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WestJet reports fourth quarter and full year results


News provided by

WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

Feb 05, 2019, 06:30 ET

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CALGARY, Feb. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - WestJet (TSX: WJA) today announced its fourth quarter and year end results for 2018, with full year net earnings of $91.5 million, or $0.80 per fully diluted share. This compares with net earnings of $279.1 million, or $2.38 per fully diluted share in the full year 2017. In the fourth quarter of 2018 the airline achieved net earnings of $29.2 million, or $0.26 per fully diluted share. This result compares with net earnings of $47.8 million, or $0.41 per fully diluted share reported in the fourth quarter of 2017.

"In 2018 we executed several significant milestones on our path to becoming a high-value global network airline," said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. "As we enter 2019, we continue to build momentum and are well-positioned to deliver on our strategic initiatives and expand margins. I would like to thank every WestJetter for their hard work through an especially busy holiday season culminating in our WestJet mainline business achieving the highest completion rate in North America in December, as measured by FlightStats."

Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)

 

Q4 2018

Q4 2017

Change

Full year

2018

Full year

2017

Change

Net earnings (millions)

$29.2

$47.8

(39.0%)

$91.5

$279.1

(67.2%)

Diluted earnings per share

$0.26

$0.41

(36.6%)

$0.80

$2.38

(66.4%)

Total revenue (millions)

$1,193.3

$1,119.1

6.6%

$4,733.5

$4,506.7

5.0%

Operating margin

4.1%

6.9%

(2.8 pts)

3.3%

9.6%

(6.3 pts)

ASMs (available seat miles) (billions)

8.109

7.659

5.9%

32.939

30.998

6.3%

RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions)

6.615

6.329

4.5%

27.587

25.904

6.5%

Load factor

81.6%

82.6%

(1.0 pts)

83.8%

83.6%

0.2 pts

Segment guests

6,185,541

6,010,069

2.9%

25,491,290

24,137,477

5.6%

Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents)

18.04

17.68

 2.0%

17.16

17.40

(1.4%)

RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents)

14.72

14.61

0.7%

14.37

14.54

(1.2%)

CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents)

14.11

13.61

3.7%

13.90

13.14

5.8%

Fuel costs per litre (cents)

83

69

20.3%

81

64

26.6%

CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)*

10.29

10.26

0.3%

10.11

9.93

1.8%

   
 

*Refer to reconciliations in the accompanying tables for further information regarding calculations.

Note: All values in the above table are at a consolidated WestJet group level

Dividend declaration
On February 4, 2019, WestJet's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per common voting share and variable voting share for the first quarter of 2019, to be paid on March 29, 2019, to shareholders of record on March 13, 2019. All dividends paid by WestJet are, pursuant to subsection 89(14) of the Income Tax Act, designated as eligible dividends, unless indicated otherwise. An eligible dividend paid to a Canadian resident is entitled to the enhanced dividend tax credit.

Caution regarding forward-looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on WestJet's current forecasts and strategy, the expected demand environment, the utilization of our fleet, the forward-curve for jet fuel price, the expected exchange rate of the Canadian dollar to the U.S. dollar, agreements and bookings, but may vary due to factors including, but not limited to, changes in guest demand, changes in fuel prices, delays in aircraft delivery, general economic conditions, competitive environment, ability to effectively implement and maintain critical systems and other factors and risks described in WestJet's public reports and filings which are available under WestJet's profile at sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward-looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

Non-GAAP measures
This news release contains disclosure respecting non-GAAP performance measures including, without limitation, CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share and return on invested capital. These measures are included to enhance the overall understanding of WestJet's current financial performance and to provide an alternative method for assessing WestJet's operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of WestJet's ongoing operations, and to provide a more consistent basis for comparison between reporting periods. These measures are not calculated in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP and do not have standardized meanings. Therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other entities. Readers are urged to review the section entitled "Reconciliation of non-GAAP and additional GAAP measures" in WestJet's management's discussion and analysis of financial results for the year ended December 31, 2018 which is available under WestJet's profile on SEDAR at sedar.com, for a further discussion of such non-GAAP measures and a reconciliation of such measures to GAAP. The financial information accompanying this news release was prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards unless otherwise noted.

Management's discussion and analysis of financial results and consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2018, are available through the Internet in the Investor Relations section of westjet.com or under WestJet's SEDAR profile at sedar.com.

Analyst conference call
WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call today, February 5, 2019, at 8 a.m. MT (10 a.m. ET). President and CEO, Ed Sims and Executive Vice-President, Finance and CFO, Harry Taylor, will discuss WestJet's fourth quarter and year end 2018 results and answer questions from financial analysts. The conference call will be available in Toronto by calling 416-915-3239, in Vancouver by calling 604-638-5340 and across Canada and the United States through the toll-free telephone number 1-800-319-4610. The call can also be heard live through an Internet webcast accessible via the Investor Relations section of westjet.com.

About WestJet
Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas. Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.

WestJet is proud to be recognized as Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice winner – North America for 2017 and 2018 in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines. The airline was also named the Travellers' Choice Winner – Economy, North America, 2018. All awards are based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook.

WestJet is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol WJA.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.  

Recent recognition includes:
2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada) 
2018 North America's Best Low-Cost Airline (Skytrax) 
2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice Winner Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines) 
2018 Travellers' Choice Winner – Economy, North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018/2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria) 
2016 Canada's most reputable company for Corporate Social Responsibility (Reputation Institute)2016/2015/2014/2013/2012 Ranked top three for Canadian Brands (Canadian Business Magazine)2016/2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (MoneySense magazine)

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet
Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet
Follow WestJet on Instagram instagram.com/westjet
Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com

 

Consolidated Statement of Earnings
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
 

Three months ended

December 31

Twelve months ended

December 31

 

2018

2017(i)

2018

2017(i)

         

Revenue:

       

Guest

1,119,682

1,046,545

4,483,529

4,238,926

Other

73,581

72,534

249,933

267,729

 

1,193,263

1,119,079

4,733,462

4,506,655

Operating expenses:

       

Aircraft fuel

304,944

251,619

1,231,632

950,043

Salaries and benefits

246,864

244,423

999,381

935,545

Rates and fees

160,740

156,214

691,293

644,763

Sales and marketing

114,783

102,331

440,292

393,582

Depreciation and amortization

108,766

105,537

429,906

403,021

Maintenance

69,314

42,440

232,053

203,227

Aircraft leasing

32,718

40,925

139,703

165,902

Other

101,541

94,061

398,038

331,014

Employee profit share

4,534

4,401

15,937

46,793

 

1,144,204

1,041,951

4,578,235

4,073,890

Earnings from operations

49,059

77,128

155,227

432,765

         

Non-operating income (expense):

       

Finance income

8,658

6,125

29,421

19,626

Finance cost

(19,666)

(13,087)

(57,027)

(53,710)

Gain (loss) on foreign exchange

902

(159)

2,966

(4,877)

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

(96)

2,576

4,049

6,562

Gain (loss) on derivatives

1,232

(21)

1,246

(2,426)

 

(8,970)

(4,566)

(19,345)

(34,825)

Earnings before income tax

40,089

72,562

135,882

397,940

         

Income tax expense (recovery):

       

Current

10,078

14,144

14,812

58,645

Deferred

841

10,612

29,605

60,237

 

10,919

24,756

44,417

118,882

Net earnings

29,170

47,806

91,465

279,058

         

Earnings per share: 

       

Basic

0.26

0.42

0.80

2.40

Diluted

0.26

0.41

0.80

2.38

 

 (i) Certain 2017 numbers have been restated for the adoption of IFRS 15.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
(Unaudited)

   
 

December 31

2018

December 31

2017(i)

Assets

   

Current assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

1,185,806

1,147,076

Marketable securities

93,771

226,090

Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities

1,279,577

1,373,166

Restricted cash

115,615

109,700

Accounts receivable

145,544

152,492

Prepaid expenses, deposits and other

190,242

138,676

Inventory

39,742

43,045

 

1,770,720

1,817,079

Non-current assets:

   

Property and equipment

4,814,200

4,567,504

Intangible assets

54,851

59,517

Other assets

118,284

78,584

Total assets

6,758,055

6,522,684

     

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

   

Current liabilities:

   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

654,422

546,505

Advance ticket sales

695,367

659,953

Deferred Rewards program

224,608

185,991

Non-refundable guest credits

62,914

58,575

Current portion of maintenance provisions

101,852

82,129

Current portion of long-term debt

536,044

153,149

 

2,275,207

1,686,302

Non-current liabilities:

   

Maintenance provisions

278,898

270,347

Long-term debt

1,442,913

1,895,898

Other liabilities

33,512

19,171

Deferred income tax

424,958

392,111

Total liabilities

4,455,488

4,263,829

     

Shareholders' equity:

   

Share capital

548,979

548,977

Equity reserves

106,655

97,514

Hedge reserves

6,856

(1,902)

Retained earnings

1,640,077

1,614,266

Total shareholders' equity

2,302,567

2,258,855

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

6,758,055

6,522,684

 

(i) Certain 2017 numbers have been restated for the adoption of IFRS 15.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars)
(Unaudited)

   
 

Three months ended

December 31

Twelve months ended

December 31

 

2018

2017(i)

2018

2017(i)

         

Operating activities:

       

Net earnings

29,170

47,806

91,465

279,058

Items not involving cash:

       

Depreciation and amortization

108,766

105,537

429,906

403,021

Change in maintenance provisions

13,946

(9,216)

50,637

47,439

Amortization of transaction costs

983

1,125

4,250

4,807

Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives

(478)

(268)

(690)

4,059

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

96

(2,576)

(4,049)

(6,562)

Share-based payment expense

4,318

4,143

15,988

19,050

Deferred income tax expense

841

10,612

29,605

60,237

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss

(5,303)

(2,858)

(7,592)

2,496

Change in  non-cash working capital

76,889

42,581

221,148

243,858

Change in restricted cash

(26,678)

(19,818)

(5,916)

(7,051)

Change in other assets

(6,041)

203

(9,133)

(1,296)

Change in other liabilities

991

5,463

(96)

6,379

Purchase of shares pursuant to compensation plans

(3,065)

(1,220)

(6,268)

(4,784)

Maintenance provision settlements

(16,725)

17,694

(50,675)

(38,638)

 

177,710

199,208

758,580

1,012,073

         

Investing activities:

       

Aircraft additions

(70,454)

(184,083)

(524,272)

(881,069)

Aircraft disposals

73

1,390

6,282

9,511

Other property and equipment and intangible additions and disposals

(75,929)

(15,884)

(121,708)

(48,855)

Purchase of marketable securities

(25,000)

(50,289)

(58,908)

(231,293)

Maturities of marketable securities

118,447

-

201,415

-

Change in non-cash working capital

(3,328)

(5,182)

9,793

(16,009)

 

(56,191)

(254,048)

(487,398)

(1,167,715)

         

Financing activities:

       

Increase in long-term debt

-

20,307

41,131

186,796

Repayment of long-term debt

(42,156)

(39,318)

(157,451)

(154,249)

Shares repurchased

-

(32,594)

(2,386)

(90,317)

Dividends paid

(15,952)

(15,966)

(63,845)

(64,886)

Cash interest paid

(16,989)

(17,118)

(61,410)

(63,188)

Change in non-cash working capital

(4,545)

(4,833)

(13,680)

(14,597)

 

(79,642)

(89,522)

(257,641)

(200,441)

         

Cash flow from/(used in) operating, investing and financing activities

41,877

(144,362)

13,541

(356,083)

Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents

17,332

2,082

25,189

(17,663)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

59,209

(142,280)

38,730

(373,746)

         

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

1,126,597

1,289,356

1,147,076

1,520,822

         

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

1,185,806

1,147,076

1,185,806

1,147,076

Supplemental disclosure of operating cash flows

Cash interest received

Cash taxes (paid)/received, net

       
       

9,963

5,112

30,522

17,634

(338)

(607)

902

(97,911)

 

(i) Certain 2017 numbers have been restated for the adoption of IFRS 15.

CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentage, mile and per unit data)
(Unaudited)

WestJet excludes the effects of aircraft fuel expense and employee profit share expense to assess the operating performance of the business. Fuel expense is excluded from operating results due to the fact that fuel prices are impacted by a host of factors outside WestJet's control, such as significant weather events, geopolitical tensions, refinery capacity and global demand and supply. Excluding this expense allows WestJet to analyze its operating results on a comparable basis. Employee profit share expense is excluded from operating results due to its variable nature and excluding this expense allows greater comparability.

     
 

Three months ended December 31

Twelve months ended December 31

($ in thousands)

2018

2017(i)

Change

2018

2017(i)

Change

Operating expenses

1,144,204

1,041,951

102,253

4,578,235

4,073,890

504,345

Aircraft fuel expense

(304,944)

(251,619)

(53,325)

(1,231,632)

(950,043)

(281,589)

Employee profit share expense

(4,534)

(4,401)

(133)

(15,937)

(46,793)

30,856

Operating expenses, adjusted

834,726

785,931

48,795

3,330,666

3,077,054

253,612

ASMs

8,108,583,582

7,658,815,460

5.9%

32,939,257,510

30,998,306,475

6.3%

CASM, excluding above items (cents)

10.29

10.26

0.3%

10.11

9.93

1.8%

 

 (i) Certain 2017 numbers have been restated for the adoption of IFRS 15.

Return on invested capital
(Stated in thousands of Canadian dollars, except percentages)
(Unaudited)

ROIC is a measure commonly used to assess the efficiency with which a company allocates its capital to generate returns. Return is calculated based on our earnings before tax, excluding special items, finance costs and implied interest on our off-balance-sheet aircraft leases. Invested capital includes average long-term debt, average finance lease obligations, average shareholders' equity and off-balance-sheet aircraft operating leases.

       
 

December 31

2018

December 31
2017
(i)

Change

Earnings before income taxes

135,882

397,940

(262,058)

Add:

     

Finance costs

57,027

53,710

3,317

Implicit interest in operating leases(ii)

73,344

87,099

(13,755)

Return

266,253

538,749

(272,496)

Invested capital:

     

Average long-term debt(iii)

2,014,002

2,047,853

(33,851)

Average shareholders' equity

2,280,711

2,185,204

95,507

Off-balance-sheet aircraft leases(iv)

1,047,773

1,244,265

(196,492)

Invested capital

5,342,486

5,477,322

(134,836)

Return on invested capital

5.0%

9.8%

(4.8 pts.)

   

(i)     

Certain 2017 numbers have been restated for the adoption of IFRS 15.

(ii)  

Interest implicit in operating leases is equal to 7.0 per cent of 7.5 times the trailing 12 months of aircraft lease expense. 7.0 per cent is a proxy and does not necessarily represent actual interest for any given period.

(iii) 

Average long-term debt includes the current portion and long-term portion

(iv)   

Off-balance-sheet aircraft leases are calculated by multiplying the trailing 12 months of aircraft leasing expense by 7.5. At December 31, 2018, the trailing 12 months of aircraft leasing costs totaled $139,703 (December 31, 2017 – $165,902).

SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

WestJet Media Relations, 1-888-WJ-4-NEWS (1-888-954-6397), Email: [email protected]; WestJet Investor Relations, 1-877-493-7853, Email: [email protected]; Website: www.westjet.com

Related Links

http://www.westjet.com

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WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership

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