United Airlines Achieves Highest Second-Quarter Pre-Tax Income In Company History
"Thanks to the outstanding and sustained efforts of 95,000 United team members, United is now consistently delivering results for our customers as well as investors as we raise the mid-point of our full-year 2019 adjusted diluted EPS3 guidance with a new range of $10.50 to $12.00," said Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines. "By once again delivering strong EPS over the last three months, top-tier results are now the expectation, not the exception for United."
- Reported second-quarter net income of $1.1 billion, diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.02, pre-tax earnings of $1.4 billion and pre-tax margin of 11.9 percent, expanding pre-tax margin 4.0 points versus the second quarter of 2018.
- Reported second-quarter adjusted net income of $1.1 billion, adjusted diluted EPS of $4.21, adjusted pre-tax earnings of $1.4 billion and adjusted pre-tax margin of 12.4 percent, expanding adjusted pre-tax margin 2.0 points versus the second quarter of 2018.1
- Total passenger revenue increased 6.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2018.
- Consolidated second-quarter passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 2.5 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated second-quarter unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) decreased 0.4 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated second-quarter CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, increased 0.6 percent year-over-year.
- Repurchased $536 million of its common shares in the second quarter of 2019, at an average purchase price of $84.07 per share.
- On July 15, 2019, the company's Board of Directors authorized a new $3 billion share repurchase program.
1 Excludes special charges, the mark-to-market impact of financial instruments and imputed interest on certain finance leases. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables accompanying this release. |
2 Airline history defined as post-2010 merger. |
3Excludes special charges and the mark-to-market impact of financial instruments, the nature of which are not determined at this time, and imputed interest on certain finance leases. Accordingly, UAL is not providing earnings guidance on a GAAP basis. |
For more information on UAL's third-quarter and full-year 2019 guidance, please visit ir.united.com for the company's investor update.
Second-Quarter 2019 Highlights
Customer Experience
- United Polaris lounge at San Francisco International Airport voted best business class lounge in the world by the 2019 World Airline Awards from Skytrax.
- Introduced ConnectionSaver, a new tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers connecting from one United flight to the next, while ensuring those who have already boarded the aircraft arrive at their destination on time.
- Began flight operations at LaGuardia Airport's new Terminal B Eastern Concourse and opened newest United Club - conveniently located inside security with more than 10,500 square feet with sweeping views of the tarmac.
- Awarded the "People's Voice" Webby Award in the "Business and Finance" category for reimagined mobile app, which debuted earlier this year.
- Partnered with luxury skincare line Sunday Riley on new United Polaris amenity kits.
- Awarded the Crystal Cabin Award for Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity for new onboard entertainment.
- Received IDG's CIO 100 Award for innovative customer volunteer solicitation program.
Operations
- Served nearly 43 million passengers, the most ever for United in the second quarter.
- Achieved top-tier on-time departures rate performance versus the major U.S. airlines, despite headwinds caused by unusually high weather and ATC delays.
- For the second quarter United had the second-best completion factor and the second fewest cancellations among the major U.S. airlines.
Employees
- Received "Best-of-the-Best" award for commitment to diversity and inclusion by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC), demonstrating the airline's industry-leading results across all diverse segments and its commitment to building a more diverse economy.
- Honored with the "DiversityInc Top 50" designation, lauding the airline's leadership in promoting diversity through talent development, leadership accountability and a top supplier diversity program.
- Expect profit sharing for 2019 to be about 20 percent higher per participating employee year-over-year.
- Hosted more than half of the company's 25,000 flight attendants at 17 separate Backstage 2019 events, which are designed to underscore the important role flight attendants play in delivering great service.
Network
- Started 34 new domestic and international routes, including brand-new summer service between New York/Newark and Prague, and the only nonstop service between the United States and Naples, Italy.
- Resumed popular seasonal service on 28 routes offering customers more access than ever before to connect to 54 countries around the world on United's industry-leading global network.
- Announced the only nonstop service from the United States to Cape Town, South Africa, and announced a second daily nonstop service between San Francisco and Hong Kong.
- Launched ninth daily nonstop flight between the United States and Germany from its hub at Denver International Airport, becoming the only U.S. airline connecting Denver to Frankfurt nonstop.
- Tentatively granted a total of four daily nonstop flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport from United's hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
- Unveiled 2019 college football flying schedule, adding around 10,000 seats between its hubs and popular game destinations and, for the first time, adding several point-to-point flights enabling fans to fly nonstop from one college town to another.
- Entered into a new alliance agreement with New Delhi-based airline Vistara - further expanding the airline's global route network to more than 20 destinations throughout India and expected to begin in the fall.
Fleet
- Unveiled next paint design, which brings a refreshed look to its fleet, serving as a visual representation of the airline's ongoing brand evolution while staying true to the history it has developed over the past 93 years of proudly serving customers around the world.
- Took delivery of two Boeing 787-10 aircraft, two used Airbus A319 aircraft, and seven Embraer E175 aircraft operated by our regional partners.
- Signed agreement to purchase 19 used Boeing 737-700 aircraft with deliveries expected beginning in December.
Community and Environment
- Made history with the departure of the "Flight for the Planet," the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation, becoming the first known airline to demonstrate all of the following key actions on a single commercial flight: utilization of sustainable aviation biofuel, zero cabin waste efforts, carbon offsetting, and operational efficiencies.
- Became the first public company to be inducted into Pride Live's Stonewall Ambassador program in recognition of the airline's commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
- Reached a milestone of 1 million meals packed for charity partner Rise Against Hunger, a global nonprofit, working to end hunger by providing food and life-changing aid to the world's most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize critical resources.
- Renewed contract with Boston-based World Energy, agreeing to purchase up to 10 million gallons of cost-competitive, commercial-scale, sustainable aviation biofuel over the next two years.
- Revealed the two winning designs for Her Art Here, a first-of-its-kind contest designed to find and uplift underrepresented women artists by providing a chance to have their work painted on a canvas like no other - a United Airlines aircraft. The painted aircraft will begin flying in the fall.
- Announced new and exciting opportunities to help customers celebrate Pride Month through MileagePlus Exclusives benefiting United charity partner The Trevor Project.
Earnings Call
UAL will hold a conference call to discuss its second-quarter 2019 financial results and its financial and operational outlook for third-quarter and full-year 2019 on Wednesday, July 17, at 9:30 a.m. Central time /10:30 a.m. Eastern time. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available at ir.united.com. The webcast will be available for replay within 24 hours of the conference call and then archived on the website for three months.
Every customer. Every flight. Every day.
In 2019, United is focusing more than ever on its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers' best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today's announcement, United recently announced that luxury skincare line Sunday Riley will make products exclusively for United customers to experience in amenity kits, released a re-imagined version of the most downloaded app in the airline industry, introduced ConnectionSaver, a new tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers connecting from one United flight to the next and made DIRECTV free for every passenger on 211 aircraft, offering more than 100 channels on seat back monitors on more than 30,000 seats.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." We are more focused than ever on our commitment to customers through a series of innovations and improvements designed to help build a great experience: Every customer. Every flight. Every day. Together, United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,900 flights a day to 356 airports across five continents. In 2018, United and United Express operated more than 1.7 million flights carrying more than 158 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 783 mainline aircraft and the airline's United Express carriers operate 561 regional aircraft. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements included in this release are forward-looking and thus reflect our current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and anticipated financial and operating performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook," "goals," "targets" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to us on the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: our ability to execute our strategic operating plan, including our growth, revenue-generating and cost-control initiatives; general economic conditions (including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, investment or credit market conditions, crude oil prices, costs of aircraft fuel and energy refining capacity in relevant markets); risks of doing business globally, including instability and political developments that may impact our operations in certain countries; demand for travel and the impact that global economic and political conditions have on customer travel patterns; our capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of our competitors; competitive pressures on pricing and on demand; changes in aircraft fuel prices; disruptions in our supply of aircraft fuel; our ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel, if we decide to do so; the effects of any technology failures or cybersecurity breaches; disruptions to services provided by third-party service providers; potential reputational or other impact from adverse events involving our aircraft or operations, the aircraft or operations of our regional carriers or our code share partners or the aircraft or operations of another airline; our ability to attract and retain customers; the effects of any terrorist attacks, international hostilities or other security events, or the fear of such events; the mandatory grounding of aircraft in our fleet; disruptions to our regional network; the impact of regulatory, investigative and legal proceedings and legal compliance risks; the success of our investments in other airlines, including in other parts of the world; industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; the ability of other air carriers with whom we have alliances or partnerships to provide the services contemplated by the respective arrangements with such carriers; costs associated with any modification or termination of our aircraft orders; disruptions in the availability of aircraft, parts or support from our suppliers; our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and the results of any collective bargaining agreement process with our union groups; any disruptions to operations due to any potential actions by our labor groups; labor costs; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; the impact of any management changes; extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports where we operate; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including Open Skies agreements, environmental regulations and the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union); the seasonality of the airline industry; weather conditions; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; the costs and availability of financing; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity; our ability to comply with the terms of our various financing arrangements; our ability to realize the full value of our intangible assets and long-lived assets;-; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A., "Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
-tables attached-
On January 1, 2019, United Airlines Holdings, Inc. ("UAL") adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases ("Topic 842"). As such, certain previously reported 2018 figures are adjusted in this report on a basis consistent with Topic 842.
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | % | Six Months Ended June 30, | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 10,486 | $ | 9,880 | 6.1 | $ | 19,211 | $ | 18,030 | 6.6 | |||||||||||||
Cargo | 295 | 314 | (6.1) | 581 | 607 | (4.3) | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating revenue | 621 | 583 | 6.5 | 1,199 | 1,172 | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | 11,402 | 10,777 | 5.8 | 20,991 | 19,809 | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating expense: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and related costs | 3,057 | 2,878 | 6.2 | 5,930 | 5,604 | 5.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 2,385 | 2,390 | (0.2) | 4,408 | 4,355 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Regional capacity purchase | 715 | 693 | 3.2 | 1,403 | 1,323 | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Landing fees and other rent | 660 | 625 | 5.6 | 1,248 | 1,204 | 3.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 560 | 538 | 4.1 | 1,107 | 1,062 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs | 421 | 438 | (3.9) | 829 | 878 | (5.6) | |||||||||||||||||
Distribution expenses | 442 | 393 | 12.5 | 802 | 735 | 9.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft rent | 73 | 119 | (38.7) | 154 | 246 | (37.4) | |||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | NM | 89 | 169 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 1,546 | 1,429 | 8.2 | 3,054 | 2,826 | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating expense | 9,930 | 9,632 | 3.1 | 19,024 | 18,402 | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 1,472 | 1,145 | 28.6 | 1,967 | 1,407 | 39.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating margin | 12.9 | % | 10.6 | % | 2.3 | pts. | 9.4 | % | 7.1 | % | 2.3 | pts. | |||||||||||
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP) (A) | 13.5 | % | 11.8 | % | 1.7 | pts. | 9.8 | % | 8.0 | % | 1.8 | pts. | |||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (191) | (163) | 17.2 | (379) | (325) | 16.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest capitalized | 21 | 12 | 75.0 | 43 | 30 | 43.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 38 | 25 | 52.0 | 67 | 42 | 59.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net (B) | 14 | (164) | NM | 23 | (117) | NM | |||||||||||||||||
Total nonoperating expense | (118) | (290) | (59.3) | (246) | (370) | (33.5) | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,354 | 855 | 58.4 | 1,721 | 1,037 | 66.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax margin | 11.9 | % | 7.9 | % | 4.0 | pts. | 8.2 | % | 5.2 | % | 3.0 | pts. | |||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax margin (Non-GAAP) (A) | 12.4 | % | 10.4 | % | 2.0 | pts. | 8.6 | % | 6.5 | % | 2.1 | pts. | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (D) | 302 | 172 | 75.6 | 377 | 209 | 80.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 1,052 | $ | 683 | 54.0 | $ | 1,344 | $ | 828 | 62.3 | |||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.02 | $ | 2.48 | 62.1 | $ | 5.07 | $ | 2.95 | 71.9 | |||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares | 261.6 | 275.6 | (5.1) | 264.9 | 280.2 | (5.5) | |||||||||||||||||
NM Not meaningful |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||
PASSENGER REVENUE INFORMATION AND STATISTICS | ||||||||||||
Passenger revenue information is as follows: | ||||||||||||
2Q 2019 Passenger Revenue (millions) | Passenger Revenue vs. 2Q 2018 | PRASM vs. 2Q 2018 | Yield vs. 2Q 2018 | Available Seat Miles vs. 2Q 2018 | 2Q 2019 | |||||||
Domestic | $ | 6,547 | 5.9% | 1.9% | 1.5% | 4.0% | 41,484 | |||||
Atlantic | 1,927 | 5.6% | 0.6% | (1.5%) | 5.0% | 14,114 | ||||||
Pacific | 1,135 | 2.9% | 2.8% | (1.1%) | 0.1% | 10,753 | ||||||
Latin America | 877 | 13.6% | 9.1% | 6.5% | 4.1% | 6,889 | ||||||
International | 3,939 | 6.5% | 3.2% | 0.4% | 3.1% | 31,756 | ||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,486 | 6.1% | 2.5% | 1.0% | 3.6% | 73,240 | |||||
Select operating statistics are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Six Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 42,592 | 41,058 | 3.7 | 79,046 | 75,553 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 63,001 | 59,945 | 5.1 | 116,098 | 109,794 | 5.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 73,240 | 70,702 | 3.6 | 138,885 | 132,679 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Passenger load factor: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 86.0 | % | 84.8 | % | 1.2 | pts. | 83.6 | % | 82.8 | % | 0.8 | pts. | |||||||||||
Domestic | 87.5 | % | 87.1 | % | 0.4 | pts. | 85.2 | % | 85.1 | % | 0.1 | pts. | |||||||||||
International | 84.0 | % | 81.7 | % | 2.3 | pts. | 81.5 | % | 79.7 | % | 1.8 | pts. | |||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 14.32 | 13.97 | 2.5 | 13.83 | 13.59 | 1.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 15.57 | 15.24 | 2.2 | 15.11 | 14.93 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 16.64 | 16.48 | 1.0 | 16.55 | 16.42 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Cargo ton miles (millions) | 831 | 855 | (2.8) | 1,636 | 1,672 | (2.2) | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 1,344 | 1,308 | 2.8 | 1,344 | 1,308 | 2.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 1,469 | 1,460 | 0.6 | 1,459 | 1,452 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Average full-time equivalent employees | 90,779 | 86,743 | 4.7 | 89,761 | 86,157 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.16 | $ | 2.26 | (4.4) | $ | 2.11 | $ | 2.19 | (3.7) | |||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 1,102 | 1,058 | 4.2 | 2,087 | 1,990 | 4.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Note: See Part II, Item 6, Selected Financial Data, of UAL's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, for definitions of these statistics. |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(In millions) | June 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,221 | $ | 1,694 | |||
Short-term investments | 2,223 | 2,256 | |||||
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts | 1,762 | 1,426 | |||||
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance | 996 | 985 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 708 | 733 | |||||
Total current assets | 8,910 | 7,094 | |||||
Total operating property and equipment, net | 28,918 | 27,399 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 4,908 | 5,262 | |||||
Other assets: | |||||||
Goodwill | 4,523 | 4,523 | |||||
Intangibles, less accumulated amortization | 3,129 | 3,159 | |||||
Restricted cash | 105 | 105 | |||||
Notes receivable, net | 518 | 516 | |||||
Investments in affiliates and other, net | 1,139 | 966 | |||||
Total other assets | 9,414 | 9,269 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 52,150 | $ | 49,024 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Advance ticket sales | $ | 6,126 | $ | 4,381 | |||
Accounts payable | 3,033 | 2,363 | |||||
Frequent flyer deferred revenue | 2,435 | 2,286 | |||||
Accrued salaries and benefits | 1,871 | 2,184 | |||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 1,255 | 1,230 | |||||
Current maturities of finance leases | 117 | 123 | |||||
Current maturities of operating leases | 637 | 719 | |||||
Other | 604 | 553 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 16,078 | 13,839 | |||||
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities and deferred credits: | |||||||
Long-term debt | 12,938 | 12,215 | |||||
Long-term obligations under finance leases | 202 | 224 | |||||
Long-term obligations under operating leases | 5,034 | 5,276 | |||||
Frequent flyer deferred revenue | 2,763 | 2,719 | |||||
Postretirement benefit liability | 1,277 | 1,295 | |||||
Pension liability | 1,366 | 1,576 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,192 | 828 | |||||
Other | 980 | 1,010 | |||||
Total long-term debt and other long-term liabilities and deferred credits: | 25,752 | 25,143 | |||||
Stockholders' equity | 10,320 | 10,042 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 52,150 | $ | 49,024 | |||
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(In millions) | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 4,625 | $ | 4,152 | |||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||
Capital expenditures | (2,467) | (1,671) | |||||
Purchases of short-term and other investments | (1,443) | (1,326) | |||||
Proceeds from sale of short-term and other investments | 1,484 | 1,455 | |||||
Investment in affiliates | (27) | (139) | |||||
Loans made to others | — | (10) | |||||
Other, net | 17 | 38 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (2,436) | (1,653) | |||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 996 | 1,241 | |||||
Payments of long-term debt | (473) | (1,294) | |||||
Repurchases of common stock | (1,062) | (969) | |||||
Principal payments under finance leases | (63) | (35) | |||||
Capitalized financing costs | (30) | (25) | |||||
Other, net | (30) | (17) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (662) | (1,099) | |||||
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 1,527 | 1,400 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period | 1,799 | 1,591 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period | $ | 3,326 | $ | 2,991 | |||
Investing and Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash: | |||||||
Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt | $ | 220 | $ | 125 | |||
Operating lease conversions to finance lease | 36 | — | |||||
Right-of-use assets acquired through operating leases | 99 | 103 | |||||
Property and equipment acquired through finance leases | 8 | — | |||||
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC)—Non-GAAP | |||
ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that UAL believes provides useful supplemental information for management and investors by measuring the effectiveness of the company's operations' use of invested capital to generate profits. | |||
(in millions) | Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2019 | ||
Net Operating Profit After Tax ("NOPAT") | |||
Pre-tax income | $ | 3,332 | |
Adjustments: | |||
Special charges and mark-to-market ("MTM") gains on financial instruments: | |||
Impairment of assets | 312 | ||
Termination of a maintenance service agreement | 64 | ||
Severance and benefit costs | 28 | ||
MTM gains on financial instruments | (136) | ||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | 3 | ||
Pre-tax income excluding special charges and MTM gains on financial instruments (Non-GAAP) | 3,603 | ||
add: Interest expense (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 721 | ||
add: Interest component of capitalized aircraft rent (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 195 | ||
add: Net interest on pension (net of income tax benefit) (a) | (11) | ||
less: Income taxes paid | (13) | ||
NOPAT (Non-GAAP) | $ | 4,495 | |
Average Invested Capital (five-quarter average) | |||
Total assets | $ | 50,076 | |
less: Non-interest bearing liabilities (b) | (17,495) | ||
Average invested capital (Non-GAAP) | $ | 32,581 | |
ROIC (Non-GAAP) | 13.8 | % | |
(a) | Income tax benefit measured based on the effective cash tax rate. The effective cash tax rate is calculated by dividing cash taxes paid by pre-tax income excluding special charges and MTM gains and losses on financial instruments. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2019, the effective cash tax rate was 0.4%. |
(b) | Non-interest bearing liabilities include advance ticket sales, frequent flyer deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other non-interest bearing liabilities. |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION | |||||||||||||||||
(A) UAL evaluates its financial performance utilizing various accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and Non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted pre-tax margin, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share and CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing, among others. UAL believes that adjusting for special charges is useful to investors because special charges are not indicative of UAL's ongoing performance. UAL believes that adjusting for MTM gains and losses on financial instruments is useful to investors because those unrealized gains or losses may not ultimately be realized on a cash basis. UAL believes that adjusting for interest expense related to finance leases of Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft is useful to investors because of the accelerated recognition of interest expense. | |||||||||||||||||
CASM is a common metric used in the airline industry to measure an airline's cost structure and efficiency. UAL reports CASM excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing. UAL believes that adjusting for special charges is useful to investors because special charges are not indicative of UAL's ongoing performance. UAL also believes that excluding third-party business expenses, such as maintenance, ground handling and catering services for third parties and fuel sales, provides more meaningful disclosure because these expenses are not directly related to UAL's core business. UAL also believes that excluding fuel costs from certain measures is useful to investors because it provides an additional measure of management's performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. UAL excludes profit sharing because this exclusion allows investors to better understand and analyze our operating cost performance and provides a more meaningful comparison of our core operating costs to the airline industry. | |||||||||||||||||
Reconciliations of reported non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included below. | |||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ | Six Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
CASM (cents) | |||||||||||||||||
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (GAAP) | 13.56 | 13.62 | (0.4) | 13.70 | 13.87 | (1.2) | |||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 0.10 | 0.18 | NM | 0.07 | 0.13 | NM | |||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 0.05 | 0.04 | 25.0 | 0.05 | 0.05 | — | |||||||||||
Fuel expense | 3.26 | 3.38 | (3.6) | 3.17 | 3.28 | (3.4) | |||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 0.22 | 0.15 | 46.7 | 0.14 | 0.09 | 55.6 | |||||||||||
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing (Non-GAAP) | 9.93 | 9.87 | 0.6 | 10.27 | 10.32 | (0.5) | |||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | $ Increase/ | % Increase/ | Six Months Ended June 30, | $ Increase/ | % Increase/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (GAAP) | $ | 9,930 | $ | 9,632 | $ | 298 | 3.1 | $ | 19,024 | $ | 18,402 | $ | 622 | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding special charges | 9,859 | 9,503 | 356 | 3.7 | 18,935 | 18,233 | 702 | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 41 | 29 | 12 | 41.4 | 71 | 60 | 11 | 18.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 2,385 | 2,390 | (5) | (0.2) | 4,408 | 4,355 | 53 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 161 | 108 | 53 | 49.1 | 194 | 125 | 69 | 55.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP) | $ | 7,272 | $ | 6,976 | $ | 296 | 4.2 | $ | 14,262 | $ | 13,693 | $ | 569 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (GAAP) | $ | 1,472 | $ | 1,145 | $ | 327 | 28.6 | $ | 1,967 | $ | 1,407 | $ | 560 | 39.8 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,543 | $ | 1,274 | $ | 269 | 21.1 | $ | 2,056 | $ | 1,576 | $ | 480 | 30.5 | |||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (GAAP) | $ | 1,354 | $ | 855 | $ | 499 | 58.4 | $ | 1,721 | $ | 1,037 | $ | 684 | 66.0 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments (B) | (34) | 135 | (169) | NM | (51) | 90 | (141) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 finance leases (C) | 25 | — | 25 | NM | 46 | — | 46 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,416 | $ | 1,119 | $ | 297 | 26.5 | $ | 1,805 | $ | 1,296 | $ | 509 | 39.3 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (GAAP) | $ | 1,052 | $ | 683 | $ | 369 | 54.0 | $ | 1,344 | $ | 828 | $ | 516 | 62.3 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments (B) | (34) | 135 | (169) | NM | (51) | 90 | (141) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 finance leases (C) | 25 | — | 25 | NM | 46 | — | 46 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit related to adjustments above | (14) | (59) | 45 | NM | (19) | (58) | 39 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,100 | $ | 888 | $ | 212 | 23.9 | $ | 1,409 | $ | 1,029 | $ | 380 | 36.9 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) | $ | 4.02 | $ | 2.48 | $ | 1.54 | 62.1 | $ | 5.07 | $ | 2.95 | $ | 2.12 | 71.9 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 0.27 | 0.47 | (0.20) | NM | 0.34 | 0.60 | (0.26) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments (B) | (0.13) | 0.49 | (0.62) | NM | (0.19) | 0.32 | (0.51) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 finance leases (C) | 0.10 | — | 0.10 | NM | 0.17 | — | 0.17 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit related to adjustments | (0.05) | (0.22) | 0.17 | NM | (0.07) | (0.20) | 0.13 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) | $ | 4.21 | $ | 3.22 | $ | 0.99 | 30.7 | $ | 5.32 | $ | 3.67 | $ | 1.65 | 45.0 | |||||||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | |||||||||||||||
UAL believes that adjusting capital expenditures for assets acquired through the issuance of debt and finance leases is useful to investors in order to appropriately reflect the total amounts spent on capital expenditures. UAL also believes that adjusting net cash provided by operating activities for capital expenditures and adjusted capital expenditures is useful to allow investors to evaluate the company's ability to generate cash that is available for debt service or general corporate initiatives. | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures (GAAP) | $ | 858 | $ | 727 | $ | 2,467 | $ | 1,671 | |||||||
Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt | 128 | 65 | 220 | 125 | |||||||||||
Property and equipment acquired through finance leases | — | — | 8 | — | |||||||||||
Adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | $ | 986 | $ | 792 | $ | 2,695 | $ | 1,796 | |||||||
Free Cash Flow (in millions) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,443 | $ | 4,625 | $ | 4,152 | |||||||
Less capital expenditures | 858 | 727 | 2,467 | 1,671 | |||||||||||
Free cash flow, net of financings (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,852 | $ | 1,716 | $ | 2,158 | $ | 2,481 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,443 | $ | 4,625 | $ | 4,152 | |||||||
Less adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | 986 | 792 | 2,695 | 1,796 | |||||||||||
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,724 | $ | 1,651 | $ | 1,930 | $ | 2,356 | |||||||
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||
NOTES (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||||||||
(B) Special charges and MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments include the following: | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating: | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of assets | $ | 61 | $ | 111 | $ | 69 | $ | 134 | |||||||
Severance and benefit costs | 6 | 11 | 12 | 25 | |||||||||||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | |||||||||||
Total special charges | 71 | 129 | 89 | 169 | |||||||||||
Nonoperating MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments | (34) | 135 | (51) | 90 | |||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments | 37 | 264 | 38 | 259 | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit | (8) | (59) | (8) | (58) | |||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments, net of income tax | $ | 29 | $ | 205 | $ | 30 | $ | 201 | |||||||
Impairment of assets: During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded a $47 million impairment for aircraft engines removed from operations, a $6 million charge for the early termination of several regional aircraft finance leases and $8 million in other miscellaneous impairments. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, in addition to the charges described above, the company recorded an $8 million fair value adjustment for aircraft purchased off lease. |
In May 2018, the Brazil–United States open skies agreement was ratified, which provides air carriers with unrestricted access between the United States and Brazil. The company determined that the approval of the open skies agreement impaired the entire value of its Brazil route authorities because the agreement removes all limitations or reciprocity requirements for flights between the United States and Brazil. Accordingly, the company recorded a $105 million special charge to write off the entire value of the intangible asset associated with its Brazil routes. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the company also recorded $6 million and $29 million, respectively, of fair value adjustments related to aircraft purchased off lease and other impairments related to certain fleet types and international slots no longer in use. |
Severance and benefit costs: During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded $6 million and $10 million, respectively, of management severance. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded $2 million of severance and benefit costs primarily related to a voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In the first quarter of 2017, approximately 1,000 technicians and related employees elected to voluntarily separate from the company and received a severance payment, with a maximum value of $100,000 per participant, based on years of service, with retirement dates through early 2019. |
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the company recorded $6 million and $14 million, respectively, of severance and benefit costs related to the voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees, and $5 million and $11 million, respectively, of management severance. |
MTM gains and losses on financial instruments: During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded gains of $38 million and $52 million, respectively, for the change in market value of its investment in Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A. ("Azul"). During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded losses of $4 million and $1 million, respectively, for the change in fair value of certain derivative assets related to equity of Avianca Holdings S.A. For equity investments and derivative assets subject to MTM accounting, the company records gains and losses as part of Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in its statements of consolidated operations. |
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the company recorded losses of $135 million and $90 million, respectively, for the change in market value of its investment in Azul. |
(C) Interest expense related to finance leases of Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft |
During the third quarter of 2018, United entered into an agreement with the lessor of 54 Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft to purchase those aircraft in 2019. The provisions of the new lease agreement resulted in a change in accounting classification of these new leases from operating leases to finance leases up until the purchase date. The company recognized $25 million and $46 million of additional interest expense in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, as a result of this change. |
(D) Effective tax rate |
The company's effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 was 22.3% and 21.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was 20.1% and 20.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate represents a blend of federal, state and foreign taxes and includes the impact of certain nondeductible items and the impact of a change in the company's mix of domestic and foreign earnings. |
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"Thanks to the outstanding and sustained efforts of 95,000 United team members, United is now consistently delivering results for our customers as well as investors as we raise the mid-point of our full-year 2019 adjusted diluted EPS3 guidance with a new range of $10.50 to $12.00," said Oscar Munoz, CEO of United Airlines. "By once again delivering strong EPS over the last three months, top-tier results are now the expectation, not the exception for United."
- Reported second-quarter net income of $1.1 billion, diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.02, pre-tax earnings of $1.4 billion and pre-tax margin of 11.9 percent, expanding pre-tax margin 4.0 points versus the second quarter of 2018.
- Reported second-quarter adjusted net income of $1.1 billion, adjusted diluted EPS of $4.21, adjusted pre-tax earnings of $1.4 billion and adjusted pre-tax margin of 12.4 percent, expanding adjusted pre-tax margin 2.0 points versus the second quarter of 2018.1
- Total passenger revenue increased 6.1 percent versus the second quarter of 2018.
- Consolidated second-quarter passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 2.5 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated second-quarter unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) decreased 0.4 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated second-quarter CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, increased 0.6 percent year-over-year.
- Repurchased $536 million of its common shares in the second quarter of 2019, at an average purchase price of $84.07 per share.
- On July 15, 2019, the company's Board of Directors authorized a new $3 billion share repurchase program.
1 Excludes special charges, the mark-to-market impact of financial instruments and imputed interest on certain finance leases. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables accompanying this release. |
2 Airline history defined as post-2010 merger. |
3Excludes special charges and the mark-to-market impact of financial instruments, the nature of which are not determined at this time, and imputed interest on certain finance leases. Accordingly, UAL is not providing earnings guidance on a GAAP basis. |
For more information on UAL's third-quarter and full-year 2019 guidance, please visit ir.united.com for the company's investor update.
Second-Quarter 2019 Highlights
Customer Experience
- United Polaris lounge at San Francisco International Airport voted best business class lounge in the world by the 2019 World Airline Awards from Skytrax.
- Introduced ConnectionSaver, a new tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers connecting from one United flight to the next, while ensuring those who have already boarded the aircraft arrive at their destination on time.
- Began flight operations at LaGuardia Airport's new Terminal B Eastern Concourse and opened newest United Club - conveniently located inside security with more than 10,500 square feet with sweeping views of the tarmac.
- Awarded the "People's Voice" Webby Award in the "Business and Finance" category for reimagined mobile app, which debuted earlier this year.
- Partnered with luxury skincare line Sunday Riley on new United Polaris amenity kits.
- Awarded the Crystal Cabin Award for Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity for new onboard entertainment.
- Received IDG's CIO 100 Award for innovative customer volunteer solicitation program.
Operations
- Served nearly 43 million passengers, the most ever for United in the second quarter.
- Achieved top-tier on-time departures rate performance versus the major U.S. airlines, despite headwinds caused by unusually high weather and ATC delays.
- For the second quarter United had the second-best completion factor and the second fewest cancellations among the major U.S. airlines.
Employees
- Received "Best-of-the-Best" award for commitment to diversity and inclusion by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC), demonstrating the airline's industry-leading results across all diverse segments and its commitment to building a more diverse economy.
- Honored with the "DiversityInc Top 50" designation, lauding the airline's leadership in promoting diversity through talent development, leadership accountability and a top supplier diversity program.
- Expect profit sharing for 2019 to be about 20 percent higher per participating employee year-over-year.
- Hosted more than half of the company's 25,000 flight attendants at 17 separate Backstage 2019 events, which are designed to underscore the important role flight attendants play in delivering great service.
Network
- Started 34 new domestic and international routes, including brand-new summer service between New York/Newark and Prague, and the only nonstop service between the United States and Naples, Italy.
- Resumed popular seasonal service on 28 routes offering customers more access than ever before to connect to 54 countries around the world on United's industry-leading global network.
- Announced the only nonstop service from the United States to Cape Town, South Africa, and announced a second daily nonstop service between San Francisco and Hong Kong.
- Launched ninth daily nonstop flight between the United States and Germany from its hub at Denver International Airport, becoming the only U.S. airline connecting Denver to Frankfurt nonstop.
- Tentatively granted a total of four daily nonstop flights to Tokyo Haneda Airport from United's hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
- Unveiled 2019 college football flying schedule, adding around 10,000 seats between its hubs and popular game destinations and, for the first time, adding several point-to-point flights enabling fans to fly nonstop from one college town to another.
- Entered into a new alliance agreement with New Delhi-based airline Vistara - further expanding the airline's global route network to more than 20 destinations throughout India and expected to begin in the fall.
Fleet
- Unveiled next paint design, which brings a refreshed look to its fleet, serving as a visual representation of the airline's ongoing brand evolution while staying true to the history it has developed over the past 93 years of proudly serving customers around the world.
- Took delivery of two Boeing 787-10 aircraft, two used Airbus A319 aircraft, and seven Embraer E175 aircraft operated by our regional partners.
- Signed agreement to purchase 19 used Boeing 737-700 aircraft with deliveries expected beginning in December.
Community and Environment
- Made history with the departure of the "Flight for the Planet," the most eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of aviation, becoming the first known airline to demonstrate all of the following key actions on a single commercial flight: utilization of sustainable aviation biofuel, zero cabin waste efforts, carbon offsetting, and operational efficiencies.
- Became the first public company to be inducted into Pride Live's Stonewall Ambassador program in recognition of the airline's commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
- Reached a milestone of 1 million meals packed for charity partner Rise Against Hunger, a global nonprofit, working to end hunger by providing food and life-changing aid to the world's most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize critical resources.
- Renewed contract with Boston-based World Energy, agreeing to purchase up to 10 million gallons of cost-competitive, commercial-scale, sustainable aviation biofuel over the next two years.
- Revealed the two winning designs for Her Art Here, a first-of-its-kind contest designed to find and uplift underrepresented women artists by providing a chance to have their work painted on a canvas like no other - a United Airlines aircraft. The painted aircraft will begin flying in the fall.
- Announced new and exciting opportunities to help customers celebrate Pride Month through MileagePlus Exclusives benefiting United charity partner The Trevor Project.
Earnings Call
UAL will hold a conference call to discuss its second-quarter 2019 financial results and its financial and operational outlook for third-quarter and full-year 2019 on Wednesday, July 17, at 9:30 a.m. Central time /10:30 a.m. Eastern time. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available at ir.united.com. The webcast will be available for replay within 24 hours of the conference call and then archived on the website for three months.
Every customer. Every flight. Every day.
In 2019, United is focusing more than ever on its commitment to its customers, looking at every aspect of its business to ensure that the carrier keeps customers' best interests at the heart of its service. In addition to today's announcement, United recently announced that luxury skincare line Sunday Riley will make products exclusively for United customers to experience in amenity kits, released a re-imagined version of the most downloaded app in the airline industry, introduced ConnectionSaver, a new tool dedicated to improving the experience for customers connecting from one United flight to the next and made DIRECTV free for every passenger on 211 aircraft, offering more than 100 channels on seat back monitors on more than 30,000 seats.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." We are more focused than ever on our commitment to customers through a series of innovations and improvements designed to help build a great experience: Every customer. Every flight. Every day. Together, United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,900 flights a day to 356 airports across five continents. In 2018, United and United Express operated more than 1.7 million flights carrying more than 158 million customers. United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 783 mainline aircraft and the airline's United Express carriers operate 561 regional aircraft. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 193 countries via 28 member airlines. For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements included in this release are forward-looking and thus reflect our current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and anticipated financial and operating performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook," "goals," "targets" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to us on the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: our ability to execute our strategic operating plan, including our growth, revenue-generating and cost-control initiatives; general economic conditions (including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, investment or credit market conditions, crude oil prices, costs of aircraft fuel and energy refining capacity in relevant markets); risks of doing business globally, including instability and political developments that may impact our operations in certain countries; demand for travel and the impact that global economic and political conditions have on customer travel patterns; our capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of our competitors; competitive pressures on pricing and on demand; changes in aircraft fuel prices; disruptions in our supply of aircraft fuel; our ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel, if we decide to do so; the effects of any technology failures or cybersecurity breaches; disruptions to services provided by third-party service providers; potential reputational or other impact from adverse events involving our aircraft or operations, the aircraft or operations of our regional carriers or our code share partners or the aircraft or operations of another airline; our ability to attract and retain customers; the effects of any terrorist attacks, international hostilities or other security events, or the fear of such events; the mandatory grounding of aircraft in our fleet; disruptions to our regional network; the impact of regulatory, investigative and legal proceedings and legal compliance risks; the success of our investments in other airlines, including in other parts of the world; industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; the ability of other air carriers with whom we have alliances or partnerships to provide the services contemplated by the respective arrangements with such carriers; costs associated with any modification or termination of our aircraft orders; disruptions in the availability of aircraft, parts or support from our suppliers; our ability to maintain satisfactory labor relations and the results of any collective bargaining agreement process with our union groups; any disruptions to operations due to any potential actions by our labor groups; labor costs; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; the impact of any management changes; extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports where we operate; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including Open Skies agreements, environmental regulations and the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union); the seasonality of the airline industry; weather conditions; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; the costs and availability of financing; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity; our ability to comply with the terms of our various financing arrangements; our ability to realize the full value of our intangible assets and long-lived assets;-; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A., "Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
-tables attached-
On January 1, 2019, United Airlines Holdings, Inc. ("UAL") adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases ("Topic 842"). As such, certain previously reported 2018 figures are adjusted in this report on a basis consistent with Topic 842.
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | % | Six Months Ended June 30, | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ | 10,486 | $ | 9,880 | 6.1 | $ | 19,211 | $ | 18,030 | 6.6 | |||||||||||||
Cargo | 295 | 314 | (6.1) | 581 | 607 | (4.3) | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating revenue | 621 | 583 | 6.5 | 1,199 | 1,172 | 2.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | 11,402 | 10,777 | 5.8 | 20,991 | 19,809 | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating expense: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and related costs | 3,057 | 2,878 | 6.2 | 5,930 | 5,604 | 5.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 2,385 | 2,390 | (0.2) | 4,408 | 4,355 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Regional capacity purchase | 715 | 693 | 3.2 | 1,403 | 1,323 | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Landing fees and other rent | 660 | 625 | 5.6 | 1,248 | 1,204 | 3.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 560 | 538 | 4.1 | 1,107 | 1,062 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs | 421 | 438 | (3.9) | 829 | 878 | (5.6) | |||||||||||||||||
Distribution expenses | 442 | 393 | 12.5 | 802 | 735 | 9.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft rent | 73 | 119 | (38.7) | 154 | 246 | (37.4) | |||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | NM | 89 | 169 | NM | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 1,546 | 1,429 | 8.2 | 3,054 | 2,826 | 8.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Total operating expense | 9,930 | 9,632 | 3.1 | 19,024 | 18,402 | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 1,472 | 1,145 | 28.6 | 1,967 | 1,407 | 39.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating margin | 12.9 | % | 10.6 | % | 2.3 | pts. | 9.4 | % | 7.1 | % | 2.3 | pts. | |||||||||||
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP) (A) | 13.5 | % | 11.8 | % | 1.7 | pts. | 9.8 | % | 8.0 | % | 1.8 | pts. | |||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (191) | (163) | 17.2 | (379) | (325) | 16.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest capitalized | 21 | 12 | 75.0 | 43 | 30 | 43.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 38 | 25 | 52.0 | 67 | 42 | 59.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net (B) | 14 | (164) | NM | 23 | (117) | NM | |||||||||||||||||
Total nonoperating expense | (118) | (290) | (59.3) | (246) | (370) | (33.5) | |||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,354 | 855 | 58.4 | 1,721 | 1,037 | 66.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax margin | 11.9 | % | 7.9 | % | 4.0 | pts. | 8.2 | % | 5.2 | % | 3.0 | pts. | |||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax margin (Non-GAAP) (A) | 12.4 | % | 10.4 | % | 2.0 | pts. | 8.6 | % | 6.5 | % | 2.1 | pts. | |||||||||||
Income tax expense (D) | 302 | 172 | 75.6 | 377 | 209 | 80.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 1,052 | $ | 683 | 54.0 | $ | 1,344 | $ | 828 | 62.3 | |||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 4.02 | $ | 2.48 | 62.1 | $ | 5.07 | $ | 2.95 | 71.9 | |||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares | 261.6 | 275.6 | (5.1) | 264.9 | 280.2 | (5.5) | |||||||||||||||||
NM Not meaningful |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||
PASSENGER REVENUE INFORMATION AND STATISTICS | ||||||||||||
Passenger revenue information is as follows: | ||||||||||||
2Q 2019 Passenger Revenue (millions) | Passenger Revenue vs. 2Q 2018 | PRASM vs. 2Q 2018 | Yield vs. 2Q 2018 | Available Seat Miles vs. 2Q 2018 | 2Q 2019 | |||||||
Domestic | $ | 6,547 | 5.9% | 1.9% | 1.5% | 4.0% | 41,484 | |||||
Atlantic | 1,927 | 5.6% | 0.6% | (1.5%) | 5.0% | 14,114 | ||||||
Pacific | 1,135 | 2.9% | 2.8% | (1.1%) | 0.1% | 10,753 | ||||||
Latin America | 877 | 13.6% | 9.1% | 6.5% | 4.1% | 6,889 | ||||||
International | 3,939 | 6.5% | 3.2% | 0.4% | 3.1% | 31,756 | ||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,486 | 6.1% | 2.5% | 1.0% | 3.6% | 73,240 | |||||
Select operating statistics are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Six Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 42,592 | 41,058 | 3.7 | 79,046 | 75,553 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 63,001 | 59,945 | 5.1 | 116,098 | 109,794 | 5.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 73,240 | 70,702 | 3.6 | 138,885 | 132,679 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Passenger load factor: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 86.0 | % | 84.8 | % | 1.2 | pts. | 83.6 | % | 82.8 | % | 0.8 | pts. | |||||||||||
Domestic | 87.5 | % | 87.1 | % | 0.4 | pts. | 85.2 | % | 85.1 | % | 0.1 | pts. | |||||||||||
International | 84.0 | % | 81.7 | % | 2.3 | pts. | 81.5 | % | 79.7 | % | 1.8 | pts. | |||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 14.32 | 13.97 | 2.5 | 13.83 | 13.59 | 1.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Total revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 15.57 | 15.24 | 2.2 | 15.11 | 14.93 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 16.64 | 16.48 | 1.0 | 16.55 | 16.42 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Cargo ton miles (millions) | 831 | 855 | (2.8) | 1,636 | 1,672 | (2.2) | |||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 1,344 | 1,308 | 2.8 | 1,344 | 1,308 | 2.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 1,469 | 1,460 | 0.6 | 1,459 | 1,452 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Average full-time equivalent employees | 90,779 | 86,743 | 4.7 | 89,761 | 86,157 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.16 | $ | 2.26 | (4.4) | $ | 2.11 | $ | 2.19 | (3.7) | |||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 1,102 | 1,058 | 4.2 | 2,087 | 1,990 | 4.9 | |||||||||||||||||
Note: See Part II, Item 6, Selected Financial Data, of UAL's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, for definitions of these statistics. |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(In millions) | June 30, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | |||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 3,221 | $ | 1,694 | |||
Short-term investments | 2,223 | 2,256 | |||||
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts | 1,762 | 1,426 | |||||
Aircraft fuel, spare parts and supplies, less obsolescence allowance | 996 | 985 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 708 | 733 | |||||
Total current assets | 8,910 | 7,094 | |||||
Total operating property and equipment, net | 28,918 | 27,399 | |||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 4,908 | 5,262 | |||||
Other assets: | |||||||
Goodwill | 4,523 | 4,523 | |||||
Intangibles, less accumulated amortization | 3,129 | 3,159 | |||||
Restricted cash | 105 | 105 | |||||
Notes receivable, net | 518 | 516 | |||||
Investments in affiliates and other, net | 1,139 | 966 | |||||
Total other assets | 9,414 | 9,269 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 52,150 | $ | 49,024 | |||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Advance ticket sales | $ | 6,126 | $ | 4,381 | |||
Accounts payable | 3,033 | 2,363 | |||||
Frequent flyer deferred revenue | 2,435 | 2,286 | |||||
Accrued salaries and benefits | 1,871 | 2,184 | |||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 1,255 | 1,230 | |||||
Current maturities of finance leases | 117 | 123 | |||||
Current maturities of operating leases | 637 | 719 | |||||
Other | 604 | 553 | |||||
Total current liabilities | 16,078 | 13,839 | |||||
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities and deferred credits: | |||||||
Long-term debt | 12,938 | 12,215 | |||||
Long-term obligations under finance leases | 202 | 224 | |||||
Long-term obligations under operating leases | 5,034 | 5,276 | |||||
Frequent flyer deferred revenue | 2,763 | 2,719 | |||||
Postretirement benefit liability | 1,277 | 1,295 | |||||
Pension liability | 1,366 | 1,576 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,192 | 828 | |||||
Other | 980 | 1,010 | |||||
Total long-term debt and other long-term liabilities and deferred credits: | 25,752 | 25,143 | |||||
Stockholders' equity | 10,320 | 10,042 | |||||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 52,150 | $ | 49,024 | |||
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) | |||||||
(In millions) | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||
2019 | 2018 | ||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 4,625 | $ | 4,152 | |||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||
Capital expenditures | (2,467) | (1,671) | |||||
Purchases of short-term and other investments | (1,443) | (1,326) | |||||
Proceeds from sale of short-term and other investments | 1,484 | 1,455 | |||||
Investment in affiliates | (27) | (139) | |||||
Loans made to others | — | (10) | |||||
Other, net | 17 | 38 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (2,436) | (1,653) | |||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 996 | 1,241 | |||||
Payments of long-term debt | (473) | (1,294) | |||||
Repurchases of common stock | (1,062) | (969) | |||||
Principal payments under finance leases | (63) | (35) | |||||
Capitalized financing costs | (30) | (25) | |||||
Other, net | (30) | (17) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (662) | (1,099) | |||||
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 1,527 | 1,400 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period | 1,799 | 1,591 | |||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period | $ | 3,326 | $ | 2,991 | |||
Investing and Financing Activities Not Affecting Cash: | |||||||
Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt | $ | 220 | $ | 125 | |||
Operating lease conversions to finance lease | 36 | — | |||||
Right-of-use assets acquired through operating leases | 99 | 103 | |||||
Property and equipment acquired through finance leases | 8 | — | |||||
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (ROIC)—Non-GAAP | |||
ROIC is a non-GAAP financial measure that UAL believes provides useful supplemental information for management and investors by measuring the effectiveness of the company's operations' use of invested capital to generate profits. | |||
(in millions) | Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2019 | ||
Net Operating Profit After Tax ("NOPAT") | |||
Pre-tax income | $ | 3,332 | |
Adjustments: | |||
Special charges and mark-to-market ("MTM") gains on financial instruments: | |||
Impairment of assets | 312 | ||
Termination of a maintenance service agreement | 64 | ||
Severance and benefit costs | 28 | ||
MTM gains on financial instruments | (136) | ||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | 3 | ||
Pre-tax income excluding special charges and MTM gains on financial instruments (Non-GAAP) | 3,603 | ||
add: Interest expense (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 721 | ||
add: Interest component of capitalized aircraft rent (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 195 | ||
add: Net interest on pension (net of income tax benefit) (a) | (11) | ||
less: Income taxes paid | (13) | ||
NOPAT (Non-GAAP) | $ | 4,495 | |
Average Invested Capital (five-quarter average) | |||
Total assets | $ | 50,076 | |
less: Non-interest bearing liabilities (b) | (17,495) | ||
Average invested capital (Non-GAAP) | $ | 32,581 | |
ROIC (Non-GAAP) | 13.8 | % | |
(a) | Income tax benefit measured based on the effective cash tax rate. The effective cash tax rate is calculated by dividing cash taxes paid by pre-tax income excluding special charges and MTM gains and losses on financial instruments. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2019, the effective cash tax rate was 0.4%. |
(b) | Non-interest bearing liabilities include advance ticket sales, frequent flyer deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other non-interest bearing liabilities. |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION | |||||||||||||||||
(A) UAL evaluates its financial performance utilizing various accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and Non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted pre-tax income (loss), adjusted pre-tax margin, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share and CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing, among others. UAL believes that adjusting for special charges is useful to investors because special charges are not indicative of UAL's ongoing performance. UAL believes that adjusting for MTM gains and losses on financial instruments is useful to investors because those unrealized gains or losses may not ultimately be realized on a cash basis. UAL believes that adjusting for interest expense related to finance leases of Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft is useful to investors because of the accelerated recognition of interest expense. | |||||||||||||||||
CASM is a common metric used in the airline industry to measure an airline's cost structure and efficiency. UAL reports CASM excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing. UAL believes that adjusting for special charges is useful to investors because special charges are not indicative of UAL's ongoing performance. UAL also believes that excluding third-party business expenses, such as maintenance, ground handling and catering services for third parties and fuel sales, provides more meaningful disclosure because these expenses are not directly related to UAL's core business. UAL also believes that excluding fuel costs from certain measures is useful to investors because it provides an additional measure of management's performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. UAL excludes profit sharing because this exclusion allows investors to better understand and analyze our operating cost performance and provides a more meaningful comparison of our core operating costs to the airline industry. | |||||||||||||||||
Reconciliations of reported non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included below. | |||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ | Six Months Ended June 30, | % Increase/ | ||||||||||||||
2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
CASM (cents) | |||||||||||||||||
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (GAAP) | 13.56 | 13.62 | (0.4) | 13.70 | 13.87 | (1.2) | |||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 0.10 | 0.18 | NM | 0.07 | 0.13 | NM | |||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 0.05 | 0.04 | 25.0 | 0.05 | 0.05 | — | |||||||||||
Fuel expense | 3.26 | 3.38 | (3.6) | 3.17 | 3.28 | (3.4) | |||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 0.22 | 0.15 | 46.7 | 0.14 | 0.09 | 55.6 | |||||||||||
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing (Non-GAAP) | 9.93 | 9.87 | 0.6 | 10.27 | 10.32 | (0.5) | |||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | $ Increase/ | % Increase/ | Six Months Ended June 30, | $ Increase/ | % Increase/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | 2019 | 2018 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (GAAP) | $ | 9,930 | $ | 9,632 | $ | 298 | 3.1 | $ | 19,024 | $ | 18,402 | $ | 622 | 3.4 | |||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding special charges | 9,859 | 9,503 | 356 | 3.7 | 18,935 | 18,233 | 702 | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 41 | 29 | 12 | 41.4 | 71 | 60 | 11 | 18.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 2,385 | 2,390 | (5) | (0.2) | 4,408 | 4,355 | 53 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 161 | 108 | 53 | 49.1 | 194 | 125 | 69 | 55.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP) | $ | 7,272 | $ | 6,976 | $ | 296 | 4.2 | $ | 14,262 | $ | 13,693 | $ | 569 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (GAAP) | $ | 1,472 | $ | 1,145 | $ | 327 | 28.6 | $ | 1,967 | $ | 1,407 | $ | 560 | 39.8 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,543 | $ | 1,274 | $ | 269 | 21.1 | $ | 2,056 | $ | 1,576 | $ | 480 | 30.5 | |||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (GAAP) | $ | 1,354 | $ | 855 | $ | 499 | 58.4 | $ | 1,721 | $ | 1,037 | $ | 684 | 66.0 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments (B) | (34) | 135 | (169) | NM | (51) | 90 | (141) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 finance leases (C) | 25 | — | 25 | NM | 46 | — | 46 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,416 | $ | 1,119 | $ | 297 | 26.5 | $ | 1,805 | $ | 1,296 | $ | 509 | 39.3 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (GAAP) | $ | 1,052 | $ | 683 | $ | 369 | 54.0 | $ | 1,344 | $ | 828 | $ | 516 | 62.3 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 71 | 129 | (58) | NM | 89 | 169 | (80) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments (B) | (34) | 135 | (169) | NM | (51) | 90 | (141) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 finance leases (C) | 25 | — | 25 | NM | 46 | — | 46 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit related to adjustments above | (14) | (59) | 45 | NM | (19) | (58) | 39 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,100 | $ | 888 | $ | 212 | 23.9 | $ | 1,409 | $ | 1,029 | $ | 380 | 36.9 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) | $ | 4.02 | $ | 2.48 | $ | 1.54 | 62.1 | $ | 5.07 | $ | 2.95 | $ | 2.12 | 71.9 | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (B) | 0.27 | 0.47 | (0.20) | NM | 0.34 | 0.60 | (0.26) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments (B) | (0.13) | 0.49 | (0.62) | NM | (0.19) | 0.32 | (0.51) | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 finance leases (C) | 0.10 | — | 0.10 | NM | 0.17 | — | 0.17 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit related to adjustments | (0.05) | (0.22) | 0.17 | NM | (0.07) | (0.20) | 0.13 | NM | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) | $ | 4.21 | $ | 3.22 | $ | 0.99 | 30.7 | $ | 5.32 | $ | 3.67 | $ | 1.65 | 45.0 | |||||||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | |||||||||||||||
UAL believes that adjusting capital expenditures for assets acquired through the issuance of debt and finance leases is useful to investors in order to appropriately reflect the total amounts spent on capital expenditures. UAL also believes that adjusting net cash provided by operating activities for capital expenditures and adjusted capital expenditures is useful to allow investors to evaluate the company's ability to generate cash that is available for debt service or general corporate initiatives. | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures (in millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures (GAAP) | $ | 858 | $ | 727 | $ | 2,467 | $ | 1,671 | |||||||
Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt | 128 | 65 | 220 | 125 | |||||||||||
Property and equipment acquired through finance leases | — | — | 8 | — | |||||||||||
Adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | $ | 986 | $ | 792 | $ | 2,695 | $ | 1,796 | |||||||
Free Cash Flow (in millions) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,443 | $ | 4,625 | $ | 4,152 | |||||||
Less capital expenditures | 858 | 727 | 2,467 | 1,671 | |||||||||||
Free cash flow, net of financings (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,852 | $ | 1,716 | $ | 2,158 | $ | 2,481 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,443 | $ | 4,625 | $ | 4,152 | |||||||
Less adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | 986 | 792 | 2,695 | 1,796 | |||||||||||
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,724 | $ | 1,651 | $ | 1,930 | $ | 2,356 | |||||||
UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. | |||||||||||||||
NOTES (UNAUDITED) | |||||||||||||||
(B) Special charges and MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments include the following: | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | |||||||||||
Operating: | |||||||||||||||
Impairment of assets | $ | 61 | $ | 111 | $ | 69 | $ | 134 | |||||||
Severance and benefit costs | 6 | 11 | 12 | 25 | |||||||||||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | |||||||||||
Total special charges | 71 | 129 | 89 | 169 | |||||||||||
Nonoperating MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments | (34) | 135 | (51) | 90 | |||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments | 37 | 264 | 38 | 259 | |||||||||||
Income tax benefit | (8) | (59) | (8) | (58) | |||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on financial instruments, net of income tax | $ | 29 | $ | 205 | $ | 30 | $ | 201 | |||||||
Impairment of assets: During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded a $47 million impairment for aircraft engines removed from operations, a $6 million charge for the early termination of several regional aircraft finance leases and $8 million in other miscellaneous impairments. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, in addition to the charges described above, the company recorded an $8 million fair value adjustment for aircraft purchased off lease. |
In May 2018, the Brazil–United States open skies agreement was ratified, which provides air carriers with unrestricted access between the United States and Brazil. The company determined that the approval of the open skies agreement impaired the entire value of its Brazil route authorities because the agreement removes all limitations or reciprocity requirements for flights between the United States and Brazil. Accordingly, the company recorded a $105 million special charge to write off the entire value of the intangible asset associated with its Brazil routes. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the company also recorded $6 million and $29 million, respectively, of fair value adjustments related to aircraft purchased off lease and other impairments related to certain fleet types and international slots no longer in use. |
Severance and benefit costs: During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded $6 million and $10 million, respectively, of management severance. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded $2 million of severance and benefit costs primarily related to a voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In the first quarter of 2017, approximately 1,000 technicians and related employees elected to voluntarily separate from the company and received a severance payment, with a maximum value of $100,000 per participant, based on years of service, with retirement dates through early 2019. |
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the company recorded $6 million and $14 million, respectively, of severance and benefit costs related to the voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees, and $5 million and $11 million, respectively, of management severance. |
MTM gains and losses on financial instruments: During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded gains of $38 million and $52 million, respectively, for the change in market value of its investment in Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras S.A. ("Azul"). During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the company recorded losses of $4 million and $1 million, respectively, for the change in fair value of certain derivative assets related to equity of Avianca Holdings S.A. For equity investments and derivative assets subject to MTM accounting, the company records gains and losses as part of Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in its statements of consolidated operations. |
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the company recorded losses of $135 million and $90 million, respectively, for the change in market value of its investment in Azul. |
(C) Interest expense related to finance leases of Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft |
During the third quarter of 2018, United entered into an agreement with the lessor of 54 Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft to purchase those aircraft in 2019. The provisions of the new lease agreement resulted in a change in accounting classification of these new leases from operating leases to finance leases up until the purchase date. The company recognized $25 million and $46 million of additional interest expense in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, as a result of this change. |
(D) Effective tax rate |
The company's effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 was 22.3% and 21.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was 20.1% and 20.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate represents a blend of federal, state and foreign taxes and includes the impact of certain nondeductible items and the impact of a change in the company's mix of domestic and foreign earnings. |
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
CHICAGO, Jan. 12, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, United Airlines was recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and SimpliFlying for providing a hospital-grade standard of cleanliness and safety during the travel journey. United is the first airline among the four largest U.S. carriers to receive the highest possible certification - Diamond - in the new APEX Health Safety audit powered by SimpliFlying. This new scientifically-based certification is designed to create a recognized, global standard for health and safety across the aviation industry.
"Since the start of this pandemic, United has been committed to pursuing industry leading safety measures to protect the wellbeing of our customers and employees," said Sasha Johnson, United's vice president of Corporate Safety. "This recognition from APEX and SimpliFlying underscores that United will continue to innovate and raise the standard when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19."
To achieve this certification, United submitted detailed responses for audit against a 58-point checklist covering ten categories, including things like testing, contact tracing, on-the-ground procedures, in-flight measures, and strategic partnerships. For each cleaning and safety measure noted on the checklist, United shared proof points for further review by the APEX and SimpliFlying experts. United's certification as a Diamond airline means that the company's initiatives were at least 200 points above the gold-standard baseline APEX and SimpliFlying established as the minimum required to ensure passenger safety and well-being.
"United Airlines' tremendous customer-centric investments definitively merited the Diamond level of health safety across a broad scoreboard of categories focused on passenger wellbeing," APEX CEO Dr. Joe Leader said. "We applaud United's thought-leadership across key initiatives that have benefited both customers of United Airlines and the airline industry. Passengers and airline team members should be proud of United Airlines' continuous advancements for customer wellbeing."
The United CleanPlusSM program, which includes its partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic and Clorox, was one of the many efforts APEX and SimpliFlying cited when granting the airline this certification. Medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic have helped ensure United's policies and protocols reflect the latest scientific guidance, and Clorox has helped the airline redefine disinfection procedures to support a healthier environment. Other efforts APEX and SimpliFlying called out when granting United this certification include:
- Use of Ultraviolet C (UV-C) light to disinfect sensitive components in the flight deck
- Installation of hand sanitizer dispensers onboard aircraft
- Application of Zoono Microbe Shield, an EPA registered antimicrobial coating, to United's entire mainline and express fleet
United was also the first major U.S. airline to mandate masks for flight attendants, quickly following with all customers and employees. United was also among the first U.S. carriers to announce it wouldn't permit customers who refused to comply with the airline's mandatory mask policy to fly with them while the face mask policy is in place. United was also the first U.S. airline to roll out touchless check-in for customers with bags, and the first to require passengers take an online health assessment before traveling.
To learn more about United's cleaning and safety efforts, visit United.com/CleanPlus.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
CHICAGO, Jan. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines will hold a conference call to discuss fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 financial results on Thursday, January 21 at 9:30 a.m. CT/10:30 a.m. ET. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available at ir.united.com. The company will issue its fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 financial results after market close on Wednesday, January 20.
The webcast will be available for replay within 24 hours of the conference call and then archived on the website for three months.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
As you know, United has aggressively advocated for this extension for months and our airline has publicly supported similar efforts by our union partners. And we both have personally spoken to leaders in D.C. about the unique impact the crisis has had on our industry and the need for relief. Our appreciation goes out to all the elected officials who helped make this happen – we also know many of you lent your voices to the fight, so thank you as well.
So what does this mean for us? Well, to start, it means United intends to offer temporary employment to thousands of our team members who were impacted on September 30.
As you know, involuntary furloughs were always a last resort for us and we worked really hard over the summer – through cost-cutting, capital-raising, and partnering with our unions – to make the number of people who were ultimately impacted as small as possible.
Now, those employees who are eligible under the terms of the PSP extension can temporarily come back to United through March 2021. This is certainly good news for our economy, our industry, and our airline - but it's especially good news for those who have been without a paycheck, and we can't wait to welcome them back.
Importantly, though, we don't expect customer demand to change much between now and the end of the first quarter of 2021. United has been realistic about our outlook throughout the crisis, and we've tried to give you an honest assessment every step of the way. The truth is, we just don't see anything in the data that shows a huge difference in bookings over the next few months. That is why we expect the recall will be temporary.
But as we've said before, we do see the light at the end of the tunnel. The recent vaccine developments have been nothing short of extraordinary. And we're so proud of our team for playing an important role in the global distribution of those treatments. But even though vaccinations have started and there are millions of doses being distributed around the country, we're still months and months away from the majority of the population getting vaccinated.
There are still some details to work out before the PSP extension is finalized, and we expect that you will hear from your leaders over the next several days about what's next for your specific workgroup. And for those employees who will be returning to work, we'll continue to work closely with our union partners to make the process as easy as possible.
So let us end where we started – having our team members back working at United - even in some cases temporarily – is good news. The PSP extension will provide much needed relief for these team members and their families.
Thanks for all you continue to do to take care of our customers and one another.
Scott and Brett
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking and thus reflect our current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "remains," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to us on the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A., "Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"Contact tracing is a fundamental component of the nation's public health response strategy for controlling the spread of communicable diseases of public health concern," said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. "Collection of contact information from air travelers will greatly improve the timeliness and completeness of information for COVID-19 public health follow-up and contact tracing."
United's program will roll out in phases beginning this week with the voluntary collection of information for all international arrivals. In the weeks ahead, the airline will phase in domestic and international outbound departures. Customers can opt-in and participate in this effort using United's mobile app, at united.com or at the airport.
"Initiatives like testing and contact tracing will play a significant role in slowing the spread of COVID-19 until a vaccine is widely available," said United's Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist. "United continues to take a leadership role in both areas and is proud to support the CDC by doing our part to help them safeguard public health and safety."
Click here for b-roll and images of United's Contact Tracing Initiative.
Throughout the pandemic, United has taken an industry-leading approach to health and safety to create and implement measures to keep our customers and employees safe, including COVID-19 testing programs, innovative technology solutions and industry-leading cleaning and safety iniatives.
A safer travel experience: COVID-19 Testing
United was the first airline to announce optional pre-flight COVID-19 testing for customers. In October, the airline started offering customers traveling from San Francisco International Airport to Hawaii the option to take a same-day, pre-flight rapid test at the airport or a conveniently located drive-through test, for a fee. The program allows customers with a negative result to bypass Hawaii's mandatory quarantine requirements.
Following this effort, United participated in two successful international test programs. In November, United announced the world's first free transatlantic COVID-19 testing pilot program for customers. The airline offered rapid tests to every passenger over 2 years old and crew members on board select flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to London Heathrow (LHR), free of charge. Also, in partnership with CommonPass (add hyperlink), a digital health pass aimed at enabling safer travel and the reopening of international borders, customers participated in a test on flights from Newark/New York to London and were able to seamlessly provide their COVID-19 test results to relevant governments.
Most recently in December, United expanded its customer testing efforts to include a new mail-in test option for flights out of Houston to select destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean like Aruba, Belize City and the Bahamas. United will continue to offer ways to expand testing as a means of opening borders safely.
For more information on the testing program, please visit united.com/covid-testing.
Click here for b-roll and still images of United Airlines' COVID-19 testing programs
United also joined efforts with the COVID-19 Technology Task Force to raise awareness and encourage customers and employees to take advantage of the free and secure Exposure Notifications System that anonymously alerts users if they've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, about 20 states, plus Guam and Washington, D.C., offer technology managed by state health departments that can be downloaded to most mobile devices.
A safer travel experience: United CleanPlusSM
Since the start of the pandemic, United has been a leader in enacting new policies and innovations designed to keep employees and passengers safer when traveling. It was the first U.S. airline to mandate masks for flight attendants, quickly following with all customers and employees. United was also among the first U.S. carriers to announce it wouldn't permit customers who refused to comply with the airline's mandatory mask policy to fly with them while the face mask policy is in place. United was also the first U.S. airline to roll out touchless check-in for customers with bags and the first to require passengers take an online health assessment before traveling. United is applying Zoono Microbe Shield, an EPA-registered antimicrobial coating that forms a long-lasting bond with surfaces and inhibits the growth of microbes, to its entire mainline and express fleet before the end of the year.
The latest research, including a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, shows COVID-19 exposure risk on board United aircraft is low due to the airline's advanced air filtration systems, mandated mask policy and diligent cleaning protocols.
For more details on all the ways United is helping keep customers safe during their journey, please visit united.com/cleanplus.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"As the leader of one of the world's largest airlines, I recognize our responsibility in contributing to fight climate change, as well as our responsibility to solve it," said Scott Kirby, United's chief executive officer. "These game-changing technologies will significantly reduce our emissions, and measurably reduce the speed of climate change – because buying carbon offsets alone is just not enough. Perhaps most importantly, we're not just doing it to meet our own sustainability goal; we're doing it to drive the positive change our entire industry requires so that every airline can eventually join us and do the same."
Investment in Direct Air Capture Technology
Rather than simply taking a conventional approach to decarbonization by relying solely on the purchase of carbon offsets, United intends to make a multimillion-dollar investment in 1PointFive, Inc., a partnership between Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, a subsidiary of Occidental (NYSE:OXY), and Rusheen Capital Management. 1PointFive's mission is to curb the rise in global temperatures by physically removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air using Direct Air Capture technology licensed from Carbon Engineering.
Direct Air Capture technology is one of the few proven ways to physically correct for aircraft emissions, and can scale to capture millions and potentially billions of metric tons of CO2 per year. The captured CO2 will then be permanently, safely and securely stored deep underground by Occidental, a process certified by independent third parties. The commitment – the first to be announced in the aviation industry – will help 1PointFive build the first industrial-sized Direct Air Capture plant in the United States. A single plant is expected to capture and permanently sequester one million tons of CO2 each year, the equivalent of the work of 40 million trees, but covering a land area about 3,000 times smaller.
Investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel
With up to 80% less lifecycle carbon emissions than conventional jet fuel, sustainable aviation fuel is the fastest and most effective way United is reducing its emissions. Among all airlines globally, United holds more than 50% of all publicly announced future purchase commitments to using SAF and has the longest history of using SAF of any U.S. airline. Last year, United renewed its contract with Boston-based World Energy, agreeing to purchase up to 10 million gallons of cost-competitive SAF. United has used this SAF to help sustainably power every flight departing its Los Angeles hub since 2016.
Additionally, United has invested more than $30 million in California-based sustainable fuel producer Fulcrum BioEnergy, which remains the single largest investment by any airline globally in a sustainable fuel producer.
Since 2016, United has used the most SAF of any airline globally and has flown:
- 26 million passengers on flights powered with a SAF blend
- 44 billion passenger-miles on flights powered with a SAF blend
- 215,000 flights powered with a SAF blend
United's Commitment to the Environment
United's commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 represents yet another leadership position the airline has taken to reduce its impact on the environment. United's significant environmental achievements include:
- Becoming the first airline globally to incorporate SAF in regular operations on a continuous basis, marking a significant milestone in the industry by moving beyond test programs and demonstrations to the everyday use of low-carbon fuel in ongoing operations
- In 2019, we committed $40 million toward an investment initiative focused on accelerating the development of SAF and other decarbonization technologies
- Operating the Flight for the Planet in 2019, which represented the most-eco-friendly commercial flight of its kind in the history of commercial aviation
- Becoming the first airline to fly with Boeing's Split Scimitar winglets, which reduce fuel consumption by an additional 2% versus standard winglets; United is the largest Scimitar winglet operator today, with nearly 400 aircraft equipped with these winglets
- Becoming the first U.S. airline to repurpose items from the carrier's international premium cabin amenity kits and partnering with Clean the World to donate hygiene products to those in critical need
- Eliminating non-recyclable plastic stirring sticks and cocktail picks on aircraft and replacing them with a more environmentally friendly product made of 100% bamboo
- Continuing to replace its eligible ground equipment with cleaner, electrically powered alternatives, with nearly 45% of the fleet converted to date
United's Award-Winning Eco-Skies Program
United's award-winning Eco-Skies program represents the company's commitment to the environment and the actions taken every day to create a more sustainable future. Earlier this month, the Carbon Disclosure Project named United as the only airline globally to its 2020 'A List' for the airline's actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy, marking the seventh consecutive year that United had the highest CDP score among U.S. airlines.
In 2017, Air Transport World magazine named United its Eco-Airline of the Year for the second time since the airline launched the Eco-Skies program. Additionally, United ranked No. 1 among global carriers in Newsweek's 2017 Global 500 Green Rankings, one of the most recognized environmental performance assessments of the world's largest publicly traded companies.
For more information on United's commitment to environmental sustainability, visit united.com/ecoskies.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking and thus reflect our current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to our operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "anticipates," "indicates," "remains," "believes," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to us on the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Our actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A., "Risk Factors," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, as updated by our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, as well as other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"We know how important it is for our customers to have more options for a contactless travel experience and this tool makes it easy to quickly receive personalized support directly from a live agent at the airport while maintaining social distancing," said Linda Jojo, United's Executive Vice President for Technology and Chief Digital Officer. "Agent on Demand allows customers to bypass waiting in line at the gate and seamlessly connect with customer service agents from their mobile device, ensuring they continue to receive the highest levels of service while also prioritizing their health and safety."
Here's how it works:
Customers can scan a QR code displayed on signage throughout United's hub airports, or access the platform through self-service kiosks at select gate areas at Chicago O'Hare and Denver International Airports. From there, customers will be connected to an agent by phone, chat or video, based on their preference. Customers can ask any question they would typically direct to a gate agent, including questions on seat assignments, upgrades, standby list, flight status, rebooking and more. Agent on Demand provides an extra level of convenience to customers, who can now easily connect with an agent while anywhere in the airport instead of waiting in a line at the gate. Additionally, translation functionality is integrated in the chat function allowing customers to communicate with agents in more than 100 languages. Customers can type in their preferred language and the messages will be automatically transcribed in English for the agents and in the selected language for the customer.
United was the first airline to debut this technology, which allows a variety of United agents to respond to inquiries, giving gate agents more time to provide caring service to customers, and complete other critical pre-departure tasks.
Agent on Demand is the latest of many new technologies the airline has introduced to create a safer and more seamless experience for customers. United recently redesigned its mobile app with new enhancements intended to make travel easier for people with visual disabilities, introduced text alerts for passengers on standby and upgrade lists to reduce person-to-person interaction, and debuted a new chat function to give customers a contactless option to receive immediate access to information about cleaning and safety procedures.
A safer travel experience: United CleanPlusSM
Since the start of the pandemic, United has been a leader in enacting new policies and innovations designed to keep employees and passengers safer when traveling. It was the first U.S. airline to mandate masks for flight attendants, quickly following with all customers and employees. United was also among the first U.S. carriers to announce it wouldn't permit customers who refused to comply with the airline's mandatory mask policy to fly with them while the face mask policy is in place. United was also the first U.S. airline to roll out touchless check-in for customers with bags, and the first to require passengers take an online health assessment before traveling. United is applying Zoono Microbe Shield, an EPA-registered antimicrobial coating that forms a long-lasting bond with surfaces and inhibits the growth of microbes, to its entire mainline and express fleet before the end of the year.
The latest research, including a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, shows COVID-19 exposure risk on board United aircraft is almost zero due to the airline's advanced air filtration systems, mandated mask policy and diligent cleaning protocols.
For more details on all the ways United is helping keep customers safe during their journey, please visit united.com/cleanplus.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
CHICAGO, Dec. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines Holdings, Inc. ("UAL" and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously adopted a tax benefits preservation plan (the Plan) to preserve and protect the Company's ability to use its large net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) and other tax assets under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). The Plan is similar to plans adopted by other companies with significant NOLs.
As of Sept.30, 2020, UAL reported consolidated federal NOLs of approximately $8.2 billion. These NOLs, which have increased significantly in recent months, are available to reduce the Company's future federal income tax expense and represent significant value to the Company. The purpose of the Plan is to protect the Company's ability to use these tax assets, which would be substantially limited if the Company experienced an "ownership change" within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code. Generally, an "ownership change" occurs if the percentage of UAL's stock owned by one or more of its "5-percent shareholders" (as such term is defined in Section 382 of the Code) increases by more than 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period.
In light of the volatility and decline in the market price of UAL's common stock resulting from the sharp decline in demand for air travel caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other macroeconomic factors and in light of potential transactions involving the sale or issuance of UAL common stock, UAL's Board of Directors determined to adopt the Plan to prevent an inadvertent impairment of the Company's NOLs.
Pursuant to the Plan, UAL will issue, by means of a dividend, one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of UAL common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2020. Stockholders are not required to take any action to receive the rights. Initially, these rights will not be exercisable and will trade with, and be represented by, the shares of UAL common stock.
UAL intends to submit the Plan to a vote of its stockholders at its 2021 annual meeting. The Plan will expire on the first business day following the certification of the voting results for UAL's 2021 annual meeting, unless UAL's stockholders ratify the Plan at such meeting, in which case the Plan will continue in effect until Dec. 4, 2023, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms.
Under the Plan, the rights generally become exercisable only if a person or group (an "acquiring person") acquires beneficial ownership of 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of UAL common stock in a transaction not approved by the Board. In that situation, each holder of a right (other than the acquiring person, whose rights will become void and will not be exercisable) will be entitled to purchase, at the then-current exercise price, additional shares of UAL common stock at a 50% discount. The Board, at its option, may exchange each right (other than rights owned by the acquiring person that have become void) in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of UAL common stock per outstanding right, subject to adjustment. Except as provided in the Plan, the Board is entitled to redeem the rights at $0.001 per right.
If a person or group beneficially owns 4.9% or more of the outstanding shares of UAL common stock prior to today's announcement of the Plan, then that person's or group's existing ownership percentage will be grandfathered. However, grandfathered shareholders will generally not be permitted to acquire any additional shares.
Additional information regarding the Plan will be contained in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by UAL with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sidley Austin LLP is acting as legal counsel to UAL.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of UAL is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, 872.825.8640, media.relations@united.com
CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- United is inviting MileagePlus members to give back on Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season by donating miles to nearly 40 non-profits through United Airlines' crowdsourcing platform, Miles on a Mission. Non-profits like Thurgood Marshall College Fund, College to Congress and Compass to Care are attempting to raise a total of more than 11 million miles to be used for travel for life-saving health care, continued education, humanitarian aid and more. United will match the first 125,000 miles raised for each of these organizations to help ensure they meet their goals.
"This year has posed unprecedented challenges for us all and has been especially devastating to some of the most vulnerable members within the communities we serve," said Suzi Cabo, managing director of global community engagement, United Airlines. "The need for charitable giving has not stopped during the pandemic, and neither has United. This Giving Tuesday marks an opportunity for us to all come together for the greater good and we are proud to provide a platform to support organizations with upcoming travel needs that will enable them to continue supporting the communities they serve."
The launch of these campaigns is part of United's ongoing Miles on a Mission program, which began in October 2019 and has raised more than 92 million miles to-date. Past campaigns have helped organizations travel children for life-saving medical treatment and unite parents with newly adopted children from foreign countries. Participating non-profits have 28-days to reach their mile raising goals through the platform.
The organizations that are raising miles in this campaign include:
- College to Congress: The organization provides support including travel for disadvantaged college students who otherwise could not afford to intern in Washington, D.C.
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund: This is the only national organization representing America's 47 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the nearly 300,000 students that attend them each year. The miles raised will cover the travel expenses to and from campus for students unable to afford them.
- My Block, My Hood, My City: This organization provides underprivileged youth with an awareness of the world and opportunities beyond their neighborhood. Miles will be used to fund educational trips for Chicago youths to help them gain a greater understanding of the world outside of their comfort zones.
- Compass to Care: The non-profit ensures all children, whose parents have a financial need, can access life-saving cancer treatment. Compass to Care is raising miles to fund travel to get children from their homes to hospitals for cancer treatment.
- Luke's Wings: This organization is dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. Raised miles will be used to purchase plane tickets for families to visit wounded soldiers recovering in Army medical centers.
- Rainbow Railroad USA: The organization's mission is to help persecuted LGBTQI+ individuals around the world travel to safety as they seek a haven from persecution. Miles will support the organization's core Emergency Travel Support program.
This year, United's legal partner Kirkland & Ellis will also be donating $50,000 to My Block, My Hood, My City and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Other organizations launching campaigns on the platform include: Sisters of the Skies, Inc., Up2Us Sports, Airline Ambassadors International, Austin Smiles, AWS Foundation, Crazy Horse Memorial, FLYTE, Higher Orbits, Lily's Hope Foundation, Miles4Migrants, Support Utila Inc. and Watts of Love. MileagePlus members can also donate to United's 20 other existing partner charities including, Airlink, American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish, Shriners Hospitals; Clean the World, Special Olympics and more. To learn more or donate to these organizations, please visit donate.mileageplus.com.
Visit www.united.com/everyactioncounts to learn more about our pledge to put our people and planes to work for the greater good.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"Widespread testing is key to unlocking international borders and safely reopening global travel. This is particularly important for our customers in Houston, who rely on United to keep them connected with their family and friends in Latin America and the Caribbean," said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United. "We'll continue to lead the way on testing – United was the first to announce a customer COVID-19 testing program and the first to offer free tests on flights across the Atlantic – and we'll look at new, innovative ways to make the travel experience even safer."
The self-collected, mail-in COVID-19 test is $119. The test will be administered by Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) and processed at their COVID-19 testing laboratory in San Antonio, Texas. United will reach out to customers 14 days ahead of their flights to provide instructions on ordering a test and the testing process. United encourages customers to research the local requirements for further questions specific to their destination. Customers are advised to take the tests 72 hours before departure and should expect to receive results via email within 24-48 hours of mailing in their test.
"As the energy capital of the world and most diverse city in the United States, Houston plays an influential role in linking global economies," said Sylvester Turner, City of Houston mayor. "As we fight against a second wave of the coronavirus, the private and public sectors, with guidance from public health experts, must work collaboratively and judiciously to reopen the global economy. Although a vaccine would be the ultimate solution, United's expansion of its customer testing program is a step in the right direction. I commend United for their leadership and forward-thinking."
ADL's self-collection kit includes a plastic tube, a nasal swab and instructions on how to properly collect a specimen. ADL's telehealth system will be available to support customers traveling to countries that require a health care professional to supervise the COVID-19 test. United has worked closely with officials in each country to ensure that any customer – both visitors and nationals returning home – who tests negative will be able to enter the country.
"Accurate and reliable testing is not only critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19, but essential in helping get this virus under control," said Stan Crawford, chief operations officer for ADL. "We are invested in United's commitment to ensuring customers not only meet their destination's entry requirements but that, when they do travel, they do so in a way that is safer."
Click here for b-roll and visual assets of ADL's self-collection kit and testing
In addition to adding another key element to its layered approach to safety, United has also seen a positive impact on travel demand and significant increases in customer load factors and revenue when testing options are available. For example, after United announced its COVID-19 test for customers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii and allowing them to avoid a 14-day quarantine, the airline saw a nearly 95% increase in passengers compared to the prior two-week period. Last week, United launched the world's first free transatlantic COVID-19 testing pilot between Newark Liberty International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. Through this pilot program, all crew members and customers over the age of two on select flights will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test and provide a negative result in order to take the flight, ensuring that everyone on board over the age of two has tested negative before departure.
A safer travel experience: United CleanPlusSM
Since the start of the pandemic, United has been a leader in enacting new policies and innovations designed to keep employees and passengers safer when traveling. It was the first U.S. airline to mandate masks for flight attendants, quickly following with all customers and employees. United was also among the first U.S. carriers to announce it wouldn't permit customers who refused to comply with the airline's mandatory mask policy to fly with them while the face mask policy is in place. United was also the first U.S. airline to roll out touchless check-in for customers with bags, and the first to require passengers take an online health assessment before traveling. United is applying Zoono Microbe Shield, an EPA-registered antimicrobial coating that forms a long-lasting bond with surfaces and inhibits the growth of microbes, to its entire mainline and express fleet before the end of the year.
The latest research, including a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, shows COVID-19 exposure risk on board United aircraft is almost zero due to the airline's advanced air filtration systems, mandated mask policy and diligent cleaning protocols.
For more details on all the ways United is helping keep customers safe during their journey, please visit united.com/cleanplus.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
About Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory
Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) is a leader in scientific testing standards for the COVID-19 virus, both in the U.S. and internationally. Located in San Antonio, Texas, ADL has over 80 years of combined experience in clinical diagnostic testing procedures and works globally with local communities to provide safe and healthy lifestyles. For more information, call ADL at 1.800.834.3522 or visit our website at ADLHealth.com.
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
CHICAGO, Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- United announced today it is expanding its customer COVID-19 testing efforts to include flights out of Houston to select destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Starting for flights departing on December 7, customers originating from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will have the option to take a self-collected, mail-in test that meets local entry requirements for the following destinations, allowing them to reunite with family or start their vacation immediately:
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"Widespread testing is key to unlocking international borders and safely reopening global travel. This is particularly important for our customers in Houston, who rely on United to keep them connected with their family and friends in Latin America and the Caribbean," said Toby Enqvist, chief customer officer for United. "We'll continue to lead the way on testing – United was the first to announce a customer COVID-19 testing program and the first to offer free tests on flights across the Atlantic – and we'll look at new, innovative ways to make the travel experience even safer."
The self-collected, mail-in COVID-19 test is $119. The test will be administered by Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) and processed at their COVID-19 testing laboratory in San Antonio, Texas. United will reach out to customers 14 days ahead of their flights to provide instructions on ordering a test and the testing process. United encourages customers to research the local requirements for further questions specific to their destination. Customers are advised to take the tests 72 hours before departure and should expect to receive results via email within 24-48 hours of mailing in their test.
"As the energy capital of the world and most diverse city in the United States, Houston plays an influential role in linking global economies," said Sylvester Turner, City of Houston mayor. "As we fight against a second wave of the coronavirus, the private and public sectors, with guidance from public health experts, must work collaboratively and judiciously to reopen the global economy. Although a vaccine would be the ultimate solution, United's expansion of its customer testing program is a step in the right direction. I commend United for their leadership and forward-thinking."
ADL's self-collection kit includes a plastic tube, a nasal swab and instructions on how to properly collect a specimen. ADL's telehealth system will be available to support customers traveling to countries that require a health care professional to supervise the COVID-19 test. United has worked closely with officials in each country to ensure that any customer – both visitors and nationals returning home – who tests negative will be able to enter the country.
"Accurate and reliable testing is not only critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19, but essential in helping get this virus under control," said Stan Crawford, chief operations officer for ADL. "We are invested in United's commitment to ensuring customers not only meet their destination's entry requirements but that, when they do travel, they do so in a way that is safer."
Click here for b-roll and visual assets of ADL's self-collection kit and testing
In addition to adding another key element to its layered approach to safety, United has also seen a positive impact on travel demand and significant increases in customer load factors and revenue when testing options are available. For example, after United announced its COVID-19 test for customers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii and allowing them to avoid a 14-day quarantine, the airline saw a nearly 95% increase in passengers compared to the prior two-week period. Last week, United launched the world's first free transatlantic COVID-19 testing pilot between Newark Liberty International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. Through this pilot program, all crew members and customers over the age of two on select flights will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 test and provide a negative result in order to take the flight, ensuring that everyone on board over the age of two has tested negative before departure.
A safer travel experience: United CleanPlusSM
Since the start of the pandemic, United has been a leader in enacting new policies and innovations designed to keep employees and passengers safer when traveling. It was the first U.S. airline to mandate masks for flight attendants, quickly following with all customers and employees. United was also among the first U.S. carriers to announce it wouldn't permit customers who refused to comply with the airline's mandatory mask policy to fly with them while the face mask policy is in place. United was also the first U.S. airline to roll out touchless check-in for customers with bags, and the first to require passengers take an online health assessment before traveling. United is applying Zoono Microbe Shield, an EPA-registered antimicrobial coating that forms a long-lasting bond with surfaces and inhibits the growth of microbes, to its entire mainline and express fleet before the end of the year.
The latest research, including a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense, shows COVID-19 exposure risk on board United aircraft is almost zero due to the airline's advanced air filtration systems, mandated mask policy and diligent cleaning protocols.
For more details on all the ways United is helping keep customers safe during their journey, please visit united.com/cleanplus.
About United
United's shared purpose is "Connecting People. Uniting the World." For more information, visit united.com, follow @United on Twitter and Instagram or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Airlines Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
About Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory
Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) is a leader in scientific testing standards for the COVID-19 virus, both in the U.S. and internationally. Located in San Antonio, Texas, ADL has over 80 years of combined experience in clinical diagnostic testing procedures and works globally with local communities to provide safe and healthy lifestyles. For more information, call ADL at 1.800.834.3522 or visit our website at ADLHealth.com.
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com