General
Butler National Corporation (“Butler National” the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) was incorporated in 1960. Our companies design, engineer, manufacture, sell, integrate, install, repair, modify, overhaul, service and distribute a broad portfolio of aerostructures, aircraft components, avionics, accessories, subassemblies and systems (“Aerospace Products”). We serve a broad, worldwide spectrum of the aviation industry, including owners and operators, of single-engine, commercial, regional, business and military aircraft.
In addition, our companies provide management services in the gaming industry, which includes owning the land and building for the Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas (“Professional Services”).
Products and Services
The Company has two operating segments for financial reporting purposes: (a) Aerospace Products, whose companies’ revenues are derived from system design, engineering, manufacturing, sale, distribution, integration, installation, repairing, modifying, overhauling and servicing of aerostructures, avionics, aircraft components, accessories, subassemblies and systems; and (b) Professional Services, whose companies provide professional management services in the gaming industry, and professional architectural and engineering services.
Aerospace Products. The Aerospace Products segment includes the manufacture, sale and service of electronic equipment and systems and technologies to enhance and support products related to aircraft. Additionally, we also operate several Federal Aviation Administration (the “FAA”) Repair Stations. Companies in Aerospace Products concentrate on Learjets, Beechcraft King Air, Cessna turbine engine, Cessna multi-engine piston and Dassault Falcon 20 aircraft. Specifically, the design, distribution and support for products for older aircraft, or “Classic” aircraft are areas of focus for companies in Aerospace Products.
Products. The products that the companies within this group design, engineer, manufacture, integrate, install, repair and service include:
●
|
Aerial surveillance products
|
●
|
GARMIN GTN Global Position System Navigator with Communication Transceiver
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Aerodynamic enhancement products
|
●
|
J.E.T. autopilot products
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Airspeed and altimeter systems
|
●
|
Electrical systems and switching equipment
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Avcon Fins
|
●
|
Noise suppression systems
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
ADS-B (transponder) systems
|
●
|
Rate gyroscopes
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Conversion of passenger configurations to cargo
|
●
|
Replacement vertical accelerometers
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Cargo/sensor carrying pods and radomes
|
●
|
Provisions for external stores
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Electronic navigation instruments, radios and transponders
|
●
|
Attitude heading reference systems
|
Modifications. The companies in Aerospace Products have authority, pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certificates (“STCs”) and Parts Manufacturer Approval (“PMA”), to build required parts and subassemblies and to make applicable installations. Companies in Aerospace Products perform modifications in the aviation industry including:
●
|
Aerial photograph capabilities
|
●
|
Extended tip fuel tanks
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Aerodynamic improvements
|
●
|
Radar systems
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Avionics systems
|
●
|
ISR – Intelligence Surveillance Reconaissance
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Cargo doors
|
●
|
Special mission modifications
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Conversion from passenger to freighter configuration
|
●
|
Stability enhancements
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Extended doors
|
●
|
Traffic collision avoidance systems
|
Special Mission Electronics. We supply defense-related, commercial off-the-shelf products to various commercial entities and government agencies and subcontractors in order to update or extend the useful life of aircraft with older components and technology. These products include:
●
|
Cabling
|
●
|
HangFire Override Modules
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Electronic control systems
|
●
|
Test equipment
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Gun Control Units for Apache and Blackhawk helicopters
|
●
|
Gun Control Units for land and sea based military vehicles
|
Professional Services. The Professional Services segment includes the management of a gaming facility and related dining and entertainment facilities in Dodge City, Kansas. Boot Hill Casino and Resort features approximately 640 slot machines and 20 table games. Companies in Professional Services also provide licensed architectural services, including commercial and industrial building design, and engineering services.
Boot Hill. Butler National Service Corporation (“BNSC”), and BHCMC, LLC (“BHCMC”), a company in Professional Services, manages The Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas (“Boot Hill”) pursuant to the Lottery Gaming Facility Management Contract, by and among BNSC, BHCMC and the Kansas Lottery, as subsequently amended (“Boot Hill Agreement”). As required by Kansas law, all games, gaming equipment and gaming operations at Boot Hill are owned and operated by the Kansas Lottery. In December 2020, the land and associated buildings of the Boot Hill casino were acquired by wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
Architectural and Engineering Services. Companies in Professional Services provide licensed architectural, including commercial and industrial building design, and engineering services.
BHC Investment Company, LC ("BHCI") owns 100% of the Class A Preferred Interest in BHCMC, LLC. BNSC owns 100% of the Class B Preferred Interest. The ownership structure of BHCMC, LLC is:
|
|
Members of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board of
|
|
Equity
|
|
Income
|
Membership Interest
|
|
Managers
|
|
Ownership
|
|
(Loss) Sharing
|
Class A
|
|
3
|
|
20%
|
|
40%
|
Class B
|
|
4
|
|
80%
|
|
60%
|
Proprietary Rights
We do not currently hold any patents, franchises or concessions. In our overhaul and repair business, original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of equipment that we maintain for our customers often include language in repair manuals that relate to their equipment, asserting broad claims of proprietary rights to the contents of the manuals used in our operations. There can be no assurance that OEMs will not try to enforce such claims, including the possible use of legal proceedings. In the event of such legal proceedings, there can be no assurance that such actions against the Company will be unsuccessful. However, we believe that our use of OEM manufacture and repair manuals is lawful.
Seasonality
Our Aerospace Products businesses are generally not seasonal. We believe that our Professional Services businesses, however, are subject to seasonality based on local weather conditions, agricultural and petroleum prices, employment levels and the travel habits of visitors in the market service area.
Raw Materials and Replacement Parts
We purchase raw materials, primarily consisting of sheet and plate aluminum, from various vendors. We also purchase replacement parts, which are utilized in our various repair and overhaul operations. We believe that the availability of raw materials to us is adequate to support our Aerospace Products operations.
Backlog
Our backlog as of April 30, 2021 and 2020 was as follows:
Industry Segment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands)
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
Aerospace Products
|
|
$
|
19,409
|
|
|
$
|
20,527
|
|
Professional Services
|
|
|
427
|
|
|
|
476
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total backlog
|
|
$
|
19,836
|
|
|
$
|
21,003
|
|
Our backlog as of July 1, 2021 totaled $25,474; consisting of $25,081 and $393, respectively, for Aerospace Products and Professional Services. The backlog includes firm pending and contract orders, which may not be completed within the next fiscal year. A portion of this backlog may be delivered after fiscal year 2022. This is standard for the industry in which modifications services and related contracts may take several months or years to complete. Such actions force backlog as additional customers request modifications, but must wait for other projects to be completed. There can be no assurance that all orders will be completed or that some may ever commence.
Dependence on Significant Customers
During the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021 we derived 24.6% of our revenue from five customers, and we had one "major customer" (10 percent or more of consolidated revenue) that provided 10.6% of total revenue.
Competition
We compete in the aerospace and casino gaming industries. In the aerospace industry, we compete against peer companies of which some are divisions or subsidiaries of other large companies, in the manufacture of aircraft structures, systems components, subassemblies, detail parts and aircraft modifications. Competition for the repair and overhaul of aviation components comes from three primary sources, some of whom possess greater financial and other resources than we have: OEMs, governmental support depots, and other independent repair and overhaul companies. OEMs also maintain service centers which provide repair and overhaul services for the components they manufacture. Many governments maintain aircraft support depots in their military organizations that maintain and repair the aircraft they operate. Other independent service organizations also compete for the repair and overhaul business. Participants in the aerospace industry compete primarily based on size of business and technical capabilities, quality, turnaround time, capacity and price.
The casino entertainment business is highly competitive. The industry is comprised of a diverse group of competitors that vary considerably in size and geographic diversity, quality of facilities and amenities available, marketing and growth strategies and financial condition. We compete with other casino facilities in the Kansas region. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation destinations, various other entertainment businesses, and other forms of gaming, such as state lotteries, on-track and off-track wagering, video lottery terminals and card parlors.
Government Regulation and Industry Oversight
The aerospace industry is highly regulated in the United States by the FAA and in other countries by similar agencies. We must be certified by the FAA to design, engineer, test and certify replacement and service parts and components used in specific aircraft models.
We must also satisfy the requirements of our customers that are subject to FAA regulations, and provide these customers with products and repair services that comply with the applicable government regulations. The FAA regulates flight operations and requires that aircraft components meet FAA stringent standards. In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be performed on aircraft components. We currently satisfy these maintenance standards allowing component repair and overhaul services at our FAA-approved repair stations.
Generally, the FAA only grants licenses for the manufacture or repair of a specific aircraft component, rather than the broader licenses that have been granted in the past. The FAA licensing process may be costly and time-consuming. To obtain an FAA license, an applicant must satisfy all applicable regulations of the FAA governing repair stations. These regulations require that an applicant have experienced personnel, inspection systems, suitable facilities and equipment. In addition, the applicant must demonstrate a need for the license. Because an applicant must procure manufacturing and repair manuals relating to each particular aircraft component in order to obtain a license with respect to that component, the application process may involve substantial time and cost.
Our Professional Services businesses are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning employment, alcoholic beverages, food service, smoking, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our operating results.
Our operations are also subject to a variety of worker and community safety laws. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or OSHA, mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all employees in the United States. We believe that our operations are in material compliance with OSHA's health and safety requirements.
Moreover, the gaming industry is highly regulated and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. Each gaming facility is subject to extensive regulation under the laws, rules and regulations where it is located. These laws, rules and regulations generally relate to the responsibility, financial stability, integrity and character of the owners, managers and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations.
Human Capital Resources
Other than persons employed by our gaming management subsidiaries there were 113 full time and 5 part time employees on April 30, 2021 compared to 107 full time and 7 part time employees on April 30, 2020. As of July 9, 2021, staffing was 116 full time and 5 part time employees. Our staffing at Boot Hill Casino on April 30, 2021 was 172 full time and 60 part time employees and 187 full time employees and 67 part time employees on April 30, 2020. As of July 9, 2021 our staffing at Boot Hill Casino was 166 full time employees and 58 part time employees.
We believe our success as a company depends on the strength of our workforce. Our Vice-President, reporting to our President and Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for developing and executing our human capital strategy. This includes recruiting, hiring, training and retention as well as the development of our compensation and benefits programs.
As the success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people, we offer benefits that support their physical, financial and emotional well-being. We provide our employees with access to affordable and convenient medical programs intended to meet their physical and emotional needs and the needs of their families. To foster retention, employees with fifteen or more years of service receive an annual retention bonus.
As an added benefit for employees, we offer a 401(k) savings plan with a Company match as well as paid vacation and personal days. These benefits are in addition to the Company’s market-based compensation program designed to maintain competitive compensation packages for all employees.
None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Our current executive officers are:
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
Clark D. Stewart
|
|
81
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer since 1989.
|
Craig D. Stewart
|
|
47
|
|
Vice President since 2013. Previously Craig served as Chief Financial Officer of Butler National Corporation from 2013 to 2017.
|
Christopher J. Reedy
|
|
55
|
|
Vice President since 2000 and Secretary since 2005.
|
Tad M. McMahon
|
|
54
|
|
Chief Financial Officer since 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers are elected by the Board of Directors of Butler National Corporation and serve at the discretion of the Board. All of the officers of the Company are subject to an employment agreement with the Company.
Available Information
For more information about us, visit our website at www.butlernational.com. The contents of the website are not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our electronic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (including all Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, and any amendments to these reports) are available free of charge through our website immediately after we electronically file with or furnish them to the SEC. These filings may also be read and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room which is located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room can be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers who file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following statements on risk factors contain "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "could," "should," "will," "intended," "continue," "believe," "may," "expect," "hope," "anticipate," "goal," "forecast," "plan," "guidance" or "estimate" or the negative of these words, variations thereof or similar expressions. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or result and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Stockholders should be aware of certain risks, including those described below and elsewhere in this Form 10-K, which could adversely affect the value of their holdings and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time.
Business and Operational Risks
We may face risks related to the geographic location of our casino.
Boot Hill Casino is located in Dodge City, Kansas. Consequently, a significant portion of our gaming business is subject to the general economic health of the region around Dodge City, Kansas. The economy of Dodge City, Kansas is significantly influenced by the agricultural sector of the national and local economy, which includes both agricultural farming but also meat processing. As a result, changes in the economic climate, weather patterns, and market fluctuations for agricultural and petroleum products could negatively influence our revenues from gaming and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our Aerospace business is subject to significant customer concentration risk.
During the fiscal year ending April 30, 2021 we derived 24.6% of our revenue from five customers, and we had one "major customer" (10 percent or more of consolidated revenue) that provided 10.6% of total revenue. A loss of business from, or the bankruptcy or insolvency of, one or more of these major customers may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
We face risks associated with having executive officers who are family members.
Our executive team is made up of four (4) individuals who have extensive industry and general business experience. This includes Clark D. Stewart, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Clark’s son, Craig D. Stewart, Vice President. Companies with multiple family members serving on the same executive team can be predisposed to unique internal conflicts, nepotism and/or strategic family alliances. In light of the family relationship within the executive officers of the Company, certain prospective investors may be unwilling to purchase our common stock, which may have a negative effect on our share price.
We operate in a cyclical industry and an economic downturn could negatively impact our operations.
Historically, adverse conditions in the local, regional, national and global economies have negatively affected our operations, and may continue to negatively affect our operations in the future. During periods of economic contraction, our revenues may decrease while some of our costs remain fixed or even increase, resulting in decreased earnings.
The gaming activities that we offer represent discretionary expenditures and participation in such activities may decline during economic downturns, during which consumers generally earn less disposable income. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in our gaming operations and related facilities, as consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn.
Our Aerospace business activities and operations are subject to the general health of the aviation industry, which can be cyclical. During periods of economic expansion, when capital spending normally increases, we generally benefit from greater demand for our aviation products and services. During periods of economic contraction, when capital spending normally decreases, we generally are adversely affected by declining demand for our Aerospace products and services. Aviation industry conditions are impacted by numerous factors over which we have no control, including political, regulatory, economic and military conditions, environmental concerns, weather conditions and fuel pricing. Any prolonged cyclical downturn could have a material adverse effect on our Aerospace business, and the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
We face risks due to our fixed-price contracts.
We sell certain products and services to commercial, government, and defense customers under firm contracts providing for fixed units prices, regardless of costs incurred by us. The costs of producing products or providing services may be adversely affected by increases in the cost of labor, materials, fuel, overhead, and other unknown variants, including manufacturing and other operational inefficiencies and differences between assumptions used by us to price a contract and actual results. Increased costs may result in cost overruns and losses on such contracts, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Difficulties or delays in the development, production, testing and marketing of products, could adversely affect our business.
Our Aerospace business is subject, in part, to regulatory procedures and administration enacted by and/or administered by the FAA. Accordingly, our business may be adversely affected in the event the Company is unable to comply with such regulations relative to its current products and/or if any new products and/or services to be offered by the Company are not formally approved by such agency. Our proposed aviation modification products depend upon the issuance by the FAA of a Supplemental Type Certificate with related parts manufacturing authority. Such certifications for future aircraft modification products may not be issued within our expected time frames or issued at all, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Similarly, the loss of one or more of our current licenses or certifications could also have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
The loss of key personnel could adversely affect our business.
Our inability to retain key personnel may be critical to our ability to achieve our objectives. Key personnel are particularly important in maintaining relationships with the operations related to the FAA and the State of Kansas. Loss of any such personnel could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our success depends heavily upon the continued contributions of these key persons, whose knowledge, leadership and technical expertise would be difficult to replace, and on our ability to attract and retain experienced professional staff. While we currently have an employment agreement with our CEO, Clark D. Stewart, if we were to lose the services of Mr. Stewart or other key persons, our ability to execute our business plan would be harmed and we may be forced to cease operations until such time as we could hire suitable replacements.
We are exposed to risks associated with our international sales.
Our international sales may be subject to local government laws, regulations and procurement policies and practices which may differ from U.S. Federal Government regulation, including regulations related to products being installed on aircraft, exchange controls, as well to varying currency, geo-political and economic risks. We are also exposed to risks associated with any relationships with foreign representatives, consultants, partners and suppliers for international sales and operations. Our ability to arrange safe travel to visit our international customers may put our ability to sell such customers at risk, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Future acquisitions and investments may expose us to certain risks.
We continually review, evaluate and consider potential investments and acquisitions in pursuing our business strategy. In evaluating such transactions, we are making difficult judgments regarding the value of business opportunities, technologies and other assets, and the risk and cost of potential liabilities. Acquisitions and investments involve certain other risks and uncertainties, including the difficulty in integrating newly-acquired businesses, the challenges in reaching our strategic objectives, benefits expected from acquisitions or investments, cost and revenue synergies, and risk that markets do not evolve as anticipated and the targeted opportunity or technology do not prove to be those needed to be successful in those markets. Other risks include the diversion of our attention and resources from our current operations, the potential of impairment of acquired assets and the potential loss of key employees of acquired businesses.
We are subject to certain change of control restrictions, which could make it more difficult to be acquired.
Some provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and our Shareholder Rights Agreement could make it more difficult for a potential acquirer to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. This includes, but is not limited to, provisions that: provide for a classified Board of Directors, prohibit stockholders from taking action by written consent, and restrict the ability of stockholders to call special meetings. We are also subject to provisions of Kansas law K.S.A. 17-6427 that prohibit us from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years from the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless certain conditions are met, which could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control. In light of the highly regulated nature of our business and the authority of the regulatory agencies that monitor business to monitor the composition of our shareholders, the Board has consistently believed these restrictions are appropriate. Nonetheless, these restrictions may result in missed opportunities for the Company and could result in a reduced share price of our common stock, which would harm our business.
Data Privacy, Security and Intellectual Property Risks
Cyber-security threats or other disruptions to our technology infrastructure could harm our business.
Our use of electronic data storage, automated systems and technology gives rise to cyber-security risks. Although we and our third-party providers have preventive systems and processes in place designed to protect against the risk of system failure and cyber-attacks, a security breach of our systems or those of our third-party providers may cause a disruption of our business or expose us to a loss of information or litigation which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, reputation and results of operations.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
We face extensive regulation across our industries, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and limit the prospect of new shareholders acquiring our shares.
Our Aerospace business is subject to regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA"). We manufacture products and parts under FAA Parts Manufacturing Authority requiring qualification and traceability of all materials and vendors used by us. We make aircraft modifications pursuant to the authority granted by Supplemental Type Certificates issued by the FAA. We repair aircraft parts pursuant to the authority granted by our FAA Authorized Repair Station. New or more stringent government regulations may be adopted in the future. Related costs of compliance with or liability for violations of existing or future regulations could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Gaming licenses and/or background investigations ("license") are required in connection with our management of a State of Kansas owned Lottery Gaming Facility (a casino). Our management personnel, Butler National and/or the managing subsidiaries, the key personnel of all entities may be required to have a state-issued gaming license. Moreover, our present and future stockholders are, and will continue to be, subject to review by regulatory agencies. The failure of the Company or the key personnel to obtain or retain a license could have a material adverse effect on the Company or on its ability to obtain or retain these licenses in other jurisdictions. Each such State Gaming Agency has broad discretion in granting, renewing, and revoking licenses. Obtaining such licenses and approvals will be time consuming and may be unsuccessful or involve considerable expense, which could adversely affect our ability to successfully operate our business.
The State of Kansas has approved state-owned Lottery Gaming Facilities, pari-mutuel dog and/or horse racing for non-Indian organizations. The State of Kansas operates a state lottery, keno games and state-owned Lottery Gaming Facilities for the benefit of the State. The Lottery Gaming Facility management contract approval process requires that any entity or person owning directly or indirectly one-half of one percent (0.5%) of the ownership interest of the management company must be found suitable to be an owner by the State of Kansas.
If found unsuitable by any Agency, the stockholder must offer all of the interest in Company stock held by such stockholder to the Company for cash at the current market bid price less a fifteen percent (15%) administrative charge and the Company must purchase such Interest within six (6) months of the offer. The stockholder is required to pay all costs of investigation with respect to a determination of his/her suitability. In addition, regardless of ownership, each member of the Board of Directors and certain officers of the Company are subject to a finding of suitability by any Agency on a regular basis.
We are subject to evolving government regulation and law, which may adversely affect our business.
Gaming management operations are and will be subject to extensive gaming laws and regulations, many of which were recently adopted and have not been the subject of definitive interpretations and are still subject to proposed amendments and regulation. The political and regulatory environment in which the Company is and will be operating, with respect to gaming activities, is dynamic and rapidly changing. Adoption and/or changes in gaming laws and regulations could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Interference with the execution of the steps defined by the gaming laws and regulations by interested third parties, although not included by the regulations, may interfere with and or significantly slow the approval process.
Changes in governmental regulations of financial reporting could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
The Company reports information to its stockholders and the general public pursuant to the regulations of various Federal and State Commissions and Agencies. These regulations require conformance by the Company to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, to pronouncements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB"), and to accounting and reporting directives issued by the commissions and agencies. The political and regulatory environment in which the Company operates is dynamic and rapidly changing, and adoption and/or changes in regulations defining accounting procedures or reporting requirements could increase expenditures to report required financial information, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Financial Risks
Our business requires financing and financing is dependent upon the stability of economic markets.
The Company depends upon financial institutions for financing to continue operations and to finance and develop new opportunities. The status of the national economy and its growth outlook could be affected by volatility and/or a disruption of capital and credit markets, which could negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to access credit financing. As a result, we may not be able to secure credit financing on terms attractive to us and if we are able to secure financing arrangements, the amount may be insufficient to meet all of our current and future needs to continue operations and finance and develop new opportunities.
We may be required in the future to record impairment losses related to assets we currently carry on our balance sheet.
We evaluate intangible assets for impairment annually during the fourth quarter and in any interim period in which circumstances arise that indicate our intangible asset may be impaired. Indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, the loss of significant business and/or significant adverse changes in industry or market conditions. No events occurred during the periods presented indicated the existence of an impairment with respect to our intangible assets. Preparation of forecasts for use in the long-range plan and the selection of the discount rate involve significant judgments that we base primarily on existing firm orders, expected future orders and general market conditions. Significant changes in these forecasts or the discount rate selected could affect the estimated fair value and could result in an impairment charge in a future period.
Risks Related to our Stock
Because our common stock is deemed a low-priced "Penny" stock, an investment in our common stock should be considered high risk and subject to marketability restrictions.
Since our common stock is a penny stock, as defined in Rule 3a51-1 under the Exchange Act, it will be more difficult for investors to liquidate their investment. Until the trading price of the common stock increases so that it no longer qualifies as a “penny stock,” if ever, trading in the common stock is subject to the penny stock rules of the Exchange Act. Those rules require broker-dealers, before effecting transactions in any penny stock, to:
|
●
|
Deliver to the customer, and obtain a written receipt for, a disclosure document;
|
|
●
|
Disclose certain price information about the stock;
|
|
●
|
Disclose the amount of compensation received by the broker-dealer or any associated person of the broker-dealer;
|
|
●
|
Send monthly statements to customers with market and price information about the penny stock; and
|
|
●
|
In some circumstances, approve the purchaser's account under certain standards and deliver written statements to the customer with information specified in the rules.
|
Consequently, the penny stock rules may restrict the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell the common stock and may affect the ability of holders to sell their common stock in the secondary market and the price at which such holders can sell any such securities. These additional procedures could also limit our ability to raise additional capital in the future.
We may conduct a reverse-stock split, which could expose us to certain risks.
The possibility of the Company undergoing a reverse-stock split has been discussed at prior annual meetings as a means to increase the common stock share price. We operate in competitive industries and the Company must consider all strategies to increase our common stock share price for stockholders. A reverse stock-split and subsequent increase in the common stock price could elicit a positive market reaction and attract new investors to the Company. There are also risks with a reverse stock-split. The market could react negatively to the consolidation and our common stock could come under renewed selling pressure, which would negatively affect the trading price of our common stock.
Our 401(k) profit sharing plan results in new shares being issued each year, which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
Subject to the annual approval of the Board of Directors, 100% of every pre-tax dollar an employee contributes, up to 6% of the employee’s salary, and a portion of the Company’s profits is matched by the Company. Employees are 100% vested in the Company’s contributions immediately and our matching contribution, as approved by the Board of Directors is paid on an annual basis with common stock of the Company. Competitive retirement plans are a requirement for hiring and retention of employees in the Company’s business segments. The Company’s 401(k) profit sharing plan also encourages employee participation in the 401(k) plan and encourages overall loyalty to the Company. Matching employee contributions with common stock of the Company does lead to a dilution of outstanding common stock, which may result in a lower trading price of our common stock in the future. Historically the Company has attempted to mitigate this dilutive effect by repurchasing the Company’s outstanding common stock through stock buy-back plans; however, the effectiveness of stock buy-back plans is limited due to volume and timing restrictions found in Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. Stock repurchase plans are also subject to reauthorization by the Board of Directors from time to time and the Company’s available cash flow.
General Risks
We operate in competitive markets, and competitive pressures could adversely affect our business.
Increased competition, including the entry of new competitors, the introduction of new products by new and existing competitors or price competition, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Additionally, because of the rapid rate at which the gaming industry has expanded, and continues to expand, the gaming industry may be at risk of market saturation, both as to specific areas and generally. Overbuilding of gaming facilities by others at particular sites in competitive markets may have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete and on our operations. Competition for the disposable income dollars from the State of Kansas through the Kansas Lottery operating iLottery and sports betting may have a material adverse effect on our business.
Acts of terrorism and war could disrupt our business.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility create many economic and political uncertainties. We cannot predict the extent to which terrorism, security alerts, war, or hostilities throughout the world will continue to directly or indirectly impact our business and operating results. Because of the threat of terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility in the future, premiums for certain insurance products have increased, and some types of insurance are no longer available. Given current conditions in the global insurance markets, we are substantially uninsured for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist acts and acts of war. If any such event were to affect our properties, it would likely adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Inclement weather, natural disasters and other conditions could seriously disrupt our business and operations.
Our gaming operations are subject to the weather and other conditions that could disrupt or reduce the number of customers who visit our casino. If weather conditions limit consumer access to our casino or otherwise adversely impact our ability to operate our casino at full capacity, our revenue could suffer, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
We also face risks that the weather and other conditions could adversely affect the local industries in Dodge City, Kansas, where the Boot Hill Casino is located. The local economy in Dodge City is primarily fueled by the agriculture, meat processing and oil and gas industries. In the event the weather and/or other conditions severely disrupt these industries, we could see a reduction in the number of customers who visit our casino, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results in operations, liquidity and cash flows.
In addition, natural disasters such as major fires, floods, tornados and earthquakes could also adversely impact our business and operating results. Such events could lead to the loss of use of one or more of the facilities for which we provide management services for an extended period of time and disrupt our ability to attract customers to certain of our gaming facilities. If any such event were to affect our properties, we would likely be adversely impacted.
In most situations, we have insurance that should provide coverage for portions of any losses from a natural disaster, but it is subject to deductibles and maximum payouts in many cases. Although we may be covered by insurance from a natural disaster, the timing of our receipt of insurance proceeds, if any, is beyond our control.
The global spread of COVID-19 has impacted our business and is expected to cause further disruptions to our business, financial performance and operating results.
The global spread of COVID-19 has negatively impacted the global and U.S. economy and created significant volatility and disruption in financial markets. The impact of this pandemic has also created significant uncertainty in the global and U.S. economy and has had, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse effect on our business, employees, suppliers, and customers. We experienced a decrease in the number of patrons at our Boot Hill Casino & Resort since the start of the pandemic, which may continue for the foreseeable future.
Demand for our aircraft modification business may decrease in correlation to the general health of the U.S. economy. We are experiencing longer supply chain lead times that affect our ability to deliver products to our customers. The duration and the magnitude of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be precisely estimated at this time, as they are affected by a number of rapidly changing factors, many of which are outside of our control, which include, among others, state and local regulations, the infection rate among persons in the region surrounding the Boot Hill Casino & Resort, adoption rate for the use of available vaccines, the emergence of COVID-19 variants, and potential treatment options for those that are sick. The continued impact on our business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (directly or indirectly) could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows in the near-term and beyond fiscal 2021.
We face risks related to fluctuating fuel and energy costs.
Our business depends on the use of aircraft fuel for business transportation, freight transportation, and special mission applications. Fluctuations in the global supply of crude oil and the possibility of changes in government policy on aircraft fuel production make it impossible to predict the future availability, price volatility and cost of aircraft fuel. Depending on various global factors that are out of our control, there could be reductions in the production or importation of crude oil and significant increases in the cost of aircraft fuel. This could deter our customers from purchasing fuel and/or inhibit their ability to pass on disproportionate costs to their customers. As a result, the use of business and military aircrafts, the value of aircraft related assets and the revenue related to aircraft equipment and aircraft modifications could decrease. These potential consequences from fluctuating fuel and energy costs could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.
Our gaming business also depends on the use of automotive fuels for travel to our casino locations in agricultural communities. Increased fuel prices could cause our customers to determine that fuel is not available or too expensive to justify travel, which may cause our gaming business to be adversely affected.
We are subject to extensive taxation policies, which could adversely affect our business.
The federal government has, from time to time, considered a federal tax on casino revenues and may consider such a tax in the future. If such an increase were to be enacted, our ability to incur additional indebtedness in the future to finance casino development projects could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees, in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time.
Boot Hill Casino, pursuant to its Management Contract with the State of Kansas pays total taxes between 27% and 31% of gross gaming revenue, based on achievement of the following revenue levels: 27% on gross gaming revenue up to $180 million, 29% on amounts from $180 million to $220 million, and 31% on amounts above $220 million in gross gaming revenue. Boot Hill Casino is contractually obligated to pay its proportionate share of certain expenses incurred by the Kansas Lottery Commission and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which amounted to $1.9 million during fiscal year ended April 30, 2021.