United Airlines Reports Third-Quarter 2018 Performance
"Our stand-out third-quarter performance, which produced double-digit revenue growth as we more than offset the steep increase in fuel costs, is proof that United is building momentum," said Oscar Munoz, chief executive officer of United Airlines. "Our growth plan has been essential to our success, and we're more confident than ever we'll achieve the ambitious adjusted earnings per share1 target of $11 to $13 we laid out for 2020."
- UAL reported third-quarter adjusted net income of $837 million, adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.06, adjusted pre-tax earnings of $1.1 billion and adjusted pre-tax margin of 9.7 percent.2 Third-quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 36 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 6.1 percent year-over-year, above the high end of the company's third-quarter 2018 guidance range of up 4 percent to 6 percent.
- Consolidated unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) increased 6.4 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, decreased 0.4 percent year-over-year.
- UAL's mid-continent hubs in Chicago, Denver and Houston had year-over-year capacity growth of 9.7 percent in the third quarter and led the system in unit revenue growth performance in the quarter.
- UAL now expects full-year 2018 adjusted diluted earnings per share3 to be $8.00 to $8.75. The company currently expects to recapture approximately 90 percent of the estimated $2.5 billion year-over year increase in full-year 2018 fuel expense.
For more information on UAL's fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 guidance, please visit ir.united.com for the company's investor update.
Third-Quarter Highlights
Customer Experience
- Introduced a new boarding process at 1,000 gates around the world, designed to reduce customers' stress by spending less time waiting in line and providing them with improved boarding information.
- United Airlines MileagePlus loyalty program voted Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program in Trazee Awards.
- The United Polaris lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport voted Best Business Class Lounge in the United States by the 2018 World Airline Awards from Skytrax.
- Debuted United Corporate Preferred, the industry's newest corporate travel program designed to offer top travel benefits to the company's most loyal business customers.
- Launched the redesigned united.com homepage, featuring a more personalized digital experience for each customer.
Operations and Employees
- In July, UAL had its best consolidated D :00 month of July in history and its highest consolidated load factor month ever.
- Carried the most-ever customers to their destinations during the summer.
- Consolidated completion factor at UAL's hubs in Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles reached third-quarter record levels.
- Achieved the top score of 100 percent on the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a prominent benchmarking metric that rates U.S. companies on their disability inclusion policies and practices, also earning UAL a place on DEI's 2018 "Best Places to Work" list.
Network and Fleet
- Announced several new international routes, including year-round nonstop service between Washington Dulles and Tel Aviv, Israel, making UAL the only airline to offer nonstop service between the two cities; daily, year-round service between San Francisco and Amsterdam; and nonstop seasonal summer service between Newark/New York and Naples, Italy, and Newark/New York and Prague, all subject to government approval.
- Added 100 flights and more than 10,000 seats daily to 12 of the country's top ski destinations during the 2018/2019 ski season, more than 8,500 seats from U.S. hubs and eight other U.S. cities connecting more customers than ever to Las Vegas for CES 2019, and more than 204,000 total seats from September through November to popular college football towns including Madison, Wisconsin, and Columbia, South Carolina.
- Announced orders to purchase 25 new Embraer E-175 and 13 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
- Took delivery of one Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and two used Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Community and Environment
- Committed to reducing the company's greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050, the only U.S. airline to commit to emissions reductions, further strengthening UAL's ambition to be the world's most environmentally conscious airline.
- Launched a Crowdrise fundraising campaign to support those affected by Hurricane Florence, Typhoon Mangkhut, flooding in Western Japan, wildfires in California and other disasters.
- As part of a previously announced $8 million commitment, announced a $2 million grant to be split between the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Urban League of Essex County, and Year Up New York, as well as a $1 million grant to First Place for Youth in Los Angeles, and a $1 million grant to the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network.
Earnings Call
UAL will hold a conference call to discuss third-quarter 2018 financial results and its financial and operational outlook for the fourth quarter and full year of 2018 on Wednesday, October 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.
About United
United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,700 flights a day to 356 airports across five continents. In 2017, United and United Express operated more than 1.6 million flights carrying more than 148 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, Newark/New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 760 mainline aircraft and the airline's United Express carriers operate 546 regional aircraft. The airline 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 or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
1Excludes special charges and the mark-to-market impact of equity investments, the nature of which are not determinable at this time. Accordingly, UAL is not providing earnings guidance on a GAAP basis.
2Excludes special charges, the mark-to-market impact of equity investments and imputed interest on certain capitalized leases. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables accompanying this release.
3Excludes special charges and the mark-to-market impact of equity investments, the nature of which are not determinable at this time, and imputed interest on certain capitalized leases. Accordingly, UAL is not providing earnings guidance on a GAAP basis.
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" 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: 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); economic and political instability and other risks of doing business globally, including 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; competitive pressures on pricing and on demand; demand for transportation in the markets in which we operate; our capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of our competitors; the effects of any hostilities, act of war or terrorist attack; the effects of any technology failures or cybersecurity breaches; the impact of regulatory, investigative and legal proceedings and legal compliance risks; disruptions to our regional network; 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; potential reputational or other impact from adverse events in our operations, the operations of our regional carriers or the operations of our code share partners; our ability to attract and retain customers; our ability to execute our operational plans and revenue-generating initiatives, including optimizing our revenue; our ability to control our costs, including realizing benefits from our resource optimization efforts, cost reduction initiatives and fleet replacement programs; the impact of any management changes; our ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel if we decide to do so; any potential realized or unrealized gains or losses related to any fuel or currency hedging programs; labor costs; 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; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including Open Skies agreements and environmental regulations); industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; our ability to comply with the terms of our various financing arrangements; the costs and availability of financing; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; weather conditions; our ability to utilize our net operating losses to offset future taxable income; the impact of changes in tax laws; the success of our investments in airlines in other parts of the world; 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, 2017, 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, 2018, United Continental Holdings, Inc. ("UAL") adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. As such, certain previously reported 2017 figures are adjusted in this report on a basis consistent with the new standards. See the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by UAL with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2018 for additional information.
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | % | Nine Months Ended | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger (B) | $ | 10,120 | $ | 9,069 | 11.6 | $ | 28,150 | $ | 25,873 | 8.8 | ||||||||||||||
Cargo | 296 | 279 | 6.1 | 903 | 790 | 14.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating revenue | 587 | 551 | 6.5 | 1,759 | 1,670 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | 11,003 | 9,899 | 11.2 | 30,812 | 28,333 | 8.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and related costs | 2,930 | 2,785 | 5.2 | 8,534 | 8,263 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 2,572 | 1,809 | 42.2 | 6,927 | 5,038 | 37.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regional capacity purchase | 663 | 567 | 16.9 | 1,963 | 1,652 | 18.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Landing fees and other rent | 596 | 585 | 1.9 | 1,757 | 1,670 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 564 | 556 | 1.4 | 1,662 | 1,610 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs | 455 | 451 | 0.9 | 1,333 | 1,377 | (3.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Distribution expenses | 427 | 377 | 13.3 | 1,162 | 1,081 | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft rent | 109 | 145 | (24.8) | 355 | 476 | (25.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | NM | 186 | 145 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 1,467 | 1,436 | 2.2 | 4,293 | 4,126 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expense | 9,800 | 8,761 | 11.9 | 28,172 | 25,438 | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 1,203 | 1,138 | 5.7 | 2,640 | 2,895 | (8.8) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin | 10.9 | % | 11.5 | % | (0.6) | pts. | 8.6 | % | 10.2 | % | (1.6) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP) | 11.1 | % | 12.0 | % | (0.9) | pts. | 9.2 | % | 10.7 | % | (1.5) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (187) | (169) | 10.7 | (540) | (498) | 8.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest capitalized | 18 | 20 | (10.0) | 51 | 64 | (20.3) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 28 | 17 | 64.7 | 70 | 41 | 70.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net (C) | (1) | (13) | (92.3) | (119) | (82) | 45.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total nonoperating expense | (142) | (145) | (2.1) | (538) | (475) | 13.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,061 | 993 | 6.8 | 2,102 | 2,420 | (13.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax margin | 9.6 | % | 10.0 | % | (0.4) | pts. | 6.8 | % | 8.5 | % | (1.7) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax margin (Non-GAAP) | 9.7 | % | 10.5 | % | (0.8) | pts. | 7.7 | % | 9.1 | % | (1.4) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (E) | 225 | 348 | (35.3) | 435 | 855 | (49.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 836 | $ | 645 | 29.6 | $ | 1,667 | $ | 1,565 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.15 | 42.3 | $ | 5.99 | $ | 5.09 | 17.7 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares | 273.6 | 300.6 | (9.0) | 278.0 | 307.6 | (9.6) | ||||||||||||||||||
NM Not meaningful | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
STATISTICS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Nine Months Ended | % Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 31,157 | 29,182 | 6.8 | 85,348 | 81,091 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 56,787 | 53,515 | 6.1 | 154,382 | 146,252 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 65,819 | 63,183 | 4.2 | 183,678 | 176,710 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cargo ton miles (millions) | 851 | 830 | 2.5 | 2,523 | 2,406 | 4.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 12.62 | 11.93 | 5.8 | 12.50 | 12.03 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 14.62 | 14.09 | 3.8 | 14.88 | 14.53 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 760 | 751 | 1.2 | 760 | 751 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 1,807 | 1,825 | (1.0) | 1,814 | 1,817 | (0.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Average daily utilization of each aircraft (hours: minutes) | 11:23 | 10:58 | 3.8 | 10:49 | 10:30 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.29 | $ | 1.68 | 36.3 | $ | 2.21 | $ | 1.66 | 33.1 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 931 | 909 | 2.4 | 2,587 | 2,537 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regional: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 11,729 | 10,120 | 15.9 | 33,091 | 29,563 | 11.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 6,606 | 5,630 | 17.3 | 18,805 | 16,860 | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 7,862 | 6,900 | 13.9 | 22,682 | 20,648 | 9.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 23.10 | 22.19 | 4.1 | 22.86 | 22.36 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 27.49 | 27.19 | 1.1 | 27.57 | 27.38 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 546 | 489 | 11.7 | 546 | 489 | 11.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 552 | 542 | 1.8 | 556 | 558 | (0.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.43 | $ | 1.81 | 34.3 | $ | 2.34 | $ | 1.77 | 32.2 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 180 | 156 | 15.4 | 514 | 461 | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated (Mainline and Regional): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 42,886 | 39,302 | 9.1 | 118,439 | 110,654 | 7.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 63,393 | 59,145 | 7.2 | 173,187 | 163,112 | 6.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 73,681 | 70,083 | 5.1 | 206,360 | 197,358 | 4.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Passenger load factor: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 86.0 | % | 84.4 | % | 1.6 | pts. | 83.9 | % | 82.6 | % | 1.3 | pts. | ||||||||||||
Domestic | 86.7 | % | 85.3 | % | 1.4 | pts. | 85.7 | % | 85.2 | % | 0.5 | pts. | ||||||||||||
International | 85.2 | % | 83.3 | % | 1.9 | pts. | 81.6 | % | 79.5 | % | 2.1 | pts. | ||||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 13.73 | 12.94 | 6.1 | 13.64 | 13.11 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 14.93 | 14.12 | 5.7 | 14.93 | 14.36 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 15.96 | 15.33 | 4.1 | 16.25 | 15.86 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 1,306 | 1,240 | 5.3 | 1,306 | 1,240 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 1,454 | 1,480 | (1.8) | 1,453 | 1,470 | (1.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Average full-time equivalent employees (thousands) | 89.0 | 87.3 | 1.9 | 87.1 | 86.2 | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.32 | $ | 1.70 | 36.5 | $ | 2.23 | $ | 1.68 | 32.7 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 1,111 | 1,065 | 4.3 | 3,101 | 2,998 | 3.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
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, 2017, for definitions of these statistics. |
UNITED CONTINENTAL 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 | ||
Net Operating Profit After Tax ("NOPAT") | |||
Pre-tax income | $ | 2,722 | |
Special charges and MTM losses on equity investments (C): | |||
Impairment of assets | 155 | ||
MTM losses on equity investments | 61 | ||
Severance and benefit costs | 49 | ||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | 13 | ||
Pre-tax income excluding special charges and MTM losses on equity investments (Non-GAAP) | 3,000 | ||
add: Interest expense (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 707 | ||
add: Interest component of capitalized aircraft rent (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 243 | ||
add: Net interest on pension (net of income tax benefit) (a) | (3) | ||
less: Income taxes paid | (26) | ||
NOPAT (Non-GAAP) | $ | 3,921 | |
Average Invested Capital (five-quarter average) | |||
Total assets | $ | 43,697 | |
add: Capitalized aircraft operating leases (b) | 4,005 | ||
less: Non-interest bearing liabilities (c) | (17,095) | ||
Average invested capital (Non-GAAP) | $ | 30,607 | |
ROIC (Non-GAAP) | 12.8 | % | |
(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. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2018, the effective cash tax rate was 0.9%. |
(b) | The purpose of this adjustment is to capitalize the impact of aircraft operating leases. The company uses a multiple of seven times its annual aircraft rent expense to estimate the potential capitalized value and related liability of its aircraft. This is a simplified method used by many rating agencies and financial analysts to assist with the impact of operating leases on financial measures like return on invested capital. |
(c) | Non-interest bearing liabilities include advance ticket sales, frequent flyer deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other non-interest bearing liabilities. |
UNITED CONTINENTAL 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 equity investments 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 capital 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 recurring 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 | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Nine Months Ended | % Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||||
CASM Mainline Operations (cents) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (GAAP) | 12.82 | 11.98 | 7.0 | 13.13 | 12.43 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 0.03 | 0.08 | NM | 0.10 | 0.08 | NM | ||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 0.04 | 0.05 | (20.0) | 0.04 | 0.06 | (33.3) | ||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 3.25 | 2.41 | 34.9 | 3.12 | 2.39 | 30.5 | ||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 0.19 | 0.21 | (9.5) | 0.14 | 0.17 | (17.6) | ||||||||||||
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing (Non-GAAP) | 9.31 | 9.23 | 0.9 | 9.73 | 9.73 | — | ||||||||||||
CASM Consolidated Operations (cents) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (GAAP) | 13.30 | 12.50 | 6.4 | 13.65 | 12.89 | 5.9 | ||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 0.02 | 0.07 | NM | 0.09 | 0.08 | NM | ||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 0.04 | 0.04 | — | 0.04 | 0.05 | (20.0) | ||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 3.49 | 2.58 | 35.3 | 3.36 | 2.55 | 31.8 | ||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 0.17 | 0.19 | (10.5) | 0.12 | 0.16 | (25.0) | ||||||||||||
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing (Non-GAAP) | 9.58 | 9.62 | (0.4) | 10.04 | 10.05 | (0.1) | ||||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Nine Months Ended | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | % Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (GAAP) | $ | 9,800 | $ | 8,761 | $ | 1,039 | 11.9 | $ | 28,172 | $ | 25,438 | $ | 2,734 | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding special charges | 9,783 | 8,711 | 1,072 | 12.3 | 27,986 | 25,293 | 2,693 | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 29 | 33 | (4) | (12.1) | 89 | 114 | (25) | (21.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 2,572 | 1,809 | 763 | 42.2 | 6,927 | 5,038 | 1,889 | 37.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 127 | 130 | (3) | (2.3) | 252 | 304 | (52) | (17.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP) | $ | 7,055 | $ | 6,739 | $ | 316 | 4.7 | $ | 20,718 | $ | 19,837 | $ | 881 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income (GAAP) | $ | 1,203 | $ | 1,138 | $ | 65 | 5.7 | $ | 2,640 | $ | 2,895 | $ | (255) | (8.8) | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,220 | $ | 1,188 | $ | 32 | 2.7 | $ | 2,826 | $ | 3,040 | $ | (214) | (7.0) | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (GAAP) | $ | 1,061 | $ | 993 | $ | 68 | 6.8 | $ | 2,102 | $ | 2,420 | $ | (318) | (13.1) | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on equity investments (C) | (29) | — | (29) | NM | 61 | — | 61 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 capital leases (D) | 13 | — | 13 | NM | 13 | — | 13 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,062 | $ | 1,043 | $ | 19 | 1.8 | $ | 2,362 | $ | 2,565 | $ | (203) | (7.9) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (GAAP) | $ | 836 | $ | 645 | $ | 191 | 29.6 | $ | 1,667 | $ | 1,565 | $ | 102 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on equity investments (C) | (29) | — | (29) | NM | 61 | — | 61 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 capital leases (D) | 13 | — | 13 | NM | 13 | — | 13 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments | — | (18) | 18 | NM | (58) | (52) | (6) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 837 | $ | 677 | $ | 160 | 23.6 | $ | 1,869 | $ | 1,658 | $ | 211 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.15 | $ | 0.91 | 42.3 | $ | 5.99 | $ | 5.09 | $ | 0.90 | 17.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 0.06 | 0.16 | (0.10) | NM | 0.67 | 0.47 | 0.20 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on equity investments (C) | (0.11) | — | (0.11) | NM | 0.22 | — | 0.22 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 capital leases (D) | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | NM | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments | — | (0.06) | 0.06 | NM | (0.21) | (0.17) | (0.04) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.25 | $ | 0.81 | 36.0 | $ | 6.72 | $ | 5.39 | $ | 1.33 | 24.7 | ||||||||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | ||||||||||||||||
UAL believes that adjusting capital expenditures for assets acquired through the issuance of debt and capital leases, airport construction financing and excluding fully reimbursable projects is useful to investors in order to appropriately reflect the non-reimbursable funds 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 | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures (in millions) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (GAAP) | $ | 858 | $ | 1,120 | $ | 2,592 | $ | 2,900 | ||||||||
Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt and capital leases | — | 11 | 139 | 918 | ||||||||||||
Airport construction financing | — | 9 | 12 | 41 | ||||||||||||
Fully reimbursable projects | (51) | (58) | (140) | (176) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | $ | 807 | $ | 1,082 | $ | 2,603 | $ | 3,683 | ||||||||
Free Cash Flow (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 905 | $ | 577 | $ | 5,080 | $ | 2,685 | ||||||||
Less capital expenditures | 858 | 1,120 | 2,592 | 2,900 | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow, net of financings (Non-GAAP) | $ | 47 | $ | (543) | $ | 2,488 | $ | (215) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 905 | $ | 577 | $ | 5,080 | $ | 2,685 | ||||||||
Less adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | 807 | 1,082 | 2,603 | 3,683 | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $ | 98 | $ | (505) | $ | 2,477 | $ | (998) | ||||||||
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||
NOTES (UNAUDITED) | ||||||||||||
(B) Select passenger revenue information is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||
3Q 2018 Passenger Revenue (millions) | Passenger Revenue vs. 3Q 2017 | PRASM vs. 3Q 2017 | Yield vs. 3Q 2017 | Available Seat Miles vs. 3Q 2017 | ||||||||
Mainline | $ | 4,489 | 13.6% | 6.8% | 5.4% | 6.4% | ||||||
Regional | 1,764 | 18.3% | 4.1% | 0.8% | 13.7% | |||||||
Domestic | 6,253 | 14.9% | 6.7% | 5.0% | 7.6% | |||||||
Atlantic | 1,933 | 12.1% | 7.1% | 1.3% | 4.7% | |||||||
Pacific | 1,163 | 3.4% | 5.3% | 5.1% | (1.9%) | |||||||
Latin America | 771 | (0.8%) | (3.4%) | (1.2%) | 2.7% | |||||||
International | 3,867 | 6.6% | 4.5% | 2.2% | 2.0% | |||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,120 | 11.6% | 6.1% | 4.1% | 5.1% | ||||||
Mainline | $ | 8,304 | 10.2% | 5.8% | 3.8% | 4.2% | ||||||
Regional | 1,816 | 18.6% | 4.1% | 1.1% | 13.9% | |||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,120 | ||||||||||
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||
NOTES (UNAUDITED) | ||||||||||||||||
(C) Special charges and MTM gains and losses on equity investments include the following: | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Operating: | ||||||||||||||||
Impairment of assets | $ | 11 | $ | 15 | $ | 145 | $ | 15 | ||||||||
Severance and benefit costs | 9 | 23 | 34 | 101 | ||||||||||||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | (3) | 12 | 7 | 29 | ||||||||||||
Total special charges | 17 | 50 | 186 | 145 | ||||||||||||
Nonoperating MTM (gains) losses on equity investments | (29) | — | 61 | — | ||||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on equity investments | (12) | 50 | 247 | 145 | ||||||||||||
Income tax benefit related to special charges | (3) | (18) | (41) | (52) | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) related to MTM (gains) losses on equity investments | 6 | — | (14) | — | ||||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on equity investments, net of income taxes | $ | (9) | $ | 32 | $ | 192 | $ | 93 | ||||||||
Impairment of assets: 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, in the second quarter of 2018, the company recorded a $105 million special charge ($82 million net of taxes) to write off the entire value of the intangible asset associated with its Brazil routes. This asset is not part of any collateral pledged against any of the company's borrowings. The company continues to maintain its slot assets related to Brazil since airport access is still regulated by slot allocations that are limited by airport facility constraints. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company also recorded $11 million ($9 million net of taxes) and $40 million ($31 million net of taxes), respectively, of fair value adjustments related to aircraft purchased off lease, write-off of unexercised aircraft purchase options and other impairments related to certain fleet types and international slots no longer in use. |
During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the company recorded a $15 million ($10 million net of taxes) intangible asset impairment charge related to a maintenance service agreement. |
Severance and benefit costs: During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded severance and benefit costs related to a voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters of $5 million ($4 million net of taxes) and $19 million ($15 million net of taxes), respectively. In the first quarter of 2017, approximately 1,000 technicians and related employees elected to voluntarily separate from the company and will receive a severance payment, with a maximum value of $100,000 per participant, based on years of service, with retirement dates through 2018. Also during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded other management severance of $4 million ($3 million net of taxes) and $15 million ($12 million net of taxes), respectively. |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company recorded $16 million ($10 million net of taxes) and $73 million ($47 million net of taxes), respectively, of severance and benefit costs related to the voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees, and $7 million ($5 million net of taxes) and $28 million ($18 million net of taxes), respectively, of management severance. |
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges: During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded $3 million ($2 million net of taxes) of gains primarily related to the sale of aircraft engines and $7 million ($5 million net of taxes) of losses primarily related to contract termination of regional aircraft operations in Guam, respectively. |
During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the company recorded $12 million ($7 million net of taxes) of charges primarily related to damages from tropical storms. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, in addition to the $12 million of third-quarter charges, the company recorded $17 million ($11 million net of taxes) of charges primarily associated with aircraft gains and losses. |
MTM gains and losses on equity investments: During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded gains of $29 million ($23 million net of taxes) and losses of $61 million ($47 million net of taxes), respectively, for the change in market value of certain of its equity investments. For equity investments subject to MTM accounting, the company records gains and losses to Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in its statements of consolidated operations. |
(D) Interest expense related to capital 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 capital leases up until the purchase date. The company recognized $13 million of additional interest expense in the third quarter as a result of this change. |
(E) Effective tax rate |
The company's effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 21.2% and 20.7%, respectively, and the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 35.0% and 35.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate represents a blend of federal, state and foreign taxes and included the impact of certain nondeductible items. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 also reflects the reduced federal corporate income tax rate as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") in December 2017 and the impact of a change in the company's mix of domestic and foreign earnings. The company continues to analyze the different aspects of the Tax Act which could potentially affect the provisional estimates that were recorded at December 31, 2017. |
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"Our stand-out third-quarter performance, which produced double-digit revenue growth as we more than offset the steep increase in fuel costs, is proof that United is building momentum," said Oscar Munoz, chief executive officer of United Airlines. "Our growth plan has been essential to our success, and we're more confident than ever we'll achieve the ambitious adjusted earnings per share1 target of $11 to $13 we laid out for 2020."
- UAL reported third-quarter adjusted net income of $837 million, adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.06, adjusted pre-tax earnings of $1.1 billion and adjusted pre-tax margin of 9.7 percent.2 Third-quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 36 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 6.1 percent year-over-year, above the high end of the company's third-quarter 2018 guidance range of up 4 percent to 6 percent.
- Consolidated unit cost per available seat mile (CASM) increased 6.4 percent year-over-year.
- Consolidated CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel and profit sharing, decreased 0.4 percent year-over-year.
- UAL's mid-continent hubs in Chicago, Denver and Houston had year-over-year capacity growth of 9.7 percent in the third quarter and led the system in unit revenue growth performance in the quarter.
- UAL now expects full-year 2018 adjusted diluted earnings per share3 to be $8.00 to $8.75. The company currently expects to recapture approximately 90 percent of the estimated $2.5 billion year-over year increase in full-year 2018 fuel expense.
For more information on UAL's fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 guidance, please visit ir.united.com for the company's investor update.
Third-Quarter Highlights
Customer Experience
- Introduced a new boarding process at 1,000 gates around the world, designed to reduce customers' stress by spending less time waiting in line and providing them with improved boarding information.
- United Airlines MileagePlus loyalty program voted Favorite Frequent-Flyer Program in Trazee Awards.
- The United Polaris lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport voted Best Business Class Lounge in the United States by the 2018 World Airline Awards from Skytrax.
- Debuted United Corporate Preferred, the industry's newest corporate travel program designed to offer top travel benefits to the company's most loyal business customers.
- Launched the redesigned united.com homepage, featuring a more personalized digital experience for each customer.
Operations and Employees
- In July, UAL had its best consolidated D :00 month of July in history and its highest consolidated load factor month ever.
- Carried the most-ever customers to their destinations during the summer.
- Consolidated completion factor at UAL's hubs in Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles reached third-quarter record levels.
- Achieved the top score of 100 percent on the 2018 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a prominent benchmarking metric that rates U.S. companies on their disability inclusion policies and practices, also earning UAL a place on DEI's 2018 "Best Places to Work" list.
Network and Fleet
- Announced several new international routes, including year-round nonstop service between Washington Dulles and Tel Aviv, Israel, making UAL the only airline to offer nonstop service between the two cities; daily, year-round service between San Francisco and Amsterdam; and nonstop seasonal summer service between Newark/New York and Naples, Italy, and Newark/New York and Prague, all subject to government approval.
- Added 100 flights and more than 10,000 seats daily to 12 of the country's top ski destinations during the 2018/2019 ski season, more than 8,500 seats from U.S. hubs and eight other U.S. cities connecting more customers than ever to Las Vegas for CES 2019, and more than 204,000 total seats from September through November to popular college football towns including Madison, Wisconsin, and Columbia, South Carolina.
- Announced orders to purchase 25 new Embraer E-175 and 13 new Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
- Took delivery of one Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and two used Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Community and Environment
- Committed to reducing the company's greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2050, the only U.S. airline to commit to emissions reductions, further strengthening UAL's ambition to be the world's most environmentally conscious airline.
- Launched a Crowdrise fundraising campaign to support those affected by Hurricane Florence, Typhoon Mangkhut, flooding in Western Japan, wildfires in California and other disasters.
- As part of a previously announced $8 million commitment, announced a $2 million grant to be split between the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Urban League of Essex County, and Year Up New York, as well as a $1 million grant to First Place for Youth in Los Angeles, and a $1 million grant to the San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network.
Earnings Call
UAL will hold a conference call to discuss third-quarter 2018 financial results and its financial and operational outlook for the fourth quarter and full year of 2018 on Wednesday, October 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.
About United
United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,700 flights a day to 356 airports across five continents. In 2017, United and United Express operated more than 1.6 million flights carrying more than 148 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, Newark/New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. United operates 760 mainline aircraft and the airline's United Express carriers operate 546 regional aircraft. The airline 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 or connect on Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "UAL".
1Excludes special charges and the mark-to-market impact of equity investments, the nature of which are not determinable at this time. Accordingly, UAL is not providing earnings guidance on a GAAP basis.
2Excludes special charges, the mark-to-market impact of equity investments and imputed interest on certain capitalized leases. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the tables accompanying this release.
3Excludes special charges and the mark-to-market impact of equity investments, the nature of which are not determinable at this time, and imputed interest on certain capitalized leases. Accordingly, UAL is not providing earnings guidance on a GAAP basis.
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" 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: 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); economic and political instability and other risks of doing business globally, including 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; competitive pressures on pricing and on demand; demand for transportation in the markets in which we operate; our capacity decisions and the capacity decisions of our competitors; the effects of any hostilities, act of war or terrorist attack; the effects of any technology failures or cybersecurity breaches; the impact of regulatory, investigative and legal proceedings and legal compliance risks; disruptions to our regional network; 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; potential reputational or other impact from adverse events in our operations, the operations of our regional carriers or the operations of our code share partners; our ability to attract and retain customers; our ability to execute our operational plans and revenue-generating initiatives, including optimizing our revenue; our ability to control our costs, including realizing benefits from our resource optimization efforts, cost reduction initiatives and fleet replacement programs; the impact of any management changes; our ability to cost-effectively hedge against increases in the price of aircraft fuel if we decide to do so; any potential realized or unrealized gains or losses related to any fuel or currency hedging programs; labor costs; 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; an outbreak of a disease that affects travel demand or travel behavior; U.S. or foreign governmental legislation, regulation and other actions (including Open Skies agreements and environmental regulations); industry consolidation or changes in airline alliances; our ability to comply with the terms of our various financing arrangements; the costs and availability of financing; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity; the costs and availability of aviation and other insurance; weather conditions; our ability to utilize our net operating losses to offset future taxable income; the impact of changes in tax laws; the success of our investments in airlines in other parts of the world; 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, 2017, 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, 2018, United Continental Holdings, Inc. ("UAL") adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (Topic 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. As such, certain previously reported 2017 figures are adjusted in this report on a basis consistent with the new standards. See the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by UAL with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2018 for additional information.
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | % | Nine Months Ended | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger (B) | $ | 10,120 | $ | 9,069 | 11.6 | $ | 28,150 | $ | 25,873 | 8.8 | ||||||||||||||
Cargo | 296 | 279 | 6.1 | 903 | 790 | 14.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating revenue | 587 | 551 | 6.5 | 1,759 | 1,670 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenue | 11,003 | 9,899 | 11.2 | 30,812 | 28,333 | 8.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and related costs | 2,930 | 2,785 | 5.2 | 8,534 | 8,263 | 3.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 2,572 | 1,809 | 42.2 | 6,927 | 5,038 | 37.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regional capacity purchase | 663 | 567 | 16.9 | 1,963 | 1,652 | 18.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Landing fees and other rent | 596 | 585 | 1.9 | 1,757 | 1,670 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 564 | 556 | 1.4 | 1,662 | 1,610 | 3.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs | 455 | 451 | 0.9 | 1,333 | 1,377 | (3.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Distribution expenses | 427 | 377 | 13.3 | 1,162 | 1,081 | 7.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft rent | 109 | 145 | (24.8) | 355 | 476 | (25.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | NM | 186 | 145 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 1,467 | 1,436 | 2.2 | 4,293 | 4,126 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expense | 9,800 | 8,761 | 11.9 | 28,172 | 25,438 | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 1,203 | 1,138 | 5.7 | 2,640 | 2,895 | (8.8) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin | 10.9 | % | 11.5 | % | (0.6) | pts. | 8.6 | % | 10.2 | % | (1.6) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Adjusted operating margin (Non-GAAP) | 11.1 | % | 12.0 | % | (0.9) | pts. | 9.2 | % | 10.7 | % | (1.5) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Nonoperating income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (187) | (169) | 10.7 | (540) | (498) | 8.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest capitalized | 18 | 20 | (10.0) | 51 | 64 | (20.3) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 28 | 17 | 64.7 | 70 | 41 | 70.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net (C) | (1) | (13) | (92.3) | (119) | (82) | 45.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total nonoperating expense | (142) | (145) | (2.1) | (538) | (475) | 13.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,061 | 993 | 6.8 | 2,102 | 2,420 | (13.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax margin | 9.6 | % | 10.0 | % | (0.4) | pts. | 6.8 | % | 8.5 | % | (1.7) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax margin (Non-GAAP) | 9.7 | % | 10.5 | % | (0.8) | pts. | 7.7 | % | 9.1 | % | (1.4) | pts. | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (E) | 225 | 348 | (35.3) | 435 | 855 | (49.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 836 | $ | 645 | 29.6 | $ | 1,667 | $ | 1,565 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.15 | 42.3 | $ | 5.99 | $ | 5.09 | 17.7 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares | 273.6 | 300.6 | (9.0) | 278.0 | 307.6 | (9.6) | ||||||||||||||||||
NM Not meaningful | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
STATISTICS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Nine Months Ended | % Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mainline: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 31,157 | 29,182 | 6.8 | 85,348 | 81,091 | 5.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 56,787 | 53,515 | 6.1 | 154,382 | 146,252 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 65,819 | 63,183 | 4.2 | 183,678 | 176,710 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cargo ton miles (millions) | 851 | 830 | 2.5 | 2,523 | 2,406 | 4.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 12.62 | 11.93 | 5.8 | 12.50 | 12.03 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 14.62 | 14.09 | 3.8 | 14.88 | 14.53 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 760 | 751 | 1.2 | 760 | 751 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 1,807 | 1,825 | (1.0) | 1,814 | 1,817 | (0.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Average daily utilization of each aircraft (hours: minutes) | 11:23 | 10:58 | 3.8 | 10:49 | 10:30 | 3.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.29 | $ | 1.68 | 36.3 | $ | 2.21 | $ | 1.66 | 33.1 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 931 | 909 | 2.4 | 2,587 | 2,537 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Regional: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 11,729 | 10,120 | 15.9 | 33,091 | 29,563 | 11.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 6,606 | 5,630 | 17.3 | 18,805 | 16,860 | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 7,862 | 6,900 | 13.9 | 22,682 | 20,648 | 9.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 23.10 | 22.19 | 4.1 | 22.86 | 22.36 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 27.49 | 27.19 | 1.1 | 27.57 | 27.38 | 0.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 546 | 489 | 11.7 | 546 | 489 | 11.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 552 | 542 | 1.8 | 556 | 558 | (0.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.43 | $ | 1.81 | 34.3 | $ | 2.34 | $ | 1.77 | 32.2 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 180 | 156 | 15.4 | 514 | 461 | 11.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated (Mainline and Regional): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Passengers (thousands) | 42,886 | 39,302 | 9.1 | 118,439 | 110,654 | 7.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (millions) | 63,393 | 59,145 | 7.2 | 173,187 | 163,112 | 6.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (millions) | 73,681 | 70,083 | 5.1 | 206,360 | 197,358 | 4.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Passenger load factor: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated | 86.0 | % | 84.4 | % | 1.6 | pts. | 83.9 | % | 82.6 | % | 1.3 | pts. | ||||||||||||
Domestic | 86.7 | % | 85.3 | % | 1.4 | pts. | 85.7 | % | 85.2 | % | 0.5 | pts. | ||||||||||||
International | 85.2 | % | 83.3 | % | 1.9 | pts. | 81.6 | % | 79.5 | % | 2.1 | pts. | ||||||||||||
Passenger revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 13.73 | 12.94 | 6.1 | 13.64 | 13.11 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue per available seat mile (cents) | 14.93 | 14.12 | 5.7 | 14.93 | 14.36 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) | 15.96 | 15.33 | 4.1 | 16.25 | 15.86 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft in fleet at end of period | 1,306 | 1,240 | 5.3 | 1,306 | 1,240 | 5.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) | 1,454 | 1,480 | (1.8) | 1,453 | 1,470 | (1.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Average full-time equivalent employees (thousands) | 89.0 | 87.3 | 1.9 | 87.1 | 86.2 | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Average aircraft fuel price per gallon | $ | 2.32 | $ | 1.70 | 36.5 | $ | 2.23 | $ | 1.68 | 32.7 | ||||||||||||||
Fuel gallons consumed (millions) | 1,111 | 1,065 | 4.3 | 3,101 | 2,998 | 3.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
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, 2017, for definitions of these statistics. |
UNITED CONTINENTAL 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 | ||
Net Operating Profit After Tax ("NOPAT") | |||
Pre-tax income | $ | 2,722 | |
Special charges and MTM losses on equity investments (C): | |||
Impairment of assets | 155 | ||
MTM losses on equity investments | 61 | ||
Severance and benefit costs | 49 | ||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | 13 | ||
Pre-tax income excluding special charges and MTM losses on equity investments (Non-GAAP) | 3,000 | ||
add: Interest expense (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 707 | ||
add: Interest component of capitalized aircraft rent (net of income tax benefit) (a) | 243 | ||
add: Net interest on pension (net of income tax benefit) (a) | (3) | ||
less: Income taxes paid | (26) | ||
NOPAT (Non-GAAP) | $ | 3,921 | |
Average Invested Capital (five-quarter average) | |||
Total assets | $ | 43,697 | |
add: Capitalized aircraft operating leases (b) | 4,005 | ||
less: Non-interest bearing liabilities (c) | (17,095) | ||
Average invested capital (Non-GAAP) | $ | 30,607 | |
ROIC (Non-GAAP) | 12.8 | % | |
(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. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2018, the effective cash tax rate was 0.9%. |
(b) | The purpose of this adjustment is to capitalize the impact of aircraft operating leases. The company uses a multiple of seven times its annual aircraft rent expense to estimate the potential capitalized value and related liability of its aircraft. This is a simplified method used by many rating agencies and financial analysts to assist with the impact of operating leases on financial measures like return on invested capital. |
(c) | Non-interest bearing liabilities include advance ticket sales, frequent flyer deferred revenue, deferred income taxes and other non-interest bearing liabilities. |
UNITED CONTINENTAL 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 equity investments 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 capital 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 recurring 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 | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Nine Months Ended | % Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||||
CASM Mainline Operations (cents) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (GAAP) | 12.82 | 11.98 | 7.0 | 13.13 | 12.43 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 0.03 | 0.08 | NM | 0.10 | 0.08 | NM | ||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 0.04 | 0.05 | (20.0) | 0.04 | 0.06 | (33.3) | ||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 3.25 | 2.41 | 34.9 | 3.12 | 2.39 | 30.5 | ||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 0.19 | 0.21 | (9.5) | 0.14 | 0.17 | (17.6) | ||||||||||||
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing (Non-GAAP) | 9.31 | 9.23 | 0.9 | 9.73 | 9.73 | — | ||||||||||||
CASM Consolidated Operations (cents) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (GAAP) | 13.30 | 12.50 | 6.4 | 13.65 | 12.89 | 5.9 | ||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 0.02 | 0.07 | NM | 0.09 | 0.08 | NM | ||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 0.04 | 0.04 | — | 0.04 | 0.05 | (20.0) | ||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 3.49 | 2.58 | 35.3 | 3.36 | 2.55 | 31.8 | ||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 0.17 | 0.19 | (10.5) | 0.12 | 0.16 | (25.0) | ||||||||||||
CASM, excluding special charges, third-party business expenses, fuel, and profit sharing (Non-GAAP) | 9.58 | 9.62 | (0.4) | 10.04 | 10.05 | (0.1) | ||||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | % Increase/ (Decrease) | Nine Months Ended | $ Increase/ (Decrease) | % Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (GAAP) | $ | 9,800 | $ | 8,761 | $ | 1,039 | 11.9 | $ | 28,172 | $ | 25,438 | $ | 2,734 | 10.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses, excluding special charges | 9,783 | 8,711 | 1,072 | 12.3 | 27,986 | 25,293 | 2,693 | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party business expenses | 29 | 33 | (4) | (12.1) | 89 | 114 | (25) | (21.9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel expense | 2,572 | 1,809 | 763 | 42.2 | 6,927 | 5,038 | 1,889 | 37.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit sharing, including taxes | 127 | 130 | (3) | (2.3) | 252 | 304 | (52) | (17.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating expenses (Non-GAAP) | $ | 7,055 | $ | 6,739 | $ | 316 | 4.7 | $ | 20,718 | $ | 19,837 | $ | 881 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income (GAAP) | $ | 1,203 | $ | 1,138 | $ | 65 | 5.7 | $ | 2,640 | $ | 2,895 | $ | (255) | (8.8) | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,220 | $ | 1,188 | $ | 32 | 2.7 | $ | 2,826 | $ | 3,040 | $ | (214) | (7.0) | ||||||||||||||||
Pre-tax income (GAAP) | $ | 1,061 | $ | 993 | $ | 68 | 6.8 | $ | 2,102 | $ | 2,420 | $ | (318) | (13.1) | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on equity investments (C) | (29) | — | (29) | NM | 61 | — | 61 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 capital leases (D) | 13 | — | 13 | NM | 13 | — | 13 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted pre-tax income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,062 | $ | 1,043 | $ | 19 | 1.8 | $ | 2,362 | $ | 2,565 | $ | (203) | (7.9) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (GAAP) | $ | 836 | $ | 645 | $ | 191 | 29.6 | $ | 1,667 | $ | 1,565 | $ | 102 | 6.5 | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 17 | 50 | (33) | NM | 186 | 145 | 41 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on equity investments (C) | (29) | — | (29) | NM | 61 | — | 61 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 capital leases (D) | 13 | — | 13 | NM | 13 | — | 13 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments | — | (18) | 18 | NM | (58) | (52) | (6) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 837 | $ | 677 | $ | 160 | 23.6 | $ | 1,869 | $ | 1,658 | $ | 211 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (GAAP) | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.15 | $ | 0.91 | 42.3 | $ | 5.99 | $ | 5.09 | $ | 0.90 | 17.7 | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted to exclude: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special charges (C) | 0.06 | 0.16 | (0.10) | NM | 0.67 | 0.47 | 0.20 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MTM (gains) losses on equity investments (C) | (0.11) | — | (0.11) | NM | 0.22 | — | 0.22 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense on ERJ 145 capital leases (D) | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | NM | 0.05 | — | 0.05 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments | — | (0.06) | 0.06 | NM | (0.21) | (0.17) | (0.04) | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP) | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.25 | $ | 0.81 | 36.0 | $ | 6.72 | $ | 5.39 | $ | 1.33 | 24.7 | ||||||||||||||||
NM Not Meaningful |
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL RECONCILIATION (Continued) | ||||||||||||||||
UAL believes that adjusting capital expenditures for assets acquired through the issuance of debt and capital leases, airport construction financing and excluding fully reimbursable projects is useful to investors in order to appropriately reflect the non-reimbursable funds 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 | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Capital Expenditures (in millions) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures (GAAP) | $ | 858 | $ | 1,120 | $ | 2,592 | $ | 2,900 | ||||||||
Property and equipment acquired through the issuance of debt and capital leases | — | 11 | 139 | 918 | ||||||||||||
Airport construction financing | — | 9 | 12 | 41 | ||||||||||||
Fully reimbursable projects | (51) | (58) | (140) | (176) | ||||||||||||
Adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | $ | 807 | $ | 1,082 | $ | 2,603 | $ | 3,683 | ||||||||
Free Cash Flow (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 905 | $ | 577 | $ | 5,080 | $ | 2,685 | ||||||||
Less capital expenditures | 858 | 1,120 | 2,592 | 2,900 | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow, net of financings (Non-GAAP) | $ | 47 | $ | (543) | $ | 2,488 | $ | (215) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 905 | $ | 577 | $ | 5,080 | $ | 2,685 | ||||||||
Less adjusted capital expenditures (Non-GAAP) | 807 | 1,082 | 2,603 | 3,683 | ||||||||||||
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $ | 98 | $ | (505) | $ | 2,477 | $ | (998) | ||||||||
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||
NOTES (UNAUDITED) | ||||||||||||
(B) Select passenger revenue information is as follows (in millions): | ||||||||||||
3Q 2018 Passenger Revenue (millions) | Passenger Revenue vs. 3Q 2017 | PRASM vs. 3Q 2017 | Yield vs. 3Q 2017 | Available Seat Miles vs. 3Q 2017 | ||||||||
Mainline | $ | 4,489 | 13.6% | 6.8% | 5.4% | 6.4% | ||||||
Regional | 1,764 | 18.3% | 4.1% | 0.8% | 13.7% | |||||||
Domestic | 6,253 | 14.9% | 6.7% | 5.0% | 7.6% | |||||||
Atlantic | 1,933 | 12.1% | 7.1% | 1.3% | 4.7% | |||||||
Pacific | 1,163 | 3.4% | 5.3% | 5.1% | (1.9%) | |||||||
Latin America | 771 | (0.8%) | (3.4%) | (1.2%) | 2.7% | |||||||
International | 3,867 | 6.6% | 4.5% | 2.2% | 2.0% | |||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,120 | 11.6% | 6.1% | 4.1% | 5.1% | ||||||
Mainline | $ | 8,304 | 10.2% | 5.8% | 3.8% | 4.2% | ||||||
Regional | 1,816 | 18.6% | 4.1% | 1.1% | 13.9% | |||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,120 | ||||||||||
UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC. | ||||||||||||||||
NOTES (UNAUDITED) | ||||||||||||||||
(C) Special charges and MTM gains and losses on equity investments include the following: | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Operating: | ||||||||||||||||
Impairment of assets | $ | 11 | $ | 15 | $ | 145 | $ | 15 | ||||||||
Severance and benefit costs | 9 | 23 | 34 | 101 | ||||||||||||
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges | (3) | 12 | 7 | 29 | ||||||||||||
Total special charges | 17 | 50 | 186 | 145 | ||||||||||||
Nonoperating MTM (gains) losses on equity investments | (29) | — | 61 | — | ||||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on equity investments | (12) | 50 | 247 | 145 | ||||||||||||
Income tax benefit related to special charges | (3) | (18) | (41) | (52) | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) related to MTM (gains) losses on equity investments | 6 | — | (14) | — | ||||||||||||
Total special charges and MTM (gains) losses on equity investments, net of income taxes | $ | (9) | $ | 32 | $ | 192 | $ | 93 | ||||||||
Impairment of assets: 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, in the second quarter of 2018, the company recorded a $105 million special charge ($82 million net of taxes) to write off the entire value of the intangible asset associated with its Brazil routes. This asset is not part of any collateral pledged against any of the company's borrowings. The company continues to maintain its slot assets related to Brazil since airport access is still regulated by slot allocations that are limited by airport facility constraints. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company also recorded $11 million ($9 million net of taxes) and $40 million ($31 million net of taxes), respectively, of fair value adjustments related to aircraft purchased off lease, write-off of unexercised aircraft purchase options and other impairments related to certain fleet types and international slots no longer in use. |
During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the company recorded a $15 million ($10 million net of taxes) intangible asset impairment charge related to a maintenance service agreement. |
Severance and benefit costs: During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded severance and benefit costs related to a voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters of $5 million ($4 million net of taxes) and $19 million ($15 million net of taxes), respectively. In the first quarter of 2017, approximately 1,000 technicians and related employees elected to voluntarily separate from the company and will receive a severance payment, with a maximum value of $100,000 per participant, based on years of service, with retirement dates through 2018. Also during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded other management severance of $4 million ($3 million net of taxes) and $15 million ($12 million net of taxes), respectively. |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company recorded $16 million ($10 million net of taxes) and $73 million ($47 million net of taxes), respectively, of severance and benefit costs related to the voluntary early-out program for its technicians and related employees, and $7 million ($5 million net of taxes) and $28 million ($18 million net of taxes), respectively, of management severance. |
(Gains) losses on sale of assets and other special charges: During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded $3 million ($2 million net of taxes) of gains primarily related to the sale of aircraft engines and $7 million ($5 million net of taxes) of losses primarily related to contract termination of regional aircraft operations in Guam, respectively. |
During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the company recorded $12 million ($7 million net of taxes) of charges primarily related to damages from tropical storms. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, in addition to the $12 million of third-quarter charges, the company recorded $17 million ($11 million net of taxes) of charges primarily associated with aircraft gains and losses. |
MTM gains and losses on equity investments: During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the company recorded gains of $29 million ($23 million net of taxes) and losses of $61 million ($47 million net of taxes), respectively, for the change in market value of certain of its equity investments. For equity investments subject to MTM accounting, the company records gains and losses to Nonoperating income (expense): Miscellaneous, net in its statements of consolidated operations. |
(D) Interest expense related to capital 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 capital leases up until the purchase date. The company recognized $13 million of additional interest expense in the third quarter as a result of this change. |
(E) Effective tax rate |
The company's effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 21.2% and 20.7%, respectively, and the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 35.0% and 35.3%, respectively. The effective tax rate represents a blend of federal, state and foreign taxes and included the impact of certain nondeductible items. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 also reflects the reduced federal corporate income tax rate as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") in December 2017 and the impact of a change in the company's mix of domestic and foreign earnings. The company continues to analyze the different aspects of the Tax Act which could potentially affect the provisional estimates that were recorded at December 31, 2017. |
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
Beginning March 11, United will start daily service to Breckenridge (QKB) and on April 1, will start four-times daily service to Fort Collins (FNL). The airline is teaming up with Landline – a premium ground transportation company – to offer connecting service to these popular destinations through Denver International Airport (DEN). Customers can book their travel on united.com starting today, selecting Breckenridge or Fort Collins as their destination.
"United's new service from Denver to Breckenridge and Fort Collins is just one example of how we are identifying opportunities to innovate our route network to get people where they want to go with ease and convenience," said Ankit Gupta, United's vice president of Domestic Network Planning and Scheduling. "Our customers tell us that national parks and ski destinations are important to them and we are proud to partner with Landline to offer a unique, seamless way to help them get there."
"With this new service, customers can start their day anywhere in United's global network and arrive slope side in Breckenridge minutes from the main gondola," said Landline's co-founder & CEO David Sunde. "At the same time, in Fort Collins we are creating global connectivity for the first time in 25 years. These new routes exemplify our mission to redefine the airport by making it mobile and multimodal. We could not be more thrilled to have United's commitment to innovation and passion for customer service backing this new endeavor."
Added Landline co-founder & President Ben Munson, "We have worked closely with the United team to create a stress-free connecting experience in Denver. Customers will love our spacious leather seating, onboard streaming entertainment and free Wi-Fi."
Customers connecting to Breckenridge or Fort Collins at Denver will transfer to the Landline service from an assigned gate in Concourse A, remaining within the secure airside area of the terminal. Checked-in baggage will be transferred directly from the plane to the bus. Customers originating in Breckenridge or Fort Collins will be required to pass through security on transit in DEN.
Click here for b-roll highlighting customer experience
Keeping customer wellbeing at the forefront, United and Landline will be implementing a wide variety of cleaning and safety measures as part of the new service, all of which have been reviewed by the Cleveland Clinic. These measures include:
- Back-to-front boarding;
- Reducing seat capacity on Landline's service to enable social distancing onboard;
- Requiring mandatory use of masks onboard for customers aged two and over;
- Electrostatically spraying ahead of each departure and sanitizing high touch areas;
- Implementing a UV disinfection air filtration system launched by OEM (Prevost) on all vehicles;
- Providing United CleanPlusSM sanitizing wipes to each customer; and
- Requiring customers to complete a 'Ready to Fly' checklist at check-in, acknowledging they don't have symptoms for COVID-19 and agreeing to follow our policies.
In addition, United MileagePlus ® members will be able to accrue Premier qualifying points (PQP) and redeemable miles on services to both destinations.
Denver remains one of United's fastest growing hubs with daily departures around 80% of 2019 levels – the highest among United hubs. United currently serves more than 160 destinations from Denver and operates more than 360 flights per day – the most comprehensive route network of any carrier in Denver – and offers more flights to more Colorado destinations than any other airline.
For more information on the new service, please visit united.com/landline.
United service to Breckenridge | |||||
From | To | Depart | Arrive | Frequency | Effective |
Denver | Breckenridge | 11:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. | 1:45 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:35 p.m. | Mon-Thurs, Fri Sun | March 11 |
Breckenridge | Denver | 2:15 p.m. 2:25 p.m. 1:55 p.m. | 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. | Mon-Thurs, Fri Sun | March 11 |
Schedule subject to change | |||||
United service to Fort Collins | |||||
From | To | Depart | Arrive | Frequency | Effective |
Denver | Fort Collins | 9:45 a.m. 1:25 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:25 p.m. | 11:00 a.m. 2:40 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 8:40 p.m. | 4x daily | April 1 |
Fort Collins | Denver | 7:30 a.m. 9:10 a.m. 11:20 a.m. 5:15 p.m. | 8:45 a.m. 10:25 a.m. 12:35 p.m. 6:30 p.m. | 4x daily | April 1 |
Schedule subject to change | |||||
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".
About Landline
Landline is building the future of travel by seamlessly connecting air and ground transportation networks, bringing the airport right to your front door. By integrating with Landline's platform, airlines can access new markets and create custom designed check-in experiences for their customers by offering one-click, one-price multimodal itineraries. Follow Landline on Twitter (@ridelandline).
SOURCE United Airlines
For further information: United Airlines Worldwide Media Relations, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
"Laysha and her credentials are the right addition to our already strong board of directors at a pivotal moment for our company," said United CEO Scott Kirby. "United will benefit from Laysha's insight on a wide range of topics that will be essential to our success as we recover from the impact of COVID-19, including her expertise in the areas of community and stakeholder engagement, corporate responsibility and diversity, equity and inclusion."
"When we began the search for a new board member, we were focused on finding a leader with both strong business acumen and a unique perspective that will help United capitalize on our strengths as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis," said Oscar Munoz, Executive Chairman of United Airlines. "I'm eager for Laysha to get started because I know she will add value right away as we evaluate the strategic opportunities for United Airlines and its incredibly bright future."
"At a pivotal time for the airline industry, I look forward to joining the UAL board and helping the company fulfill its purpose of connecting people and uniting the world," said Ward.
In addition to her executive role at Target Corporation, Ward serves on the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Advisory Board, the Stanford Center for Longevity Advisory Council, and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the Economic Clubs of New York and Chicago, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and The Links. Ward also serves on the board of directors of Denny's Corporation, as well as the boards of Greater MSP, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Northside Achievement Zone.
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
"We are thrilled to offer travelers a convenient, non-stop option between Boston and London with this addition to our global network," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network and Alliances. "We will continue to monitor the demand recovery and travel restrictions as we finalize a start date for this service later in 2021."
Tickets will be available for purchase on united.com and the United app in the coming weeks.
United has provided service to London Heathrow for nearly 30 years and over the course of the pandemic has maintained continuous service between the U.S. and London. Looking ahead, Boston will be United's 19th daily flight between the United States and London Heathrow.
Boston – London Schedule | ||||||
From | To | Depart | Arrive | Frequency | Aircraft | |
Boston | London | 10:00 p.m. | 9:35 a.m.+1 | Daily | 767-300ER | |
London | Boston | 5:00 p.m. | 7:30 p.m. | Daily | 767-300ER | |
Schedule subject to change | ||||||
United's Polaris product is a premium travel experience that prioritizes relaxation and comfort with features that include everything from custom, luxury bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue and restaurant-quality, multi-course inflight dining to premium amenity kits and full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access. Along with its 46 Polaris Business Class seats, the aircraft also features 22 United Premium Plus seats, 43 United Economy Plus seats and 56 United Economy seats.
Committed to Ensuring a Safe Journey
United is committed to putting health and safety at the forefront of every customer's journey, with the goal of delivering an industry-leading standard of cleanliness through its United CleanPlus program. United has teamed up with Clorox and Cleveland Clinic to redefine cleaning and health safety procedures from check-in to landing and has implemented more than a dozen new policies, protocols and innovations designed with the safety of customers and employees in mind.
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, +1-872-825-8640, media.relations@united.com
New Orange County service begins May 6 and new, first-ever nonstop service between Chicago and Kona and between New York/Newark and Maui starts June 3
Customers departing Orange County and United's hub airports can save time by showing proof of negative tests to skip document screening process in Hawaii
"We know customers are dreaming of summer getaways and we want United to be their top choice for travel to Hawaii," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network and Alliances. "Our new Hawaii routes from Chicago, Newark and Orange County, in addition to the dozens of flights United already operates from the mainland to Hawaii, offer travelers even more options, greater convenience and shorter travel times to the fantastic outdoor offerings Hawaii has to offer."
United is committed to helping safely restore travel to Hawaii and has introduced a number of solutions to make it easier for customers to understand and follow safety requirements throughout the islands. Earlier this month, the airline announced that customers traveling to Hawaii who have a valid negative COVID-19 test can show their results before boarding to save time and skip document screening lines upon arrival. United is also making it easier to get the right tests to avoid Hawaii's 10-day quarantine by making approved COVID-19 tests available to all customers traveling to the islands no matter where in the U.S. their travel begins. Additionally, the airline recently introduced a new digital solution, "The Travel-Ready Center," where customers can review COVID-19 entry requirements, find local testing options and upload any required testing and vaccination records for travel, all in one place.
United has served Hawaii for more than 70 years and was the first airline to introduce service between the mainland and Kona and Maui in 1983. United remains a pioneer to the Hawaiian Islands with the launch of first-ever service between Chicago and Kona and between New York/Newark and Maui this summer. The new flights enable convenient travel times for customers connecting in Chicago and Newark from across the Midwest and East Coast. United's service between Orange County's John Wayne International Airport and Honolulu will be the only nonstop flight between Orange County and Hawaii and provides even more options for Southern Californians to get to Hawaii.
New Hawaii Summer Service
Schedule subject to change
2021 Hawaii Summer Service
Schedule subject to change