MIRAMAR, Fla., July 24, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE:SAVE) today reported second quarter 2019 financial results.
"Our team once again delivered strong quarterly profits. In the second quarter 2019, we improved our operating margin by 300 basis points and delivered very strong earnings growth." said Ted Christie, Spirit's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Operationally, we experienced numerous storm systems across our network which negatively impacted our operational reliability. However, on a relative basis, year-to-date through June 30, 2019 we still rank among the best in the industry for on-time performance2. I want to thank the entire Spirit team for all that they do every day to care for our Guests, especially during this busy travel season under challenging operational conditions."
Revenue Performance
For the second quarter 2019, Spirit's total operating revenue was $1,013.0 million, an increase of 18.9 percent compared to the second quarter 2018, driven by an 18.4 percent increase in flight volume and increases in both yields and load factor.
Total operating revenue per available seat mile ("TRASM") for the second quarter 2019 increased 5.0 percent compared to the same period last year. During the second quarter 2019, the Company's results benefited from its strategic network changes, revenue management initiatives, and a strong underlying demand environment. In addition, the Company estimates the calendar shift of Easter from the first quarter in 2018 to the second quarter in 2019 contributed approximately 200 basis points to the TRASM improvement.
Non-ticket revenue per passenger flight segment for the second quarter 2019 increased 1.8 percent to $55.543. Fare revenue per passenger flight segment decreased 1.0 percent to $57.60 and total revenue per passenger segment increased 0.3 percent year over year to $113.14.
Cost Performance
For the second quarter 2019, total GAAP operating expenses increased 14.2 percent year over year to $849.0 million. Adjusted operating expenses for the second quarter 2019 increased 14.8 percent year over year to $847.5 million4. These changes were primarily driven by higher flight volume, higher passenger re-accommodation expense, higher salaries, wages and benefits, and airport rent and landing fees.
Aircraft fuel expense increased in the second quarter 2019 by 7.6 percent year over year, due to a 15.4 percent increase in fuel gallons consumed.
Liquidity
Spirit ended the second quarter 2019 with unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $1.2 billion. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, Spirit generated $341.0 million of operating cash flow, after investing $238.5 million, primarily for aircraft purchases and pre-delivery deposits. Adjusted for proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, operating cash flow for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 was $205.2 million5. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, net cash provided by financing activities was $3.5 million.
Fleet
Spirit took delivery of two new aircraft (one A320ceo and one A320neo) during the second quarter 2019, ending the quarter with 135 aircraft in its fleet.
Investors are encouraged to read the Company's periodic and current reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, for additional information regarding the Company.
SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC.
Condensed Statements of Operations
(unaudited, in thousands, except per-share amounts)
SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC.
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(unaudited, in thousands)
SPIRIT AIRLINES, INC.
Selected Operating Statistics
(unaudited)
- Excludes operating special items.
- Excludes economic fuel expense and operating special items.
Calculation of Total Non-Ticket Revenue per Passenger Segment
(unaudited)
(1) Non-ticket revenues equals the sum of non-fare passenger revenues and other revenues.
Special Items
(unaudited)
- Operating special charges for 2018 include amounts primarily due to a one-time ratification incentive recognized in connection with a new pilot agreement approved in February 2018.
- Non-operating special charges in 2018 are related to the purchase of 14 A319-100 aircraft. The contract was deemed a lease modification which resulted in a change of classification from operating leases to finance leases for the 14 aircraft.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Expense to GAAP Operating Expense
(unaudited)
- Excludes operating special items.
- Excludes operating special items and economic fuel expense.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Pre-Tax Income, and Adjusted Operating Income to GAAP Net Income
(unaudited)
- See "Special Items" for more details.
- Excludes operating and non-operating special items.
- Excludes non-operating special items.
- Excludes operating special items.
Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow to GAAP Net Operating Cash Flow
(unaudited)
- Included within net cash used in investing activities in the Company's Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.
- Included within net cash provided by financing activities in the Company's Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.
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