WestJet reports record second quarter net earnings

Airline achieves earnings per share of $0.34, up 10 per cent

WestJet (TSX:WJA.TO ) today announced its 33^rd consecutive quarter of profitability, with record second quarter net earnings of $44.7 million, or $0.34 per diluted share. This compares with the net earnings of $42.5 million, or $0.31 per diluted share reported in the second quarter of 2012. These results include $8.4 million of one-time pre-tax transition costs associated with WestJet's business transformation initiative. Based on the trailing twelve months, the airline achieved a return on invested capital of 14.4 per cent, up from the 14.3 per cent reported in the previous quarter.

"We are pleased with another quarter of record earnings and achieving an ROIC of 14.4 per cent, which for the fourth consecutive quarter surpassed our 12 per cent target," said WestJet President and CEO Gregg Saretsky. "We continue to make good progress with our company-wide business transformation initiative and I want to thank WestJetters for their tremendous dedication to the continued success of our airline."

Operating highlights (stated in Canadian dollars)

	Q2 2013	Q2 2012	Change	Year-to- date 2013	Year-to- date 2012	Change
Net earnings (millions)	$44.7	$42.5	5.2%	$135.8	$110.8	22.6%
Diluted earnings per share	$0.34	$0.31	9.7%	$1.02	$0.81	25.9%
Total revenues (millions)	$843.7	$809.3	4.3%	$1,810.9	$1,700.2	6.5%
Operating margin	7.9%	8.7%	(0.8 pts)	11.0%	10.4%	0.6 pts
ASMs (available seat miles) (billions)	5.888	5.389	9.3%	11.920	11.079	7.6%
RPMs (revenue passenger miles) (billions)	4.675	4.395	6.4%	9.763	9.116	7.1%
Load factor	79.4%	81.6%	(2.2 pts)	81.9%	82.3%	(0.4 pts)
Segment guests	4,493,271	4,267,598	5.3%	8,986,595	8,498,013	5.7%
Yield (revenue per revenue passenger mile) (cents)	18.05	18.41	(2.0%)	18.55	18.65	(0.5%)
RASM (revenue per available seat mile) (cents)	14.33	15.02	(4.6%)	15.19	15.35	(1.0%)
CASM (cost per available seat mile) (cents)	13.20	13.71	(3.7%)	13.52	13.76	(1.7%)
CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share (cents)*	9.06	9.12	(0.7%)	9.00	9.03	(0.3%)

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

In the second quarter, WestJet successfully launched WestJet Encore, Canada's newest regional airline with its first two new Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft. WestJet's new regional airline will provide more Canadians with access to WestJet's low fares and caring guest experience, while enhancing the airline's value to the business market. "We are pleased with initial results in both the local market and the significant connecting traffic flows from the new regional service," said Gregg Saretsky.

WestJet expects to continue its strong traffic and revenue growth in the third quarter of 2013. The airline anticipates its 2013 third quarter RASM, as compared to the same period in the prior year, to experience a similar level of year-over-year percentage decline as the second quarter of 2013, primarily as a result of increased capacity associated with higher utilization, the reconfiguration of WestJet's Boeing 737-800 fleet, and the ramping up of WestJet Encore. June and July traffic experienced some booking weakness due to the impact of flooding in Calgary and the surrounding communities.

The airline expects jet fuel costs to range between 90 and 92 cents per litre for the third quarter of 2013, representing a flat to up two per cent year-over-year increase. In terms of CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share, WestJet expects it to be down 0.5 to down 1.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2013.

For the full year 2013, the airline now expects CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share, to be down 0.5 to down 1.0 per cent year-over-year primarily as a result of cost reductions achieved and anticipated through its previously announced company-wide business transformation initiative.

For the full-year 2014, the airline anticipates system-wide capacity growth between four and six per cent. "The flexibility we have built into our fleet plan through lease renewal options and our ability to deploy a mix of Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft allows us to tailor capacity and continue our profitable growth while aligning with market conditions," noted Gregg Saretsky.

Dividend declaration

On July 29, 2013, WestJet's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per common voting share and variable voting share for the third quarter of 2013, to be paid on September 30, 2013, to shareholders of record on September 18, 2013. 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, including, without limitation, information regarding WestJet's business transformation initiative, WestJet Encore and the benefits it will provide, expected traffic, revenue growth and RASM for the third quarter of 2013, jet fuel costs in the third quarter of 2013, CASM, excluding fuel and employee profit share for the third quarter of 2013 and full-year 2013, and full-year 2014 system wide capacity is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian 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 for WestJet and WestJet Encore, the expected demand environment, anticipated capacity increases, 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, future aircraft deliveries, WestJet's business transformation initiative along with available implementation plans, 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 www.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 three and six months ended June 30, 2013, which is available under WestJet's profile on SEDAR at www.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 condensed consolidated financial statements and notes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, are available through the Internet in the Media and Investor Relations section of www.westjet.com or under WestJet's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Analyst conference call

WestJet will hold its quarterly analysts' conference call today, July 30, 2013, at 8 a.m. MDT (10 a.m. EDT). President and CEO Gregg Saretsky and Executive Vice-President of Finance and CFO Vito Culmone will discuss WestJet's second quarter 2013 results and answer questions from financial analysts and members of the media. 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 Media and Investor Relations section of www.westjet.com.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 87 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,600 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world. This year, WestJet launched its new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

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

		Three months ended June 30		Six months ended June 30
		2013	2012	2013	2012

Revenue:
	Guest	768,612	740,492	1,648,006	1,542,778
	Other	75,082	68,790	162,930	157,454
		843,694	809,282	1,810,936	1,700,232
Expenses:
	Aircraft fuel	241,204	242,662	512,252	504,734
	Airport operations	110,956	102,935	226,047	208,116
	Flight operations and navigational charges	102,751	93,033	204,810	187,410
	Sales and distribution	82,730	75,837	174,040	168,964
	Marketing, general and administration	54,485	47,990	104,000	94,904
	Depreciation and amortization	49,154	47,147	97,173	92,291
	Inflight	48,974	39,924	95,293	80,213
	Aircraft leasing	43,884	42,518	91,393	88,845
	Maintenance	40,253	42,120	79,950	79,847
	Employee profit share	2,834	4,651	27,145	18,785
		777,225	738,817	1,612,103	1,524,109
Earnings from operations		66,469	70,465	198,833	176,123

Non-operating income (expense):
	Finance income	4,438	4,491	9,182	8,831
	Finance costs	(10,263)	(12,258)	(20,961)	(24,995)
	Gain (loss) on foreign exchange	1,672	(1,206)	1,751	80
	Gain (loss) on disposal of property and equipment	(762)	358	(1,780)	377
	Loss on fuel derivatives	-	(3,062)	-	(6,512)
		(4,915)	(11,677)	(11,808)	(22,219)
Earnings before income tax		61,554	58,788	187,025	153,904

Income tax expense (recovery):
	Current	15,795	11,837	62,448	40,836
	Deferred	1,024	4,472	(11,231)	2,268
		16,819	16,309	51,217	43,104
Net earnings		44,735	42,479	135,808	110,800

Earnings per share:
	Basic	0.34	0.31	1.03	0.81
	Diluted	0.34	0.31	1.02	0.81


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

		June 30, 2013	December 31, 2012
Assets
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	1,223,598	1,408,199
	Restricted cash	37,019	51,623
	Accounts receivable	36,764	37,576
	Prepaid expenses, deposits and other	103,707	101,802
	Inventory	27,368	35,595
		1,428,456	1,634,795
Non-current assets:
	Property and equipment	2,198,899	1,985,599
	Intangible assets	53,847	50,808
	Other assets	77,502	75,413
Total assets		3,758,704	3,746,615

Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	396,790	460,003
	Advance ticket sales	509,761	480,947
	Non-refundable guest credits	46,181	47,859
	Current portion of maintenance provisions	66,694	34,135
	Current portion of long-term debt	167,603	164,909
		1,187,029	1,187,853
Non-current liabilities:
	Maintenance provisions	136,289	145,656
	Long-term debt	522,016	574,139
	Other liabilities	11,827	9,914
	Deferred income tax	348,048	356,748
Total liabilities		2,205,209	2,274,310

Shareholders' equity:
	Share capital	614,195	614,899
	Equity reserves	66,122	69,856
	Hedge reserves	2,141	(5,746)
	Retained earnings	871,037	793,296
Total shareholders' equity		1,553,495	1,472,305

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		3,758,704	3,746,615


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

		Three months ended June 30		Six months ended June 30
		2013	2012	2013	2012

Operating activities:
Net earnings		44,735	42,479	135,808	110,800
Items not involving cash:
	Depreciation and amortization	49,154	47,147	97,173	92,291
	Change in maintenance provisions	4,296	10,567	13,378	18,631
	Change in other liabilities	2,388	(13)	2,181	(212)
	Amortization of hedge settlements	350	350	700	700
	Loss on fuel derivatives	-	3,062	-	6,512
	(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	762	(358)	1,780	(377)
	Share-based payment expense	3,479	3,899	7,054	6,590
	Deferred income tax expense/(recovery)	1,024	4,472	(11,231)	2,268
	Unrealized foreign exchange gain	(3,160)	(1,335)	(4,285)	(1,840)
Change in non-cash working capital		(4,659)	(47,301)	100,821	82,251
Change in restricted cash		13,104	17,370	14,603	18,411
Change in other assets		(808)	(2,486)	(2,747)	(4,027)
Cash interest received		4,540	4,147	9,893	8,738
Cash taxes paid		(20,331)	(399)	(97,514)	(806)
Purchase of shares pursuant to compensation plans		(5,101)	(1,306)	(6,587)	(1,306)
		89,773	80,295	261,027	338,624

Investing activities:
Aircraft additions		(156,864)	(125,690)	(282,345)	(169,454)
Other property and equipment and intangible additions		(16,246)	(20,610)	(39,236)	(33,090)
		(173,110)	(146,300)	(321,581)	(202,544)

Financing activities:
Increase in long-term debt		33,074	37,692	33,074	72,995
Repayment of long-term debt		(41,325)	(40,451)	(82,565)	(80,082)
Decrease in obligations under finance leases		-	(18)	-	(37)
Shares repurchased		(32,549)	(49,928)	(36,613)	(68,749)
Dividends paid		(13,161)	(8,047)	(26,392)	(16,273)
Issuance of shares pursuant to compensation plans		-	110	33	110
Cash interest paid		(8,845)	(10,860)	(18,413)	(22,131)
Change in non-cash working capital		(102)	(1,732)	(557)	(3,360)
		(62,908)	(73,234)	(131,433)	(117,527)

Cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities		(146,245)	(139,239)	(191,987)	18,553
Effect of foreign exchange on cash and cash equivalents		5,043	2,645	7,386	2,060
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(141,202)	(136,594)	(184,601)	20,613

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		1,364,800	1,400,812	1,408,199	1,243,605

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		1,223,598	1,264,218	1,223,598	1,264,218

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 June 30			Six months ended June 30
($ in thousands)	2013	2012	Change	2013	2012	Change
Operating expenses	777,225	738,817	38,408	1,612,103	1,524,109	87,994
Aircraft fuel expense	(241,204)	(242,662)	1,458	(512,252)	(504,734)	(7,518)
Employee profit share expense	(2,834)	(4,651)	1,817	(27,145)	(18,785)	(8,360)
Operating expenses, adjusted	533,187	491,504	41,683	1,072,706	1,000,590	72,116
ASMs	5,888,165,679	5,388,935,462	9.3%	11,920,261,749	11,078,587,427	7.6%
CASM, excluding above items (cents)	9.06	9.12	(0.7%)	9.00	9.03	(0.3%)

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.


($ in thousands)		June 30, 2013	March 31, 2013	Change
Earnings before income taxes		373,349	370,583	2,766
Add:
	Finance costs	44,866	46,861	(1,995)
	Implicit interest in operating leases⁽ⁱ⁾	92,379	91,662	717
		510,594	509,106	1,488
Invested capital:
	Average long-term debt⁽ⁱⁱ⁾	755,622	761,118	(5,496)
	Average obligations under finance leases⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾	1,607	1,616	(9)
	Average shareholders' equity	1,476,841	1,481,111	(4,270)
	Off-balance-sheet aircraft leases^(iv)	1,319,700	1,309,455	10,245
		3,553,770	3,553,300	470
Return on invested capital		14.4%	14.3%	0.1 pts.

(i)	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 for any given period.
(ii)	Average long-term debt includes the current portion and long-term portion.
(iii)	Average obligations under finance leases include 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 June 30, 2013, the trailing 12 months of aircraft leasing costs totalled $175,960 (March 31, 2013 - $174,594).

SOURCE: WestJet

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WestJet ( WJA )

WestJet reports record second quarter net earnings