May 11, 2001 <DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>  10-Q
<TEXT>
<HTML>
 
 

FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

(Mark One)

         [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                                      SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2001

OR

         [  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                                       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 1-6033
 
 

UAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
36-2675207
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

 
1200 East Algonquin Road, Elk Grove Township, Illinois  60007
Mailing Address:  P. O. Box 66919, Chicago, Illinois  60666
(Address of principal executive offices)            (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (847) 700-4000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    X                   No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
 

 
Outstanding at
Class 
April 30, 2001
Common Stock ($0.01 par value)
53,118,369

 
 
   
UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies Report on Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2001


Index
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page No.
Item 1.  Financial Statements
Condensed Statements of Consolidated 
Financial Position - as of March 31, 2001
(Unaudited) and December 31, 2000

3
Statements of Consolidated Operations
(Unaudited) - for the three months ended
March 31, 2001 and 2000
 5
Condensed Statements of Consolidated 
Cash Flows (Unaudited) - for the three
months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
6
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements (Unaudited)
7
 
Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
12
 
Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 17
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings 18
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 19
Signatures 20
Exhibit Index 21

 
 
 
 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements
 
 

UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Financial Position
(In Millions)


 
March 31
 
 
2001
December 31
Assets
(Unaudited)
2000
     
Current assets:    
   Cash and cash equivalents
$   1,250 
$   1,679 
   Short-term investments
547 
665 
   Receivables, net
1,389 
1,216 
   Income tax receivables
246 
110 
   Inventories, net
450 
424 
   Prepaid expenses and other
      658
      685
 
   4,540
   4,779
     
     
Operating property and equipment:    
   Owned
20,003 
19,412 
   Accumulated depreciation and amortization
   (5,696)
   (5,583)
 
  14,307
  13,829
     
   Capital leases
3,044 
3,154 
   Accumulated amortization
      (613)
     (640)
 
    2,431
   2,514 
 
  16,738
16,343
     
     
Other assets:    
   Investments
468 
435 
   Intangibles, net
663 
671 
   Aircraft lease deposits
672 
710 
   Prepaid rent
546 
567 
   Other, net
   1,093
      850
 
   3,442
   3,233
     
 
$24,720
$24,355
     

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 

UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Financial Position
(In Millions)

 
March 31
 
 
2001
December 31
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
2000
     
Current liabilities:    
   Current portions of long-term debt and    
      capital lease obligations
$     417 
$     439 
   Advance ticket sales
1,822 
1,454 
   Accrued salaries, wages and benefits
1,597 
1,508 
   Accounts payable
1,276 
1,188 
   Other
   2,229
   2,192
 
   7,341
   6,781
     
Long-term debt
   4,860
   4,688
     
Long-term obligations under capital leases
   2,157
   2,261
     
Other liabilities and deferred credits:    
   Deferred pension liability
222 
136 
   Postretirement benefit liability
1,602 
1,557 
   Deferred gains
888 
912 
   Deferred income taxes
1,217 
1,241 
   Other
      893
      919
 
   4,822
   4,765
     
Commitments and contingent liabilities (See note)    
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable    
   preferred securities of a subsidiary trust
       98
       99
Preferred stock committed to Supplemental ESOP
     476
     571
     
Stockholders' equity:    
   Preferred stock
   Common stock at par
   Additional capital invested
4,628 
4,530 
   Retained earnings
1,647 
1,998 
   Accumulated other comprehensive income
181 
152 
   Treasury stock
(1,485)
(1,484)
   Other
         (6)
         (7)
 
   4,966
   5,190
     
 
$24,720
$24,355
     

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 

UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Statements of Consolidated Operations (Unaudited)
(In Millions, Except Per Share)

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
    2001
2000
Operating revenues:    
   Passenger
$  3,812 
$  3,967 
   Cargo
192 
217 
   Other 
      420
      362
 
   4,424
   4,546
Operating expenses:    
   Salaries and related costs
1,852 
1,515 
   Aircraft fuel
664 
539 
   Commissions
228 
249 
   Purchased services
421 
403 
   Aircraft rent
208 
222 
   Landing fees and other rent
235 
229 
   Depreciation and amortization
252 
232 
   Special charges
41 
   Cost of sales
313 
260 
   Aircraft maintenance
200 
189 
   Other 
      442
      415
 
   4,815
   4,294
     
Earnings (loss) from operations
    (391)
      252
     
Other income (expense):    
   Interest expense
(129)
(98)
   Interest capitalized
22 
20 
   Interest income
36 
16 
   Equity in losses of affiliates
(7)
(1)
   Miscellaneous, net
      (20)
      (12)
 
      (98)
      (75)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes, distributions on preferred     
   securities and cumulative effect of accounting changes
(489)
177 
Provision for income taxes
    (185)
       66
     
Earnings (loss) before distributions on preferred securities    
  and cumulative effect of accounting changes
(304)
111 
Distributions on preferred securities, net of tax
(1)
(1)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
        (8)
    (209)
Net loss
$  (313)
$    (99)
     
  Per share, basic:    
      Earnings before cumulative effect
$  (5.82)
$   0.68 
      Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
    (0.15)
   (1.97)
      Net loss
$  (5.97)
$  (1.29)
     
  Per share, diluted:    
      Earnings before cumulative effect
$  (5.82)
$   0.62 
      Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
   (0.15)
   (1.80)
      Net loss
$  (5.97)
$  (1.18)
     

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 

UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In Millions)


 
      Three Months
 
      Ended March 31
 
        2001
       2000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning     
   of period
$1,679
$   310
     
Cash flows from operating activities
     212
     882
     
Cash flows from investing activities:    
   Additions to property and equipment
(625)
(556)
   Proceeds on disposition of property and    
      equipment
   Decrease (increase) in short-term investments
118 
(14)
   Other, net
     (21)
   (113)
 
   (527)
   (677)
     
Cash flows from financing activities:    
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
200 
   Repayment of long-term debt
(36)
(128)
   Principal payments under capital    
      lease obligations
(69)
(58)
   Dividends paid
(38)
(2)
   Repurchase of common stock
(81)
   Decrease in short-term borrowings
(61)
   Other, net
      29
      15
 
   (114)
   (115)
     
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   (429)
      90
     
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$1,250
$  400
     
     
Cash paid during the period for:    
   Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
$    73 
$    68 
   Income taxes
$      - 
$      4 
     
Non-cash transactions:    
   Long-term debt incurred in connection    
      with additions to other assets
$   203 
$      - 
   Capital lease obligations incurred
$       - 
$      3 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 

UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)





The Company

         UAL Corporation ("UAL") is a holding company whose principal subsidiary is United Air Lines, Inc. ("United").

Interim Financial Statements

         The consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to or as permitted by such rules and regulations, although UAL believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  In management's opinion, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the three month periods have been made.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in UAL's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 2000.

Accounting Changes

         Effective January 1, 2001, UAL adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS No. 133), as amended.  Under SFAS No. 133, all derivatives (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized immediately in earnings, unless the derivatives qualify as hedges of future cash flows.  For derivatives qualifying as hedges of future cash flows, the effective portion of changes in fair value is recorded temporarily in equity, then recognized in earnings along with the related effects of the hedged items.  All ineffective portions of a hedge are recorded in "Miscellaneous, net" as they occur.

         The adoption of SFAS No. 133 resulted in a cumulative charge of $8 million, net of tax, to first quarter 2001 earnings.  This primarily related to the changes in fair values of certain equity warrants that were not designated as qualifying hedging instruments.

         During the first quarter of 2000, UAL changed its method of accounting for the sale of mileage to participating partners in its Mileage Plus program, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements."  Under the new accounting method, a portion of the other revenue from the sale of mileage is deferred and recognized as passenger revenue when the transportation is provided.  Accordingly, UAL recorded a charge of $209 million, net of tax, for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle to reflect the application of the accounting method to prior years.
 

Accounting Policies - Derivative Financial Instruments

Hedges of Future Cash Flows

         Foreign Currency - - United enters into forwards and currency swaps to reduce exposure to currency fluctuations on Japanese yen-, Euro- and French franc-denominated capital lease obligations.  The cash flows of the forwards and swaps mirror those of the capital leases.  These forwards and swaps have been designated as cash flow hedges of the foreign currency denominated lease payments.  For these forwards and swaps, United excludes changes in fair value resulting from changes in the forward points in its assessment of effectiveness.  Any gains or losses realized upon early termination of these forwards and swaps are recorded (net of tax) as a component of other comprehensive income and recognized in income as the hedged transaction impacts earnings.

         The Company hedges some of the risks of exchange rate volatility on its anticipated future Japanese yen, Euro, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and British pound revenues by purchasing put options and on Hong Kong dollar revenues by entering into forward contracts.  These options and forwards have a duration of less than one year and the amounts are synchronized with the expected cash receipts.  Accordingly, the put options and forwards have been designated as cash flow hedges of the anticipated cash receipts.  Changes in the fair value of purchased put option contracts, to the extent they are effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income (net of tax) and then recognized as a component of passenger revenue when the underlying hedged revenue is recorded.  United excludes, in its assessment of effectiveness, changes in the fair value of these instruments that are a result of changes in their time value.

         Aircraft Fuel - United uses crude oil forwards and options to hedge a portion of its price risk related to aircraft fuel purchases.  These contracts have maturity dates of less than one year and have been designated as cash flow hedges of anticipated jet fuel purchases.  These contracts are recorded at fair value with the changes in fair value, to the extent they are effective, recorded in other comprehensive income (net of tax), until the underlying hedged fuel is consumed.  The Company determines the ineffective portion of the fuel forwards and options as the excess of the fair value of the hedge contracts compared to the change in expected cash outflows for the hedged fuel.  United excludes, in its assessment of effectiveness, changes in the fair value of these instruments that are a result of changes in their time value.

         Interest Rate - United is a party to a series of interest rate swaps that convert floating-rate operating leases to fixed-rate leases.  United has designated these swaps as cash flow hedges of the floating-rate leases and has recorded these contracts at fair value with the effective portion recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (net of tax).

         There was no ineffectiveness resulting from the changes in fair value of these foreign currency, aircraft fuel and interest rate hedge positions reported in first quarter earnings.  Amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness amounted to approximately $1 million before income taxes and were recorded in "Miscellaneous, net."  No amounts were reclassified to earnings during the first quarter in connection with forecasted transactions that were no longer considered probable of occurrence.

         The following is a reconciliation of current period changes (net of tax) of the portion of stockholders'equity relating to derivatives that qualify as cash flow hedges:
 

(In Millions)
(debit)/credit
Transition adjustment as of January 1, 2001
$   (4)
Current period increase in fair value, net
      6
Reclassifications into earnings, net
   (10)
Balance as of March 31, 2001
$   (8)

         Of this amount, $5 million in gains is expected to be recorded into earnings within the next twelve months.  At March 31, 2001, the term of derivative instruments hedging variability in cash flows, except those related to payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, was seventeen years.

Other Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges

         Equity Warrants- The Company may also invest in or receive warrants to purchase securities of other companies as strategic investments.  Changes in the fair value of warrants that are not designated as hedge instruments are included in "Miscellaneous, net."

         Foreign Currency - - From time to time, United enters into Japanese yen forward exchange contracts to minimize gains and losses on the revaluation of short-term yen-denominated liabilities.  The yen forwards, typically having short-term maturities, are not designated hedges under SFAS No. 133 and are marked to fair value through the income statement at the end of each accounting period.  The unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses generally offset the losses and gains recorded on the yen liabilities.

         To reduce hedging costs, the Company sells a correlation option denominated in Japanese yen, Euros, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars and British pounds.  These correlation options are not designated as a hedge and the changes in the fair market value of the correlation options are included in "Miscellaneous, net."

Employee Stock Ownership Plans

         Pursuant to amended labor agreements which provide for wage and benefit reductions and work-rule changes which commenced July 1994, UAL agreed to issue convertible preferred stock to employees.  Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K contains additional discussion of the agreements, stock issued to employees and the related accounting treatment.  The final allocation of shares occurred in March 2001 as follows:  669,966 shares of Class 1 ESOP Preferred Stock were allocated under the Leveraged ESOP, 167,523 shares of Class 2 ESOP Preferred Stock were contributed to the Non-Leveraged ESOP and an additional 20,007 shares were allocated in "book entry" form under the Supplemental Plan.

Income Taxes

         The provisions for income taxes are based on the estimated annual effective tax rate, which differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% principally due to state income taxes and certain nondeductible items.
 

Per Share Amounts

         On May 3, 2001, the Emerging Issues Task Force issued Topic D-95 regarding the impact of participating convertible securities on the computation of earnings per share pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share."  Topic D-95 states that participating securities that are convertible into common stock must be included in the computation of basic earnings per share if the effect is dilutive and also requires retroactive restatement of previously reported earnings per share.  UAL's ESOP preferred stocks are convertible securities that participate in dividends on its common stock.  Accordingly, the computation of basic earnings per share has been restated for prior periods.

         Basic earnings per share were computed by dividing net income before cumulative effect by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year and potential participating ESOP preferred shares in periods where they are dilutive using the if-converted method.  In addition, diluted earnings per share amounts include potential common shares including common shares issuable upon conversion of ESOP shares committed to be released.
 

Earnings Attributable to Common Stockholders (in millions)
Three Months 
 
Ended March 31
 
2001
2000
  Net earnings (loss) before cumulative effect
$ (305)
$  110 
  Preferred stock dividends and other
       (3)
    (38)
  Earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders (Basic and Diluted)
$ (308)
$    72
     
Shares (in millions)    
  Weighted average shares outstanding
52.8 
50.5 
  Participating convertible ESOP preferred stock
         - -
   56.1
  Weighted average number of shares (Basic)
52.8 
106.6 
  Non-participating convertible ESOP preferred stock
8.6 
  Other
         - -
     0.9
  Weighted average number of shares (Diluted)
   52.8
116.1
     
Earnings Per Share before Cumulative Effect    
  Basic
$(5.82)
$ 0.68 
  Diluted
$(5.82)
$ 0.62 

Segment Information

         United has a global route network designed to transport passengers and cargo between destinations in North America, the Pacific, the Atlantic and Latin America.  These regions constitute United's four reportable segments.

         A reconciliation of the total amounts reported by reportable segments to the applicable amounts in the financial statements follows:
 
 

(In Millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2001
         
Reportable
   
       
Latin
Segment
 
Consolidated
 
Domestic
Pacific
Atlantic
America
Total
Other
Total
Revenue
$2,953 
$ 745 
$ 513 
$ 207 
$ 4,418
$    6
$ 4,424 
Earnings (loss) before              
  income taxes
$ (320)
$(118)
$  (72)
$  (12)
$  (522)
$  33
$  (489)
(In Millions)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000
         
Reportable
   
       
Latin
Segment
 
Consolidated
 
Domestic
Pacific
Atlantic
America
Total
Other
Total
Revenue
$ 3,190
$  689
$  446
$  208
$ 4,533
$  13
$ 4,546
Earnings before income              
  taxes and special charges
$    164
$    21
$      3
$    19
$    207
$  11
$    218
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
(In Millions)
2001
2000
Total earnings (loss) for reportable segments
$  (522)
$   207 
  Special charges
(41)
  UAL subsidiary earnings
      33
      11
Total earnings (loss) before income taxes, distributions on    
  preferred securities and cumulative effect of accounting change
$  (489)
$   177

Other Comprehensive Income

         Total comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ending March 31, 2001 was $(284) million compared to $(194) million for the first quarter 2000.  Other comprehensive income consisted of net unrealized gains of $29 million in 2001 and net unrealized losses of $95 million in 2000.

Contingencies and Commitments

         UAL has certain contingencies resulting from litigation and claims (including environmental issues) incident to the ordinary course of business.  Management believes, after considering a number of factors, including (but not limited to) the views of legal counsel, the nature of contingencies to which UAL is subject and its prior experience, that the ultimate disposition of these contingencies is not expected to materially affect UAL's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

         At March 31, 2001, commitments for the purchase of property and equipment, principally aircraft, approximated $4.2 billion, after deducting advance payments.  An estimated $2.0 billion will be spent during the remainder of 2001, $1.7 billion in 2002 and $0.5 billion in 2003 and thereafter.  The major commitments are for the purchase of A319, A320, B767 and B777 aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered through 2003.
 
 

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

US AIRWAYS ACQUISITION

         On May 24, 2000, UAL announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with US Airways Group, Inc. ("US Airways") pursuant to which US Airways will be acquired by the Company in an all-cash transaction for $4.3 billion.  Additionally, UAL will assume approximately $1.7 billion in US Airways net debt and $6.3 billion in operating leases.  On October 12, 2000, the stockholders of US Airways approved the merger.  The transaction is subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions.  If the closing does not occur by August 1, 2001, the agreement generally may be terminated by either party and in such case UAL has agreed to pay US Airways a termination fee of $50 million.  Definitive financing agreements have not yet been arranged; however, UAL expects to incur up to approximately $4.5 billion in additional indebtedness, through a combination of bank and public financing, to cover the cost of the acquisition as well as additional costs related to the integration of the airlines.

         The Company expects that the new network will make traveling more convenient for passengers, connecting US Airways' eastern U.S. markets with United's east-west and international markets, thereby creating the nation's most comprehensive airline network.  However, the Company recognizes that it will incur significant costs associated with the integration of US Airways in order to achieve the anticipated benefits to both the Company and the millions of passengers and hundreds of communities served by United throughout the United States, and that it may encounter difficulties in achieving these significant benefits.  Through March 31, 2001, the Company has deferred approximately $50 million in incremental direct costs related to the acquisition on its balance sheet.  Also, on June 20, 2000, the Company announced its intention to expand US Airways' maintenance facility in Pittsburgh at a total projected cost of $160 million, subject to closing of the US Airways transaction and the successful outcome of negotiations with local authorities.

         In addition, UAL and US Airways announced on May 24, 2000, that they had entered into a binding memorandum of understanding with Robert Johnson, a member of the US Airways' Board of Directors, under which Mr. Johnson would buy certain of US Airways' assets and create a new airline, to be called DC Air, which would compete on numerous routes currently served by US Airways in the Washington D.C. area.

         Furthermore, UAL and AMR Corporation ("AMR") on January 9, 2001 announced the approval of a binding memorandum of understanding ("MOU"), under which AMR's American Airlines subsidiary ("American") would provide competitive service on key hub-to-hub routes where United and US Airways currently are the only competitors with non-stop flights.  Under the MOU, American would also enter into a 20-year joint venture with United to jointly provide service on routes currently served by the US Airways Shuttle between New York's LaGuardia Airport, Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport and Boston's Logan Airport.  In addition, the MOU provides that United would transfer a number of gates, slots and up to 86 aircraft acquired in its merger with US Airways to American.

         Under the MOU, AMR would pay UAL up to $1.2 billion in cash for this transaction and American would assume certain lease obligations and buy certain spare engines and other parts associated with the aircraft being transferred.

         On March 2, 2001, UAL announced that it had reached agreement with Atlantic Coast Airlines Holdings, Inc. ("ACAI") for US Airways to sell its three wholly owned regional airlines (Allegheny Airlines, Piedmont Airlines and PSA Airlines) to ACAI for an initial purchase price of $200 million.  UAL and ACAI will seek to agree upon the ultimate purchase price over an 18-month period.  If an ultimate purchase price is not agreed as to a carrier, then the transaction as to that carrier is subject to being unwound.  If ACAI is not the ultimate purchaser of at least one of the carriers, UAL has agreed to pay ACAI a termination fee of up to $10 million.  The transaction, which is contingent upon and will occur at the same time as closing of the proposed acquisition of US Airways, is subject to regulatory approvals and to certain termination rights by UAL.  In addition, at closing, the three carriers are expected to execute agreements to provide feeder service to the combined United and US Airways network.

         For accounting purposes, until the ultimate purchase price is agreed upon, this transaction will not be treated as a sale and the total assets and total liabilities of the three carriers will remain on the balance sheet of UAL.  UAL will recognize revenues and expenses from these feeder operations in the same manner as it would for any other United Express carrier.

         UAL and the various parties are in the process of negotiating definitive agreements to implement the MOU and ACAI agreements described above; however, there can be no assurances that such agreements will be completed.  Given the complexity of the transactions related to the US Airways acquisition and the regulatory review process, the Company is unable to determine when the transaction will close.

Summary of Results

         UAL's loss from operations was $(391) million in the first quarter of 2001, compared to operating earnings of $252 million in the first quarter of 2000.  UAL's net loss before the cumulative effect of an accounting change was $(305) million ($(5.82) per share), compared to net earnings of $110 million in the same period of 2000 ($0.62 per share, diluted).

         The 2000 earnings also include a special charge of $26 million, net of tax, ($0.22 per share, diluted) associated with the asset write-down and losses related to subleases on non-operating aircraft previously used in the United Express operation.

         Specific factors affecting UAL's consolidated operations for the first quarter of 2001 are described below.

First Quarter 2001 Compared with First Quarter 2000.

         Operating revenues decreased $122 million (3%) and United's revenue per available seat mile (unit revenue) decreased 2% to 10.49 cents.  Passenger revenues decreased $155 million (4%) primarily due to a 3% decrease in yield to 13.15 cents.  United's revenue passenger miles decreased slightly, while available seat miles across the system were down 1% over the first quarter of 2000; however, passenger load factor increased 0.1 point to 68.3%.  The following analysis by market is based on information reported to the U.S. Department of Transportation:
 

 
Increase (Decrease)
 
Available Seat
Revenue Passenger Miles
Revenue Per Revenue
 
Miles (Capacity)
(Traffic)
Passenger Mile (Yield)
Domestic
  (6%)
  (6%)
(2%)
Pacific
12%
11%
(3%)
Atlantic
11%
12%
-
Latin America
(7%)
  (5%)
7%
  System
(1%)
(1%)
(3%)

         Cargo revenues decreased $25 million (12%) due to a 15% decrease in cargo ton miles as a result of the discontinuation of freighter operations in the fourth quarter 2000, offset by a 4% increase in yield.  Other operating revenues increased $58 million (16%) primarily due to increased fuel sales to third parties and increased revenues from the sale of miles to Mileage Plus partners.

         Operating expenses increased $521 million (12%) and United's cost per available seat mile (unit cost) increased 15%, from 10.00 cents to 11.51 cents.  Salaries and related costs increased $337 million (22%) due to new salary programs implemented for non-contract employees, the new contract with the Air Line Pilots Association, International ("ALPA") and the estimated costs of contracts with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers ("IAM") which became amendable in 2000 and are currently under negotiation.  Aircraft fuel increased $125 million (23%) due to a 25% increase in the average cost of fuel from 73.0 cents to 91.1 cents a gallon.  Commissions decreased $21 million (8%) as a result of a decrease in commissionable revenues.  Aircraft rent decreased $14 million (6%) due to a decrease in aircraft under operating leases as a result of aircraft retirements.  Depreciation and amortization increased $20 million (9%) due to an increase in the number of owned aircraft.  Cost of sales increased $53 million (20%) primarily due to costs associated with fuel sales to third parties.

         Other non-operating expense amounted to $98 million in the first quarter of 2001 compared to $75 million in the first quarter of 2000.  Interest expense increased $31 million (32%) due to new debt issuances during the latter part of 2000.  Interest income increased $20 million (125%) as a result of increased investment balances.  Miscellaneous, net includes $7 million in other foreign exchange losses in 2001, compared to $7 million in losses on currency options and $5 million of other foreign exchange gains in 2000.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         UAL's total of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was $1.8 billion at March 31, 2001, compared to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2000.  Cash flows from operating activities amounted to $212 million.  Financing activities included principal payments under debt and capital lease obligations of $36 million and $69 million, respectively.

         Property additions, including aircraft and aircraft spare parts, amounted to $625 million.  In the first quarter of 2001, United took delivery of four A319, three A320 and two B777 aircraft.  All of these aircraft were purchased.  In addition, United acquired two B757 aircraft off lease during the quarter and retired three DC10-30 and four B727 aircraft.

         At March 31, 2001, commitments for the purchase of property and equipment, principally aircraft, approximated $4.2 billion, after deducting advance payments.  Of this amount, an estimated $2.0 billion is expected to be spent during the remainder of 2001.  For further details, see "Contingencies and Commitments" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

OTHER INFORMATION

Labor Agreements

         On July 12, 2000, the Company's contracts with the IAM became amendable.  The Company has been in negotiations with the IAM since December 1999 for new contracts.  Since September 2000, the negotiations have been conducted with the assistance of the National Mediation Board ("NMB").  Under the terms of the Railway Labor Act, United's current agreements with the IAM remain in effect as negotiations continue.

         On March 30, 2001, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association ("AMFA") announced that it had received enough authorization cards to request the NMB to conduct an election challenging the IAM for representation of the Company's mechanics, one of the groups represented by the IAM.  The NMB is currently reviewing these cards, as well as other issues, to determine whether an election should be held.

         The Company's contract with the Association of Flight Attendants ("AFA"), which becomes amendable in 2006, provided for a mid-term compensation conference beginning in the first quarter of 2001.  Pursuant to the contract, the Company and the AFA began wage conference negotiations in February 2001 and in April began arbitration proceedings.  On May 10, an arbitration panel concluded that United's flight attendants are not entitled to additional compensation at this time because United's overall flight attendant costs continue to exceed an index of flight attendant costs at peer carriers in the U.S. airline industry.

         In separate discussions designed to avoid the need for this conference and address potential integration issues related to the US Airways acquisition, the Company offered the AFA a 4% increase in exchange for the AFA's waiver of any claim that the scope clause in its labor contract applies to the US Airways acquisition, although the Company does not believe that obtaining such a waiver is legally required.  The AFA rejected this offer, countering with a request for a 20% increase, which the Company declined.  The AFA has threatened to disrupt operations if the US Airways transaction closes without the Company first having obtained the scope waiver.  Any such disruptions would violate both the current contract and federal labor law.  Should such action occur, the Company would take all necessary steps to minimize any impact on the Company and its customers.

OUTLOOK FOR 2001

         The Company expects the negative revenue trends that impacted first-quarter performance to continue during the second quarter.  As compared to the second quarter of 2000, total unit costs are expected to increase twelve percent, primarily due to rising fuel costs and additional labor expense largely resulting from the ALPA and IAM contracts which became amendable in April and July of 2000, respectively.  As a result, the Company is projecting a loss for the second quarter.

         In light of the first quarter results, the Company has taken steps to reduce planned 2001 spending by approximately $200 million, through reallocation of aircraft from unprofitable routes, and reductions in planned hiring levels and discretionary spending.  With the ongoing weakness in the U.S. economic situation, the Company continues to evaluate ways to reduce costs and improve profitability.

         For the full year, the Company expects an increase of 2% in capacity and an increase of 5% in unit costs.  Based on these assumptions, and if current revenue trends continue, the Company also anticipates incurring a loss for the full year.  This outlook does not reflect the impact of the US Airways merger.  Should the merger be consummated, the outlook would change.

         Information included in the "Outlook for 2001" and "US Airways Acquisition" sections are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties that could result in actual results differing materially from expected results.  Forward-looking statements represent the Company's expectations and beliefs concerning future events, based on information available to the Company as of the date of this filing.  Some factors that could significantly impact revenues, expenses, unit costs, capacity, earnings and the results and benefits of the pending merger between United and US Airways include, without limitation, the airline pricing environment; industry capacity decisions; competitors' route decisions; obtaining regulatory approvals for the United and US Airways merger; successfully integrating the businesses of United and US Airways; costs related to the United and US Airways merger; achieving cost-cutting synergies resulting from the United and US Airways merger; labor integration issues; the ultimate outcome of existing litigation; the success of the Company's cost-control efforts; the cost of crude oil and jet fuel; the results of union contract negotiations and their impact on labor costs; operational disruptions as a result of bad weather, air traffic control-related difficulties and labor issues; the growth of e-commerce and off-tariff distribution channels; the effective deployment of customer service tools and resources; actions of the U.S., foreign and local governments; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the economic environment of the airline industry and the economic environment in general.

         Investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained herein, which speaks only as of the date of this filing.  UAL disclaims any intent or obligation to update or alter any of the forward-looking statements whether in response to new information, unforeseen events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
 
 
 

Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information regarding the Company's exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in UAL's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 2000.  Significant changes which have occurred since year-end are as follows:

Foreign Currency Risk -
 

(In millions, except average contract rates)
Notional
Average
Estimated
 
Amount
Contract Rate
Fair Value
     
(Pay)/Receive*
Forward exchange contracts      
Japanese Yen - Purchased forwards
$     98
120.97
$    (4)
                             - - Sold forwards
$     43
125.16
$       -
      Hong Kong Dollar - Sold forwards
$   105
    7.79
$       -
      French Franc - Purchased forwards
$     50
    5.05
$    (6)
      Euro - Purchased forwards
$   152
    1.27
$  (17)
       
Currency options      
Japanese Yen - Purchased put options
$    187
119.25
$     9
Australian Dollar - Purchased put options
$      80
     0.52
$     4
British Pound - Purchased put options
$      88
     1.38
$     1
Euro - Purchased put options
$      59
     0.88
$     1
Canadian Dollar - Purchased put options
$      67
     1.58
$     1
Correlation Basket Option - Sold
$   481
    N/A
$   (4)

Price Risk (Aircraft fuel) -
 

(In millions, except average contract rates)
Notional
Average
Estimated
 
Amount
Contract Rate
Fair Value
     
(Pay)/Receive*
Purchased forward contracts - Crude oil
$    50
$  26.13/bbl
$    -

*Estimated fair values represent the amount United would pay/receive on March 31, 2001 to terminate the contracts.
 
 



PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1Legal Proceedings.

1.        Frank, et al. v. United; EEOC v. United

As previously reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, a class action lawsuit against United was filed February 7, 1992 in federal district court in California, alleging that United' s former flight attendant weight program, in effect from 1989 to 1994, unlawfully discriminated against flight attendants on the grounds of sex, age and other factors, and seeking monetary relief. On April 29, 1994, the class was certified as to the sex and age claims. Following extensive motion practice, on March 10, 1998, the district court dismissed all the claims against United. Following an appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, a three judge panel of the Ninth Circuit, on June 21, 2000, overturned the ruling and held that United' s former weight program violated the law. The court ruled that the plaintiffs were entitled to judgment as a matter of law on their claims for discrimination based on sex and that a trial was required for determination on their claims for age discrimination. In addition, the appellate court reversed the dismissal of all individual class representative claims of discrimination and the case was remanded to the district court for further proceedings. United' s petition for en banc review by an 11-judge panel was denied on August 11, 2000. On December 8, 2000, United petitioned for a review of the Ninth Circuit decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, but that petition was denied on March 5, 2001. In accordance with the appellate court ruling, the case will go back to the district court for further proceedings with respect to the age discrimination claims and for a determination of damages with respect to the sex discrimination claims.


2.       United v. Mesa Airlines, Inc. and WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc.

As previously reported in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, United sued Mesa Airlines, Inc. and its subsidiary, WestAir Commuter Airlines, Inc., on June 23, 1997, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, seeking an order declaring that United had the right to make certain market adjustments in markets served by WestAir' s United Express service in California. On January 22, 1998, United notified Mesa that it was terminating Mesa' s United Express contract and United amended its complaint to add claims against Mesa for failure to fly and for monetary damages. Mesa and WestAir filed claims against United alleging, among other things, wrongful termination of their contract and fraud, and seeking monetary damages. On July 5, 2000, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of Mesa' s tort claims, including its claim alleging fraud on the ground that those claims are preempted by the Airline Deregulation Act. Mesa filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court. That petition was denied, ending the appeals process for the tort claims. On March 5, 2001, the parties agreed to a settlement and have since dismissed the remaining claims.
Item 6Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
 
(a)
Exhibits

A list of exhibits included as part of this Form 10-Q is set forth in an Exhibit Index that immediately precedes such exhibits.

(b) Form 8-K dated January 10, 2001, to report a press release, reporting a transaction between United Air Lines, Inc. and American Airlines to enhance competitive benefits of United's merger with US Airways.

Form 8-K dated January 11, 2001, to report (i) a Memorandum of Understanding, dated January 9, 2001, between UAL Corporation and AMR Corporation, and (ii) an Amendment, dated January 9, 2001, to the Memorandum of Understanding of May 23, 2000, among UAL Corporation, US Airways Group, Inc. and Robert L. Johnson.

Form 8-K dated January 18, 2001 to report a press release to report earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2000.

Form 8-K dated February 2, 2001 to report a press release reporting (i) an expectation of earnings per share for 2001, and (ii) a presentation to Society of Airline Analysts dated February 2, 2001.

Form 8-K dated February 5, 2001 to report, under Regulation FD, the time and date that UAL Corporation's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer would speak at the 16th annual air carrier conference.

Form 8-K/A dated February 5, 2001, to report the website for the webcast of the UAL Corporation's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer speech at the 16th annual air carrier conference.

Form 8-K dated February 13, 2001 to report, under Regulation FD, the time and date that UAL Corporation's Executive Vice President - Finance & Planning & Chief Financial Officer would speak at the 2001 Global Transportation Conference.

        SIGNATURES
 

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

 
 
  UAL CORPORATION
By:  /s/ Douglas A. Hacker
  Douglas A. Hacker
  Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
  (principal financial and
  accounting officer) 

 

Dated:  May 9, 2001
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit No. Description
   12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
   12.1 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements

 
 
 
 

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Exhibit 12 <DOCUMENT>
<TYPE> EX-12
<TEXT>
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                                                                                  Exhibit 12





UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges


 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
     
 
2001
2000
 
(In Millions)
Earnings:    
     
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$ (489)
$ 177 
Fixed charges, from below
230 
247 
Undistributed losses of affiliates
Interest capitalized
(22)
(20)
     
Earnings (loss)
$ (272)
$ 407
     
Fixed charges:    
   
Interest expense
$ 129 
$ 98 
Portion of rental expense representative    
of the interest factor
101
149
     
Fixed charges
$ 230 
$ 247
     
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
(a)
1.65
     
     

___________

(a) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $502 million in 2001.
 
 

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Exhibit 12 <DOCUMENT>
<TYPE> EX-12.1
<TEXT>
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Exhibit 12.1

UAL Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
and Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements



 

     
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
     
 
2001
2000
 
(In Millions)
Earnings:    
     
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
$ (489)
$ 177 
Fixed charges, from below
234 
308 
Undistributed losses of affiliates
Interest capitalized
(22)
(20)
     
Earnings
$ (268)
$ 468
     
Fixed charges:    
   
Interest expense
$ 129 
$ 98 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
61 
Portion of rental expense representative    
of the interest factor
101
149
     
Fixed charges
$ 234
$ 308
     
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
(a)
1.52
     
     

__________

(a) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges and preferred stock dividend requirements by $502 million in 2001.
 
 

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