Allegiant Travel CO - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||||
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||
or | ||||||||
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from _______ to_______
Commission File Number 001-33166
Allegiant Travel Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Nevada | 20-4745737 | |||||||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
1201 North Town Center Drive | ||||||||
Las Vegas, | Nevada | 89144 | ||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (702) 851-7300
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 | ALGT | NASDAQ Global Select Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 23, 2023, the registrant had 18,401,180 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||||
ITEM 1. | ||||||||
ITEM 2. | ||||||||
ITEM 3. | ||||||||
ITEM 4. | ||||||||
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | |||||||
ITEM 1. | ||||||||
ITEM 1A. | ||||||||
ITEM 2. | ||||||||
ITEM 3. | ||||||||
ITEM 4. | ||||||||
ITEM 5. | ||||||||
ITEM 6. | ||||||||
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
(unaudited) | |||||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 284,213 | $ | 229,989 | |||||||
Restricted cash | 22,475 | 15,457 | |||||||||
Short-term investments | 651,213 | 725,063 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable | 43,957 | 106,578 | |||||||||
Expendable parts, supplies and fuel, net | 38,381 | 35,546 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 103,253 | 161,636 | |||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 1,143,492 | 1,274,269 | |||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 3,328,122 | 2,810,693 | |||||||||
Long-term investments | 71,582 | 63,318 | |||||||||
Deferred major maintenance, net | 166,086 | 157,410 | |||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | 105,663 | 111,679 | |||||||||
Deposits and other assets | 97,391 | 93,928 | |||||||||
TOTAL ASSETS: | $ | 4,912,336 | $ | 4,511,297 | |||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | 55,476 | 58,335 | |||||||||
Accrued liabilities | 272,719 | 226,276 | |||||||||
Current operating lease liabilities | 20,663 | 19,973 | |||||||||
Air traffic liability | 395,836 | 379,459 | |||||||||
Loyalty program liability | 39,022 | 32,888 | |||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of related costs | 265,979 | 152,900 | |||||||||
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | 1,049,695 | 869,831 | |||||||||
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current maturities and related costs | 2,020,019 | 1,944,078 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 366,641 | 346,388 | |||||||||
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | 87,689 | 94,972 | |||||||||
Loyalty program liability | 32,786 | 23,612 | |||||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 12,361 | 11,718 | |||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES: | $ | 3,569,191 | $ | 3,290,599 | |||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.001 | 26 | 25 | |||||||||
Treasury shares | (672,644) | (660,023) | |||||||||
Additional paid in capital | 734,132 | 709,471 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net | 3,195 | 1,257 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 1,278,436 | 1,169,968 | |||||||||
TOTAL EQUITY: | 1,343,145 | $ | 1,220,698 | ||||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | $ | 4,912,336 | $ | 4,511,297 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 516,251 | $ | 516,476 | $ | 1,768,274 | $ | 1,573,041 | |||||||||||||||
Third party products | 30,944 | 27,132 | 85,886 | 77,399 | |||||||||||||||||||
Fixed fee contracts | 17,741 | 15,881 | 43,599 | 38,186 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 423 | 836 | 1,096 | 1,654 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 565,359 | 560,325 | 1,898,855 | 1,690,280 | |||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 167,861 | 208,175 | 520,018 | 629,600 | |||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 163,004 | 137,336 | 499,798 | 411,027 | |||||||||||||||||||
Station operations | 64,630 | 66,302 | 192,864 | 198,954 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 55,816 | 50,092 | 164,430 | 145,618 | |||||||||||||||||||
Maintenance and repairs | 35,477 | 32,177 | 95,553 | 91,120 | |||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 28,468 | 25,815 | 85,265 | 75,462 | |||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft lease rentals | 5,906 | 5,905 | 18,973 | 17,489 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other | 29,432 | 30,292 | 91,757 | 83,137 | |||||||||||||||||||
Special charges, net of recoveries | 32,648 | 35,142 | 19,828 | 35,426 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 583,242 | 591,236 | 1,688,486 | 1,687,833 | |||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | (17,883) | (30,911) | 210,369 | 2,447 | |||||||||||||||||||
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 39,233 | 34,242 | 112,707 | 78,530 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capitalized interest | (14,888) | (4,296) | (28,949) | (7,594) | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | (12,444) | (4,918) | (34,418) | (7,909) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other, net | 135 | 223 | 185 | 318 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other expenses | 12,036 | 25,251 | 49,525 | 63,345 | |||||||||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | (29,919) | (56,162) | 160,844 | (60,898) | |||||||||||||||||||
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT) | (4,853) | (9,703) | 41,292 | (10,916) | |||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (25,066) | $ | (46,459) | $ | 119,552 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share to common shareholders: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (1.44) | $ | (2.58) | $ | 6.44 | $ | (2.78) | |||||||||||||||
Diluted | $ | (1.44) | $ | (2.58) | $ | 6.43 | $ | (2.78) | |||||||||||||||
Shares used for computation: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 17,721 | 18,014 | 17,879 | 17,985 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 17,721 | 18,014 | 17,913 | 17,985 | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (25,066) | $ | (46,459) | $ | 119,552 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in available for sale securities, net of tax | 556 | (1,590) | 1,938 | (902) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 556 | (1,590) | 1,938 | (902) | |||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | $ | (24,510) | $ | (48,049) | $ | 121,490 | $ | (50,884) | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock outstanding | Par value | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive income | Retained earnings | Treasury shares | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 18,450 | $ | 26 | $ | 727,534 | $ | 2,639 | $ | 1,314,586 | $ | (671,224) | $ | 1,373,561 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | (23) | — | 6,598 | — | — | — | 6,598 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares | (16) | — | — | — | — | (1,420) | (1,420) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends, $0.60 per share | — | — | — | — | (11,084) | — | (11,084) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | 556 | — | — | 556 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | (25,066) | — | (25,066) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | 18,411 | $ | 26 | $ | 734,132 | $ | 3,195 | $ | 1,278,436 | $ | (672,644) | $ | 1,343,145 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock outstanding | Par value | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive income | Retained earnings | Treasury shares | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 18,128 | $ | 25 | $ | 709,471 | $ | 1,257 | $ | 1,169,968 | $ | (660,023) | $ | 1,220,698 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 415 | 1 | 24,661 | — | — | — | 24,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares | (173) | — | — | — | — | (16,853) | (16,853) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan | 41 | — | — | — | — | 4,232 | 4,232 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends, $0.60 per share | — | — | — | — | (11,084) | — | (11,084) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | 1,938 | — | — | 1,938 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | 119,552 | — | 119,552 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | 18,411 | $ | 26 | $ | 734,132 | $ | 3,195 | $ | 1,278,436 | $ | (672,644) | $ | 1,343,145 |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock outstanding | Par value | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Retained earnings | Treasury shares | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 18,180 | $ | 25 | $ | 698,982 | $ | 2,744 | $ | 1,163,952 | $ | (633,332) | $ | 1,232,371 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 122 | — | 4,651 | — | — | — | 4,651 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | (1,590) | — | — | (1,590) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | (46,459) | — | (46,459) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | 18,302 | $ | 25 | $ | 703,633 | $ | 1,154 | $ | 1,117,493 | $ | (633,332) | $ | 1,188,973 |
6
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock outstanding | Par value | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Retained earnings | Treasury shares | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 18,111 | $ | 25 | $ | 692,053 | $ | 2,056 | $ | 1,167,475 | $ | (638,057) | $ | 1,223,552 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 161 | — | 11,580 | — | — | — | 11,580 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan | 30 | — | — | — | — | 4,725 | 4,725 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | (902) | — | — | (902) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | (49,982) | — | (49,982) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | 18,302 | $ | 25 | $ | 703,633 | $ | 1,154 | $ | 1,117,493 | $ | (633,332) | $ | 1,188,973 |
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ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 119,552 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 164,430 | 145,618 | |||||||||
Special charges, net of recoveries | 19,400 | 35,426 | |||||||||
Other adjustments | 31,281 | 9,206 | |||||||||
Changes in certain assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
Air traffic liability | 16,377 | 122,471 | |||||||||
Other - net | 18,418 | (40,917) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 369,458 | 221,822 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
Purchase of investment securities | (668,234) | (968,064) | |||||||||
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities | 753,094 | 1,024,861 | |||||||||
Aircraft pre-delivery deposits | (255,195) | (88,500) | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (407,225) | (304,956) | |||||||||
Other investing activities | 40,123 | 1,037 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (537,437) | (335,622) | |||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
Cash dividends paid to shareholders | (11,084) | — | |||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of debt and finance lease obligations | 480,875 | 745,800 | |||||||||
Repurchase of common stock | (16,853) | — | |||||||||
Principal payments on debt and finance lease obligations | (292,890) | (666,046) | |||||||||
Debt issuance costs | (4,929) | (12,681) | |||||||||
Sunseeker construction financing disbursements (deposits) | 69,869 | (87,500) | |||||||||
Other financing activities | 4,233 | 4,725 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 229,221 | (15,702) | |||||||||
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH | 61,242 | (129,502) | |||||||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 245,446 | 400,701 | |||||||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD | $ | 306,688 | $ | 271,199 | |||||||
CASH PAYMENTS FOR: | |||||||||||
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized | $ | 113,977 | $ | 60,452 | |||||||
Income tax payments | 359 | 36 | |||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS: | |||||||||||
Right-of-use (ROU) assets acquired | $ | 8,320 | $ | — | |||||||
Flight equipment acquired under finance leases | — | 172,507 | |||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment in accrued liabilities | 75,001 | 82,359 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
8
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Allegiant Travel Company (the “Company”) and its majority-owned operating subsidiaries. The Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are 50 percent or less owned, are accounted for under the equity or cost method, and are insignificant to the consolidated financial statements. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
These unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which management believes are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company for the respective periods presented. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for Form 10-Q. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto included in the annual report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation.
9
Note 2 — Special Charges
As a result of Hurricane Ian's direct hit on the southwest coast of Florida on September 28, 2022, the construction site of Sunseeker Resort at Charlotte Harbor (the "Resort" or "Sunseeker Resort") was damaged. Additionally in the fourth quarter of 2022, there was another weather-related event and a fire that caused additional damage. Based on the Company’s assessment of these damages and the anticipated future restoration costs, an estimated loss of $52.1 million was recorded as a special charge in 2022, which was offset by $18.1 million of recorded insurance recoveries during 2022. The Company recorded an additional $4.1 million and $4.4 million of estimated loss related to Hurricane Ian during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
During third quarter 2023, the Sunseeker Resort construction site incurred additional damages related to Hurricane Idalia. Based on the Company’s assessment of these damages and the anticipated future restoration costs, an estimated loss of $13.8 million was recorded as a special charge in third quarter 2023. The estimate is preliminary and subject to change as the damage assessment by the Company and the insurance providers continues.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded $0.5 million and $13.6 million of insurance recoveries respectively. The recoveries are offset by $17.9 million and $18.2 million of additional losses recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 respectively, resulting in special charges net of recoveries of $17.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively. To date, the Company has recorded insurance recoveries of $31.7 million related to Hurricane Ian and subsequent insurance events. We anticipate that additional insurance recoveries related to the losses incurred in third and fourth quarters 2022 and in third quarter 2023 will be recorded in future periods.
Due to the heavy maintenance needs on certain aging Airbus airframes and capacity constraints at the maintenance, repair, and overhaul contractors, the Company reevaluated its fleet plan and identified 21 airframes for early retirement to coincide with 737 MAX aircraft deliveries as scheduled under an amendment to the Company's agreement with The Boeing Company signed in September 2023. Two airframes were fully retired in September 2023 and the remaining airframes are to be retired between January 2024 and September 2025. The accelerated depreciation on these airframes resulting from a change in the estimated useful life is recorded as a special charge of $15.2 million during third quarter 2023.
Special Charges
The table below summarizes special charges recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 2022.
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Sunseeker weather and related events | $ | 17,915 | $ | 35,000 | $ | 18,232 | $ | 35,000 | |||||||||||||||
Sunseeker weather and related events, insurance recoveries | (483) | — | (13,634) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Accelerated depreciation on airframes identified for early retirement | 15,216 | 142 | 15,230 | 426 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total special charges | $ | 32,648 | $ | 35,142 | $ | 19,828 | $ | 35,426 |
10
Note 3 — Revenue Recognition
Passenger Revenue
Passenger revenue is the most significant category in the Company's reported operating revenues, as outlined below:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Scheduled service | $ | 231,757 | $ | 254,545 | $ | 862,823 | $ | 775,740 | |||||||||||||||
Ancillary air-related charges | 273,091 | 252,080 | 866,728 | 765,096 | |||||||||||||||||||
Loyalty redemptions | 11,403 | 9,851 | 38,723 | 32,205 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total passenger revenue | $ | 516,251 | $ | 516,476 | $ | 1,768,274 | $ | 1,573,041 |
Sales of passenger tickets not yet flown are recorded in air traffic liability. Passenger revenue is recognized when the underlying service is provided. As of September 30, 2023, the air traffic liability balance was $395.8 million, of which approximately $347.1 million was related to forward bookings, with the remaining $48.7 million related to credit vouchers for future travel.
The normal contract term of passenger tickets is 12 months and passenger revenue associated with future travel will principally be recognized within this time frame. Of the $379.5 million that was recorded in the air traffic liability balance as of December 31, 2022, approximately 87.2 percent was recognized into passenger revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The Company periodically evaluates the estimated amount of credit vouchers expected to expire unused and any adjustment is removed from air traffic liability and included in passenger revenue in the period in which the evaluation is complete. Estimates of passenger revenue to be recognized from air traffic liability for credit voucher breakage may be subject to variability and differ from historical experience due to the change in contract duration (for vouchers issued in 2020 and in the first half of 2021) and uncertainty regarding demand for future air travel.
Loyalty redemptions
In relation to the travel component of the Allways® Allegiant co-branded credit card contract with Bank of America, the Company has a performance obligation to provide cardholders with points to be used for future travel award redemptions. Therefore, consideration received from Bank of America related to the travel component is deferred based on its relative selling price and is recognized into passenger revenue when the points are redeemed and the underlying service is provided. Similarly, in relation to the Allways Rewards program, points earned through the program are deferred based on the stand-alone selling price and recognized into passenger revenue when the points are redeemed and the underlying service is provided.
The following table presents the activity of the point liability for the periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
Points balance at January 1 | $ | 56,500 | $ | 40,490 | |||||||
Points awarded (deferral of revenue) | 54,031 | 54,678 | |||||||||
Points redeemed (recognition of revenue) | (38,723) | (32,205) | |||||||||
Points balance at September 30 | $ | 71,808 | $ | 62,963 |
The current portion of the loyalty program liability represents the estimate of revenue to be recognized in the next 12 months based on historical trends, with the remaining balance reflected in noncurrent liabilities expected to be recognized into revenue in periods thereafter.
11
Note 4 — Property and Equipment
The following table summarizes the Company's property and equipment as of the dates indicated:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Flight equipment, including pre-delivery deposits | $ | 3,268,840 | $ | 2,937,767 | |||||||
Computer hardware and software | 264,002 | 209,808 | |||||||||
Land and buildings/leasehold improvements | 62,197 | 62,227 | |||||||||
Other property and equipment | 105,988 | 95,156 | |||||||||
Sunseeker Resort | 563,716 | 320,572 | |||||||||
Total property and equipment | 4,264,743 | 3,625,530 | |||||||||
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | (936,621) | (814,837) | |||||||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | 3,328,122 | $ | 2,810,693 |
Accrued capital expenditures as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $75.0 million and $54.6 million, respectively.
12
Note 5 — Long-Term Debt
The following table summarizes the Company's long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of related costs, as of the dates indicated:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Fixed-rate debt and finance lease obligations due through 2032 | $ | 1,971,579 | $ | 1,720,998 | |||||||
Variable-rate debt due through 2029 | 314,419 | 375,980 | |||||||||
Total debt and finance lease obligations | 2,285,998 | 2,096,978 | |||||||||
Less current maturities | 265,979 | 152,900 | |||||||||
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current maturities | $ | 2,020,019 | $ | 1,944,078 | |||||||
Weighted average fixed-interest rate on debt | 6.6% | 6.5% | |||||||||
Weighted average variable-interest rate on debt | 7.7% | 6.1% |
Interest Rate(s) Per Annum at | As of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Maturity Dates | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior secured notes | 2024 | — | 2027 | 7.25 | % | — | 8.50% | $ | 700,000 | $ | 700,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated variable interest entities | 2024 | — | 2029 | 2.92 | % | — | 4.09% | 98,198 | 79,453 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revolving credit facilities | 2024 | — | 2027 | 7.93% | 195,098 | 30,327 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt secured by aircraft, engines, other equipment and real estate | 2025 | — | 2031 | 1.87 | % | — | 8.11% | 503,731 | 466,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance leases | 2028 | — | 2032 | 4.44 | % | — | 7.01% | 461,364 | 494,328 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction loan agreement | 2028 | 5.75% | 350,000 | 350,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt | $ | 2,308,391 | $ | 2,120,443 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Related costs | (22,393) | (23,465) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt net of related costs | $ | 2,285,998 | $ | 2,096,978 |
Maturities of long term debt as of September 30, 2023, for the next five years and thereafter, in the aggregate, are:
(in thousands) | As of September 30, 2023 | ||||
Remaining in 2023 | $ | 28,587 | |||
2024 | 469,017 | ||||
2025 | 176,767 | ||||
2026 | 171,890 | ||||
2027 | 704,870 | ||||
2028 | 309,815 | ||||
Thereafter | 425,052 | ||||
Total debt and finance lease obligations, net of related costs | $ | 2,285,998 |
Secured Term Loan
On September 27, 2023, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Credit Agreement with BNP Paribas and JSA International U.S. Holdings, LLC, under which the Company is entitled to borrow up to $412.1 million. On September 29, 2023, the Company received funding of $196.4 million under the facility, which is collateralized by seven Airbus A320 aircraft. The proceeds were used in part to pay off $112.8 million of existing debt previously collateralized by the same aircraft. The $196.4 million loans funded on September 29, 2023 bear interest at a fixed rate, are to be paid in quarterly installments of principal and interest, and mature on September 29, 2031. The remaining undrawn balance of the facility will be funded upon delivery of, and collateralized by, four 737 MAX aircraft currently on order from Boeing. Future draws collateralized by 737 MAX aircraft will bear interest at a rate determined at the time of drawdown, and will have a term of twelve years.
13
Revolving Credit Facilities
In February 2023, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a credit agreement with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, under which the Company is entitled to borrow up to $100.0 million. This revolving credit facility replaced a revolving credit facility with the same lender which was to expire in March 2023. The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of March 31, 2026 and the borrowing ability is based on the value of aircraft and engines placed into the collateral pool. The notes under the facility bear interest at a floating rate based on SOFR. As of September 30, 2023, the facility remains undrawn.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company received $164.8 million in advances on a pre-delivery payment (PDP) credit facility secured by the Company's Boeing aircraft purchase rights. The notes under the facility bear interest at a floating interest rate based on SOFR and mature on December 31, 2024 or upon delivery of the applicable aircraft.
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
In February 2023, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into agreements with a trust to borrow $27.0 million secured by one Airbus A320 series aircraft. The trust was funded on inception. The borrowing bears interest at a fixed rate and is payable in monthly installments through February 2029, at which time the Company will have a purchase option at a fixed amount.
Other Secured Debt
In May 2023, the Company borrowed $92.7 million under a loan agreement secured by six Airbus A320 series aircraft. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate, payable in quarterly installments maturing in May 2028.
Debt Extinguishment
In June 2023, the Company made a $61.0 million prepayment to extinguish an aircraft-secured debt facility. The facility bore interest at a floating rate and had a maturity date of June 2024.
In September 2023, the Company made a payment of $112.8 million to voluntarily pay off several debt instruments collateralized by aircraft. These debt instruments were all floating rate instruments with original maturity dates between May and October 2027.
14
Note 6 — Income Taxes
The Company recorded a $4.9 million income tax benefit at an effective tax rate of 16.3 percent and a $9.7 million income tax benefit at a 17.3 percent effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state income taxes and the impact of permanent tax differences. While the Company expects its effective tax rate to be fairly consistent in the near term, it will vary depending on recurring items such as the amount of income earned in each state and the state tax rate applicable to such income. Discrete items during interim periods may also affect the Company's tax rates.
The Company recorded a $41.3 million income tax expense at an effective tax rate of 25.7 percent and a $10.9 million income tax benefit at a 17.9 percent effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state income taxes and the impact of permanent tax differences, none of which are individually significant.
15
Note 7 — Fair Value Measurements
The Company utilizes the market approach to measure the fair value of its financial assets. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. The assets classified as Level 2 primarily utilize quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources including transactions involving identical or comparable assets and models utilizing market observable inputs for valuation of these securities. No changes in valuation techniques or inputs occurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
As of September 30, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash equivalents | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Money market funds | $ | 165,196 | $ | 165,196 | $ | — | $ | 88,073 | $ | 88,073 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial paper | 9,940 | — | 9,940 | 50,791 | — | 50,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal debt securities | 7,867 | — | 7,867 | 8,599 | — | 8,599 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash equivalents | 183,003 | 165,196 | 17,807 | 147,463 | 88,073 | 59,390 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short-term | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial paper | 266,653 | — | 266,653 | 421,279 | — | 421,279 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal agency debt securities | 196,634 | — | 196,634 | 107,222 | — | 107,222 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt securities | 151,610 | — | 151,610 | 166,136 | — | 166,136 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US Treasury Bonds | 23,578 | — | 23,578 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal debt securities | 12,738 | — | 12,738 | 30,426 | — | 30,426 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total short-term | 651,213 | — | 651,213 | 725,063 | — | 725,063 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal agency debt securities | 30,994 | — | 30,994 | 20,050 | — | 20,050 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate debt securities | 27,093 | — | 27,093 | 35,688 | — | 35,688 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal debt securities | 13,495 | — | 13,495 | 7,580 | — | 7,580 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total long-term | 71,582 | — | 71,582 | 63,318 | — | 63,318 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total financial instruments | $ | 905,798 | $ | 165,196 | $ | 740,602 | $ | 935,844 | $ | 88,073 | $ | 847,771 |
None of the Company's debt is publicly held and as a result, the Company has determined the estimated fair value of these notes to be Level 3. Certain inputs used to determine fair value are unobservable and, therefore, could be sensitive to changes in inputs. The Company utilizes the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of Level 3 debt.
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt, excluding finance leases, including current maturities and without reduction for related costs, are as follows:
As of September 30, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Hierarchy Level | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair Value of Notes Payable | $ | 1,847,028 | $ | 1,747,427 | $ | 1,626,114 | $ | 1,561,939 | 3 |
Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value.
16
Note 8 — Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed pursuant to the two-class method. Under this method, the Company attributes net income (loss) to two classes: common stock and unvested restricted stock. Unvested restricted stock awards granted to employees under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable rights to cash dividends at the same rate as common stock.
Diluted net income per share is calculated using the more dilutive of the two methods. Under both methods, the exercise of employee stock options is assumed using the treasury stock method. The assumption of vesting of restricted stock, however, differs:
1.Assume vesting of restricted stock using the treasury stock method.
2.Assume unvested restricted stock awards are not vested, and allocate earnings to common shares and unvested restricted stock awards using the two-class method.
For certain periods presented, basic and diluted loss per share are the same because of the loss position.
The following table sets forth the computation of net income (loss) per share, on a basic and diluted basis, for the periods indicated (share count and dollar amounts other than per-share amounts in the table are in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Basic: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (25,066) | $ | (46,459) | $ | 119,552 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||||||||||
Less income allocated to participating securities | (452) | — | (4,397) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock | $ | (25,518) | $ | (46,459) | $ | 115,155 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share, basic | $ | (1.44) | $ | (2.58) | $ | 6.44 | $ | (2.78) | |||||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding | 17,721 | 18,014 | 17,879 | 17,985 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (25,066) | $ | (46,459) | $ | 119,552 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||||||||||
Less income allocated to participating securities | (452) | — | (4,389) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock | $ | (25,518) | $ | (46,459) | $ | 115,163 | $ | (49,982) | |||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted | $ | (1.44) | $ | (2.58) | $ | 6.43 | $ | (2.78) | |||||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding | 17,721 | 18,014 | 17,879 | 17,985 | |||||||||||||||||||
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock | — | — | 238 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding under treasury stock method | 17,721 | 18,014 | 18,117 | 17,985 | |||||||||||||||||||
Participating securities excluded under two-class method | — | — | (204) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding under two-class method | 17,721 | 18,014 | 17,913 | 17,985 |
17
Note 9 — Contingencies
The Company is subject to certain legal and administrative actions it considers routine to its business activities. The Company believes the ultimate outcome of any potential and pending legal or administrative matters will not have a material adverse impact on its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
18
Note 10 — Segments
Operating segments are components of a company for which separate financial and operating information is regularly evaluated and reported to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), and is used to allocate resources and analyze performance. The Company's CODM is the executive leadership team, which reviews information about the Company's two operating segments: Airline and Sunseeker Resort.
Airline Segment
The Airline segment operates as a single business unit and includes all scheduled service air transportation, ancillary air-related products and services, third party products and services, fixed fee contract air transportation and other airline-related revenue. The CODM evaluation includes, but is not limited to, route and flight profitability data, ancillary and third party product and service offering statistics, and fixed fee contract information when making resource allocation decisions with the goal of optimizing consolidated financial results.
Sunseeker Resort Segment
The Sunseeker Resort segment represents activity related to the development and construction of Sunseeker Resort in Southwest Florida, as well as the renovation of Aileron Golf Course (formerly known as Kingsway Golf Course). Plans for the resort include a 500-room hotel and two towers offering more than 180 one, two and three-bedroom suites, bar and restaurant options, and other amenities. The golf course is a short drive from the resort and is considered, from a planning and strategic perspective, to be an additional resort amenity. The construction of Sunseeker Resort is an extension of the Company's leisure travel focus and it is expected that many customers flying to Southwest Florida on Allegiant will elect to stay at this resort and enjoy its amenities.
Selected information for the Company's segments and the reconciliation to the consolidated financial statement amounts are as follows:
(in thousands) | Airline | Sunseeker Resort | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 516,251 | $ | — | $ | 516,251 | ||||||||||||||
Third party products | 30,944 | — | 30,944 | |||||||||||||||||
Fixed fee contracts | 17,741 | — | 17,741 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 419 | 4 | 423 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 5,814 | (23,697) | (17,883) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net(1) | 20,654 | 5,535 | 26,189 | |||||||||||||||||
Capitalized interest | (8,224) | (6,664) | (14,888) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 55,730 | 86 | 55,816 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 157,579 | 78,254 | 235,833 | |||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 516,476 | $ | — | $ | 516,476 | ||||||||||||||
Third party products | 27,132 | — | 27,132 | |||||||||||||||||
Fixed fee contracts | 15,881 | — | 15,881 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 836 | — | 836 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 6,844 | (37,755) | (30,911) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net(1) | 20,197 | 4,115 | 24,312 | |||||||||||||||||
Capitalized interest | (1,315) | (2,981) | (4,296) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 50,064 | 28 | 50,092 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 165,814 | 91,076 | 256,890 |
19
(in thousands) | Airline | Sunseeker Resort | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 1,768,274 | $ | — | $ | 1,768,274 | ||||||||||||||
Third party products | 85,886 | — | 85,886 | |||||||||||||||||
Fixed fee contracts | 43,599 | — | 43,599 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 1,088 | 8 | 1,096 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 230,894 | (20,525) | 210,369 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net(1) | 61,157 | 16,326 | 77,483 | |||||||||||||||||
Capitalized interest | (13,143) | (15,806) | (28,949) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 164,196 | 234 | 164,430 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 425,996 | 260,892 | 686,888 | |||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 1,573,041 | $ | — | $ | 1,573,041 | ||||||||||||||
Third party products | 77,399 | — | 77,399 | |||||||||||||||||
Fixed fee contracts | 38,186 | — | 38,186 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 1,654 | — | 1,654 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 44,902 | (42,455) | 2,447 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net(1) | 54,857 | 10,752 | 65,609 | |||||||||||||||||
Capitalized interest | (2,746) | (4,848) | (7,594) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 145,573 | 45 | 145,618 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 404,015 | 228,452 | 632,467 |
(1) Excludes losses (net of gains) on debt extinguishment of $600 thousand and $806 thousand for quarter-to-date and year-to-date 2023 respectively. During the third quarter 2022, the Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $5.0 million in relation to the prepayment of its Term Loan B.
Total assets were as follows as of the dates indicated:
(in thousands) | As of September 30, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Airline | $ | 4,283,299 | $ | 4,047,134 | |||||||
Sunseeker Resort | 629,037 | 464,163 | |||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 4,912,336 | $ | 4,511,297 |
20
Note 11 — Subsequent Events
On November 2, 2023, the Company repaid all amounts due under its $150.0 million senior secured notes due February 2024.
On October 25, 2023, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into agreements with a trust to borrow $9 million secured by one CFM engine. The trust was funded on inception and the borrowing bears interest at a fixed imputed rate and is payable in monthly installments through October 2028, at which time the Company will have a purchase option at a fixed amount.
On October 31, 2023, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into agreements with a trust to borrow $27 million secured by one Airbus A320 series aircraft. The trust was funded on inception and the borrowing bears interest at a fixed imputed rate and is payable in monthly installments through October 2028, at which time the Company will have a purchase option at a fixed amount.
On October 31, 2023, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, extended the term of its August 2022 revolving credit facility with MUFG Bank by two years to August 2025. All other terms of the agreement remain the same and the facility remains undrawn as of September 30, 2023.
On November 1, 2023, the Company, through a variable interest entity, entered into agreements with Carlyle Aviation Group to borrow $158 million secured by the Company's purchase rights for eight Boeing 737 aircraft. The facility bears a floating interest rate based on SOFR and is due upon delivery of each aircraft or no later than June 30, 2025.
21
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis presents factors that had a material effect on our results of operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Also discussed is our financial position as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our consolidated financial statements appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section below entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.
Third Quarter 2023 Review
Third quarter 2023 highlights include:
•Total operating revenue was $565.4 million, up 0.9 percent over the prior year and the highest third quarter total in company history
•Total fixed fee contracts revenue of $17.7 million, up 11.7 percent year-over-year
•TRASM (total passenger revenue per scheduled service available seat mile) of 12.78 cents, up 1.4 percent year-over-year on scheduled service capacity decrease of 0.8 percent year-over-year
•Controllable completion factor of 99.7%
•Total average fare of $129.23, up 2.6 percent year-over-year
•Average ancillary fare of $64.50, up 10.4 percent year-over-year
•Airline special charges of $15.2 million from accelerated depreciation on aircraft retirement plan
•Allways Rewards program enrolled 478 thousand new members during the quarter, bringing total members to 16.7 million
•$88 million in remuneration received from our co-branded credit card year-to-date
•Announced a collaboration with global entertainment icon Carrie Underwood in support of the company's Allways Rewards Visa® card and loyalty program
•Entered into $412.1 million financing arrangement and borrowed $196.4 million collateralized by seven A320 aircraft, with the remaining undrawn balance to be used in 2024 to fund four 737 MAX aircraft
•Sunseeker Resort nears completion - announced December 15, 2023 opening date
•Sunseeker special charges of $17.4 million, net of recoveries, from hurricane and other weather-related events
AIRCRAFT
The following table sets forth the aircraft in service and operated by us as of the dates indicated:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
A319 | 35 | 35 | |||||||||
A320(1) | 92 | 86 | |||||||||
Total | 127 | 121 |
(1)December 31, 2022 figure does not include five aircraft of which we have taken delivery, but were not yet in service as of that date.
22
On September 29, 2023, we entered into agreements with The Boeing Company ("Boeing") to amend our 2021 agreement to acquire 50 newly manufactured Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The amended agreements include a revised delivery schedule for the initial 50 aircraft to now extend through late 2025.
Due to the heavy maintenance needs on certain aging Airbus airframes and capacity constraints at the maintenance, repair, and overhaul contractors constraining fleet utilization, we reevaluated our fleet plan and identified 21 aging airframes for early retirement to coincide with the delivery schedule for our 737 MAX aircraft provided in an amendment to our Boeing purchase agreement signed on September 29, 2023. Two airframes were retired in September 2023 and the remaining airframes are to be retired between January 2024 and September 2025. The retirements are coordinated with the revised delivery schedule for the 737 MAX aircraft to provide us with opportunities for fleet renewal and replacement. The accelerated depreciation on these airframes resulting from a change in the estimated useful life is recorded as a special charge of $15.2 million during third quarter 2023. We plan to retain the engines associated with these airframes in our spare engine pool and use the substantial remaining life on these engines to offset future overhaul costs.
As of September 30, 2023, we were party to forward purchase agreements for 52 aircraft. One aircraft was delivered in October 2023 and one is expected to be delivered in December 2023. We currently expect deliveries of 24 737 MAX aircraft in 2024 and 26 thereafter.
NETWORK
As of September 30, 2023, we were selling 549 routes versus 583 as of the same date in 2022. As discussed below, growth in overall capacity and the number of routes served have been reduced as a result of efforts to balance the demand environment and prevailing fuel prices with system wide operational reliability. We expect route count to remain below 2022 levels throughout the rest of the year as we focus on our core markets during our busiest travel periods. We have identified as many as 1,400 incremental domestic nonstop routes as opportunities for future network growth, of which over 75% currently have no current non-stop service. Our total active number of origination cities and leisure destinations were 91 and 33, respectively, as of September 30, 2023.
Our unique model is predicated around expanding and contracting capacity to meet seasonal travel demands.
23
TRENDS
Demand Momentum
We continue to see strong demand across both peak and off-peak periods relative to pre-pandemic. While peak period demand has persisted meaningfully higher, the performance of off-peak periods in relation to current peaks has normalized according to typical leisure seasonality.
Aircraft Fuel
The cost of fuel is volatile, as it is subject to many economic and geopolitical factors we can neither control nor predict. Significant increases in fuel costs could materially affect our operating results and profitability. We have not sought to use financial derivative products to hedge our exposure to fuel price volatility, nor do we have any plans to do so in the future.
Despite a 19.7 percent decrease in fuel cost per gallon during the third quarter 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, attributable to lower crude oil prices and refining margins, we anticipate that our overall costs and operating results will continue to be affected by persistently high and volatile fuel prices. This is primarily due to ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, which continue to impact the global market.
Boeing Agreement
In September 2023, we signed an agreement with The Boeing Company to amend our 2021 agreement to purchase 50 newly manufactured 737 MAX aircraft. Under the amended agreements, the mix of 737 MAX-8200 and 737 MAX-7 aircraft have been altered so that there will be more 737 MAX-8200 aircraft and fewer 737 MAX-7 aircraft. The amended agreements also reflect a revised delivery schedule for the initial 50 aircraft to deliver through late 2025 and options to acquire as many as 80 additional 737 MAX aircraft. We believe this new aircraft purchase is complementary with our low cost strategy based on our intent to retain ownership of the aircraft, the longer useful life for depreciation purposes, reduced maintenance costs in the early periods of ownership, expected fuel savings and operational reliability from the use of these new aircraft.
Operations
Delays for aircraft in heavy maintenance, airport construction disruption, weather, and air traffic control delays in certain markets continue to impact our operations and we have pulled back some of our capacity growth in 2023 and into 2024 as a result. We believe these issues are not unique to Allegiant nor do we believe they are systemic.
Union Negotiations
The collective bargaining agreement with our pilots is currently amendable. We and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters ("IBT”) jointly requested the mediation services of the National Mediation Board ("NMB") in January 2023 to assist with the negotiations. The mediation process with the NMB is continuing, with dates for negotiation sessions currently scheduled through March of 2024.
Separately from the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations, to begin to address retention and pilot pay issues, effective in May 2023, we began recognizing a retention bonus for pilots who continue employment with us until a new labor agreement is approved.The amount is 35 percent of current hourly pay rates, except for the first year first officers for whom the percentage is 82 percent, calculated at a minimum of 85 pay credit hours per month. IBT concurred with this approach. Since its inception, pilot attrition rates have declined and we are increasing the number of pilots employed.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded estimated pilot retention bonus accruals of $18.7 million and $30.4 million, respectively. The bonus will be paid to all pilots remaining employed with us upon ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement.
The collective bargaining agreement with our flight attendants is also currently amendable. We and the Transportation Workers Union (“TWU”) representing this group reached an initial tentative agreement in May 2023. That initial tentative agreement was not ratified by the flight attendant membership, and the parties have reengaged in negotiations for an amended contract.
The terms of any new collective bargaining agreement will impact our costs over the term of the contract.
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Engagement of Schneider Electric as ESG Consultant
We are continuing our partnership with Schneider Electric to help us develop our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program. During 2023, we expect to establish ESG goals and environmental goal achievement plans and will continue to provide carbon emissions reporting of Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
VivaAerobus Alliance
In December 2021, we announced plans for a fully-integrated commercial alliance agreement with VivaAerobus, designed to expand options for nonstop leisure air travel on transborder flights between United States and Mexico. We and VivaAerobus have submitted a joint application to the DOT requesting approval of and antitrust immunity for the alliance. Due to recent actions undertaken by Mexico affecting U.S. operations at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport, our application's procedural schedule set by the DOT has been temporarily suspended. This will delay approval for an undetermined period of time.
We and VivaAerobus expect to offer new routes under the alliance pending U.S. governmental approval of the applications. The approval of the applications was also subject to the return of Mexico to a Category 1 status under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (“IASA”) program. The Category 1 status allows foreign airlines to expand their services to U.S. destinations and enter into codeshare partnerships with U.S. airlines. Mexico has now been approved for Category I status.
Sunseeker Resort
Construction of Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is nearing completion and we expect to open the Resort on December 15, 2023. The Resort is receiving bookings from transient customers and group sales and has hired substantially all of the initial staff needed to open the Resort.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of three months ended September 30, 2023 to three months ended September 30, 2022
Operating Revenue
Passenger revenue. For third quarter 2023, passenger revenue remained consistent compared to the same period in 2022 on relatively flat capacity, as scheduled service available seat miles (ASMs) decreased by 0.8 percent. A 10.4 percent increase in average ancillary air-related fare, excluding third party products was offset by a 6.3 percent decrease in average base fare and a 1.9% decrease in number of scheduled service passengers. The increase in average ancillary air-related fare compared to third quarter 2022 was primarily driven by overall strength in core products and the Allegiant Extra rollout.
Third party products revenue. Third party products revenue for third quarter 2023 increased 14.0 percent compared to third quarter 2022. The increase from 2022 is primarily the result of a 41.5 percent increase in the marketing component of co-branded credit card revenues, offset by a decrease in hotel and rental car revenue.
Fixed fee contract revenue. Fixed fee contract revenue for third quarter 2023 increased 11.7 percent compared to the same period in 2022 as a result of a 30 percent increase in fixed fee departures.
Operating Expenses
We primarily evaluate our expense management by comparing our costs per available seat mile (ASM) across different periods, which enables us to assess trends in each expense category. The following table presents unit costs on a per ASM basis, or CASM, for the indicated periods. Excluding fuel on a per ASM basis provides management and investors the ability to measure and monitor our cost performance absent fuel price volatility. Both the cost and availability of fuel are subject to many economic and political factors beyond our control.
Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||
Unitized costs (in cents) | 2023 | 2022 | YoY | ||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 3.79 | ¢ | 4.68 | ¢ | (19.0) | % | |||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 3.68 | 3.09 | 19.1 | ||||||||||||||
Station operations | 1.46 | 1.49 | (2.0) | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1.26 | 1.13 | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||
Maintenance and repairs | 0.80 | 0.72 | 11.1 | ||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 0.64 | 0.58 | 10.3 | ||||||||||||||
Aircraft lease rentals | 0.13 | 0.13 | — | ||||||||||||||
Other | 0.65 | 0.67 | (3.0) | ||||||||||||||
Special charges, net of insurance recoveries | 0.74 | 0.79 | (6.3) | ||||||||||||||
CASM | 13.15 | 13.28 | (1.0) | ||||||||||||||
Operating CASM, excluding fuel | 9.36 | 8.60 | 8.8 | ||||||||||||||
Airline special charges CASM | 0.34 | — | NM | ||||||||||||||
Sunseeker Resort CASM | 0.53 | 0.85 | (37.6) | ||||||||||||||
Operating CASM, excluding fuel, airline special charges and Sunseeker Resort activity | 8.49 | ¢ | 7.75 | ¢ | 9.5 | ||||||||||||
NM - Not meaningful
Operating CASM, excluding fuel, airline special charges, and Sunseeker Resort activity. Operating CASM, excluding fuel, airline special charges and Sunseeker Resort activity, increased by 9.5 percent to 8.49 ¢ for third quarter 2023 from 7.75 ¢ in third quarter 2022. The CASM-ex increase is attributable to an 18.7 percent increase in salaries and benefits and a 10.3% increase in sales and marketing expense in third quarter 2023 over third quarter 2022 (for the reasons described in the expense line item discussion below) with a 0.4 percent decrease in capacity as we intentionally reduced capacity growth in light of higher fuel costs and to protect operational integrity. This is reflected in the reduced utilization of our aircraft as average block hours per aircraft per day decreased by 9.4 percent in the quarter compared to third quarter 2022.
Aircraft fuel expense. Aircraft fuel expense decreased $40.3 million, or 19.4 percent, for third quarter 2023 compared to third quarter 2022. This is primarily due to a 19.7 percent decrease in average fuel cost per gallon. The decrease in fuel cost was partially offset by a 0.5 percent increase in fuel gallons consumed.
Salaries and benefits expense. Salaries and benefits expense increased $25.7 million, or 18.7 percent, for third quarter 2023 when compared to third quarter 2022. The increase is due in part to a 10.5 percent increase in the average number of full time equivalent employees from third quarter 2022, which includes newly hired Sunseeker team members. Higher salaries and
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benefits expense was also driven by increased crew pay, including an $18.7 million accrual for pilot retention bonuses, increased rates for maintenance technicians that took effect in August 2023, and annual merit increases for team members not subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Station operations expense. Station operations expense for third quarter 2023 decreased $1.7 million, or 2.5 percent compared to third quarter 2022, as scheduled service departures also decreased by 1.4 percent. A reduction in customer compensation for irregular operations, as compared to the same period in 2022, was offset by inflationary pressure on costs in general.
Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expense for third quarter 2023 increased by 11.4 percent as compared to third quarter 2022 driven by an 11.1 percent increase in the average number of aircraft owned and in service and increased deferred heavy maintenance expense.
Maintenance and repairs expense. Maintenance and repairs expense for third quarter 2023 increased $3.3 million, or 10.3 percent, compared to third quarter 2022, as the result of a 10.2 percent increase in the average number of aircraft in service.
Sales and marketing expense. Sales and marketing expense for third quarter 2023 increased by 10.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022, primarily due to a cobrand relaunch campaign and a Sunseeker advertising campaign.
Other operating expense. Other operating expense decreased $0.9 million or 2.8 percent for third quarter 2023 compared to third quarter 2022 attributable to incremental decreases in legal affairs and crew travel expense.
Special charges. During third quarter 2023, we recorded $32.6 million of special charges including $15.2 million in accelerated depreciation from planned early retirement of 21 airframes from 2023 through 2025 pursuant to a revised fleet plan. In addition, we recognized $17.9 million in additional losses related to 2023 and 2022 weather events in third quarter 2023 as compared to $35.0 million of special charges related to Hurricane Ian recorded in third quarter 2022.
Interest Expense and Income
Interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 increased by $5.0 million, or 14.6 percent over third quarter 2022, attributable primarily to a 3.2 percentage point increase in the weighted average variable interest rate year-over-year due to increases in the indices. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by a $7.5 million increase in interest income compared to third quarter 2022, due to higher yields on investments in debt securities.
Income Tax Expense
We recorded a $4.9 million income tax benefit at an effective tax rate of 16.3 percent and a $9.7 million income tax benefit at a 17.3 percent effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the statutory Federal income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state income taxes and the impact of permanent tax differences.
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Comparison of nine months ended September 30, 2023 to nine months ended September 30, 2022
As comparisons of our 2023 results to 2022 reflect changes due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and early in 2022 in particular, year-over-year comparisons below are not necessarily indicative of expected full year-over-year results.
Operating Revenue
Passenger revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, passenger revenue increased 12.4 percent compared with the same period in 2022. Scheduled service passengers were up 2.7 percent and the average scheduled service base fare increased by 8.7 percent due to stronger leisure demand. The increase in passenger revenue was also driven by a 10.3 percent increase in average ancillary air-related fare, excluding third party products. The increase in average ancillary air-related fare over the same period in 2022 was primarily driven by overall strength in core products and the Allegiant Extra rollout.
Third party products revenue. Third party products revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased 11.0 percent over the same period in 2022. The increase from 2022 is primarily the result of increased Allways® Rewards Program revenues.
Fixed fee contract revenue. Fixed fee contract revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased 14.2 percent compared to the same period in 2022 as a result of a 24.6 percent increase in fixed fee departures.
Operating Expenses
The following table presents unit costs on a per ASM basis, defined as Operating CASM, for the indicated periods:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | |||||||||||||||||||
Unitized costs (in cents) | 2023 | 2022 | YoY | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 3.67 | ¢ | 4.48 | ¢ | (18.1) | % | ||||||||||||||
Salaries and benefits | 3.53 | 2.92 | 20.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Station operations | 1.36 | 1.41 | (3.5) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 1.16 | 1.04 | 11.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Maintenance and repairs | 0.67 | 0.65 | 3.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 0.60 | 0.54 | 11.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft lease rentals | 0.13 | 0.12 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 0.66 | 0.59 | 11.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Special charges, net of insurance recoveries | 0.14 | 0.25 | (44.0) | |||||||||||||||||
CASM | 11.92 | 12.00 | (0.7) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating CASM, excluding fuel (2) | 8.25 | 7.52 | 9.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Airline special charges CASM | 0.11 | — | NM | |||||||||||||||||
Sunseeker Resort CASM | 0.14 | 0.30 | (53.3) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating CASM, excluding fuel, airline special charges and Sunseeker Resort activity | 8.00 | ¢ | 7.22 | ¢ | 10.8 | |||||||||||||||
NM - Not meaningful
Operating CASM, excluding fuel, airline special charges, and Sunseeker Resort activity.
Operating CASM, excluding fuel, airline special charges and Sunseeker Resort activity, increased by 10.8 percent to 8.00 ¢ for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 from 7.22 ¢ in the same period in 2022. The CASM-ex increase is attributable to an increase in non-fuel airline costs, in the first nine months of 2023 over the same period in 2022 (for the reasons described in the expense line item discussion below) with only a 0.7 percent increase in total system capacity as we intentionally reduced capacity growth to protect operational integrity. This is reflected in the reduced utilization of our aircraft as average block hours per aircraft per day decreased by 8.7 percent in the period compared to the first nine months of 2022.
Aircraft fuel expense. Aircraft fuel expense decreased $109.6 million, or 17.4 percent, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This is primarily driven by a 19.1 percent decrease in average fuel cost per gallon. The decrease in fuel cost was partially offset by a 1.9 percent increase in fuel gallons consumed on a 0.7 percent increase in total available seat miles.
Salaries and benefits expense. Salaries and benefits expense increased $88.8 million, or 21.6 percent, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The increase is due in part to a 10.5 percent increase in the
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average number of full time equivalent employees from the same period in 2022, which increase includes newly hired Sunseeker team members.
On a per ASM basis, salaries and benefits expense increased 20.9 percent. The cost increases primarily relate to increases in crew pay, including a $30.4 million accrual for pilot retention bonuses, increased rates for maintenance technicians that took effect in August 2023, and annual merit increases for team members not subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Station operations expense. Station operations expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $6.1 million or 3.1 percent mostly due to decreased costs associated with irregular operations compared to the prior year period. Reductions in irregular operations costs were offset by inflationary pressure on costs in general.
Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $18.8 million or 12.9 percent as compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to an 11.1 percent increase in the average number of aircraft owned and in service and increased amortization of deferred heavy maintenance.
Maintenance and repairs expense. Maintenance and repairs expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased by $4.4 million or 4.9 percent compared to the same period in 2022. The increase was driven by a 10.6 percent increase in average aircraft in service offset by a higher volume of repairs in the prior year period compared to the current year.
Sales and marketing expense. Sales and marketing expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased 13.0 percent compared to the same period in 2022 due to an increase in net credit card fees as a result of a 12.4 percent increase in passenger revenue year-over-year and due to a fee paid to transition our cobrand credit card to the Visa network.
Other operating expense. Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased by $8.6 million, or 10.4 percent year-over-year, due to incremental increases in outsourced labor and software support associated with ongoing IT initiatives, legal and governmental affairs, and crew transportation expense.
Special charges. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recorded $15.2 million of special charges attributable to accelerated depreciation from the planned early retirement of 21 airframes per our revised fleet plan. In addition, we recognized $4.6 million of special charges net of recoveries related to 2023 and 2022 weather events as $18.2 million of additional special charges was offset by the recognition of $13.6 million of insurance recoveries on Sunseeker Resort damages. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recorded $35.0 million of special charges related to Hurricane Ian.
Income Tax Expense
We recorded a $41.3 million income tax expense at an effective rate of 25.7 percent compared to a $10.9 million tax benefit at a 17.9 percent effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The 25.7 percent effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state income taxes and the impact of permanent tax differences.
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Comparative Airline-Only Operating Statistics
The following tables set forth our airline operating statistics for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change (1) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | YoY | |||||||||||||||
Airline operating statistics (unaudited): | |||||||||||||||||
Total system statistics: | |||||||||||||||||
Passengers | 4,292,031 | 4,359,417 | (1.5) | % | |||||||||||||
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands) | 4,433,767 | 4,450,595 | (0.4) | ||||||||||||||
Airline operating expense per ASM (CASM) (cents) | 12.62 | ¢ | 12.43 | ¢ | 1.5 | ||||||||||||
Fuel expense per ASM (cents) | 3.79 | ¢ | 4.68 | ¢ | (19.0) | ||||||||||||
Airline special charges per ASM (cents) | 0.34 | ¢ | — | ¢ | NM | ||||||||||||
Airline operating CASM, excluding fuel and special charges (cents) | 8.49 | ¢ | 7.75 | ¢ | 9.5 | ||||||||||||
Departures | 29,251 | 29,432 | (0.6) | ||||||||||||||
Block hours | 67,312 | 67,277 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 858 | 857 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||
Average number of operating aircraft during period | 126.8 | 115.1 | 10.2 | ||||||||||||||
Average block hours per aircraft per day | 5.8 | 6.4 | (9.4) | ||||||||||||||
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period | 5,578 | 5,285 | 5.5 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 54,320 | 54,044 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
ASMs per gallon of fuel | 81.6 | 82.4 | (1.0) | ||||||||||||||
Average fuel cost per gallon | $ | 3.09 | $ | 3.85 | (19.7) |
Scheduled service statistics: | |||||||||||||||||
Passengers | 4,234,196 | 4,316,163 | (1.9) | ||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands) | 3,744,225 | 3,820,339 | (2.0) | ||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands) | 4,280,034 | 4,315,984 | (0.8) | ||||||||||||||
Load factor | 87.5 | % | 88.5 | % | (1.0) | ||||||||||||
Departures | 28,040 | 28,436 | (1.4) | ||||||||||||||
Block hours | 64,857 | 65,182 | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||
Average seats per departure | 176.8 | 175.8 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||
Yield (cents) (2) | 6.49 | ¢ | 6.92 | ¢ | (6.2) | ||||||||||||
Total passenger revenue per ASM (TRASM) (cents)(3) | 12.78 | ¢ | 12.60 | ¢ | 1.4 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - scheduled service(4) | $ | 57.43 | $ | 61.26 | (6.3) | ||||||||||||
Average fare - air-related charges(4) | $ | 64.50 | $ | 58.40 | 10.4 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - third party products | $ | 7.31 | $ | 6.29 | 16.2 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - total | $ | 129.23 | $ | 125.95 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 864 | 860 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 52,491 | 52,491 | — | ||||||||||||||
Average fuel cost per gallon | $ | 3.07 | $ | 3.84 | (20.1) | ||||||||||||
Rental car days sold | 335,542 | 364,481 | (7.9) | ||||||||||||||
Hotel room nights sold | 54,447 | 71,205 | (23.5) | ||||||||||||||
Percent of sales through website during period | 95.1 | % | 96.1 | % | (1.0) |
(1)Except load factor and percent of sales through website during period, which are presented as a percentage point change.
(2)Defined as scheduled service revenue divided by revenue passenger miles.
(3)Various components of this measure do not have a direct correlation to ASMs. This measure is provided on a per ASM basis so as to facilitate comparison with airlines reporting revenues on a per ASM basis.
(4)Reflects division of passenger revenue between scheduled service (base fare) and air-related charges in our booking path.
NM Not Meaningful
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Comparative Consolidated Operating Statistics
The following tables set forth our operating statistics for the periods indicated:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change (1) | ||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | YoY | |||||||||||||||
Airline operating statistics (unaudited): | |||||||||||||||||
Total system statistics: | |||||||||||||||||
Passengers | 13,196,465 | 12,834,078 | 2.8 | % | |||||||||||||
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands) | 14,164,936 | 14,060,825 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||
Airline operating expense per ASM (CASM) (cents) | 11.78 | ¢ | 11.70 | ¢ | 0.7 | ||||||||||||
Fuel expense per ASM (cents) | 3.67 | ¢ | 4.48 | ¢ | (18.1) | ||||||||||||
Airline special charges per ASM (cents) | 0.11 | ¢ | — | ¢ | NM | ||||||||||||
Airline operating CASM, excluding fuel and special charges (cents) | 8.00 | ¢ | 7.22 | ¢ | 10.8 | ||||||||||||
Departures | 90,792 | 90,064 | 0.8 | ||||||||||||||
Block hours | 215,716 | 212,403 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 883 | 885 | (0.2) | ||||||||||||||
Average number of operating aircraft during period | 124.7 | 112.7 | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||
Average block hours per aircraft per day | 6.3 | 6.9 | (8.7) | ||||||||||||||
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period | 5,578 | 5,285 | 5.5 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 170,271 | 167,070 | 1.9 | ||||||||||||||
ASMs per gallon of fuel | 83.2 | 84.2 | (1.2) | ||||||||||||||
Average fuel cost per gallon | $ | 3.05 | $ | 3.77 | (19.1) |
Scheduled service statistics: | |||||||||||||||||
Passengers | 13,076,015 | 12,736,268 | 2.7 | ||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands) | 11,947,986 | 11,646,212 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands) | 13,778,994 | 13,716,838 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||
Load factor | 86.7 | % | 84.9 | % | 1.8 | ||||||||||||
Departures | 87,800 | 87,475 | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||
Block hours | 209,468 | 206,868 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||
Average seats per departure | 176.1 | 175.7 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||
Yield (cents) (2) | 7.55 | ¢ | 6.94 | ¢ | 8.8 | ||||||||||||
Total passenger revenue per ASM (TRASM) (cents)(3) | 13.46 | ¢ | 12.03 | ¢ | 11.9 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - scheduled service(4) | $ | 68.95 | $ | 63.44 | 8.7 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - air-related charges(4) | $ | 66.28 | $ | 60.07 | 10.3 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - third party products | $ | 6.57 | $ | 6.08 | 8.1 | ||||||||||||
Average fare - total | $ | 141.80 | $ | 129.59 | 9.4 | ||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 889 | 889 | — | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 165,599 | 162,933 | 1.6 | ||||||||||||||
Average fuel cost per gallon | $ | 3.05 | $ | 3.77 | (19.1) | ||||||||||||
Rental car days sold | 1,081,483 | 1,161,579 | (6.9) | ||||||||||||||
Hotel room nights sold | 193,643 | 222,334 | (12.9) | ||||||||||||||
Percent of sales through website during period | 95.3 | % | 96.2 | % | (0.9) |
(1)Except load factor and percent of sales through website during period, which are presented as a percentage point change.
(2)Defined as scheduled service revenue divided by revenue passenger miles.
(3)Various components of this measure do not have a direct correlation to ASMs. This measure is provided on a per ASM basis so as to facilitate comparison with airlines reporting revenues on a per ASM basis.
(4)Reflects division of passenger revenue between scheduled service (base fare) and air-related charges in our booking path.
NM Not Meaningful
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Current liquidity
Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities (short-term and long-term) decreased slightly to $1.01 billion at September 30, 2023, from $1.02 billion at December 31, 2022. Investment securities represent highly liquid marketable securities which are available-for-sale.
Restricted cash represents escrowed funds under fixed fee contracts and cash collateral against letters of credit required by hotel properties for guaranteed room availability, airports and certain other parties. Under our fixed fee flying contracts, we require our customers to prepay for flights to be provided by us. The prepayments are escrowed until the flight is completed and are recorded as restricted cash with a corresponding amount reflected as air traffic liability.
Our operating cash flows and long-term debt borrowings have allowed us to invest in our fleet transition, return capital to shareholders in the form of recurring regular quarterly dividends and share repurchases, and invest in Sunseeker Resort. Future capital needs are primarily for the acquisition of additional aircraft, including our existing aircraft commitments, as well as planned capital outlay related to Sunseeker Resort.
We believe we have more than adequate liquidity resources through our cash balances, operating cash flows, availability under revolving credit facilities, PDP facilities, and borrowings to meet our future contractual obligations. We will continue to consider raising funds through debt financing as needed to fund capital expenditures.
In addition to our recurring quarterly cash dividend, our current share repurchase authority is $88.2 million. There is no expiration to this program.
Debt
Our debt and finance lease obligations balance, without reduction for related issuance costs, increased slightly from $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2022 to $2.31 billion as of September 30, 2023. Net debt (total debt less unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and investments) as of September 30, 2023 was $1.28 billion, an increase of $200.4 million from December 31, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we exercised a $15.2 million purchase option on one Airbus A320 finance leased aircraft and subsequently refinanced the same aircraft for $27.0 million. We also entered into a revolving credit facility to borrow up to $100.0 million which remains undrawn. This revolving credit facility is in addition to existing undrawn revolving credit facilities totaling $279.9 million. In addition, we obtained a $92.7 million debt facility secured by Airbus A320 aircraft. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we made total principal payments on debt of $292.9 million, including the voluntary repayment of a $61.0 million debt facility secured by 23 Airbus aircraft.
Additionally, during the third quarter of 2023, we entered into a credit facility in an amount of up to $412.1 million, of which $196.0 million was funded in September and a portion of the proceeds were used to voluntarily prepay $112.8 million in existing debt. Additionally, $76.3 million was drawn on an existing PDP financing facility during the same period to finance Boeing pre-delivery deposits.
As of September 30, 2023, approximately 86.2 percent of our debt and finance lease obligations are fixed-rate.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities. Operating cash inflows are primarily derived from providing air transportation and related ancillary products and services to customers. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our operating activities provided $369.5 million of cash compared to $221.8 million during the same period 2022. This change is primarily attributable to a $169.5 million increase in net income.
Investing Activities. Cash used for investing activities was $537.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $335.6 million used for investing activities during the same period in 2022. The change is primarily attributable to a $102.3 million increase in purchases of property and equipment, a $166.7 million increase in aircraft pre-delivery deposits, and a $28.1 million increase in net of proceeds from maturities of investment securities net of purchases, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
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Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $229.2 million, compared to $15.7 million of cash used in the same period in 2022. The change was the result of a $264.9 million decrease in proceeds from issuance of debt offset by a $373.2 million decrease in principal payments on long term debt and finance lease obligations and by $69.9 million of cash disbursed to us from funds held in a construction loan deposit trust account during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $87.5 million of funds deposited into the construction deposit trust account (which are considered to be both cash proceeds from the issuance of debt and cash outflows to the deposit trust account) in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The funds in the construction deposit trust account consist of proceeds of the Sunseeker construction loan and insurance recoveries and are disbursed to us on approval of construction expenses submitted to the trustee. The net cash provided by these factors in the first nine months of 2023 was offset by $11.1 million used to pay cash dividends and $16.9 million used for repurchases of common stock attributable to open market repurchases and tax withholding on restricted award vestings during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to none in the prior year.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have made forward-looking statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements include our statements regarding the number of contracted aircraft to be placed in service in the future, the timing of aircraft deliveries and retirements, the implementation of a joint alliance with VivaAerobus, the opening date for our Sunseeker Resort, as well as other information concerning future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," “project,” “hope” or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements may be found in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. These risk factors include, without limitation, the impact of Hurricane Ian on our Florida markets and on completion of Sunseeker Resort, the impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic on airline travel and the economy, an accident involving, or problems with, our aircraft, public perception of our safety, our reliance on our automated systems, our reliance on third parties to deliver aircraft under contract to us on a timely basis, risk of breach of security of personal data, volatility of fuel costs, labor issues and costs, the ability to obtain regulatory approvals as needed, the effect of economic conditions on leisure travel, debt covenants and balances, the impact of government regulations on the airline industry, the ability to finance aircraft to be acquired, the ability to obtain necessary government approvals to implement the announced alliance with VivaAerobus and to otherwise prepare to offer international service, terrorist attacks, risks inherent to airlines, our competitive environment, our reliance on third parties who provide facilities or services to us, the impact of management changes and the possible loss of key personnel, economic and other conditions in markets in which we operate, the ability to successfully develop a resort in Southwest Florida, increases in maintenance cost, cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results and the perceived acceptability of our environmental, social, and governance efforts.
Any forward-looking statements are based on information available to us today and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For information regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates, see disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes contained in our 2022 Form 10-K, and in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are subject to certain market risks, including commodity prices (specifically aircraft fuel). The adverse effects of changes in these markets could pose potential losses as discussed below. The sensitivity analysis provided does not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor does it consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results may differ.
Aircraft Fuel
Our results of operations can be significantly impacted by changes in the price and availability of aircraft fuel. Aircraft fuel expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 represented 30.8 percent of our total operating expenses. Increases in fuel prices, or a shortage of supply, could have a material impact on our operations and operating results. Based on our fuel consumption for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a hypothetical ten percent increase in the average price per gallon of fuel would have increased fuel expense by approximately $52.1 million. We have not hedged fuel price risk for many years.
Interest Rates
As of September 30, 2023, we had $317.5 million of variable-rate debt, including current maturities and without reduction for $3.1 million in related costs. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in interest rates would have affected interest expense on variable rate debt by approximately $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2023, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer ("CEO") and chief financial officer (“CFO”), we evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, management, including our CEO and CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed, and are effective, to give reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and the CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ending September 30, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We are subject to certain legal and administrative actions we consider routine to our business activities. We believe the ultimate outcome of any pending legal or administrative matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
We have evaluated our risk factors and determined there are no changes to those set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and filed with the Commission on February 27, 2023.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Our Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following table reflects the repurchases of our common stock during third quarter 2023:
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of our Publicly Announced Plan | Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in thousands) (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
July | 1,339 | $ | 129.46 | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
August | 2,527 | $ | 121.53 | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
September | 11,976 | $ | 78.84 | None | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 15,842 | $ | 89.93 | — | $ | 88,196 |
(1)Represents shares repurchased from employees who vested a portion of their restricted stock grants. These share repurchases were made at the election of each employee pursuant to an offer to repurchase by us. In each case, the shares repurchased constituted a portion of vested shares necessary to satisfy income tax withholding requirements.
(2)Represents the remaining dollar amount of open market purchases of our common stock which has been authorized by our board under a share repurchase program.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5. Other Information
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of the Company's securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.”
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Item 6. Exhibits
Credit Agreement by and among Sunrise Asset Management, LLC, as Borrower, the Lenders party hereto, as Lenders, BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, Bank of Utah, as Security Trustee, BNP Paribas and JSA International U.S. Holdings ,LLC as Lead Arrangers, and BNP Paribas, as Sole Structuring Agent dated as of September 27, 2023(1) | |||||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | ||||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | ||||
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | ||||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document | ||||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
(1) Certain confidential information in this agreement has been omitted because it (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY | |||||||||||
Date: | November 8, 2023 | By: | /s/ Robert J. Neal | ||||||||
Robert J. Neal, as duly authorized officer of the Company (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer) and as Principal Financial Officer |
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