Mesa Air Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MESA) today reported first quarter fiscal 2023 financial and operating results.
Fiscal First Quarter Update:
- Total operating revenues of $147.2 million
- Pre-tax loss of $10.0 million, net loss of $9.1 million or $(0.25) per diluted share
- Adjusted net loss1 of $4.3 million or $(0.12) per diluted share
- Adjusted net loss excludes a $3.7 million impairment related to intangible assets and $1.7 million related to investments in equity securities
- As previously reported, closed on United Airlines, American Airlines, and aircraft-related transactions
- Subsequent to quarter end, closed sale of 8 remaining CRJ-550s to United Airlines
Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and CEO, said, “The first quarter was an important one for Mesa, as we executed several key agreements that will materially enhance our operational and financial position and alleviate significant issues that we have faced. While block hour production continued to be challenged by the industry-wide pilot shortage during the quarter, we believe all the pieces are in place to begin restoring capacity across our fleets. We are preparing for the transition of our CRJ-900 operation to United next month. Our pilot pipeline continues to strengthen and pilot attrition has remained significantly lower since we have enhanced our payscales and expanded our participation in the Aviate program with United.”
Fiscal First Quarter Details:
Total operating revenues in Q1 2023 were $147.2 million, a decrease of $0.6 million (0.4%) from $147.8 million for Q1 2022. Contract revenue decreased $8.4 million, or 6.2%. These decreases were driven by lower block hours, offset by increased block-hour revenue for new pilot payscales. Mesa’s Q1 2023 results include, per GAAP, the recognition of $5.3 million, versus the recognition of $4.2 million of previously deferred revenue in Q1 2022. The remaining deferred revenue balance of $18.8 million will be recognized as flights are completed over the remaining terms of the contracts.
Mesa’s Adjusted EBITDA1 for Q1 2023 was $21.8 million, compared to $17.0 million in Q1 2022, and Adjusted EBITDAR1 was $25.9 million for Q1 2023, compared to $26.6 million in Q1 2022.
Mesa’s Q1 2023 results reflect a net loss of $9.1 million, or $(0.25) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million, or $(0.40) per diluted share for Q1 2022. Mesa’s Q1 2023 adjusted net loss1 was $4.3 million, or $(0.12) per diluted share, versus an adjusted net loss1 of $9.3 million, or $(0.26) per diluted share, in Q1 2022. The year over year increase in adjusted net income of $5.0 million was primarily due to increased block-hour revenue for new pilot payscales and lower maintenance, D&A, and aircraft rent expenses, partially offset by higher expenses for flight operations due to increased costs for training and employee wages.
Operationally, the Company ran a controllable completion factor of 99.4% for American and 99.9% for United during Q1 2023. This is compared to a controllable completion factor of 97.7% for American and 98.3% for United during Q1 2022. This excludes cancellations due to weather and air traffic control.
With respect to a total completion factor that includes all cancellations, Mesa reported a total completion factor of 97.9% for American and 99.2% for United during Q1 2023. This is compared to a total completion factor of 95.8% for American and 95.8% for United during Q1 2022.
For Q1 2023, 50% of the Company’s total revenue was derived from our contracts with United, 45% from American, 3% from DHL, and 2% from leases of aircraft to a third party.
1 See Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow:
Mesa ended the quarter at $56.1 million in unrestricted cash and equivalents. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $701.3 million in total debt secured primarily with aircraft and engines. This amount includes $64.2 million corresponding to the reclassification from operating lease to finance lease on 15 CRJ-900s. Additionally, we borrowed $25.5 million in the form of a term loan from United, of which $15 million is forgivable upon the meeting of certain performance criteria.
