EX-99.1 2 skyw-20220203xex99d1.htm EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

Graphic

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT:

Investor Relations

Corporate Communications

435.634.3200

435.634.3553

Investor.relations@skywest.com

corporate.communications@skywest.com

SkyWest, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Annual 2021 Profit

Fourth Quarter and Annual 2021 Highlights

Q4 2021 Pre-tax income of $5 million, net income of $4 million, or $0.09 per diluted share
Full year 2021 pre-tax income of $151 million, net income of $112 million, or $2.20 per diluted share
Full year 2021 adjusted pre-tax income of $235 million, adjusted net income of $176 million, or $3.46 per diluted share, excluding a non-cash impairment charge in Q3 20211
As previously announced, we have partnered with Eve Air Mobility, an Embraer company (“Eve”), including an option to purchase up to 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (“eVTOL”)

ST. GEORGE, UTAH, February 3, 2022 -- SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW) (“SkyWest”) today reported financial and operating results for Q4 2021, including net income of $4 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $46 million, or $0.93 loss per share, for Q4 2020. SkyWest also reported net income of $112 million, or $2.20 per diluted share, for the 2021 year, compared to a net loss of $9 million, or $0.17 loss per share, for the 2020 year. Adjusted net income in 2021 was $176 million, or $3.46 per diluted share1. SkyWest’s financial results improved from 2020 due to the flying demand recovery from COVID-19.

Commenting on the results, Chip Childs, Chief Executive Officer of SkyWest, said, “We continued to see very strong demand for our product during the fourth quarter. While we are facing new headwinds as the industry prepares to operate in a post-pandemic environment and we work to rebalance staffing, we remain focused on delivering an exceptional product. I want to thank our people for their ongoing flexibility and good work as we navigate this very dynamic period.

1 See the financial statements, “Non-GAAP Information” and the related reconciliation sections of this release for more information.

1


Financial Results

Revenue was $777 million in Q4 2021, up from $590 million in Q4 2020, or 32%, as SkyWest’s Q4 2021 block hours on completed flights were up 30% from Q4 2020.

SkyWest recognized $23 million of previously deferred revenue of fixed monthly payments in Q4 2021, whereas SkyWest deferred recognizing revenue on $12 million of fixed monthly payments in Q4 2020. SkyWest will recognize the remaining $104 million of deferred revenue from the fixed monthly payments on a completed block hour basis over the term of the remaining contracts.

Operating expenses were $744 million in Q4 2021, up from $617 million in Q4 2020, or 21%. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to an increase in flights operated in Q4 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.

Capital and Liquidity

SkyWest had $860 million in cash and marketable securities at December 31, 2021, up from $826 million at December 31, 2020.

Total debt at December 31, 2021 was $3.1 billion, down from $3.2 billion at December 31, 2020. Capital expenditures during Q4 2021 were $304 million for the purchase of twelve new E175 aircraft, four used CRJ700 aircraft and spare engines and $18 million for other fixed assets.

Status Update on Previously Announced Agreements

SkyWest is coordinating with its major airline partners to optimize the timing of upcoming fleet deliveries under previously announced agreements. The anticipated future delivery dates summarized below are based on currently available information and are subject to change.

Flying contract with American for 20 E175 aircraft

Six aircraft were delivered in Q3 2021, twelve aircraft were delivered in Q4 2021, and two deliveries are expected in the first half of 2022. The 20 aircraft are scheduled to be placed into service in 2022.
SkyWest used debt to finance the 18 aircraft delivered in 2021 and anticipates financing the remaining two aircraft through debt.

Flying contract with Delta for 16 E175 aircraft

16 aircraft deliveries are anticipated in 2022. The aircraft are scheduled to be placed into service in 2022.
SkyWest anticipates financing the aircraft through debt.
The 16 new E175 aircraft will replace 16 CRJ900 aircraft we have under contract with Delta.

2


Flying contract with Alaska for eleven E175 aircraft

Ten aircraft deliveries are anticipated in 2022 and one delivery in the first half of 2023. The aircraft are scheduled to be placed into service in 2022 and early 2023.
SkyWest anticipates financing the aircraft through debt.

Combined, SkyWest anticipates placing 47 new E175 aircraft into service in 2022 and early 2023, of which 18 aircraft were delivered and debt financed as of December 31, 2021 and 29 aircraft have deliveries scheduled in 2022 or early 2023.

Flying contract with American for CRJ700 aircraft

SkyWest placed eight CRJ700s under contract during Q4 2021.
SkyWest had 90 CRJ700s under contract with American at the end of 2021.

Partnership with Eve for eVTOL aircraft

SkyWest previously announced a partnership with Eve, an Embraer company, giving SkyWest an opportunity to further its commitment to sustainability. SkyWest’s non-binding agreement with Eve gives SkyWest the option to purchase up to 100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Eve anticipates its four-passenger eVTOL aircraft will be certified and available for service after 2025.

Production Outlook

Given recent staffing challenges, we currently anticipate our block hours in 2022 may be down approximately 10%-15% from our 2021 production.

Non-GAAP Information

In addition, SkyWest has included in the schedules attached to this release a reconciliation of certain non-GAAP information to the most directly comparable GAAP information. The non-GAAP information presented in this release should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any measure derived in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP information may also be inconsistent with the manner in which similar measures are derived or used by other companies. Management uses such non-GAAP information for financial and operational decision-making purposes and as a means to evaluate period-over-period comparisons and in forecasting SkyWest’s business going forward. Management believes that the presentation of such non-GAAP information, when considered in conjunction with the most directly comparable GAAP information, provides additional useful comparative information for investors in their assessment of the underlying performance of SkyWest’s business without regard to these items. SkyWest has provided reconciling information in the attached schedules.

3


About SkyWest

SkyWest, Inc. is the holding company for SkyWest Airlines and SkyWest Leasing, an aircraft leasing company. SkyWest Airlines has a fleet of over 500 aircraft connecting passengers to over 230 destinations throughout North America. SkyWest Airlines operates through partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines carrying more than 36 million passengers in 2021 and 21 million passengers in 2020.

SkyWest will host its conference call to discuss its fourth quarter 2021 results today, February 3, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The conference call number is 1-833-968-2197 for domestic callers, and 1-236-714-2973 for international callers. Please call up to ten minutes in advance to ensure you are connected prior to the start of the call. The conference call will also be available live on the Internet at https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3578557/29522E6764A636BDACB53BFB8A91F760. This press release and additional information regarding SkyWest, including access information for the digital rebroadcast of the fourth quarter 2021 results call, participation at investor conferences and investor presentations can be accessed at inc.skywest.com.

Forward Looking-Statements

In addition to historical information, this release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “forecasts,” "expects," "intends," "believes," "anticipates," “estimates,” "should," "likely" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SkyWest’s business, financial condition and results of operations, the scheduled aircraft deliveries for SkyWest in upcoming periods, including SkyWest’s option to purchase up to 100 eVTOL aircraft, and related removal from service and/or placement into service of certain aircraft, the return to pre-COVID production levels and expected timing thereof, expected production levels in 2022 and associated staffing challenges, SkyWest’s coordination with major airline partners to optimize the delivery of aircraft under previously announced agreements, the expected terms, timing and benefits related to SkyWest’s leasing and joint venture transactions, as well as SkyWest’s future financial and operating results, plans, objectives, expectations, estimates, intentions and outlook, and other statements that are not historical facts. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to SkyWest as of such date. SkyWest assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law. Readers should note that many factors could affect the future operating and financial results of SkyWest and could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements set forth in this release. These factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the impact of the funding received under the U.S. Treasury Department’s payroll support programs on SkyWest’s business and operations, the continued uncertainty of the duration, scope and impact of COVID-19, a further spread or worsening of COVID-19, and other potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases or other health concerns, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic to economic conditions, the travel industry and our major partners in general and the financial condition and operating results of SkyWest in particular, the prospects of entering into agreements with existing or other carriers to fly new aircraft, the ability of Eve to obtain the required certifications to manufacture and sell its eVTOL aircraft and for the parties to realize anticipated synergies associated with such partnership, ongoing negotiations between SkyWest and its major partners regarding their contractual obligations, uncertainties regarding operation of new aircraft, the ability to

4


attract and retain qualified pilots and related staffing challenges, the impact of regulatory issues such as pilot rest rules and qualification requirements, and the ability to obtain aircraft financing.

Actual operational and financial results of SkyWest will likely also vary, and may vary materially, from those anticipated, estimated, projected or expected for a number of other reasons, including, in addition to those identified above: the existing global COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreak of any other disease or similar public health threat that affects travel demand or travel behavior; the challenges of competing successfully in a highly competitive and rapidly changing industry; developments associated with fluctuations in the economy and the demand for air travel, including related to the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and related decreases in customer demand and spending; the financial stability of SkyWest’s major partners and any potential impact of their financial condition on the operations of SkyWest; fluctuations in flight schedules, which are determined by the major partners for whom SkyWest conducts flight operations; variations in market and economic conditions; significant aircraft lease and debt commitments; estimated useful life of long-lived assets, residual aircraft values and related impairment charges; labor relations and costs; the impact of global instability; rapidly fluctuating fuel costs, and potential fuel shortages; the impact of weather-related or other natural disasters on air travel and airline costs; aircraft deliveries; and other unanticipated factors. Risk factors, cautionary statements and other conditions which could cause SkyWest’s actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations are contained in SkyWest’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Additionally, the risks, uncertainties and other factors set forth above or otherwise referred to in the reports that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be further amplified by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5


SkyWest, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars and Shares in Thousands, Except per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

December 31,

December 31,

    

2021

    

2020

    

2021

    

2020

OPERATING REVENUES:

Flying agreements

$

751,834

$

569,889

$

2,615,076

$

2,060,801

Lease, airport services and other

 

25,329

 

19,748

 

98,415

 

66,305

Total operating revenues

 

777,163

 

589,637

 

2,713,491

 

2,127,106

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Salaries, wages and benefits

 

267,796

 

212,214

 

986,664

 

826,109

Aircraft maintenance, materials and repairs

 

213,302

 

187,335

 

817,803

 

618,989

Depreciation and amortization

 

111,109

 

110,146

 

440,198

 

474,959

Airport-related expenses

 

32,212

 

23,694

 

104,690

 

93,886

Aircraft fuel

 

29,435

 

15,864

 

107,057

 

61,739

Aircraft rentals

 

16,046

 

15,779

 

63,357

 

65,316

Special items - impairment charges

84,592

Payroll support grant

(3,353)

(422,669)

(345,491)

Other operating expenses

 

74,311

 

55,627

 

255,932

 

222,797

Total operating expenses

 

744,211

 

617,306

 

2,437,624

 

2,018,304

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

32,952

 

(27,669)

 

275,867

 

108,802

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

Interest income

 

382

 

227

 

1,114

 

5,879

Interest expense

 

(28,848)

 

(31,893)

 

(123,122)

 

(123,173)

Other income (expense), net

 

553

 

(40)

 

(3,249)

 

1,165

Total other expense, net

 

(27,913)

 

(31,706)

 

(125,257)

 

(116,129)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

5,039

 

(59,375)

 

150,610

 

(7,327)

PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES

 

707

 

(12,925)

 

38,700

 

1,188

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

4,332

$

(46,450)

$

111,910

$

(8,515)

BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

$

0.09

$

(0.93)

$

2.22

$

(0.17)

DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

$

0.09

$

(0.93)

$

2.20

$

(0.17)

Weighted average common shares:

Basic

 

50,380

 

50,181

 

50,348

 

50,195

Diluted

 

50,833

 

50,181

 

50,753

 

50,195

6


SkyWest, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Summary of Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

December 31,

    

December 31,

    

2021

    

2020

Cash and marketable securities

$

860,410

$

825,908

Other current assets

 

208,183

 

156,894

Total current assets

 

1,068,593

 

982,802

Property and equipment, net

5,373,635

5,330,423

Deposits on aircraft

 

124,964

 

31,625

Other long-term assets

 

558,755

 

542,772

Total assets

$

7,125,947

$

6,887,622

Current portion, long-term debt

$

391,798

$

402,158

Other current liabilities

802,823

539,564

Total current liabilities

1,194,621

941,722

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

2,717,420

2,801,538

Other long-term liabilities

946,392

1,004,817

Stockholders' equity

2,267,514

2,139,545

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

7,125,947

$

6,887,622

7


SkyWest, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Additional Operational Information (unaudited)

SkyWest’s fleet in scheduled service or under contract by aircraft type:

    

December 31, 2021

    

September 30, 2021

    

December 31, 2020

E175 aircraft

 

211

 

199

 

193

CRJ900 aircraft

 

44

 

40

 

39

CRJ700 aircraft

 

114

 

106

 

90

CRJ200 aircraft

 

140

 

141

 

130

Total aircraft in service or under contract

 

509

 

486

 

452

As of December 31, 2021, SkyWest leased 34 CRJ700s and five CRJ900s to third parties (these aircraft are excluded from the table above). The E175 aircraft counts are based on delivery date.

Selected operational data:

For the three months ended December 31,

For the twelve months ended December 31,

Block hours by aircraft type:

    

2021

    

2020

    

% Change

2021

    

2020

    

% Change

E175s

 

166,598

124,081

34.3

%

613,465

435,557

40.8

%

CRJ900s

28,826

21,426

34.5

%

116,576

66,640

74.9

%

CRJ700s

74,639

56,313

32.5

%

289,902

200,860

44.3

%

CRJ200s

 

78,876

65,708

20.0

%

299,685

270,281

10.9

%

Total block hours

348,939

267,528

30.4

%

1,319,628

973,338

35.6

%

 

 

Departures

 

199,300

157,726

26.4

%

749,943

585,257

28.1

%

Passengers carried

 

10,736,113

5,672,695

89.3

%

36,608,918

21,255,931

72.2

%

Adjusted flight completion

98.6

%  

99.9

%  

(1.3)

pts

99.6

%  

99.9

%  

(0.3)

pts

Raw flight completion

97.1

%  

99.3

%  

(2.2)

pts

98.2

%  

97.8

%  

0.4

pts

Passenger load factor

 

81.9

%  

55.5

%  

26.4

pts

74.6

%  

56.4

%  

18.2

pts

Average trip length

 

519

515

0.8

%

532

500

6.4

%

Adjusted flight completion percent excludes weather cancellations. Raw flight completion includes weather cancellations.

8


Reconciliation to Adjusted Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share

(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Diluted Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021

Pretax income

Income tax benefit (expense)

Net income

Net income per diluted share

GAAP Income

$

150,610

$

(38,700)

$

111,910

$

2.20

2021 Adjustments (1)

84,592

(20,683)

63,909

Non-GAAP Adjusted Income

$

235,202

$

(59,383)

$

175,819

$

3.46

(1)Adjusts for a non-cash impairment charge on SkyWest Airlines operated CRJ900 aircraft in Q3 2021. These CRJ900 aircraft will be replaced by new E175 aircraft in 2022 and 2023 and are not expected to be extended under the existing flying contract.

9