e424b3
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-160122
Prospectus Supplement to Prospectus dated August 19, 2009.
5,000,000 Shares
AIRCASTLE LIMITED
Common Shares
This is a public offering of common shares of Aircastle Limited. All of the 5,000,000 shares
are being offered by the selling shareholders. After this offering, funds managed by affiliates of
Fortress Investment Group LLC will beneficially own approximately 22.3% of our common shares.
The common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AYR. The last
reported sale price of the common shares on May 10, 2011 was $13.70 per share.
See Risk Factors on page S-1 of this prospectus supplement and page 2 of the accompanying
prospectus to read about factors you should consider before buying common shares.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, the Minister
of Finance and the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda or the Bermuda Monetary Authority have
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The
underwriter has agreed to purchase our common shares being offered by
the selling shareholders identified in this prospectus supplement at a price of $13.07 per
share which will result in approximately $65,350,000 of proceeds for the selling shareholders. The underwriter may offer
our common shares in transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or
through negotiated transactions at market prices or at negotiated prices. See Underwriting.
The
underwriter expects to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New
York on or about May 16, 2011 through the book-entry facilities of the Depository
Trust Company.
Citi
May 10, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
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Prospectus
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No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent
anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or
representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby, but only under
circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this
prospectus is current only as of its date.
Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 (and its related regulations) has been obtained from
the Bermuda Monetary Authority for the issue and transfer of our common shares to and between
persons resident and non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes, provided our shares
remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes the New York Stock Exchange (the
NYSE). This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be filed with the
Registrar of Companies in Bermuda in accordance with Bermuda law. In granting such consent and in
accepting this prospectus supplement for filing, neither the Bermuda Monetary Authority nor the
Registrar of Companies in Bermuda accepts any responsibility for our financial soundness or the
correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is comprised of two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which
describes the terms of the offering of the common shares and also adds to and updates information
contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying
prospectus, which provides more general information. To the extent there is a conflict between the
information contained in this prospectus supplement, on the one hand, and the information contained
in the accompanying prospectus or any document incorporated herein and therein by reference, on the
other hand, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain items in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents
incorporated by reference may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not necessarily limited to,
statements relating to our ability to acquire, sell, lease or finance aircraft, raise capital, pay
dividends, and increase revenues, earnings, EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income
plus Depreciation and Amortization and the global aviation industry and aircraft leasing sector.
You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as
anticipates, expects, intends, plans, projects, believes, may, will, would,
could, should, seeks, estimates and variations on these words and similar expressions are
intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on managements
current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of factors that could lead to actual
results materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements; Aircastle
Limited can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Accordingly, you should not
place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained in this report. Factors that could
have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or that could cause actual
results to differ materially from Aircastle Limiteds expectations include, but are not limited to,
significant capital markets disruption and volatility, which may adversely affect our continued
ability to obtain additional capital to finance our working capital needs; volatility in the value
of our aircraft or in appraisals thereof, which may, among other things, result in increased
principal payments under our term financings and reduce our cash flow available for investment or
dividends; general economic conditions and business conditions affecting demand for aircraft and
lease rates; our continued ability to obtain favorable tax treatment in Bermuda, Ireland and other
jurisdictions; our ability to pay dividends; high or volatile fuel prices, lack of access to
capital, reduced load factors and/or reduced yields, operational disruptions or unavailability of
capital caused by political unrest in North Africa, the Middle East or elsewhere, and other factors
affecting the creditworthiness of our airline customers and their ability to continue to perform
their obligations under our leases; termination payments on our interest rate hedges; and other
risks detailed from time to time in Aircastle Limiteds filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the SEC, and in the section entitled Risk Factors in this prospectus supplement
and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus. In addition, new risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not
possible for Aircastle to predict or assess the impact of every factor that may cause its actual
results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date of this report. Aircastle Limited expressly disclaims any
obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained
herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or change in events,
conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.
S-ii
SUMMARY
We are a global company that acquires, leases, and sells high-utility commercial jet aircraft
to passenger and cargo airlines throughout the world. High-utility aircraft are generally modern,
operationally efficient jets with a large operator base and long useful lives. As of March 31,
2011, our aircraft portfolio consisted of 134 aircraft that were leased to 63 lessees located in 34
countries, and managed through our offices in the United States, Ireland and Singapore. Typically,
our aircraft are subject to net operating leases whereby the lessee is generally responsible for
maintaining the aircraft and paying operational, maintenance and insurance costs, although in a
majority of cases, we are obligated to pay a portion of specified maintenance or modification
costs. From time to time, we also make investments in other aviation assets. Our revenues and
income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $157.9 million and
$45.9 million, respectively.
Our principal executive offices are located at c/o Aircastle Advisor LLC, 300 First Stamford
Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902. Our telephone number is (203) 504-1020. Our website address
is www.aircastle.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website does not constitute part
of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
Before you invest in our common shares, you should carefully consider the risks involved.
Accordingly, you should carefully consider the information contained or incorporated by reference
into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
S-1
USE OF PROCEEDS
All of the common shares offered hereby are being sold by the selling shareholders. We will
not receive any proceeds from the sale of common shares in this offering.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table presents certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
common shares outstanding as of May 10, 2011 to be sold in this offering by the selling
shareholders. Please see the Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions section of the
proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 26, 2011, which is
incorporated herein by reference, for a description of material relationships between us and the
selling shareholders.
After this offering, funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC and certain
officers of Fortress will beneficially own approximately 22.3% of our common shares.
Under our Shareholders Agreement, an affiliate of Fortress is permitted to designate a
specified number of individuals to be elected to our board of directors depending on the percentage
of voting power of our securities beneficially owned by certain Fortress investment funds and their
affiliates and permitted transferees. For so long as the such Fortress shareholders beneficially
own (i) more than 50% of the voting power of the Company, FIG Advisors LLC, an affiliate of
Fortress, which we refer to as FIG Advisors, or such other party designated by Fortress, may
designate four directors (or, if the Board consists of eight directors, five directors); (ii)
between 25% and 50% of the voting power of the Company, FIG Advisors may designate three directors;
(iii) between 10% and 25% of the voting power of the Company, FIG Advisors may designate two
directors; and (iv) between 5% and 10% of the voting power of the Company, FIG Advisors may
designate one director. Our Shareholders Agreement provides that in the event the number of
directors FIG Advisors is entitled to designate decreases due to a reduction in voting power, FIG
Advisors shall, within 10 days thereafter, unless such provision is waived, cause a sufficient
number of designated directors to resign from the board so that the number of designated directors
after the resignation(s) equals the number of directors FIG Advisors would have been entitled to
designate. However, such designees need not resign from the board at or prior to the end of their
designated term if the nominating and corporate governance committee recommends the nomination of
such designees for election at the next meeting.
Upon completion of this offering, the Fortress and certain officers of Fortress will
beneficially own between 10% and 25% of the voting power of the Company. As a result, in accordance
with our Shareholders Agreement, the number of our directors that FIG Advisors is entitled to
designate will decrease from three to two directors. We have been advised by Fortress that, upon
completion of this offering, Messrs. Edens and Adams will serve as the two designees of FIG
Advisors on our board of directors. Our board of directors had previously waived any requirement
under our Shareholders Agreement for any of the other previous or current Fortress designees (each
of whom is an independent director of the Company) to resign in the event of any future reductions
in the Fortress ownership of our common shares. Accordingly, the current composition of our board
of directors will not change as a result of this offering.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by the
selling shareholders and the percentage ownership of the selling shareholders, the number of common
shares subject to options or warrants held by the selling shareholders that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof are deemed outstanding. Except as
indicated in the footnotes to the following table or pursuant to applicable community property
laws, the selling shareholders have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares set
forth opposite their names. The percentages of beneficial ownership set forth below are based on
76,374,645 common shares outstanding on May 10, 2011.
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Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to this |
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Shares Being |
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Shares Beneficially Owned After this |
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Offering (1) |
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Sold in the |
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Offering (1) |
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Name of Beneficial Owner (1)(4) |
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Number (2) |
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Percentage (3) |
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Offering |
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Number (2) |
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Percentage (3) |
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Fortress Investment Fund III Sub LLC |
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3,664,581 |
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4.8 |
% |
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842,432 |
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2,822,149 |
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3.7 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III Sub Two LLC |
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3,664,580 |
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4.8 |
% |
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842,432 |
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2,822,148 |
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3.7 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund B)
Sub LLC |
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3,133,279 |
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4.1 |
% |
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720,294 |
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2,412,985 |
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3.2 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund B)
Sub Two LLC |
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3,133,279 |
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4.1 |
% |
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720,294 |
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2,412,985 |
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3.2 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund C)
Sub LLC |
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1,310,392 |
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1.7 |
% |
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301,240 |
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1,009,152 |
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1.3 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund D)
Sub Ltd. |
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3,007,625 |
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3.9 |
% |
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691,408 |
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2,316,217 |
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3.0 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund E)
Sub Ltd. |
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211,265 |
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0.3 |
% |
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48,567 |
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162,698 |
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0.2 |
% |
S-2
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Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to this |
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Shares Being |
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Shares Beneficially Owned After this |
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Offering (1) |
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Sold in the |
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Offering (1) |
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Name of Beneficial Owner (1)(4) |
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Number (2) |
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Percentage (3) |
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Offering |
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Number (2) |
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Percentage (3) |
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Fortress Investment Fund III
(Coinvestment Fund A) Sub LLC |
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616,255 |
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0.8 |
% |
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141,668 |
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474,587 |
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0.6 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III
(Coinvestment Fund B) Sub LLC |
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1,210,715 |
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1.6 |
% |
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278,325 |
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932,390 |
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1.2 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III
(Coinvestment Fund C ) Sub LLC |
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311,825 |
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0.4 |
% |
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71,684 |
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240,141 |
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0.3 |
% |
Fortress Investment Fund III
(Coinvestment Fund D) Sub Ltd. |
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1,486,206 |
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1.9 |
% |
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341,656 |
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1,144,550 |
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1.5 |
% |
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(1) |
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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
SEC and generally includes voting and/or investment power with respect
to securities. Common shares subject to options or warrants currently
exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof, are
deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding
such options or warrants but are not deemed outstanding for computing
the percentage of any other person. |
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(2) |
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Consists of common shares held, including restricted shares, shares
underlying share options exercisable within 60 days and shares
underlying warrants exercisable within 60 days. |
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(3) |
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Percentage amount assumes the exercise by the selling shareholder of
all options and warrants exercisable within 60 days to acquire common
shares and no exercise of options or warrants by any other person. |
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(4) |
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Fortress Fund III GP LLC (FF III GP LLC) is the general partner, and
FIG LLC is the investment advisor, of each of Fortress Investment Fund
III LP (FIF III LP), Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund B) LP (FIF
III Fund B LP), Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund C) LP (FIF III
Fund C LP), Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund D) L.P. (FIF III Fund
D L.P.), Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund E) L.P. (FIF III Fund E
L.P.), Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund A) LP (FIF
III Coinvest Fund A LP), Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment
Fund B) LP (FIF III Coinvest Fund B LP), Fortress Investment Fund
III (Coinvestment Fund C) LP (FIF III Fund Coinvest Fund C LP), and
Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund D) L.P. (FIF III Fund
D Coinvest Fund D L.P.). FIF III LP is the sole member each of
Fortress Investment Fund III Sub LLC and Fortress Investment Fund III
Sub Two LLC. FIF III Fund B LP is the sole member of each of Fortress
Investment Fund III (Fund B) Sub LLC and Fortress Investment Fund III
(Fund B) Sub Two LLC. FIF III Fund C LP is the sole member of Fortress
Investment Fund III (Fund C) Sub LLC. FIF III Fund D L.P. is the sole
member of Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund D) Sub Ltd. FIF III Fund
E L.P. is the sole member of Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund E) Sub
Ltd. FIF III Coinvest Fund A LP is the sole member of Fortress
Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund A) Sub LLC. FIF III Coinvest
Fund B LP is the sole member of Fortress Investment Fund III
(Coinvestment Fund B) Sub LLC. FIF III Coinvest Fund C LP is the sole
member of Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund C ) Sub LLC
and FIF III Coinvest Fund D L.P. is the sole member of Fortress
Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund D) Sub Ltd. The sole managing
member of FF III GP LLC is Fortress Investment Fund GP (Holdings) LLC.
The sole managing member of Fortress Investment Fund GP (Holdings) LLC
is Fortress Operating Entity I LP (FOE I). FOE I is the sole
managing member of FIG LLC. FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE I,
and FIG Corp. is wholly-owned by Fortress Investment Group LLC
(FIG). Fortress Partners Master Fund L.P. is the sole managing
member of Fortress Partners Offshore Securities LLC. Fortress Partners
Offshore Master GP LLC (FPOM) is the general partner of Fortress
Partners Master Fund L.P. FOE I is the sole managing member of FPOM.
FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE I. FIG Corp. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FIG. Fortress Partners Fund LP is the sole managing
member of Fortress Partners Securities LLC. Fortress Partners GP LLC
is the general partner of Fortress Partners Fund LP. Fortress
Principal Investment Holdings IV LLC (FPIH IV) is the sole managing
member of Fortress Partners GP LLC. Fortress Partners Advisors LLC
(FPA) is the investment advisor of Fortress Partners Fund LP. FIG
LLC is the sole managing member of FPA. FOE I is the sole managing
member of FIG LLC and FPIH IV. FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE
I. FIG Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FIG. The address of the
entities listed above is c/o Fortress Investment Group LLC, 1345
Avenue of the Americas, 46th Floor, New York, New York 10105. |
S-3
UNDERWRITING
The company, the selling shareholders and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. have entered into an
underwriting agreement with respect to the shares being offered. Subject to certain conditions,
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. has agreed to purchase all of the 5,000,000 shares offered hereby.
The underwriter proposes to offer the common shares offered hereby from time to time for sale
in one or more transactions on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), in the over-the-counter
market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing
market prices or at negotiated prices,
subject to receipt and acceptance by it and subject to its right to reject any order in whole or in
part. The underwriter may effect such transactions by selling the common shares to or through
dealers and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriter and/or purchasers of common shares for whom they may act as agents
or to whom they may sell as principal. The difference between the price at which the underwriter
purchases shares and the price at which the underwriter resells such shares, which may include a
commission equivalent of up to $0.05 per shares, may be deemed underwriting compensation.
The Company, the selling shareholders and Citigroup have agreed that, for a period of 30 days
from the date of this prospectus supplement, subject to certain exceptions, we and they will not,
without the prior written consent of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. dispose of or hedge any
common shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common shares. Citigroup
Global Markets Inc. may release any of the securities subject to this lock-up at any time without
notice. If (i) during the last 17 days of the 30-day restricted period, we issue an earnings release
or material news or a material event relating to our company occurs; or (ii) prior to the expiration
of the 30-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the
16-day period beginning on the last day of the 30-day restricted period, the restrictions described
above shall continue to apply to us until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the
issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event.
The shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AYR.
In connection with the offering, the underwriter may purchase and sell shares in the open market.
Purchases and sales in the open market may include short sales, purchases to cover short
positions and stabilizing purchases.
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Short sales involve secondary market sales by the underwriter of a greater
number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. |
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Covering transactions involve purchases of shares in the open market after the distribution has
been completed in order to cover short positions. A short position is more likely to be created if
the underwriter is concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in
the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. |
Purchases to cover short positions and stabilizing purchases, as well as other purchases by the
underwriter for its own account, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the
market price of the shares. They may also cause the price of the shares to be higher than the price
that would otherwise exist in the open market in the absence of these transactions. The
underwriter may conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. If the underwriter commences any of these transactions, it may discontinue them at any time.
European Economic Area
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the
Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), Citigroup Global Markets Inc. has represented
and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is
implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date) it has not made and
will not make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the
publication of a prospectus in relation to the shares which has been approved by the competent
authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member
State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with
the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant
Implementation Date, make an offer of shares to the public in that Relevant Member State at any
time:
(a) to legal entities which are authorised or regulated to operate in the financial markets
or, if not so authorised or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in
securities;
(b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees
during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than 43,000,000 and (3) an
annual net turnover of more than 50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated
accounts;
(c) to fewer than 100 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in
the Prospectus Directive) subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives for
any such offer; or
(d) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Issuer of a
prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
For the purposes of this provision, the expression an offer of shares to the public in
relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any
means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to
enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the shares, as the same may be varied in that
Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member
State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC and includes any relevant
implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. has represented and agreed that:
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(a) |
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it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or
cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity
(within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the
issue or sale of the shares in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA would not
apply to the Issuer; and |
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(b) |
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it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with
respect to anything done by it in relation to the shares in, from or otherwise involving
the United Kingdom. |
S-4
The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances
which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance
(Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to professional investors within the meaning of the
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or
(iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a prospectus within the
meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or
document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the
purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the
contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if
permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are
intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to professional investors
within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any
rules made thereunder.
This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of
Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the
offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or
distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for
subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to
an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of
Singapore (the SFA), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in
accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to,
and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is:
(a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold
investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom
is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose
sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares,
debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and
interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust
has acquired the shares under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section
274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in
accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is
given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.
The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and
Exchange Law of Japan (the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law) and Citigroup Global Markets
Inc. has agreed that it will not offer or sell any securities, directly or indirectly, in Japan or
to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person
resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or
to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan,
except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance
with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and
ministerial guidelines of Japan.
The company and the selling shareholders estimate that their share of the total expenses of
the offering, excluding deemed underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately
$125,000.
The company and the selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify Citigroup Global Markets
Inc. against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Underwriter and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various
activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial
advisory, investment management, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities.
The Underwriter and its affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future
perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for the issuer, for which they
received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In addition, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is a lender under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility.
In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the Underwriter and its
affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity
securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for
their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short
positions in such securities and instruments. Such investment and securities activities may involve
securities and instruments of the issuer.
S-5
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC. Our SEC filings can be read and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the public
reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our SEC filings are also available over the
Internet at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. Our common shares are listed and traded on the
New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the trading symbol AYR. Our reports, proxy statements and
other information can also be read at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York
10005. General information about us, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments and exhibits to those reports,
are available free of charge through our website at www.aircastle.com as soon as reasonably
practicable after we file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Information on, or accessible
through, our website is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus or our other securities filings and is not a part of these filings.
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act with the SEC
pursuant to which the common shares are being offered by this prospectus supplement. Neither this
prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus contains all the information contained in the
registration statement because certain parts of the registration statement are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The registration statement and the documents
filed as exhibits to the registration statement are available for inspection and copying as
described above.
The SEC allows incorporation by reference into this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus of information that we file with the SEC. This permits us to disclose
important information to you by referencing these filed documents. Any information referenced this
way is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and
any information filed by us with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and
prior to the termination of this offering will automatically be deemed to update and supersede this
information.
We incorporate by reference the following documents which we have already filed with the SEC
(other than any portion of such filings that are furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than
filed):
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on March 10, 2011; |
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Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011 as filed
with the SEC on May 4, 2011; and |
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Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 14, 2011. |
All documents and reports that we file with the SEC (other than any portion of such filings
that are furnished under applicable SEC rules rather than filed) pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, from the date of this prospectus supplement
until the termination of the offering of all common shares under this prospectus supplement, shall
be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by
reference.
We will provide without charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any or all of the
documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus, excluding any exhibits to those documents unless the exhibit is specifically
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which the prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus forms a part. Requests should be directed to Aircastle
Limited, c/o Aircastle Advisor LLC, 300 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902, (203)
504-1020.
S-6
PROSPECTUS
AIRCASTLE LIMITED
COMMON SHARES
PREFERENCE SHARES
DEPOSITARY SHARES
DEBT SECURITIES
WARRANTS
SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
PURCHASE CONTRACTS
PURCHASE UNITS
We may offer and sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, any combination of (i)
common shares, (ii) preference shares, (iii) depositary shares representing preference shares, (iv)
debt securities, (v) warrants, (vi) subscription rights, (vii) purchase contracts and (viii)
purchase units having an aggregate initial offering price not exceeding $1,000,000,000 (or its
equivalent in foreign or composite currencies) on terms to be determined at the time of offering.
The selling shareholders may also offer and sell, from time to time, up to 30,560,877 of our common
shares. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of our common shares by selling
shareholders.
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities. We
will provide the specific prices and terms of these securities in one or more supplements to this
prospectus at the time of the offering. You should read this prospectus and the accompanying
prospectus supplement carefully before you make your investment decision.
We or the selling shareholders may offer and sell these securities through underwriters,
dealers or agents or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The securities may
also be resold by selling shareholders. The prospectus supplement for each offering will describe
in detail the plan of distribution for that offering and will set forth the names of any
underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the offering and any applicable fees, commissions or
discount arrangements.
This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus
supplement.
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the trading symbol
AYR. Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on
any securities exchange.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See Risk Factors on page 2
before you make your investment decision.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission, the Minister
of Finance and the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda or the Bermuda Monetary Authority have
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus or the accompanying
prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of this prospectus is August 19, 2009.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Consent under the Exchange Control Act 1972 (and its related regulations) has been obtained
from the Bermuda Monetary Authority for the issue and transfer of our shares and other securities
to and between persons resident and non-resident of Bermuda for exchange control purposes provided
our shares remain listed on an appointed stock exchange, which includes the NYSE. This prospectus
will be filed with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda in accordance with Bermuda law. In
granting such consent and in accepting this prospectus for filing, neither the Bermuda Monetary
Authority nor the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda accepts any responsibility for our financial
soundness or the correctness of any of the statements made or opinions expressed in this
prospectus.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) using a shelf registration process. Under the shelf process, we
may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings,
up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $1,000,000,000. In addition, certain of our
shareholders may offer from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to 30,560,877 of our common
shares.
This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we and the
selling shareholders may offer. Each time we or any selling shareholders sell securities described
in the prospectus we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that will contain specific
information about the terms of that offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of
the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read both this prospectus and any accompanying
prospectus supplement or other offering materials, together with the additional information
described under the heading Where You Can Find More Information.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. Neither we nor the selling shareholders have authorized anyone to provide you with
different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you
should not rely on it. Neither we nor the selling shareholders are making an offer to sell these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or other offering materials do not
contain all of the information included in the registration statement as permitted by the rules and
regulations of the SEC. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement on Form
S-3, including its exhibits. We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), and, therefore, file reports and other
information with the SEC. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement or other offering materials about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other
document are only summaries. If SEC rules require that any agreement or document be filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement, you should refer to that agreement or document for its
complete contents.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or
any other offering materials is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of each
document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed
since then.
In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise, we use the
terms Aircastle, the Company, we, us and our to refer to Aircastle Limited and its
subsidiaries, except where it is clear that the term refers only to the parent company. References
in this prospectus to Fortress refer to Fortress Investment Group LLC and certain of its
affiliates, and references to the Fortress funds refer to certain shareholders of Aircastle which
are managed by affiliates of Fortress. Throughout this prospectus, when we refer to our aircraft,
we include aircraft that we have transferred into grantor trusts or similar entities for purposes
of financing such assets through securitizations and term financings.
ii
SUMMARY
This is only a summary and may not contain all the information that is important to you. You
should carefully read both this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement and any other
offering materials, together with the additional information described under the heading Where You
Can Find More Information.
Aircastle Limited
Aircastle Limited is a global company that acquires, leases and sells high-utility commercial
jet aircraft to passenger and cargo airlines throughout the world. High-utility aircraft are
generally modern, operationally efficient aircraft with a large operator base and long useful
lives. As of March 31, 2009, our aircraft portfolio consisted of 130 aircraft and we had 58 lessees
located in 32 countries. We manage our aircraft portfolio through our offices in the United States,
Ireland and Singapore. From time to time, we also make investments in other aviation assets,
including debt investments secured by commercial jet aircraft.
Our principal executive offices are located at c/o Aircastle Advisor LLC, 300 First Stamford
Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902. Our telephone number is (203) 504-1020. Our website address
is www.aircastle.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website does not constitute part
of this prospectus and should not be relied upon in connection with making any investment decision
with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus.
1
RISK FACTORS
You should consider the specific risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2008, the risk factors described under the caption Risk Factors in any
applicable prospectus supplement and any risk factors set forth in our other filings with the SEC,
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, before making an investment
decision. Each of the risks described in these documents could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, and could result in a partial
or complete loss of your investment. See Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 30
of this prospectus.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds of
any offering of securities for working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may
include the repayment or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness and the financing of future
acquisitions. We will have significant discretion in the use of any net proceeds. The net proceeds
may be invested temporarily in interest-bearing accounts and short-term interest-bearing securities
until they are used for their stated purpose. We may provide additional information on the use of
the net proceeds from the sale of the offered securities in an applicable prospectus supplement
relating to the offered securities.
We will not receive any proceeds in the event that the securities are sold by a selling
shareholder.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the
periods indicated:
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Three Months |
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Period from October 29 |
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Ended |
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(Commencement of Operations) |
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Years Ended December 31, |
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March 31, |
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through December 31, 2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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1.02 |
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1.91 |
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1.96 |
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1.53 |
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1.45 |
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The total fixed charges for 2004 were zero. Fixed charges consist of interest on all
indebtedness, capitalized interest and one-third of rentals, which we believe is a reasonable
approximation of the interest factor of such rentals. Earnings available to cover fixed charges
consist of income from continuing operations before income taxes, plus fixed charges, less
capitalized interest during the period, plus current period amortization of interest capitalized in
prior periods.
For the periods indicated above, we had no outstanding preference shares and we did not pay
preferred dividends during these periods. Therefore, the combined ratios of earnings to fixed
charges and preference share dividends are identical to the ratios of earnings to fixed charges
presented above for all such periods.
2
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical consolidated financial, operating and other data as of December 31,
2007 and 2008 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 presented in
this table are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto
appearing in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data as of
December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and for the period from October 29, 2004 through December 31, 2004
presented in this table are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related
notes thereto. The selected financial data as of March 31, 2009 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2009 are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes
thereto filed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
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Period from |
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October 29, |
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(Commencement |
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Three |
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of Operations) |
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Months |
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Through |
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Ended |
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December 31, |
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Year Ended December 31, |
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March 31, |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |
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Selected Financial Data: |
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Consolidated Statements of Operation: |
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Total revenues |
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$ |
78 |
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$ |
31,638 |
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$ |
182,852 |
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$ |
381,091 |
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$ |
582,587 |
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$ |
132,138 |
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Selling, general and administrative
expenses |
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1,117 |
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12,493 |
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27,836 |
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39,040 |
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46,806 |
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11,095 |
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Depreciation |
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102 |
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11,286 |
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53,424 |
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126,403 |
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201,759 |
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51,561 |
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Interest, net |
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(9 |
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6,846 |
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49,566 |
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92,660 |
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203,529 |
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43,411 |
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Income (loss) from continuing
operations |
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(1,143 |
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(803 |
) |
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45,920 |
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114,403 |
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115,291 |
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20,387 |
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Discontinued operations |
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(322 |
) |
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1,031 |
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5,286 |
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12,941 |
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Net income (loss) |
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(1,465 |
) |
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228 |
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51,206 |
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127,344 |
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115,291 |
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18,471 |
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Earnings per common share
Basic:(1) |
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Income (loss) from continuing
operations |
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$ |
(0.03 |
) |
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$ |
(0.02 |
) |
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$ |
0.99 |
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$ |
1.68 |
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$ |
1.47 |
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$ |
0.23 |
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Discontinued operations |
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$ |
(0.01 |
) |
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$ |
0.03 |
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$ |
0.11 |
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$ |
0.19 |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income (loss) |
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$ |
(0.04 |
) |
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$ |
0.01 |
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$ |
1.10 |
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$ |
1.87 |
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$ |
1.47 |
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$ |
0.23 |
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Earnings per common share
Diluted:(1) |
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Income (loss) from continuing
operations |
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$ |
(0.03 |
) |
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$ |
(0.02 |
) |
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$ |
0.99 |
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$ |
1.68 |
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$ |
1.47 |
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$ |
0.23 |
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Discontinued operations |
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$ |
(0.01 |
) |
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$ |
0.03 |
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$ |
0.11 |
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$ |
0.19 |
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$ |
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$ |
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Net income (loss) |
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$ |
(0.04 |
) |
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$ |
0.01 |
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$ |
1.10 |
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$ |
1.87 |
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$ |
1.47 |
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$ |
0.23 |
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Cash dividends declared per share |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
1.1375 |
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$ |
2.45 |
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$ |
0.85 |
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$ |
0.10 |
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Other Operating Data: |
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EBITDA(2) |
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$ |
(1,020 |
) |
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$ |
19,003 |
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$ |
149,349 |
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$ |
333,745 |
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$ |
526,305 |
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$ |
116,476 |
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Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows: |
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Cash flows (used in) provided by
operations |
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$ |
(194 |
) |
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$ |
(20,974 |
) |
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$ |
42,712 |
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$ |
200,210 |
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$ |
321,806 |
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$ |
69,374 |
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Cash flows (used in) provided by
investing activities |
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(92,921 |
) |
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(710,317 |
) |
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(858,002 |
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(2,369,796 |
) |
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37,640 |
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(24,449 |
) |
Cash flows provided by (used in)
financing activities |
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93,115 |
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811,234 |
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793,465 |
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2,125,014 |
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(292,045 |
) |
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(23,473 |
) |
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flight equipment held for lease, net
of accumulated depreciation |
|
$ |
61,679 |
|
|
$ |
712,092 |
|
|
$ |
1,559,365 |
|
|
$ |
3,807,116 |
|
|
$ |
3,837,543 |
|
|
$ |
3,798,709 |
|
Debt investments, available for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,907 |
|
|
|
121,273 |
|
|
|
113,015 |
|
|
|
14,349 |
|
|
|
12,626 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
104,981 |
|
|
|
967,532 |
|
|
|
1,918,703 |
|
|
|
4,427,642 |
|
|
|
4,251,572 |
|
|
|
4,251,850 |
|
Borrowings under credit facilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
490,588 |
|
|
|
442,660 |
|
|
|
798,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings under securitizations and
term debt financings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
549,400 |
|
|
|
1,677,736 |
|
|
|
2,476,296 |
|
|
|
2,446,165 |
|
Repurchase agreements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,665 |
|
|
|
83,694 |
|
|
|
67,744 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
99,235 |
|
|
|
410,936 |
|
|
|
637,197 |
|
|
|
1,294,577 |
|
|
|
1,112,166 |
|
|
|
1,140,916 |
|
Other Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Aircraft (at the end of
period) |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
68 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
Total debt to total capitalization |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
54.9 |
% |
|
|
62.8 |
% |
|
|
66.3 |
% |
|
|
69.0 |
% |
|
|
68.2 |
% |
3
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position (FSP) No. EITF 03-6-1,
Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment
Transactions are Participating Securities (FSP No. EITF 03-6-1). FSP
No. EITF 03-6-1 addresses whether unvested share-based payment awards
with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents should be
considered participating securities for the purposes of applying the
two-class method of calculating earnings per share (EPS) under SFAS
No. 128, Earnings per Share. The FASB staff concluded that unvested
share-based payment awards that contain rights to receive
nonforfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or
unpaid) are participating securities and thus should be included in
the two-class method of computing EPS. The adoption of FSP No. EITF
03-6-1 requires us to present EPS using the two-class method for our
current period EPS computations and to retrospectively revise our
comparative prior period EPS computations using the two-class method.
The adoption of FSP No. EITF 03-6-1 did not have a material effect on
EPS. |
|
(2) |
|
EBITDA is a measure of operating performance that is not calculated in
accordance with GAAP. EBITDA should not be considered a substitute for
net income, income from operations or cash flows provided by or used
in operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA is a key
measure of our operating performance used by management to focus on
consolidated operating performance exclusive of income and expense
that relate to the financing and capitalization of the business. |
We define EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, interest
expense and depreciation and amortization. We use EBITDA to assess our consolidated financial and
operating performance, and we believe this non-measure, is helpful in identifying trends in our
performance. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management
the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as
well as achieve optimal financial performance. It provides an indicator for management to determine
if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed. EBITDA provides us with a measure of
operating performance because it assists us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent
basis as it removes the impact of our capital structure (primarily interest charges on our
outstanding debt) and asset base (primarily depreciation and amortization) from our operating
results.
The table below shows the reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA for the period October
29 through December 31, 2004, the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the three
months ended March 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 29, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Commencement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three |
|
|
|
of Operations) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months |
|
|
|
Through |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income |
|
$ |
(1,465 |
) |
|
$ |
228 |
|
|
$ |
51,206 |
|
|
$ |
127,344 |
|
|
$ |
115,291 |
|
|
$ |
18,471 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
102 |
|
|
|
11,286 |
|
|
|
53,424 |
|
|
|
126,403 |
|
|
|
201,759 |
|
|
|
51,561 |
|
Amortization of net
lease premiums
(discounts) and lease
incentives |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
734 |
|
|
|
(4,406 |
) |
|
|
(7,379 |
) |
|
|
(1,815 |
) |
|
|
1,117 |
|
Interest, net |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
6,846 |
|
|
|
49,566 |
|
|
|
92,660 |
|
|
|
203,529 |
|
|
|
43,411 |
|
Income tax provision |
|
|
|
|
|
|
940 |
|
|
|
4,845 |
|
|
|
7,658 |
|
|
|
7,541 |
|
|
|
1,916 |
|
(Earnings) loss from
discontinued
operations, net of
income taxes |
|
|
322 |
|
|
|
(1,031 |
) |
|
|
(5,286 |
) |
|
|
(12,941 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
(1,020 |
) |
|
$ |
19,003 |
|
|
$ |
149,349 |
|
|
$ |
333,745 |
|
|
$ |
526,305 |
|
|
$ |
116,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
This prospectus contains summary descriptions of the common shares, preference shares,
depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, subscription rights, purchase contracts and purchase
units that we may offer and sell from time to time. These summary descriptions are not meant to be
complete descriptions of each security. The particular terms of any security will be described in
the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
General
As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital consisted of:
|
|
|
250,000,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share; and |
|
|
|
|
50,000,000 preference shares, par value $0.01 per share. |
As of July 17, 2009, there were outstanding 79,234,663 common shares and no outstanding
preference shares. All of the currently outstanding common shares are fully paid. Our bye-laws
permit us to issue shares that are not fully paid, subject to the right of our board of directors
to make calls for unpaid amounts. Pursuant to our bye-laws, subject to any resolution of the
shareholders to the contrary, our board of directors is authorized to issue any of our authorized
but unissued shares. There are no limitations on the right of non-Bermudians or non-residents of
Bermuda to hold or vote our shares.
Set forth below is a summary description of all the material terms of our share capital. This
description is qualified in its entirety by reference to our memorandum of association and
bye-laws.
Common Shares
Holders of common shares have no pre-emptive, redemption, conversion or sinking fund rights.
Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of
holders of common shares. Unless a different majority is required by law or by our bye-laws,
resolutions to be approved by holders of common shares require approval by a simple majority of
votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Our bye-laws provide that persons standing
for election as directors at a duly constituted and quorate annual general meeting are elected by
our shareholders by a plurality of the votes cast on the resolution. There is no cumulative voting
in the election of our directors. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the
holders of common shares are entitled to share equally and ratably in our assets, if any, remaining
after the payment of all of our debts and liabilities, subject to any liquidation preference on any
issued and outstanding preference shares.
Our common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol AYR. As of July 21, 2009, the
closing price of our common shares on the NYSE was $7.18, and we had approximately 16,330 holders
of record of our common shares.
Preference Shares
Pursuant to Bermuda law and our bye-laws, our board of directors by resolution may establish
one or more series of preference shares having such number of shares, designations, dividend rates,
relative voting rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption rights, liquidation rights and
other relative participation, optional or other powers, preferences and rights, qualifications,
limitations or restrictions as may be fixed by the board without any further shareholder approval.
The rights with respect to a series of preference shares may be greater than the rights attached to
our common shares. It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any preference
shares on the rights of holders of our common shares until our board of directors determines the
specific rights attached to that preference share. The effect of issuing preference shares could
include one or more of the following:
|
|
|
restricting dividends in respect of our common shares; |
|
|
|
|
diluting the voting power of our common shares or providing
that holders of preference
shares have the right to vote on matters as a class; |
|
|
|
|
impairing the liquidation rights of our common shares; or |
|
|
|
|
delaying or preventing a change of control of Aircastle. |
5
Dividend Rights
Under Bermuda law, a companys board of directors may declare and pay dividends from time to
time unless there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would after the
payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its
assets would thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and issued share capital and
share premium accounts. Under our bye-laws, each common share is entitled to dividends if, as and
when dividends are declared by our board of directors, subject to any preferred dividend right of
the holders of any preference shares. There are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds
(other than funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to U.S.
residents who are holders of our common shares.
Variation of Rights
If at any time we have more than one class of shares, the rights attaching to any class,
unless otherwise provided for by the terms of issue of the relevant class, may be varied either:
(i) with the consent in writing of the holders of 50% of the issued shares of that class; or (ii)
with the sanction of a resolution passed by a majority of the votes cast at a general meeting of
the relevant class of shareholders at which a quorum consisting of at least two persons holding or
representing two-thirds of the issued shares of the relevant class is present. Our bye-laws specify
that the creation or issue of shares ranking equally with existing shares will not, unless
expressly provided by the terms of issue of existing shares, vary the rights attached to existing
shares. In addition, the creation or issue of preference shares ranking prior to common shares will
not be deemed to vary the rights attached to common shares or, subject to the terms of any other
series of preference shares, to vary the rights attached to any other series of preference shares.
Election and Removal of Directors
Our bye-laws provide that our board shall consist of not less than three and not more than
eight directors as the board may from time to time determine. Our board of directors currently
consists of seven directors. Our board is divided into three classes that are, as nearly as
possible, of equal size. Each class of directors is elected for a three-year term of office, but
the terms are staggered so that the term of only one class of directors expires at each annual
general meeting. The current terms of the Class I, Class II and Class III directors will expire in
2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively.
Any shareholder wishing to propose for election as a director someone who is not an existing
director or is not proposed by our board must give notice of the intention to propose the person
for election. Where a person is to be proposed for election as a director at an annual general
meeting by a shareholder, that notice must be given not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days
before the anniversary of the last annual general meeting prior to the giving of the notice or, in
the event the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not 25 days before or after such
anniversary, the notice must be given not later than ten days following the earlier of the date on
which notice of the annual general meeting was mailed to shareholders or the date on which public
disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made. Where a director is to be elected at
a special general meeting, that notice must be given not later than 10 days following the earlier
of the date on which notice of the special general meeting was mailed to shareholders or the date
on which public disclosure of the date of the special general meeting was made. Such proposal must
be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bye-laws.
A director may be removed with or without cause by a resolution of our shareholders, including
the affirmative votes of at least 80.0% of all votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the
holder to vote on such resolution, provided that notice of the shareholders meeting convened to
remove the director is given to the director. The notice must contain a statement of the intention
to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than 14 days before the meeting.
The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.
Corporate Opportunity
Our bye-laws provide that the Fortress funds, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates
(collectively, the Significant Shareholders) have the right to, and have no duty to abstain from,
exercising their right to engage or invest in the same or similar business as us, do business with
any of our clients, customers or vendors or employ or otherwise engage any of our officers,
directors or employees. If the Significant Shareholders or any of their officers, directors or
employees acquire knowledge of a potential transaction that could be a corporate opportunity, they
have no duty to offer such corporate opportunity to us, our shareholders or affiliates.
6
Our bye-laws also provide that, in the event that any of our directors and officers who is
also a director, officer or employee of any of our Significant Shareholders acquires knowledge of a
corporate opportunity or is offered a corporate opportunity, provided that this knowledge was not
acquired solely in such persons capacity as our director or officer and such person acted in good
faith, then such person is not liable to us if any of the Significant Shareholders pursues or
acquires such corporate opportunity or if such person did not present the corporate opportunity to
us.
Acquisition of Common Shares by Aircastle and Option to Require Sale of Shares
Our bye-laws provide that we have the option, but not the obligation, to require a shareholder
that is not a U.S. citizen or a qualified resident of the U.S. or of the other contracting state of
the applicable tax treaty with the U.S. (as determined for purposes of the relevant provision of
the limitation on benefits article of such treaty) owning more than 5% of our issued and
outstanding common shares to sell its common shares for their fair market value to us, to other
shareholders or to third parties if we determine that failure to exercise our option would result
in adverse tax consequences to us or any of our subsidiaries. Our right to require a shareholder to
sell its shares will be limited to the purchase of a number of shares that our directors, in the
reasonable exercise of their discretion, determine is necessary to permit avoidance of those
adverse tax consequences.
Shareholders Agreement
Upon the completion of our initial public offering, we entered into an Amended and Restated
Shareholders Agreement, or the Shareholders Agreement, with Fortress Investment Fund III LP,
Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund B) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund C) LP, Fortress
Investment Fund III (Fund D) L.P., Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund E) LP, Fortress Investment
Fund III (Coinvestment Fund A) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund B) LP, Fortress
Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund C) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund D)
L.P., Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund LP, Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund Ltd. and
Drawbridge Global Macro Master Fund Ltd., which we refer to, collectively, as the Initial
Shareholders.
As discussed further below, the Shareholders Agreement provides certain rights to the Initial
Shareholders with respect to the designation of directors for election to our Board as well as
registration rights for certain of our securities owned by them.
The Shareholders Agreement provides that the Initial Shareholders and their respective
affiliates and permitted transferees will vote or cause to be voted all of our voting shares
beneficially owned by each and to take all other reasonably necessary action so that no amendment
is made to the Companys Memorandum of Association or Bye-laws in effect as of the date of the
Shareholders Agreement that would add restrictions to the transferability of our shares by an
Initial Shareholder or its permitted transferee which are beyond those provided for in our
Memorandum of Association, Bye-laws, the Shareholders Agreement or applicable securities laws, or
that nullify the rights set out in the Shareholders Agreement of any Initial Shareholder or their
permitted transferee unless such amendment is approved by such shareholder.
Designation and Election of Directors
The Shareholders Agreement requires that the Initial Shareholders and their respective
affiliates and permitted transferees vote or cause to be voted all of our voting shares
beneficially owned by each and to take all other reasonably necessary action so as to elect to our
Board so long as the Initial Shareholders beneficially own (i) more than 50% of the voting power of
the Company, four directors (or, if the Board consists of eight directors, five directors)
designated by FIG Advisors LLC, an affiliate of Fortress, which we refer to as FIG Advisors, or
such other party designated by Fortress; (ii) between 25% and 50% of the voting power of the
Company, three directors designated by FIG Advisors; (iii) between 10% and 25% of the voting power
of the Company, two directors designated by FIG Advisors; and (iv) between 5% and 10% of the voting
power of the Company, one director designated by FIG Advisors. The Initial Shareholders also agree
to vote their shares or otherwise take all necessary action to cause (1) the removal, with or
without cause, of any director previously nominated by FIG Advisors upon notice from FIG Advisors
of its desire to remove such a director and (2) in the event a designee of FIG Advisors ceases to
serve as a director during his term in office, the filling of such vacancy with an individual
designated by FIG Advisors.
In accordance with the Shareholders Agreement, FIG Advisors designated Wesley R. Edens, Joseph
P. Adams, Jr., Peter V. Ueberroth and John Z. Kukral for election to our Board. If at any time the
number of our directors entitled to be designated by FIG Advisors to the Shareholders Agreement
shall decrease, within ten days thereafter, FIG Advisors shall cause the appropriate number of
directors to resign and any such vacancy shall be filled by a majority vote of our Board. In
connection with our follow-on public offering completed in October 2007, certain funds managed by
affiliates of Fortress also sold 11,000,000 secondary common shares,
7
as a result of which the Initial Shareholders and their respective affiliates ceased to own
more than 50% of the voting power of the Company and the number of our directors entitled to be
designated by FIG Advisors decreased from four to three directors. In connection with this
offering, a special committee of our Board, comprised solely of Independent Directors, waived the
requirement under our Shareholders Agreement that FIG Advisors cause one of the directors
designated by it to resign from our Board. The special committee concluded that waiving such
requirement under the Shareholders Agreement and continuing the current composition of our board,
with a majority of Independent Directors, was in the best interests of our shareholders. As of July
21, 2009 certain Fortress funds owned approximately 37.3% of our shares.
Registration Rights
Demand Rights. We have granted to the Initial Shareholders, for so long as such shareholders
collectively and beneficially own an amount of our Common Shares (whether owned at the time of this
offering or subsequently acquired) at least equal to 5% or more of our Common Shares issued and
outstanding immediately after the consummation of our initial public offering (a Registrable
Amount), demand registration rights that allow them at any time after six months following the
consummation of such offering to request that we register under the Securities Act an amount equal
to or greater than 5% of our Common Shares that they own. Each of the Initial Shareholders is
entitled to an aggregate of two demand registrations, which can be a shelf registration. We are
also not required to effect any demand registration within six months of a firm commitment
underwritten offering to which the requestor held piggyback rights and which included at least
50% of the securities requested by the requestor to be included. We are not obligated to grant a
request for a demand registration within four months of any other demand registration, and may
refuse a request for demand registration if, in our reasonable judgment, it is not feasible for us
to proceed with the registration because of the unavailability of audited financial statements.
Piggyback Rights. For so long as they beneficially own an amount of our Common Shares at
least equal to 1% of our Common Shares issued and outstanding immediately after the consummation of
our initial public offering, the Initial Shareholders also have piggyback registration rights
that allow them to include the Common Shares that they own in any public offering of equity
securities initiated by us (other than those public offerings pursuant to registration statements
on Forms S-4 or S-8) or by any of our other shareholders that have registration rights. The
piggyback registration rights of these shareholders are subject to proportional cutbacks based on
the manner of the offering and the identity of the party initiating such offering.
Shelf Registration. We have granted each of the Initial Shareholders or any of their
respective transferees, for so long as they beneficially own a Registrable Amount, the right to
request a shelf registration on Form S-3 providing for offerings of our Common Shares to be made on
a continuous basis until all shares covered by such registration have been sold, subject to our
right to suspend the use of the shelf registration prospectuses for a reasonable period of time
(not exceeding 60 days in succession or 90 days in the aggregate in any 12 month period) if we
determine that certain disclosures required by the shelf registration statements would be
detrimental to us or our shareholders. In addition, the Initial Shareholders may elect to
participate in such shelf registrations within ten days after notice of the registration is given.
Indemnification; Expenses. We have agreed to indemnify each of the Initial Shareholders
against any losses or damages resulting from any untrue statement or omission of material fact in
any registration statement or prospectus pursuant to which they sell our common shares, unless such
liability arose from such shareholders misstatement or omission, and each such shareholder has
agreed to indemnify us against all losses caused by its misstatements or omissions. We will pay all
expenses incidental to our performance under the Shareholders Agreement, and the Initial
Shareholders will pay their respective portions of all underwriting discounts, commissions and
transfer taxes relating to the sale of their Common Shares under the Shareholders Agreement.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The following is a summary of certain provisions of our bye-laws that may be deemed to have an
anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a
shareholder might consider to be in its best interest, including those attempts that might result
in a premium over the market price for the shares held by shareholders.
The authorized but unissued common shares and our preference shares will be available for
future issuance by the board of directors, subject to any resolutions of the shareholders. These
additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public
offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The
existence of authorized but unissued common shares and preference shares could render more
difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control over us by means of a proxy contest, tender
offer, amalgamation or otherwise.
8
Certain provisions of our bye-laws may make a change in control of Aircastle more difficult to
effect. Our bye-laws provide for a staggered board of directors consisting of three classes of
directors. Each class of directors are chosen for three-year terms upon the expiration of their
current terms and each year one class of our directors is elected for a three-year term of office
by our shareholders. The terms of the directors in the first, second and third classes will expire
in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. We believe that classification of our board of directors will
help to assure the continuity and stability of our business strategies and policies as determined
by our board of directors. The classified board could have the effect of making the replacement of
incumbent directors more time consuming and difficult. At least two annual meetings of
shareholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of our
board of directors. Thus, the classified board could increase the likelihood that incumbent
directors will retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors may delay, defer or prevent
a tender offer or an attempt to change control of us, even though a tender offer or change in
control might be in the best interest of our shareholders. Our bye-laws provide that persons
standing for election as directors at a duly constituted and quorate annual general meeting are
elected by our shareholders by a plurality of the votes cast on the resolution. In addition, our
bye-laws provide that directors may be removed with or without cause by a resolution of our
shareholders, including the affirmative votes of at least 80.0% of all votes attaching to all
shares in issue entitling the holder to vote on such resolution. Our bye-laws also give us the
option, but not the obligation, to require a shareholder that is not a U.S. citizen or a qualified
resident of the U.S. or of the other contracting state of the applicable tax treaty with the U.S.
(as determined for purposes of the relevant provision of the limitation on benefits article of such
treaty) owning more than 5% of our issued and outstanding common shares to sell the shareholders
common shares to us, to another shareholder or to third parties at fair market value if we
determine that failure to exercise such option would result in adverse tax consequences to us or
any of our subsidiaries.
Pursuant to our bye-laws, our preference shares may be issued from time to time, and the board
of directors is authorized to determine the rights, preferences, powers, qualifications,
limitations and restrictions. See Preference Shares.
Certain Provisions of Bermuda Law
We have been designated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority as a non-resident for Bermuda
exchange control purposes. This designation allows us to engage in transactions in currencies other
than the Bermuda dollar, and there are no restrictions on our ability to transfer funds (other than
funds denominated in Bermuda dollars) in and out of Bermuda or to pay dividends to United States
residents who are holders of our common shares.
This prospectus will be filed with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda pursuant to Part III
of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the Companies Act). In accepting this prospectus for
filing, the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda shall not be liable for the financial soundness,
performance or default of our business or for the correctness of any opinions or statements
expressed in this prospectus.
In accordance with Bermuda law, share certificates are only issued in the names of companies,
partnerships or individuals. In the case of a shareholder acting in a special capacity (for example
as a trustee), certificates may, at the request of the shareholder, record the capacity in which
the shareholder is acting. Notwithstanding such recording of any special capacity, we are not bound
to investigate or see to the execution of any such trust. We will take no notice of any trust
applicable to any of our shares, whether or not we have been notified of such trust.
Differences in Corporate Law
You should be aware that the Companies Act, which applies to us, differs in certain material
respects from laws generally applicable to Delaware corporations and their shareholders. In order
to highlight these differences, set forth below is a summary of material provisions of the
Companies Act (including modifications adopted pursuant to our bye-laws) and Bermuda common law
applicable to us which differ in certain respects from provisions of the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware.
Duties of Directors. The Companies Act authorizes the directors of a company, subject to its
bye-laws, to exercise all powers of the company except those that are required by the Companies Act
or the companys bye-laws to be exercised by the shareholders of the company. Our bye-laws provide
that our business is to be managed and conducted by our board of directors. At common law, members
of a board of directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company to act in good faith in their dealings
with or on behalf of the company and exercise their powers and fulfill the duties of their office
honestly. This duty includes the following essential elements:
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a duty to act in good faith in the best interests of the company; |
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a duty not to make a personal profit from opportunities that arise from the office of
director; |
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a duty to avoid conflicts of interest; and |
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a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. |
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The Companies Act imposes a duty on directors and officers of a Bermuda company:
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to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company; and |
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to exercise the care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise
in comparable circumstances. |
In addition, the Companies Act imposes various duties on directors and officers of a company
with respect to certain matters of management and administration of the company.
Directors and officers generally owe fiduciary duties to the company, and not to the companys
individual shareholders. Our shareholders may not have a direct cause of action against our
directors.
Under Delaware law, the business and affairs of a corporation are managed by or under the
direction of its board of directors. In exercising their powers, directors are charged with a
fiduciary duty of care to protect the interests of the corporation and a fiduciary duty of loyalty
to act in the best interests of its shareholders. The duty of care requires that directors act in
an informed and deliberative manner and inform themselves, prior to making a business decision, of
all material information reasonably available to them. The duty of care also requires that
directors exercise care in overseeing and investigating the conduct of corporate employees. The
duty of loyalty may be summarized as the duty to act in good faith, not out of self-interest, and
in a manner which the director reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the shareholders.
Delaware law provides that a party challenging the propriety of a decision of a board of
directors bears the burden of rebutting the applicability of the presumptions afforded to directors
by the business judgment rule. The business judgment rule is a presumption that in making a
business decision, directors acted on an informed basis and that the action taken was in the best
interests of the Company and its shareholders, and accordingly, unless the presumption is rebutted,
a boards decision will be upheld unless there can be no rational business purpose for the action
or the action constitutes corporate waste. If the presumption is not rebutted, the business
judgment rule attaches to protect the directors and their decisions, and their business judgments
will not be second guessed. Where, however, the presumption is rebutted, the directors bear the
burden of demonstrating the entire fairness of the relevant transaction. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Delaware courts may subject directors conduct to enhanced scrutiny in respect of
defensive actions taken in response to a threat to corporate control or the approval of a
transaction resulting in a sale of control of the corporation.
Interested Directors. Bermuda law and our bye-laws provide that if a director has an interest
in a material transaction or proposed material transaction with us or any of our subsidiaries or
has a material interest in any person that is a party to such a transaction, the director must
disclose the nature of that interest at the first opportunity either at a meeting of directors or
in writing to the directors. Our bye-laws provide that, after a director has made such a
declaration of interest, he is allowed to be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum
is present and to vote on a transaction in which he has an interest, unless disqualified from doing
so by the chairman of the relevant board meeting. Under Delaware law, such transaction would not be
voidable if (i) the material facts as to such interested directors relationship or interests are
disclosed or are known to the board of directors and the board in good faith authorizes the
transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, (ii) such
material facts are disclosed or are known to the shareholders entitled to vote on such transaction
and the transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the majority of shares
entitled to vote thereon or (iii) the transaction is fair as to the Company as of the time it is
authorized, approved or ratified. Under Delaware law, such interested director could be held liable
for a transaction in which such director derived an improper personal benefit.
Voting Rights and Quorum Requirements. Under Bermuda law, the voting rights of our
shareholders are regulated by our bye-laws and, in certain circumstances, the Companies Act. Under
our bye-laws, at any general meeting, two or more persons present in person at the start of the
meeting and representing in person or by proxy more than 50% of all votes attaching to all shares
in issue entitling the holder to vote at the meeting, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business. Generally, except as otherwise provided in the bye-laws, or the Companies Act, any
action or resolution requiring approval of the shareholders may be passed by a simple majority of
votes cast except for the election of directors which requires only a plurality of the votes cast.
Any individual who is a shareholder of the company and who is present at a meeting may vote in
person, as may any corporate shareholder that is represented by a duly authorized representative at
a meeting of shareholders. Our bye-laws also permit attendance at general meetings by proxy,
provided the instrument appointing the proxy is in the form specified in the bye-laws or such other
form as the board may determine. Under our bye-laws, each holder of common shares is entitled to
one vote per common share held.
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Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in the companys certificate of incorporation,
each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of stock held by the stockholder. Delaware
law provides that unless otherwise provided in a companys certificate of incorporation or bylaws,
a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a
quorum at a meeting of stockholders. In matters other than the election of directors, with the
exception of special voting requirements related to extraordinary transactions, and unless
otherwise provided in a companys certificate of incorporation or bylaws, the affirmative vote of a
majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting entitled to vote is
required for stockholder action, and the affirmative vote of a plurality of shares is required for
the election of directors.
Dividends. Under Bermuda law, a company may not declare or pay dividends if there are
reasonable grounds for believing that: (i) the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to
pay its liabilities as they become due; or (ii) that the realizable value of its assets would
thereby be less than the aggregate of its liabilities, its issued share capital (par value) and its
share premium accounts (share premium being the amount of consideration paid for the subscription
of shares in excess of the par value of those shares). As a result, in future years, if the
realizable value of a companys assets decreases, its ability to make or maintain dividend payments
may depend upon its shareholders approval of resolutions reducing the share premium account by
transferring funds to the contributed surplus account. Under our bye-laws, each common share is
entitled to dividends if, as and when dividends are declared by our board of directors, subject to
any preferred dividend right of the holders of any preference shares. Issued share capital is the
aggregate par value of the companys issued shares, and share premium is the aggregate amount paid
for issued shares over and above their par value. Share premium accounts may be reduced in certain
limited circumstances.
Under Delaware law, subject to any restrictions contained in the companys certificate of
incorporation, a company may pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net
profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and for the preceding fiscal year.
Delaware law also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the payment
of the dividend, capital is less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all
classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets.
Amalgamations, Mergers and Similar Arrangements. The amalgamation of a Bermuda company with
another company or corporation (other than certain affiliated companies) requires the amalgamation
agreement to be approved by the companys board of directors and by its shareholders. Unless the
companys bye-laws provide otherwise, the approval of 75% of the shareholders voting at such
meeting is required to approve the amalgamation agreement, and the quorum for such meeting must be
two persons holding or representing more than one-third of the issued shares of the company. Our
bye-laws provide that a merger or an amalgamation (other than with certain affiliated companies)
that has been approved by the board must only be approved by a majority of the votes cast at a
general meeting of the shareholders at which the quorum shall be two or more persons present in
person at the start of the meeting and representing in person or by proxy more than 50% of all
votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the holder to vote at the meeting. Any merger or
amalgamation not approved by our board must be approved by a shareholders resolution, including the
affirmative vote of at least 66% of all votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the holder
to vote on such matter.
Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation of a Bermuda company with another company
or corporation, a shareholder of the Bermuda company who did not vote in favor of the amalgamation
and is not satisfied that fair value has been offered for such shareholders shares may, within one
month of notice of the shareholders meeting, apply to the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appraise the
fair value of those shares.
Under Delaware law, with certain exceptions, a merger, consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all the assets of a corporation must be approved by the board of directors and a
majority of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. Under Delaware law, a
shareholder of a corporation participating in certain major corporate transactions may, under
certain circumstances, be entitled to appraisal rights pursuant to which such shareholder may
receive cash in the amount of the fair value of the shares held by such shareholder (as determined
by a court) in lieu of the consideration such shareholder would otherwise receive in the
transaction.
Takeovers. An acquiring party is generally able to acquire compulsorily the common shares of
minority holders in the following ways:
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By a procedure under the Companies Act known as a scheme of arrangement. A scheme of
arrangement could be effected by obtaining the agreement of the company and of holders of
common shares, representing in the aggregate a majority in number and at least 75% in value
of the common shareholders present and voting at a court ordered meeting held to consider
the scheme of arrangement. The scheme of arrangement must then be sanctioned by the Bermuda
Supreme Court. If a scheme of arrangement receives all necessary agreements and sanctions,
upon the filing of the court order with the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda, all holders
of common shares could be compelled to sell their shares under the terms of the scheme or
arrangement. |
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If the acquiring party is a company by acquiring pursuant to a tender offer 90% of the
shares or class of shares not already owned by, or by a nominee for, the acquiring party
(the offeror), or any of its subsidiaries. If an offeror has, within four months after the
making of an offer for all the shares or class of shares not owned by, or by a nominee for,
the offeror, or any of its subsidiaries, obtained the approval of the holders of 90% or more
of all the shares to which the offer relates, the offeror may, at any time within two months
beginning with the date on which the approval was obtained, require by notice any
nontendering shareholder to transfer its shares on the same terms as the original offer. In
those circumstances, nontendering shareholders will be compelled to sell their shares unless
the Supreme Court of Bermuda (on application made within a one-month period from the date of
the offerors notice of its intention to acquire such shares) orders otherwise. |
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Where the acquiring party or parties holds not less than 95% of the shares or a class of
shares of a company, such holder(s) may, pursuant to a notice given to the remaining
shareholders or class of shareholders, acquire the shares of such remaining shareholders or
class of shareholders. When this notice is given, the acquiring party is entitled and bound
to acquire the shares of the remaining shareholders on the terms set out in the notice,
unless a remaining shareholder, within one month of receiving such notice, applies to the
Supreme Court of Bermuda for an appraisal of the value of their shares. This provision only
applies where the acquiring party offers the same terms to all holders of shares whose
shares are being acquired. |
Delaware law provides that a parent corporation, by resolution of its board of directors and
without any shareholder vote, may merge with any subsidiary of which it owns at least 90% of each
class of its capital stock. Upon any such merger, dissenting shareholders of the subsidiary would
have appraisal rights.
Shareholders Suits. Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to
shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda courts, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit
a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong to the company where
the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal, or
would result in the violation of the companys memorandum of association or bye-laws. Furthermore,
consideration would be given by a Bermuda court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud
against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater
percentage of the companys shareholders than that which actually approved it.
When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner which is oppressive or
prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply
to the Supreme Court of Bermuda, which may make such order as it sees fit, including an order
regulating the conduct of the companys affairs in the future or ordering the purchase of the
shares of any shareholders by other shareholders or by the company.
Our bye-laws contain a provision by virtue of which our shareholders waive any claim or right
of action that they have, both individually and on our behalf, against any director or officer in
relation to any action or failure to take action by such director or officer, except in respect of
any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. We have been advised by the Securities and
Exchange Commission that in their opinion, the operation of this provision as a waiver of the right
to sue for violations of federal securities laws would likely be unenforceable in U.S. courts.
Class actions and derivative actions generally are available to shareholders under Delaware
law for, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty, corporate waste and actions not taken in
accordance with applicable law. In such actions, the court generally has discretion to permit the
winning party to recover attorneys fees incurred in connection with such action.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Section 98 of the Companies Act provides generally
that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors and officers against any liability which by
virtue of any rule of law would otherwise be imposed on them in respect of any negligence, default,
breach of duty or breach of trust, except in cases where such liability arises from fraud or
dishonesty of which such director or officer may be guilty in relation to the company. Section 98
provides that a Bermuda company may indemnify its directors and officers against any liability
incurred by them in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which judgment is
awarded in their favor or in which they are acquitted or granted relief by the Supreme Court of
Bermuda pursuant to section 281 of the Companies Act. Section 98 of the Companies Act further
provides that a company may advance moneys to an officer for the costs, charges and expenses
incurred by the officer in defending any civil or criminal proceedings against them, on condition
that the officer shall repay the advance if any allegation of fraud or dishonesty is proved against
them.
We have adopted provisions in our bye-laws that provide that we shall indemnify our officers
and directors in respect of their actions and omissions, except in respect of their fraud or
dishonesty. Our bye-laws provide that the shareholders waive all claims or rights of action that
they might have, individually or in right of the company, against any of the companys directors or
officers for any act or failure to act in the performance of such directors or officers duties,
except in respect of any fraud or dishonesty of such director or officer. Section 98A of the
Companies Act permits us to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any officer or
director in respect of any loss or liability attaching to him in respect of any negligence,
default, breach of duty or breach of trust, whether or not we may otherwise indemnify such officer
or director. We have purchased and maintain a directors and officers liability policy for such a
purpose.
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Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify a director or officer of the corporation
against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred in defense of an action, suit or proceeding by reason of such
position if (i) such director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (ii) with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, such director or officer had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful.
Inspection of Corporate Records. Members of the general public have the right to inspect our
public documents available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda and our
registered office in Bermuda, which will include our memorandum of association (including its
objects and powers) and certain alterations to our memorandum of association. Our shareholders have
the additional right to inspect our bye-laws, minutes of general meetings and audited financial
statements, which must be presented to the annual general meeting of shareholders. The register of
members of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders and by members of the general
public without charge. The register of members is required to be open for inspection for not less
than two hours in any business day (subject to the ability of a company to close the register of
members for not more than 30 days in a year). A company is required to maintain its share register
in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, establish a branch register
outside of Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register of directors
and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two hours in any business day by members
of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for
shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records. Delaware law permits any
shareholder to inspect or obtain copies of a corporations shareholder list and its other books and
records for any purpose reasonably related to such persons interest as a shareholder.
Shareholder Proposals. Under Bermuda law, shareholder(s) may, as set forth below and at their
own expense (unless the company otherwise resolves), require the company to: (i) give notice to all
shareholders entitled to receive notice of the annual general meeting of any resolution that the
shareholder(s) may properly move at the next annual general meeting; and/or (ii) circulate to all
shareholders entitled to receive notice of any general meeting a statement in respect of any matter
referred to in any proposed resolution or any business to be conducted at such general meeting. The
number of shareholders necessary for such a requisition is either: (i) any number of shareholders
representing not less than 5% of the total voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote at
the meeting to which the requisition relates; or (ii) not less than 100 shareholders. Delaware law
does not include a provision restricting the manner in which nominations for directors may be made
by shareholders or the manner in which business may be brought before a meeting although
restrictions may be included in a Delaware companys certificate of incorporation or bylaws.
Calling of Special Shareholders Meetings. Under Aircastles bye-laws, a special general
meeting may be called by the President, the chairman of the board or the board of directors. The
board of directors must call a special general meeting upon the request of Fortress or any
significant shareholder or affiliate of such shareholder (both as defined in the bye-laws) so
long as the significant shareholder and its affiliates collectively hold shares carrying at least
10% of the votes attaching to all shares, at the time of such request. Bermuda law also provides
that a special general meeting must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less
than 10% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote at general meetings.
Delaware law permits the board of directors or any person who is authorized under a corporations
certificate of incorporation or bye-laws to call a special meeting of shareholders.
Amendment of Organizational Documents. Bermuda law provides that the memorandum of
association of a company may be amended by a resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders
of which due notice has been given. Certain amendments to the memorandum of association may require
approval of the Bermuda Minister of Finance, who may grant or withhold approval at his or her
discretion.
Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of not less than 20% in par value of a
companys issued share capital have the right to apply to the Bermuda courts for an annulment of
any amendment of the memorandum of association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting,
other than an amendment which alters or reduces a companys share capital as provided in the
Companies Act. Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the
extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda court. An application for an annulment of an amendment
of the memorandum of association must be made within 21 days after the date on which the resolution
altering the companys memorandum of association is passed and may be made on behalf of persons
entitled to make the application by one or more of their designees as such holders may appoint in
writing for such purpose. No application may be made by the shareholders voting in favor of the
amendment.
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Under Delaware law, amendment of the certificate of incorporation, which is the equivalent of
a memorandum of association, of a company must be made by a resolution of the board of directors
setting forth the amendment, declaring its advisability, and either calling a special meeting of
the shareholders entitled to vote or directing that the proposed amendment be considered at the
next annual meeting of the shareholders. Delaware law requires that, unless a different percentage
is provided for in the certificate of incorporation, a majority of the voting power of the
corporation is required to approve the amendment of the certificate of incorporation at the
shareholders meeting. If the amendment would alter the number of authorized shares or par value or
otherwise adversely affect the rights or preference of any class of a companys stock, the holders
of the issued and outstanding shares of such affected class, regardless of whether such holders are
entitled to vote by the certificate of incorporation, are entitled to vote as a class upon the
proposed amendment. However, the number of authorized shares of any class may be increased or
decreased, to the extent not falling below the number of shares then issued and outstanding, by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock entitled to vote, if so provided in the
companys certificate of incorporation that was authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of such class or classes of stock.
Amendment of Bye-laws. Except as provided below, Aircastles bye-laws provide that the
bye-laws may only be rescinded, altered or amended upon approval by a resolution of Aircastles
board of directors and by a resolution of our shareholders.
Those bye-laws regarding the election of directors, classes of directors, the term of office
of directors and amalgamations may only be rescinded, altered or amended upon approval by a
resolution of the directors and by a resolution of our shareholders, including the affirmative
votes of at least 66.0% of the votes attaching to all shares in issue entitling the holder to vote
on such resolution.
Those bye-laws dealing with the removal of directors and corporate opportunity may only be
rescinded, altered or amended upon approval by a resolution of the directors and by a resolution of
our shareholders, including the affirmative votes of at least 80.0% of the votes attaching to all
shares in issue entitling the holder to vote on such resolution.
Under Delaware law, unless the certificate of incorporation or bylaws provide for a different
vote, holders of a majority of the voting power of a corporation and, if so provided in the
certificate of incorporation, the directors of the corporation have the power to adopt, amend and
repeal the bylaws of a corporation. Those bye-laws dealing with the election of directors, classes
of directors and the term of office of directors may only be rescinded, altered or amended upon
approval by a resolution of the directors and by a resolution of shareholders carrying not less
than 66% of all shares entitled to vote on the resolution.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
A register of holders of the common shares is maintained by Codan Services Limited in Bermuda,
and a branch register is maintained in the United States by American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company, LLC, who serves as branch registrar and transfer agent. The telephone number of Codan
Services Limited is +1 (441) 295-5950 and of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is +1
(212) 936-5100.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the depositary shares. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary shares offered
by that prospectus supplement and any general terms outlined in this section that will not apply to
those depositary shares.
We may issue depositary receipts representing interests in a particular series of preference
shares which are called depositary shares. We will deposit the series of preference shares which
are the subject of depositary shares with a depositary to be named in the applicable prospectus
supplement, which will hold the preference shares for the benefit of the holders of the depositary
shares, in accordance with a deposit agreement between the depositary and us. The holders of
depositary shares will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of the preference shares to
which the depositary shares relate, including dividend, voting, conversion, redemption and
liquidation rights, to the extent of their interests in the preference shares.
While the deposit agreement relating to a particular series of preference shares may have
provisions applicable solely to that series of preference shares, all deposit agreements relating
to preference shares we issue will include the following provisions:
Dividends and Other Distributions
Each time we pay a cash dividend or make any other type of cash distribution with regard to
preference shares of a series, the depositary will distribute to the holder of record of each
depositary share relating to that series of preference shares an amount equal to the dividend or
other distribution per depositary share the depositary receives. If there is a distribution of
property other than cash, the depositary either will distribute the property to the holders of
depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by each of them, or the depositary
will, if we approve, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds to the holders of the
depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by them.
Withdrawal of Preference Shares
A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive, upon surrender of depositary
receipts representing depositary shares, the number of whole or fractional shares of the applicable
series of preference shares, and any money or other property, to which the depositary shares
relate.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever we redeem preference shares held by a depositary, the depositary will be required to
redeem, on the same redemption date, depositary shares constituting, in total, the number of
preference shares held by the depositary which we redeem, subject to the depositarys receiving the
redemption price of those preference shares. If fewer than all the depositary shares relating to a
series are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or by
another method we determine to be equitable.
Voting
Any time we send a notice of meeting or other materials relating to a meeting to the holders
of a series of preference shares to which depositary shares relate, we will provide the depositary
with sufficient copies of those materials so they can be sent to all holders of record of the
applicable depositary shares, and the depositary will send those materials to the holders of record
of the depositary shares on the record date for the meeting. The depositary will solicit voting
instructions from holders of depositary shares and will vote or not vote the preference shares to
which the depositary shares relate in accordance with those instructions.
Liquidation Preference
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holder of a depositary share will be
entitled to what the holder of the depositary share would have received if the holder had owned the
number of preference shares (or fraction of a share) which is represented by the depositary share.
Conversion
If a series of preference shares are convertible into common shares or other of our securities
or property, holders of depositary shares relating to that series of preference shares will, if
they surrender depositary receipts representing depositary shares and appropriate instructions to
convert them, receive the common shares or other securities or property into which the number of
preference shares (or fractions of shares) to which the depositary shares relate could at the time
be converted.
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Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
We and the depositary may amend a deposit agreement, except that an amendment which materially
and adversely affects the rights of holders of depositary shares, or would be materially and
adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the preference shares to which
they relate, must be approved by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding depositary
shares. No amendment will impair the right of a holder of depositary shares to surrender the
depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares and receive the preference shares to which
they relate, except as required to comply with law. We may terminate a deposit agreement with the
consent of holders of a majority of the depositary shares to which it relates. Upon termination of
a deposit agreement, the depositary will make the whole or fractional shares of preference shares
to which the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement relate available to the holders
of those depositary shares. A deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
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All outstanding depositary shares to which it relates have been redeemed or converted;
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The depositary has made a final distribution to the holders of the depositary shares
issued under the deposit agreement upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up. |
Miscellaneous
There will be provisions: (1) requiring the depositary to forward to holders of record of
depositary shares any reports or communications from us which the depositary receives with respect
to the preference shares to which the depositary shares relate; (2) regarding compensation of the
depositary; (3) regarding resignation of the depositary; (4) limiting our liability and the
liability of the depositary under the deposit agreement (usually to failure to act in good faith,
gross negligence or willful misconduct); and (5) indemnifying the depositary against certain
possible liabilities.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer secured or unsecured debt securities which may be senior, subordinated or junior
subordinated, and which may be convertible. We may issue debt securities in one or more series.
The following description briefly sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt
securities. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and
the extent, if any, to which these general provisions may apply to the debt securities, will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The form of indenture is filed as an exhibit to
the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The terms of the debt securities
will include those set forth in the indenture, any related securities documents and those made a
part of the indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. You should read the summary below, the
applicable prospectus supplement and the provisions of the indenture and any related security
documents, if any, in their entirety before investing in our debt securities. Capitalized terms
used in the summary have the meanings specified in the indenture.
The prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer will
contain the specific terms of the debt securities. These terms may include the following:
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the title and aggregate principal amount of the debt securities; |
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whether the debt securities will be senior, subordinated or junior subordinated; |
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whether the debt securities will be secured or unsecured; |
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applicable subordination provisions, if any; |
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whether the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable into other securities; |
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the percentage or percentages of principal amount at which such debt securities will be
issued; |
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the interest rate(s) or the method for determining the interest rate(s); |
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the dates on which interest will accrue or the method for determining dates on which
interest will accrue and dates on which interest will be payable; |
16
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the maturity date; |
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redemption or early repayment provisions; |
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authorized denominations; |
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form; |
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amount of discount or premium, if any, with which such debt securities will be issued; |
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whether such debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or
more global securities; |
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the identity of the depositary for global securities; |
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whether a temporary security is to be issued with respect to such series and whether any
interest payable prior to the issuance of definitive securities of the series will be
credited to the account of the persons entitled thereto; |
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the terms upon which beneficial interests in a temporary global security may be exchanged
in whole or in part for beneficial interests in a definitive global security or for
individual definitive securities; |
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any covenants applicable to the particular debt securities being issued; |
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any defaults and events of default applicable to the particular debt securities being
issued; |
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any applicable subordination provisions for any subordinated debt securities; |
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any restriction or condition on the transferability of the debt securities; |
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the currency, currencies or currency units in which the purchase price for, the principal
of and any premium and any interest on, such debt securities will be payable; |
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the time period within which, the manner in which and the terms and conditions upon which
the purchaser of the debt securities can select the payment currency; |
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the securities exchange(s) on which the securities will be listed, if any; |
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whether any underwriter(s) will act as market maker(s) for the securities; |
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the extent to which a secondary market for the securities is expected to develop; |
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our obligation or right to redeem, purchase or repay debt securities under a sinking
fund, amortization or analogous provision; |
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provisions relating to covenant defeasance and legal defeasance; |
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provisions relating to satisfaction and discharge of the indenture; |
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provisions relating to the modification of the indenture both with and without the
consent of holders of debt securities issued under the indenture; and |
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additional terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture. |
General
We may sell the debt securities, including original issue discount securities, at par or at a
substantial discount below their stated principal amount. Unless we inform you otherwise in a
prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the
consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of issuance.
Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that
series, will constitute a single series of securities under the indenture. In addition, we will
describe in the applicable prospectus supplement, material U.S. federal income tax considerations
and any other special considerations for any debt securities we sell which are denominated in a
currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars. Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable
prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.
17
We expect most debt securities to be issued in fully registered form without coupons and in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiples thereof. Subject to the limitations provided in
the indenture and in the prospectus supplement, debt securities that are issued in registered form
may be transferred or exchanged at the corporate office of the trustee or the principal corporate
trust office of the trustee, without the payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other
governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Global Securities
Unless we inform you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of
a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities that will
be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Global securities will be issued in registered form and in either temporary or
definitive form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt
securities, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for such
global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such
depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by such depositary or any such nominee to a
successor of such depositary or a nominee of such successor. The specific terms of the depositary
arrangement with respect to any debt securities of a series and the rights of and limitations upon
owners of beneficial interests in a global security will be described in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities shall be construed in accordance with and governed by
the laws of the State of New York.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common shares, preference shares or debt securities.
We may issue warrants independently or together with any offered securities. The warrants may be
attached to or separate from those offered securities. We will issue the warrants under one or more
warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a warrant agent to be named in the applicable
prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the
warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any
holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will contain the specific
terms of the warrants. These terms may include the following:
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the title of the warrants; |
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the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued; |
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the designation, amount and terms of the securities for which the warrants are
exercisable; |
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the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which the warrants are to
be issued and the number of warrants issued with each other security; |
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the aggregate number of warrants; |
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any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon
exercise of the warrants or the exercise price of the warrants; |
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the price or prices at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may
be purchased; |
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if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the securities purchasable
upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable; |
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a discussion of any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the
exercise of the warrants; |
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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and the date on which
the right will expire; |
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the maximum or minimum number of warrants that may be exercised at any time; |
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information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; and |
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any other terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to
the exchange and exercise of the warrants. |
18
Exercise of Warrants
Each warrant will entitle the holder of the warrant to purchase for cash the amount of common
shares, preference shares or debt securities at the exercise price stated or determinable in the
applicable prospectus supplement for the warrants. Warrants may be exercised at any time up to the
close of business on the expiration date shown in the applicable prospectus supplement, unless
otherwise specified in such prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration
date, unexercised warrants will become void. Warrants may be exercised as described in the
applicable prospectus supplement. When the warrant holder makes the payment and properly completes
and signs the warrant certificate at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other
office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as possible, forward the common
shares, preference shares or debt securities that the warrant holder has purchased. If the warrant
holder exercises the warrant for less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant
certificate, we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining warrants.
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any warrants we offer will not
necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable
warrant agreement and warrant certificate, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer warrants.
For more information on how you can obtain copies of any warrant certificate or warrant agreement
if we offer warrants, see Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 30 of this
prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable warrant certificate, the applicable warrant
agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
We may issue subscription rights to purchase common shares, preference shares, debt securities
or other securities. We may issue subscription rights independently or together with any other
offered security, which may or may not be transferable by the securityholder. In connection with
any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more
underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be
required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.
The prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we may offer will contain the
specific terms of the subscription rights. These terms may include the following:
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the price, if any, for the subscription rights; |
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the exercise price payable for each common share, preference share, debt securities or
other securities upon the exercise of the subscription rights; |
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the number of subscription rights issued to each securityholder; |
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the number and terms of each common share, preference share, debt securities or other
securities which may be purchased per each subscription right; |
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the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable; |
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any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon
exercise of the subscription rights or the exercise price of the subscription rights; |
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any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and
limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights; |
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the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence, and the
date on which the subscription rights shall expire; |
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the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription privilege
with respect to unsubscribed securities; and |
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if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement
entered into by us in connection with the offering of subscription rights. |
19
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any subscription rights we offer
will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the
applicable subscription rights certificate or subscription rights agreement, which will be filed
with the SEC if we offer subscription rights. For more information on how you can obtain copies of
any subscription rights certificate or subscription rights agreement if we offer subscription
rights, see Where You Can Find More Information beginning on page 30 of this prospectus. We urge
you to read the applicable subscription rights certificate, the applicable subscription rights
agreement and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.
DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE UNITS
We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of common shares, preference shares
or debt securities issued by us or by third parties as specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Each purchase contract will entitle the holder thereof to purchase or sell, and
obligate us to sell or purchase on specified dates, such securities at a specified purchase price,
which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may,
however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the
cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the securities otherwise deliverable, as
set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also
specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities, and any
acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement
of a purchase contract. The price per security and the number of securities may be fixed at the
time the purchase contracts are entered into or may be determined by reference to a specific
formula set forth in the applicable purchase contracts.
The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a purchase
contract and debt securities or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury
securities, or any other securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or any
combination of the foregoing, securing the holders obligations to purchase the securities under
the purchase contracts, which we refer to herein as purchase units.
The purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the purchase
contracts in a specified manner. The purchase contracts also may require us to make periodic
payments to the holders of the purchase contracts or the purchase units, as the case may be, or
vice versa, and those payments may be unsecured or pre-funded on some basis.
The prospectus supplement relating to any purchase contracts or purchase units we may offer
will contain the specific terms of the purchase contracts or purchase units. These terms may
include the following:
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whether the purchase contracts obligate the holder to purchase or sell, or both, our
common shares, preference shares, or debt securities, and the nature and amount of each of
those securities, or method of determining those amounts; |
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whether the purchase contracts are to be prepaid or not; |
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whether the purchase contracts are to be settled by delivery, or by reference or linkage
to the value, performance or level of our common shares or preference shares; |
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any acceleration, cancellation, termination or other provisions relating to the
settlement of the purchase contracts; and |
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whether the purchase contracts will be issued in fully registered global form. |
The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any purchase contract or purchase
unit we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference
to the applicable purchase contract or purchase unit, which will be filed with the SEC if we offer
purchase contracts or purchase units. For more information on how you can obtain copies of any
purchase contract or purchase unit we may offer, see Where You Can Find More Information
beginning on page 30 of this prospectus. We urge you to read the applicable purchase contract or
applicable purchase unit and any applicable prospectus supplement in their entirety.
20
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table presents certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
common shares that may be sold by the selling shareholders from time to time in one or more
transactions. Please see the Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions section of the
proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders held on May 13, 2009, which is incorporated
by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, for a description of
material relationships between us and the selling shareholders. To our knowledge, none of the
selling shareholders is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker-dealer.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing
the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person,
the number of common shares subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the date hereof are deemed outstanding. Such shares,
however, are not deemed outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any
other person. Except as indicated in the footnotes to the following table or pursuant to applicable
community property laws, each shareholder named in the table has sole voting and investment power
with respect to the shares set forth opposite such shareholders name. The percentages of
beneficial ownership set forth below are based on 79,234,663 common shares outstanding on July 17,
2009. Information below with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each selling
shareholder and we have not sought to verify such information.
The address of the persons and entities listed in the table below is c/o Fortress Investment
Group Holdings LLC, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 46th Floor, New York, New York 10105.
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Number |
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Shares Beneficially |
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Shares Beneficially Owned |
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|
of Shares |
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Owned After Sale of All |
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as of July 20, 2009 |
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Registered |
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Shares Offered Hereby |
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Name of Beneficial Owner(3) |
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Number(1) |
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Percentage(2) |
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|
Hereby |
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Number(1) |
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Percentage(2) |
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Wesley R. Edens(4)(5) |
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30,560,877 |
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38.6 |
% |
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30,560,877 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III LP(6) |
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7,329,161 |
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9.3 |
% |
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7,329,161 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund B) LP(6) |
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6,266,558 |
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7.9 |
% |
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6,266,558 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund C) LP(6) |
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1,310,392 |
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1.7 |
% |
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1,310,392 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund D) L.P.(6) |
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3,007,625 |
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3.8 |
% |
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3,007,625 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund E) L.P.(6) |
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211,265 |
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* |
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211,265 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment
Fund A) LP(6) |
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616,255 |
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* |
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616,255 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment
Fund B) LP(6) |
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|
1,210,715 |
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1.5 |
% |
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1,210,715 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment
Fund C) LP(6) |
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311,825 |
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* |
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311,825 |
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Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment
Fund D) L.P.(6) |
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1,486,206 |
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1.9 |
% |
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1,486,206 |
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DBD AC LLC(7) |
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2,718,750 |
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3.4 |
% |
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2,718,750 |
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DBO AC LLC(7) |
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906,250 |
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1.1 |
% |
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906,250 |
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Drawbridge Global Macro Master Fund Ltd.(8) |
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3,625,000 |
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4.6 |
% |
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3,625,000 |
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Fortress Partners Offshore Securities LLC(9) |
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50,875 |
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* |
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50,875 |
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Fortress Partners Securities LLC(10) |
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235,000 |
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* |
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235,000 |
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Drawbridge DSO Securities LLC(7) |
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247,500 |
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* |
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247,500 |
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|
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Drawbridge OSO Securities LLC(7) |
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27,500 |
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* |
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27,500 |
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Total |
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30,560,877 |
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|
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38.6 |
% |
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|
30,560,877 |
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(1) |
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Consists of common shares held, including restricted shares, shares
underlying share options exercisable within 60 days and shares
underlying warrants exercisable within 60 days. |
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(2) |
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Percentage amount assumes the exercise by such persons of all options
and warrants exercisable within 60 days to acquire common shares and
no exercise of options or warrants by any other person. |
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(3) |
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Fortress Partners Master Fund L.P. is the sole managing member of
Fortress Partners Offshore Securities LLC. Fortress Partners Offshore
Master GP LLC (FPOM) is the general partner of Fortress Partners
Master Fund L.P. Fortress Operating Entity II LP (FOE II) is the
sole managing member of FPOM. FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE
II. FIG Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fortress Investment
Group LLC (FIG). Fortress Partners Fund LP is the sole managing
member of Fortress Partners Securities LLC. Fortress Partners GP LLC
is the general partner of Fortress Partners Fund LP. Fortress
Principal Investment Holdings IV LLC (FPIH IV) is the sole managing
member of Fortress Partners GP LLC. Fortress |
21
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Partners Advisors LLC
(FPA) is the investment advisor of Fortress Partners Fund LP.
Fortress Investment Holdings II LLC is the sole managing member of
FPA. Fortress Operating Entity I LP (FOE I) is the sole managing
member of Fortress Investment Holdings II LLC and FPIH IV. FIG Corp.
is the general partner of FOE I. FIG Corp. is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of FIG. DBD AC LLC and Drawbridge DSO Securities LLC are
each wholly-owned by Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund LP.
Drawbridge Special Opportunities GP LLC is the general partner of
Drawbridge Special Opportunities LP. FPIH IV is the sole managing
member of Drawbridge Special Opportunities GP LLC. Drawbridge Special
Opportunities Advisors LLC (DSOA) is the investment advisor of
Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund LP. FIG LLC is the sole
managing member of DSOA, and FOE I is the sole managing member of FIG
LLC and FPIH IV. FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE I, and FIG
Corp. is wholly-owned by FIG. Drawbridge Special Opportunities Fund
Ltd. owns approximately 94.6% of DBO AC LLC and 100% of Drawbridge
OSO Securities LLC. DSOA is the investment advisor of Drawbridge
Special Opportunities Fund Ltd. FIG LLC is the sole managing member
of DSOA, and FOE I is the sole managing member of FIG LLC. FIG Corp.
is the general partner of FOE I, and FIG Corp. is wholly-owned by
FIG. Fortress Fund III GP LLC (FF III GP LLC) is the general
partner of each of Fortress Investment Fund III LP, Fortress
Investment Fund III (Fund B) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund
C) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Fund D) L.P., Fortress
Investment Fund III (Fund E) L.P., Fortress Investment Fund III
(Coinvestment Fund A) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment
Fund B) LP, Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund C) LP,
and Fortress Investment Fund III (Coinvestment Fund D) L.P.
(collectively, the Fund III Funds). The sole managing member of FF
III GP LLC is Fortress Investment Fund GP (Holdings) LLC. The sole
managing member of Fortress Investment Fund GP (Holdings) LLC is FOE
II. FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE II, and FIG Corp. is
wholly-owned by FIG. Drawbridge Global Macro Master Fund Ltd is owned
by Drawbridge Global Macro Fund LP (Global Macro LP), DBGM Onshore
LP, Drawbridge Global Macro Intermediate Fund L.P. (Global Macro
Intermediate), DBGM Offshore Ltd, Drawbridge Global Alpha
Intermediate Fund L.P. (Alpha Intermediate), and DBGM Alpha V Ltd.
DBGM Onshore GP LLC is the general partner of DBGM Onshore LP, and
DBGM Onshore GP LLC owns all of the management shares of DBGM
Offshore Ltd and DBGM Alpha V Ltd. Drawbridge Global Macro GP LLC
(Global Macro GP) is the general partner of Global Macro LP.
Drawbridge Global Macro Fund Ltd (Global Macro Ltd) is the sole
limited partner of Global Macro Intermediate. Drawbridge Global Alpha
Fund V Ltd (Alpha Fund V) is the sole limited partner of Alpha
Intermediate. DBGM Associates LLC is the general partner of each of
Global Macro Intermediate and Alpha Intermediate. Principal Holdings
I LP is the sole managing member of DBGM Associates LLC. FIG Asset
Co. LLC is the general partner of Principal Holdings I LP. Drawbridge
Global Macro Advisors LLC (Global Macro Advisors) is the investment
advisor of each of Global Macro Intermediate, Global Macro LP, Global
Macro Ltd, Alpha Intermediate, Alpha Fund V, DBGM Onshore LP, DBGM
Offshore Ltd, DBGM Alpha V Ltd and Drawbridge Global Macro Master
Fund Ltd. FIG LLC is the sole managing member of Global Macro
Advisors. FOE I is the sole managing member of FIG LLC. FOE II is the
sole managing member of each of Global Macro GP and DBGM Onshore GP
LLC. FIG Corp. is the general partner of FOE I and FOE II. FIG Corp.
and FIG Asset Co. LLC are wholly-owned by FIG. |
|
(4) |
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By virtue of his voting interests in Fortress, Wesley R. Edens, our
Chairman of the Board, may be deemed to beneficially own the
29,560,877 aggregate shares beneficially owned by the entities listed
in the table above. In addition, DBO AYR SP LLC (DBO AYR) owns 5.4%
of DBO AC LLC. DBSO PSP LLC (DBSO PSP) owns 84.83% of DBO AYR. Mr.
Edens is a member of DBSO PSP and may be deemed to beneficially own a
portion of the Common Shares described in Footnote 4 above held by
DBO AC LLC in his personal capacity and not by virtue of beneficial
ownership by Fortress or its affiliates. Mr. Edens disclaims
beneficial ownership of all of the shares described in this footnote
except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein and the
inclusion of such shares in this table shall not be deemed to be an
admission of beneficial ownership of any of such shares for purposes
of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or otherwise. |
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Mr. Edens purchased 33,500 common shares on August 8, 2006 through a
directed share program in connection with our initial public
offering. Mr. Edens purchased through open market purchases an
additional 100 common shares on August 8, 2006, 4,000 common shares
on August 9, 2006, 3,900 common shares on August 17, 2006, 29,400
common shares on August 18, 2006, 35,600 common shares on August 22,
2006 and 164,430 common shares on October 4, 2007. Mr. Edens
purchased 729,070 additional common shares on February 13, 2007
through a directed share program in connection with our follow-on
offering. |
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(6) |
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The 21,750,002 aggregate common shares offered by the Fund III Funds
in this prospectus were purchased by the Fund III Funds in a private
transaction prior to our initial public offering on August 8, 2006. |
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(7) |
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In this footnote, DBD AC LLC, DBO AC LLC, Drawbridge DSO Securities
LLC and Drawbridge OSO Securities LLC are collectively referred to as
the Drawbridge Entities. The 3,900,000 aggregate common shares
offered in this prospectus by the Drawbridge Entities were purchased
by affiliates of the Drawbridge Entities in a private transaction
prior to our initial public offering on August 8, 2006 and through a
directed share program in connection with our initial public
offering, and were subsequently transferred by such affiliates to the
Drawbridge Entities. |
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(8) |
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The 3,625,000 common shares offered by Drawbridge Global Macro Master
Fund Ltd. in this prospectus were purchased by Drawbridge Global
Macro Master Fund Ltd. in a private transaction prior to our initial
public offering on August 8, 2006. |
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(9) |
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Fortress Partners Offshore Securities LLC purchased 15,000 common
shares through a directed share program in connection with our
follow-on offering on February 13, 2007. Fortress Partners Offshore
Securities LLC purchased through open market purchases an additional
33,075 common shares on August 22, 2007 and 2,800 common shares on
August 23, 2007. |
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(10) |
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An affiliate of the Fortress Partners Securities LLC purchased
100,000 common shares through a directed share program in connection
with our initial public offering on August 8, 2006 and subsequently
transferred such shares to Fortress Partners Securities LLC. Fortress
Partners Securities LLC purchased an additional 135,000 common shares
through a directed share program in connection with our follow-on
offering on February 13, 2007. |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We and the selling shareholders may sell the securities offered by this prospectus from time
to time in one or more transactions, including without limitation:
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directly to one or more purchasers; |
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through agents; |
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to or through underwriters, brokers or dealers; |
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through a combination of any of these methods. |
A distribution of the securities offered by this prospectus may also be effected through the
issuance of derivative securities, including without limitation, warrants, subscriptions,
exchangeable securities, forward delivery contracts and the writing of options.
In addition, the manner in which we may sell some or all of the securities covered by this
prospectus and the manner in which the selling shareholders may sell the common shares, include,
without limitation, through:
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a block trade in which a broker-dealer will attempt to sell as agent, but may position or
resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the transaction; |
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purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its
account; |
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers;
or |
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privately negotiated transactions. |
We or the selling shareholders may also enter into hedging transactions. For example, we may:
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enter into transactions with a broker-dealer or affiliate thereof in connection with
which such broker-dealer or affiliate will engage in short sales of the common shares
pursuant to this prospectus, in which case such broker-dealer or affiliate may use common
shares received from us or the selling shareholders, as applicable, to close out its short
positions; |
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sell securities short and redeliver such shares to close out our or the selling
shareholders short positions; |
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enter into option or other types of transactions that require us or the selling
shareholders, as applicable, to deliver common shares to a broker-dealer or an affiliate
thereof, who will then resell or transfer the common shares under this prospectus; or |
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loan or pledge the common shares to a broker-dealer or an affiliate thereof, who may sell
the loaned shares or, in an event of default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged
shares pursuant to this prospectus. |
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In addition, we or the selling shareholders may enter into derivative or hedging
transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties
in privately negotiated transactions. In connection with such a transaction, the third parties may
sell securities covered by and pursuant to this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement
or pricing supplement, as the case may be. If so, the third party may use securities borrowed from
us or others to settle such sales and may use securities received from us to close out any related
short positions. We may also loan or pledge securities covered by this prospectus and an applicable
prospectus supplement to third parties, who may sell the loaned securities or, in an event of
default in the case of a pledge, sell the pledged securities pursuant to this prospectus and the
applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
A prospectus supplement with respect to each offering of securities will state the terms of
the offering of the securities, including:
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the name or names of any underwriters or agents and the amounts of securities
underwritten or purchased by each of them, if any; |
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the public offering price or purchase price of the securities and the net proceeds to be
received by us from the sale; |
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any delayed delivery arrangements; |
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any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters or
agents compensation; |
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any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and |
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any securities exchange or markets on which the securities may be listed. |
The offer and sale of the securities described in this prospectus by us, the underwriters or
the third parties described above may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions,
including privately negotiated transactions, either:
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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
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at prices related to the prevailing market prices; or |
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at negotiated prices. |
General
Any public offering price and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other items
constituting compensation allowed or reallowed or paid to underwriters, dealers, agents or
remarketing firms may be changed from time to time. Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing
firms that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be underwriters as
defined in the Securities Act. Any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profits
they receive on the resale of the offered securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act. We or the selling shareholders will identify any
underwriters, agents or dealers and describe their commissions, fees or discounts in the applicable
prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
Underwriters and Agents
If underwriters are used in a sale, they will acquire the offered securities for their own
account. The underwriters may resell the offered securities in one or more transactions, including
negotiated transactions. These sales may be made at a fixed public offering price or prices, which
may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market price or at negotiated prices. We or the selling shareholders may offer the
securities to the public through an underwriting syndicate or through a single underwriter. The
underwriters in any particular offering will be mentioned in the applicable prospectus supplement
or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
Unless otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the
obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain
conditions contained in an underwriting agreement that we or the selling shareholders will enter
into with the underwriters at the time of the sale to them. The underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all of the securities of the series offered if any of the securities are purchased, unless
otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities. Any initial offering
price and any discounts or concessions allowed, reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from
time to time.
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We or the selling shareholders may designate agents to sell the offered securities. Unless
otherwise specified in connection with any particular offering of securities, the agents will agree
to use their best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment. We or the
selling shareholders may also sell the offered securities to one or more remarketing firms, acting
as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These firms will remarket the offered
securities upon purchasing them in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms
of the offered securities. A prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be will
identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and its
compensation.
In connection with offerings made through underwriters or agents, we or the selling
shareholders may enter into agreements with such underwriters or agents pursuant to which we or the
selling shareholders receive our outstanding securities in consideration for the securities being
offered to the public for cash. In connection with these arrangements, the underwriters or agents
may also sell securities covered by this prospectus to hedge their positions in these outstanding
securities, including in short sale transactions. If so, the underwriters or agents may use the
securities received from us under these arrangements to close out any related open borrowings of
securities.
Dealers
We or the selling shareholders may sell the offered securities to dealers as principals. We
may negotiate and pay dealers commissions, discounts or concessions for their services. The dealer
may then resell such securities to the public either at varying prices to be determined by the
dealer or at a fixed offering price agreed to with us at the time of resale. Dealers engaged by us
may allow other dealers to participate in resales.
Direct Sales
We or the selling shareholders may choose to sell the offered securities directly. In this
case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
Institutional Purchasers
We or the selling shareholders may authorize agents, dealers or underwriters to solicit
certain institutional investors to purchase offered securities on a delayed delivery basis pursuant
to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified future date. The
applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be, will provide the
details of any such arrangement, including the offering price and commissions payable on the
solicitations.
We or the selling shareholders will enter into such delayed contracts only with institutional
purchasers that we or the selling shareholders, as applicable, approve(s). These institutions may
include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and
educational and charitable institutions.
Indemnification
We or the selling shareholders may have agreements with agents, underwriters, dealers and
remarketing firms to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act.
Market-Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions
There is currently no market for any of the offered securities, other than the common shares
which are listed on the NYSE. If the offered securities are traded after their initial issuance,
they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest
rates, the market for similar securities and other factors. While it is possible that an
underwriter could inform us that it intends to make a market in the offered securities, such
underwriter would not be obligated to do so, and any such market-making could be discontinued at
any time without notice. Therefore, no assurance can be given as to whether an active trading
market will develop for the offered securities. We have no current plans for listing of the debt
securities, preference shares or warrants on any securities exchange or quotation system; any such
listing with respect to any particular debt securities, preference shares or warrants will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be.
In connection with any offering of common shares, the underwriters may purchase and sell
common shares in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering
transactions and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common shares in
excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a
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syndicate short position. Covered short sales are sales of shares made in an amount up to
the number of shares represented by the underwriters over-allotment option. In determining the
source of shares to close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider,
among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to
the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Transactions to
close out the covered syndicate short involve either purchases of the common shares in the open
market after the distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option. The
underwriters may also make naked short sales of shares in excess of the over-allotment option.
The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing common shares in the open
market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that
there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that
could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of
bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while the offering is in progress for the
purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.
In connection with any offering, the underwriters may also engage in penalty bids. Penalty
bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the
securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering
transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering
transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be
in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions,
discontinue them at any time.
Fees and Commissions
In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA),
the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting
compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of
any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing
supplement, as the case may be; however, it is anticipated that the maximum commission or discount
to be received in any particular offering of securities will be significantly less than this
amount.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, certain legal matters as
to U.S. and New York law will be passed upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP,
New York, New York. Certain legal matters as to Bermuda law will be passed upon for us by Conyers
Dill & Pearman, Hamilton, Bermuda. If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel
for the underwriters of an offering of those securities, that counsel will be named in the
prospectus supplement relating to that offering.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Aircastle Limited appearing in Aircastle Limiteds
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008 have been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included
therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm
as experts in accounting and auditing.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplements and the
documents incorporated by reference herein and therein may constitute forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not
necessarily limited to, statements relating to our ability to acquire, sell and lease aircraft,
raise capital, pay dividends, and increase revenues, earnings and EBITDA and the global aviation
industry and aircraft leasing sector. Words such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans,
projects, believes, may, will, would, could, should, seeks, estimates and
variations on these words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking
statements. These statements are based on managements current expectations and beliefs and are
subject to a number of factors that could lead to actual results materially different from those
described in the forward-looking statements; Aircastle Limited can give no assurance that its
expectations will be attained. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any
forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplements or
the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. Factors that could have a material
adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or that could cause actual results to differ
materially from Aircastle Limiteds expectations include, but are not limited to, prolonged capital
markets disruption and volatility, which may adversely affect our continued ability to obtain
additional capital to finance our working capital needs, our pre-delivery payment
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obligations and other aircraft acquisition commitments, our ability to extend or replace our
existing financings, and the demand for and value of aircraft; our exposure to increased bank and
counterparty risk caused by credit and capital markets disruptions; general economic conditions and
business conditions affecting demand for aircraft and lease rates; our continued ability to obtain
favorable tax treatment in Bermuda, Ireland and other jurisdictions; our ability to pay dividends;
high or volatile fuel prices, lack of access to capital, reduced load factors and yields and other
factors affecting the creditworthiness of our airline customers and their ability to continue to
perform their obligations under our leases; termination payments on our interest rate hedges; and
other risks detailed from time to time in Aircastle Limiteds filings with the SEC, including those
set forth under Risk Factors included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition, new risks and
uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Aircastle to predict or assess
the impact of every factor that may cause its actual results to differ from those contained in any
forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this
prospectus. Aircastle Limited expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or
revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in its
expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any
statement is based.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
SEC under the Exchange Act. You may inspect without charge any documents filed by us at the SECs
Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The
SEC also maintains an Internet site, www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC,
including Aircastle Limited.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus and any
accompanying prospectus supplement, which means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by
reference is considered part of this prospectus, and information filed with the SEC subsequent to
this prospectus and prior to the termination of the particular offering referred to in such
prospectus supplement will automatically be deemed to update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement the
documents listed below (excluding any portions of such documents that have been furnished but not
filed for purposes of the Exchange Act):
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, filed on March 2,
2009; |
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Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, filed on May 7,
2009, and June 30, 2009, filed on August 7, 2009; |
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Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 3, 2009; and |
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The description of our common shares contained in our Form 8-A filed on July 25, 2006,
and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
We also incorporate by reference any future filings made by us with the SEC pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act between the date of this prospectus and the
date all of the securities offered hereby are sold or the offering is otherwise terminated, with
the exception of any information furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, which is not
deemed filed and which is not incorporated by reference herein. Any such filings shall be deemed to
be incorporated by reference and to be a part of this prospectus from the respective dates of
filing of those documents.
We will provide without charge upon written or oral request to each person, including any
beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any and all of the documents which
are incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus (other
than exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents).
You may request a copy of these documents by writing or telephoning us at:
Aircastle Limited
c/o Aircastle Advisor LLC
300 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 504-1020
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5,000,000 Shares
AIRCASTLE LIMITED
Common Shares
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Citi