Exhibit 99.1
Mesa Air Group Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results
PHOENIX, AZ - August 27, 2018 - Mesa Air Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MESA) today reported third quarter Fiscal Year 2018 financial results.
Highlights for Third Quarter (ending June 30, 2018)
Mesa’s third quarter results reflect a GAAP loss before taxes of ($14.6) million, which includes $26.2 million ofnon-cashone-time expenses* related to the termination of nine leased aircraft, subsequently purchased, and the revaluation of the Company’s common stock in connection with filing theS-1** registration statement associated with the recent IPO. Excluding these two items, Mesa earned $11.6 millionpre-tax*. The range set forth in the Company’sS-1 was $10.2 million to $11.2 million. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA* was $41.7 million compared to the range set forth in theS-1 of $40.3 million to $41.3 million. Similarly, Adjusted EBITDAR* was $59.7 million compared to the range of $58.2 to $59.2 million.
During the third fiscal quarter Mesa refinanced sixCRJ-900 aircraft with $27.5 million of debt resulting in net proceeds of $10.4 million after transaction related fees. The Company also purchased nine previously leasedCRJ-900 aircraft for $76.5 million. Mesa financed the purchase with $69.6 million of new debt and proceeds from the refinancing. As stated in theS-1, these transactions are expected to increasepre-tax earnings by approximately $4.5 million per year.
During the third quarter Mesa added 101 pilots allowing the Company to operate 102,939 block hours, an increase of 5.2% from the second quarter of 97,853 and up 5.4% from the first quarter of 97,705.
“We are delighted to return Mesa to the public market and welcome our newest shareholders to the company,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mesa Air Group. “We would also like to thank ourpre-IPO shareholders, airline partners, stakeholders, and employees for their support over the last seven years while we operated as a private company.”
“There were a number of positive developments in the quarter, most notably the progress we have made increasing the utilization of our aircraft through a combination of strong hiring and declining attrition among our pilots, reduced training backlog, and improved utilization of existing resources,” stated Ornstein. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all of our employees for their very important and meaningful contribution to our improving operational capabilities.”
Mike Lotz, President and Chief Financial Officer continued, “On August 14, 2018, we successfully completed our IPO which raised approximately $104 million and subsequently paid down $25.6 million outstanding on our revolving credit facility, reducing annual interest expense by $1.2 million per year. We are currently negotiating the purchase of ten additional currently leased aircraft and hope to complete the transaction by the end of our fiscal year. In addition, we have entered negotiations to refinance our high-cost debt primarily associated with spare engine purchases by the end of the calendar year. This is expected to result in a further reduction of interest expense going forward,” said Lotz.
* | See Reconciliation ofnon-GAAP financial measures |
** | The Company filed a FormS-1 Registration Statement (File no.333-226173) in connection with its IPO, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2018. This filing included a low and high range of preliminary third quarter financial results. |
**
Outlook
The Company is providing the following guidance for the fourth quarter of FY 2018:
Fleet, Block Hours, Engine Expense - Actual and Forecast for Q4 FY 2018
FY ’18 Q1 | FY ’18 Q2 | FY ’18 Q3 | FY ’18 Q4 | |||||||||||||||||
Qtr Ended | Qtr Ended | Qtr Ended | Qtr Ended | |||||||||||||||||
Dec ’17 | Mar ’18 | Jun ’18 | Sep ’18 | |||||||||||||||||
Fleet Count | (Actual) | (Actual) | (Actual) | (Forecast) | ||||||||||||||||
E-175 | 56 | 58 | 58 | 60 | ||||||||||||||||
CRJ-900 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | ||||||||||||||||
CRJ-700 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||
CRJ-200 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
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Total | 141 | 143 | 143 | 145 | ||||||||||||||||
Production | ||||||||||||||||||||
Block Hours | 97,705 | 97,853 | 102,939 | 112,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Block Hours per day per Aircraft | 7.6 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Non Pass-Through Engine Expense | $ | 17.2 | $ | 10.8 | $ | 8.5 | $ | 3.0 |
Reconciliation ofnon-GAAP financial measures
Although these financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”), certainnon-GAAP financial measures may provide investors with useful regarding the underlying business trends and performance of Mesa’s ongoing operations and may be useful information for period-over-period comparisons of such operations. The table below reflects supplemental financial data and reconciliations to GAAP financial statements for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2018. Readers should consider thesenon-GAAP measures in addition to, not a substitute for, financial reporting measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Thesenon-GAAP financial measures exclude some, but not all items that may affect the Company’s net income. Additionally, these calculations may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies.
Reconciliation of GAAP versusNon-GAAP Disclosures (unaudited)
(In thousands, except for per diluted share)
Three months ended June 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax | Net Income | Net Income per | ||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) Income | Expense | Net | per Diluted | Pro Forma Diluted | ||||||||||||||||
Before Taxes | (Benefit) | Income | Share | IPO Shares | ||||||||||||||||
GAAP Income | (14,630 | ) | (3,495 | ) | (11,135 | ) | $ | (0.89 | ) | $ | (0.49 | ) | ||||||||
Q3 FY18 Adjustments (1) | 26,193 | 7,934 | 18,259 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.53 | |||||||||||||
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Non-GAAP Income | 11,563 | 4,439 | 7,124 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.21 | |||||||||||||
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Interest Expense | 14,118 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | 16,013 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA | 41,694 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Aircraft Rent | 17,975 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EBITDAR | 59,669 | |||||||||||||||||||
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Weighted-average Shares Outstanding | ||||||||
Three months ended June 30, 2018 | ||||||||
Basic | Diluted | |||||||
GAAP weighted-average common shares outstanding | 12,462 | 12,462 | ||||||
Non-GAAP weighted-average common shares outstanding (2) | 12,462 | 24,041 | ||||||
Non-GAAP weighted-average common shares outstanding including pro forma shares issued upon IPO (3) | 22,744 | 34,323 |
Third fiscal quarter special items:
1) | Includesone-timenon-GAAP adjustments of $11.1 million in General and Administrative expense related to an increase in accrued compensation as a result of the increase in the fair value of the Company’s common stock due to theS-1 filing and $15.1 million related to the acquisition of nineCRJ-900 aircraft previously leased |
2) | Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding adjusted for anti-dilutive effect |
3) | Weighted-average pro forma shares outstanding including the impact of 9,630,000 shares issued upon IPO and 651,824 net shares issued under the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan upon IPO |
Mesa Air Group will host a conference call with analysts on Tuesday, August 28 at 11:15am EST/8:15am PST. The conference call number is888-989-9719 (Passcode: Phoenix). The conference call can also be accessed live via the web by visitinghttps://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/wkyrq2n9. A recorded version will be available on Mesa’s website approximately two hours after the call for approximately 14 days.
About Mesa Air Group, Inc.
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Mesa is a regional air carrier providing scheduled passenger service to 115 cities in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Cuba and The Bahamas. As of June 30, 2018,
Mesa operated a fleet of 145 aircraft with approximately 600 daily departures and 3,400 employees. Mesa operates all of its flights as either American Eagle or United Express flights pursuant to the terms of capacity purchase agreements entered into with American Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, (i) the fleet and block hours forecast of Mesa for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, (ii) the major non pass-through engine overhaul expense forecast for the same fiscal periods, (iii) the expectation that refinancing of sixCRJ-900 aircraft and the purchase of nine leasedCRJ-900 aircraft is expected to increasepre-tax earnings in future periods, (iv) the Company’s expectations regarding completing the purchase of ten additional GECAS leased aircraft by the end of fiscal 2018, and (v) the refinancing of high-cost debt associated with spare engines by the end of fiscal 2018 and the impact thereof on the Company’s future interest expense. These forward-looking statements are based on Mesa’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional or local economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond Mesa’s control. Any forward-looking statement in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Mesa undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.
Contacts
Investor Relations
Brian Gillman
Investor.Relations@mesa-air.com
(602)685-4010
Media
Amber Wansten
Media@mesa-air.com
(602)685-4010
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30, | Nine Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||
Operating revenues: | ||||||||||||||||
Contract revenue | $ | 159,916 | $ | 157,410 | $ | 470,820 | $ | 467,121 | ||||||||
Pass-through and other | 11,823 | 9,542 | 33,243 | 19,161 | ||||||||||||
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Total operating revenues | 171,739 | 166,952 | 504,063 | 486,282 | ||||||||||||
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Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Flight operations | 51,795 | 37,953 | 155,602 | 110,302 | ||||||||||||
Fuel | 151 | 214 | 349 | 614 | ||||||||||||
Maintenance | 48,290 | 46,817 | 154,046 | 164,239 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft rent | 17,975 | 18,274 | 54,557 | 54,334 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft and traffic servicing | 848 | 1,178 | 2,592 | 2,758 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 22,066 | 10,534 | 43,333 | 31,210 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16,013 | 15,620 | 47,611 | 45,220 | ||||||||||||
Lease termination | 15,109 | — | 15,109 | — | ||||||||||||
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Total operating expenses | 172,247 | 130,590 | 473,199 | 408,677 | ||||||||||||
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Operating (loss) income | (508 | ) | 36,362 | 30,864 | 77,605 | |||||||||||
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Other (expenses) income, net: | ||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (14,118 | ) | (11,819 | ) | (41,592 | ) | (33,659 | ) | ||||||||
Interest income | 11 | 8 | 30 | 23 | ||||||||||||
Other expense | (15 | ) | (53 | ) | (117 | ) | (447 | ) | ||||||||
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Total other (expense), net | (14,122 | ) | (11,864 | ) | (41,679 | ) | (34,083 | ) | ||||||||
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(Loss) income before taxes | (14,630 | ) | 24,498 | (10,815 | ) | 43,522 | ||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | (3,495 | ) | 9,065 | (24,676 | ) | 16,175 | ||||||||||
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Net (loss) income | $ | (11,135 | ) | $ | 15,433 | $ | 13,861 | $ | 27,347 | |||||||
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Net (loss) income per share attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (0.89 | ) | $ | 1.40 | $ | 1.18 | $ | 2.52 | |||||||
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Diluted | $ | (0.89 | ) | $ | 0.66 | $ | 0.58 | $ | 1.18 | |||||||
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Weighted-average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 12,462 | 10,993 | 11,782 | 10,852 | ||||||||||||
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Diluted | 12,462 | 23,223 | 24,052 | 23,242 | ||||||||||||
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MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
June 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2018 | 2017 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 41,731 | $ | 56,788 | ||||
Restricted cash | 3,823 | 3,559 | ||||||
Receivables, net | 21,596 | 8,853 | ||||||
Expendable parts and supplies, net | 15,716 | 15,114 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 39,502 | 61,525 | ||||||
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Total current assets | 122,368 | 145,839 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 1,239,548 | 1,192,448 | ||||||
Intangibles, net | 11,437 | 11,724 | ||||||
Lease and equipment deposits | 4,618 | 1,945 | ||||||
Other assets | 11,611 | 5,693 | ||||||
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Total assets | $ | 1,389,582 | $ | 1,357,649 | ||||
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 149,936 | $ | 140,466 | ||||
Accounts payable | 44,654 | 44,738 | ||||||
Accrued compensation | 23,638 | 9,080 | ||||||
Other accrued expenses | 28,649 | 23,929 | ||||||
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Total current liabilities | 246,877 | 218,213 | ||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion | 828,487 | 803,874 | ||||||
Deferred credits | 14,657 | 17,189 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 33,632 | 56,436 | ||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 33,306 | 39,713 | ||||||
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Total noncurrent liabilities | 910,082 | 917,212 | ||||||
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Total liabilities | 1,156,959 | 1,135,425 | ||||||
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 13 and Note 14) | ||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Common stock | 112,732 | 114,456 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 119,891 | 107,768 | ||||||
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Total stockholders’ equity | 232,623 | 222,224 | ||||||
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 1,389,582 | $ | 1,357,649 | ||||
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Operating Highlights (unaudited)
Three months ended June 30 | ||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | Change | ||||||||||
Available Seat Miles - ASMs (thousands) | 2,440,276 | 2,384,960 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||
Block Hours | 102,939 | 100,671 | 2.3 | % | ||||||||
Departures | 57,782 | 57,054 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||
Average Stage Length (miles) | 555 | 550 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||
Passengers | 3,490,710 | 3,364,121 | 3.8 | % |