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

FORM 10-Q

Commission File No. 1-6263

AAR CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        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 shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        As of December 31, 2002, there were 31,844,196 shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, outstanding.

AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
November 30, 2002

Table of Contents

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PART I,    ITEM 1—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of November 30, 2002 and May 31, 2002
(In thousands)

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of November 30, 2002 and May 31, 2002
(In thousands)

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three and Six Months Ended November 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share data)

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2002 and 2001
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
November 30, 2002
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

Note A—Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AAR CORP. and its subsidiaries ("the Company") after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

        These statements have been prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of May 31, 2002 has been derived from audited financial statements. To prepare the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in comprehensive financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations of the SEC. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K.

        In the opinion of management of the Company, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which consist only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position of AAR CORP. and its subsidiaries as of November 30, 2002 and the condensed consolidated results of operations for the three- and six-month periods ended November 30, 2002 and 2001, and the condensed consolidated cash flows and comprehensive income for the six-month periods ended November 30, 2002 and 2001. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year.

Note B—New Accounting Standards

        In July 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 146 "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and is effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS No. 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 146 for any exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.

Note C—Revenue Recognition

        Sales and related cost of sales for products are recognized upon shipment to the customer. Service revenues and the related cost of services are generally recognized when customer owned material is shipped to the customer. Sales and related cost of sales on certain long-term manufacturing contracts and on certain large airframe maintenance contracts are recognized by the percentage of completion method, based on the relationship of costs incurred to date to estimated total costs under the respective contracts. Lease revenues are recognized as earned.

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Note D—Impairment and Special Charges

        Prior to September 11, 2001 the Company was executing its plan to reduce its investment in support of older generation aircraft in line with the commercial airlines' scheduled retirement plans for these aircraft. The events of September 11 caused a severe and sudden disruption in the commercial airline industry, which brought about a rapid acceleration of those retirement plans. System-wide capacity was reduced by approximately 20% and many airlines cancelled or deferred new aircraft deliveries. Based on management's assessment of these and other conditions, the Company in the second quarter ended November 30, 2001, reduced the value of and provided loss accruals for certain of its inventories and engine leases which support older generation aircraft by $75,900, of which $57,900 was related to the Inventory and Logistic Services segment and $18,000 was related to the Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing segment.

        In addition, the Company recorded special charges of $10,100 during the three-month period ended November 30, 2001 principally related to an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect its inability to recover certain accounts receivable.

        A summary of the carrying value of impaired inventory and engines, after giving effect to the impairment charges as described above, is as follows:

        Proceeds from sales of impaired inventory and engines for the six-month period ended November 30, 2002 and the six-month period ended May 31, 2002 were $7,200 and $15,600 respectively.

Note E—Inventory

Note F—Investment in Joint Ventures

        At May 31, 2002, the Company owned a 50% equity interest in each of two joint ventures. The remaining 50% equity interest in each joint venture was owned by a major U.S. financial institution. Each joint venture owned one wide-body aircraft, on lease to a major foreign carrier. Each joint venture financed the purchase of its aircraft primarily with debt that is without recourse to the joint venture and to the joint venture partners. On June 20, 2002, the Company purchased the other 50% equity interest in one of the joint ventures from the joint venture partner for nominal consideration. As

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a result, the book value of the aircraft and the non-recourse debt were recorded on the Company's balance sheet at November 30, 2002. The book value of the aircraft and the non-recourse debt recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheet were $35,611 and $32,938 respectively at November 30, 2002.

        The Company's investment in the remaining joint venture at November 30, 2002 was $1,509 and the Company's investment in the two joint ventures at May 31, 2002 was $4,038. The investment amounts are included in "Other assets" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        The following table provides combined summarized joint venture financial information at November 30, 2002 and May 31, 2002.

Note G—Supplemental Cash Flows Information

        See Note F for additional information regarding non-cash activities.

Note H—Common Stock and Earnings per Share of Common Stock

        The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. The computation of diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus, when their effect is dilutive, incremental shares consisting of shares subject to stock options. The following table provides a

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reconciliation of the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share information for the three- and six-month periods ended November 30, 2002 and 2001.

Note I—Financing Arrangements

        At November 30, 2002, aggregate committed unsecured bank credit arrangements were $67,233. Of this amount, $65,000 was committed under separate revolving credit and term loan agreements with three domestic banks and $2,233 was committed under credit agreements with one foreign bank. In November 2002, the Company completed amendments to two of its domestic credit arrangements. These amendments lowered the commitment amounts under each arrangement and amended the fixed charge coverage ratio at November 30, 2002. In addition, the maturity date for one of the domestic credit arrangements was changed from February 9, 2004 to June 10, 2003. Borrowings outstanding under the unsecured domestic credit arrangements were $39,900 at November 30, 2002 and $40,500 at May 31, 2002. Cash and cash equivalents were $39,310 at November 30, 2002 and $34,522 at May 31, 2002. The Company is actively considering various financing alternatives to replace the maturing credit arrangements.

        On October 15, 2003, the Company's $49,500 of 7.25% notes mature and therefore have been classified as current on the November 30, 2002 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Note J—Aviation Equipment Operating Leases

        The Company from time to time leases aviation equipment (engines and aircraft) from lessors under arrangements that are classified by the Company as operating leases. The Company may also sublease the aviation equipment to a customer on a short- or long-term basis. The terms of the operating leases in which the Company is the lessee are one year with options to renew annually at the election of the Company for up to four years. If the Company elects not to renew a lease, the Company may elect either to (1) direct the lessor to sell the equipment at which time the Company would be required to reimburse the lessor for the shortfall, if any, between the proceeds on the sale and the scheduled purchase option price, or (2) purchase the equipment from the lessor at its

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scheduled purchase option price. The terms of the lease agreements also allow the Company to purchase the equipment at any time during a lease at its scheduled purchase option price.

        In those instances in which the Company anticipates that it will purchase aviation equipment and that the scheduled purchase option price will exceed the fair value of such equipment, the Company records an accrual for loss. The scheduled purchase option values amounted to $34,803 at November 30, 2002 and $35,623 at May 31, 2002.

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 ended May 31, 2002, the Company purchased the equity interest in $31,080 of aviation equipment. As a result, this amount was recorded as an asset on the May 31, 2002 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The lease obligations for these assets, owing to the lessor, converted to term loans upon the purchase in the amount of $29,737, which was also recorded on the May 31, 2002 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Note K—Segment Reporting

        The Company is a leading provider of value-added products and services to the global aviation/aerospace industry. The Company reports its activities in four business segments: Inventory and Logistic Services; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Manufacturing; and Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing.

        Revenues in the Inventory and Logistic Services segment are derived from the sale of a wide variety of new, overhauled and repaired engine and airframe parts and components to the commercial, military, general and business aviation markets.

        Revenues in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul segment are derived from the repair and overhaul of a wide range of commercial and military aircraft engine and airframe parts and components; repair and overhaul of a wide variety of airframes and the repair and overhaul of parts for industrial gas and steam turbine operators.

        Revenues in the Manufacturing segment are derived from the manufacture and sale of in-plane cargo loading and handling systems, advanced composite materials and components and a wide array of containers, pallets and shelters used to support the U.S. Military's tactical deployment requirements.

        Revenues in the Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing segment are derived from the sale and lease of used commercial aircraft and new, overhauled and repaired commercial aircraft engines.

        The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those for the Company. The chief decision making officer of the Company evaluates performance based on the segments. The expenses and assets related to corporate activities are not allocated to the segments.

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        Selected financial information for each reportable segment is as follows:

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PART I, ITEM 2—MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
(In thousands)

Factors Which May Affect Future Results

        The Company's future operating results and financial position may be adversely affected or fluctuate substantially on a quarterly basis as a result of continuing difficulties in the commercial aviation environment exacerbated by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the events that followed, the relatively weak worldwide economic climate and other factors, including: (1) decline in demand for the Company's products and services and the ability of the Company's customers to meet their financial obligations to the Company, particularly in light of the poor financial condition of many of the world's commercial airlines; (2) decline in demand from airline customers as a result of international military conflicts, offset by increased defense-related demand due to such conflicts; (3) lack of assurance that sales to the U.S. Government, its agencies and its contractors (which were approximately 25.5% of total sales in fiscal 2002), will continue at levels previously experienced, since such sales are subject to competitive bidding and government funding; (4) access to the debt and equity capital markets, which may be limited in light of industry conditions and Company performance; (5) changes in or noncompliance with laws and regulations that may affect certain of the Company's aviation related activities that are subject to licensing, certification and other regulatory requirements imposed by the FAA and other regulatory agencies, both domestic and foreign; (6) competitors, including original equipment manufacturers, in the highly competitive aviation aftermarket industry that have greater financial resources than the Company; (7) exposure to product liability and property claims that may be in excess of the Company's substantial liability insurance coverage; (8) difficulties in being able to successfully integrate business acquisitions; (9) the potential risk for declining market values for aviation products and equipment caused as a result of the United Airlines and US Airways, Inc. bankruptcies, possible future airline bankruptcies and other factors within the airline industry; (10) difficulty in re-leasing or selling aircraft and engines that are currently being leased on a long- or short-term basis and (11) the outcome of any pending or future material litigation or environmental proceedings.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Management of the Company has made estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent liabilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements. The most significant estimates made by management of the Company include adjustments to reduce the value of inventories and equipment on or available for lease, allowance for doubtful accounts and loss accruals for aviation equipment operating leases. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The following is a summary of certain accounting policies considered critical by management of the Company.

        Allowance for Doubtful Accounts    The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is intended to reduce the value of customer accounts receivable to amounts expected to be collected. In determining the required allowance, the Company considers factors such as general and industry-specific economic conditions, customer credit history, and the customer's current and expected future financial performance.

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        Inventories    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by either the specific identification, average cost or first-in, first-out method. Provisions are made for excess and obsolete inventories and inventories that have been impaired as a result of industry conditions. The Company has utilized certain assumptions when determining the recoverability of excess, obsolete and impaired inventories, such as the historical performance of the inventory, current and expected future aviation usage trends, estimated market values and expected future demand. Principally as a result of the terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, the Company recorded a significant charge for impaired inventories during the quarter ended November 30, 2001 utilizing those assumptions. Further reductions in demand for certain of the Company's inventories or declining market values, as well as differences between actual results and the assumptions utilized by the Company when determining the market value of assets, could result in additional impairment charges in future periods.

        Equipment on or Available for Lease    Lease revenue is recognized as earned. The cost of the asset under lease is original purchase price plus overhaul costs. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated service life of the equipment, and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. The balance sheet classification is based on the lease term, with fixed-term leases less than twelve months classified as short-term and all others classified as long-term.

        Aviation Equipment Operating Leases    The Company from time to time leases aviation equipment (engines and aircraft) from lessors under arrangements that are classified by the Company as operating leases. The Company may also sublease the aviation equipment to a customer on a short- or long-term basis. The terms of the operating leases in which the Company is the lessee are one year with options to renew annually at the election of the Company for up to four years. If the Company elects not to renew a lease, the Company may elect either to (i) direct the lessor to sell the equipment at which time the Company would be required to reimburse the lessor for the shortfall, if any, between the proceeds on the sale and the scheduled purchase option price, or (ii) purchase the equipment from the lessor at its scheduled purchase option price. The terms of the lease agreements also allow the Company to purchase the equipment at any time during a lease at its scheduled purchase option price. In those instances in which the Company anticipates that it will purchase aviation equipment and that the scheduled purchase option price will exceed estimated undiscounted cash flows related to the equipment, the Company records an accrual for loss. The Company has utilized certain assumptions when estimating future undiscounted cash flows, such as current and future lease rates, residual values, estimated market values and expected future demand. Differences between actual results and the assumptions utilized by the Company when determining undiscounted cash flows could result in provisions for losses on aviation equipment under operating leases in future periods.

Results of Operations—Three- and Six-Month Periods Ended November 30, 2002
(as compared with the same periods of the prior year)

        The Company reports its activities in four business segments: Inventory and Logistic Services; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Manufacturing; and Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing. The

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table below sets forth consolidated sales for the Company's four business segments for the three- and six-month periods ended November 30, 2002 and 2001.

Three-Month Period Ended November 30, 2002
(as compared with the same period of the prior year)

        Consolidated sales for the second quarter of the Company's fiscal year ending May 31, 2003 increased $8,162 or 5.6% over the same period in the prior year. The increase in sales was principally due to increased demand for the Company's manufactured products which support the U.S. Military's tactical deployment requirements and higher sales to the U.S. Military and its major contractors for spares and logistics support.

        In the Inventory and Logistic Services segment, sales increased $9,316 or 16.7% over the same period in the prior year. The increase in sales is attributable to strong demand from the U.S. Military and certain major contractors for spares and logistics support, as well as higher sales of engine parts to the Company's commercial airline customers.

        In the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul segment, sales decreased $2,763 or 5.0% reflecting reduced demand for certain aircraft component maintenance services.

        In the Manufacturing segment, sales increased $3,834 or 15.0% primarily as a result of strong demand for products that support the U.S. Military's tactical deployment requirements.

        In the Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing segments, sales decreased $2,225 or 26.6% over the same period in the prior year. Prior year sales include the sale of an aircraft that was delivered prior to the events of September 11, 2001. Sales in this segment remain historically low, which is attributable to the commercial aviation industry-wide reduction in capital asset activity due to the lower demand for aircraft and engines.

        Consolidated gross profit increased $2,422 or 11.8% before consideration of asset impairment charges recorded in the second quarter of last year, due to increased sales and an increase in the consolidated gross profit margin from 14.2% last year to 15.0% this year. The increase in the consolidated gross margin was principally due to lower indirect expenses in each of the Company's reportable segments, increased volume through certain of the Company's Manufacturing operations and the favorable mix of products and services sold in the Inventory and Logistic Services and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul segments.

        Operating income increased by $3,658 over the prior year before consideration of asset impairment and other special charges recorded in the second quarter of last year, due to increased consolidated sales, an improvement in the consolidated gross margin and a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company reduced its selling, general and administrative costs by $1,236 or 6.0% compared to the prior year principally through lower personnel costs and other operating expenses, partially offset by substantially higher insurance expense. Interest expense decreased $543 as

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a result of lower average borrowings during the current quarter compared to last year and interest income decreased $565 as a result of a decrease in average invested cash during the quarter.

        During the second quarter of last fiscal year, principally in response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Company reduced the value of and provided loss accruals for certain inventories and engine leases that support older generation aircraft by $75,900. In addition, the Company recorded special charges of $10,100 during the same quarter, principally related to an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts reflecting the inability to recover certain accounts receivable.

        Consolidated net loss for the three months ended November 30, 2002 was $663 compared to a net loss of $54,484 last year. The improvement reflects the factors discussed above.

Six-Month Period Ended November 30, 2002
(as compared with the same period of the prior year)

        Consolidated sales for the six-month period ended November 30, 2002 decreased $43,666 or 12.6% over the same period in the prior year. The decline in sales during the six-month period was attributable to reduced demand for certain of the Company's products and services from its airline customers. Partially offsetting the year to date decline was increased demand for the Company's products supporting the U.S. Military and its major contractors.

        Sales in the Inventory and Logistic Services segment decreased $10,571 or 7.7% compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in sales is primarily due to lower demand for new airframe parts, as well as a downsizing of the Company's new parts distribution unit. Partially offsetting the decline was increased sales of spares and logistics support to the U.S. Military and its major contractors.

        In the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul segment, sales decreased $12,524 or 11.2% over the prior year reflecting lower demand for certain of the Company's aircraft component overhaul services and landing gear overhaul services.

        Sales in the Manufacturing segment increased $9,866 or 20.8% due to strong demand for the Company's manufactured products that support the U.S. Military's tactical deployment requirements as well as an increase in sales of composite structure products.

        In the Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing segment, sales decreased $30,437 or 59.1% compared to the prior year. The reduction in sales is principally attributable to the commercial aviation industry-wide reduction in capital asset investment activity reflecting the difficult commercial airline environment, including lack of available financing and fluctuating market values for aircraft and engines.

        Consolidated gross profit decreased $8,953 or 18.0% over the prior year before consideration of impairment charges, due to lower sales and a reduction in the gross profit margin to 13.4% in the current year from 14.3% in fiscal 2002. The reduction in the consolidated gross profit margin was attributable to lower margins experienced in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul segment principally as a result of lower volume, and in the Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing segment principally due to the mix of inventories sold. Partially offsetting this decline was an improvement in gross margin in the Manufacturing segment primarily as a result of increased volume.

        Operating income decreased $4,803 or 91.1% from the prior year before consideration of impairment and other special charges recorded in the second quarter of last year, due to lower gross profit offset by reduced selling, general and administrative costs. The Company reduced its selling, general and administrative costs by $4,150 or 9.4% compared to the same period in the prior year principally through lower personnel costs and other operating expenses, partially offset by substantially higher insurance expense. Interest expense decreased $1,220 primarily as a result of lower average

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borrowings. Interest income declined $936 as a result of a decrease in average cash invested during the period.

        During the second quarter of last fiscal year, principally in response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Company reduced the value of and provided loss accruals for certain inventories and engine leases that support older generation aircraft by $75,900. In addition, the Company recorded special charges of $10,100 during the same quarter, principally related to an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts reflecting the inability to recover certain accounts receivable.

        The Company recorded a net loss of $5,542 during the six months ended November 30, 2002 compared to a net loss of $53,998 in the prior year as a result of the factors discussed above.

Financial Condition at November 30, 2002
(as compared with May 31, 2002)

        Historically, the Company has funded its growth, met its contractual commitments and paid dividends through the generation of cash from operations, augmented by the periodic issuance of common stock and debt to the public and private markets. The Company also relies on its unsecured bank credit arrangements, an accounts receivable securitization program and finances certain aviation equipment with operating leases to provide additional liquidity. The Company completed a private placement of long-term debt in the amount of $75,000 in June 2001 and a common stock offering in February 2002 in the amount of $34,334. However, the Company's continuing ability to issue debt, borrow from its lenders or sell equity securities in the future may be negatively affected by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, airline and aviation industry conditions and Company performance. The Company's ability to use the accounts receivable securitization program and aviation equipment operating leases is also dependent on those factors. The Company's ability to generate cash from operations is influenced primarily by the operating performance of the Company and working capital management.

        At November 30, 2002, the Company's liquidity and capital resources included cash of $39,310 and working capital of $236,079. At November 30, 2002, the Company's ratio of long-term debt to capitalization was 38.9%, down from 41.2% at May 31, 2002 and at November 30, 2002, the Company's ratio of total debt to capitalization was 48.4% compared to 45.6% at May 31, 2002. The increase in the total debt to capitalization ratio is primarily attributable to the non-recourse debt of $32,938 recorded when the Company purchased the equity interest in a joint venture (See Note F). The Company continues to maintain its external sources of financing, including unsecured bank credit arrangements and a universal shelf registration on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission under which, subject to market conditions, up to $163,675 of common stock, preferred stock or medium- or long-term debt securities may be issued or sold.

        At November 30, 2002, aggregate committed unsecured bank credit arrangements were $67,233. Of this amount, $65,000 was committed under separate revolving credit and term loan agreements with three domestic banks and $2,233 was committed under credit agreements with one foreign bank. In November 2002, the Company completed amendments to two of its domestic credit arrangements. These amendments lowered the commitment amounts under each of the two arrangements and amended the fixed charge coverage ratio at November 30, 2002. In addition, the maturity date for one of the domestic credit arrangements was changed from February 9, 2004 to June 10, 2003. Borrowings outstanding under the unsecured domestic credit arrangements were $39,900 at November 30, 2002 and

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$40,500 at May 31, 2002, respectively. The commitment amounts for each of the three domestic banks under the unsecured credit arrangements as of November 30, 2002 and subsequent dates are as follows:

        The Company has an accounts receivable securitization program under which the Company may sell an interest in a defined pool of accounts receivable up to $35,000. In November 2002, the Company completed an amendment to the accounts receivable securitization program in which the commitment amount was reduced to $25,000. Cash proceeds from the sale of accounts receivable, net of retained interest, under this arrangement were $18,300 and $20,100 at November 30, 2002 and May 31, 2002 respectively. This resulted in a reduction of accounts receivable in those amounts on the November 30, 2002 and May 31, 2002 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounts receivable securitization program expires on August 30, 2004, however, on an annual basis, the financial institution has the option to not renew funding of the program. The financial institution has informed the Company that it does not wish to renew funding of the program after November 30, 2002. However, the financial institution has extended funding of the program through February 28, 2003 while the Company is in discussions with other financial institutions regarding the replacement of this program.

        On October 15, 2003, the Company's $49,500 of 7.25% notes mature and therefore have been classified as current on the November 30, 2002 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company expects to satisfy this obligation, as well as other obligations due under the accounts receivable securitization program and the unsecured credit arrangements with existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and asset sales, as well as with a new and expanded accounts receivable facility and other forms of debt financing.

        During the six-month period ended November 30, 2002, the Company's operations generated $9,139 of cash principally reflecting positive earnings before depreciation and amortization of $8,600.

        During the six-month period ended November 30, 2002, the Company's investing activities used $1,075 of cash reflecting capital expenditures of $4,883 partially offset by the net proceeds from the sale of the Company's Elk Grove Village, Illinois facility in the amount $2,969 and cash from leveraged leases of $837.

        During the six-month period ended November 30, 2002, the Company's financing activities used $3,304 of cash primarily reflecting reductions in borrowings of $2,517 and the payment of cash dividends of $796.

        On October 9, 2002, the Company's Board of Directors voted to suspend the quarterly common stock dividend. This action is consistent with other actions taken by the Company to lower costs and preserve cash.

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        A summary of long-term debt, bank borrowings, non-cancelable operating lease commitments for aviation equipment and accounts receivable securitization as of November 30, 2002 is as follows:

(1)

At November 30, 2002, the Company had three committed unsecured bank lines aggregating $67,233 of which $39,900 had been drawn and $4,374 utilized for letters of credit, leaving unused available committed bank lines of $22,959. The maturity dates for the lines of credit drawn are April 10, 2003 and June 10, 2003.

(2)

The accounts receivable securitization program expires on August 30, 2004; however, on an annual basis, the financial institution has the option to not renew funding of the program. The financial institution has informed the Company that it does not wish to renew funding of the program after November 30, 2002. However, the financial institution has also informed the Company that it will extend funding of the program through February 28, 2003 while the Company is in discussions with other financial institutions regarding the replacement of this program.

(3)

The Company routinely issues letters of credit, performance bonds or credit guarantees in the ordinary course of its business. These instruments are typically issued in conjunction with insurance contracts or other business requirements. The total of these instruments outstanding at November 30, 2002 was approximately $14,026.

Forward-Looking Statements

        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, depending on a variety of factors, including those factors discussed under this Item 2 entitled "Factors Which May Affect Future Results". Should one or more of those risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. Those events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

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PART 1, ITEM 3—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The Company's exposure to market risk includes fluctuating interest rates under its unsecured bank credit agreements, foreign exchange rates and accounts receivable. See Part I, Item 2 for a discussion on accounts receivable exposure. During the six-month periods ended November 30, 2002 and 2001, the Company did not utilize derivative financial instruments to offset these risks.

        At November 30, 2002, $21,054 was available under credit lines with domestic banks under revolving credit and term loan agreements, and $1,905 was available under credit agreements with foreign banks (credit facilities). Interest on amounts borrowed under the credit facilities is LIBOR based. As of November 30, 2002, the outstanding balance under these agreements was $39,900. A hypothetical 10 percent increase to the average interest rate under the credit facilities applied to the average outstanding balance during the six-month period ended November 30, 2002 would not have had a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

        Revenues and expenses of the Company's foreign operations in The Netherlands are translated at average exchange rates during the period and balance sheet accounts are translated at period-end exchange rates. Balance sheet translation adjustments are excluded from the results of operations and are recorded in stockholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). A hypothetical 10 percent devaluation of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar would not have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

PART I, ITEM 4—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        Within 90 days prior to the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures and have concluded that the Company's controls and procedures effectively ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that are filed or submitted under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner. There have been no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

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AAR CORP. and Subsidiaries
November 30, 2002

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

        The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held on October 9, 2002. The following items were acted upon at the meeting:

        1)    Election of three Class III directors to serve until the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Three directors were nominated and elected by the stockholders by the requisite vote.

Directors Nominated and Elected at the Meeting

Continuing Directors

A. Robert Abboud
James G. Brocksmith, Jr.
James E. Goodwin
Edgar D. Jannotta
Joel D. Spungin
David P. Storch

        2)    Approval of the AAR CORP. Section 162(m) Performance-Based Annual Cash Bonus Program.

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

        1)    Exhibits

        The exhibits to this report are listed on the Exhibit Index included elsewhere herein.

        2)    Reports on Form 8-K for Quarter ended November 30, 2002

        The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K during the three months ended November 30, 2002.

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SIGNATURE

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

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CERTIFICATION

        I, David P. Storch, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAR CORP., certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AAR CORP. (the registrant);

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors:

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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CERTIFICATION

        I, Timothy J. Romenesko, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AAR CORP., certify that:

        1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AAR CORP. (the registrant);

        2.    Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

        3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

        4.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

        a)    designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

        b)    evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

        c)    presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

        5.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors:

        a)    all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

        b)    any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and

        6.    The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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QuickLinks

PART I, ITEM 1—FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PART I, ITEM 2—MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

PART 1, ITEM 3—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
PART I, ITEM 4—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K