Bangkok--27 Jan--Jigsaw Communications
Reports GAAP quarterly profit of $425 million and annual profit of $854 million
Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today reported financial results for the December 2011 quarter. Key points include:
Delta’s net income for the December 2011 quarter was $379 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, excluding special items1. This is a $221 million improvement year over year. Delta’s net income for 2011 was $1.2 billion, excluding special items, as the company offset $3 billion higher fuel expense through strong revenue performance and its fuel hedging program.Delta’s GAAP net income was $425 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for the December 2011 quarter and $854 million for 2011.2011 results include $264 million in profit sharing expense, including $89 million in the December quarter, recognizing Delta employees’ contributions toward meeting the company’s operating and financial goals.Delta’s adjusted net debt at the end of 2011 was $12.9 billion, a $4.1 billion reduction from 2009.
“Delta people pulled together in 2011 to produce a solid profit, strong cash generation, and the best operational performance in the industry for our customers. I want to thank them for their hard work through a challenging year and congratulate them on earning $264 million in profit sharing and $60 million in Shared Rewards for their exceptional performance,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer. “Looking forward to 2012, we will continue our commitment to sustained profitability and superior returns by growing and diversifying our revenues, while taking a disciplined approach to capacity, costs and capital spending.”
Revenue Environment
Delta’s operating revenue grew $610 million, or 8%, in the December 2011 quarter compared to the December 2010 quarter. Load factor increased to 81.7%, with traffic down 3% on a 3.5% decrease in capacity.
- Passenger revenue increased 8%, or $555 million, compared to the prior year period. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) increased 12%, driven by an 11% improvement in yield.
- Cargo revenue increased 8%, or $20 million, on higher cargo yields.
- Other revenue increased 4%, or $35 million, from higher third-party maintenance revenue.
“With the December quarter’s strong revenue performance, Delta produced a revenue premium to the industry and fully covered our fuel cost increase with higher revenues,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s president. “Our revenue momentum has continued into 2012, and we are currently seeing our January consolidated passenger unit revenues up 15% year over year.” FuelDuring the December 2011 quarter, market fuel prices increased fuel expense by $515 million, which was partially offset by $150 million of settled fuel hedge gains. Excluding mark to market adjustments, Delta’s average fuel price2 was $2.97 per gallon for the December quarter, which includes 17 cents per gallon in settled gains from its fuel hedging program. On a GAAP basis, which includes mark to market gains on open hedges, the company’s average fuel price was $2.79 per gallon. Cost PerformanceDelta’s total operating expense, excluding fuel, was flat in the December 2011 quarter, as the benefits of lower capacity-related costs and maintenance savings were partially offset by higher revenue-related expenses and profit sharing.
The December quarter 2011 consolidated unit cost (CASM3), excluding fuel expense, profit sharing and special items, was 1.8% higher on 3.5% lower capacity compared to the prior year. On a GAAP basis, which includes fuel, profit sharing and special items, consolidated CASM increased 6%. “Delta’s solid cost performance, in an environment of 25% higher market fuel prices, came as a result of our cost reduction initiatives and benefits from our fuel hedging program,” said Hank Halter, Delta’s chief financial officer. “We are focused on total cost productivity, including fuel, and implementing the structural initiatives needed to return our non-fuel costs to our targeted level.” Liquidity Position As of December 31, 2011, Delta had $5.4 billion in unrestricted liquidity, including $3.6 billion in cash and short-term investments and $1.8 billion in undrawn revolving credit facilities. Cash from operations during the December 2011 quarter was $1.2 billion, as the company’s profitability and working capital initiatives were partially offset by the normal seasonal decline in advance ticket sales. The purchase of $675 million of SkyMiles by American Express is included in Delta’s cash from operations for the December 2011 quarter. Capital expenditures during the December 2011 quarter were $400 million, including $230 million in aircraft, parts and modifications. The quarter’s expenditures also include Delta’s $100 million investment in GOL and the $15 million net expenditure associated with the company’s slot transaction and the related slot divestitures. During the quarter, Delta’s debt and capital lease payments were $725 million, which includes $435 million from the early retirement of debt. At December 31, 2011, Delta’s adjusted net debt was $12.9 billion. The company has now achieved more than $4 billion of its $7 billion debt reduction target since 2009 and remains on track for $10 billion adjusted net debt in 2013.
Company Highlights
Delta has a strong commitment to employees, customers and the communities it serves. Key accomplishments in 2011 include:? Recognizing the achievements of Delta employees toward meeting the company’s financial and operational goals with $325 million of incentives, including $264 million in employee profit sharing and $60 million in Shared Rewards;
- Significantly improving its operational performance, resulting in an on-time arrival rate of more than 83%, a 25% reduction in lost bags, and more than 35% fewer customer complaints compared to 2010;
- Closing on its slot trade agreement with US Airways, allowing Delta to build the leading network position at New York-LaGuardia, with over 250 daily departures by summer 2012;
- Receiving recognition from leading publications, including being named Fortune’s Most Admired Airline, best airline for business by Business Travel News, best domestic airline by Travel Weekly, and top tech-friendly airline by PC World;
- Reaching agreements to strengthen its network position through enhanced alliances and investments in Aeromexico and GOL, which will give Delta unique access to Latin America’s two largest aviation markets; and
- Extending Delta’s community involvement, including over $2 million raised by Delta employees for United Way.
Special ItemsDelta recorded special items totaling a $46 million gain in the December 2011 quarter, including: ? a $164 million mark to market gain primarily for open fuel hedges settling in future periods. Open hedges will continue to fluctuate in value and Delta will record future changes in market value until the hedges settle;
- a $43 million gain associated with the divestiture of slots at New York-LaGuardia and Washington-Reagan National in conjunction with the company’s slot transaction;
- an $81 million charge for impairment of intangible assets and grounded aircraft associated with Delta’s capacity reductions; and
- an $80 million charge for severance and other items, including the loss on early extinguishment of debt.
Delta recorded special items totaling a $139 million charge in the December 2010 quarter, including: ? $88 million in merger-related expenses;
- $31 million from a loss on early extinguishment of debt; and
- $20 million in costs related to the consolidation of operations at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.