SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31,
September 30, 2019
  
OR
oTRANSITION 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
algtheaderq417a09.jpg
Allegiant Travel CompanyCompany
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Nevada20-4745737
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
  
1201 North Town Center Drive 
Las Vegas,Nevada89144
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (702) (702) 851-7300


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.001ALGTNASDAQ Stock 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. Yesý  No o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yesý  No o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerx
Accelerated filero
  
Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting companyo
  
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth companyo
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.  o


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


The numberAs of October 28, 2019, the registrant had 16,288,448 shares of the registrant’s common stock, outstanding as of the close of business on April 30, 2019 was 16,286,963.$.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.
   
 




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements


ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)


March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(unaudited)  (unaudited)  
CURRENT ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents$243,282
 $81,520
$88,114
 $81,520
Restricted cash14,496
 14,391
20,475
 14,391
Short-term investments286,955
 314,464
314,822
 314,464
Accounts receivable34,209
 36,014
31,450
 36,014
Expendable parts, supplies and fuel, net19,527
 19,516
27,210
 19,516
Prepaid expenses and other current assets35,477
 29,343
43,356
 29,343
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS633,946
 495,248
525,427
 495,248
Property and equipment, net1,940,480
 1,847,268
2,102,815
 1,847,268
Long-term investments24,605
 51,526
39,057
 51,526
Deferred major maintenance, net83,869
 67,873
99,564
 67,873
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net22,788
 
22,433
 
Deposits and other assets44,789
 36,753
45,184
 36,753
TOTAL ASSETS:$2,750,477
 $2,498,668
$2,834,480
 $2,498,668
CURRENT LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable$28,690
 $27,452
$21,493
 $27,452
Accrued liabilities136,075
 122,027
121,399
 122,027
Air traffic liability276,241
 212,230
267,676
 212,230
Current maturities of long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of related costs154,027
 152,287
138,685
 152,287
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES595,033
 513,996
549,253
 513,996
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current maturities and related costs1,203,709
 1,119,446
1,213,299
 1,119,446
Deferred income taxes180,136
 164,027
211,801
 164,027
Other noncurrent liabilities33,145
 10,878
33,519
 10,878
TOTAL LIABILITIES:2,012,023
 1,808,347
2,007,872
 1,808,347
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Common stock, par value $.00123
 23
23
 23
Treasury stock(607,316) (605,037)
Treasury shares(620,655) (605,037)
Additional paid in capital276,247
 270,935
285,318
 270,935
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net(190) (661)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net29
 (661)
Retained earnings1,069,690
 1,025,061
1,161,893
 1,025,061
TOTAL EQUITY:738,454
 690,321
826,608
 690,321
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:$2,750,477
 $2,498,668
$2,834,480
 $2,498,668
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.





ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 (unaudited)


Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
OPERATING REVENUES:          
Passenger$419,977
 $396,771
$391,222
 $355,100
 $1,265,978
 $1,157,443
Third party products17,141

10,325
18,207

15,921
 53,557
 44,045
Fixed fee contracts10,575
 10,556
19,797
 14,791
 42,859
 33,000
Other3,929
 7,792
7,283
 7,297
 17,498
 20,845
Total operating revenues451,622
 425,444
436,509
 393,109
 1,379,892
 1,255,333
OPERATING EXPENSES:          
Salary and benefits119,411
 112,963
107,586
 97,706
 340,589
 312,314
Aircraft fuel99,682
 106,027
104,583
 113,525
 324,253
 342,006
Station operations38,965
 37,584
43,522
 43,128
 128,357
 122,265
Depreciation and amortization39,436
 34,658
 114,112
 92,641
Maintenance and repairs22,824
 19,270
24,768
 31,983
 68,470
 75,864
Depreciation and amortization36,182
 28,149
Sales and marketing20,926
 19,078
17,591
 16,798
 59,057
 54,224
Aircraft lease rental
 671
 
 767
Other22,554
 22,405
26,907
 28,459
 73,756
 74,881
Total operating expenses360,544
 345,476
364,393
 366,928
 1,108,594
 1,074,962
OPERATING INCOME91,078
 79,968
72,116
 26,181
 271,298
 180,371
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSES:          
Interest expense18,083
 12,908
19,506
 14,309
 58,531
 40,467
Capitalized interest(1,503) (184)(903) 
 (3,444) (279)
Interest income(3,201) (1,907)(3,335) (2,425) (10,038) (6,259)
Loss on debt extinguishment3,677
 

 
 3,677
 
Other, net103
 (240)(57) (118) (41) (408)
Total other expenses17,159
 10,577
15,211
 11,766
 48,685
 33,521
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES73,919
 69,391
56,905
 14,415
 222,613
 146,850
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES16,795
 14,198
12,976
 (732) 51,017
 26,494
NET INCOME$57,124
 $55,193
$43,929
 $15,147
 $171,596
 $120,356
Earnings per share to common shareholders:          
Basic$3.52
 $3.43
$2.70
 $0.94
 $10.55
 $7.46
Diluted$3.52
 $3.42
$2.70
 $0.94
 $10.54
 $7.45
Shares used for computation:          
Basic16,011
 15,889
16,037
 15,957
 16,037
 15,929
Diluted16,013
 15,898
16,039
 15,962
 16,045
 15,938
          
Cash dividends declared per share:$0.70
 $0.70
$0.70
 $0.70
 $2.10
 $2.10


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




ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 20182019 2018 2019 2018
NET INCOME$57,124
 $55,193
$43,929
 $15,147
 $171,596
 $120,356
Other comprehensive income (loss): 
  
Other comprehensive income: 
  
    
Change in available for sale securities, net of tax477
 (956)16
 (83) 669
 (926)
Foreign currency translation adjustments(6) 101
17
 4
 21
 218
Change in derivatives, net of tax
 (264)
 1,325
 
 2,321
Total other comprehensive income (loss)471
 (1,119)
Total other comprehensive income33
 1,246
 690
 1,613
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$57,595
 $54,074
$43,962
 $16,393
 $172,286
 $121,969


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




ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
       Accumulated      
 Common   Additional other     Total
 stock Par paid-in comprehensive Retained Treasury shareholders'
 outstanding value capital income (loss) earnings shares equity
Balance at December 31, 201816,183
 $23
 $270,935
 $(661) $1,025,061
 $(605,037) $690,321
Share-based compensation118
 
 5,312
 
 
 
 5,312
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares(17) 
 
 
 
 (2,279) (2,279)
Cash dividends declared, $0.70 per share
 
 
 
 (11,394) 
 (11,394)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 471
 (551) 
 (80)
Net income
 
 
 
 57,124
 
 57,124
Cumulative effect of the New Lease Standard (see Note 5)
 
 
 
 (550) 
 (550)
Balance at March 31, 201916,284
 $23
 $276,247
 $(190) $1,069,690
 $(607,316) $738,454
 Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
 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, 201916,305
 $23
 $280,783
 $(4) $1,128,822
 $(605,115) $804,509
Share-based compensation
 
 4,535
 
 
 
 4,535
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares(110) 
 
 
 
 (15,540) (15,540)
Cash dividends, $0.70 per share
 
 
 
 (11,409) 
 (11,409)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 33
 551
 
 584
Net income
 
 
 
 43,929
 
 43,929
Balance at September 30, 201916,195
 $23
 $285,318
 $29
 $1,161,893
 $(620,655) $826,608


       Accumulated      
 Common   Additional other     Total
 stock Par paid-in comprehensive Retained Treasury shareholders'
 outstanding value capital income (loss) earnings shares equity
Balance at December 31, 201716,066
 $23
 $253,840
 $(2,840) $907,943
 $(605,655) $553,311
Share-based compensation98
 
 5,385
 
 
 
 5,385
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares(13) 
 
 
 
 (2,233) (2,233)
Cash dividends declared, $0.70 per share
 
 
 
 (11,295) 
 (11,295)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 (1,119) 562
 
 (557)
Net income
 
 
 
 55,193
 
 55,193
Balance at March 31, 201816,151
 $23
 $259,225
 $(3,959) $952,403
 $(607,888) $599,804
 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
 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, 201816,183
 $23
 $270,935
 $(661) $1,025,061
 $(605,037) $690,321
Share-based compensation124
 
 14,383
 
 
 
 14,383
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares(132) 
 
 
 
 (18,549) (18,549)
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan20
 
 
 
 
 2,931
 2,931
Cash dividends, $2.10 per share
 
 
 
 (34,214) 
 (34,214)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 690
 
 
 690
Net income
 
 
 
 171,596
 
 171,596
Cumulative effect of the New Lease Standard (see Note 5)
 
 
 
 (550) 
 (550)
Balance at September 30, 201916,195
 $23
 $285,318
 $29
 $1,161,893
 $(620,655) $826,608



 Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 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, 201816,161
 $23
 $263,034
 $(2,473) $991,109
 $(607,025) $644,668
Share-based compensation
 
 3,873
 
 
 
 3,873
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures3
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares(5) 
 
 
 
 (624) (624)
Cash dividends, $0.70 per share
 
 
 
 (11,314) 
 (11,314)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 1,246
 
 
 1,246
Net income
 
 
 
 15,147
 
 15,147
Balance at September 30, 201816,159
 $23
 $266,907
 $(1,227) $994,942
 $(607,649) $652,996



 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 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, 201716,066
 $23
 $253,840
 $(2,840) $907,943
 $(605,655) $553,311
Share-based compensation98
 
 13,067
 
 
 
 13,067
Issuance of common stock, net of forfeitures8
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares repurchased by the Company and held as treasury shares(23) 
 
 
 
 (3,617) (3,617)
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan10
 
 
 
 
 1,623
 1,623
Cash dividends, $2.10 per share
 
 
 
 (33,919) 
 (33,919)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 1,613
 562
 
 2,175
Net income
 
 
 
 120,356
 
 120,356
Balance at September 30, 201816,159
 $23
 $266,907
 $(1,227) $994,942
 $(607,649) $652,996





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






ALLEGIANT TRAVEL COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)


Three Months Ended March 31,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2019 20182019 2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income$57,124
 $55,193
$171,596
 $120,356
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization36,182
 28,149
114,112
 92,641
Gain on aircraft and other equipment disposals(6,696) (132)
(Gain)/loss on aircraft and other equipment disposals(8,553) 2,274
Share-based compensation expense4,538
 3,796
13,563
 11,043
Deferred income taxes16,103
 12,735
47,795
 21,760
Other adjustments4,971
 1,080
7,330
 1,833
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable1,805
 6,713
4,564
 38,005
Prepaid expenses(5,988) (4,439)(13,493) (6,709)
Accounts payable(368) 9,959
(3,655) (2,437)
Accrued liabilities7,877
 14,267
(8,158) 5,960
Air traffic liability64,011
 52,474
55,446
 27,432
Deferred major maintenance(18,376) (4,476)(48,081) (21,699)
Other assets/liabilities(1,086) (2,392)(11,039) (336)
Net cash provided by operating activities160,097
 172,927
321,427
 290,123
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Purchase of investment securities(68,447) (93,933)(397,504) (263,057)
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities124,472
 97,224
413,038
 355,325
Purchase of property and equipment, including capitalized interest(122,551) (69,167)(350,187) (273,999)
Other investing activities6,973
 521
10,647
 (5,399)
Net cash used in investing activities(59,553) (65,355)(324,006) (187,130)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Cash dividends paid to shareholders(11,394) (11,295)(34,214) (33,919)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt494,000
 
770,435
 191,724
Repurchase of common stock(18,549) (3,617)
Principal payments on debt and finance lease obligations(386,329) (102,914)(670,148) (171,438)
Debt issuance costs(30,060) (176)(32,592) (1,147)
Other financing activities(4,894) (679)325
 5,834
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities61,323
 (115,064)15,257
 (12,563)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash161,867
 (7,492)
NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH12,678
 90,430
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD95,911
 70,639
95,911
 70,639
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD$257,778
 $63,147
$108,589
 $161,069
      
CASH PAYMENTS (RECEIPTS) FOR:      
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized$20,924
 $17,902
$53,089
 $43,751
Income tax (refunds)/payments$(4,490) $37
Income tax refunds(2,227) (41,145)
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:      
Property capitalized under operating leases$23,320
 $
$25,533
 $
Flight equipment acquired under finance leases$
 $77,162

 127,625






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






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 has no independent assets or operations, and all guarantees of the Company's publicly held debt are full and unconditional and joint and several. Any subsidiaries of the parent company other than the subsidiary guarantors are minor. The Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates, which are 50 percent or less owned, are accounted for under the equity or cost method.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 reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year. 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, 2018 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.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Recently Adopted Standards


In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), (the "New Lease Standard"). This standard requires leases, other than short-term, to be recognized on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a corresponding right-of-use asset.


Lease payments include fixed payments, variable payments based on an index or rate, reasonably certain purchase options, termination penalties, and othersother payments as required by the standard. Lease payments do not include variable lease payments other than those that depend on an index or rate, any guarantee by the lessee of the lessor’s debt, or any amount allocated to non-lease components. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and the Company adopted the New Lease Standard as of January 1, 2019. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients, which among other things, does not require reassessment of lease classification.


The Company adopted the New Lease Standard using the modified retrospective transition approach as of the effective date as permitted by the amendments in ASU 2018-11, "Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842)." Under this method, the cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings is recognized at the adoption date. As a result, the Company was not required to adjust its comparative period financial information for effects of the standard or make the new required lease disclosures for periods before the date of adoption on January 1, 2019.


The Company's consolidated balance sheet was affected by this standard, but the consolidated statementstatements of income and the Company's liquidity were not significantly impacted. The most significant change to the consolidated balance sheet upon adoption on January 1, 2019 relates to the recognition of new right-of-use (ROU) assets of $18.0 million and operating liabilities of $19.1 million. The Company's accounting for finance leases remains substantially unchanged.


See Note 5, "Leases," for more information.




Note 2 — Revenue Recognition


Passenger Revenue


Passenger revenue is the most significant category in our reported operating revenues. Passenger revenue is primarily composed of scheduled service revenue (includes(including passenger ticket sales and credit voucher breakage), revenue from ancillary air-related charges (includes(including seat fees, baggage fees, and other travel-related services performed in conjunction with a passenger’s flight), as well as co-brand credit card point redemptions, as outlined below:


 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)2019 2018 2019 2018
Scheduled service$200,233
 $202,796
 $672,690
 $677,061
Ancillary air-related charges187,776
 150,095
 583,003
 472,443
Co-brand redemptions3,213
 2,209
 10,285
 7,939
Total passenger revenue$391,222
 $355,100
 $1,265,978
 $1,157,443

 Three Months Ended March,
(in thousands)2019 2018
Scheduled service$234,772
 $238,520
Ancillary air-related charges181,700
 154,717
Co-brand redemptions3,505
 3,534
Total passenger revenue$419,977
 $396,771


Sales of passenger tickets not yet flown are recorded in air traffic liability. Passenger revenue is recognized when transportation is provided or when ticket voucher breakage occurs, to the extent different from estimated breakage.


The contract term of passenger tickets is 12twelve months and revenue associated with future travel will principally be recognized within this time frame. $175.7During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, $210.1 million was recognized into passenger revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2019 that was recorded in the air traffic liability balance of $212.2 million at December 31, 2018.


Co-brand redemptions


In relation to the travel component of the 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 transportation is provided.


The following table presents the activity of the co-brand point liability as of the dates indicated:
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)2019 2018
Balance at January 1$10,708
 $8,903
Points awarded (deferral of revenue)14,308
 10,872
Points redeemed (recognition of revenue)(10,285) (7,939)
Balance at September 30$14,731
 $11,836

 Three Months Ended March,
(in thousands)2019 2018
Balance at January 1$10,708
 $8,903
Points awarded (deferral of revenue)4,164
 3,233
Points redeemed (recognition of revenue)(3,505) (3,534)
Balance at March 31$11,367
 $8,602


As of March 31,September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, $8.9$10.6 million and $5.7$8.1 million, respectively, of the current points liability is reflected in Accrued liabilities and represents our current estimate of revenue to be recognized in the next twelve months based on historical trends, with the remaining balance reflected in Otherother noncurrent liabilities expected to be recognized into revenue in periods thereafter.






Note 3 — Property and Equipment


Property and equipment (in thousands):equipment:


(in thousands)As of September 30, 2019 As of December 31, 2018
Flight equipment, including pre-delivery deposits$2,168,557
 $1,905,157
Computer hardware and software158,720
 140,385
Land and buildings/leasehold improvements86,163
 85,925
Other property and equipment142,198
 89,778
Total property and equipment2,555,638
 2,221,245
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(452,823) (373,977)
Property and equipment, net$2,102,815
 $1,847,268

 As of March 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018
Flight equipment, including pre-delivery deposits$2,002,777
 $1,905,157
Computer hardware and software143,369
 140,385
Land and buildings/leasehold improvements85,925
 85,925
Other property and equipment106,159
 89,778
Total property and equipment2,338,230
 2,221,245
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(397,750) (373,977)
Property and equipment, net$1,940,480
 $1,847,268


Accrued capital expenditures as of September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 were $6.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

Note 4 — Long-Term Debt


Long-term debt and finance lease obligations (in thousands):obligations:


(in thousands)As of September 30, 2019 As of December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate debt and finance lease obligations due through 2029(1)
$215,839
 $640,806
Variable-rate debt due through 20291,136,145
 630,927
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of related costs1,351,984
 1,271,733
Less current maturities, net of related costs(1)
138,685
 152,287
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current maturities and related costs$1,213,299
 $1,119,446
    
Weighted average fixed-interest rate on debt3.9% 5.3%
Weighted average variable-interest rate on debt4.8% 4.2%
 As of March 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018
Fixed-rate debt and finance lease obligations due through 2030 (1) (2)
$325,353
 $640,806
Variable-rate debt due through 20281,032,383
 630,927
Total long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of related costs1,357,736
 1,271,733
Less current maturities, net of related costs (1)
154,027
 152,287
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations, net of current maturities and related costs$1,203,709
 $1,119,446
    
Weighted average fixed-interest rate on debt3.9% 5.3%
Weighted average variable-interest rate on debt5.5% 4.2%

(1) As of March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, respectively, $80.1 million and $428.0 million of the Company's Unsecured Senior Notes were classified as long-term as management refinanced the borrowings on a long-term basis in February 2019, as discussed below. 
(2) Includes finance lease obligations secured by five A320 series aircraft.


Maturities of long-term debt and finance lease obligations for the remainder of 2019 and for the next four years and thereafter, in the aggregate, are: remaining in 2019 - $196.2$33.0 million; 2020 - $124.0$138.9 million; 2021 - $144.4$133.4 million; 2022 - $70.1$113.8 million; 2023 - $57.2$100.9 million; and $765.8$832.0 million thereafter.


Consolidated Variable Interest Entity

The Company evaluates ownership, contractual lease arrangements and other interests in entities to determine if they are variable interest entities ("VIEs") based on the nature and extent of those interests. These evaluations can be complex and involve judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions based on available historical information and management’s judgment, among other factors. The Company consolidates a VIE when, among other criteria, it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance as well as the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE, thus making the Company the primary beneficiary of the VIE.


In March 2019, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into agreements with a trust to borrow $44.0 million secured by one Airbus A320 series1 aircraft. The trust was funded on inception. These borrowings bear interest at a blended rate of 3.8 percent, payable in quarterly installments through MarchApril 2029, at which time the Company will have a purchase option at a fixed amount. As this transaction is a common control transaction, the Company, as the primary beneficiary, has measured and recorded the assets and liabilities at their carrying values, which were $39.1 million and $44.0 million, respectively, at the time of borrowing.




Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility


The Company has a senior secured revolving credit facility under which it is able to borrow up to $81.0 million, and $46.9 million is outstandingmillion. There was 0 balance under this facility as of March 31,September 30, 2019. The facility has a current term of 24 months and is based on the value of Airbus A320 series aircraft placed in the collateral pool. Aircraft may remain in the collateral pool for up to two years, and, as of March 31,September 30, 2019, there were nine4 aircraft in the collateral pool.

Secured Debt

In June 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to borrow $213.0 million secured by 23 aircraft. The notesborrowing bears interest at a floating rate based on LIBOR, and is payable in quarterly installments over five years. A portion of the proceeds was


used for the amountsprepayment of the balance under 6 existing debt agreements and the repayment of the outstanding balance on the senior secured revolving credit facility.

During the second quarter 2019, the Company borrowed a total of $63.4 million under the facilityloan agreements secured by spare engines. The borrowings bear interest at a floating rate based on LIBOR, and are due on March 31, 2021.payable in quarterly installments, with terms ranging from seven to ten years.


Term Loan


In February 2019, the Company entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement (the “Term Loan”) to borrow $450.0 million, guaranteed by all of the Company's subsidiaries, excluding Sunseeker Resorts Inc. and its subsidiaries, and other insignificant subsidiaries (the "Term Loan Guarantors"). The Term Loan is secured by substantially all property and assets of the Company and the Term Loan Guarantors, excluding aircraft and aircraft engines, and excluding certain other assets. The Term Loan has a five-year term, bears interest based on LIBOR and provides for quarterly interest payments along with quarterly principal payments of $1.1 million through February 2024, at which time the Term Loan is due. The Term Loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty.


In connection with the Term Loan, the Company conducted a tender offer for its 5.5 percent senior unsecured obligation, as outlined below.


General Unsecured Senior Notes


In June 2014,Until February 2019, the Company completed an offering of $300.0had outstanding $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured obligations (the "Notes") which will mature in July 2019. In December 2016, the Company completed an offering of an additional $150.0 million principal amount of these notes, which were issued at a price of 101.5 percent of the principal amount, plus accrued interest from July 15, 2016. The Notes bearbore interest at a rate of 5.5 percent per year payableand matured in cash semi-annually, on January 15th and July 15th of each year.2019.


In connection with the Term Loan discussed above, the Company completed a tender offer in February 2019, whereby it purchased $347.9 million of the Notes, and incurred related debt extinguishment costs of $3.7 million. The indenture governing the Notes was amended to eliminate most of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default, reduce the minimum notice period required for redemptionsremaining $102.1 million of the Notes from 30 days as previously required by the indenture to three business days, and amend certain other provisions applicable to the Notes. The $428.0 million net proceeds from the Term Loan have been, or will be, used to purchase the Notes. The Company expects to call the remaining balance of the Noteswere paid at their maturity in advance of their July 2019 maturity.2019.


Construction Loan Agreement


In March 2019, Sunseeker Florida, Inc. (“SFI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Construction Loan Agreement with certain lenders affiliated with TPG Sixth Street Partners, LLC (the “Lender”). Under the Construction Loan Agreement, SFI may borrow up to $175.0 million (the “Loan”) to fund the construction of Phase 1 of Sunseeker Resort -Charlotte Harbor (the “Project”). NoNaN amount has been drawn under this agreement as of March 31,September 30, 2019.


Under the Construction Loan Agreement, the Lender is to provide the final $175.0 million of funding for the Project, with initial funding to come from the Company. The loan is secured by the Project and, for a period of time, the surrounding land owned by SFI. The Company has guaranteed one-third of the debt, has agreed to bear responsibility under a Non-Recourse Carve-Out Guaranty, and has agreed to guarantee completion of the Project in accordance with approved plans and specifications. All of the shares in SFI are also pledged to secure the loan. The Loan bears interest based on LIBOR and matures in March 2023.


Note 5 — Leases


The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception and has lease agreements for office facilities, office equipment, certain airport and terminal facilities, and other space and assets. These commitments have remaining non-cancelable lease terms, with lease expirations which range from 2019 to 2036.



As a result of the New Lease Standard, certain real estate and property leases, and various other operating leases have been measured on the balance sheet with a lease liability and right-of-use asset ("ROU"). Airport terminal leases mostly include variable lease payments outside of those based on a fixed index, and are therefore excluded from consideration.

Application of this standard resulted in the recognition of $23.3 million in ROU assets and a corresponding lease liability of $24.2 million (with $22.0 million classified as long-term within Other non-current liabilities and the remainder classified as short-term within Accrued liabilities) as of March 31, 2019. Accounting for finance leases is substantially unchanged.


Operating leases are included in operating lease ROU assets, accrued liabilities, and other noncurrent liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, current maturities of long-term debt and finance leases, and long-term debt and finance leases, net of current maturities, on the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make scheduled lease payments. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized on the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The present value of lease payments is calculated using the incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement, which takes into consideration recent debt issuances as well as other applicable market data available.


Lease terms include options to extend when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Leases with a term of 12twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. Additionally, lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component for real estate agreements.


In addition to operating leases, the Company leases certain aircraft and, as of March 31, 2019, had five5 aircraft under finance leases as of September 30, 2019, with remaining terms to 2029.


See Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, for further detail.


Lease Costs


The components of lease expensecosts recognized on the statements of income were as follows:


  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)Classification on the Statements of IncomeSeptember 30, 2019 September 30, 2019
Finance lease costs:    
Amortization of assetsDepreciation and amortization$1,629
 $4,888
Interest on lease liabilitiesInterest expense1,306
 3,978
Operating lease costStation operations; Maintenance and repairs; Other operating expense897
 2,634
Variable lease costStation operations; Maintenance and repairs; Other operating expense663
 1,672
Total lease cost $4,495
 $13,172

  Three Months Ended
(in thousands)Classification on the Statements of IncomeMarch 31, 2019
Finance lease costs:  
Amortization of assetsDepreciation and amortization$1,629
Interest on lease liabilitiesInterest expense1,346
Operating lease costStation operations; Maintenance and repairs; Other operating expense775
Variable lease costStation operations; Maintenance and repairs; Other operating expense3,092
Total lease cost $6,842


Lease position as of March 31,September 30, 2019


The table below presents the lease-related assets and liabilities recorded on the balance sheet.



  As of
(in thousands)Classification on the Balance SheetSeptember 30, 2019
Assets  
Operating lease assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets, net$22,433
Finance lease assetsProperty and equipment, net113,294
Total lease assets $135,727
   
Liabilities  
Current  
OperatingAccrued liabilities$2,388
FinanceCurrent maturities of long-term debt and finance lease obligations7,582
Noncurrent  
OperatingOther noncurrent liabilities21,744
FinanceLong-term debt and finance lease obligations109,878
Total lease liabilities $141,592
   
Weighted-average remaining lease term  
Operating leases 9.4 years
Finance leases 10.1 years
Weighted-average discount rate  
Operating leases 4.3%
Finance leases 4.4%

(in thousands)Classification on the Balance SheetAs of March 31, 2019
Assets  
Operating lease assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets, net$22,788
Finance lease assetsProperty and equipment, net116,553
Total lease assets $139,341
   
Liabilities  
Current  
OperatingAccrued liabilities$2,101
FinanceCurrent maturities of long-term debt and finance lease obligations7,417
Noncurrent  
OperatingOther noncurrent liabilities22,049
FinanceLong-term debt and finance lease obligations113,710
Total lease liabilities $145,277
   
Weighted-average remaining lease term  
Operating leases 9.5 years
Finance leases 10.6 years
Weighted-average discount rate  
Operating leases 4.2%
Finance leases 4.4%


Other Information


The table below presents supplemental cash flow information related to leases during the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019.



 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)September 30, 2019 September 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities   
Operating cash flows for operating leases$725
 $2,190
Operating cash flows for finance leases1,306
 3,978
Financing cash flows for finance leases1,844
 5,472

 Three Months Ended
(in thousands)March 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities 
Operating cash flows for operating leases$629
Operating cash flows for finance leases1,346
Financing cash flows for finance leases1,804


Maturities of Lease Liabilities


The table below indicates the future minimum payments of lease liabilities as of March 31,September 30, 2019.



(in thousands)Operating Leases Finance Leases
Remaining in 2019$726
 $3,150
20203,566
 12,600
20213,382
 12,600
20223,361
 11,095
20233,213
 10,500
Thereafter15,317
 103,459
Total lease payments29,565
 153,404
Less imputed interest(5,433) (35,944)
Total lease obligations24,132
 117,460
Less current obligations(2,388) (7,582)
Long-term lease obligations$21,744
 $109,878

(in thousands)Operating Leases Finance Leases
Remaining in 2019$2,269
 $9,450
20203,206
 12,600
20213,249
 12,600
20223,295
 11,095
20233,147
 10,500
Thereafter14,325
 103,458
Total lease payments29,491
 159,703
Less imputed interest(5,341) (38,576)
Total lease obligations24,150
 121,127
Less current obligations(2,101) (7,417)
Long-term lease obligations$22,049
 $113,710


The Company adopted the New Lease Standard on January 1, 2019 as noted above, and as required, the following disclosure is provided for periods prior to adoption. Future annual minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2018 were as follows:


(in thousands)Operating Leases Finance Leases
2019$8,102
 $12,600
20206,031
 12,600
20213,643
 12,600
20221,630
 11,095
20231,626
 10,500
Thereafter8,297
 103,458
Total lease payments$29,329
 162,853
Less imputed interest  (39,922)
Total lease obligations  122,931
Less current obligations  (7,336)
Long-term lease obligations  $115,595

(in thousands)Operating Leases Capital Leases
2019$8,102
 $12,600
20206,031
 12,600
20213,643
 12,600
20221,630
 11,095
20231,626
 10,500
Thereafter8,297
 103,458
Total lease payments$29,329
 162,853
Less imputed interest  (39,922)
Total lease obligations  122,931
Less current obligations  (7,336)
Long-term lease obligations  $115,595




Note 6 — Fair Value Measurements


The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received by selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.


Accounting standards pertaining to fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly

observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.


The Company uses the market approach valuation technique to determine fair value for investment securities. The assets classified as Level 1 consist of money market funds for which original cost approximates fair value. The assets classified as Level 2 consist of commercial paper, municipal debt securities, federal agency debt securities, US Treasury Bonds, and corporate debt securities, which are valued using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources including transactions involving identical or comparable assets and models utilizing market observable inputs. The Company has no investment securities classified as Level 3.


For those assets classified as Level 2 that are not in active markets, the Company obtains fair value from pricing sources using quoted market prices for identical or comparable instruments, and uses pricing models which include all significant observable

inputs: maturity dates, issue dates, settlement dates, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issue spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers and other market related data. These inputs are observable or can be derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset.


Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):basis:
As of March 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018As of September 30, 2019 As of December 31, 2018
Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2
(in thousands)Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2
Cash equivalents                      
Money market funds$125,394
 $125,394
 $
 $43,281
 $43,281
 $
$65,014
 $65,014
 $
 $43,281
 $43,281
 $
Commercial paper80,760
 
 80,760
 29,138
 
 29,138
5,731
 
 5,731
 29,138
 
 29,138
Municipal debt securities3,792
 
 3,792
 
 
 

4,087
 
 4,087
 
 
 
US Treasury Bonds880
 
 880
 1,415
 
 1,415
Federal agency debt securities124
 
 124
 
 
 
US Treasury bonds
 
 
 1,415
 
 1,415
Total cash equivalents210,826
 125,394
 85,432
 73,834
 43,281
 30,553
74,956
 65,014
 9,942
 73,834
 43,281
 30,553
Short-term 
  
    
  
  
 
  
    
  
  
Corporate debt securities149,854
 
 149,854
 101,489
 
 101,489
Commercial paper182,608
 
 182,608
 180,846
 
 180,846
142,656
 
 142,656
 180,846
 
 180,846
Corporate debt securities74,331
 
 74,331
 101,489
 
 101,489
Federal agency debt securities11,510
 
 11,510
 11,887
 
 11,887
Municipal debt securities13,927
 
 13,927
 14,252
 
 14,252
7,785
 
 7,785
 14,252
 
 14,252
Federal agency debt securities11,367
 
 11,367
 11,887
 
 11,887
US Treasury Bonds4,722
 
 4,722
 5,990
 
 5,990
US Treasury bonds3,017
 
 3,017
 5,990
 
 5,990
Total short-term286,955
 
 286,955
 314,464
 
 314,464
314,822
 
 314,822
 314,464
 
 314,464
Long-term 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
Corporate debt securities20,300
 
 20,300
 37,334
 
 37,334
35,996
 
 35,996
 37,334
 
 37,334
US Treasury Bonds3,050
 
 3,050
 2,901
 
 2,901
US Treasury bonds3,061
 
 3,061
 2,901
 
 2,901
Federal agency debt securities1,255
 
 1,255
 11,291
 
 11,291

 
 
 11,291
 
 11,291
Total long-term24,605
 
 24,605
 51,526
 
 51,526
39,057
 
 39,057
 51,526
 
 51,526
Total financial instruments$522,386
 $125,394
 $396,992
 $439,824
 $43,281
 $396,543
$428,835
 $65,014
 $363,821
 $439,824
 $43,281
 $396,543


The fair value of the Company’s publicly held long-term debt iswas determined based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets; therefore, the Company has categorized its publicly held debt as Level 2. The Company's remaining debt is not publicly held, and the Company has determined the estimated fair value of these notes to be Level 3, as certain inputs used to determine the 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, including current maturities and without reduction for related costs are as follows (in thousands):follows:


 As of September 30, 2019 As of December 31, 2018  
(in thousands)Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Hierarchy Level
Non-publicly held debt$1,259,130
 $1,053,911
 $703,372
 $619,379
 3
Publicly held debt
 
 450,463
 451,026
 2
Total long-term debt$1,259,130
 $1,053,911
 $1,153,835
 $1,070,405
  

 As of March 31, 2019 As of December 31, 2018  
 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Hierarchy Level
Publicly held debt$102,133
 $102,389
 $450,463
 $451,026
 2
Non-publicly held debt1,160,772
 937,134
 703,372
 619,379
 3
Total long-term debt$1,262,905
 $1,039,523
 $1,153,835
 $1,070,405
  


Due to the short-term nature, carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value.



Note 7 — Earnings per Share


Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed pursuant to the two-class method. Under this method, the Company attributes net income 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 the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, the second method, which assumes unvested awards are not vested, was used in the computation because it was more dilutive than the first method.



The following table sets forth the computation of net income per share, on a basic and diluted basis, for the periods indicated (share count and dollar amounts other than per-share amounts in table are in thousands):


 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Basic:       
Net income$43,929
 $15,147
 $171,596
 $120,356
Less net income allocated to participating securities(578) (194) (2,441) (1,602)
Net income attributable to common stock$43,351
 $14,953
 $169,155
 $118,754
Earnings per share, basic$2.70
 $0.94
 $10.55
 $7.46
Weighted-average shares outstanding16,037
 15,957
 16,037
 15,929
Diluted: 
  
  
  
Net income$43,929
 $15,147
 $171,596
 $120,356
Less net income allocated to participating securities(578) (194) (2,440) (1,601)
Net income attributable to common stock$43,351
 $14,953
 $169,156
 $118,755
Earnings per share, diluted$2.70
 $0.94
 $10.54
 $7.45
Weighted-average shares outstanding16,037
 15,957
 16,037
 15,929
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock56
 35
 45
 42
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding under treasury stock method16,093
 15,992
 16,082
 15,971
Participating securities excluded under two-class method(54) (30) (37) (33)
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding under two-class method16,039
 15,962
 16,045
 15,938

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2019 2018
Basic:   
Net income$57,124
 $55,193
Less net income allocated to participating securities(799) (768)
Net income attributable to common stock$56,325
 $54,425
Earnings per share, basic$3.52
 $3.43
Weighted-average shares outstanding16,011
 15,889
Diluted: 
  
Net income$57,124
 $55,193
Less net income allocated to participating securities(798) (768)
Net income attributable to common stock$56,326
 $54,425
Earnings per share, diluted$3.52
 $3.42
Weighted-average shares outstanding16,011
 15,889
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock31
 46
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding under treasury stock method16,042
 15,935
Participating securities excluded under two-class method(29) (37)
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding under two-class method16,013
 15,898


For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per share were 4,046 shares and 1,463 shares (not in thousands).


Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, the Company had firm commitments to purchase twelve14 Airbus A320 series aircraft and four CFM engines.aircraft.



The Company's contractual purchase commitments consist primarily of aircraft and engine acquisitions. The total future commitments are as follows (in thousands):follows:


(in thousands)As of September 30, 2019
Remaining in 2019$53,400
2020157,900
202137,900
202221,000
Total commitments$270,200

 As of March 31, 2019
Remaining in 2019$198,110
202033,800
2021500
202218,000
Total commitments$250,410


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 pending legal or administrative matters will not have a material adverse impact on its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.


Note 9 — 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 three3 operating segments: the Airline, Sunseeker Resort, and Otherother non-airline.


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 operation of Kingsway golf course. Plans for the resort include a 500-room hotel and two towers offering an estimated 180 one, two and three bedroom suites, bar and restaurant options, and other amenities. The golf course is a short drive from the resort site 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.


Other non-Airline Segment


The other non-airline segment includes the Teesnap golf course management solution and Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers, both of which fit with the Company's leisure focus.centers. Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers are comprised of games, attractions, and food facilities.


In July 2019, management began evaluating strategic alternatives for Teesnap, and its business-to-business software as a service offering. As the Company's current strategy has a business to customer focus, rather than business to business, management determined that the best course of action for both entities would be to sell Teesnap. Management expects the sale to be finalized before the end of the second quarter 2020. The carrying value of the disposal group expected to be transferred in the sale is approximately $5.5 million as of September 30, 2019.

Selected information for the Company's segments and the reconciliation to the consolidated financial statement amounts are as follows (in thousands):follows:





Airline Sunseeker Resort Other non- airline Consolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019       
Operating revenue:       
Passenger$419,977
 $
 $
 $419,977
Third party products17,141
 
 
 17,141
Fixed fee contract10,575
 
 
 10,575
Other631
 902
 2,396
 3,929
Operating income (loss)98,490
 (1,222) (6,190) 91,078
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income13,221
 158
 
 13,379
Depreciation and amortization35,229
 156
 797
 36,182
Total assets, end of period2,640,003
 68,742
 41,732
 2,750,477
Capital expenditures108,920
 5,275
 8,356
 122,551
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018       
(in thousands)Airline Sunseeker Resort Other non- airline Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019       
Operating revenue:              
Passenger$396,771
 $
 $
 $396,771
$391,222
 $
 $
 $391,222
Third party products10,325
 
 
 10,325
18,207
 
 
 18,207
Fixed fee contract10,556
 
 
 10,556
19,797
 
 
 19,797
Other6,666
 
 1,126
 7,792
1,648
 251
 5,384
 7,283
Operating income (loss)81,950
 (145) (1,837) 79,968
77,335
 (1,281) (3,938) 72,116
Interest expense, net10,817
 
 
 10,817
14,761
 507
 
 15,268
Depreciation and amortization27,766
 7
 376
 28,149
38,409
 329
 698
 39,436
Total assets, end of period2,248,340
 33,910
 6,715
 2,288,965
Capital expenditures59,574
 8,140
 1,453
 69,167
98,308
 16,931
 479
 115,718
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018       
Operating revenue:       
Passenger$355,100
 $
 $
 $355,100
Third party products15,921
 
 
 15,921
Fixed fee contract14,791
 
 
 14,791
Other4,611
 94
 2,592
 7,297
Operating income (loss)29,727
 (1,136) (2,410) 26,181
Interest expense, net11,884
 
 
 11,884
Depreciation and amortization34,138
 47
 473
 34,658
Capital expenditures74,799
 8,197
 3,547
 86,543
       
(in thousands)Airline Sunseeker Resort Other non- airline Consolidated
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019       
Operating revenue:       
Passenger$1,265,978
 $
 $
 $1,265,978
Third party products53,557
 
 
 53,557
Fixed fee contract42,859
 
 
 42,859
Other3,578
 1,526
 12,394
 17,498
Operating income (loss)291,371
 (4,199) (15,874) 271,298
Interest expense, net43,906
 1,143
 
 45,049
Depreciation and amortization110,528
 811
 2,773
 114,112
Capital expenditures305,356
 33,502
 11,329
 350,187
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018       
Operating revenue:       
Passenger$1,157,443
 $
 $
 $1,157,443
Third party products44,045
 
 
 44,045
Fixed fee contract33,000
 
 
 33,000
Other14,808
 94
 5,943
 20,845
Operating income (loss)187,731
 (1,582) (5,778) 180,371
Interest expense, net33,929
 
 
 33,929
Depreciation and amortization91,309
 64
 1,268
 92,641
Capital expenditures240,733
 25,541
 7,725
 273,999











Total assets were as follows as of the dates indicated:
(in thousands)September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Airline$2,689,869
 $2,422,523
Sunseeker Resort104,283
 56,047
Other non-airline40,328
 20,098
Consolidated$2,834,480
 $2,498,668



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 March 31,September 30, 2019 and 2018. Also discussed is our financial position as of March 31,September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. 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, 2018. 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.


FirstThird Quarter 2019 Review
Highlights:


Achieved 2217.9 percent airline operating margin;margin, which represents a 10.3 percentage point increase year over year;
recognized recordour third consecutive quarter of ancillary air-related revenue per passenger exceeding $50, with a total of $53.10, which represents an increase of 12.5 percent compared to 2018;
$50.03 this quarter;
added eight aircraft into service and expect an additional nine to be added throughout 2019;recognized a 33.8 percent increase in fixed fee revenue quarter over quarter, which resulted in the highest quarterly fixed fee revenue in company history;
announced 35 new routes, including inauguralachieved third party products revenue per passenger of $4.85, the highest third quarter revenue since 2013;
achieved a total fare increase of 1.8 percent year over year despite a 5.8 percent increase in scheduled service into Anchorage, AK;capacity;
produced a 5.6 percent decrease in airline operating CASM excluding fuel;
ranked number two by Forbes in list of best airlines to fly this fall and received recognition from the USA Today Reader's Choice Award for having the best airline co-branded credit card;
achieved industry leading controllable completion of more than 99.9% during the quarter;
improved controllable A14 performance (flight arrival within 14 minutes of scheduled arrival) by 4.5 percentage points compared to 2018; and
broke ground on Sunseeker Resort - Charlotte Harbor.scheduled 22 new routes which are planned to begin service in November 2019.




AIRCRAFT


The following table sets forth the aircraft in service and operated by us as of the dates indicated:


March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2018September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018
MD-80
 
 32
A31937
 32
 26
37
 32
 31
A320 (1)
47
 44
 30
52
 44
 43
MD-80
 
 19
Total84
 76
 88
89
 76
 93

(1) Does not include threefour aircraft forof which we have taken delivery, but were not yet in service as of March 31,September 30, 2019.


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, we had firm commitments to purchase twelve aircraft.14 aircraft and have signed an agreement to take delivery of four additional aircraft through operating leases. We expect delivery of nineseven of these aircraft in 2019 and the remaining aircraft in 2020 andthrough 2022. We continually consider aircraft acquisitions on an opportunistic basis.



Fleet Plan


The below table indicates the number of aircraft expected to be in service as of the dates indicated, based on currently scheduled additions to our operating fleet.


 As of June 30, 2019 As of September 30, 2019 As of December 31, 2019
A31937
 38
 38
A32051
 53
 55
Total88
 91
 93
As of December 31, 2019
A31938
A32055
Total93


NETWORK


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, we are currentlywere selling 450466 routes versus 419421 as of the same date last year, which represents a 7.410.7 percent increase. Our total number of origination cities and leisure destinations (for operating routes) were 9894 and 23,26, respectively, as of March 31,September 30, 2019. Based on our currently published schedule through early-FebruaryMay 2020, and service announcements and cancellations by other airlines to date,as of September 30, 2019, we will have direct competition (which we consider to be similar non-stop service between markets) on 114 of ourapproximately 101 routes as of that date.


DuringAs of the first quarterdate of 2019, we announced 35this filing, service is scheduled on 22 new routes beginning in fourth quarter 2019, including our inaugural scheduled flightsservice into West Palm Beach, FL, which we are welcoming back to Anchorage, AK and additional service to Destin, FL, Nashville, TN, and Savannah, GA, among other route announcements. The new routes are all planned to begin service in the second quarter 2019.Allegiant network.


In April 2019, we filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation to offer scheduled service to Mexico. This is the first step in beginning to offer international service to our leisure travelers, with non-stop flights between the United States and Mexico.


TRENDS


As we have completed ourThe transition to an all-Airbus fleet transition, Airbus aircraft flew 100 percent of our scheduled service ASMs for the quarter, comparedcontinues to 72.4 percent for the same time period in 2018, which drove a 9.6 percent increase in fuel efficiency (measured as ASMs per gallon).produce positive operating results. Despite having an average of 11eight fewer operating aircraft in service during the fleetthird quarter 2019 compared to 2018, scheduled service ASMs increased 5.65.8 percent on an 8.1 percent increase in departures, and scheduled service passengers increased 4.38.4 percent. HigherWe accomplished the increased capacity by increasing aircraft utilization of(block hours per aircraft) by 15.6 percent compared to the Airbus fleet (withthird quarter 2018. The increase in utilization was enabled by the younger and more reliable all-Airbus fleet. Despite the capacity increase, we were able to achieve a 16.91.8 percent year-over-year increase in average block hourstotal fare year over year.

We grew airline operating margin by 10.3 percentage points, to 17.9 percent in the third quarter 2019. This was partly due to a 3.6 percent increase in fuel efficiency (ASMs per aircraftgallon of fuel), coupled with a 10.4 percent decrease in average per day) enabled system growth with fewer aircraft. We expectgallon fuel cost. The margin improvement was also attributable to returna 5.6 percent decrease in total airline unit cost excluding fuel, driven by continued improvement in operations, lower maintenance expense, and lower irregular operations costs.

Margin improvement was also bolstered by increases in revenue. 28.2 percent of our scheduled ASMs were on off-peak days in the third quarter 2019 (generally Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays) compared to lower aircraft utilization during26.7 percent in the same quarter last year, as more aircraft are addedand we still achieved an increase in total unit revenue of 4.3 percent. Although off-peak flying has contributed to our margin improvement, our operating fleet. Airline operating income increased more than $16 million quarter-over-quarter,strategy remains unchanged and producedwe reduce flying when demand is low. We were able to profitably decrease flight hours this September by over 48 percent when compared to our busiest months in 2019.

Additionally, we have led or tied for the U.S. domestic airline industry lead in completion factor for 18 of the past 21 months since the beginning of 2018. During the first three quarters of 2019, we had only eleven days affected by maintenance cancellations, and achieved a 22 percent operating margin.

We continue to improve our operation, as evidenced by a 100 percent99.97 controllable completion rate for the first quarter 2019, and a total completion factor of 99.2 percent. We also achieved a record 123 consecutive days without a maintenance cancellation.percentage.


In April 2019, our dispatchers, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, (IBT) voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement. The agreement has a five year term beginning May 1, 2019 and is not expected to have a significant effect on our operating results.

In March 2019, we began construction for Sunseeker Resort - Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida, and entered into a Construction Loan Agreement with affiliates of TPG Sixth Street Partners to provide $175 million in construction financing for the project. We also opened our first Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment center in Clearfield, UT, in January 2019 and our second location in Warren, MI, in April 2019.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Comparison of three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 to three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018


Operating Revenue


Passenger revenue. For the firstthird quarter 2019, passenger revenue increased 5.810.2 percent compared to firstthird quarter 2018. The increase was driven primarily by a 4.6an 8.1 percent increase in scheduled service departures, which, along with a slight increase in load factor, resulted in a 4.3an 8.4 percent increase in scheduled service passengers (slightly diluted by a 1.2 percentage point droppassengers. A 15.4 percent increase in load factor). The higher number of passengers resultedair-related ancillary average fare more than offset an 8.5 percent decrease in year-over-year increases in ancillary revenues, the most significant of which were increasesscheduled service average fare. Increases in the customer convenience fee and carry on and checked baggage fees throughout the network. These increases contributed to a 12.5 percentthe increase in air-related ancillary unit ancillary revenue to $53.10$50.03 per passenger, the highest quarterly performance in our history.passenger.


Third party products revenue. Third party products revenue for the firstthird quarter 2019 increased 66.014.4 percent, or $6.8 million, compared to the same period in 2018. This is primarily the result of a 26.5 percent increase in netincreased revenue from rental cars resulting from the increase in scheduled service passengers coupled with a higher take rate,our co-branded credit card program, as well as an increase in net revenue generated from our co-branded credit card program.both rental cars and hotels.



Fixed fee contract revenue. Fixed fee contract revenue for the firstthird quarter 2019 remained relatively flatincreased 33.8 percent when compared to 2018, despite a 6.5 percent decrease inmostly due to increased flying for the Department of Defense. This increase was the result of greater availability of spare aircraft due to improved operations and an all-Airbus fleet. The grounding of the Boeing 737 Max of other airlines likely also contributed to our increased fixed fee departures quarter-over-quarter. The decrease in departures resulted fromflying opportunities during the government shutdown early in the quarter, as the FAA was not available to provide certification for aircraft that we had available and ready for service; thus, we were operating fewer aircraft than planned.quarter.


Other revenue. Other revenue decreased by $3.9 millionremained relatively flat year over year, with a decrease of less than one percent for the firstthird quarter 2019 from 2018, primarily2018. The slight decline is due to a decrease inthe conclusion of our aircraft lease revenue. We took redelivery of the final aircraft previously on lease torevenue arrangement with a European carrier, in December 2018, whereas 10as we had six aircraft were on lease during the firstthird quarter 2018. The decline in lease revenueof 2018 and none during 2019. This was partiallymostly offset by increasedan increase in revenue from Teesnap, our golf course management solution.non-airline activities.


Operating Expenses


We primarily evaluate our expense management by comparing our costs per ASM across different periods, which enables us to assess trends in each expense category. The following table presents airline-only 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 March 31, PercentThree Months Ended September 30, Percent
2019 2018 Change2019 2018 Change
Airline unitized costs (in cents)     
Salary and benefits
3.05¢ 
3.03¢ 0.7 %2.66
 2.64
 0.8 %
Aircraft fuel2.55
 2.84
 (10.2)
Station operations1.00
 1.01
 (1.0)1.12
 1.18
 (5.1)
Depreciation and amortization0.99
 0.94
 5.3
Maintenance and repairs0.58
 0.52
 11.5
0.64
 0.88
 (27.3)
Depreciation and amortization0.93
 0.75
 24.0
Sales and marketing0.54
 0.51
 5.9
0.45
 0.46
 (2.2)
Other0.57
 0.61
 (6.6)0.54
 0.68
 (20.6)
CASM
9.22¢ 
9.27¢ (0.5)%
Operating CASM, excluding fuel6.67
 6.43
 3.7
Airline CASM, excluding fuel6.40

6.78

(5.6)
Aircraft fuel2.69
 3.12
 (13.8)
Airline CASM9.09

9.90

(8.2)
     
Airline CASM9.09

9.90

(8.2)
Non-airline operating CASM*0.27
 0.08
 NM
0.28
 0.17
 64.7
Operating CASM, excluding fuel and non-airline activity
6.40¢ 
6.35¢ 0.8 %
Operating CASM (consolidated)*9.37
 10.07
 (7.0)
*Includes operating costs associated with Sunseeker Resort and other non-airline related activity. Various components of this measure do not have a direct correlation to ASMs but must be included to calculate total operating CASM. Consolidated operating CASM is reported to facilitate comparison with airlines reporting total costs on a per ASM basis.


Salary and benefits expense. Salary and benefits expense increased $6.4$9.9 million, or 5.710.1 percent, for the firstthird quarter 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is largely due to a 7.7an 11.3 percent increase in full-time equivalent employees as well as labor inefficiencies as we continuesupporting a 5.9 percent increase in system block hours, and increased activity in our non-airline subsidiary activity. Flight crew salaries and wages per ASM decreased for the quarter, due to grow into the increased number of flight personnel we maintained during the fleet transition.improved productivity efficiencies gained from our transition to an all-Airbus fleet.


Aircraft fuel expense. Aircraft fuel expense decreased $6.3$8.9 million, or 6.07.9 percent, for the firstthird quarter 2019 compared to firstthird quarter 2018. The decrease is largely due to a 4.5 percent decrease in system fuel gallons consumed, coupled with a 1.8 percent decrease in the2018, as system average fuel cost per gallon. Fuelgallon decreased 10.4 percent year over year. System fuel gallons consumed increased by 3.0 percent on a 6.7 percent increase in ASMs. ASM growth outpaced fuel consumption as fuel efficiency (measured as ASMs per gallon) increased 9.63.6 percent yearquarter over year, allowing usquarter, due to increase system ASMs by 4.9 percent, while reducing total fuel consumption. The Airbus aircraft are more fuel efficient than the MD-80 aircraft, which we still had in operation during the first quarter 2018.our transition to an all-Airbus fleet.


Station operations expense. Station operations expense for the firstthird quarter 2019 increased $1.4$0.4 million, or 3.70.9 percent, on an 8.1 percent increase in scheduled service departures. Stations expense per departure decreased by 6.6 percent due primarily to a significant decrease in irregular operations experienced quarter over quarter as a result of Airbus aircraft reliability.

Maintenance and repairs expense. Maintenance and repairs expense for the third quarter 2019 decreased $7.2 million, or 22.6 percent, compared to the same period in 2018, mostly due to a decrease in routine maintenance costs. Furthermore, the cost of major maintenance events for our Airbus aircraft is deferred in accordance with the deferral method of accounting and the amortization of these expenses is included in line with a 4.6 percent increase in scheduled service departures.depreciation and amortization expense.


Maintenance
Depreciation and repairsamortization expense. Maintenance Depreciation and repairsamortization expense for the firstthird quarter 2019 increased $3.6$4.8 million, or 18.413.8 percent, compared to the same period in 2018,year over year as the average number of Airbus aircraft in service increased by 49.2 percent. Although repairs for the Airbus fleet type tend to be less frequent, associated costs are also generally higher than for the MD-80 fleet.

Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expense for the first quarter 2019 increased 28.521.7 percent year over year. The average number of Airbus aircraft in service increased 49.2 percent year over year and our Airbus aircraft have a higher monthly depreciation expense than our MD-80 aircraft previously in service. In comparison, during the first quarter 2018, the MD-80 fleet was fully depreciated, yet produced 27.6 percent of ASMs during the quarter.

Amortization of major maintenance costs was $4.8$6.8 million for the firstthird quarter 2019 compared to $2.5$2.9 million for the firstthird quarter 2018, with increases expected to continue as our Airbus aircraft count and related deferred maintenance costs grow. Further, the MD-80 fleet operating in 2018 was fully depreciated prior to 2018.


Sales and marketing expense. Sales and marketing expense for the firstthird quarter 2019 increased $1.8 millionslightly compared to the same period in 2018, mostly due to increasedan increase in net credit card fees paid as a result of the 10.2 percent increase in passenger revenue year over year. We have improved our utilization of customer data to optimize marketing efforts, allowing us to decrease marketing spend per passenger by 3.4 percent year over year.

Other expense. Other expense decreased $1.6 million for the third quarter 2019 compared to third quarter 2018, as there were decreases in flight operations related expenses, related toas well as various marketing initiatives, including our multi-year partnerships with the Vegas Golden Knights and Minor League Baseball.general administrative expenses.


Non-airline expenses


Non-airline expenses are included in the various line items discussed above, as appropriate. The non-airline expenses include those from our Teesnap golf management business, expenses incurred to operate the Kingsway golf course, pre-opening expenses incurred in connection with Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers, (locations opened in January 2019 and April 2019), and operating expenses attributable to Sunseeker Resort (most of the Sunseeker Resort expenses are being capitalized at this time). We expect these expenses to increase as the opening of Sunseeker Resort approaches and with the growth in the number of family entertainment centers and the continued operation of Teesnap pending the sale of this entity.



Income Tax Expense


Our effective tax rate was 22.722.8 percent for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, compared to 20.5negative 5.1 percent for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state taxes. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was negative primarily due to a one-time income tax refund for tax deductions not previously claimed. While we expect our tax rate to be fairly consistent in the near term, it will vary depending on recurring items such as the amount of income we earn in each state and the state tax rate applicable to such income. Discrete items during interim periods may also affect our tax rates. We expect to be a non-cash taxpayerstaxpayer for federal income tax purposes for 2019.


Comparison of nine months ended September 30, 2019 to nine months ended September 30, 2018
Operating Revenue

Passenger revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, passenger revenue increased 9.4 percent compared with 2018. The increase was mostly attributable to a 9.0 percent increase in scheduled service departures, which resulted in an 8.5 percent increase in scheduled service passengers. Average total fare per passenger increased slightly during the nine month period as a 13.7 percent increase in air-related ancillary revenue per passenger more than offset the 8.1 percent decrease in scheduled service average fare. Increases in our customer convenience fee and baggage fees contributed to the increase in air-related ancillary revenue to $51.56 per passenger.
Third party products revenue. Third party products revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased 21.6 percent over the same period in 2018. This is primarily the result of increased revenue from our co-branded credit card program, as well as an increase in net revenue from rental cars.

Fixed fee contract revenue. Fixed fee contract revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased 29.9 percent compared with 2018, primarily due to a 26.8 percent increase in related departures. This was the result of greater availability of spare aircraft due to improved operations and an all-Airbus fleet. The grounding of the Boeing 737 Max of other airlines likely also contributed to our increased fixed fee flying opportunities during 2019.

Other revenue. Other revenue decreased $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to 2018 primarily due to a decrease in aircraft lease revenue. We had six aircraft on lease to a European carrier during the first nine months of 2018 and none during 2019. The effects of this decrease were slightly offset by increases in revenue from our non-airline activities.

Operating Expenses
The following table presents airline-only unit costs on a per ASM basis, defined as Operating CASM, for the indicated periods:    
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Percent
 2019 2018 Change
Airline unitized costs (in cents)     
Salary and benefits2.68
 2.73
 (1.8)%
Station operations1.05
 1.08
 (2.8)
Depreciation and amortization0.90
 0.81
 11.1
Maintenance and repairs0.56
 0.67
 (16.4)
Sales and marketing0.47
 0.48
 (2.1)
Other0.47
 0.60
 (21.7)
Airline CASM, excluding fuel6.13

6.37

(3.8)
Aircraft fuel2.65
 3.03
 (12.5)
Airline CASM8.78
 9.40
 (6.6)
      
Airline CASM8.78
 9.40
 (6.6)
Non-airline operating CASM*0.27
 0.12
 125.0
Operating CASM (consolidated)*9.05
 9.52
 (4.9)
*Includes operating costs associated with Sunseeker Resort and other non-airline related activity. Various components of this measure do not have a direct correlation to ASMs but must be included to calculate total operating CASM. Consolidated operating CASM is reported to facilitate comparison with airlines reporting total costs on a per ASM basis.
Salary and benefits expense. Salary and benefits expense increased $28.3 million, or 9.1 percent, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The increase is largely attributable to an 11.3 percent increase in the number of full-time equivalent employees supporting a 7.4 percent increase in system block hours, as well as increased activity in our non-airline subsidiary activity. Flight crew salaries and wages per ASM decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, due to improved productivity efficiencies gained from our transition to an all-Airbus fleet.
Aircraft fuel expense. Aircraft fuel expense decreased $17.8 million, or 5.2 percent, for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 as system average fuel cost per gallon decreased 6.0 percent year over year. System fuel gallons consumed increased 1.2 percent on an 8.4 percent increase in ASMs. ASM growth outpaced fuel consumption as fuel efficiency (measured as ASMs per gallon) increased 7.1 percent year over year, due to our transition to an all-Airbus fleet.

Station operations expense. Station operations expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased 5.0 percent on a 9.0 percent increase in scheduled service departures compared to the same period in 2018. Stations expense per departure decreased by 3.7 percent due mostly due to additional incentives realized, contractor efficiencies gained, as well as a decrease in irregular operations costs resulting from efficiencies realized from the Airbus fleet.

Maintenance and repairs expense. Maintenance and repairs expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 decreased 9.7 percent compared to 2018 mostly due to a decrease in both major and routine maintenance costs. Additionally, the cost of major maintenance events for our Airbus aircraft is being deferred in accordance with the deferral method of accounting and the amortization of these expenses is included under depreciation and amortization expense.

Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $21.5 million, or 23.2 percent, compared to the same period in 2018. The average number of Airbus aircraft in service increased 35.0 percent year over year.

Amortization of major maintenance costs was $17.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $8.0 million for 2018, with increases expected to continue as our Airbus aircraft count and related deferred maintenance costs grow.

Sales and marketing expense. Sales and marketing expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased $4.8 million compared to the same period in 2018, partially due to an increase in net credit card fees paid as a result of a 9.4 percent increase in passenger revenue year over year. There were also increased expenses related to various marketing initiatives, including our multi-year partnerships with the Vegas Golden Knights and Minor League Baseball. However, we have improved our utilization of customer data to optimize marketing efforts, allowing us to decrease marketing spend per passenger.

Other expense. Other expense decreased $1.1 million year over year as there were decreases in flight operations related expenses, as well as over $12.0 million in gains from MD-80 and other aircraft part sales. This was mostly offset by increases in various administrative expenses, as well as expenses related to our non-airline activities.

Non-airline expenses

Non-airline expenses are included in the various line items discussed above, as appropriate. The non-airline expenses include those from our Teesnap golf management business, Kingsway golf course, Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers, and operating expenses attributable to Sunseeker Resort (most of the Sunseeker Resort expenses are being capitalized at this time). We expect these expenses to increase as the opening of Sunseeker Resort approaches and with the growth in the number of family entertainment centers and the continued operation of Teesnap pending the sale of this entity.
Income Tax Expense

Our effective tax rate was 22.9 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to 18.0 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 differed from the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0 percent primarily due to state taxes. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was lower primarily due to a one-time income tax refund for tax deductions not previously claimed and the tax benefit from dissolution of foreign subsidiaries. While we expect our tax rate to be fairly consistent in the near term, it will vary depending on recurring items such as the amount of income we earn in each state and the state tax rate applicable to such income. Discrete items during interim periods may also affect our tax rates. We expect to be a non-cash taxpayer for federal income tax purposes for 2019.


Comparative Consolidated Operating Statistics


The following tables set forth our operating statistics for the periods indicated:


Three Months Ended March 31, PercentThree Months Ended September 30, Percent
2019 2018 Change (1)2019 2018 
Change(1)
Operating statistics (unaudited):          
Total system statistics:          
Passengers3,450,278
 3,302,951
 4.5
3,806,369
 3,503,849
 8.6
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)3,228,594
 3,094,805
 4.3
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)3,910,239
 3,728,563
 4.9
3,888,400
 3,643,948
 6.7
Load factor82.6% 83.0% (0.4)
Airline operating expense per ASM (CASM) (cents)8.95
 9.19
 (2.6)
Operating expense per ASM (CASM) (cents)9.37
 10.07
 (7.0)
Fuel expense per ASM (cents)2.55
 2.84
 (10.2)2.69
 3.12
 (13.8)
Airline operating CASM, excluding fuel (cents)6.40
 6.35
 0.8
Operating CASM, excluding fuel (cents)6.68
 6.95
 (3.9)
ASMs per gallon of fuel84.1
 76.7
 9.6
80.3
 77.5
 3.6
Departures25,200
 24,248
 3.9
27,707
 25,601
 8.2
Block hours59,819
 57,803
 3.5
59,678
 56,329
 5.9
Average stage length (miles)904
 910
 (0.7)823
 838
 (1.8)
Average number of operating aircraft during period79.6
 90.7
 (12.2)87.6
 95.6
 (8.4)
Average block hours per aircraft per day8.3
 7.1
 16.9
7.4
 6.4
 15.6
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period4,067
 3,776
 7.7
4,267
 3,835
 11.3
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)46,474
 48,640
 (4.5)48,443
 47,016
 3.0
Average fuel cost per gallon$2.14
 $2.18
 (1.8)$2.16
 $2.41
 (10.4)
Scheduled service statistics:          
Passengers3,421,538
 3,279,368
 4.3
3,753,611
 3,461,267
 8.4
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)3,191,045
 3,064,619
 4.1
3,170,826
 2,988,962
 6.1
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)3,802,132
 3,602,015
 5.6
3,687,473
 3,485,800
 5.8
Load factor83.9% 85.1% (1.2)86.0% 85.7% 0.3
Departures24,344
 23,264
 4.6
26,238
 24,281
 8.1
Block hours57,963
 55,689
 4.1
56,576
 53,723
 5.3
Total passenger revenue per ASM (TRASM) (cents) (2)11.50
 11.30
 1.8
11.10
 10.64
 4.3
Average fare - scheduled service (3)$69.64
 $73.81
 (5.6)$54.20
 $59.23
 (8.5)
Average fare - air-related charges (3)$53.10
 $47.18
 12.5
$50.03
 $43.36
 15.4
Average fare - third party products$5.01
 $3.15
 59.0
$4.85
 $4.60
 5.4
Average fare - total$127.75
 $124.14
 2.9
$109.08
 $107.19
 1.8
Average stage length (miles)908
 916
 (0.9)824
 845
 (2.5)
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)45,068
 46,872
 (3.8)46,038
 44,910
 2.5
Average fuel cost per gallon$2.13
 $2.17
 (1.8)$2.17
 $2.41
 (10.0)
Rental car days sold471,598
 398,587
 18.3
482,944
 472,301
 2.3
Hotel room nights sold105,015
 108,984
 (3.6)99,991
 95,690
 4.5
Percent of sales through website during period93.6% 93.8% (0.2)93.1% 93.7% (0.6)
(1) Except load factor and percent of sales through website during period, which are presented as a percentage point change.
(2) 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.
(3) Reflects division of passenger revenue between scheduled service and air-related charges in the Company's booking path.




 Nine Months Ended September 30, Percent
 2019 2018 
Change(1)
Operating statistics (unaudited):     
Total system statistics:     
Passengers11,426,183
 10,510,913
 8.7
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)12,245,704
 11,294,805
 8.4
Operating expense per ASM (CASM) (cents)9.05
 9.52
 (4.9)
Fuel expense per ASM (cents)2.65
 3.03
 (12.5)
Operating CASM, excluding fuel (cents)6.41
 6.49
 (1.2)
ASMs per gallon of fuel82.2
 76.8
 7.1
Departures83,454
 76,912
 8.5
Block hours187,829
 174,838
 7.4
Average stage length (miles)858
 868
 (1.2)
Average number of operating aircraft during period84.1
 92.4
 (9.0)
Average block hours per aircraft per day8.2
 6.9
 18.8
Full-time equivalent employees at end of period4,267
 3,835
 11.3
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)148,980
 147,172
 1.2
Average fuel cost per gallon$2.18
 $2.32
 (6.0)
Scheduled service statistics:     
Passengers11,307,004
 10,422,579
 8.5
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (thousands)9,964,948
 9,299,355
 7.2
Available seat miles (ASMs) (thousands)11,800,788
 10,883,630
 8.4
Load factor84.4% 85.4% (1.0)
Departures80,149
 73,537
 9.0
Block hours180,674
 167,947
 7.6
Total passenger revenue per ASM (TRASM) (cents)(2)
11.18
 11.04
 1.3
Average fare - scheduled service(3)
$60.40
 $65.72
 (8.1)
Average fare - air-related charges(3)
$51.56
 $45.33
 13.7
Average fare - third party products$4.74
 $4.23
 12.1
Average fare - total$116.70
 $115.28
 1.2
Average stage length (miles)861
 874
 (1.5)
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)143,433
 141,452
 1.4
Average fuel cost per gallon$2.17
 $2.31
 (6.1)
Rental car days sold1,495,502
 1,408,357
 6.2
Hotel room nights sold319,197
 313,360
 1.9
Percent of sales through website during period93.4% 93.8% (0.4)
(1) Except load factor and percent of sales through website during period, which are presented as a percentage point change.
(2) 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.
(3) Reflects division of passenger revenue between scheduled service and air-related charges in the Company's booking path.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


Current liquidity


Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities (short-term and long-term) increaseddecreased at March 31,September 30, 2019 to $554.8$442.0 million, from $447.5 million at December 31, 2018. Investment securities represent highly liquid marketable securities which are available-for-sale.

The increase in cash is due primarily to $178.5 million in cash from operating activities (excluding capital expenditures related to heavy maintenance), as well as $428.0 million in net Term Loan proceeds received in February 2019.

As of March 31, 2019, $347.9 million of the Term Loan proceeds were used to purchase our unsecured senior notes. The remaining proceeds of approximately $80.1 million will be used when we retire the remaining $102.1 million balance of these notes. We expect to call the remainder of the notes prior to their maturity in July 2019.


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, and return capital to shareholders in the form of recurring regular quarterly dividends. Our futuredividends and share repurchases, and invest in Sunseeker Resort and our Allegiant Nonstop family entertainment centers. 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 and other travel and leisure initiatives.


We believe we have more than adequate liquidity resources through our operating cash flows, borrowings, debt commitments and cash balances, to meet our future contractual obligations. In addition, weWe will continue to consider raising funds through debt financing on an opportunistic basis.


In addition to our recurring quarterly cash dividend, our current share repurchase authority is $100$85.3 million. There is no expiration to this program.


Debt


Our long-term debt and finance lease obligations balance, without reduction for related issuance costs, increased from $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2018 to $1.4 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2019. During the first three quarters of 2019, as we borrowed $450.0 million under the Term Loan, plus an additional $44.0and $320.4 million secured by aircraft while repurchasing $347.9 million ofand engines. Additionally, we retired our unsecured notes of $450.0 million and making principal paymentspaid off six loans, plus the outstanding balance on our other existing debt.revolving credit facility for combined secured debt payoffs of $112.2 million.


In March 2019, we entered into a Construction Loan Agreement with certain lenders affiliated with TPG Sixth Street Partners, LLC under which we may borrow up to $175.0 million to fund the construction of Phase 1 of Sunseeker Resort - Charlotte Harbor. No amountsamount under this loan agreement havehas been drawn to date.


Sources and Uses of Cash


Operating Activities. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, our operating activities provided $160.1 million of cash compared to $172.9 million during the same period of 2018. The year-over-year decrease in cash inflows is mostly the result of the net effect of changes in certain asset and liability accounts, including an increase in deferred major maintenance.

Operating cash inflows are primarily derived from providing air transportation and related ancillary products and services to customers,customers. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, our operating activities provided $321.4 million of cash compared to $290.1 million during the same period of 2018. The increase is mainly due to a $51.2 million increase in net income in 2019. This is partially offset by the net effect of changes in certain asset and we expect to use that cash flow to purchase aircraft and equipment, make scheduled debt payments, investliability accounts during the period, including the effect of a one time income tax refund of over $41 million received in Sunseeker Resort - Charlotte Harbor and other travel and leisure initiatives, and return capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. 2018.


Investing Activities. Cash used in investing activities was $59.6$324.0 million during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 compared to $65.4$187.1 million for the same period in 2018. A $53.4The increase in cash used is mostly due to a $76.2 million year-over-year increase in cash outlayoutlays for the purchase of property and equipment, was offset asby a lower amount of cash proceeds from maturities of investment securities (net of purchases) were $56.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $3.3 million. The use of cash for the same periodinvesting activities in 2018. Additionally, in

the first quarternine months of 2019 we hadwas reduced by a $6.5$16.0 million increasedifference in cash provided by other investing activities compared to the same period last year, mostly related to proceeds received from the sales of MD-80 parts.


Financing Activities. Cash provided by financing activities for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 was $61.3$15.3 million, compared to $115.1$12.6 million cash used in financing activities during the same period in 2018. This year-over-year fluctuation is primarily due to debt proceeds, as we entered into debt agreements totaling $494.0$770.4 million during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, but did not enter any debt agreementscompared to $191.7 million in the first quartersame period in 2018. The increase in debt proceeds was partially offset by ana $498.7 million increase in principal payments on, and early payoffs of, long-term debt and finance lease obligations as we repurchased $347.9 million of our unsecured notes due July 2019 in a tender offer, made $38.4 million of other debt and finance lease payments and incurred $30.1 million of debt issuance costs during the quarter. Thiscurrent year compared to $102.9 million of principal payments on debt for the same period in 2018.


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 information

concerning our possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, fleet plan, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, future service to be provided, the effects of future regulation and competition, and the development of a resort in Southwest Florida. 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” 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, an accident involving, or problems with, our aircraft, public perception of our safety, our reliance on our automated systems, limitation on growth after our transition to a single fleet type, 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 ability to finance aircraft under contract, terrorist attacks, risks inherent to airlines, our competitive environment, our reliance on third parties who provide facilities or services to us, the possible loss of key personnel, economic and other conditions in markets in which we operate, the ability to successfully develop and finance a resort in Southwest Florida, governmental regulation, increases in maintenance costs and cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in our operating results.


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 were no changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates, as of March 31,September 30, 2019, from those disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes contained in our 2018 Form 10-K.


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, as aircraft fuel expense represented 27.629.2 percent of our operating expenses for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019. 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 three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019, a hypothetical ten percent increase in the average price per gallon of fuel would have increased fuel expense by approximately $9.5 million.$10.7 million and $33.3 million, respectively. We have not hedged fuel price risk for many years.



Interest Rates


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, we had $1.1$1.2 billion in variable-rate debt, including current maturities and without reduction for related costs. A hypothetical 100 basis point changeincrease in market interest rates for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2019 would have affected interest expense by approximately $2.1 million.$2.2 million and $6.7 million, respectively.


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, we had $204.8$98.9 million of fixed-rate debt, including current maturities and without reduction for related costs. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in market interest rates would not impact interest expense on our fixed rate debt as of such date.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures


As of March 31,September 30, 2019, 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.



Except as noted below, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ending March 31,September 30, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Although the New Lease Standard willdid not have a material impact on our ongoing net income, changes were made to relevant business processes and the related control activities in order to monitor and maintain appropriate controls over financial reporting. The operating effectiveness of these changes will be evaluated as part of our annual assessment on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.


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.



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 the firstthird quarter 2019:


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)
January 459
 $123.09
 None  
February 12,921
 136.87
 None  
March 3,565
 126.82
 None  
Total 16,945
 $134.38
   $100,000
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 994
 $149.14
 None
  
August 104,539
 141.64
 103,943
  
September 3,935
 148.95
 None
 

Total 109,468
 143.35
   $85,277
(1) Includes 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 the 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 the Board under a share repurchase program.


Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities


None


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures


Not applicable


Item 5. Other Information


None




Item 6. Exhibits
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Registration Statement #333-134145 filed by the Company with the Commission and amendments thereto.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on AprilOctober 25, 2018.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 5, 2019
(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 5, 2019.
(5) Portions of the indicated document have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and the document indicated has been filed separately with the Commission as required by Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.







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:May 7,October 31, 2019By:/s/ Gregory Anderson
  Gregory Anderson, as duly authorized officer of the Company (Chief Financial Officer) and as Principal Financial Officer


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