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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



Form 10-K


ý

 

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

 

 

For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009

or

o

 

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- 001-32638

TAL International Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in the charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  20-1796526
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

100 Manhattanville Road, Purchase, New York
(Address of principal executive office)

 

10577-2135
(Zip Code)

(914) 251-9000
(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

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

Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share   The New York Stock Exchange

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No þ

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No þ

         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 requirement for the past 90 days. Yes þ    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in the Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No þ

         The aggregate market value of voting common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2009 was approximately $62.3 million.

         As of February 19, 2010, there were 30,709,104 shares of the Registrant's common stock outstanding.

         DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part of Form 10-K
 
Document Incorporated by Reference
Part II, Item 5, Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14   Portion of the Registrant's proxy statement to be filed in connection with the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Registrant to be held on April 29, 2010.


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TAL International Group, Inc.

2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K

Table of Contents

 
   
  Page

PART I

Item 1.

 

Business

  4

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

  14

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

  29

Item 2.

 

Properties

  29

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

  29

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  30


PART II

Item 5.

 

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

  30

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

  33

Item 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  35

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  62

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  63

Item 9.

 

Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  63

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

  63

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

  66


PART III

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

  66

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

  66

Item 12.

 

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

  66

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

  66

Item 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  66


PART IV

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

  67

Signatures

  73

Index to Financial Statements

  F-1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income

  F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-7

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  S-1

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In addition, we, or our executive officers on our behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements in reports and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, or in connection with oral statements made to the press, potential investors or others. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," "believe," "think," "plan," "will," "should," "intend," "seek," "potential" and similar expressions and variations are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

        Forward-looking statements in this report are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in this report as well as in the other documents we file with the SEC from time to time, and such risks and uncertainties are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

        Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws and rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. We caution you not to unduly rely on the forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this report.


WEBSITE ACCESS TO COMPANY'S REPORTS AND CODE OF ETHICS

        Our Internet website address is www.talinternational.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

        We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers, and directors, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The text of our code of ethics is posted on our website at http://www.talinternational.com/within the Corporate Governance portion of the Investors section of our website.

        Also, copies of our annual report and Code of Ethics will be made available, free of charge, upon written request to:

TAL International Group, Inc.
100 Manhattanville Road
Purchase, New York 10577
Attn: Marc Pearlin, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Telephone: (914) 251-9000


SERVICE MARKS MATTERS

        The following items referred to in this annual report are registered or unregistered service marks in the United States and/or foreign jurisdictions pursuant to applicable intellectual property laws and are the property of TAL International and our subsidiaries: TAL®, Tradex®, Trader® and Greyslot®.

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PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

Our Company

        We are one of the world's largest and oldest lessors of intermodal containers and chassis. Intermodal containers are large, standardized steel boxes used to transport freight by ship, rail or truck. Because of the handling efficiencies they provide, intermodal containers are the primary means by which many goods and materials are shipped internationally. Chassis are used for the transportation of containers domestically.

        TAL International Group, Inc. ("TAL" or the "Company") was formed on October 26, 2004, and commenced operations on November 4, 2004, when it acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of TAL International Container Corporation ("the Acquisition"). The operations of TAL's predecessor companies commenced in 1963.

Business Segments

        We operate our business in one industry, intermodal transportation equipment, and have two business segments:

Equipment Leasing Segment

        Our equipment leasing operations include the acquisition, leasing, re-leasing and ultimate sale of multiple types of intermodal transportation equipment, primarily intermodal containers. We have an extensive global presence, offering leasing services through 18 offices in 11 countries and 199 third-party container depot facilities in 37 countries as of December 31, 2009. Our customers are among the world's largest shipping lines and include, among others, APL-NOL, CMA CGM, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company and NYK Line.

        We primarily lease three principal types of equipment: (1) dry freight containers, which are used for general cargo such as manufactured component parts, consumer staples, electronics and apparel, (2) refrigerated containers, which are used for perishable items such as fresh and frozen foods, and (3) special containers, which are used for heavy and oversized cargo such as marble slabs, building products and machinery. We also lease chassis, which are used for the transportation of containers domestically, and tank containers, which are used to transport bulk liquid products such as chemicals. We also finance port equipment, which includes container cranes, reach stackers and other related equipment.

        We generally lease our equipment on a per diem basis to our customers under three types of leases: long-term leases, finance leases and service leases. Long-term leases typically have initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years and provide us with stable cash flow and low transaction costs by requiring customers to maintain specific units on-hire for the duration of the lease. Finance leases are typically structured as full payout leases, and provide for a predictable recurring revenue stream with the lowest daily cost to the customer because customers are generally required to retain the equipment for the duration of its useful life. Service leases command a premium per diem rate in exchange for providing customers with a greater level of operational flexibility by allowing the pick-up and drop-off of units during the lease term. We also have expired long-term leases whose fixed

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terms have ended but for which the related units remain on-hire and for which we continue to receive rental payments pursuant to the terms of the initial contract. Some leases have contractual terms that have features reflective of both long-term and service leases, and we classify such leases as either long-term or service leases, depending upon which features we believe are more predominant.

        Our leases require lessees to maintain the equipment in good operating condition, defend and indemnify us from liabilities relating to the equipments' contents and handling, and return the equipment to specified drop-off locations. As of December 31, 2009, 68% of our on-hire containers and chassis were on long-term leases, 12% were on finance leases, 16% were on service leases and 4% were on long-term leases whose fixed terms have expired. As of December 31, 2009, our long-term leases had an average remaining lease term of 43 months.

        Our equipment leasing revenues primarily consist of leasing revenues derived from the lease of our owned equipment and, to a lesser extent, fees received for managing equipment owned by third parties. The most important driver of our profitability is the extent to which leasing revenues, which are driven primarily by our owned equipment fleet size, utilization and average rental rates, exceed our ownership and operating costs.

Equipment Trading Segment

        Through our extensive operating network, we purchase containers from shipping line customers and other sellers of containers and resell these containers to container traders and users of containers for storage and one-way shipments. Over the last five years, we have sold an average of approximately 41,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of containers purchased for resale annually.

        Total revenues for the equipment trading segment are primarily made up of equipment trading revenues, which represents the proceeds from sales of trading equipment. The profitability of this segment is largely driven by the volume of units purchased and sold, our per unit selling margin, and our direct operating and administrative expenses.

Industry Overview

        Intermodal containers provide a secure and cost-effective method of transporting raw materials, component parts and finished goods because they can be used in multiple modes of transport. By making it possible to move cargo from a point of origin to a final destination without repeated unpacking and repacking, containers reduce freight and labor costs. In addition, automated handling of containers permits faster loading and unloading of vessels, more efficient utilization of transportation equipment and reduced transit time. The protection provided by sealed containers also reduces cargo damage and the loss and theft of goods during shipment.

        Over the last twenty-five years, containerized trade has grown at a rate greater than that of general worldwide economic growth. According to Clarkson Research Studies ("Clarkson"), worldwide containerized cargo volume increased at a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of 8.6% from 1985 to 2009. We believe that this high historical growth was due to several factors, including the shift in global manufacturing capacity to lower labor cost areas such as China and India, the continued integration of developing high growth economies into global trade patterns and the continued conversion of cargo from bulk shipping into containers. However, due to the recent global financial crisis and recession, global containerized trade growth turned significantly negative beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, and Clarkson estimates that containerized trade volumes decreased by approximately 10% in 2009. Clarkson is currently projecting that containerized trade volumes will rebound somewhat in 2010, but they are not projecting growth rates to return to the historical level in the near future.

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        Container leasing firms maintain inventories of new and used containers in a wide range of worldwide locations and supply these containers primarily to shipping line customers under a variety of short and long-term lease structures. According to Containerisation International as reported in mid-2009, container lessors' ownership was approximately 10.4 million TEU or 38% of the total worldwide container fleet of 27.4 million TEU.

        Leasing containers helps shipping lines improve their overall container fleet efficiency and provides the shipping lines with an alternative source of equipment financing. Given the uncertainty and variability of export volumes, and the fact that shipping lines have difficulty in accurately forecasting their container requirements at a port-by-port level, the availability of containers for lease reduces a shipping line's need to purchase and maintain larger container inventory buffers. In addition, the drop-off flexibility provided by operating leases also allows the shipping lines to adjust their container fleet sizes and the mix of container types in their fleets both seasonally and over time and helps to balance trade flows. Leasing containers also provides shipping lines with an additional source of funding to help them manage a high-growth, asset-intensive business.

        Spot leasing rates are typically a function of, among other things, new equipment prices (which are heavily influenced by steel prices), interest rates and the equipment supply and demand balance at a particular time and location. Average leasing rates on an entire portfolio of leases respond more gradually to changes in new equipment prices, because lease agreements are generally only re-priced upon the expiration of the lease. In addition, the value that lessors receive upon resale of equipment is closely related to the cost of new equipment.

Operations

        We operate our business through 18 worldwide offices located in 11 different countries as of December 31, 2009. Our field operations include a global sales force, a global container operations group, an equipment resale group, and a logistics services group. Our headquarters are located in Purchase, New York, USA.

    Our Equipment

        Intermodal containers are designed to meet a number of criteria outlined by the International Standards Organization (ISO). The standard criteria include the size of the container and the gross weight rating of the container. This standardization ensures that containers can be used by the widest possible number of transporters and it facilitates container and vessel sharing by the shipping lines. The standardization of the container is also an important element of the container leasing business since we can operate one fleet of containers that can be used by all of our major customers.

        Our fleet primarily consists of three types of equipment:

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        Over the last few years, we have added three equipment types to our fleet:

    Our Leases

        Most of our revenues are derived from leasing our equipment fleet to our core shipping line customers. The majority of our leases are structured as operating leases, though we also provide customers with finance leases. Regardless of lease type, we seek to exceed our targeted return on our investments over the life cycle of the equipment by managing utilization, lease rates, and the used equipment sale process.

        Our lease products provide numerous operational and financial benefits to our shipping line customers. These benefits include:

        Operating Leases.    Operating leases are structured to allow customers flexibility to pick-up equipment on short notice and to drop-off equipment prior to the end of its useful life. Because of this flexibility, most of our containers and chassis will go through several pick-up and drop-off cycles. Our operating lease contracts specify a per diem rate for equipment on-hire, where and when such equipment can be returned, how the customer will be charged for damage and the charge for lost or destroyed equipment, among other things.

        We categorize our operating leases as either long-term leases or service leases. Some leases have contractual terms that have features reflective of both long-term and service leases. We classify such leases as either long-term or service leases, depending upon which features we believe are predominant.

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Long-term leases typically have initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years with an average term of approximately five years at lease inception. Our long-term leases require our customers to maintain specific units on-hire for the duration of the lease term, and they provide us with predictable recurring cash flow. As of December 31, 2009, 68% of our on-hire containers and chassis were under long-term operating leases. As of December 31, 2009, our long-term leases had an average remaining duration of 43 months, assuming no leases are renewed. However, we believe that many of our customers will renew leases for equipment that is less than sale age at the expiration of the lease. In addition, our equipment typically remains on-hire at the contractual per diem rate for an additional six to twelve months beyond the end of the contractual lease term due to the logistical requirements of our customers having to return the containers and chassis to specific drop-off locations.

        We also have expired long-term leases whose fixed terms have ended but for which the related units remain on-hire and for which we continue to receive rental payments pursuant to the terms of the initial contract. As of December 31, 2009, 4% of our on-hire containers and chassis were on long-term leases whose fixed terms have expired but for which the related units remain on-hire and for which we continue to receive rental payments.

        Some of our long-term leases give our customers Early Termination Options ("ETOs"). If exercised, ETOs allow customers to return equipment prior to the expiration of the long-term lease. However, if an ETO is exercised, the customer is required to pay a penalty per diem rate that is applied retroactively to the beginning of the lease. As a result of this retroactive penalty, ETOs have historically rarely been exercised.

        Service leases allow our customers to pick-up and drop-off equipment during the term of the lease, subject to contractual limitations. Service leases provide the customer with a higher level of flexibility than term leases and, as a result, typically carry a higher per diem rate. The terms of our service leases can range from twelve months to five years, though because equipment can be returned during the term of a service lease and since service leases are generally renewed or modified and extended upon expiration, lease term does not dictate expected on-hire time for our equipment on service leases. As of December 31, 2009, 16% of our on-hire containers and chassis were under service leases and this equipment has been on-hire for an average of 38 months.

        Finance Leases.    Finance leases provide our customers with an alternative method to finance their equipment acquisitions. Finance leases typically have lease terms ranging from five to ten years. Finance leases are generally structured for specific quantities of equipment, generally require the customer to keep the equipment on-hire for its remaining useful life, and typically provide the customer with a purchase option at the end of the lease term. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 12% of our on-hire containers and chassis were under finance leases.

        Lease Documentation.    In general, our lease agreements consist of two basic elements, a master lease agreement and a lease addendum. Lease addenda contain the business terms (including daily rate, term duration and drop-off schedule, among other things) for specific leasing transactions, while master lease agreements outline the general rights and obligations of the lessor and lessee under all of the lease addenda covered by the master lease agreement (lease addenda will specify the master lease agreement that governs the lease addenda). For most customers, we have a small number of master lease agreements (often one) and a large number of lease addenda.

        Our master lease agreements generally require the lessees to pay rentals, depot charges, taxes and other charges when due, to maintain the equipment in good condition, to return the equipment in accordance with the return condition set forth in the master lease agreement, to use the equipment in compliance with all federal, state, local and foreign laws, and to pay us for the value of the equipment as determined by us if the equipment is lost or destroyed. The default clause gives us certain legal remedies in the event that the lessee is in breach of the lease.

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        The master lease agreements usually contain an exclusion of warranties clause and require lessees to defend and indemnify us in most instances from third-party claims arising out of the lessee's use, operation, possession or lease of the equipment. Lessees are generally required to maintain all risks physical damage insurance, comprehensive general liability insurance and to indemnify us against loss. We also maintain our own off-hire physical damage insurance to cover our equipment when it is not on-hire to lessees and third-party liability insurance for both on-hire and off-hire equipment. Nevertheless, such insurance or indemnities may not fully protect us against damages arising from the use of our containers.

        Logistics Management, Re-leasing, Depot Management and Equipment Disposals.    We believe that managing the period after our equipments' first lease is the most important aspect of our business. Successful management of this period requires disciplined logistics management, extensive re-lease capability, careful cost control and effective sales of used equipment.

        Logistics Management.    Since the late 1990's, the shipping industry has been characterized by large regional trade imbalances, with loaded containers generally flowing from export-oriented economies in Asia to North America and Western Europe. Because of these trade imbalances, shipping lines have an incentive to return leased containers in North America and Europe to reduce the cost of empty container backhaul. TAL attempts to mitigate the risk of these unbalanced trade flows by maintaining a large portion of our fleet on long-term and finance leases and by contractually restricting the ability of our customers to return containers outside of Asian demand locations.

        In addition, TAL attempts to minimize the costs of any container imbalances by moving empty containers as cheaply as possible. To accomplish this, TAL has developed an in-house group of experts, which we call Greyslot, to manage our empty container positioning program. As part of their mandate to reposition our empty containers, Greyslot maintains frequent contact with various shipping lines and vessel owners to identify available vessel space, and our success with managing our own positioning program has led to additional revenue opportunities. For the last several years Greyslot has acted as a broker of empty vessel space for moving additional empty containers for third parties. Our third-party customers include leasing companies and shipping lines, and such third-party business has usually represented a majority of the containers moved by Greyslot. While we believe we manage our logistics risks and costs effectively, logistical risk remains an important element of our business due to competitive pressures, changing trade patterns and other market factors and uncertainties.

        Re-Leasing.    Since our operating leases allow customers to return containers and chassis, we typically are required to place containers and chassis on several leases during their useful lives. Initial lease transactions for new containers and chassis can usually be generated with a limited sales and customer service infrastructure because initial leases for new containers and chassis typically cover large volumes of units and are fairly standardized transactions. Used equipment, on the other hand, is typically leased out in small transactions that are structured to accommodate pick-ups and returns in a variety of locations. As a result, leasing companies benefit from having a large number of customers and maintaining a high level of operating contact with these customers.

        Depot Management.    As of December 31, 2009, we managed our equipment fleet through 199 third-party owned and operated depot facilities located in 37 countries. Depot facilities are generally responsible for repairing our containers and chassis when they are returned by lessees and for storing the equipment while it is off-hire. We have a worldwide operations group that is responsible for managing our depot contracts and they also periodically visit the depot facilities to conduct inventory and repair audits. We also supplement our internal operations group with the use of independent inspection agents.

        We are in constant communication with our depot partners through the use of electronic data interchange, or EDI. Our depots gather and prepare all information related to the activity of our

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equipment at their facilities and transmit the information via EDI and the Internet to us. The information we receive from our depots updates our fully integrated container fleet management and tracking system.

        Most of the depot agency agreements follow a standard form and generally provide that the depot will be liable for loss or damage of equipment and, in the event of loss or damage, will pay us the previously agreed loss value of the applicable equipment. The agreements require the depots to maintain insurance against equipment loss or damage and we carry insurance to cover the risk that the depot's insurance proves insufficient.

        Our container repair standards and processes are generally managed in accordance with standards and procedures specified by the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL). The IICL establishes and documents the acceptable interchange condition for containers and the repair procedures required to return damaged containers to the acceptable interchange condition. At the time that containers are returned by lessees, the depot arranges an inspection of the containers to assess the repairs required to return the containers to acceptable IICL condition. This inspection process also splits the damage into two components, customer damage and normal wear and tear. Items typically designated as customer damage include dents in the container and debris left in the container, while items such as rust are typically designated as normal wear and tear.

        Our leases are generally structured so that the lessee is responsible for the customer damage portion of the repair costs, and customers are billed for damages at the time the equipment is returned. We sometimes offer our customers a repair service program whereby we, for an additional payment by the lessee (in the form of a higher per-diem rate or a flat fee at off-hire), assume financial responsibility for all or a portion of the cost of repairs upon return of the equipment (but not of total loss of the equipment), up to a pre-negotiated amount.

        Equipment Disposals.    Our in-house equipment sales group has a worldwide team of specialists that manage the sale process for our used containers and chassis from our lease fleet. We generally sell to domestic storage companies, freight forwarders (who often use the containers for one-way trips) and other purchasers of used containers. We believe we are one of the world's largest sellers of used containers.

        We have sold over 70,000 TEU of our owned and managed used containers on average over the last five years. The sale prices we receive for our used containers from our lease fleet are influenced by many factors, including the level of demand for used containers compared to the number of used containers available for disposal in a particular location, the cost of new containers, and the level of damage on the containers. While our total revenue is primarily made up of leasing revenues, gains or losses on the sale of used containers can have a significant positive or negative impact on our profitability.

        Equipment Trading.    We also buy and sell new and used containers and chassis acquired from third parties. We typically purchase our equipment trading fleet from our shipping line customers or other sellers of used or new equipment. Trading margins are dependent on the volume of units purchased and resold, selling prices, cost paid for equipment sold and selling and administrative costs. We have sold approximately 41,000 TEU of containers purchased from third parties for resale on average over the last five years.

    Management Services

        A portion of our container fleet is managed for third-party owners. We receive a specified percentage of the net revenue generated by our managed containers in return for our management services. If operating expenses were to exceed revenues, the owners are obligated to pay the excess or we may deduct the excess, including our management fee, from future net revenues. We typically

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receive a commission for selling managed containers, though in some cases, we are compensated for sales through a percentage sharing of sale proceeds over an agreed floor amount. Typically the terms of the management agreements are 10 to 12 years from the acceptance dates of containers under the agreement.

Environmental

        We may be subject to environmental liability in connection with our current or historical operations that could adversely affect our business and financial prospects despite insurance coverage, terms of leases and other arrangements for use of the containers that place the responsibility for environmental liability on the end user. In certain countries like the United States, the owner of a leased container may be liable for the costs of environmental damage from the discharge of the contents of the container even though the owner is not at fault. We have not yet experienced any such claims, although we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to such claims in the future. Liability insurance policies, including ours, usually exclude claims for environmental damage. Our lessees are required to indemnify us from such claims. Some of our lessees may have separate insurance coverage for environmental damage, but we cannot assure you that any such policies would cover or otherwise offset any liability we may have as the owner of a leased container. Our standard master tank container lease agreement insurance clause requires our tank container lessees to provide pollution liability insurance. Such insurance or indemnities may not fully protect us against damages arising from environmental damage.

        Countries that are signatories to the Montreal Protocol on the environment agreed in November 1992 to restrict the use of environmentally destructive refrigerants, banning production (but not use) of chlorofluorocarbon compounds ("CFCs") beginning in January 1996. Less than 1% of our refrigerated containers still use CFC refrigerants. Over 99% of our refrigerated containers currently use R134A or 404A refrigerant. While R134A and 404A do not contain CFC's, the European Union has instituted regulations to phase out the use of R134A in automobile air conditioning systems beginning in 2011 due to concern that the release of R134A into the atmosphere may contribute to global warming. The European Union regulations do not restrict the use of R134A in refrigerated containers or trailers, though we are continuing to monitor regulatory developments. If future regulations prohibit the use or servicing of containers using R134A or 404A refrigerants, we could be forced to incur large retrofitting expenses.

        An additional environmental concern affecting our operations relates to the construction materials used in our dry containers. The floors of dry containers are plywood usually made from tropical hardwoods. Due to concerns regarding de-forestation of tropical rain forests and climate change, many countries which have been the source of these hardwoods have implemented severe restrictions on the cutting and export of these woods. Accordingly, container manufacturers have switched a significant portion of production to more readily available alternatives such as birch, bamboo, and other farm grown wood species. Container users are also evaluating alternative designs which will limit the amount of plywood required and are also considering possible synthetic materials to replace the plywood. These new woods or other alternatives have not proven their durability over the 13-15 year life of a dry container and if they cannot perform as well as the hardwoods have historically, the future repair and operating costs for these containers could be significantly higher.

Credit Controls

        We monitor our customers' performance and our lease exposures on an ongoing basis. Our credit management processes are aided by the long payment experience we have with most of our customers and our broad network of relationships in the shipping industry that provides current information about our customers' market reputations. Credit criteria may include, but are not limited to, customer payment history, customer financial position and performance (e.g., net worth, leverage, profitability),

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trade routes, country of domicile, social and political climate, and the type of, and location of, equipment that is to be supplied. To mitigate the impact from potential defaults, we entered into a credit insurance policy in the third quarter of 2009 that in certain circumstances covers losses and costs incurred in default situations. However, this policy has significant deductibles, exclusions and payment and other limitations, and therefore may not protect us from losses arising from customer defaults.

Marketing and Customer Service

        Our global sales and customer service force is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with senior operations staff at our shipping line customers, negotiating lease contracts and maintaining day-to-day coordination with junior level staff at our customers. This close customer communication helps us to negotiate lease contracts that satisfy both our financial return requirements and our customers' operating needs and ensures that we are aware of our customers' potential equipment shortages and that they are aware of our available equipment inventories.

Customers

        We believe that we have strong, long standing relationships with our largest customers, most of whom we have done business with for over 20 years. We currently have equipment on-hire to more than 300 customers, although approximately 76% of our units are on-hire to our 20 largest customers. Our customers are mainly international shipping lines, but we also lease containers to freight forwarding companies and manufacturers. The shipping industry has been consolidating for a number of years, and further consolidation could increase the portion of our revenues that come from our largest customers. Our five largest customers accounted for approximately 52% of our 2009 leasing revenues. Our largest customer is CMA CGM, which accounted for approximately 17% of our leasing revenues in 2009 and 12% in 2008. APL-NOL accounted for approximately 12% of our leasing revenues in 2009, 15% in 2008 and 18% in 2007. Mediterranean Shipping Company accounted for approximately 10% of our leasing revenues in 2009. No other customer exceeded 10% of our leasing revenues in 2009, 2008 or 2007. A default by any of these major customers could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and future prospects.

Currency

        Although we have significant foreign-based operations, the U.S. dollar is the operating currency for the large majority of our leases (and company obligations), and most of our revenues and expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. However we pay our non-U.S. staff in local currencies; and our direct operating expenses and disposal transactions for our older containers are often structured in foreign currencies. We record unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses primarily due to fluctuations in exchange rates related to our Euro and Pound Sterling transactions and related assets.

Systems and Information Technology

        We have a proprietary, fully integrated fleet management system. The system tracks all of our equipment individually by unit number, provides design specifications for the equipment, tracks on-hire and off-hire transactions, matches each on-hire unit to a lease contract and each off-hire unit to a depot contract, maintains the major terms for each lease contract, calculates the monthly bill for each customer and tracks and bills for equipment repairs. Our system is EDI capable, which means it can receive and process equipment activity transactions electronically.

        In addition, our system allows our business partners to conduct business with us through the Internet. It allows customers to check our equipment inventories, review design specifications, request clearances for returning equipment (the system will issue the clearance electronically if the return to

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the specified location is currently allowed by the contract covering the equipment), request bookings for equipment pick-ups and review and approve repair bills.

Suppliers

        We have long relationships with all of our major suppliers. We purchase most of our containers and chassis in China. There are four large manufacturers of dry and special containers and three large manufacturers of refrigerated containers, though for both dry containers and refrigerated containers, the largest manufacturer accounts for 50% or more of global production volume. Our operations staff reviews the designs for our containers and periodically audits the production facilities of our suppliers. In addition, we use our Asian operations group and third party inspectors to visit factories when our containers are being produced to provide an extra layer of quality control. Nevertheless, defects in our containers do sometimes occur. We work with the manufacturers to correct these defects, and our manufacturers have generally honored their warranty obligations in such cases.

Competition

        We compete with over ten other major intermodal equipment leasing companies, many smaller lessors, manufacturers of intermodal equipment and companies offering finance leases as distinct from operating leases. It is common for our customers to utilize several leasing companies to meet their equipment needs.

        Our competitors compete with us in many ways, including lease pricing, lease flexibility, supply reliability and customer service. In times of weak demand or excess supply, leasing companies often respond by lowering leasing rates and increasing the logistical flexibility offered in their lease agreements. In addition, new entrants into the leasing business have been attracted by the high rate of containerized trade growth in recent years, and they are often aggressive on pricing and lease flexibility.

        While we are forced to compete aggressively on price, we attempt to emphasize our supply reliability and high level of customer service to our customers. We invest heavily to ensure adequate equipment availability in high demand locations, dedicate large portions of our organization to building customer relationships, and maintaining close day-to-day coordination with customers' operating staffs and we have developed powerful and user-friendly systems that allow our customers to transact with us through the Internet.

Employees

        As of December 31, 2009, we employed 184 people, in 18 offices, in 11 countries. We believe that our relations with our employees are good and we are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements.

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

    Container leasing demand can be negatively affected by numerous market factors as well as external political and economic events that are beyond our control. Decreasing leasing demand could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        Demand for containers depends largely on the rate of world trade and economic growth. Demand for leased containers is also driven by our customers' "lease vs. buy" decisions. Cyclical recessions can negatively affect lessors' operating results because during economic downturns or periods of reduced trade, shipping lines tend to lease fewer containers, or lease containers only at reduced rates, and tend to rely more on their own fleets to satisfy a greater percentage of their requirements.

        In 2009, the rate of global economic growth slowed significantly causing global containerized trade growth to decrease. Clarkson Research Studies ("Clarkson") estimates that global containerized trade volumes decreased by approximately 10% in 2009, and this decrease in trade volume led to reduced demand for containers, lower utilization of our containers, a decrease in market leasing rates and a decrease in our leasing revenues and profitability. The decreased demand for containers also constrained our ability to invest in new containers, and the size of our container fleet decreased in 2009 and the average age of our fleet increased. While Clarkson is currently projecting some growth in trade volumes for 2010, the projected rate of growth is well below historical average levels, and it is possible that market conditions, and our utilization, average lease rates, lease revenues and profitability will be negatively impacted by the weak global economy for some time.

        Other general factors affecting demand for leased containers, container utilization and per diem rental rates include:

        Any of the aforementioned factors may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

    Lease rates may decrease, resulting in reduced revenues, lower margins, and reduced profitability and cash flows.

        Market leasing rates are typically a function of, among other things, new equipment prices (which are heavily influenced by steel prices), interest rates, the type and length of the lease, the equipment supply and demand balance at a particular time and location, and other factors more fully described below. A decrease in leasing rates can have a materially adverse affect on our leasing revenues, profitability and cash flow.

        A decrease in market leasing rates impacts both our new container investments and the existing containers in our fleet. Most of our existing containers are on operating leases, which means that the

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lease term is shorter than the expected life of the container, so the lease rate we receive for the container is subject to change at the expiration of the current lease. As a result, during periods of low lease rates, the average lease rate we receive for our containers is negatively impacted by both the addition of new containers at low lease rates as well as the turnover of existing containers from leases with higher lease rates to leases with lower lease rates.

        During the second half of 2008, market lease rates decreased rapidly due to the global economic slowdown and the resulting decrease in trade volumes and leasing demand. Market leasing rates remained low in 2009 as most leasing companies faced large excess inventories of containers for most of the year, even in traditionally strong demand locations. TAL's average leasing rates, leasing revenues and profitability decreased significantly in 2009 as containers were returned from leases with relatively high lease rates and placed on hire on leases with lower lease rates. In addition, TAL entered into several agreements with major customers that lowered the lease rates on existing leases in return for lease term extensions or other drop-off restrictions. Market lease rates and TAL's average lease rates are likely to remain under pressure as long as the global economy and trade volumes remain weak.

        Leasing rates can also be negatively impacted by decrease in steel prices and new container prices (as occurred from 1998 - 2003 and in 2005), the entrance of new leasing companies, overproduction of new containers by factories and over-buying of new containers by shipping lines and leasing competitors.

        In addition, our lease rates may not increase when market conditions improve or when container prices increase. For example, in 2006, our average leasing rates decreased throughout the year despite good leasing demand and relatively high container prices. The decrease in average leasing rates was mainly the result of lease renegotiations in which we offered several customers reduced lease rates in return for extensions of leases covering older containers.

    Lessee defaults may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow by decreasing revenues and increasing storage, positioning, collection, recovery and lost equipment expenses.

        Our containers and chassis are leased to numerous customers. Rent and other charges, as well as indemnification for damage to or loss of our equipment, are payable under the leases and other arrangements by the lessees. Inherent in the nature of the leases and other arrangements for use of the equipment is the risk that once the lease is consummated, we may not receive, or may experience delay in realizing, all of the amounts to be paid in respect of the equipment. A delay or diminution in amounts received under the leases and other arrangements could adversely affect our business and financial prospects and our ability to make payments on our debt.

        The cash flow from our equipment, principally lease rentals, management fees and proceeds from the sale of owned equipment, is affected significantly by our ability to collect payments under leases and other arrangements for the use of the equipment and our ability to replace cash flows from terminating leases by re-leasing or selling equipment on favorable terms. All of these factors are subject to external economic conditions and performance by lessees and service providers that are beyond our control.

        When lessees or sublessees of our containers and chassis default, we may fail to recover all of our equipment, and the containers and chassis we do recover may be returned in damaged condition or to locations where we will not be able to efficiently re-lease or sell them. As a result, we may have to repair and reposition these containers and chassis to other places where we can re-lease or sell them, and we may lose lease revenues and incur additional operating expenses in repossessing and storing the equipment.

        Due to the global economic crisis and the resulting decrease in trade volumes, we currently face an increased level of customer default risk. In general, the profitability of our shipping line customers

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deteriorated significantly in 2008 due to decreasing freight rates caused by excess vessel capacity and most major shipping lines recorded large financial losses in 2009. Excess vessel capacity is likely to persist for several years due to the combination of large vessel deliveries planned for the next several years and a decrease in the rate of global containerized trade growth. In addition, the ongoing financial crisis makes lessee defaults more likely since shipping lines may face difficulty in arranging financing for their committed vessel purchases and any operating losses they may incur. Several shipping lines, including our largest customer, are currently involved in comprehensive financial restructuring negotiations with their major creditors.

        Our balance sheet includes an allowance for doubtful accounts as well as an equipment reserve related to the expected costs of recovering and remarketing containers currently in the possession of customers that have either defaulted or that we believe currently present a significant risk of loss. However, we do not maintain a general equipment reserve for units on-hire under operating leases to performing customers. As a result, any major customer default would have a significant impact on our profitability at the time the customer defaulted. Such a default could also have a material adverse effect on our business condition and financial prospects

    Used container selling prices may decrease leading to lower gains or potentially large losses on the disposal of our equipment.

        Although our revenues primarily depend upon equipment leasing, our profitability is also affected by the residual values of our containers upon the expiration of their leases because, in the ordinary course of our business, we sell certain containers when such containers are returned to us. The volatility of the residual values of such equipment may be significant. These values, which can vary substantially, depend upon, among other factors, the global supply and demand balance for containers, the location of the containers, worldwide steel prices and the cost of new containers, the supply and demand for used containers at a particular location, applicable maintenance standards, refurbishment needs, inflation rates, market conditions, materials and labor costs and equipment obsolescence. Most of these factors are outside of our control. Operating leases, which represent the predominant form of leases in our portfolio, are subject to greater residual value risk than finance leases.

        Containers are typically sold if it is in our best interest to do so after taking into consideration the book value, remaining useful life, repair condition, suitability for leasing or other uses and the prevailing local sales price for the containers. As these considerations vary, gains or losses on sale of equipment will also fluctuate and may be significant if we sell large quantities of containers.

        From 1999 through 2003 our average sale prices for used containers were historically low due to low prices for new containers and an extreme over-supply of used containers in North America and Europe following the Asia crisis. We recorded large losses on the disposal of our equipment during these years. Used container selling prices were generally at historically high levels from 2005-2008, resulting in substantial gains on the disposal of our equipment, due to the increased cost of new containers, a high rate of containerized trade growth and the resulting limited amount of idle container inventories.

        Market conditions for used equipment in 2009 deteriorated due the decrease in global trade volumes and the resulting decrease in leasing demand and build-up of excess container inventories. In 2009 average disposal prices decreased by approximately 25% from 2008 levels, and used container selling prices are likely to remain under pressure as long as excess container inventories persist. A further decrease in used container selling prices from the 2009 level could result in net disposal losses and significantly reduce our profitability.

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    Equipment trading is dependent upon a steady supply of used equipment.

        We purchase used containers for resale from our shipping line customers and other sellers. If the supply of equipment becomes limited because these sellers develop other means for disposing of their equipment or develop their own sales network, we may not be able to purchase the inventory necessary to meet our goals, and our equipment trading revenues and our profitability could be negatively impacted.

    Abrupt changes in selling prices on equipment purchased for resale could negatively affect our equipment trading margins.

        We purchase and sell containers opportunistically as part of our equipment trading segment. We purchase equipment for resale on the premise that we will turnover this inventory in a relatively short time frame. If selling prices rapidly deteriorate and we are holding a large inventory that was purchased when prices for equipment were higher, then our gross margins could decline or become negative.

    If we are unable to finance capital expenditures, our business and growth plans will be adversely affected.

        We periodically make capital investments to, among other things, maintain and expand our container fleet. However, financing has become scarcer and more expensive due to the ongoing financial crisis. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining sufficient additional financing on acceptable terms, we will not be able to invest in our fleet and our profitability will decrease. Even if we are successful in securing additional financial commitments, we expect that our effective interest rates will increase over time.

    We have a substantial amount of debt outstanding on a consolidated basis and have significant debt service obligations which could adversely affect our financial condition or our ability to fulfill our obligations and make it more difficult for us to fund our operations.

        We have a significant amount of debt outstanding on a consolidated basis. As of December 31, 2009, we had outstanding indebtedness of approximately $1.1 billion under our asset backed securities program and our other credit facilities. In addition, we have capital lease obligations in the amount of $93.7 million. Our interest and debt expense for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 was approximately $68.8 million. As of December 31, 2009, our total net debt (total debt plus equipment purchases payable less cash) to total revenue earning assets was 68%.

        Our substantial debt could have important consequences for investors, including the following:

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        We may not generate sufficient revenues to service and repay our debt and have sufficient funds left over to achieve or sustain profitability in our operations, meet our working capital and capital expenditure needs or compete successfully in our markets.

    Despite our substantial leverage, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur additional indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks described above.

        We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although our asset backed securities program and our other credit facilities contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, such restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and, under certain circumstances, indebtedness incurred in compliance with such restrictions could be substantial. To the extent that new indebtedness is added to our and our subsidiaries' current debt levels, the risks described above would increase.

    We will require a significant amount of cash to service and repay our outstanding indebtedness and fund future capital expenditures. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

        Our ability to make payments on and repay our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.

        We cannot assure investors that:

        If we cannot generate sufficient cash from our operations to meet our debt service and repayment obligations, we may need to reduce or delay capital expenditures, the development of our business generally and any acquisitions. In addition, we may need to refinance our debt, obtain additional financing or sell assets, which we may not be able to do on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

    Our customers may decide to lease fewer containers. Should shipping lines decide to buy a larger percentage of the containers they operate, our utilization rate would decrease, resulting in decreased leasing revenues, increased storage costs and increased positioning costs.

        We, like other suppliers of leased containers, are dependent upon decisions by shipping lines to lease rather than buy their container equipment. Should shipping lines decide to buy a larger percentage of the containers they operate, our utilization rate would decrease, resulting in decreased leasing revenues, increased storage costs and increased positioning costs. A decrease in the portion of leased containers would also reduce our investment opportunities and significantly constrain our growth. Most of the factors affecting the decisions of our customers are outside our control.

        While the percentage of leased containers has been fairly steady historically, this percentage has been decreasing over the last few years, with the percentage of leased containers decreasing from 46% as reported in 2004 to 38% as reported in 2009, according to Containerisation International. We believe that increased share of containers owned directly by the shipping lines is the result of the improved financial performance, increased operating scale and improved information systems of our

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customers, which make it easier for our customers to finance and deploy new container purchases efficiently.

    We are dependent upon continued demand from our large customers and any default or significant reduction of orders from any of our large customers, and especially our largest customer, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and future prospects.

        Our largest customers account for a significant portion of our revenues. Our five largest customers represented approximately 52% of our leasing revenues in the 2009 fiscal year, with our single largest customer representing approximately 17% during this period. Furthermore, the shipping industry has been consolidating for a number of years, and further consolidation is expected and could increase the portion of our revenues that come from our largest customers. The loss or significant reduction of orders from any of our large customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and future prospects.

        In addition, several of our largest customers, including our largest customer, have gone through or are currently undertaking significant financial restructurings as a result of large financial losses incurred in 2009. We expect the financial performance and financial condition of these customers will continue to be challenged due to ongoing excess capacity. A default by any of our large customers, and especially our largest customer, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

    We face extensive competition in the container leasing industry.

        We may be unable to compete favorably in the highly competitive container leasing and sales business. We compete with more than ten other major leasing companies, many smaller lessors, manufacturers of container equipment, companies offering finance leases as distinct from operating leases, promoters of container ownership and leasing as a tax shelter investment, shipping lines, which sometimes lease their excess container stocks, and suppliers of alternative types of equipment for freight transport. Some of these competitors may have greater financial resources and access to capital than we do. Additionally, some of these competitors may have large, underutilized inventories of containers, which could lead to significant downward pressure on lease rates and margins.

        Competition among container leasing companies depends upon many factors, including, among others, lease rates, lease terms (including lease duration, drop-off restrictions and repair provisions), customer service, and the location, availability, quality and individual characteristics of equipment. New entrants into the leasing business have been attracted by the high rate of containerized trade growth in recent years, and new entrants have generally been less disciplined than we are in pricing and structuring leases. As a result, the entry of new market participants together with the already highly competitive nature of our industry, may reduce lease rates and undermine our ability to maintain our current level of container utilization or achieve our growth plans.

    Litigation to enforce our leases and recover our containers has inherent uncertainties that are increased by the location of our containers in jurisdictions that have less developed legal systems.

        While almost all of our lease agreements are governed by New York law and provide for the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in the state of New York, our ability to enforce the lessees' obligations under the leases and other arrangements for use of the containers often is subject to applicable laws in the jurisdiction in which enforcement is sought. It is not possible to predict, with any degree of certainty, the jurisdictions in which enforcement proceedings may be commenced. Our containers are manufactured in Asia, primarily in China, and a substantial portion of our containers are leased out of Asia, primarily China, and are used by our customers in service between Asia and North America, Europe, Central and South America, the Middle East, and Africa and in inter-Asia trade.

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Litigation and enforcement proceedings have inherent uncertainties in any jurisdiction and are expensive. These uncertainties are enhanced in countries that have less developed legal systems where the interpretation of laws and regulations is not consistent, may be influenced by factors other than legal merits and may be cumbersome, time-consuming and even more expensive. For example, repossession from defaulting lessees may be difficult and more expensive in jurisdictions whose laws do not confer the same security interests and rights to creditors and lessors as those in the United States and where the legal system is not as well developed. As a result, the remedies available and the relative success and expedience of collection and enforcement proceedings with respect to the containers in various jurisdictions cannot be predicted. As more of our business shifts to areas outside of the United States and Europe, such as China, it may become more difficult and expensive to enforce our rights and recover our containers.

        In 2008 and 2009, the success of our recovery efforts for defaulted leases was hampered by undeveloped creditor protections and legal systems in a number of countries. In 2008, we experienced an increase in average recovery costs per unit and a decrease in the percentage of containers recovered in default situations primarily due to excessive charges applied to our containers by the depot or terminal facilities that had been storing the containers for the defaulted lessee. In these cases, the payments demanded by the depot or terminal operators often significantly exceeded the amount of storage costs that we would reasonably expect to pay for the release of the containers. However, our legal remedies were limited in many of the jurisdictions where the containers were being stored, and we were sometimes forced to accept the excessive storage charges to gain control of our containers. If the number and size of defaults increases in the future, and if a large percentage of the defaulted containers are being stored in countries with less developed legal systems, losses resulting from recovery payments and unrecovered containers could be large and our profitability significantly reduced.

    The age of our container fleet may become a competitive disadvantage.

        As of December 31, 2009, the average age of the containers in our fleet was 7.5 years, and the average age of our fleet increased by 0.4 years in 2009 due to our limited procurement of new equipment. We believe that the average age of most of our competitors' container fleets is lower than the average age of our fleet, and customers generally have a preference for younger containers. Historically, we have been successful in marketing our older equipment by positioning older containers to areas where demand is very strong, offering incentives for customers to extend containers on lease, and providing greater drop-off location flexibility for containers approaching sale age. However, our marketing strategies for older containers may not continue to be successful, particularly if demand for containers continues to decrease.

    The age of our fleet may result in an increase in disposals of equipment and result in a reduction of lease revenues if we are unable to purchase and lease similar volumes of equipment.

        As of December 31, 2009, the average age of the containers in our fleet was 7.5 years. A large portion of our fleet was acquired in the mid-1990's and is on leases which take the units to the end of their serviceable life in marine transport. Upon redelivery, this equipment is likely to be disposed. From 2005 through 2009, we sold on average approximately 7% of our equipment leasing fleet containers annually. However, the rate of disposals in 2009 did not keep pace with the rate at which older containers were returned to us, and our disposal rate would have been close to 10% in 2009 if the sale market had been strong enough to allow our sales to keep pace with returns. Due to the significant portion of older containers in our fleet and the increase in our inventory of containers available for sale we expect that our disposal rate will increase in 2010 and remain at a historically high level for several years thereafter. If we are unable to purchase and lease the volumes of equipment necessary to replace the units sold, our revenues and profitability could decrease.

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    We may incur future asset impairment charges.

        An asset impairment charge may result from the occurrence of unexpected adverse events or management decisions that impact our estimates of expected cash flows generated from our long-lived assets. We review our long-lived assets, including our container and chassis equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment, including when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We may be required to recognize asset impairment charges in the future as a result of reductions in demand for specific container and chassis types, a weak economic environment, challenging market conditions, events related to particular customers or asset type, or as a result of asset or portfolio sale decisions by management.

    Changes in market price, availability or transportation costs of containers in China could adversely affect our ability to maintain our supply of containers.

        China is currently the largest container producing nation in the world, and we currently purchase substantially all of our dry containers, special containers and refrigerated containers from manufacturers based in China. In addition, over the last several years, there has been a consolidation in the container manufacturing industry, resulting in two manufacturers controlling over 65% of the market. In the event that it were to become more expensive for us to procure containers in China or to transport these containers at a low cost from the factory locations in China to the locations where they are needed by our customers, because of further consolidation among container suppliers, a dispute with one of our manufacturers, changes in trade patterns, increased tariffs imposed by the United States or other governments or for any other reason, we would have to seek alternative sources of supply. We may not be able to make alternative arrangements quickly enough to meet our equipment needs, and the alternative arrangements may increase our costs.

    We may incur costs associated with relocation of leased equipment.

        When lessees return equipment to locations where supply exceeds demand, we routinely reposition containers to higher demand areas. Positioning expenses vary depending on geographic location, distance, freight rates and other factors, and may not be fully covered by drop-off charges collected from the last lessees of the equipment or pick-up charges paid by the new lessees. Positioning expenses can be significant if a large portion of our containers are returned to locations with weak demand. For example, prior to the Asia crisis of the late 1990's containerized trade was relatively evenly balanced globally, and as a result, many of our lease contracts provided extensive drop-off flexibility in North America and Europe. However, global containerized trade patterns changed dramatically in the aftermath of the Asia crisis, and demand for leased containers in North America and Europe substantially decreased. We incurred significant positioning expenses from 2000-2003 to shift our inventory of containers from North America and Europe to Asia. Further changes in the pattern of global containerized trade could force us to incur significant positioning expenses in the future.

        We currently seek to limit the number of containers that can be returned and impose surcharges on containers returned to areas where demand for such containers is not expected to be strong. However, future market conditions may not enable us to continue such practices. In addition, we cannot assure you that we have accurately anticipated which port locations will be characterized by weak or strong demand in the future, and our current contracts will not provide much protection against positioning costs if ports that we expect to be strong demand ports turn out to be surplus container ports at the time leases expire. In particular, we could incur significant positioning costs in the future if trade flows change from net exports to net imports in locations such as the main ports in China that we currently consider to be high demand locations and where our leases typically allow large numbers of container to be returned to us.

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    Our asset backed securities program and our other credit facilities impose significant operating and financial restrictions, which may prevent us from pursuing certain business opportunities and taking certain actions.

        Our asset backed securities program and other credit facilities impose, and the terms of any future indebtedness may impose, significant operating, financial and other restrictions on us and our subsidiaries. These restrictions will limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to:

        These restrictions could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs and pursue available business opportunities. A breach of any of these restrictions could result in a default in respect of the related indebtedness. If a default occurs, the relevant lenders could elect to declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable and proceed against any collateral securing that indebtedness, which will constitute substantially all of our material container assets.

    It may become more expensive for us to store our off-hire containers.

        We are dependent on third party depot operators to repair and store our equipment in port areas throughout the world. In many locations the land occupied by these depots is increasingly being considered as prime real estate. Accordingly, local communities are considering increasing restrictions on the depot operations which would increase their costs and in some cases force depots to relocate to sites further from the port areas. If these changes affect a large number of our depots it could significantly increase the cost of maintaining and storing our off-hire containers.

    Sustained Asian economic instability could reduce demand for leasing.

        A number of the shipping lines to which we lease containers are entities domiciled in Asian countries. In addition, many of our customers are substantially dependent upon shipments of goods exported from Asia. From time to time, there have been economic disruptions, financial turmoil and political instability in this region. If these events were to occur in the future, they could adversely affect these customers and lead to a reduced demand for leasing of our containers or otherwise adversely affect us.

    Manufacturers of our equipment may be unwilling or unable to honor manufacturer warranties covering defects in our equipment.

        We obtain warranties from the manufacturers of our equipment. When defects in the containers occur, we work with the manufacturers to identify and rectify the problem. However, there is no assurance that manufacturers will be willing or able to honor warranty obligations. If defects are discovered in containers that are not covered by manufacturer warranties we could be required to

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expend significant amounts of money to repair the containers and/or the useful life of the containers could be shortened and the value of the containers reduced.

    We rely on our information technology systems to conduct our business. If these systems fail to adequately perform these functions, or if we experience an interruption in their operation, our business and financial results could be adversely affected.

        The efficient operation of our business is highly dependent on two of our information technology systems: our equipment tracking and billing system and our customer interface system. For example, these systems allow customers to place pick-up and drop-off orders on the Internet, view current inventory and check contractual terms in effect with respect to any given container lease agreement. We correspondingly rely on such information systems to track transactions, such as container pick-ups and drop-offs, repairs, and to bill our customers for the use and damage to our equipment. We also use the information provided by these systems in our day-to-day business decisions in order to effectively manage our lease portfolio and improve customer service. The failure of these systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and results of operation and cause our relationships with our customers to suffer. In addition, our information technology systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, power loss and computer systems failures and viruses. Any such interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.

    A number of key personnel are critical to the success of our business.

        Most of our senior executives and other management-level employees have been with us for over ten years and have significant industry experience. We rely on this knowledge and experience in our strategic planning and in our day-to-day business operations. Our success depends in large part upon our ability to retain our senior management, the loss of one or more of whom could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our success also depends on our ability to retain our experienced sales force and technical personnel as well as recruiting new skilled sales, marketing and technical personnel. Competition for these persons in our industry is intense and we may not be able to successfully recruit, train or retain qualified personnel. If we fail to retain and recruit the necessary personnel, our business and our ability to retain customers and provide acceptable levels of customer service could suffer.

    The international nature of the container industry exposes us to numerous risks

        We are subject to risks inherent in conducting business across national boundaries, any one of which could adversely impact our business. These risks include:

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        Any one or more of these factors could impair our current or future international operations and, as a result, harm our overall business.

    Certain liens may arise on our containers.

        Depot operators, repairmen and transporters may come into possession of our containers from time to time and have sums due to them from the lessees or sublessees of the containers. In the event of nonpayment of those charges by the lessees or sublessees, we may be delayed in, or entirely barred from, repossessing the containers, or be required to make payments or incur expenses to discharge such liens on the containers.

    The lack of an international title registry for containers increases the risk of ownership disputes.

        There is no internationally recognized system of recordation or filing to evidence our title to containers nor is there an internationally recognized system for filing security interest in containers. Although this has not occurred to date, the lack of a title recordation system with respect to containers could result in disputes with lessees, end-users, or third parties who may improperly claim ownership of the containers.

    As a U.S. corporation, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and a determination that we violated this act may affect our business and operations adversely.

        As a U.S. corporation, we are subject to the regulations imposed by the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business. Any determination that we have violated the FCPA could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

    As a U.S. corporation, we are subject to U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. Treasury Sanctions Regulations regarding doing business in or with certain nations and specially designated nationals (SDNs).

        As a U.S. corporation, we are subject to U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. Treasury sanctions regulations restricting or prohibiting business dealings in or with certain nations and with certain specially designated nationals (individuals and legal entities). Any determination that we have violated such Executive Orders and U.S. Treasury sanctions regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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    We may incur increased costs associated with the implementation of new security regulations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        We may be subject to regulations promulgated in various countries, including the United States, seeking to protect the integrity of international commerce and prevent the use of containers for international terrorism or other illicit activities. For example, the Container Safety Initiative, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and Operation Safe Commerce are among the programs administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that are designed to enhance security for cargo moving throughout the international transportation system by identifying existing vulnerabilities in the supply chain and developing improved methods for ensuring the security of containerized cargo entering and leaving the United States. Moreover, the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972 (CSC), as amended, adopted by the International Maritime Organization, applies to containers and seeks to maintain a high level of safety of human life in the transport and handling of containers by providing uniform international safety regulations. As these regulations develop and change, we may incur increased compliance costs due to the acquisition of new, compliant containers and/or the adaptation of existing containers to meet any new requirements imposed by such regulations. Additionally, certain companies are currently developing or may in the future develop products designed to enhance the security of containers transported in international commerce. Regardless of the existence of current or future government regulations mandating the safety standards of intermodal shipping containers, our competitors may adopt such products or our customers may require that we adopt such products in the conduct of our container leasing business. In responding to such market pressures, we may incur increased costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

    Terrorist attacks could negatively impact our operations and our profitability and may expose us to liability and reputational damage.

        Terrorist attacks may negatively affect our operations. Such attacks have contributed to economic instability in the United States and elsewhere, and further acts of terrorism, violence or war could similarly affect world trade and the industries in which we and our customers operate. In addition, terrorist attacks or hostilities may directly impact ports our containers come in and out of, depots, our physical facilities or those of our suppliers or customers and could impact our sales and our supply chain. A severe disruption to the worldwide ports system and flow of goods could result in a reduction in the level of international trade and lower demand for our containers. The consequences of any terrorist attacks or hostilities are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our operations.

        It is also possible that one of our containers could be involved in a terrorist attack. Although our lease agreements require our lessees to indemnify us against all damages arising out of the use of our containers, and we carry insurance to potentially offset any costs in the event that our customer indemnifications prove to be insufficient, our insurance does not cover certain types of terrorist attacks, and we may not be fully protected from liability or the reputational damage that could arise from a terrorist attack which utilizes one of our containers.

    Environmental liability may adversely affect our business and financial situation.

        We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of pollutants to air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the cleanup of contaminated sites. We could incur substantial costs, including cleanup costs, fines and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury, as a result of violations of or liabilities under environmental laws and regulations in connection with our current or historical operations. Under some environmental laws in the United States and certain other countries, the owner of a leased container may be liable for

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environmental damage, cleanup or other costs in the event of a spill or discharge of material from a container without regard to the owner's fault. We have not yet experienced any such claims, although we cannot assure you that we will not be subject to such claims in the future. Liability insurance policies, including ours, usually exclude claims for environmental damage. Some of our lessees may have separate insurance coverage for environmental damage, but we cannot assure you that any such policies would cover or otherwise offset any liability we may have as the owner of a leased container. Our standard master tank container lease agreement insurance clause requires our tank container lessees to provide pollution liability insurance. Such insurance or indemnities may not fully protect us against damages arising from environmental damage.

        Many countries, including the United States, restrict, prohibit or otherwise regulate the use of chlorofluorocarbon compounds ("CFCs") due to their ozone depleting and global warming effects. Over 99% of our refrigerated containers currently use R134A or 404A refrigerant. While R134A and 404A do not contain CFC's, the European Union has instituted regulations to phase out the use of R134A in automobile air conditioning systems beginning in 2011 due to concern that the release of R134A into the atmosphere may contribute to global warming. While the European Union regulations do not currently restrict the use of 134A in refrigerated containers or trailers, it is possible that the phase out of R134A in automobile air conditioning systems will be extended to intermodal containers in the future. If future regulations prohibit the use or servicing of containers using R134A or 404A refrigerants, we could be forced to incur large retrofitting expenses. In addition, refrigerated containers that are not retrofitted may become difficult to lease and command lower prices in the market for used containers once we retire these containers from our fleet.

        An additional environmental concern affecting our operations relates to the construction materials used in our dry containers. The floors of dry containers are plywood usually made from tropical hardwoods. Due to concerns regarding de-forestation of tropical rain forests and climate change, many countries which have been the source of these hardwoods have implemented severe restrictions on the cutting and export of these woods. Accordingly, container manufacturers have switched a significant portion of production to more readily available alternatives such as birch, bamboo, and other farm grown wood species. Container users are also evaluating alternative designs that would limit the amount of plywood required and are also considering possible synthetic materials to replace the plywood. These new woods or other alternatives have not proven their durability over the 13-15 year life of a dry container and if they cannot perform as well as the hardwoods have historically the future repair and operating costs for these containers could be significantly higher.

    Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could reduce our profitability.

        The majority of our revenues and costs are billed in U.S. dollars. Most of our non-U.S. dollar transactions are individually of small amounts and in various denominations and thus are not suitable for cost-effective hedging. In addition, almost all of our container purchases are paid for in U.S. dollars.

        Our operations and used container sales in locations outside of the U.S. have some exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, and trade growth and the direction of trade flows can be influenced by large changes in relative currency values. Adverse or large exchange rate fluctuations may negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.

        Most of our equipment fleet is manufactured in China. Although the purchase price is in U.S. dollars, our manufacturers pay labor and other costs in the local currency, the Chinese Yuan. To the extent that our manufacturers' costs increase due to changes in the valuation of the Chinese Yuan, the dollar price we pay for equipment could be affected.

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    Increases in the cost of or the lack of availability of insurance could increase our risk exposure and reduce our profitability.

        Our lessees and depots are required to maintain all risks physical damage insurance, comprehensive general liability insurance and to indemnify us against loss. We also maintain our own contingent liability insurance and off-hire physical damage insurance. Nevertheless, lessees' and depots' insurance or indemnities and our insurance may not fully protect us. The cost of such insurance may increase or become prohibitively expensive for us and our customers and such insurance may not continue to be available.

        We also maintain director and officer liability insurance. Potential new accounting standards and new corporate governance regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to incur substantial costs to maintain increased levels of coverage or it may not continue to be available.

    We could become subject to additional risks associated with financing of port equipment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

        The financing of port equipment such as container cranes involves additional risks such as the additional maintenance requirements for the equipment which if not followed could reduce the value of the equipment, the risk of personal injury inherent in operating this equipment, the limited remarketing opportunities for such equipment, the increased risk of technical obsolescence of such equipment and the high cost of transporting the equipment should it need to be repositioned.

    We are a "controlled company" within the meaning established by the New York Stock Exchange and, as a result, qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

        The Resolute Fund, L.P., its affiliated funds and the other parties to a shareholders agreement among the investors who acquired our company in November 2004, management and certain of our other shareholders, as a group, control a majority of our outstanding common stock, and, as a result, we are considered a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the New York Stock Exchange. Under these rules, a "controlled company" is exempt from complying with certain corporate governance requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that we have a nominating/corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors and (3) the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors. As a result, our board of directors does not consist of a majority of independent directors nor does our board of directors have compensation and nominating/corporate governance committees consisting entirely of independent directors. Accordingly, investors do not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

    Our strategy to selectively pursue complementary acquisitions and joint ventures may present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs.

        We may selectively pursue complementary acquisitions and joint ventures. Acquisitions involve a number of risks and present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including:

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        In addition, we may encounter unforeseen obstacles or costs in the integration of acquired businesses. Also, the presence of one or more material liabilities of an acquired company that are unknown to us at the time of acquisition may have a material adverse effect on our business. Our acquisition and joint venture strategy may not be successfully received by customers, and we may not realize any anticipated benefits from acquisitions or joint ventures.

    The price of our common stock may be highly volatile and may decline regardless of our operating performance.

        The trading price of our common shares is likely to be subject to wide fluctuations. Factors affecting the trading price of our common shares may include:

        In addition, if the market for intermodal equipment leasing company stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common shares could decline for reasons unrelated to our business or financial results. The trading price of our common shares might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us.

    If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they downgrade our stock, the price of our stock could decline.

        The trading market for our common shares relies in part on the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our business or our industry. We have no influence or control over these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrades our stock, the price of our stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.

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    Our failure to comply with required public company corporate governance and financial reporting practices and regulations could materially and adversely impact our financial condition, operating results and the price of our common stock.

        The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. If we do not maintain compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identify deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, we could suffer a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which could cause the market price of our stock to decline. We can also be subject to sanctions or investigations by the New York Stock Exchange, the Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory authorities for failure to comply with public company corporate governance and financial reporting practices and regulations.

    Our internal controls over financial reporting may not detect all errors or omissions in the financial statements.

        Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and a report by our independent registered public accounting firm. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of internal controls over financial accounting, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations. Although our management has concluded that adequate internal control procedures are currently in place, no system of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that the financial statements are accurate and free of material errors. As a result, the risk exists that our internal controls may not detect all errors or omissions in the financial statements.

    Adverse changes in business conditions could negatively impact our income tax provision or cash payments.

        Our net deferred tax liability balance includes a deferred tax asset for U.S. federal and various states resulting from net operating loss carryforwards. A reduction to our future earnings, which will lower taxable income, may require us to record a charge against earnings, in the form of a valuation allowance, if it is determined it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of the loss carryforwards will not be realized.

        In addition, under certain conditions, if our future investment in new container and chassis operating leases is significantly less than estimated, we may fail to benefit from future accelerated depreciation for income tax purposes. If this occurs we could pay significant income taxes sooner than we currently project.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

        Office Locations.    As of December 31, 2009, our employees are located in 18 offices in 11 different countries. We have 7 offices in the U.S. including our headquarters in Purchase, New York. We have 11 offices outside the U.S. We lease all of our office space.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        From time to time we are a party to litigation matters arising in connection with the normal course of our business. While we cannot predict the outcome of these matters, in the opinion of our

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management, any liability arising from these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our business. Nevertheless, unexpected adverse future events, such as an unforeseen development in our existing proceedings, a significant increase in the number of new cases or changes in our current insurance arrangements could result in liabilities that have a material adverse impact on our business.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of TAL International Group, Inc. during the fourth quarter of 2009.


PART II

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

        Our common stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TAL" since October 12, 2005. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock.

        The following table reflects the range of high and low sales prices, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, for our common stock in each quarter of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
  High   Low  

2009:

             

Fourth Quarter

  $ 15.19   $ 11.10  

Third Quarter

  $ 14.65   $ 8.81  

Second Quarter

  $ 11.46   $ 5.96  

First Quarter

  $ 14.40   $ 5.51  

2008:

             

Fourth Quarter

  $ 20.82   $ 8.00  

Third Quarter

  $ 26.96   $ 20.06  

Second Quarter

  $ 28.35   $ 22.51  

First Quarter

  $ 25.26   $ 19.78  

        On February 19, 2010, the closing price of a share of our common stock was $15.90, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. On that date, there were approximately 50 holders of record of the common stock and approximately 3,021 beneficial holders, based on information obtained from our transfer agent.

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PERFORMANCE GRAPH

        The graph below compares our cumulative shareholder returns with the S&P 500 Stock Index and the Russell 2000 Stock Index for the period from October 12, 2005 (the date our common stock began trading) to December 31, 2009. The graph assumes the investment of $100 as of October 12, 2005 and the reinvestment of all dividends.


Comparison of Cumulative Five Year Total Return

GRAPHIC

 
   
  INDEXED RETURNS
Years Ending
 
 
  Base
Period
10/12/05
 
Company / Index   12/31/05   12/31/06   12/31/07   12/31/08   12/31/09  

TAL International Group, Inc

    100     114.72     151.18     136.68     92.01     86.66  

S&P 500 Index

    100     106.52     123.34     130.12     81.98     103.67  

Russell 2000 Index

    100     108.62     128.58     126.56     83.80     107.94  

Dividends

        We paid the following quarterly dividends during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 on our issued and outstanding common stock:

Record Date
  Payment Date   Aggregate Payment   Per Share Payment  

December 1, 2009

    December 22, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

September 3, 2009

    September 24, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

June 2, 2009

    June 23, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

March 12, 2009

    March 26, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

November 19, 2008

    December 10, 2008   $ 13.4 million   $ 0.4125  

August 21, 2008

    September 12, 2008   $ 13.5 million   $ 0.4125  

May 22, 2008

    June 12, 2008   $ 13.4 million   $ 0.4125  

March 20, 2008

    April 10, 2008   $ 12.2 million   $ 0.3750  

        Beginning in the first quarter of 2010, we increased our quarterly cash dividend to $0.25 per share. We cannot provide any assurance as to future dividends because they depend on our future earnings, capital requirements, and financial condition.

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Stock Repurchase Program

        On March 13, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the repurchase of our common stock. The stock repurchase program, as now amended, authorizes us to repurchase up to 4.0 million shares of our common stock.

        Our share purchase activity during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 is summarized in the following table:

Period
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
  Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 

October 1 — 31, 2009

                1,094,619  

November 1 — 30, 2009

    103,790   $ 12.10     103,790     990,829  

December 1 — 31, 2009

                990,829  

        Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and/or privately negotiated transactions at such times and in such amounts as a committee of our Board of Directors deems appropriate. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, restrictions regarding a repurchase program included in our credit facilities and other market conditions. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be limited or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time without prior notice.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds From Registered Securities

        None.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from our proxy statement to be issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of our Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2010, which proxy statement will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

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ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth certain selected historical financial, operating and other data of TAL International Group, Inc. The selected historical consolidated statement of operations data, balance sheet data and other financial data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and related notes. The data below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by reference to, our Management's Discussion and Analysis and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future period.

        All actual common share and per share data have been adjusted to retroactively reflect the 101.5052-to-1 stock split that occurred on October 5, 2005.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2009
  Year Ended
December 31,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31,
2007
  Year Ended
December 31,
2006
  Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Statement of Operations Data:

                               

Leasing revenues

  $ 309,261   $ 319,292   $ 286,273   $ 273,157   $ 287,218  

Equipment trading revenues

    39,693     95,394     49,214     23,665     24,244  

Management fee income

    2,629     3,136     5,475     6,454     6,482  

Other revenues

    954     2,170     2,303     2,301     2,383  
                       
 

Total revenues

    352,537     419,992     343,265     305,577     320,327  
                       

Operating expenses (income):

                               

Equipment trading expenses

    37,538     84,216     43,920     21,863     21,715  

Direct operating expenses

    36,942     28,246     28,552     25,938     27,635  

Administrative expenses

    40,908     46,154     39,843     36,950     39,428  

Depreciation and amortization

    115,688     110,450     101,670     103,849     115,138  

Provision (reversal) for doubtful accounts

    545     4,878     792     (529 )   697  

Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment

    (9,278 )   (23,534 )   (12,119 )   (6,242 )   (9,665 )

Net (gain) on sale of container portfolios

    (185 )   (2,789 )            
                       
   

Total operating expenses

    222,158     247,621     202,658     181,829     194,948  
                       
     

Operating income

    130,379     172,371     140,607     123,748     125,379  

Other expenses (income):

                               

Interest and debt expense(1)

    68,807     64,983     52,129     47,578     72,379  

Write-off of deferred financing costs(2)

        250     204     2,367     43,503  

(Gain) on debt extinguishment(3)

    (14,130 )   (23,772 )            

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swaps(4)

    (35,152 )   76,047     27,883     8,282     (12,499 )

Management fees(5)

                    4,878  
                       
 

Total other expenses

    19,525     117,508     80,216     58,227     108,261  
                       

Income before income taxes

    110,854     54,863     60,391     65,521     17,118  

Income tax expense

    39,268     19,067     21,600     23,388     7,446  
                       
 

Net income

    71,586     35,796     38,791     42,133     9,672  

Preferred stock dividends and accretion to redemption value

                    (19,868 )
                       
 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders

  $ 71,586   $ 35,796   $ 38,791   $ 42,133   $ (10,196 )
                       

Earnings (Loss) Per Share Data:

                               

Basic income (loss) per share applicable to common stockholders

  $ 2.31   $ 1.10   $ 1.17   $ 1.28   $ (0.68 )

Diluted income (loss) per share applicable to common stockholders

  $ 2.30   $ 1.09   $ 1.16   $ 1.26   $ (0.68 )

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

                               
 

Basic

    31,021,339     32,572,901     33,183,252     32,987,077     14,912,242  
 

Diluted

    31,072,265     32,693,320     33,369,958     33,430,438     14,912,242  

Cash dividends paid per common share

  $ 0.04   $ 1.61   $ 1.43   $ 0.45      

(1)
Higher interest and debt expense in 2005 of $72.4 million was the result of changes in our capital structure resulting from the Acquisition, which increased debt levels and effective interest rates.

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(2)
Write-off of deferred financing costs in 2005 of $43.5 million was due to refinancing and repayment of various debt facilities in 2005.

(3)
Gain on debt extinguishment of $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 was due to the repurchase of a portion of the Series 2006-1 Term Notes. Gain on debt extinguishment of $23.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 was due to the repurchase of a portion of the Series 2006-1 Term Notes.

(4)
Unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps are primarily due to changes in interest rates. The swaps were designated as hedges during the period from November 2005 to April 2006. For all other periods, changes in fair value of the swaps were recorded to the statement of operations.

(5)
Management fees of $4.9 million in 2005 payable pursuant to certain management agreements were terminated upon completion of the initial public offering in October 2005.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2009
  Year Ended
December 31,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31,
2007
  Year Ended
December 31,
2006
  Year Ended
December 31,
2005
 

Balance Sheet Data (end of period):

                               

Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash)

  $ 73,604   $ 56,958   $ 70,695   $ 58,167   $ 27,259  

Accounts receivable, net

    33,086     42,335     41,637     39,318     36,470  

Revenue earning assets, net

    1,603,819     1,764,522     1,500,056     1,253,877     1,135,026  

Total assets

    1,800,978     1,955,498     1,705,887     1,455,663     1,304,268  

Total debt

    1,161,298     1,351,036     1,174,654     958,317     872,627  

Stockholders' equity

    418,829     364,471     393,477     398,750     379,967  

Other Financial Data:

                               

Capital expenditures

  $ 57,957   $ 492,635   $ 392,883   $ 253,340   $ 186,133  

Proceeds from sale of equipment leasing fleet, net of selling costs

   
69,473
   
83,956
   
63,006
   
58,462
   
90,481
 

Selected Fleet Data(1):

                               

Dry container units(2)

    592,953     640,838     576,887     547,172     523,533  

Refrigerated container units(2)

    36,061     37,740     37,511     35,038     35,631  

Special container units(2)

    47,857     50,893     45,668     42,183     43,414  

Trader(2)

    14,947     16,735     14,583     8,815     10,123  

Chassis(2)

    8,778     8,796     7,955     6,579     1,210  

Tank container units(2)

    1,350     1,319     110          
                       
 

Total container units/chassis(2)

    701,946     756,321     682,714     639,787     613,911  
                       

Total containers/chassis in TEU(2)

    1,139,523     1,224,452     1,111,164     1,037,323     988,295  

Average utilization %(3)

    88.0 %   94.4 %   94.9 %   92.6 %   93.2 %

(1)
Includes our operating fleet (which is comprised of our owned and managed fleet) plus certain other units including finance leases.

(2)
Calculated as of the end of the relevant period.

(3)
Average utilization is computed by dividing our total units on lease by the total units in our fleet excluding new units not yet leased.

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ITEM 7:    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The statements in this discussion regarding industry outlook, our expectations regarding our future performance, liquidity and capital resources and other non-historical statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" as discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements.

Our Company

        We are one of the world's largest and oldest lessors of intermodal containers and chassis. Intermodal containers are large, standardized steel boxes used to transport freight by ship, rail or truck. Because of the handling efficiencies they provide, intermodal containers are the primary means by which many goods and materials are shipped internationally. Chassis are used for the transportation of containers domestically.

        We operate our business in one industry, intermodal transportation equipment, and have two business segments:

Operations

        Our consolidated operations include the acquisition, leasing, re-leasing and subsequent sale of multiple types of intermodal containers and chassis. As of December 31, 2009, our total fleet consisted of 701,946 containers and chassis, including 31,137 containers under management for third parties, representing 1,139,523 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). We have an extensive global presence, offering leasing services through 18 offices in 11 countries and 199 third party container depot facilities in 37 countries as of December 31, 2009. Our customers are among the world's largest shipping lines and include, among others, APL-NOL, CMA CGM, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company and NYK Line. For the year ended December 31, 2009, our twenty largest customers accounted for 77% of our leasing revenues, our five largest customers accounted for 52% of our leasing revenues, and our largest customer accounted for 17% of our leasing revenues.

        We primarily lease three principal types of equipment: (1) dry freight containers, which are used for general cargo such as manufactured component parts, consumer staples, electronics and apparel, (2) refrigerated containers, which are used for perishable items such as fresh and frozen foods, and (3) special containers, which are used for heavy and oversized cargo such as marble slabs, building products and machinery. We also lease chassis, which are used for the transportation of containers domestically, and tank containers, which are used to transport bulk liquid products such as chemicals. We also finance port equipment, which includes container cranes, reach stackers and other related equipment. Our in-house equipment sales group manages the sale process for our used containers and chassis from our equipment leasing fleet and buys and sells used and new containers and chassis acquired from third parties.

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        As of December 31, 2009, the percentages of our equipment fleet and leasing revenues by equipment type are as follows:

Equipment Type
  Percent of total
fleet units
  Percent of
leasing revenue
 

Dry

    85 %   59 %

Refrigerated

    5     25  

Special

    7     12  

Chassis

    1     3  

Tank

        1  
           
 

Equipment leasing fleet

    98     100  

Equipment trading fleet

    2      
           
   

Total

    100 %   100 %
           

        The following tables provide the composition of our equipment fleet as of the dates indicated below (in both units and TEU's):

 
  Equipment Fleet in Units  
 
  December 31, 2009   December 31, 2008   December 31, 2007  
 
  Owned   Managed   Total   Owned   Managed   Total   Owned   Managed   Total  

Dry

    564,885     28,068     592,953     610,759     30,079     640,838     549,800     27,087     576,887  

Refrigerated

    35,611     450     36,061     37,119     621     37,740     36,650     861     37,511  

Special

    45,238     2,619     47,857     48,054     2,839     50,893     42,049     3,619     45,668  

Tank

    1,350         1,350     1,319         1,319     110         110  

Chassis

    8,778         8,778     8,796         8,796     7,955         7,955  
                                       
 

Equipment leasing fleet

    655,862     31,137     686,999     706,047     33,539     739,586     636,564     31,567     668,131  

Equipment trading fleet

    14,947         14,947     16,735         16,735     14,583         14,583  
                                       
   

Total

    670,809     31,137     701,946     722,782     33,539     756,321     651,147     31,567     682,714  
                                       
   

Percentage

    95.6 %   4.4 %   100.0 %   95.6 %   4.4 %   100.0 %   95.4 %   4.6 %   100.0 %
                                       

 

 
  Equipment Fleet in TEU's  
 
  December 31, 2009   December 31, 2008   December 31, 2007  
 
  Owned   Managed   Total   Owned   Managed   Total   Owned   Managed   Total  

Dry

    899,599     50,426     950,025     968,772     53,692     1,022,464     886,816     47,315     934,131  

Refrigerated

    65,971     758     66,729     68,270     1,022     69,292     66,625     1,436     68,061  

Special

    77,617     4,255     81,872     82,322     4,624     86,946     69,544     6,023     75,567  

Tank

    1,400         1,400     1,369         1,369     110         110  

Chassis

    15,612         15,612     15,645         15,645     13,924         13,924  
                                       
 

Equipment leasing fleet

    1,060,199     55,439     1,115,638     1,136,378     59,338     1,195,716     1,037,019     54,774     1,091,793  

Equipment trading fleet

    23,885         23,885     28,736         28,736     19,371         19,371  
                                       
   

Total

    1,084,084     55,439     1,139,523     1,165,114     59,338     1,224,452     1,056,390     54,774     1,111,164  
                                       
   

Percentage

    95.1 %   4.9 %   100.0 %   95.2 %   4.8 %   100.0 %   95.1 %   4.9 %   100.0 %
                                       

        We generally lease our equipment on a per diem basis to our customers under three types of leases: long-term leases, finance leases and service leases. Long-term leases, typically with initial contractual terms ranging from three to eight years, provide us with stable cash flow and low transaction costs by requiring customers to maintain specific units on-hire for the duration of the lease. Finance leases, which are typically structured as full payout leases, provide for a predictable recurring revenue stream with the lowest daily cost to the customer because customers are generally required to retain the equipment for the duration of its useful life. Service leases command a premium per diem

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rate in exchange for providing customers with a greater level of operational flexibility by allowing the pick-up and drop-off of units during the lease term. We also have expired long-term leases whose fixed terms have ended but for which the related units remain on-hire and for which we continue to receive rental payments pursuant to the terms of the initial contract. Some leases have contractual terms that have features reflective of both long-term and service leases and we classify such leases as either long-term or service leases, depending upon which features we believe are more predominant.

        The following table provides a summary of our lease portfolio by lease type, based on total on-hire units as of the dates indicated below:

Lease Portfolio
  December 31,
2009
  December 31,
2008
  December 31,
2007
 

Long-term leases

    67.7 %   60.3 %   59.0 %

Finance leases

    11.5     9.9     10.9  

Service leases

    16.5     20.3     23.5  

Expired long-term leases (units on hire)

    4.3     9.5     6.6  
               

Total

    100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
               

        During 2009, we reached agreements with several of our customers that limit the total number of containers that could be returned from expired leases. We have included the maximum number of containers that can be returned during the limitation periods as expired term leases, while the balance of the affected units are included in current term leases. As of December 31, 2009, our long-term leases had an average remaining contract term of approximately 43 months, assuming no leases are renewed.

Operating Performance

        Our profitability is primarily determined by the extent to which our leasing and other revenues exceed our ownership, operating and administrative expenses. Our profitability is also impacted by the gain or loss that we realize on the sale of our used equipment and the net sales margins on our equipment trading activities.

        Our leasing revenues are primarily driven by our owned fleet size, utilization and average rental rates. In 2009, our leasing revenues decreased throughout the year due to a shrinking fleet size, a drop in utilization and decreasing leasing rates.

        As of December 31, 2009, our owned fleet included 1,084,084 TEUs, a decrease of 7.0% from December 31, 2008. The decrease in fleet size during 2009 was mainly due to the small amount of new containers purchased in 2009 combined with our normal disposal of used containers. According to Clarkson Research Services ("Clarkson"), global containerized trade volumes decreased by approximately 10% in 2009, and our shipping line customers aggressively decreased the number of containers in their fleets, especially in the first two quarters of the year. As a result, the size of our idle container inventory rapidly increased during the first half of 2009, and we significantly reduced our level of fleet investment. Container trade volumes and related container lease demand began to recover during the second half of 2009. This improvement in demand has reduced the number of our idle containers, and we have re-started fleet investment in the first quarter of 2010.

        In 2009, we sold approximately 79,000 TEUs of our owned containers, or 7.0% of our owned equipment leasing fleet as of the beginning of the year. This annual disposal rate is in line with the 6 to 8% annual disposal rate we have been experiencing for the last several years, and is generally consistent with our expected long-term average disposal rate given the 12 — 14 year expected useful life of our containers. However, the rate of our disposals in 2009 did not keep pace with the rate at which older units were returned off lease, and the portion of our fleet designated as available for sale

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increased from 3.2% as of December 31, 2008 to 4.2% as of December 31, 2009. Based on our increased inventory of containers available for sale, the age profile of our leasing fleet and scheduled lease expirations, we expect that our rate of disposals will increase when the market for used container disposals improves and then remain at an above-average level for several years before decreasing significantly for several years thereafter. During years of above-average disposals, our TEU growth rate and leasing revenues may be constrained if we are unable to generate a sufficient number of attractive lease transactions for an expanded level of new container investment.

        Our average utilization was 88.0% in the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of 6.4% from the year ended December 31, 2008. Ending utilization decreased 2.1% from 92.4% as of December 31, 2008 to 90.3% as of December 31, 2009. The decrease in our utilization during 2009 was mainly due to the decrease in global containerized trade volumes and the resulting weak demand for leased containers, especially for leased dry containers. During 2009, dry container drop-offs were high and pick-ups exceptionally low for the first half of the year as our shipping line customers reacted to reduced trade volumes by decreasing the size of their operated containers fleets. In the second half of the year, a partial recovery of trade volumes led to reduced dry container drop off volumes, improved container pick-ups and a partial recovery in our utilization. The improved market conditions have continued into 2010, and we expect our utilization to continue to trend up in the first quarter of 2010.

        Utilization and leasing demand for our refrigerated containers remained solid in 2009 despite the weak economic environment. The utilization of our refrigerated containers does not heavily influence our overall utilization since they represent only 5% of the units in our fleet. However, these container types are significantly more expensive than dry containers, generate higher per diem lease rates and currently represent approximately 25% of our leasing revenues.

        Utilization of our special containers also remained relatively healthy in 2009, though we are seeing signs that leasing demand for special containers is weakening. Leasing demand for our chassis product line remained weak during 2009 due to ongoing weakness in U.S. containerized imports and an oversupply of chassis in the marketplace.

        The following tables set forth our equipment fleet utilization(1) for the periods indicated below:

Average Utilization
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Quarter Ended
December 31,
  Quarter Ended
September 30,
  Quarter Ended
June 30,
  Quarter Ended
March 31,
 

2009

    88.0 %   88.7 %   86.2 %   87.0 %   90.1 %

2008

    94.4 %   94.0 %   95.5 %   94.3 %   93.8 %

2007

    94.9 %   94.9 %   95.1 %   94.6 %   94.8 %

 

Ending Utilization
  December 31,   September 30,   June 30,   March 31,  

2009

    90.3 %   87.6 %   85.9 %   88.5 %

2008

    92.4 %   95.8 %   95.4 %   94.0 %

2007

    94.4 %   95.5 %   94.8 %   93.9 %

(1)
Utilization is computed by dividing our total units on lease by the total units in our fleet excluding new units not yet leased.

        Average lease rates for our dry container product line in 2009 were 5.4% lower compared to the average level in 2008. The decrease in average lease rates in 2009 primarily reflects the impact of lease extension transactions and other incentives provided to our customers, such as free or discounted usage periods, to encourage them to keep or pick-up containers. In addition, lease rates for containers placed on hire in 2009 were much lower than our portfolio average, while a significant portion of the containers returned to us have been from our higher per diem short-term leases. We expect our average lease rates for dry containers to gradually improve in 2010 if the recent improvement in market

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conditions is sustained, as discount periods expire and as containers are supplied to leases at higher rates.

Average lease rates for refrigerated containers in 2009 were 4.6% lower compared to 2008, while average rental rates for our special containers were 1.1% lower during 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease in average lease rates for our refrigerated containers was primarily due to lease rate concessions provided to certain customers for lease extension transactions. In addition, market leasing rates for new refrigerated containers are still below our portfolio average rates due to lower container prices, so we generally expect our average rates for refrigerated containers to continue to trend down. The decrease in average leasing rates for special containers was primarily due to discounts associated with lease extension transactions and weaker demand.

        During 2009, we recognized a $9.3 million gain on the sale of our used containers compared to a $23.5 million gain in 2008. The decrease compared to 2008 mainly resulted from a decrease in selling prices for our used containers. Used container selling prices decreased this year due to weak demand for used containers as well as the slowdown in global containerized trade and the resulting increase in worldwide idle container inventories. In addition, in 2009 we recorded a $1.5 million loss on new factory units placed on a finance lease. These units were purchased in 2008 when equipment prices were historically high and we leased them out in 2009 at a lower implied price per container. We recognize an up-front gain or loss when we place existing equipment on finance leases and the market value of the equipment is different from our net book value. We do not incur up-front gains or losses when we place existing equipment on operating leases.

        During 2009, we recognized a net equipment trading margin of $2.2 million on the sale of equipment purchased for resale, compared to an $11.2 million margin in 2008. In 2009, our trading volume was considerably lower than in 2008 due to the weaker disposal environment and our decision to reduce our purchases of trading equipment in order to focus our efforts on the sale of our owned equipment. In addition, our per unit trading margin was pressured by decreasing used container selling prices in 2009.

        Our ownership expenses, principally depreciation and interest expense, increased by $8.8 million, or 5% in 2009 as compared to 2008. Although we purchased very few new containers during 2009 we invested heavily in containers during 2008 and this resulted in the average book value of our revenue earning assets increasing 3.2% in 2009 as compared to 2008.

        Depreciation increased 4.7% in 2009 compared to 2008, primarily due to new equipment purchases made throughout 2008 which had a full year's depreciation in 2009. Interest expense increased 5.5% in 2009 compared to 2008 primarily due to an increase in our effective interest rate.

        For 2009, our provision for doubtful accounts was $0.5 million, down from a provision of $4.9 million in 2008. During 2009, we experienced several small customer defaults which were largely offset by a partial reversal of provisions made in 2008 due to better than expected container recoveries. During the third and fourth quarters of 2008, we recorded sizable credit provisions primarily due to the default on a finance lease by one of our customers, and we recorded additional provisions to increase the loss reserves for the remaining leases in the finance lease portfolio.

        While our provisions for doubtful accounts were limited in 2009, we remain concerned that we may see an increase in the number and size of customer defaults due to the ongoing severe market conditions our customers are facing. Many of our customers were in the middle of major expansion programs when trade volumes collapsed at the end of 2008, and vessel capacity is expected to increase for the next several years despite the recent reduction in trade volume growth. The combination of reduced trade volumes and increasing vessel capacity has led to substantial decreases in freight rates on the major trade lanes, and many shipping lines reported large losses during 2009. While our collections performance in 2009 was solid and the average number of days outstanding for our receivables

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remained close to where it was at the beginning of the year, several of our customers, including a few major shipping lines, missed contractual payment dates during the year. In addition, several major shipping lines, including our largest customer, are currently involved in comprehensive financial restructuring negotiations with their major creditors.

        If one of our major customers defaulted on our leases and ceased operations because of deterioration in its financial performance, we would face reduced revenues and we would likely incur significant write-offs due to lost units and recovery expenses. We do not maintain an equipment reserve for units on lease to performing customers, so a major customer default would have a significant impact on our financial statements at the time the major customer defaulted. To mitigate this impact from potential defaults, we entered into a credit insurance policy in the third quarter of 2009 that in certain circumstances covers losses and costs incurred in default situations. However, this policy has significant deductibles, exclusions and payment and other limitations, and therefore may not protect us from losses arising from customer defaults.

        Our direct operating expenses were $36.9 million in 2009, compared to $28.2 million in 2008. We incurred significantly more repair and storage costs in 2009 due to the increased level of drop-offs and idle containers.

Dividends

        We paid the following quarterly dividends during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 on our issued and outstanding common stock:

Record Date
  Payment Date   Aggregate Payment   Per Share Payment  

December 1, 2009

    December 22, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

September 3, 2009

    September 24, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

June 2, 2009

    June 23, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

March 12, 2009

    March 26, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

November 19, 2008

    December 10, 2008   $ 13.4 million   $ 0.4125  

August 21, 2008

    September 12, 2008   $ 13.5 million   $ 0.4125  

May 22, 2008

    June 12, 2008   $ 13.4 million   $ 0.4125  

March 20, 2008

    April 10, 2008   $ 12.2 million   $ 0.3750  

Treasury Stock

        We repurchased the following amounts of Treasury shares:

Year
  Shares Purchased   Amount Paid  

2009

    1,953,692   $ 17.4 million  

2008

    643,200   $ 10.9 million  

2007

    276,029   $ 6.3 million  

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Results of Operations

        The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 in dollars (in thousands) and as a percentage of total revenues.

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  Dollars   Percent   Dollars   Percent   Dollars   Percent  

Leasing revenues

  $ 309,261     87.7 % $ 319,292     76.0 % $ 286,273     83.4 %

Equipment trading revenues

    39,693     11.2     95,394     22.7     49,214     14.3  

Management fee income

    2,629     0.8     3,136     0.8     5,475     1.6  

Other revenues

    954     0.3     2,170     0.5     2,303     0.7  
                           
 

Total revenues

    352,537     100.0     419,992     100.0     343,265     100.0  
                           

Operating expenses (income):

                                     

Equipment trading expenses

    37,538     10.6     84,216     20.1     43,920     12.8  

Direct operating expenses

    36,942     10.5     28,246     6.7     28,552     8.3  

Administrative expenses

    40,908     11.6     46,154     11.0     39,843     11.6  

Depreciation and amortization

    115,688     32.8     110,450     26.3     101,670     29.6  

Provision for doubtful accounts

    545     0.2     4,878     1.2     792     0.3  

Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment

    (9,278 )   (2.6 )   (23,534 )   (5.6 )   (12,119 )   (3.6 )

Net (gain) on sale of container portfolios

    (185 )   (0.1 )   (2,789 )   (0.7 )        
                           
 

Total operating expenses

    222,158     63.0     247,621     59.0     202,658     59.0  
                           
   

Operating income

    130,379     37.0     172,371     41.0     140,607     41.0  

Other expenses (income):

                                     

Interest and debt expense (including write-off of deferred financing costs of $0, $250, and $204)

    68,807     19.5     65,233     15.6     52,333     15.3  

(Gain) on debt extinguishment

    (14,130 )   (4.0 )   (23,772 )   (5.7 )        

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swaps

    (35,152 )   (10.0 )   76,047     18.1     27,883     8.1  
                           
 

Total other expenses

    19,525     5.5     117,508     28.0     80,216     23.4  
                           

Income before income taxes

   
110,854
   
31.5
   
54,863
   
13.0
   
60,391
   
17.6
 

Income tax expense

    39,268     11.2     19,067     4.5     21,600     6.3  
                           
 

Net income

  $ 71,586     20.3 % $ 35,796     8.5 % $ 38,791     11.3 %
                           

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2009 to Year Ended December 31, 2008

        Leasing revenues.    The principal components of our leasing revenues are presented in the following table. Per diem revenue represents revenue earned under operating lease contracts; fee and ancillary lease revenue represent fees billed for the pick-up and drop-off of containers in certain geographic

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locations and billings of certain reimbursable operating costs such as repair and handling expenses; and finance lease revenue represents interest income earned under finance lease contracts.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Leasing revenues:

             
 

Operating lease revenues:

             
   

Per diem revenue

  $ 256,879   $ 266,978  
   

Fee and ancillary lease revenue

    31,880     31,935  
           
   

Total operating lease revenue

    288,759     298,913  
           
 

Finance lease revenues

    20,502     20,379  
           
   

Total leasing revenues

  $ 309,261   $ 319,292  
           

        Total leasing revenues were $309.3 million for 2009, compared to $319.3 million for 2008, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 3.1%.

        Per diem revenue decreased by $10.1 million compared to 2008. The primary reasons for the decrease are as follows:

        Fee and ancillary lease revenue as well as finance lease revenue remained relatively unchanged from the 2008 level.

        Equipment trading activities.    Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds on the sale of equipment purchased for resale. Equipment trading expenses represent the cost of equipment sold, including costs associated with the acquisition, maintenance and selling of trading inventory, such as positioning, repairs, handling and storage costs, and estimated direct selling and administrative costs.

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Equipment trading revenues

  $ 39,693   $ 95,394  

Equipment trading expenses

    (37,538 )   (84,216 )
           
 

Equipment trading margin

  $ 2,155   $ 11,178  
           

        The equipment trading margin decreased $9.0 million compared to 2008. The trading margin decreased by $6.6 million due to a lower per unit trading margin and by $2.7 million due to a lower volume of units sold. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in selling costs and administrative expenses related to the volume of units sold. We typically experience a lag of several

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months between the time that we buy and sell used containers, and in periods of falling prices inventory losses reduce our sales margins.

        Direct operating expenses.    Direct operating expenses primarily consist of our costs to repair equipment returned off lease, to store the equipment when it is not on lease, and to reposition equipment that has been returned to locations with weak leasing demand.

        Direct operating expenses were $36.9 million for 2009, compared to $28.2 million for 2008, an increase of $8.7 million. The primary reasons for the increase are outlined below:

        Administrative expenses.    Administrative expenses were $40.9 million for 2009, compared to $46.2 million for 2008, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 13.0%. This decrease was mainly due to lower employee incentive costs of $3.0 million, lower foreign exchange losses of $0.8 million, lower travel expenses of $0.7 million, and lower consulting fees of $0.7 million.

        Depreciation and amortization.    Depreciation and amortization was $115.7 million for 2009, compared to $110.5 million for 2008, an increase of $5.2 million, or 4.7%. Depreciation increased by $18.5 million due to a larger depreciable fleet, resulting from our large investment in equipment in 2008. This increase was partially offset by a $9.3 million decrease due to another vintage year of older equipment becoming fully depreciated in the fourth quarter of 2008 and a $3.7 million decrease due to disposals.

        Provision for doubtful accounts.    There was a provision for doubtful accounts of $0.5 million for 2009, compared to $4.9 million for 2008, a decrease of $4.4 million. In 2008, a $2.7 million reserve was established for amounts estimated to be uncollectible under a finance lease receivable for one of our customers, as well as an additional provision of $1.4 million against our finance lease portfolio for expected uncollectible accounts. In 2009, the provision for several small customer defaults was largely off-set by the reversal of certain provisions recorded in 2008 due to better than expected container recoveries.

        Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment.    Gain on sale of equipment was $9.3 million for 2009, compared to a gain of $23.5 million for 2008, a decrease of $14.2 million. Gain on sale decreased $12.8 million due to lower selling prices and higher selling costs. In addition, in 2009 we recorded a $1.5 million loss on new factory units placed on a finance lease. These units were purchased in 2008 when equipment prices were historically high and we leased them out in 2009 at a lower implied price per container. We recognize an up-front gain or loss when we place existing equipment on finance leases and the market value of the equipment is different from our net book value. We do not incur up-front gains or losses when we place existing equipment on operating leases.

        Net (gain) on sale of container portfolios.    Gain on sale of container portfolios was $0.2 million for 2009, and $2.8 million for 2008. In the third quarter of 2009 we sold container portfolios for total proceeds of $8.5 million, while in the third quarter of 2008 we sold container portfolios for total proceeds of $40.5 million.

        Interest and debt expense.    Interest and debt expense was $68.8 million for 2009, compared to $65.2 million for 2008, an increase of $3.6 million. The increase was primarily due to a higher effective interest rate on the Company's consolidated debt balances.

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        (Gain) on debt extinguishment.    Gain on debt extinguishment of $14.1 million (net of the write-off of deferred financing costs of approximately $0.2 million) for 2009 was due to the repurchase of a portion of the Series 2006-1 Term Notes. Gain on debt extinguishment of $23.8 million (net of the write-off of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million) for 2008 was due to the repurchase of a portion of the Series 2006-1 Term Notes.

        Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swaps.    Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps was $35.2 million for 2009, compared to an unrealized loss $76.0 million for 2008. The net fair value of the interest rate swap contracts was a net liability of $59.6 million at December 31, 2009, compared to net liability of $95.2 million at December 31, 2008. The decrease in the liability resulted from an increase in long-term interest rates during 2009.

        Income tax expense.    Income tax expense was $39.3 million for 2009, compared to $19.1 million for 2008, and the effective tax rates were 35.4% in 2009 and 34.8% in 2008. The 2008 effective tax rate was lower than 2009 primarily due to a decrease in the required state rate in 2008.

        The Company records income tax expense, with the majority of the expense recorded as a deferred income tax liability on the balance sheet. We expect this deferred liability to increase for the foreseeable future. Due to the availability of net operating loss carryovers and continued accelerated tax depreciation for our equipment, the Company currently does not pay any significant federal, state or foreign income taxes.

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2008 to Year Ended December 31, 2007

        Leasing revenues.    The principal components of our leasing revenues are presented in the following table. Per diem revenue represents revenue earned under operating lease contracts; fee and ancillary lease revenue represent fees billed for the pick-up and drop-off of containers in certain geographic locations and billings of certain reimbursable operating costs such as repair and handling expenses; and finance lease revenues represents interest income earned under finance lease contracts.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2008   2007  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Leasing revenues:

             
 

Operating lease revenues:

             
   

Per diem revenue

  $ 266,978   $ 240,409  
   

Fee and ancillary lease revenue

    31,935     27,596  
           
   

Total operating lease revenues

    298,913     268,005  
           
 

Finance lease revenues

    20,379     18,268  
           
   

Total leasing revenues

  $ 319,292   $ 286,273  
           

        Total leasing revenues were $319.3 million for 2008, compared to $286.3 million for 2007, an increase of $33.0 million, or 11.5%.

        Per diem revenue increased by $26.6 million from 2007 primarily due to an increase in fleet size, partially offset by a decrease in per diem rates. Below outlines the primary reasons for the increase:

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        Fee and ancillary lease revenue increased by $4.3 million as compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in drop off volume.

        Finance lease revenues increased by $2.1 million in 2008, primarily due to an increase in the average size of our finance lease portfolio.

        Equipment trading activities.    Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds on the sale of equipment purchased for resale. Equipment trading expenses represent the cost of equipment sold, including costs associated with the acquisition, maintenance and selling of trading inventory, such as positioning, repairs, handling and storage costs, and estimated direct selling and administrative costs.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2008   2007  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Equipment trading revenues

  $ 95,394   $ 49,214  

Equipment trading expenses

    (84,216 )   (43,920 )
           
 

Equipment trading margin

  $ 11,178   $ 5,294  
           

        The equipment trading margin increased $5.9 million for 2008 compared to 2007. The trading margin increased by $7.2 million due to a higher volume of units sold and by $1.8 million due to a higher per unit trading margin. These increases were partially offset by an increase of $3.1 million in selling costs and administrative expenses related to the volume of units sold. Equipment trading margins were higher in 2008 partially due to the upward trend in used container selling prices in 2008. We typically experience a lag of several months between the time that we buy and sell used containers, so that we benefit from inventory profits in addition to our target sales margins when prices are increasing.

        Direct operating expenses.    Direct operating expenses primarily consist of our costs to repair equipment returned off lease, to store the equipment when it is not on lease, and to reposition equipment that has been returned to locations with weak leasing demand.

        Direct operating expenses were $28.2 million for 2008, compared to $28.6 million for 2007, a decrease of $0.4 million. Below outlines the primary reasons for the decrease:

        Administrative expenses.    Administrative expenses were $46.2 million for 2008, compared to $39.8 million for 2007, an increase of $6.4 million, or 16.1%. This increase was mainly due to higher employee incentive and compensation costs of $4.2 million related to our high level of profitability growth in 2008 and $1.8 million in foreign exchanges losses in 2008 versus foreign exchange gains in 2007.

        Depreciation and amortization.    Depreciation and amortization was $110.5 million for 2008, compared to $101.7 million for 2007, an increase of $8.8 million, or 8.6%. Depreciation expense

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increased by $12.1 million due to new equipment added to the fleet and placed in service in 2008, and increased by $5.6 million due to the purchase of 57,000 TEU of older managed units in the fourth quarter of 2007. The increase in depreciation expense in 2008 was partially offset by a decrease of $9.0 million due to certain equipment becoming fully depreciated in the fourth quarter of 2007 and 2008.

        Provision for doubtful accounts.    There was a provision for doubtful accounts for $4.9 million for 2008, compared to $0.8 million for 2007, an increase of $4.1 million. The increase was primarily due to a $2.7 million reserve established for amounts estimated to be uncollectible under a finance lease receivable for one of our customers, as well as an additional provision of $1.4 million against our finance lease portfolio for expected uncollectible accounts.

        Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment.    Gain on sale of equipment was $23.5 million for 2008, compared to a gain of $12.1 million for 2007, an increase of $11.4 million. Gain on sale of equipment increased by $8.5 million due to higher selling prices for used containers, and increased by $2.9 million primarily due to higher volume of units sold.

        Net (gain) on sale of container portfolios.    Gain on the sale of container portfolios was $2.8 million for 2008. There were no sales of container portfolios for the year ended December 31, 2007. In the third quarter of 2008 we sold several container portfolios for total proceeds of $40.5 million.

        Interest and debt expense.    Interest and debt expense was $65.0 million for 2008, compared to $52.1 million for 2007, an increase of $12.9 million. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the average debt balance driven by the increase in the average size of our fleet. Our average effective interest rate was slightly lower during 2008 as compared to 2007.

        (Gain) on debt extinguishment.    Gain on debt extinguishment of $23.8 million (net of the write-off of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million) for 2008 was due to the repurchase of a portion of the Series 2006-1 Term Notes. There were no gains on debt extinguishment for 2007.

        Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps.    Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps was $76.0 million for 2008, compared to $27.9 million for 2007. The net fair value of the interest rate swap contracts was a net liability of $95.2 million at December 31, 2008, compared to net liability of $17.9 million at December 31, 2007, with the decrease in fair value due to the decrease in long-term interest rates during 2008.

        Income tax expense.    Income tax expense was $19.1 million for 2008, compared to $21.6 million for 2007, and the effective tax rate was 34.8% in 2008 compared to 35.8% in 2007. The decrease in our effective rate is primarily due to a decrease in our state tax rate.

        While we record income tax expense, we do not currently pay any significant federal, state or foreign income taxes due to the availability of net operating loss carryovers and accelerated tax depreciation for our equipment. The vast majority of the expense recorded for income taxes is recorded as a deferred income tax liability on the balance sheet. We expect the deferred income tax liability balance to grow for the foreseeable future.

Business Segments

        We operate our business in one industry, intermodal transportation equipment, and in two business segments, Equipment leasing and Equipment trading.

    Equipment leasing

        We own, lease and ultimately dispose of containers and chassis from our lease fleet, as well as manage containers owned by third parties. Equipment leasing segment revenues represent leasing

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revenues from operating and finance leases, fees earned on managed container leasing activities, as well as other revenues. Expenses related to equipment leasing include direct operating expenses, administrative expenses, depreciation expense, and interest expense. The Equipment leasing segment also includes gains and losses on the sale of owned leasing equipment.

        The following table lists selected revenue and expense items for our Equipment leasing segment for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Equipment leasing segment:

                   

Total revenues

  $ 311,875   $ 324,083   $ 293,062  

Depreciation expense

    115,429     110,400     101,670  

Interest expense

    68,004     63,797     51,656  

Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment

    (9,278 )   (23,534 )   (12,119 )

Pre-tax income(1)

    60,691     98,724     83,753  

(1)
Pre-tax income excludes unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and gain on debt extinguishment.

Segment Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2009 to Year Ended December 31, 2008

        Equipment leasing revenues.    Total revenues for the Equipment leasing segment were $311.9 million in 2009 compared to $324.1 million in 2008, a decrease of $12.2 million, or 3.8%. The primary changes are as follows:

        Fee and ancillary lease revenue as well as finance lease revenues remained relatively unchanged in 2009 from the 2008 level.

        Equipment leasing pretax income.    Pretax income for the Equipment leasing segment was $60.7 million in 2009 compared to $98.7 million in 2008, a decrease of $38.0 million, or 38.5%. The primary reasons for the decrease in pretax income are as follows:

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Segment Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2008 to Year Ended December 31, 2007

        Equipment leasing revenues.    Total revenues for the Equipment leasing segment were $324.1 million in 2008 compared to $293.1 million in 2007, an increase of $31.0 million, or 10.6%. In 2008, leasing revenues increased by $24.5 million due to a larger fleet size and by $1.8 million due to higher utilization of our leasing equipment. Fee and ancillary lease revenue increased by $4.3 million as compared to the prior year. These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million reduction in leasing revenues from lower per diem rates.

        Equipment leasing pretax income.    Pretax income for the Equipment leasing segment was $98.7 million in 2008 compared to $83.8 million in 2007, an increase of $14.9 million, or 17.8%. Equipment leasing revenues increased by $31.0 million in 2008, and the gain on the sale of leasing equipment increased by $11.4 million primarily due to higher selling prices for used containers in 2008 compared to 2007.

        The increase in revenue and gain on sale of leasing equipment were partially offset by an $8.7 million increase in depreciation expense, a $12.4 million increase in interest expense, and a $5.6 million increase in administrative expenses.

    Equipment trading

        We purchase containers from shipping line customers and other sellers of containers, and resell these containers to container traders and users of containers for storage or one-way shipment. Equipment trading segment revenues represent the proceeds on the sale of containers purchased for resale. Expenses related to equipment trading include the cost of containers purchased for resale that were sold and related selling costs, as well as direct operating expenses, administrative expenses and interest expense.

        The following table lists selected revenue and expense items for our Equipment trading segment for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007:

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (Dollars in thousands)
 

Equipment trading segment:

                   
 

Equipment trading revenues

  $ 39,693   $ 95,394   $ 49,214  
 

Equipment trading expense

    (37,538 )   (84,216 )   (43,920 )
               
   

Equipment trading margin

    2,155     11,178     5,294  
               

Interest expense

    803     1,186     473  

Pre-tax income(1)

    881     8,414     4,521  

(1)
Pre-tax income excludes unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and gain on debt extinguishment.

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Segment Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2009 to Year Ended December 31, 2008

        Equipment trading margin.    The Equipment trading margin, the difference between Equipment trading revenues and expenses, decreased $9.0 million in 2009 compared to 2008. The trading margin decreased by $6.6 million due to a lower per unit trading margin and by $2.7 million due to a lower volume of units sold. These decreases were partially offset by a decrease in selling costs and administrative expenses related to the volume of units sold.

        Equipment trading pretax income.    Pretax income for the Equipment trading segment was $0.9 million in 2009 compared to $8.4 million in 2008, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 89.3%. which was primarily due to the Equipment trading margin decrease of $9.0 million. The decrease in administrative expenses was primarily due to lower allocated corporate expenses. Corporate expenses are allocated to the equipment trading segment primarily based on the volume of units sold in the equipment trading fleet relative to total units sold from both the equipment trading and equipment leasing fleets.

Segment Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2008 to Year Ended December 31, 2007

        Equipment trading margin.    Equipment trading revenues and Equipment trading expenses increased significantly in 2008 compared to 2007 primarily due to an increase in the number of units purchased and sold. The equipment trading margin, the difference between Equipment trading revenues and expenses, increased $5.9 million in 2008 compared to 2007. The trading margin increased by $7.2 million due to a higher volume of units sold and by $1.8 million due to a higher per unit trading margin. These increases were partially offset by an increase in selling costs and administrative expenses related to the volume of units sold.

        Equipment trading pretax income.    Pretax income for the Equipment trading segment was $8.4 million in 2008 compared to $4.5 million in 2007, an increase of $3.9 million, or 86.7%. The Equipment trading margin increased by $5.9 million in 2008. The increase in Equipment trading margin was partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in administrative expenses and $0.7 million increase in interest expense. The increase in administrative expenses was primarily due to higher allocated corporate expenses. Corporate expenses are allocated to the equipment trading segment primarily based on the volume of units sold in the equipment trading fleet relative to total units sold from both the equipment trading and equipment leasing fleets.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows provided by operating activities, proceeds from the sale of our leasing equipment, principal payments on finance lease receivables and borrowings under our credit facilities. Our cash in-flows and borrowings are used to finance capital expenditures, meet debt service requirements, and pay dividends.

        We continue to have sizable cash in-flows. For 2009, cash provided by operating activities, together with the proceeds from the sale of our leasing equipment and principal payments on our finance leases, was $263.7 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2009 we had $59.9 million of unrestricted cash and $165.5 million of additional borrowing capacity under our current credit facilities.

        As of December 31, 2009, major committed cash outflows in the next 12 months include $91.4 million of committed but unpaid capital expenditures and $164.9 million of scheduled principal payments on our existing debt facilities.

        We believe that cash provided by operating activities and existing cash, proceeds from the sale of our leasing equipment and principal payments on our finance lease receivables will be sufficient to meet our committed obligations over the next 12 months. In addition, we were successful in securing new financing commitments in 2009 despite the challenging market for equipment financing. During

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2009, we entered into a $75 million asset backed credit facility, which was increased to $100 million in December, we entered into other term loans totaling $32.5 million, and we entered into a capital lease for $10.0 million. We expect that we will be able to secure additional financing in 2010 to support investment in our fleet.

        At December 31, 2009, our outstanding indebtedness was comprised of the following (amounts in millions):

 
  Current
Amount
Outstanding
  Current
Maximum
Borrowing
Level
 

Asset backed securitization (ABS)

             
 

Term notes — Series 2006-1

  $ 357.8   $ 357.8  
 

Term notes — Series 2005-1

    342.4     342.4  

2008 Asset backed credit facility

    209.5     225.0  

2009 Asset backed credit facility

    50.0     100.0  

Revolving credit facility

        100.0  

Finance lease facility

    38.5     38.5  

2007 Term loan facility

    26.7     26.7  

2009 Term loan facilities

    32.2     32.2  

Port equipment facility

    10.6     10.6  

Capital lease obligations

    93.6     93.6  
           
 

Total Debt

  $ 1,161.3   $ 1,326.8  
           

        The maximum commitment levels depicted in the chart above may not reflect the actual availability under all of the credit facilities. Certain of these facilities are governed by borrowing bases that limit borrowing capacity to an established percentage of relevant assets.

        Interest rates on the majority of our debt obligations are based on floating rate indices (such as LIBOR). We economically hedge the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates on our long-term borrowings by entering into interest rate swap contracts.

    Asset Backed Securitization Term Notes

        Our Asset Backed Securitization program was the primary funding source used to finance our existing container fleet and new container purchases from the program's inception in April of 2006 through the conversion of the Term Note Series 2005-1 to a term loan in April 2008. The Term Note Series 2006-1 issued in April 2006 was used to finance the majority of the containers in our fleet at that time, and the Term Notes Series 2005-1 was primarily used to finance our new container purchases between April 2006 and April 2008. The Term Note Series 2005-1 automatically converted to a nine year amortizing term loan as of April 12, 2008.

        The borrowing capacity under the ABS program is determined by applying the advance rate of 82% against the net book values of designated eligible containers plus accounts receivable for sold containers not outstanding more than 60 days plus restricted cash. The net book value for purposes of calculating our borrowing capacity is the original equipment cost depreciated over 12 years to a range of 20% to 32% of original equipment cost depending on equipment type. Under the ABS program, we are required to maintain restricted cash balances on deposit in a designated bank account equal to five months of interest expense.

        During the second quarter of 2009, we repurchased approximately $35.0 million of our Series 2006-1 Term Notes and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of $14.1 million, net of the write-off of deferred financing costs of $0.2 million. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we repurchased

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approximately $48.2 million of our Series 2006-1 Term Notes and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of $23.8 million, net of the write-off of deferred financing costs of $0.3 million.

    2008 Asset Backed Credit Facility

        On March 27, 2008, we entered into an Asset Backed Credit Facility. The facility has a revolving credit period and the current borrowing capacity under this facility is $225 million. The revolving period ends June 30, 2010, on which date the facility will convert to a term loan and amortize in equal monthly installments through June 2018. The interest rate margin will increase by 75 basis points when this facility is converted to a term loan.

        The borrowing capacity under the Asset Backed Credit Facility is determined by applying the advance rate of 82% against the net book values of designated eligible containers plus accounts receivable for sold containers not outstanding more than 60 days. The net book value for purposes of calculating our borrowing capacity is the original equipment cost depreciated over 12 years to a range of 20% to 32% of original equipment cost depending on equipment type.

    2009 Asset Backed Credit Facility

        On October 26, 2009, we entered into a $75 million Asset Backed Credit Facility, which was increased to $100 million on December 21, 2009. The facility initially has a 24 month revolving credit period, commencing on the date of the facility, followed by a four year term period. The term notes amortize on a level basis over the four year period to 60% of the outstanding balance. The interest rate margin will increase by 150 basis points if the facility is converted to a term loan at the end of the revolving credit period.

        The borrowing capacity under the Asset Backed Credit Facility is determined by applying the advance rate of 75% against the net book values of designated eligible containers plus accounts receivable for sold containers not outstanding more than 60 days. The net book value for purposes of calculating our borrowing capacity is the original equipment cost depreciated over 12 years to a range of 20% to 32% of original equipment cost depending on equipment type. Under the 2009 Asset Backed Credit Facility, we are required to maintain restricted cash balances on deposit in a designated bank account equal to three months of interest expense.

    Revolving Credit Facility

        On August 15, 2007, we entered into a Revolving Credit Agreement. The current commitment under the Revolving Credit Facility is $100.0 million and the maturity date is August 15, 2012. We are required to maintain unencumbered assets equivalent to 50% of the maximum commitment.

    Finance Lease Facility

        On July 31, 2006, we entered into a $50 million credit facility to support the growth of our finance lease business (the "Finance Lease Facility"). The Finance Lease Facility had a two year revolving period which preceded a ten year term in which the outstanding balance, as of the term conversion date, amortizes in monthly installments. The Finance Lease Facility is secured by the finance lease receivables associated with certain containers. The Finance Lease Facility has a final maturity of July 2018.

        The borrowing capacity under the Finance Lease Facility is determined by applying the advance rate of 90% against the lesser of the original equipment cost or the net present value of the minimum lease payments discounted using the facility rate at the time of borrowing.

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    2007 Term Loan Facility

        On November 19, 2007, we entered into a three year term loan, which is secured by approximately 57,000 TEU of previously managed dry and special containers that we purchased on October 1, 2007. The final maturity date of the loan is November 19, 2010. Our initial borrowing under this facility of $20.0 million was made on November 19, 2007. We made an additional borrowing under this facility of $19.9 million on January 2, 2008 pursuant to a lender commitment dated December 20, 2007.

        The borrowing capacity under the 2007 Term Loan Facility is determined by applying the advance rate of 80% against the net book values of designated eligible containers plus accounts receivable for sold containers not outstanding more than 90 days. The net book value for purposes of the borrowing base calculation is the equipment acquisition cost depreciated at an annual rate of 8%.

    2009 Term Loan Facilities

        On July 31, 2009, we entered into a six year $7.5 million term loan which is secured by certain containers on lease to a single customer.

        On December 24, 2009, we entered into a five year $25 million term loan which is secured by certain containers on lease to various customers.

    Port Equipment Facility

        On December 28, 2006, we entered into a Euro denominated credit facility to support a port equipment financing transaction (the "Port Equipment Facility"). The Port Equipment Facility has an eight year term and amortizes in equal monthly installments.

    Capital Lease Obligations

        We have entered into a series of capital leases with various financial institutions to finance the purchase of chassis. The lease agreements have been structured as ten year Terminal Rental Adjustment Clause ("TRAC") leases with purchase options at the end of the lease terms equal to the TRAC amount as defined in each lease. For income tax purposes, these leases are treated as operating leases.

        In August 2008 and December 2008, we entered into sale-leaseback transactions for approximately 12,500 and 2,250 of containers for net proceeds of $33.9 million and $10.5 million, respectively. The leases were accounted for as capital leases with interest expense recognized on a level yield basis over seven years, at which point there are early purchase options.

        In March 2009, we entered into a sale-leaseback transaction for approximately 2,800 containers for net proceeds of $10.0 million. The lease was accounted for as a capital lease with interest expense recognized on a level yield basis over five years, at which point there is an early purchase option.

    Debt Covenants

        We are subject to certain financial covenants under our debt facilities. At December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all such covenants. Below are the primary financial covenants to which we are subject:

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    Non-GAAP Measures

        We rely primarily on our results measured in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in evaluating our business. EBIT, Cash Interest, TNW, and Indebtedness are non-GAAP financial measures used to determine our compliance with certain covenants contained in our debt agreements and should not be used as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. However, we believe that the inclusion of this non-GAAP information provides additional information to investors regarding our debt covenant compliance.

    Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense

        For the purpose of this covenant, EBIT is calculated based on the cumulative sum of our earnings for the last four quarters (excluding income taxes, interest expense, amortization / write off of deferred financing charges, unrealized gain or loss on interest rate swaps and certain non-cash charges). Cash Interest Expense is calculated based on interest expense adjusted to exclude interest income, amortization of deferred financing costs, and the difference between current and prior period interest expense accruals.

        Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense is calculated at the consolidated level and for TAL Advantage I LLC and TAL Advantage II LLC, wholly owned special purpose entities whose primary activity is to issue asset backed notes. The Consolidated Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio is fixed at 1.10 to 1.00 for our Asset backed securitization (ABS), 2008 Asset backed facility and Revolving credit facility. The TAL Advantage I LLC and the TAL Advantage II LLC Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio is fixed at 1.10 to 1.00 for the Asset backed securitization and the Asset backed credit facilities. The Finance lease facility Consolidated Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio is fixed at 1.05 to 1.00.

        TAL Advantage III LLC is a wholly owned special purpose entity whose primary activity is to issue asset backed notes for the 2009 Asset Backed Credit Facility. TAL Advantage III LLC must maintain a Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense ratio of 1.30 to 1.00. The first compliance date for this covenant under the 2009 Asset Backed Credit Facility is March 31, 2010.

        Below is the calculation of EBIT to Cash Interest Expense (based on the last four quarters) as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

EBIT to Cash Interest Expense:
  Consolidated(1)   TAL Adv I   TAL Adv II  

Net income

  $ 71,586   $ 37,810   $ 9,239  

Plus: Income tax expense

    39,268     20,892     5,103  

Interest expense including write-off of deferred financing costs

    68,807     38,781     13,175  

Unrealized (gains) on interest rate swaps

    (35,152 )   (17,746 )   (10,608 )

All non-cash expenses attributable to incentive arrangements

    1,717          
               

EBIT

  $ 146,226   $ 79,737   $ 16,909  
               

Interest expense (excluding interest income of $185, $120, and $6 respectively)

  $ 68,992   $ 38,901   $ 13,181  

Amortization and write-off of deferred financing costs

    (1,170 )   (607 )   (294 )

Accrued interest (represents 2009 interest expense not paid)

    (4,213 )   (1,078 )   (403 )

Cash payments of prior period accrued interest

    3,160     1,121     347  
               

Cash Interest Expense

  $ 66,769   $ 38,337   $ 12,831  
               

EBIT to Cash Interest Expense Ratio

    2.19     2.08     1.32  

Required Minimum EBIT to Cash Interest Expense Ratio

    1.10     1.10     1.10  

(1)
The consolidated amounts shown above include all consolidated subsidiaries of TAL International Group, Inc., including TAL Advantage I, LLC, TAL Advantage II, LLC and TAL Advantage III, LLC.

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    Minimum TNW and Maximum Indebtedness to TNW Covenants

        We are required to meet consolidated Minimum TNW and Maximum Indebtedness to TNW covenants. For the purposes of calculating these covenants, all amounts are based on the consolidated balance sheet of TAL International Group, Inc.

        For the ABS and Asset backed credit facilities, the required minimum TNW is calculated as $321.4 million plus 50% of cumulative net income or loss since January 1, 2006. At December 31, 2009, the required minimum TNW for the ABS facilities was $415.5 million. For the Finance lease facility the required minimum TNW is fixed at $300 million.

        The Maximum Indebtedness to TNW ratio is fixed at 4.75 to 1.00 for the ABS, 2008 Asset backed, 2007 Term loan and Revolving credit facilities and 5.00 to 1.00 for the Finance lease and Port equipment facilities.

        Below is the calculation of the covenant compliance for the consolidated Minimum TNW and consolidated Maximum Indebtedness to TNW as of December 31, 2009 for the ABS, Asset backed credit facility and other facilities (in thousands):

 
  Other Facilities*   ABS   2008/2009 Asset Backed
Credit Facilities
 

Minimum TNW:

                   

Tangible Assets

                   
 

Total Assets

  $ 1,800,978   $ 1,800,978   $ 1,800,978  
   

Deferred Financing Costs

    (8,882 )   (8,882 )   (8,882 )
   

Goodwill

    (71,898 )   (71,898 )   (71,898 )
   

Intangibles

    (1,868 )   (1,868 )   (1,868 )
   

Fair value of derivative instruments (asset)

    (2,674 )   (2,674 )   (2,674 )
               

Total Tangible Assets

  $ 1,715,656   $ 1,715,656   $ 1,715,656  
               

All indebtedness:

                   

Total debt

  $ 1,161,298   $ 1,161,298   $ 1,161,298  

Accrued interest

    4,213     4,213     4,213  

Fair value of derivative instruments (liability)

    61,799     N/A     N/A  

Equipment purchases payable

    3,312     3,312     3,312  
               

Total Indebtedness

  $ 1,230,622   $ 1,168,823   $ 1,168,823  
               

TNW (Total Tangible Assets less Total Indebtedness)

  $ 485,034   $ 546,833   $ 546,833  
               

Required Minimum TNW

  $ 300,000   $ 415,504   $ 415,504  
               

Maximum Indebtedness to TNW:

                   

Total Indebtedness

  $ 1,230,622   $ 1,168,823   $ 1,168,823  

Fair value of derivative instruments (liability)

    N/A     61,799     N/A  
               

Total Indebtedness for Maximum Indebtedness to TNW

  $ 1,230,622   $ 1,230,622   $ 1,168,823  
               

TNW

  $ 485,034   $ 546,833   $ 546,833  
               

Total Indebtedness / TNW

    2.54     2.25     2.14  

Maximum Allowable Indebtedness to TNW

    4.75 / 5.00     4.75     4.75  

*
The Minimum TNW covenant only applies to the Finance lease facility. The Maximum Indebtedness to TNW covenant applies to the Finance lease facility, Revolving credit facility, 2007 Term loan facility and Port equipment facility.


N/A — Not applicable for calculation purposes.

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        Failure to comply with these covenants would result in a default under the related credit agreements and could result in the acceleration of our outstanding debt if we were unable to obtain a waiver from the creditors.

    Dividends Paid

        We paid the following quarterly dividends during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 on our issued and outstanding common stock:

Record Date
  Payment Date   Aggregate Payment   Per Share Payment  

December 1, 2009

    December 22, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

September 3, 2009

    September 24, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

June 2, 2009

    June 23, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

March 12, 2009

    March 26, 2009   $ 0.3 million   $ 0.01      

November 19, 2008

    December 10, 2008   $ 13.4 million   $ 0.4125  

August 21, 2008

    September 12, 2008   $ 13.5 million   $ 0.4125  

May 22, 2008

    June 12, 2008   $ 13.4 million   $ 0.4125  

March 20, 2008

    April 10, 2008   $ 12.2 million   $ 0.3750  

    Treasury Stock

        On March 13, 2006, our Board of Directors authorized a stock buyback program for the repurchase of our common stock. The stock repurchase program, as now amended, authorizes us to repurchase up to 4.0 million shares of our common stock.

        We repurchased the following amounts of Treasury shares:

Year
  Shares Purchased   Amount Paid  

2009

    1,953,692   $ 17.4 million  

2008

    643,200   $ 10.9 million  

2007

    276,029   $ 6.3 million  

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Cash Flow

        The following table sets forth certain cash flow information for the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 (dollars in thousands):

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2009
  Year Ended
December 31,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31,
2007
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 162,686   $ 201,013   $ 166,404  
               

Purchases of leasing equipment

  $ (30,859 ) $ (450,902 ) $ (334,476 )

Investments in finance leases

    (27,098 )   (41,733 )   (58,407 )

Proceeds from sale of equipment, net of selling costs

    69,473     83,956     63,006  

Proceeds from sale of container portfolios

    8,532     40,539      

Cash collections on finance lease receivables, net of income earned

    31,533     28,232     24,791  

Other

    (151 )   134     92  
               

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  $ 51,430   $ (339,774 ) $ (304,994 )
               

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  $ (195,024 ) $ 126,923   $ 147,585  
               

    Operating Activities

        Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $38.3 million to $162.7 million in 2009 compared to $201.0 million in 2008 primarily due to a decrease in the level of operating profitability.

        Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $34.6 million to $201.0 million in 2008 compared to $166.4 million in 2007 primarily due to an increase in our level of operating profitability.

    Investing Activities

        Net cash provided by investing activities was $51.4 million in 2009, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $339.8 million in 2008. The major changes were as follows:

        Net cash used in investing activities increased by $34.8 million to $339.8 million for 2008 compared to $305.0 million in 2007. Major reasons for the increase were as follows:

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    Financing Activities

        Net cash used in financing activities was $195.0 million for 2009 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $126.9 million for 2008. The major changes were as follows:

        Net cash provided by financing activities was $126.9 million for 2008 compared to $147.6 million for 2007. The major changes were as follows:

        We entered into capital leases in 2008 and 2007 for $9.4 million and $9.7 million, respectively, to finance the acquisition of chassis equipment, which is considered a non-cash financing activity.

Contractual Obligations

        We are party to various operating leases and are obligated to make payments related to our long term borrowings. We are also obligated under various commercial commitments, including obligations to our equipment manufacturers. Our equipment purchase obligations are in the form of conventional accounts payable, and are satisfied from cash flows from operating and/or long term financing activities.

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        The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2009: (does not include amounts potentially due under guarantees, as amounts, if any, are indeterminable)

 
  Contractual Obligations by Twelve Month Period Ending December 31,  
Contractual Obligations:
  Total   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014 and
thereafter
 
 
  (Dollars in millions)
 

Total debt obligations(1)

  $ 1,300.0   $ 218.2   $ 197.2   $ 189.7   $ 175.2   $ 519.7  

Capital lease obligations(2)

    114.9     12.7     13.0     13.2     11.2     64.8  

Operating leases (mainly facilities)

    5.6     2.7     2.0     0.8     0.1      

Purchase obligations:

                                     
 

Equipment purchases payable

    3.3     3.3                  
 

Equipment purchase commitments

    88.1     88.1                  
                           

Total contractual obligations

  $ 1,511.9   $ 325.0   $ 212.2   $ 203.7   $ 186.5   $ 584.5  
                           

(1)
Amounts include actual and estimated interest for floating-rate debt based on December 31, 2009 rates and the net effect of the interest rate swaps.

(2)
Amounts include interest.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        At December 31, 2009, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, which are often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We are, therefore, not exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.

Critical Accounting Policies

        Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates are based on historical experience and currently available information. Actual results could differ from such estimates. The following paragraphs summarize our critical accounting policies. Additional accounting policies are discussed in the notes to our historical financial statements contained elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

    Revenue Recognition

    Operating Leases with Customers

        We enter into long-term leases and service leases with ocean carriers, principally as lessor in operating leases, for marine cargo equipment. Long-term leases provide our customers with specified equipment for a specified term. Our leasing revenues are based upon the number of equipment units leased, the applicable per diem rate and the length of the lease. Long-term leases typically range for a period of three to eight years. Revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the life of the respective lease. Advanced billings are deferred and recognized in the period earned. Service leases do not specify the exact number of equipment units to be leased or the term that each unit will remain on-hire but allow the lessee to pick up and drop off units at various locations specified in the lease agreement. Under a service lease, rental revenue is based on the number of equipment units on hire

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for a given period. Revenue for customers where collection is not reasonably assured is deferred and recognized when the amounts are received.

        In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification No. 605 "Revenue Recognition" (ASC 605), we recognize billings to customers for damages and certain other operating costs as leasing revenue as it is earned based on the terms of the contractual agreements with the customer. As principal, we are responsible for fulfillment of the services, supplier selection and service specifications, and we have ultimate responsibility to pay the supplier for the services whether or not we collect the amount billed to the lessee.

    Finance Leases with Customers

        We enter into finance leases as lessor for some of the equipment in our fleet. The net investment in finance leases represents the receivables due from lessees, net of unearned income. Unearned income is recognized on a level yield basis over the lease term and is recorded as leasing revenue. Finance leases are usually long-term in nature, typically ranging for a period of five to ten years and typically include a bargain purchase option that enables the lessee to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term.

    Equipment Trading Revenues and Expense

        Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of equipment purchased for resale and is recognized as units are sold and delivered to the customer. The related expenses represent the cost of equipment sold as well as other selling costs that are recognized as incurred and are reflected as equipment trading expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

    Management Fee Income

        We manage equipment which is owned by third parties and we earn management fees based on the income earned by the leasing and sales of such equipment. Management fees are recognized as services are provided. We collect amounts billed and pay operating costs as agent on behalf of the third parties that own such equipment. These billings and operating costs are not included in revenue and expense; instead, the net amounts owed to these equipment owners are reflected as accrued expenses in our financial statements until paid as required by our contracts.

    Other Revenues

        Other revenues include fee income for third party positioning of equipment.

    Leasing Equipment

        In general, we purchase new equipment from equipment manufacturers for the purpose of leasing such equipment to our customers. Occasionally, we may also purchase used equipment with the intention of leasing such equipment. Used units are typically purchased with an existing lease in place or were previously owned by one of our third party owner investors.

        Leasing equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated to an estimated residual value on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. We will continue to review our depreciation policies on a regular basis to determine whether changes have taken place that would suggest that a change in our depreciation policies, useful lives of our equipment or the assigned residual values is warranted. If indicators of impairment are present, a determination is made as to whether the carrying value of our fleet exceeds its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Leasing equipment is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recovered. Key indicators of impairment on leasing equipment include, among other factors, a sustained decrease

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in operating profitability, a sustained decrease in utilization, or indications of technological obsolescence.

        When testing for impairment, leasing equipment is generally grouped by equipment type, and is tested separately from other groups of assets and liabilities. Some of the significant estimates and assumptions used to determine future undiscounted cash flows and the measurement for impairment are the remaining useful life, expected utilization, expected future lease rates, and expected disposal prices of the equipment. We consider the assumptions on expected utilization and the remaining useful life to have the greatest impact on our estimated future undiscounted cash flows. These estimates are principally based on historical experience and management's judgment of market conditions.

        Estimated useful lives and residual values have been principally determined based on our historical disposal experience. The estimated useful lives and residual values for our leasing equipment from the date of manufacture are currently as follows:

 
  Useful
Lives
(Years)
  Residual Values ($)

Dry container units

    13   $750 to $900

Refrigerated container units

    12   $2,200 to $2,700

Special container units

    14   $600 to $1,200

Tank container units

    20   $3,000

Chassis

    20   $1,200

        Costs incurred to place new equipment into service, including costs to transport the equipment to its initial on-hire location, are capitalized. We charge to expense inspection costs on new equipment and repair and maintenance costs that do not extend the lives of the assets at the time the costs are incurred, and include these costs in direct operating expenses.

        An allowance is provided through provision for doubtful accounts based on the net book value of a percentage of the units on lease to certain customers that are considered to be non-performing which we believe we will not ultimately recover. The percentage is developed based on our historical experience.

    Equipment Held For Sale

        When leasing equipment is returned off lease, we make a determination of whether to repair and re-lease the equipment or sell the equipment. At the time we determine that equipment will be sold, we reclassify the appropriate amounts previously recorded as leasing equipment to equipment held for sale. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 360 "Property, Plant and Equipment (ASC 360), equipment held for sale is carried at the lower of its estimated fair value, based on current transactions, less costs to sell, or carrying value; depreciation on such assets is halted and disposals generally occur within 90 days. Subsequent changes to the asset's fair value, either increases or decreases, are recorded as adjustments to the carrying value of the equipment held for sale; however, any such adjustments may not exceed the equipment's carrying value at the time it was initially classified as held for sale. Initial write-downs of assets held for sale are recorded as an impairment charge and are included in net (gain) loss on sale of leasing equipment. Realized gains and losses resulting from the sale of equipment held for sale are recorded as a (gain) loss on sale of leasing equipment, and cash flows associated with the disposal of equipment held for sale are classified as cash flows from investing activities.

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    Equipment Held For Resale — Trading Activity

        On an opportunistic basis, we purchase used equipment with markings or specifications different from our own equipment for purposes of reselling it within a short time frame for a net profit.

        Equipment purchased for resale is reported as equipment held for sale due to the short timeframe, generally less than one year, between the time the equipment is purchased and the time the equipment is sold. Due to this short expected holding period, cash flows associated with equipment held for resale are classified as operating cash flows. Equipment trading revenues represent the proceeds from the sale of this equipment, while Equipment trading expense includes the cost of equipment sold, any costs to sell such equipment, including administrative costs, and costs associated with the inventory such as storage and handling charges.

    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        Our allowance for doubtful accounts is updated on a regular basis and is based upon a review of the collectability of our receivables. This review considers the risk profile of the customer, credit quality indicators such as the level of past-due amounts and economic conditions. An account is considered past due when a payment has not been received in accordance with the contractual terms. Accounts are generally charged off after an analysis is completed which indicates that collection of the full principal balance is in doubt. Changes in economic conditions or other events may necessitate additions or deductions to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is intended to provide for losses inherent in our receivables, and requires the application of estimates and judgments as to the outcome of collection efforts and the realization of collateral, among other things. We believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate to provide for credit losses inherent in our existing receivables. However, actual losses could exceed the amounts provided for in certain periods.

    Income Taxes

        We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method, which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future tax consequences of temporary differences that currently exist between tax bases and financial reporting bases of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

        If applicable, we accrue income tax liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions by evaluating whether the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit and then measures the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Potential interest and penalties associated with such uncertain tax positions are recorded as a component of income tax expense.

    Goodwill

        We account for goodwill in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 350, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other" (ASC 350). ASC 350 requires goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives to be reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. In connection with the Acquisition, we recorded $71.9 million of goodwill. Management determined that the Company has two reporting units, Equipment leasing and Equipment trading, and allocated $70.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, to each reporting unit. The annual impairment test is conducted by comparing the Company's carrying amount, to the fair value of the Company using a market capitalization approach. Market capitalization of the entity is compared to the carrying value of the entity since virtually all of the goodwill is allocated to, and nearly

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all of the market capitalization is attributable to, the Equipment leasing reporting unit. If the carrying value of the entity exceeds its market capitalization, then a second step would be performed that compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. The determination of implied fair value of goodwill would require management to compare the estimated fair value of the reporting units to the estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting units. Any excess fair value represents the implied fair value of goodwill. To the extent that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded. Our annual review of goodwill, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009, indicated that no impairment of goodwill existed.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DICLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Market risk represents the risk of changes in value of a financial instrument, derivative or non-derivative, caused by fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in results of our operations and cash flows. In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate risks.

Interest Rate Risk

        We enter into interest rate swap contracts to fix the interest rates on a portion of our debt. We assess and manage the external and internal risk associated with these derivative instruments in accordance with our overall operating goals. External risk is defined as those risks outside of our direct control, including counterparty credit risk, liquidity risk, systemic risk and legal risk. Internal risk relates to those operational risks within the management oversight structure and includes actions taken in contravention of our policy.

        The primary external risk of our interest rate swap contracts is in derivative asset positions counterparty credit exposure, which is defined as the ability of a counterparty to perform its financial obligations under a derivative contract. All derivative agreements are with highly rated financial institutions. Credit exposures are measured based on the market value of outstanding derivative instruments. Both current exposures and potential exposures are calculated for each derivative contract to monitor counterparty credit exposure.

        As of December 31, 2009, we had in place total interest rate swap contracts to fix the floating interest rates on a portion of the borrowings under our debt facilities as summarized below:

Total Notional Amount at
December 31, 2009
  Weighted Average
Fixed Leg
Interest Rate at
December 31, 2009
  Weighted Average
Remaining Term
 

$1,183 million

    4.17 %   3.5 years  

        Changes in the fair value on these interest rate swap contracts will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps.

        Since 100% of our debt is hedged using interest rate swaps, our interest expense is not significantly affected by changes in interest rates. However, our earnings are impacted by changes in interest rate swap valuations which cause gains or losses to be recorded. During the year ended December 31, 2009, unrealized gains on interest rate swaps totaled $35.2 million, compared to unrealized losses on interest rate swaps of $76.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

        Although we have significant foreign-based operations, the U.S. dollar is the operating currency for the large majority of our leases (and company obligations), and most of our revenues and expenses in 2009 and 2008 were denominated in U.S. dollars. However we pay our non-U.S. staff in local

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currencies, and our direct operating expenses and disposal transactions for our older containers are often structured in foreign currencies. We recorded $0.2 million of unrealized foreign currency exchange losses in the year ended December 31, 2009 and $1.1 million of unrealized foreign currency exchange losses in the year ended December 31, 2008, which resulted primarily from fluctuations in exchange rates related to our Euro and Pound Sterling transactions and related assets.

        In April 2008, we entered into a foreign currency rate swap agreement to exchange Euros for U.S. Dollars based on expected payments under its Euro denominated finance lease receivables. The foreign currency rate swap agreement expires in April 2015. The fair value of this derivative contract was approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2009, and is reported as an asset in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments on the consolidated balance sheet.

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule listed under Item 15 — Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules are filed as a part of this Item 8. Supplementary financial information may be found in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT REGARDING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer along with our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, our President and Chief Executive Officer along with the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

        Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

        Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of assets; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and Board of Directors; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

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        Because of its inherent limitations, our internal controls and procedures may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        As of December 31, 2009, our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Based on this evaluation, management has determined that TAL International Group, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2009.

        Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our 2009 consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. The report appears elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
TAL International Group, Inc.

        We have audited TAL International Group, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). TAL International Group, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        In our opinion, TAL International Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of TAL International Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 of TAL International Group, Inc. and our report dated March 1, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
March 1, 2010

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Changes in Internal Controls

        There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

        Not applicable.


PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the sections captioned "Election of Directors," "Occupations of Directors and Executive Officers," and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in our proxy statement to be issued in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2010 (the "2010 Proxy Statement"), which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the section captioned "Compensation and Other Information Concerning Directors and Officers" in the 2010 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the section captioned "Management and Principal Holders of Voting Securities" in the 2010 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the section captioned "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the 2010 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the section captioned "Auditor Fees" in the 2010 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

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PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

        (a)(1) Financial Statements.

        The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this report:

 
  Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

  F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-7

        (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

        The following financial statement schedule for the Company is filed as part of this report:

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  S-1

        Schedules not listed above have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

        (a)(3) List of Exhibits.

        The following exhibits are filed as part of and incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Exhibit
No.
 
Description
  2.1   Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 10, 2004, by and between TA Leasing Holding Co, Inc. and Klesch & Company Limited (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 2.1 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  2.2   First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated August 10, 2004, by and among TA Leasing Holding Co, Inc., Klesch & Company Limited and Transamerica Corporation (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 2.2 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  2.3   Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 30, 2004, by and among TA Leasing Holding Co, Inc., Klesch & Company Limited and Transamerica Corporation (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 2.3 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  2.4   Third Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 3, 2004, by and among TA Leasing Holding Co, Inc., Klesch & Company Limited, TAL International Group, Inc. and Transamerica Corporation (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 2.4 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)

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Exhibit
No.
 
Description
  2.5   Fourth Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 3, 2005, by and among TA Leasing Holding Co, Inc., Klesch & Company Limited, TAL International Group, Inc. and Transamerica Corporation (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 2.5 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  2.6   Fifth Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 31, 2005, by and among TA Leasing Holding Co, Inc., Klesch & Company Limited, TAL International Group, Inc. and Transamerica Corporation (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 2.6 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  3.1   Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  3.2   Amended and Restated Bylaws of TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  4.1   Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on October 5, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  4.2   Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.35 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)
  4.3   First Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 26, 2007 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.58 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)
  4.4   Second Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated November 19, 2007 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.59 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)
  4.5   Amended and Restated Series 2005-1 Supplement dated as of April 12, 2006 between Advantage I LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.40 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)
  4.6   Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage I LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.36 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)
  4.7   Amended and Restated Contribution and Sale Agreement dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage I LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.37 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)
  4.8   Amended and Restated Series 2005-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 7, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC, the Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.41 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)

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Exhibit
No.
 
Description
  4.9   Series 2006-1 Supplement dated as of April 12, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.38 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)
  4.10   Series 2006-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of April 7, 2006 by and between TAL Advantage I LLC, TAL International Container Corporation, and Fortis Securities LLC and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.39 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006)
  4.11   Intercreditor Agreement Dated April 12, 2006 by and among TAL International Container Corporation, TAL Advantage I LLC, U. S. Bank National Association and Fortis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.11 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2009)
  4.12   Omnibus Amendment No. 2, dated June 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference from exhibit 10.42 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2006)
  4.13   Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, Fortis Capital Corp. and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.43 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)
  4.14   Amendment No. 1 dated July 13, 2007 to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, Fortis Capital Corp. and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.47 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2007)
  4.15   Security Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and Fortis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.44 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)
  4.16   Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2006, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and Fortis Capital Corp. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.45 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)
  4.17   Guaranty, dated as of July 31, 2006, made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.46 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2006)
  4.18   Credit Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2007, by and among TAL International Container Corporation, National City Bank, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and the Lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.48 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed August 16, 2007)
  4.19   Security Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2007, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and National City Bank, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.49 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2007)
  4.20   Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 15, 2007, by and among TAL International Container Corporation and National City Bank, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.50 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2007)
  4.21   Guaranty, dated as of August 15, 2007, made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.51 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2007)
  4.22   Indenture, dated as of March 27, 2008, by and between TAL Advantage II LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.52 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008)

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Exhibit
No.
 
Description
  4.23   First Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage II LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 20, 2008 to the Indenture dated March 27, 2008 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.60 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)
  4.24   Third Supplemental Indenture between TAL Advantage I LLC and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 23, 2008 to the Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of April 12, 2006 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.61 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2008)
  4.25   Series 2008-1 Supplement, dated as of March 27, 2008, by and between TAL Advantage II LLC and U. S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.53 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008)
  4.26   Management Agreement dated as of March 27, 2008, by and between TAL Advantage II LLC and TAL International Container Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.54 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008)
  4.27   Contribution and Sale Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2008, by and between TAL Advantage II LLC and TAL International Container Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.55 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008)
  4.28   Series 2008-1 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2008, by and among TAL Advantage II LLC, Fortis Capital Corp., the other purchasers party thereto from time to time and the other parties named therein (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.56 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008)
  4.29   Guaranty dated March 27, 2008 made by TAL International Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.57 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008)
  4.30*   Appendix A dated as of March 27, 2009 to Indenture dated as of March 27, 2008 by and between TAL Advantage II LLC and U. S. Bank National Association
  4.31*   Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2009, between TAL Advantage III LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
  4.32*   Series 2009-1 Supplement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL Advantage III LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
  4.33*   Management Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage III LLC
  4.34*   Contribution and Sale Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL International Container Corporation and TAL Advantage III LLC
  4.35*   Series 2009-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL Advantage III LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wachovia Bank, National Association, the other Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto.
  4.36*   Amendment No. 1 dated December 21, 2009 to Series 2009-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL Advantage III LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wachovia Bank, National Association, the other Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto.
  4.37*   Amendment No. 1 dated February 16, 2010 to Series 2009-1 Supplement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL Advantage III LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

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Exhibit
No.
 
Description
  4.38*   Amendment No. 2 dated February 16, 2010 to Series 2009-1 Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 23, 2009 between TAL Advantage III LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Wachovia Bank, National Association, the other Noteholders from time to time party thereto and the other financial institutions from time to time party thereto.
  10.1   Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2005, by and among TAL International Group, Inc. and certain of its stockholders (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  10.2   Investor Subscription Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2004, by and among TAL International Group, Inc., The Resolute Fund, L.P., The Resolute Fund Singapore PV, L.P., The Resolute Fund Netherlands PV I, L.P., The Resolute Fund Netherlands PV II, L.P., The Resolute Fund NQP, L.P., JZ Equity Partners plc, Fairholme Partners, L.P., Fairholme Ventures II, LLC, Fairholme Holdings, Ltd., Edgewater Private Equity Fund III, L.P., Edgewater Private Equity Fund IV, L.P. and Seacon Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.8 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.3   Amendment No. 1 to Investor Subscription Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2005, by and among TAL International Group, Inc., The Resolute Fund, L.P., The Resolute Fund Singapore PV, L.P., The Resolute Fund Netherlands PV I, L.P., The Resolute Fund Netherlands PV II, L.P., The Resolute Fund NQP, L.P., JZ Equity Partners plc, Fairholme Partners, L.P., Fairholme Ventures II, LLC, Fairholme Holdings, Ltd., Edgewater Private Equity Fund III, L.P., Edgewater Private Equity Fund IV, L.P. and Seacon Holdings Limited (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.32 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  10.4   Amended and Restated Management Subscription Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2005, by and among TAL International Group, Inc., Brian M. Sondey, Chand Khan, Frederico Baptista, Adrian Dunner, John C. Burns, Bernd Schackier and John Pearson (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  10.5   Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2005, by and among TAL International Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries named therein (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.12 to Amendment No. 1 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on August 26, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.6+   Employment Agreement, dated as of November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and Brian M. Sondey (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.13 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.7+   2004 Management Stock Plan (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.14 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.8+   First Amendment to 2004 Management Stock Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.34 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  10.9+   Stock Option Agreement, dated November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and Brian M. Sondey (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.15 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.10+   Stock Option Agreement, dated November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and Chand Khan (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.16 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)

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Exhibit
No.
 
Description
  10.11+   Stock Option Agreement, dated November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and Frederico Baptista (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.17 to TAL International Group,  Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.12+   Stock Option Agreement, dated November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and John C. Burns (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.18 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.13+   Stock Option Agreement, dated November 3, 2004, by and between TAL International Group, Inc. and Adrian Dunner (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.21 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on June 30, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.14+   Form of Indemnity Agreement between TAL International Group, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, each of their respective current directors and certain of their respective current officers (incorporated by reference from exhibit number 10.22 to Amendment No. 2 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form S-1 filed on September 20, 2005, file number 333-126317)
  10.15+   2005 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.33 to TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K filed on March 20, 2006)
  14.1   Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 14.1 to the TAL International Group, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on April 3, 2006)
  21.1*   List of Subsidiaries
  23.1*   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  24.1*   Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Annual Report on Form 10-K)
  31.1*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
  31.2*   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
  32.1**   Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
  32.2**   Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

+
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

*
Filed herewith.

**
Furnished herewith.

        (b) Exhibits.

        The Company hereby files as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K the exhibits listed in Item 15(a)(3) set forth above.

        (c) Financial Statement Schedules

        The Company hereby files as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) set forth above.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

    TAL International Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 
Date: March 1, 2010   By:   /s/ Brian M. Sondey

Brian M. Sondey
President and Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY AND SIGNATURES

        We, the undersigned officers and directors of TAL International Group, Inc. hereby severally constitute and appoint Brian M. Sondey and John Burns and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys, with the power to them and each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below, any amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and generally to do all things in our names and on our behalf in such capacities to enable TAL International Group, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and all the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant, in the capacities indicated, on the 1st day of March 2010.

Signature
 
Title(s)

 

 

 
/s/ Brian M. Sondey

Brian M. Sondey
  President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer), Director

/s/ John Burns

John Burns

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Malcolm P. Baker

Malcolm P. Baker

 

Director

/s/ A. Richard Caputo, Jr.

A. Richard Caputo, Jr.

 

Director

/s/ Claude Germain

Claude Germain

 

Director

/s/ Brian J. Higgins

Brian J. Higgins

 

Director

/s/ John W. Jordan II

John W. Jordan II

 

Director

/s/ Frederic H. Lindeberg

Frederic H. Lindeberg

 

Director

/s/ David W. Zalaznick

David W. Zalaznick

 

Director

/s/ Douglas J. Zych

Douglas J. Zych

 

Director

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007

   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

  F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

  F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-7

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  S-1

F-1


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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
TAL International Group, Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TAL International Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of TAL International Group, Inc. at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), TAL International Group, Inc's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 1, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
March 1, 2010

F-2


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TAL INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 
  December 31,
2009
  December 31,
2008
 

ASSETS:

             

Leasing equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and allowances of $420,517 and $352,089

  $ 1,357,539   $ 1,535,483  

Net investment in finance leases, net of allowances of $1,618 and $1,420

    199,989     196,490  

Equipment held for sale

    46,291     32,549  
           
 

Revenue earning assets

    1,603,819     1,764,522  

Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash of $13,714 and $16,160)

    73,604     56,958  

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $757 and $807

    33,086     42,335  

Leasehold improvements and other fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $5,142 and $4,181

    972     1,832  

Goodwill

    71,898     71,898  

Deferred financing costs

    8,882     8,462  

Other assets

    6,043     8,540  

Fair value of derivative instruments

    2,674     951  
           
   

Total assets

  $ 1,800,978   $ 1,955,498  
           

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

             

Equipment purchases payable

  $ 3,312   $ 27,224  

Fair value of derivative instruments

    61,799     95,224  

Accounts payable and other accrued expenses

    42,845     43,978  

Net deferred income tax liability

    112,895     73,565  

Debt

    1,161,298     1,351,036  
           
   

Total liabilities

    1,382,149     1,591,027  

Stockholders' equity:

             

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, none issued

         

Common stock, $.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 33,592,066 and 33,485,816 shares issued respectively

    33     33  

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,009,171 and 1,055,479 shares, respectively

    (37,489 )   (20,126 )

Additional paid-in capital

    398,016     396,478  

Accumulated earnings (deficit)

    58,253     (12,090 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    16     176  
           
 

Total stockholders' equity

    418,829     364,471  
           
   

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 1,800,978   $ 1,955,498  
           

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

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TAL INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
2009
  Year Ended
December 31,
2008
  Year Ended
December 31,
2007
 

Revenues:

                   

Leasing revenues:

                   
 

Operating leases

  $ 288,759   $ 298,913   $ 268,005  
 

Finance leases

    20,502     20,379     18,268  
               
 

Total leasing revenues

    309,261     319,292     286,273  

Equipment trading revenues

    39,693     95,394     49,214  

Management fee income

    2,629     3,136     5,475  

Other revenues

    954     2,170     2,303  
               
   

Total revenues

    352,537     419,992     343,265  
               

Operating expenses (income):

                   

Equipment trading expenses

    37,538     84,216     43,920  

Direct operating expenses

    36,942     28,246     28,552  

Administrative expenses

    40,908     46,154     39,843  

Depreciation and amortization

    115,688     110,450     101,670  

Provision for doubtful accounts

    545     4,878     792  

Net (gain) on sale of leasing equipment

    (9,278 )   (23,534 )   (12,119 )

Net (gain) on sale of container portfolios

    (185 )   (2,789 )    
               
   

Total operating expenses

    222,158     247,621     202,658  
               
     

Operating income

    130,379     172,371     140,607  

Other expenses (income):

                   

Interest and debt expense (including write-off of deferred financing costs of $0, $250 and $204

    68,807     65,233     52,333  

(Gain) on debt extinguishment

    (14,130 )   (23,772 )    

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swaps

    (35,152 )   76,047     27,883  
               
   

Total other expenses:

    19,525     117,508     80,216  

Income before income taxes

    110,854     54,863     60,391  

Income tax expense

    39,268     19,067     21,600  
               

Net income

  $ 71,586   $ 35,796   $ 38,791  
               

Net income per common share:

                   

Basic

  $ 2.31   $ 1.10   $ 1.17  
               

Diluted

  $ 2.30   $ 1.09   $ 1.16  
               

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — Basic

    31,021,339     32,572,901     33,183,252  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — Diluted

    31,072,265     32,693,320     33,369,958  

Cash dividends paid per common share

  $ 0.04   $ 1.61   $ 1.43  

The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Table of Contents


TAL INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
 
 
  Common Stock   Treasury Stock   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Accumulated
Earnings
(Deficit)
  Comprehensive
Income
 
 
  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount  

Balance at December 31, 2006

    33,303,031   $ 33     136,250   $ (2,862 ) $ 394,440   $ 3,476   $ 3,663        
                                     

Stock compensation — issuance of stock options

                    18                

Stock options exercised

    47,285                 233                

Stock compensation — issuance of restricted stock

    132,000                 539                

Treasury stock acquired

            276,029     (6,309 )                  

Comprehensive income:

                                                 
 

Net income

                        38,791       $ 38,791  
   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                            91     91  
   

Amortization of cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $(679)

                            (1,227 )   (1,227 )
                                                 
   

Comprehensive income

                                            $ 37,655  
                                                 

Common stock dividends declared

                        (37,409 )          
                                     

Balance at December 31, 2007

    33,482,316     33     412,279     (9,171 )   395,230     4,858     2,527        
                                     

Stock compensation — issuance of stock options

                    22                

Stock options exercised

    2,500                 45                

Stock compensation — issuance of restricted stock

    1,000                 1,181                

Treasury stock acquired

            643,200     (10,955 )                  

Comprehensive income:

                                                 
 

Net income

                        35,796         35,796  
   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                            (1,556 )   (1,556 )
   

Amortization of cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $(439)

                            (795 )   (795 )
                                                 
   

Comprehensive income

                              $ 33,445  
                                                 

Common stock dividends declared

                        (52,744 )          
                                     

Balance at December 31, 2008

    33,485,816     33     1,055,479     (20,126 )   396,478     (12,090 )   176        
                                     

Stock compensation — issuance of stock options / modification

                    125                

Stock compensation — restricted stock activity

    106,250                 1,413                

Treasury stock acquired

            1,953,692     (17,363 )                  

Comprehensive income:

                                                 
 

Net income

                        71,586         71,586  
   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

                            415     415  
   

Amortization of cash flow hedges, net of income taxes of $(320)

                            (575 )   (575 )
                                                 
   

Comprehensive income

                              $ 71,426  
                                                 

Common stock dividends declared

                        (1,243 )          
                      &n