 12, 2007 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.138  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 6 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated October 22, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 10.25(f) to Continental’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

140


Table of Contents
*^10.139  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 7 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated November 7, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.179 to UAL’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.140  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 8 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated June 17, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.141  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 9 to Purchase Agreement No. 2484, dated June 6, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.142  

UAL

United

   Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 11, dated August 8, 2005, by and among Continental and General Electric Company (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.143  

UAL

United

   Agreement, dated May 7, 2003, by and among Continental and the United States of America, acting through the Transportation Security Administration (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Continental’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, Commission file number 1-10323, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.144  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement No. PA-03784, dated July 12, 2012, between The Boeing Company and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.145  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 01 to Purchase Agreement No. PA-03784, dated September 27, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.146  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 02 to Purchase Agreement Number PA-03784, dated March 1, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.147  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 03 to Purchase Agreement Number PA-03784, dated June 27, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.148  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 04 to Purchase Agreement Number PA-03784, dated September 11, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.149  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 5 to Purchase Agreement Number PA-03784, dated March 3, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033 and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.150   United    Supplemental Agreement No. 6 to Purchase Agreement Number PA-03784, dated June 6, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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Table of Contents
*^10.151  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement No. PA-03776, dated July 12, 2012, between The Boeing Company and United Continental Holdings, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.152  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 03776, dated June 17, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.153  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement Assignment to Purchase Agreement No. 03776, dated October 23, 2013, between United Continental Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.154  

UAL

United

   Letter Agreement No. 6-1162-KKT-080, dated July 12, 2012, among Boeing, United Continental Holdings, Inc., United Air Lines, Inc., and Continental Airlines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.155  

UAL

United

   Purchase Agreement No. 3860, dated September 27, 2012, between Boeing and United Air Lines, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.156  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Purchase Agreement No. 3860, dated June 17, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
*^10.157  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Purchase Agreement No. 3860, dated December 16, 2013 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated by reference)
*^10.158  

UAL

United

   Supplemental Agreement No. 3 to Purchase Agreement No. 3860, dated as of July 22, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated by reference)
  *10.159  

UAL

United

   Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2013, among Continental Airlines, Inc. and United Air Lines, Inc., as co-borrowers, United Continental Holdings, Inc., as parent and a guarantor, the subsidiaries of United Continental Holdings, Inc. other than the co-borrowers party thereto from time to time, as guarantors, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed March 28, 2013, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
  *10.160  

UAL

United

   First Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
  *10.161  

UAL

United

   Second Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed September 19, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)
  *10.162  

UAL

United

   Third Amendment to Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to UAL’s Form 8-K filed September 19, 2014, Commission file number 1-6033, and incorporated herein by reference)

 

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Computation of Ratios

    12.1   UAL    United Continental Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
    12.2   United    United Airlines, Inc. and Subsidiary Companies Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
        

List of Subsidiaries

    21  

UAL

United

   List of United Continental Holdings, Inc. and United Airlines, Inc. Subsidiaries
        

Consents of Experts and Counsel

    23.1   UAL    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) for United Continental Holdings, Inc.
    23.2   United    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Ernst & Young LLP) for United Airlines, Inc.
        

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

    31.1   UAL    Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
    31.2   UAL    Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
    31.3   United    Certification of the Principal Executive Officer of United Airlines, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
    31.4   United    Certification of the Principal Financial Officer of United Airlines, Inc. pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
        

Section 1350 Certifications

    32.1   UAL    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of United Continental Holdings, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
    32.2   United    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
        

Interactive Data File

  101  

UAL

United

   The following materials from each of United Continental Holdings, Inc.’s and United Airlines, Inc.’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Statements of Consolidated Operations, (ii) the Statements of Consolidated Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows, (v) the Statements of Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) and (vi) the Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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* Previously filed.
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. Pursuant to Item 601(b)(10), United and Continental are permitted to omit certain compensation-related exhibits from this report and therefore only UAL is identified as the registrant for purposes of those items.
^ Confidential portion of this exhibit has been omitted and filed separately with the SEC pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

144