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                     Corporate Communications

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Delta Air Lines Reports March 2009 Quarter Financial Results

 

 

ATLANTA, April 21, 2009 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today reported financial results for the March 2009 quarter.  Key points include:

 

 

 “Despite the worst economic recession in our lifetime, the fundamental strength of Delta’s business allowed us to deliver breakeven results this quarter, excluding fuel hedge losses and special items. These results would not be possible without the hard work of all Delta employees – they are running a great airline while executing a seamless integration in the midst of this very difficult economic environment.,” said Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer.  “We remain focused on making disciplined decisions about capacity, costs and capital, achieving merger synergies and finding new sources of revenue.

 

Delta completed its merger with Northwest Airlines on Oct. 29, 2008. Unless otherwise indicated, Delta presents financial results on a GAAP basis2 which reflects both Delta and Northwest financial results for the March 2009 quarter, but only Delta standalone results for the March 2008 quarter. Delta believes this presentation is not meaningful in comparing year-over-year performance. As a result, the company also presents financial and operating information on a “combined basis”. The combined basis compares Delta’s GAAP results for the March 2009 quarter to results for the March 2008 quarter including both Delta and Northwest results for the entire period.

 

Revenue Environment

Delta’s operating revenue on a GAAP basis grew 40% to $6.7 billion in the March 2009 quarter as a result of its merger with Northwest Airlines. However, on a combined basis, operating revenue declined $1.2 billion, or 15% year-over-year.

(in millions)

1Q09 GAAP3

 

1Q08 GAAP3

Incr (Decr)

 

1Q09 GAAP3

1Q08 Combined4

Incr (Decr)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger

5,601

 

4,100

37%

 

5,601

6,808

(18%)

Cargo

185

 

134

38%

 

185

331

(44%)

Other, net

898

 

532

69%

 

898

761

18%

Total Operating Revenue

6,684

 

4,766

40%

 

6,684

7,900

(15%)

 
On a combined basis: 
·          Passenger revenue decreased 18%, or $1.2 billion, compared to the prior year period due to the global economic recession and a 6% decline in capacity.  Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) declined 12%, driven by a 9% decline in yield and a 3 point decline in load factor;
·          Cargo revenue declined 44%, or $146 million.  This decline reflects significant weakness in demand and yields due to the global economic recession and declining fuel surcharge revenue, as well as reductions of dedicated freighter capacity; and
·          Other, net revenue grew 18%, or $137 million, primarily due to increased revenue from baggage fees implemented in 2008.
 
Comparisons of revenue-related statistics are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

1Q09 (GAAP3) versus 1Q08 (Combined4)

 

 

1Q09 ($M) GAAP3

 

Change YOY

Unit Revenue

Yield

Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic5

$2,648

 

(21.4%)

(10.8%)

(10.7%)

(12.3%)

 

Atlantic

843

 

(18.6%)

(19.7%)

(11.6%)

1.3%

 

Latin America

321

 

(9.8%)

(10.6%)

(3.2%)

1.1%

 

Pacific

555

 

(7.5%)

(2.8%)

1.0%

(4.8%)

 

Total mainline

4,367

 

(18.6%)

(12.2%)

(9.2%)

(7.3%)

 

Regional

1,234

 

(14.6%)

(13.8%)

(10.8%)

(0.8%)

 

Consolidated

$5,601

 

(17.7%)

(12.1%)

(9.0%)

(6.4%)

 

 
 “Despite signs of stabilization in recent demand trends, we expect the revenue environment to continue to be under significant pressure for the remainder of the year,” said Edward Bastian, Delta’s president.  “We believe lower fuel prices, combined with a focus on accelerating merger synergies and other initiatives will more than offset the revenue decline. The fundamentals of our business remain strong, and once the economic outlook improves, Delta will be best positioned to take advantage of the global recovery.” 
 
Response to Global Recession
In response to the global recession, Delta is implementing the following initiatives in 2009 to increase revenues, reduce costs and preserve liquidity:
·          Effective today, for international travel beginning July 1, Delta will charge customers a $50 fee to check a second bag, which the company expects to generate more than $100 million annually.  
·          To improve profitability in its cargo operation, Delta will ground its entire fleet of 14 B747-200 freighter aircraft effective Dec. 31, 2009 due to that fleet’s age and inefficiency.
·          As previously announced, Delta will reduce international capacity by 10%, compared to the prior year, beginning in September 2009. As a result, in the December 2009 quarter, Delta expects system capacity to be down 6%-8%, and international capacity to be down 9%-11%, year-over-year.
·          Delta is accelerating merger synergies to the extent possible, including certain initiatives related to cross-fleeting, technology, and loyalty programs, among others.
·          More than 2,500 employees participated in Delta’s voluntary early out and early retirement programs offered in January 2009. Most of the employees who elected to participate in these programs are expected to leave the company following the summer travel season. 
 
Cost Discipline
In the March 2009 quarter, Delta’s operating expense on a GAAP basis decreased $3.9 billion year-over-year to $7.2 billion primarily due to a $6.1 billion goodwill impairment charge recorded in the March 2008 quarter and lower fuel expenses, partially offset by the impact of the company’s merger with Northwest Airlines. On a combined basis, excluding special items, operating expense decreased $1.1 billion due primarily to lower fuel expense.  

 

 (in millions)

1Q09 GAAP3

1Q08 GAAP3

Incr (Decr)

 

1Q09 GAAP3

1Q08 Combined4

Incr (Decr)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense

7,167

11,027

(35%)

 

7,167

18,214

(61%)

Operating expense excluding  special items

7,066

4,911

44%

 

7,066

8,158

(13%)

Mainline CASM

11.68

31.70

(63%)

 

11.68

31.34

(63%)

Mainline CASM excluding fuel expense and special items

7.76

7.31

6%

 

7.76

7.40

5%

Non-operating expense

311

129

NM

 

311

215

45%

 
 
On a combined basis: 
·          Mainline unit cost (CASM6) excluding fuel expense and special items increased 5% year-over-year in the March 2009 quarter due to higher pension expense and cost pressure from capacity reductions. These increases were partially offset by lower revenue-related expenses and improved productivity. 
·          Non-operating expenses increased $96 million in the March 2009 quarter primarily due to debt discount amortization related to purchase accounting. 

 

Liquidity Position 
As of March 31, 2009, Delta had $5 billion in unrestricted liquidity, including $4.5 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and $500 million available under an undrawn line of credit. In addition, net cash collateral posted with hedge counterparties was approximately $400 million.
 
Capital expenditures during the quarter were approximately $500 million, including $450 million for aircraft, parts and modifications, net of aircraft sales. In addition, during the quarter, Delta paid approximately $540 million related to debt and capital lease obligations.
 

Delta’s operations generated more than $600 million in cash during the quarter, reflecting our employees’ continued focus on liquidity preservation, productivity improvements, and achieving our targeted synergy benefits,” said Hank Halter, chief financial officer.  “Despite a decline in our expected revenue outlook, we continue to project a profit for the year, as well as grow our unrestricted liquidity to more than $6 billion by the end of the year.

 


Merger with Northwest

Delta completed its merger with Northwest on Oct. 29, 2008, creating the world’s largest airline. During the March 2009 quarter, Delta realized approximately $100 million in merger synergies, and expects to generate at least $500 million in total synergies in 2009. The company is on track in its integration efforts and significant milestones have been accomplished seamlessly. Recent achievements include:

·          Resolving union representation and seniority integration for aircraft maintenance technicians, other Technical Operations employee groups, dispatchers and meteorologists;

·          Receiving recommendations for fair and equitable seniority integration methods from committees representing pre-merger Delta employees in In-Flight Service, Airport Customer Service, Cargo, Reservations and Stores;

·          Offering all Northwest-operated flights for sale on delta.com;

·          Initiating cross-fleeting from our hubs to key markets such as London, Paris and Rome;

·          Aligning Delta’s SkyMiles and Northwest’s WorldPerks programs, including linking frequent flyer accounts, consolidating mileage balances, and offering a three-tiered award structure with more choices for award travel;

·          Completing the integration and re-branding of more than 130 stations, including Northwest’s three domestic hubs in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit and Memphis;

·          Providing consistent domestic onboard products, including expanded food offerings in both First and Economy class, and offering in-flight entertainment on select long-haul Northwest-operated flights;

·          Announcing the consolidation and re-branding of Delta Crown Room Clubs and Northwest WorldClubs into Delta SkyClubs, beginning mid-April; and

·          Outfitting more than 16,000 pre-merger Northwest pilots, flight attendants, SkyClub representatives, and gate and ticketing agents in Delta’s designer uniforms.
 
In addition, Delta remains on track to achieve its Single Operating Certificate by the end of 2009. Progress toward gaining acceptance from the FAA for integrated processes is proceeding smoothly and the company is beginning to harmonize processes as formal approvals are received.

 

Fuel Price and Related Hedges

Delta hedged 77% of its fuel consumption for the March 2009 quarter, which drove $684 million in realized fuel hedge losses for the period. As a result, Delta’s average fuel price for the March 2009 quarter was $2.26 per gallon, including hedge losses, taxes and transportation7.  


 The table below represents the fuel hedges Delta had in place as of April 16, 2009 (see Note A for additional information about Delta’s fuel hedges):

 

1Q

2Q

3Q

4Q

2009

Call options

7%

12%

29%

19%

17%

Collars

33%

26%

4%

0%

16%

Swaps

37%

37%

23%

17%

28%

Total

77%

75%

56%

36%

61%

Downside participation

 

37%

73%

83%

 

All-in projected fuel price / gallon*

 $2.26

 $2.08

 $1.91

 $1.73

 $1.99

Hedge loss/gallon included in projected price

$0.71

$0.45

$0.18

$0.03

$0.34

 
* Includes tax and transportation costs of approximately $0.17/gallon, and call option premiums
 
June 2009 Quarter and Full Year 2009 Guidance
Delta’s projections for the June 2009 quarter and 2009 performance are below. This guidance is presented on a combined basis8.

 

 
2Q 2009 Forecast 
 
2009 Forecast 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel price, including taxes and hedges
$2.08
 
$1.99
 
 
 
 
Operating margin 
4% - 6%
 
4% - 6%
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
$650 million
 
$1.5 billion
 
 
 
 
 
2Q 2009 Forecast (compared to 2Q 2008)
 
2009 Forecast 
(compared to 2008)
 
 
 
 
Mainline unit costs - excluding fuel expense and profit sharing
 
Up 3% - 5%
 
 
Up 4% - 6%
 
 
 
 
System capacity
Down 5% - 7%
 
Down 6% - 8%
     Domestic
Down 6% - 8%
 
Down 8% - 10%
     International
Down 5% - 7%
 
Down 5% - 7%
 
 
 
 
Mainline capacity
Down 6% - 8%
 
Down 6% - 8%
     Domestic
Down 8% - 10%
 
Down 10% - 12%
     International
Down 5% - 7%
 
Down 5% - 7%
 
 

Ancillary Businesses 
Delta’s ancillary businesses include TechOps, the largest airline maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organization in North America, which serves more than 100 aviation and airline customers around the world, and DAL Global Services, which provides general aviation services, training and technical services, and staffing to airlines including Delta.  The following table provides summarized financial information about these businesses for the March 2009 quarter. 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2009

 

TechOps (MRO)

DAL Global Services

Operating Revenue (in millions) 

$126

$49

Operating Margin

12%

4%

 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Items 
Delta recorded $101 million in special items in the March 2009 quarter, consisting primarily of:
·          A $50 million charge for severance primarily related to voluntary workforce reduction programs offered in January 2009; and
·          $49 million in merger-related expenses. 
 
Other Matters

Included with this press release are Delta’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008; a statistical summary for those periods; selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2008; and a reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures.

 

About Delta

Delta Air Lines is the world’s largest airline.  From its hubs in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Salt Lake City, Paris, Amsterdam and Tokyo-Narita, Delta, its Northwest subsidiary and Delta Connection carriers offer service to 368 destinations in 66 countries and serve more than 170 million passengers each year.  Delta’s marketing alliances allow customers to earn and redeem either SkyMiles or WorldPerks on more than 16,000 daily flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta‘s more than 70,000 employees worldwide are reshaping the aviation industry as the only U.S. airline to offer a full global network.  Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.


Endnotes

 

1 Note B to the attached Consolidated Statements of Operations provides a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this release and provides the reasons management uses those measures.

 

2 Delta’s financial results under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) include the results of Northwest Airlines for the periods following the completion of the merger, which occurred on Oct. 29, 2008. Under GAAP, Delta does not include in its financial results the results of Northwest Airlines prior to the completion of the merger.  Accordingly, Delta’s financial results under GAAP for the March 2008 quarter do not include the results of Northwest Airlines for that period. 

 

3 Financial results based on GAAP include consolidated results for both Delta and Northwest for the March 2009 quarter but only Delta standalone for the March 2008 quarter.

 

4 Combined financial information includes results for both Delta and Northwest for the March 2008 quarter.

 

5 Domestic unit revenue, yield and capacity exclude charter operations.

 

6 Delta excludes from mainline unit cost expenses for aircraft maintenance and staffing services which it provides to third parties because these expenses are not related to the generation of a seat mile. Similarly, Delta excludes from passenger unit revenues, and includes in other revenue, revenues received for providing aircraft maintenance and staffing services to third parties, freighter operations and MLT.  Management believes these classifications provide a more consistent and comparable reflection of Delta’s mainline operations.

 

7 March 2009 quarter average fuel price of $2.26 per gallon reflects the consolidated cost per gallon for mainline and regional operations, including contract carrier operations, net of fuel hedge impact.

 

8 Year-over-year guidance comparisons assume the 2008 financial information for the applicable periods include Delta and Northwest results for the entire period, excluding special items and out-of-period fuel hedge losses.

 

 

 

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts, including statements regarding our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections or strategies for the future, may be “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections and strategies reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the cost of aircraft fuel; the effects of the global recession; the effects of the global financial crisis; the impact of posting collateral in connection with our fuel hedge contracts;  the impact that our indebtedness will have on our financial and operating activities and our ability to incur additional debt; the restrictions that financial covenants in our financing agreements will have on our financial and business operations; labor issues; the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of our merger with Northwest; the integration of the Delta and Northwest workforces; interruptions or disruptions in service at one of our hub airports; our increasing dependence on technology in its operations; our ability to retain management and key employees; the ability of our credit card processors to take significant holdbacks in certain circumstances; the effects of terrorist attacks; and competitive conditions in the airline industry. 

 

Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause differences between actual results and forward-looking statements is contained in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.  Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which represent our views only as of April 21, 2009, and which we have no current intention to update.

 


DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three

 

Three

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Months

 

Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

March 31,

 

$ Change

 

% Change

(in millions, except per share data)

 

2009

 

2008(1)

 

 H(L)

 

H(L)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Mainline

 

 $            4,367

 

 $           3,061

 

 $  1,306

 

43%

 

    Regional carriers

 

               1,234

 

              1,039

 

        195

 

19%

 

Total passenger revenue

 

               5,601

 

              4,100

 

     1,501

 

37%

 

Cargo

 

                  185

 

                 134

 

          51

 

38%

 

Other, net

 

                  898

 

                 532

 

        366

 

69%

 

  Total operating revenue

 

               6,684

 

              4,766

 

     1,918

 

40%

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft fuel and related taxes

 

               1,893

 

              1,422

 

        471

 

33%

 

Salaries and related costs

 

               1,867

 

              1,091

 

        776

 

71%

 

Contract carrier arrangements (2)

 

                  908

 

                 928

 

          (20)

 

(2%)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

                  384

 

                 297

 

          87

 

29%

 

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

 

                  424

 

                 268

 

        156

 

58%

 

Contracted services

 

                  458

 

                 254

 

        204

 

80%

 

Passenger commissions and other selling expenses

 

                  356

 

                 225

 

        131

 

58%

 

Landing fees and other rents

 

                  316

 

                 167

 

        149

 

89%

 

Passenger service

 

                  135

 

                   84

 

          51

 

61%

 

Aircraft rent

 

                  121

 

                   64

 

          57

 

89%

 

Impairment of goodwill

 

                      -

 

              6,100

 

   (6,100)

 

NM

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

 

                  99

 

                   16

 

          83

 

NM

 

Other

 

                  206

 

                 111

 

          95

 

86%

 

  Total operating expense

 

               7,167

 

            11,027

 

   (3,860)

 

(35%)

OPERATING  LOSS

 

                (483)

 

            (6,261)

 

     5,778

 

(92%)

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

                (308)

 

               (147)

 

      (161)

 

NM

 

Interest income

 

                    10

 

                   27

 

        (17)

 

(63%)

 

Miscellaneous, net

 

                  (13)

 

                   (9)

 

          (4)

 

(44%)

 

  Total other expense, net

 

                (311)

 

               (129)

 

      (182)

 

NM

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

                (794)

 

            (6,390)

 

     5,596

 

(88%)

INCOME TAX

 

                      -

 

                      -

 

                      -

 

                      -

NET LOSS

 

                (794)

 

            (6,390)

 

     5,596

 

(88%)

BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE

 

 $            (0.96)

 

 $         (16.15)

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES USED IN BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE CALCULATION

 

                  825

 

                 396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Pursuant to GAAP, results for the March 2008 quarter presented in this table reflect Delta standalone results only. See Note B for a representation of “Combined” results for the March 2008 quarter, which includes Northwest results for that period.

(2) Contract carrier arrangements expense includes $195 million and $320 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for aircraft fuel and related taxes.

 

 


 



DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

Selected Balance Sheet Data

(In Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 Mar. 31,

 

 Dec. 31,

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$     4,441

 

 $      4,255

Short-term investments

 

67

 

             212

Restricted cash and cash equivalents  (short-term and long-term)

 

411

 

             453

Total assets

 

44,392

 

        45,014

Total debt and capital leases, including current maturities

 

16,596

 

        16,571

Total shareowners' equity

 

519

 

             874

 


 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 

 

Statistical Summary

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

Combined1

 

Change

 

Consolidated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Passenger Miles (millions) (2)

 

      42,960

 

          47,508

 

(9.6%)

 

 

Available Seat Miles (millions) (2)

 

      55,740

 

          59,575

 

(6.4%)

 

 

Passenger Mile Yield (2)

 

        13.04

˘

            14.33

˘

(9.0%)

 

 

Passenger Revenue per Available Seat Mile (PRASM)(2)

 

        10.05

˘

            11.43

˘

(12.1%)

 

 

Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile (CASM) (2)

 

        12.52

˘

            30.05

˘

(58.3%)

 

 

     CASM excluding Special Items (2) - See Note B

 

12.33

˘

13.17

˘

(6.4%)

 

 

     CASM excluding Special Items and Fuel Expense and Related    Taxes(2) - See Note B

 

8.98

˘

9.07

˘

(1.0%)

 

 

Passenger Load Factor (2)

 

          77.1

%

              79.7

%

(2.6)

 pts

 

Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions) (2)

 

           924

 

            1,022

 

(9.6%)

 

 

Average Price Per Fuel Gallon, net of hedging activity(2)

 

 $    2.26

 

 $    2.90

 

(21.5%)

 

 

Number of Aircraft in Fleet, End of Period

 

1,015

 

1,021

 

NM

 

 

Full-Time Equivalent Employees, End of Period

 

      83,822

 

          89,575

 

(6.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mainline:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue Passenger Miles (millions)

 

      37,201

 

          41,504

 

(10.4%)

 

 

Available Seat Miles (millions)

 

      47,764

 

          51,539

 

(7.3%)

 

 

Operating Cost Per Available Seat Mile (CASM) (3)

 

11.68

˘ 

            31.34

˘ 

(62.7%)

 

 

     CASM excluding Special Items  - See Note B

 

        11.46

˘

            11.83

˘

(3.1%)

 

 

     CASM excluding Special Items and Fuel Expense and Related Taxes - See Note B

 

          7.76

˘

              7.40

˘

4.9%

 

 

Number of Aircraft in Fleet, End of Period

 

           750

 

               799

 

(6.1%)

 

 

1 Data presented reflects operations for both Delta and Northwest for the March 2008 quarter.

2  Data presented includes operations under our contract carrier arrangements.

3  Reflects alignment of mainline CASM calculation methodology between Delta and Northwest. As a result, March 2008 quarter mainline non-fuel CASM (on a combined basis) differs from the previously reported amount of 7.47 cents.

 

 


Note A:

The tables below represent additional information about fuel hedges Delta had in place as of April 16, 2009:

 

2009

 

Positions Purchased Prior to Nov. 15, 2008:

 

 

Q2

 

Q3

 

Q4

Call options

 

7%

 

18%

 

15%

Collar

 

26%

 

4%

 

       -  

Swap

 

    -  

 

       -  

 

       -  

Total

 

33%

 

22%

 

15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avg. crude call cap

 

 $   90

 

$    82

 

 $   86

Avg. crude collar cap

 

 $ 122

 

 $  127

 

 $      -  

Avg. crude collar floor

 

$ 108

 

$  118

 

 $      -  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Positions Purchased Since Nov. 15, 2008:  

Call options

 

5%

 

11%

 

4%

Swap

 

37%

 

23%

 

17%

Total

 

42%

 

34%

 

21%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avg. crude cap

 

  $   59

 

 $    63

 

 $   63

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total hedge percent

 

75%

 

56%

 

36%

 

 

Note B: The following tables show reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures.  The reasons Delta uses these measures are described below.

 

 

·        Delta completed its merger with Northwest Airlines on October 29, 2008. Accordingly, Delta’s financial results under GAAP include the results of Northwest Airlines for the period January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009.

 

Under GAAP, Delta does not include in its financial results the results of Northwest Airlines prior to the completion of the merger.  Accordingly, Delta’s financial results under GAAP for the March 2008 quarter do not include the results of Northwest Airlines for that period.  This impacts the comparability of Delta’s financial statements under GAAP for the March 2009 and 2008 quarters.

 

Delta presents its financial results for the March 2009 and March 2008 quarters under GAAP as well as on a “combined basis.”   “Combined basis” means the company combines the financial results of Delta and Northwest as if the merger had occurred prior to the beginning of the applicable period.  Delta believes presenting this financial information on a combined basis provides a more meaningful basis for comparing Delta’s year-over-year financial performance than the GAAP financial information.

 

This press release also includes guidance for the June 2009 quarter and full year 2009.  Please note the year-over-year guidance comparisons assume the 2008 financial statements for the applicable periods were prepared on a combined basis, excluding special items and out-of-period fuel hedge losses.  Delta is unable to reconcile certain forward-looking projections to GAAP, including projected Mainline non-fuel CASM, as the nature or amount of special items cannot be estimated at this time.

 

·        Delta excludes special items because management believes the exclusion of these items is helpful to investors to evaluate the company’s recurring operational performance.

 

·        Delta excludes non-cash mark-to-market (MTM) adjustments related to fuel hedges settling in future periods in order to present financial results related to operations in the period shown.   

 

·        Delta presents Mainline CASM excluding fuel expense and related taxes because management believes the volatility in fuel prices masks the progress toward achieving business plan targets.

 

·        Mainline cost per available seat mile (CASM) excludes transactions with third parties as these costs are not associated with the generation of a seat mile.  These transactions include expenses related to Delta’s providing maintenance services, staffing services and freight operations as well as Delta’s vacation wholesale operations.

 

 


 

DELTA AIR LINES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Combined Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

(in millions)

Delta1

 

Northwest1

 

Special Items

 

Combined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passenger:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mainline

$3,061

 

       $2,302

 

  $             -  

 

        $5,363

 

Regional carriers

   1,039

 

            406

 

            -  

 

        1,445

 

Total passenger revenue

   4,100

 

          2,708

 

            -  

 

         6,808

 

Cargo

      134

 

             197

 

            -  

 

            331

 

Other, net

     532

 

             229

 

            -  

 

            761

 

  Total operating revenue

   4,766

 

          3,134

 

            -  

 

         7,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft fuel and related taxes

   1,422

 

          1,115

 

            -  

 

         2,537

 

Salaries and related costs

   1,091

 

             728

 

            -  

 

         1,819

 

Contract carrier arrangements

928

 

264

 

            -  

 

         1,192

 

Aircraft maintenance materials and outside repairs

      268

 

             209

 

            -  

 

            477

 

Contracted services

      254

 

             206

 

            -  

 

            460

 

Passenger commissions and other selling expenses

      225

 

             215

 

            -  

 

            440

 

Depreciation and amortization

      297

 

             148

 

       (17)

2

            428

 

Landing fees and other rents

167

 

129

 

            -  

 

296

 

Aircraft rent

        64

 

               54

 

            -  

 

            118

 

Passenger service

        84

 

               59

 

            -  

 

            143

 

Impairment of goodwill

   6,100

 

          3,917

 

(10,017)

3

                 -  

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

        16

 

                  -  

 

       (16)

4

                 -  

 

Other

111

 

143

 

    (6)

5

248

 

  Total operating expense

 11,027

 

          7,187

 

(10,056)

 

         8,158

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME

 (6,261)

 

     (4,053)

 

 10,056

 

       (258)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

   (147)

 

        (114)

 

            -  

 

          (261)

 

Interest income

       27

 

              36

 

            -  

 

             63

 

Miscellaneous, net

        (9)

 

              (8)

 

            -  

 

            (17)

 

  Total other expense, net

    (129)

 

            (86)

 

            -  

 

          (215)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    (6,390)

 

          (4,139)

 

    10,056

 

             (473)

INCOME TAX BENEFIT

           -  

 

                  -  

 

            -  

 

                 -  

NET LOSS

 ($6,390)

 

     ($4,139)

 

$10,056

 

      ($473)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1  Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current presentation.  

 

2  $17M relates to fixed asset impairments

 

 

 

 

 

 

3  $10,017M relates to goodwill impairments

 

 

 

 

 

 

4  $16M relates to severance charges associated with voluntary workforce reduction programs 

 

5  $6M relates to merger-related expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2009

2008

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Net loss

($794)

($6,390)

 

Items excluded:

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill

                    -

             6,100

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

                  99

                  16

 

MTM adjustments to fuel hedges settling in future periods

                    2

                    -

 

Net loss excluding special items

($693)

($274)

 

Northwest net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2008

 

           (4,139)

 

Items excluded

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and other assets

 

             3,934

 

Merger-related expenses

 

                    6

 

Combined net loss excluding special items

 

($473)

 

Combined net loss including special items

 

($10,529)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three

 

 

 

 

Months

 

 

 

 

Ended

 

 

(in millions, except per share data)

03/31/09

 

 

Net loss excluding special items

($693)

 

 

Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding

                825

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share excluding special items

($0.84)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three

 

 

 

 

Months

 

 

 

 

Ended

 

 

(in millions)

03/31/09

 

 

Net loss excluding special items

($693)

 

 

Items excluded:

 

 

 

Fuel hedge losses on contracts that settled in 2009

                684

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss excluding fuel hedge losses and special items

($9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Passenger and operating revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

Passenger

 

 

 

(in millions, except unit data)

Delta

Northwest

Combined

 

Mile Yield

 

PRASM

 

Passenger:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

$1,940

$1,431

$3,371

 

          13.46

 ˘

   10.94

 ˘

Atlantic

                718

                318

             1,036

 

          12.18

 

     9.23

 

Latin America

                356

                  -  

                356

 

          12.72

 

   10.26

 

Pacific

                  47

                553

                600

 

          11.47

 

     9.89

 

Total mainline

             3,061

             2,302

             5,363

 

          12.92

 

   10.41

 

    Regional carriers

             1,039

                406

             1,445

 

          24.07

 

   17.98

 

Total passenger revenue

             4,100

             2,708

             6,808

 

          14.33

 

   11.43

 

Cargo

                134

                197

                331

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

                532

                229

                761

 

 

 

 

 

  Total operating revenue

$4,766

$3,134

$7,900

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

(in millions)

2009

2008

 

Operating expense

$7,167

$11,027

 

Items excluded:

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill

                  -  

           (6,100)

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

                (99)

                (16)

 

MTM adjustments to fuel hedges settling in future periods

                  (2)

                    -

 

Operating expense excluding special items

$7,066

$4,911

 

 

 

 

 

Northwest results for the three months ended March 31, 2008

 

             7,187

 

Items excluded:

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and other assets

 

           (3,934)

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

 

                  (6)

 

Combined operating expense excluding special items

 

 

 

 

 

$8,158

 

Combined operating expense including special items

 

 

 

 

 

$18,214

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

 

($129)

 

Northwest results for the three months ended March 31, 2008

 

                (86)

 

Combined Total other expense, net excluding special items

 

($215)

 

 


 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 GAAP

 

 Combined

 

CASM

               12.86

 ˘

               30.57

 ˘

Transactions with third parties and other

               (0.34)

 

               (0.52)

 

CASM excluding items not related

 

 

 

 

   to generation of a seat mile

               12.52

 ˘

               30.05

 ˘

Items excluded:

 

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and other assets

                    -  

 

             (16.84)

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

               (0.18)

 

               (0.04)

 

MTM adjustments to fuel hedges settling in future periods

               (0.01)

 

                    -  

 

CASM excluding special items

               12.33

 ˘

               13.17

 ˘

Fuel expense and related taxes

               (3.35)

 

               (4.10)

 

CASM excluding fuel expense

 

 

 

 

   and related taxes and special items

                 8.98

 ˘

                 9.07

 ˘

ASMs

             55,740

 

             59,575

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2008

 

 

 

GAAP

 

 Combined

 

GAAP

 

Mainline CASM

               12.14

 ˘

               31.96

 ˘

               32.29

 ˘

Transactions with third parties and other

               (0.46)

 

               (0.62)

 

               (0.59)

 

Mainline CASM excluding items not related

 

 

 

 

 

   to generation of a seat mile

               11.68

 ˘

               31.34

 ˘

               31.70

 ˘

Items excluded:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment of goodwill and other assets

                    -  

 

             (19.47)

 

             (20.15)

 

Restructuring and merger-related items

 

               (0.21)

 

               (0.04)

 

               (0.05)

 

MTM adjustments to fuel hedges settling in future periods

               (0.01)

 

                    -  

 

                    -  

 

Mainline CASM excluding special items

               11.46

 ˘

               11.83

 ˘

               11.50

 ˘

Fuel expense and related taxes

               (3.70)

 

               (4.43)

 

               (4.33)

 

Mainline CASM excluding fuel expense

 

 

 

 

 

   and related taxes and special items

                 7.76

 ˘

                 7.40

 ˘

                 7.17

 ˘

ASMs

             47,764

 

             51,539

 

             30,270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FORECAST

 

 

 

 

June 2009 Quarter

 

Full Year 2009

 

 

 

 

 Projected Range

 

Projected Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mainline CASM projection

 

    11.19

˘

    11.33

˘

    11.22

˘

    11.36

˘

Items excluded:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transactions with third parties and other

 

     (0.55)

 

     (0.55)

 

     (0.58)

 

     (0.58)

 

Profit Sharing

 

          -  

 

          -  

 

     (0.03)

 

     (0.03)

 

Fuel expense and related taxes

 

     (3.37)

 

     (3.37)

 

     (3.21)

 

     (3.21)

 

Mainline CASM projection excluding fuel expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 and related taxes and special items

 

      7.27

˘

      7.41

˘

      7.40

˘

      7.54

˘

Change year-over-year in Mainline CASM excluding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fuel expense and related taxes and special items

 

3%

 

5%

 

4%

 

6%