Western Air Express Annual Report 1939

W escern Air Express Corporation
WESTERN AIR LINES, INC.
RESEARCH DEPT.
Burbank, California
ANNUAL REPORT
1 939
WESTERN AIR EXPRESS CORPORATION
OFFICERS
ALVIN P. ADAMS - - - - - - President
L. H. DwERLKOTTE - - First Vice-President;
Secretary & Treasurer
CHARLIE N. JAMES -
THOS. WOLFE
- - - Vice-President
Operations
Vice-President
Traffic
E. H. BROWN - - - - - Asst. Secretary
DIRECTORS
Chairman: CHARLES BOETTCHER II
ALVIN P. ADAMS STANLEY w. GUTHRIE
SERGE F. BALLIF, JR. CHARLIE N. JAMES
L. H. DWERLKOTTE JAMES Q. NEWTON, JR.
HAROLD P. FABIAN w. F. NICHOLSON
ALFRED FRANK
REGISTRAR
RALPH WAYCOTT
THOS. WOLFE
Citizens National Trust & Savings Bank, Los Angeles, California
STOCK TRANSFER AGENT
Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles, California
AUDITORS
Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co.
GENERAL OFFICES
Union Air Terminal, Burbank, California
March 1, 1940
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
There is submitted herewith Profit and Loss Statement of your company
for the calendar year 1939, together with the Balance Sheet of the company as
of December 31, 1939, to which is appended the report of Messrs. Peat, Mar--
wick, Mitchell & Co., accountants and auditors.
Operations of the company for the year 1939 resulted in a net profit of
$74,555.90 after all taxes and charges, including provision of $142,843.97 for
depreciation and $12,500.00 for estimated Federal Income Taxes for the year
1939. For the year 1938 a net loss of $12,531.72 was sustained after depre--
ciation charges of $162,567.44.
The improvement in earnings is attributed largely to increased passenger
business and mail revenues. The latter resulted from an air mail rate increase
received from the Civil Aeronautics Authority on August 8, 1939 retroactive in
its application to October 28, 1938. The decision increased the rate for the
Salt Lake--San Diego route from 33--1 /3c to 37c per mile flown with mail and
for the Salt Lake--Great Falls route from 33--1 /3c to 40c. In establishing the
new rates which added approximately $40,000.00 annually to the company's
mail revenue the Civil Aeronautics Authority reduced the authorized mileages
between airports approximately 9% thereby partially offsetting the benefits
which otherwise would have been obtained from the increased rates. Mail
revenue for the year 1939 amounted to $809,979.57 as compared with $754,650.51
for 1938 or an increase of 7.3%.
Cash passenger revenue during 1939 amounted to $502,817.56 an increase
of 28.7% over the $390,671.60 received in the previous year. Cash passenger
revenue over the San Diego--Salt Lake route increased 26.6 % over the previous
year, while the Salt Lake--Great Falls route increased 38.6%.
Operating expenses in 1939, including $1,180.78 in Trade Exchange
Advertising, were $1,301,074.96 as compared with $1,285,584.27 in 1938 which
included $60,485.11 in similar advertising. Factors contributing toward in--
creased operating expenses were increased taxes and wages, expenses of par--
ticipating in hearings before the Civil Aeronautics Authority in Washington,
D. C. and expenses of improving safety of operation.
The following table shows revenue and expense comparisons for the past
four years, together with certain operating statistics:
1939 1938 1937 1936
Passenger Revenue-Cash ....... $ 502,817 $ 390,672 $ 325,920 $ 352,947
Passenger Revenue-
Trade Exchange ..................... 1,181 60,485 29,588 10,608
Mail Revenue .............................. 809,980 754,650 469,511 330,198
Express ....................................... 45,249 39,651 39,620 37,038
Other Revenue ........................... 28,020 34,145 22,074 10,193
GROSS REVENUE .............. $1,387,247 $1,279,603 $ 886,713 $ 740,984
Operating and
General Expenses .................. 1,157,050 1,062,532 834,991 546,069
Trade Exchange Advertising .. 1,181 60,485 29,588 10,608
Depreciation ............................... 142,844 162,567 94,508 95,639
TOTAL OPERATING EXP $1,301,075 $1,285,584 $ 959,087 $ 652,316
Net Operating Income .............. 86,172 (5,981) (72,374) 88,668
Miscellaneous Charges ............. (884) 6,551 (37,434) 30,370
Net Income before Provision
for Federal Income Tax ......... 87,056 (12,532) (34,940) 58,298
Provision for
Federal Income Tax .............. 12,500 7,600
NET INCOME. ..................... 74,556 (12,532) (34,940) 50,698
Revenue Miles Flown ................ 2,277,161 2,309,938 1,898,520 1,533,356
Cash Revenue
Passengers Carried ............... 30,005 25,004 19,872 20,017
Trade Exchange
Passengers Carried ............... 70 3,734 1,904 225
Cash Revenue
Seat Miles .............................. 11,011,742 9,262,832 7,074,581 7,411,721
Trade Exchange
Seat Miles .............................. 23,799 1,288,929 579,593 62,053
Mail Poundage ........................... 957,884 893,920 707,873 506,448
Express Poundage ..................... 361,017 312,209 386,400 475,274
( ) DENOTES RED FIGURES,
NOTE :-Above statistics compiled using Post Office Department airway mileage to 8-1-99 and Civil
Aeronautics Authority authorized "airport to airport" mileage thereafter, which represent an approximate
9% decrease.
The Balance Sheet of the Company as at December 31, 1939 shows current
assets of $512,973.65, including cash of $249,337.20 as against current liabilities
of $258,246.45. As of December 31 , 1938, current assets amounted to $341,442.10,
including cash of $139,654.40, as against current liabilities of $85,837.31. The
current liabilities as at December 31, 1939 include $115,484.05 for the purchase
of new type and replacement engines for the company's Douglas and Boeing
airplanes. These airplanes were also given a major overhaul in the last quarter
of 1939 at a cost of approximately $46,000.00.
A hearing was held on June 19, 1939 before the Civil Aeronautics Authority
on the matter of your company's application to extend its route northward from
Great Falls, Montana to Lethbridge, Canada. A hearing was also held before
the Authority for approval of a contract between this company and United Air
Lines Transport Corporation, providing for interchange of sleeper equipment
over the lines of the two companies, thereby eliminating the necessity of
passengers changing airplanes at Salt Lake City, Utah. The latter matter was
recommended in the report of the trial examiner and a final decision on both
matters is expected at an early date.
Pursuant to an option agreement between the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock of your corporation and United Air Lines Transport Corpor..-
ation, the latter on July 8, 1939 filed an application with the Civil Aeronautics
Authority captioned as follows: "Application of United Air Lines Transport
Corporation under Section 408 ( b) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, for
approval of the acquisition of control by United Air Lines Transport Corporation
of Wes tern Air Express Corporation and approval of the merger of Western
Air Express Corporation into United Air Lines Transport Corporation or the
purchase by United Air Lines Transport Corporation of all of the assets of
Western Air Express Corporation." This matter was designated as Docket
No. 270 and was heard before the Authority on January 8, 1940 and it is
expected that a decision will be released by the Authority in the near future.
A very encouraging factor during the past year has been the improvement
in passenger travel resulting from increased public confidence in the safety of
airline operations. The industry have flown over 700 million passenger miles
since the last fatality nearly a year ago. On this basis one could have flown
226,000 times across the continent safely. This enviable safety record was
brought about by the intelligent regulation and assistance of the Civil Aero..-
nautics Authority and the efficient work and cooperation of the personnel of
the airlines, including the personnel of your company. All who participated in
achieving this record are entitled to our sincere appreciation.
In order that your company may in 1940 increase its business to the fullest
extent we ask the aid of each of you in encouraging your associates and friends
to use our services.
It is gratifying to note that the rising trend of passenger business which
began in 1939 still continues. It is believed we may look forward to the coming
year with cautious optimism.
By order of the Board of Directors.
LEo H. DwERLKOTTE,
First Vice..-President
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash on Hand and in Banks ......................... .
Accounts Receivable:
Accounts Receivable from United States
Post Office Department ........................ .
Customers' Accounts Receivable .............. .
Interline and Agents' Traffic Balances ..... .
Sundry ( including $1,518.89 due from
Officers and Employees) ...................... .
Less Reserve for Doubtful Accounts ........ .
Inventory of Parts and Supplies, at the
lower of Cost or Market ............................ .
Total Current Assets ...................... .
Note Receivable-Secured by Deed of Trust
($1 ,800.00 due in 1940) .................................. .
Investments:
Securities of Other Corporations .................. .
Property not used in Operations-at Cost-
less Reserves of $5,791.58 .......................... .
Properties and Equipment:
Land and Land Improvements ...................... .
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements ....... .
Airplanes, Propellers and Engines ................ .
Radio Communication, Shop and Other
Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures .... .
Less Reserve for Depreciation ...................... .
Def erred Charges:
Prepaid Insurance, Rent, Taxes, etc ............. .
Repair Parts to be removed from Airplane
Engines Traded in (Estimated) .............. .
Development of Air Routes .......................... .
Total. ............................................... .
$
WESTERN AIR EXPRESS CORPORATION
144,594.91
13,958.58
38,877.71
17,013.41
214,444.61
5,098.17
1,724.34
4,854.69
24,206.94
95,764.98
659,272.59
156,616.85
935,861.36
418,073.32
42,799.16
17,000.00
6,820.89
BALANCE SHEET
As at Decemfer 31, 1939
$ 249,337.20
209,346.44
54,290.01
512,973.65
5,827.20
6,579.03
517,788.04
66,620.05
$1,109,787.97
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable-Trade ............................ .
Interline and Agents' Traffic Balances ........ .
Accrued Liabilities:
Salaries, Wages and Commissions................ $
Insurance ......................................................... .
Taxes, including Social Security Taxes ........ .
Other ................................................................ .
Reserve for Federal Income Tax ( Subject to
Review by United States Treasury Dept.) .... .
Total Current Liabilities ................ .
Unused Portion of Tickets Sold .......................... .
Reserve for Contingencies .................................... .
Capital Stock and Surplus:
Capital Stock:
Authorized, 500,000 Shares of $1.00 each
(Note 1)
Outstanding 404,000 Shares ..................... .
Capital Surplus ............................................... .
Operating Deficit .............
.............................. .
Contingent Liabilities ( Note 2 )
Total. ............................................... .
Notes constituting a part of the foregoing Balance Sheet are submitted on the following page.
9,939.47
8,125.06
9,345.42
$ 208,894.97
562.09
8,879.44 36,289.39
404,000.00
629,466.47
1,033,466.47
12,500.00
258,246.45
7,664.18
3,113.79
192,702.92 840,763.55
$1,109,787.97
WESTERN AIR EXPRESS CORPORATION
Balance Sheet, Continued
NOTES CONSTITUTING A PART OF THE
FOREGOING BALANCE SHEET
Note 1, Capital Stock:
In accordance with an employees' stock purchase plan, 7,691
shares of capital stock were issued to the employees and manage ...
ment of the Company during the year ended December 31, 1939,
and additional subscriptions ( which may be cancelled at the option
of the subscriber in whole or in part prior to issuance and delivery
of the stock) for 5,969 shares have been received therefrom.
Note 2, Contingent Liabilities:
The Company is the defendant in two lawsuits aggregating
in excess of $710,000.00 for damages arising out of an accident
involving one of its airplanes on January 12, 1937. These two
lawsuits were consolidated for trial and a verdict in favor of the
Company was returned on December 29, 1938, and appeals have
been taken by the plaintiff. Liability insurance in substantial
amounts was carried by the Company, but should final judgment
exceed the limits of insurance coverage, the Company will be
liable for the excess amounts.
In addition to the foregoing, sundry suits have been filed
against the Company aggregating approximately $50,000.00, a
substantial portion of which is covered by liability insurance.
WESTERN AIR EXPRESS CORPORATION
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
For the Year ended December 31, 1939
Operating Revenue:
Mail. _________________________________________________ _
Passenger _________________________________________ _
Express, Freight and
Excess Baggage __________________________ _
Other ______ -------------------------------------------
Total Operating Revenue __ _
Operating and General Expenses _
_____ _
Depreciation _________________________________________ _
Operating Profit __________________ _
Miscellaneous Income:
Interest and Discounts Received ____ _
Sundry ______________________________________________ _
Less Miscellaneous Charges:
Losses on Disposal of Equipment
Expense of Property Not used
in Operations - Net ______________ _
Sundry ______ . ______________________________________
_
_
Miscellaneous Income (Net)-----
Net Income before Provision
for Federal Income Tax __________ _
Provision for Federal Income Tax ____ _
Net Income __________________________ _
$ 192.93
450.36
1,784.09
$1,158,230.99
142,843.97
1,509.35
1,801.78
3,311.13
2,427.38
SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ACCOUNTS
Capital
Surplus
Balance as at December 31, 1938 .... - $ 621,775.47
Excess of Accrual of Additional Air Mail
Revenue at December 31, 1938, over
Payment received in 1939---
Additional Legal Fees and Expenses, in
connection with the above Air Mail Rev--
enue, not accrued at December 31, 1938 .........
Balance as at December 31, 1938, as adjusted--- 621,775.47
Net Income for Year ended December 31 , 1939 ..
One--Half Proceeds from Sale of Capital Stock.. 7,691.00
Balance as at December 31, 1939 ................. _
....... $ 629,466.47
$' 809,979.57
503,998.34
$
45,248.92
28,020.28
1,387,247.11
1,301,074.96
86,172.15
883.75
87,055.90
12,500.00
74,555.90
Operating
Deficit
256,360.38
4,663.82
6,234.62
267,258.82
74,555.90
192,702.92
To the Board of Directors of
WESTERN AIR EXPRESS CORPORATION
We have examined the Balance Sheet of Western Air
Express Corporation as at December 31, 1939, and the Profit and
Loss and Surplus (Deficit) Accounts for the year ended on that
date, have reviewed the system of internal control and the account..-
ing procedures of the Company and, without making a detailed
audit of the transactions, have examined or tested accounting
records and other supporting evidence, by methods and to the
extent we deemed appropriate.
As at January 1, 1939, the Company changed the basis pre..-
viously used in providing for depreciation of airplanes by extending
the estimated remaining useful life thereof and as a result the
depreciation provision for the year ended December 31, 1939, is
approximately $32,000.00 less than would have been provided had
the basis previously used been continued.
In our opinion, the accompanying Balance Sheet and related
Profit and Loss and Surplus (Deficit) Accounts present fairly
the position qf Western Air Express Corporation at December
31, 1939, and the results of the operations for the year, in conform..-
ity with generally accepted accounting principles which, except
as indicated in the preceding paragraph, have been applied for
the year on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year.
Los Angeles, California,
February 20, 1940.
PEAT, MARWICK, MITCHELL & Co.
I
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