WIZZ AIR
HOLDINGS PLC - RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS TO 31
DECEMBER 2023
Q3 F24
RESULTS:
CONTINUED CAPACITY AND
TRAFFIC GROWTH
LSE: WIZZ
Geneva, 25 January 2024: Wizz Air Holdings Plc ("Wizz Air",
"the Company" or "the Group"), the fastest-growing European
low-cost airline, today issues unaudited results for the three
months to 31 December 2023 ("third quarter", "Q3" or
"Q3 F24").
This interim financial report does not include all the notes
of the type normally included in an annual
financial report. Accordingly, this report should be read in
conjunction with the annual report for the year ended 31 March 2023 and any public announcements made by
Wizz Air Holdings Plc during the interim reporting
period.
For
the three months ended 31 December
|
2023
|
2022
|
Change2
|
Passengers carried
|
15,129,491
|
12,391,074
|
22.1%
|
Total revenue (€ million)
|
1,064.8
|
911.7
|
16.8%
|
EBITDA (€
million)1
|
18.7
|
(2.8)
|
n.m.
|
EBITDA Margin
(%)1
|
1.8
|
(0.3)
|
2.1ppt
|
Operating loss for the period (€
million)
|
(180.4)
|
(155.5)
|
16.0%
|
Unrealised foreign currency gain (€
million)
|
90.0
|
220.9
|
(59.3)%
|
(Loss)/profit for the period (€
million)
|
(105.4)
|
33.5
|
n.m.
|
RASK (€ cent)
|
3.43
|
3.73
|
(8.0)%
|
Total CASK (€ cent)
|
4.10
|
4.50
|
(8.9)%
|
Fuel CASK (€ cent)
|
1.63
|
2.01
|
(18.6)%
|
Ex-fuel CASK (€ cent)
|
2.47
|
2.49
|
(1.1)%
|
Total cash (€
million)1,3
|
1,691.7
|
1,529.0
|
10.6%
|
Load factor (%)
|
87.6
|
87.3
|
0.3ppt
|
Period-end fleet size
|
195
|
177
|
10.2%
|
Period-end seat count
(thousand)
|
17,272
|
14,192.6
|
21.7%
|
1
For further definition of non-financial measures
presented refer to "Glossary of terms and alternative performance
measures (APMS)" section of this document. These measures
incorporate certain non-financial information that management
believes is useful when assessing the performance of the
Group.
2 n.m.: not meaningful as a variance is more
than (-)100 per cent.
3 Total cash is a non-statutory
financial performance measure and comprises cash and cash
equivalents (31 December 2023:
€1,506.9 million; 31 March
2023: €1,408.6 million), short-term cash deposits
(31 December 2023: €82.3 million; 31 March 2023:
nil) and total current and non-current restricted cash
(31 December 2023: €102.5 million; 31 March 2023:
€120.4 million).
HIGHLIGHTS
▶ 26.9 per cent higher ASK capacity in
Q3 vs last year.
▶ Record traffic of 15.1 million
passengers in Q3 (vs 12.4 million last
year) and 60.3 million in CY 2023.
▶ Load factor 87.6 per cent (vs
87.3 per cent last year).
▶ Unit revenue (RASK) decreased by
8.0 per cent year-on-year, with capacity
growth and Israel traffic redeployment.
▶ A return to positive Q3 EBITDA of
€18.7 million, in line with pre-pandemic positive
performance.
▶ Unit cost (CASK) decreased by 8.9 per cent year-on-year,
driven by lower fuel cost.
▶ Ex-fuel CASK decreased by 1.1 per cent year-on-year, driven by higher utilization
and structural benefits.
▶ Total cash balance at €1.7
billion.
▶ Operational metrics (including cancellations of Israel flights
at the start of the quarter):
▶ Flight completion rate at 99.3 per
cent (flat vs last year).
▶ On-time performance increased to 72.2
per cent (vs 62.3 per cent in last
year).
▶ Total fleet utilization up to 11:35
hours (vs 10:31 hours in last
year).
▶ Operational utilization to 12:15 hours
(vs 10:31 hours in last year).
▶ Restarting operations into Israel with routes from Budapest,
Sofia, Bucharest, Krakow, London, Rome to Tel Aviv from beginning
of March.
▶ No change to GTF engine removal projections; 13 impacted
aircraft-on-ground at 31 December 2023 and 33 as of 24 January
2024; OEM compensation received for Q3; expect a total of around 40
aircraft grounded at F24-end and F25 ASK capacity flat
year-on-year.
▶ Network and schedules adjusted to lower capacity growth; NEO
fleet deployed to longer sectors;
▶ Delivered nine new A321NEOs (expect 12 more in Q4 and 30 in
F25); finalized 13 lease extensions; added three dry leases
(ex-Wizz Air aircraft), accelerating spare engine
deliveries.
József Váradi, Wizz Air Chief Executive Officer commented on
business developments in the period:
"Wizz Air continued to deliver industry-leading capacity
growth during the third quarter, ahead of the anticipated grounding
of aircraft in Q4 as GTF engines are removed for mandatory
inspections. We have worked hard to adjust the schedule in line
with updated capacity projections, focusing on seasonality and
markets with the greatest potential to deliver stronger yields and
optimal operational performance. We
continue to actively manage the GTF engine issues to minimize the
impact on our operations.
At
the beginning of the quarter we faced geopolitical crises in Israel
and the Middle East and have responded by cancelling affected
flights to protect our passengers, employees, assets and general
public.
Despite the associated flight cancellations and redeployment
of capacity at short notice, we managed operations well, delivering
improved on-time performance and significantly better utilization,
year-on-year.
While a portion of our fleet will remain grounded this year,
our key markets continue to grow and evolve. We remain committed to
stimulating demand in smaller markets, and have relaunched inbound
operations to Chisinau, Moldova in December, while delivering
additional aircraft to Kutaisi, Georgia.
Globally, we continue to be recognized for our
industry-leading sustainability and safety records. We have
received awards from CAPA for being a Global Environmental
Sustainability Airline Group of the Year award for the second
consecutive year (2022, 2023) and World's Top 5 Safest Low-Cost
Airline Award by AirlineRatings.com."
On
current trading and the outlook, Mr Váradi added:
"Trading at the start of Q4 has been positive. Selling load
factors are trending at similar levels to last year, while unit
revenues (RASK) are up year-on-year, specifically during March and
around Easter holidays. Having adjusted ASK capacity for Q4 (+c.15
per cent vs last year) we are finalizing the schedule for the
spring/ summer '24 period and at this time, expect to operate flat
capacity year-on-year in H1 F25.
As
we look towards fiscal year '25 we are on track to operate flat ASK
capacity year-on-year, supported by new aircraft deliveries, lease
extensions, third party aircraft and
driving higher utilization.
We
remain committed to effective cost management, utilization of
assets and productivity, all of which are paramount in the coming
periods, and we are confident in our ability to manage these
factors. There are opportunities for us to optimize
operations and achieve better trading yields, as overall market
capacity is likely to remain subdued for some time due to both the
macro-economic environment, and other external
pressures.
While financial performance in the last quarter was materially
affected by the suspension and reallocation of Israel capacity, we
maintain our expectations for F24 net income, which are underpinned
by positive trading at the start of Q4, reduced capacity in the
same period, and OEM compensation for the grounded
aircraft.
Based on our assessment of the overall impact of mandatory
engine inspections, we are confident that our long-term growth
plans of operating a fleet of 500 aircraft by the end of the decade
remain unaffected."
NEAR-TERM AND FORWARD OUTLOOK
▶ Capacity (ASKs): Q4 F24 +15 per cent YoY; H1 F25 flat YoY; F25 flat YoY.
▶ Load factor: F24 above 90 per cent.
▶ Revenue: F24 RASK mid-single digit higher YoY.
▶ Cost: F24 ex-fuel CASK mid-to-high single digit lower
YoY.
▶ Financial performance: maintain F24 net income guidance range
of €350-400 million, supported by positive trading, higher
utilization of operational fleet, one-off benefits from OEM cost
protection and credits from deferred sale and lease-back
transactions materializing in the fourth quarter.
▶ The above guidance is based on current visibility in relation
to external events (including macro, security, infrastructure
and/or supply chain developments), revenue performance, as well as
any airworthiness directive in relation to GTF engine inspections
and a number of available spare engines.
REVENUE, COST AND CASH HIGHLIGHTS
Total revenue amounted to
€1,064.8 million an increase of 16.8 per cent
versus Q3 F23:
▶ Passenger ticket revenue1 increased by 19.2 per cent to
€553.9 million.
▶ Ancillary revenue1 increased by 14.3 per cent to
€510.9 million.
▶ Total unit revenue decreased by 8.0 per cent to 3.43 Euro
cents per available seat kilometre (ASK).
▶ Ticket RASK decreased by 6.1 per cent
to 1.79 Euro cents year-on-year, reflecting
lower ticket revenue due to the latest
Israel-Hamas war, weaker regional demand and extra capacity
added in the period ahead of Q4 GTF engine removals.
▶ Ancillary RASK decreased by
10.0 per cent to 1.65 Euro cents year-on-year, as ticket yield pressure
transferred also to ancillary revenue and last year's figure
contained partial impact from one-off COVID related
revenue.
▶ EBITDA
increased to
€18.2 million.
Total operating costs increased by 16.7 per cent to
€1,245.2 million versus Q3
F23:
▶ Total unit costs (including net financing expense)
decreased by 8.9
per cent to 4.10 Euro cents per
ASK.
▶ Ex-fuel unit costs decreased by
1.1 per cent to 2.47 Euro cents per ASK, mainly driven by added
capacity, improved utilization, lower net financing expenses and
impact of GTF engine compensations recorded in the
period.
▶ Fuel unit costs decreased by
18.6 per cent to 1.63 Euro cents per ASK, driven by lower fuel
cost.
Total cash increased by 10.6 per cent to
€1,691.7 million from €1,529.0 million. Net FX gain amounted to €88.1 million (Q3 F23:
€224.2 million) of which €90.0 million was unrealized (Q3
F23: €220.9 million), as the EUR
strengthened during the quarter versus USD and USD liabilities were
revalued at the end of period.
ISRAEL AND GEOPOLITICAL CRISES IN MIDDLE
EAST
Wizz Air cancelled circa six per
cent of its planned capacity for Q3 in the early October, as the
crises unfolded in Israel. Affected capacity was redeployed across
the network at short notice, which partly contributed to lower load
factors in the period. The conflict caused a spillover effect to
seasonal demand for travel to the nearby markets of Jordan and
Egypt, whose capacity was partially also redeployed, accounting for
additional three per cent of redeployed capacity. On the group
level, the impact on unit revenue was circa 0.10 € cents in the
period. More recently and following a comprehensive security
analysis Wizz Air is restarting operations into Israel with a
routes from Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest, Krakow, London, Rome to Tel
Aviv from beginning of March.
GTF
ENGINE UPDATE
As of January 24, 2024, Wizz Air had
33 aircraft on the ground because of GTF engine related matters.
The company is expecting circa 40 aircraft to be grounded at the
end of F24 (including aircraft grounded since September '23). At
the time of the press release the Company is maintaining its
assumptions for average expected shop visit time needed to return
engines back to service of circa 300 days, number of allocated MRO
induction slots staying the same (based on agreement with OEM) and
is advancing new spare engine deliveries over the next six months.
Wizz Air has actively managed its fleet to minimize the impact of
grounding, deploying NEO fleet to longer sectors, delivering
new aircraft and extending existing leases to shore up the flying
capacity. As announced previously, it has secured the OEM support
package (including compensation for grounded aircraft) that
protects near and long-term operational and financial impact to the
business. OEM compensation has been received for the Q3
period.
1 For further definition of non-financial measures presented
refer to "Glossary of terms and alternative performance measures
(APMS)" section of this document.
NETWORK UPDATES
▶ Following a comprehensive evaluation of safety factors, Wizz
Air has restarted inbound flights to Chisinau, Moldova from 14
December. It intends to gradually reintroduce operations, including
reopening its base there.
▶ During the quarter we announced additional aircraft for Poland
(Gdansk and Warsaw).
▶ Wizz Air Abu Dhabi celebrated a record-breaking year in CY
2023, doubling the number of flights to 15,000 and carrying more
than three million passengers. The current fleet of 12 aircraft in
Abu-Dhabi flies to 40 destinations in 27 countries.
▶ Wizz Air flew 60.3 million passengers in the calendar year
2023, setting a new record for the highest number of passengers
flown in any twelve-month period during the company's eighteen-year
history.
▶ Wizz Air grew its market share to 26 per cent (+1 per cent vs
Q3 F23) in CEE, retaining its market leadership in the region. It
is the top airline in three of its core CEE markets (Romania,
Hungary and Bulgaria).
FLEET UPDATE
▶ In the three months ended 31 December
2023 Wizz Air took delivery of nine new A321neo aircraft,
and one A320ceo was redelivered, ending the third quarter with a
total fleet of 195 aircraft: 39x A320ceo, 41x A321ceo, 6x A320neo,
109x A321neo.
▶ Delivered aircraft were financed through eight sale and
leaseback transactions and one JOLCO (Japanese Operating Lease with
Call Option).
▶ Wizz Air documented thirteen lease extensions, four of which
are A321ceo with 230 seats and the rest are 180 seater A320ceos.
The lease extensions range between two and four years and have been
secured at both discounted and original lease
rates.
▶ We have agreed to dry lease three former Wizz Air A320ceos at
terms equivalent to original lease.
▶ The average age of the fleet currently stands at 4.2 years,
one of the youngest fleets of any major European airline, while the
average number of seats per aircraft has climbed to 224 as at
December 2023.
▶ The share of new "neo" technology aircraft within Wizz Air's
fleet increased to 59 per cent by the end of Q3 F24 and is planned
to surpass 60 per cent by the end of F24.
▶ For the remainder of F24 we expect twelve new A321neo aircraft
delivery, while three A320ceo aircraft will be redelivered to
lessors and will exit the fleet.
▶ As at 31 December 2023, Wizz Air's delivery backlog comprises
a firm order for 13 x A320neo, 277 x A321neo and 47 x A321XLR
aircraft, a total of 340 aircraft.
▶ The table below provides expected number of aircraft for the
current and next fiscal years, including lease extensions. Figures
reflect Airbus contractual delivery timelines (excluding expected
delays). The company expects c.15 aircraft to be delayed in period
ending March 2025 and March 2026, respectively.
|
March
2024
|
March
2025
|
March
2026
|
|
Planned
|
Planned
|
Planned
|
A320ceo (180/186 seats) (9x
extension)
|
39
|
32
|
20
|
A320neo (186 seats)
|
6
|
6
|
9
|
A321ceo (230 seats) (4x
extensions)
|
41
|
41
|
29
|
A321neo (239 seats)
|
121
|
162
|
219
|
A321neo XLR (239 seats)
|
-
|
2
|
11
|
Fleet size (with finalised
extensions)
|
207
|
243
|
288
|
FINANCIAL UPDATE
▶ As of 22 January 2024, using jet fuel zero-cost collars, Wizz
Air has a hedge coverage of 62 per cent for its jet fuel needs for
the remainder of F24 at a price of 797/914 $/mT. For F25, the
coverage is 37 per cent at the price of 747/854 $/mT. The jet
fuel-related EUR/USD FX coverage stands at 64 per cent for F24 at
1.0686/1.1114, while the coverage for F25 stands at 36 per cent at
1.0923/1.1359 rates.
▶ The initial €500 million bond that matured in January 2024 was
repaid from cash.
▶ The Company signed repurchase agreement for its inventory of
EU emissions trading scheme credits, receiving 253.8
million.
▶ The outstanding balance on the PDP facility at the end of
December 2023 stands at €235.7
million.
▶ Net debt1 at the end of 31 December 2023 was
€4,243.8 million vs €3,892.8 million at the end of 31 March 2023,
while the Company's leverage ratio1 (net debt to EBITDA)
decreased from the F23 year-end 29.0 to 5.2. Over the same period,
liquidity1 reduced to c.32% per cent.
▶ The Company received OEM compensation from Pratt & Whitney
related to GTF engine issues. The compensation relates to costs
incurred in the period ended 31 December 2023. These credits are
presented as net of other expenses in the condensed consolidated
interim statement of comprehensive income.
1 For further definition of non-financial measures presented
refer to "Glossary of terms and alternative performance measures
(APMS)" section of this document.
SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
Wizz Air's CO2 emissions amounted to
51.5 grams per passenger for the rolling twelve months to 31
December 2023, continuing to improve its carbon intensity. We
continue to be focused on delivering value for all stakeholders and
to further our environmental and social agenda. The most material
ESG related developments during the three months ending December
2023 were:
Month
|
Project
|
Description
|
November 2023
|
CAPA Awards
|
For the second consecutive year Wizz
Air was named Global Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of
the Year by CAPA (Centre for Aviation).
|
November 2023
|
First fully electric turnaround at
Budapest Airport
|
Wizz Air and Menzies Aviation, the
leading service partner to the world's airports and airlines,
performed fully electric turnarounds at Budapest Airport.
Currently, Menzies Aviation provides fully electric turns for two
Wizz Air aircraft simultaneously at Budapest Airport.
|
November 2023
|
Annual Sustainability
Month
|
Wizz Air initiated its second,
annual Sustainability Month campaign, launching a network-wide
competition. The WIZZ Sustainability Ambassadors took an active
role inspiring employees to use green transportation, coordinating
team activities like tree planting events, and aiding those in need
through charitable donations.
|
November 2023
|
Employee Engagement
Survey
|
53% of employees participated
reaching a score of 7.1 compared to last year's result of
6.4.
|
December 2023
|
S&P Global Corporate
Sustainability Assesment rating
|
Wizz Air scored 40 in the 2023
S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, reflecting an
improvement of 4 points over the last year.
|
December 2023
|
ISS ESG Corporate Rating
|
Wizz Air's Corporate ESG Rating by
the Institutional Stakeholder Services improved from C- to
C.
|
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
▶ In November, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operated its first flight from
the new Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A, one of the
first national carriers to fully move operations to the new world
class facility.
▶ On 3rd January 2024, Wizz Air was awarded the World's Top 5
Safest Low-Cost Airline Award by AirlineRatings.com.
▶ The UK's Civil Aviation Authority completed its review,
confirming Wizz Air is compliant with its customer
commitments.
▶ With effect from 24 January 2024, Charlotte Pedersen will step
down from the Audit and Risk Committee and will be replaced by Phit
Lian Chong.
ABOUT WIZZ AIR
Wizz Air, the fastest growing
European ultra-low-cost airline, operates a fleet of 197 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. A team of dedicated
aviation professionals delivers superior service and very low
fares, making Wizz Air the preferred choice of 60.3 million
passengers in 2023. Wizz Air is listed on the London Stock Exchange
under the ticker WIZZ. The company was recently named the World's
Top 5 Safest Low-Cost Airlines 2024 by
airlineratings.com, the world's only
safety and product rating agency, and named Airline of the Year by
Air Transport Awards in 2019 and in 2023. Wizz Air has also been
recognised as the "Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline" within the
World Finance Sustainability Awards in 2021-2023 and the "Global
Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year" by the
CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence
2022-2023.
For
more information:
Investors: Zlatko
Custovic, Wizz
Air
+36 1 777 9407
Media:
Tamara Vallois, Wizz Air
+36 1 777 9324
James McFarlane/Eleni
Menikou/Charles
Hirst
+44 (0) 20 3128 8100
- Ends -
Q3
Financial review
In the third
quarter, Wizz Air carried 15.1
million passengers, a 22.1 per cent
increase compared to the same period in the
previous year and generated revenues of €1,064.8 million, 16.8 per cent
higher year-on-year. These rates compare to
capacity increase measured in terms of ASKs of 26.9% and 16.9% in terms of seats. The load factor
increased by 0.3% to 87.6%. The reported net loss
for the third quarter was €105.4 million, compared to a profit of €33.5 million in the
same period of F23.
Summary statement of comprehensive income
(unaudited)
For the three months ended 31 December
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Change
|
Passenger ticket revenue
|
553.9
|
464.7
|
19%
|
Ancillary revenue
|
510.9
|
447.0
|
14%
|
Total revenue
|
1,064.8
|
911.7
|
17%
|
Staff costs
|
(126.9)
|
(99.0)
|
28%
|
Fuel costs
|
(506.6)
|
(490.6)
|
3%
|
Distribution and
marketing
|
(29.4)
|
(25.4)
|
16%
|
Maintenance, materials and
repairs
|
(69.4)
|
(53.6)
|
29%
|
Airport, handling and en-route
charges
|
(301.8)
|
(241.1)
|
25%
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(199.0)
|
(152.7)
|
30%
|
Net other expenses
|
(12.0)
|
(4.8)
|
150%
|
Total operating expenses
|
(1,245.2)
|
(1,067.2)
|
17%
|
Financial income
|
24.0
|
5.9
|
307%
|
Financial expenses
|
(50.1)
|
(38.1)
|
32%
|
Net foreign exchange gain
|
88.1
|
224.2
|
(61)%
|
Net
financing income
|
61.9
|
192.0
|
(68)%
|
(Loss)/profit before income
tax
|
(118.4)
|
36.4
|
(425)%
|
Income tax
credit/(expense)
|
13.0
|
(3.0)
|
(534)%
|
(Loss)/profit for the period
|
(105.4)
|
33.5
|
(415)%
|
(Loss)/profit for the period
attributable to:
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interest
|
7.7
|
(4.7)
|
(264)%
|
Owners of Wizz Air Holdings
Plc
|
(113.1)
|
38.2
|
(396)%
|
Revenue
Passenger ticket revenue
increased by 19.2%
to €553.9 million and ancillary income (or
"non-ticket" revenue) increased by 14.3% to
€510.9 million year on year, driven by a
26.9% higher operated capacity in terms of
ASKs and a slightly improved load factor (increased by 0.3%). Against that total revenue per ASK (RASK)
decreased by 8.0%
to 3.43 Euro cents from 3.73 Euro cents due to lower ticket
and ancillary prices.
Average revenue per passenger
decreased to €70.38
during Q3 F24,
which was 4.3% lower than last year, during the same
period. Average ticket revenue per
passenger decreased from €37.5 in Q3 F23 to €36.6
in Q3 F24, and average ancillary revenue per passenger
decreased from €36.1 in Q3 F23 to €33.8 in Q3 F24, representing a
decrease of 6.4%.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for Q3 F24 increased by 16.7% to
€1,245.2 million from €1,067.2 million in Q3
F23 mainly due to the year-on-year capacity
growth. The total cost per ASK (CASK) decreased by 8.9% to
4.10 Euro cents in Q3 F24 from 4.50 Euro cents in Q3
F23, driven mainly by lower fuel cost.
Variable costs increased broadly inline with higher operated
capacity and growing fleet, resulting in higher staff, airport,
handling, en-route, depreciation and maintenance charges. Net other
expenses increased due to elevated flight disruption charges
stemming Israel crises and engine related disruptions.
Staff costs increased by 28.2% to
€126.9 million in Q3 F24, up from €99.0 million in Q3 F23, reflecting the increase in capacity and the
cost-of-living adjustments to salaries year on year.
Fuel expenses increased by 3.3% to
€506.6 million in Q3 F24, from €490.6 million in the same period of F23. The average fuel price (including hedge
impact) paid by Wizz Air during Q3
F24 decreased by
17.5% compared to the same period of last
year. On the top of that the consumption efficiency also improved
due to the increase of NEO fleet.
Distribution and marketing costs increased by 15.9% to €29.4 million in
Q3 F24 from €25.4
million in Q3 F23 reflecting increased revenue in
the period.
Maintenance, materials and repair costs increased by 29.4% to €69.4 million in
Q3 F24 compared to €53.6 million in Q3 F23 due to the larger fleet and greater number of
maintenance events.
Airport, handling and en-route charges
increased 25.2% to €301.8 million in
Q3 F24 versus €241.1 million in the same quarter of the prior fiscal
year in line with the capacity growth.
Depreciation and amortisation charges increased by 30.3% in Q3 F24 to
€199.0 million, from €152.7 million in Q3
F23. The increase is related to
depreciation on the growing fleet and higher aircraft utilisation,
reaching an average of 11:35 block hours
per aircraft for the third
quarter.
Other expense amounted to €12.0
million in Q3 F24, compared to €4.8 million
in the same period of last fiscal year. Net other expenses
increased due to elevated flight disruption cost stemming from
Israel crises and engine related disruptions, offset in part by
lower year-on-year gains from aircraft and spare engine financing
and contribution from Pratt & Whitney GTF engine related
compensation.
Financial income amounted to
€24.0 million in Q3
F24, compared to €5.9 million in
Q3 F23, driven by
the increase in short-term cash deposits and higher interest rate
environment in Q3 F24.
Financial expenses amounted to
€50.1 million in Q3
F24 compared to €38.1 million in Q3 F23, driven by the increase in fleet size, the higher
interest rate environment and the PDP financing.
Net
foreign exchange gain was €88.1 million in
Q3 F24, compared to
a gain of €224.2 million
in Q3 F23.
The change is driven by smaller movement in foreign exchange rates
as the Euro and US dollar remained more stable during the period,
compared to last year.
Income tax expense was a
€13.0 million credit (Q3 F23: debit €3.0 million) reflecting a negative profit before tax in
the period. Since last year Wizz Air has changed the corporate
income tax residence of Wizz Air Hungary from Swiss tax residence
to Hungarian tax.
Net
profit for the nine months ended on 31 December 2023
was €295.3 million
compared to a loss of €350.8 million in the
same period of the last year.
Other information
1.
Cash
Total cash and cash equivalents
(including restricted cash and cash deposits with more than 3
months maturity) at the end of the third
quarter was €1,691.7 million, of
which over €1,589.2 million is free
cash.
2.
Hedging position
Wizz Air operates under a clear set
of treasury policies approved by the Board and supervised by the
Audit and Risk Committee. The hedges under the hedge policy are
rolled forward monthly, 18 months out, with coverage levels over
time reaching indicatively between 65 per cent for the first
quarter of the hedging horizon and 15 per cent for the last quarter
of the hedging horizon. In line with the hedging policy, Wizz Air
is also hedging its US dollar exposure related to fuel
consumption.
Jet
fuel hedge coverage
|
F24
|
F25
|
F26
|
Period covered
|
3 months
|
12 months
|
3 months
|
Exposure in metric tonnes
('000)
|
433
|
1,800
|
1,812
|
Coverage in metric tonnes
('000)
|
269
|
664
|
41
|
Hedge coverage for the
period
|
62%
|
37%
|
2%
|
Coverage by hedge types:
|
|
|
|
Zero-cost collars in metric tonnes
('000)
|
269
|
664
|
41
|
Weighted average ceiling
|
$
914.0
|
$
854
|
$
838
|
Weighted average floor
|
$
797.0
|
$
747
|
$
728
|
EURUSD FX hedge coverage
|
F24
|
F25
|
F26
|
Period covered
|
3 months
|
12 months
|
3 months
|
Exposure, jet fuel related
(million)
|
352
|
1,385
|
1,358
|
Hedge coverage (million)
|
227
|
503
|
34
|
Hedge coverage for the
period
|
64%
|
36%
|
3%
|
Weighted average ceiling
(EUR/USD)
|
1.11
|
1.14
|
1.14
|
Weighted average floor
(EUR/USD)
|
1.07
|
1.09
|
1.09
|
Sensitivities
Pre-hedging, a $10 (per metric ton)
movement in the price of jet fuel impacts the Q4 F24 fuel costs by $3.6 million.
One cent movement in the EUR/USD
exchange rate impacts the Q4 F24 operating
expenses by €3.7 million.
3.
Fully diluted share capital
The figure of 127,712,796 should be
used for the Company's theoretical fully diluted number of shares
as at 22 January 2024. This figure comprises 103,359,205 issued
ordinary shares and 24,246,715 new ordinary shares which would have
been issued if the full principal of outstanding convertible notes
had been fully converted on 22 January 2024 (excluding any ordinary
shares that would be issued in respect of accrued but unpaid
interest on that date) and 106,876 new ordinary shares which may be
issued upon exercise of vested but unexercised employee share
options.
4.
Ownership and Control
To protect the EU airline operating
license of Wizz Air Hungary Ltd and Wizz Air Malta Ltd
(subsidiaries of the Company), the Board has resolved to continue
to apply a disenfranchisement of Ordinary Shares held by non-EEA
Shareholders in the capital of the Company. This will continue to
be done on the basis of a "Permitted Maximum" of 45 per cent
pursuant to the Company's articles of association ("the Permitted
Maximum"). In preparation for the 2023 Annual General Meeting
(AGM), on 2 August 2023 the Company sent a Restricted Share Notice
to Non-Qualifying registered Shareholders, informing them of the
number of Ordinary Shares that will be treated as Restricted
Shares.
▶ a "Qualifying
National" includes: (i) EEA nationals, (ii) nationals of
Switzerland and (iii) in respect of any undertaking, an undertaking
which satisfies the conditions as to nationality of ownership and
control of undertakings granted an operating licence contained in
Article 4(f) of Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008 of the European
Commission, as such conditions may be amended, varied, supplemented
or replaced from time to time, or as provided for in any agreement
between the EU and any third country (whether or not such
undertaking is itself granted an operating licence); and
▶ a "Non-Qualifying
National" includes any person who is not a Qualifying
National in accordance with the definition above.
Key
statistics
For the three months ended 31 December
|
2023
|
2022
|
Change
|
Capacity
|
|
|
|
Number of aircraft at end of
period*
|
195
|
173
|
12.7%
|
Number of operating aircraft at end of
period*
|
180
|
173
|
4.0 %
|
Equivalent aircraft
|
190.9
|
170.8
|
11.8%
|
Equivalent operating aircraft
|
180.5
|
170.8
|
5.7 %
|
Utilisation (block hours per
aircraft per day)
|
11:35
|
10:31
|
10.1%
|
Utilisation (block hours per operating aircraft per
day)
|
12:15
|
10:31
|
16.4%
|
Total block hours
|
203,544
|
165,532
|
23.0%
|
Total flight hours
|
177,585
|
144,244
|
23.1%
|
Revenue departures
|
77,437
|
65,178
|
18.8%
|
Average departures per day per
aircraft
|
4.41
|
4.15
|
6.3 %
|
Seat capacity
|
17,271,832
|
14,192,564
|
21.7%
|
Average aircraft stage length
(km)
|
1,795
|
1,721
|
4.3 %
|
Total ASKs ('000 km)
|
31,002,145
|
24,421,506
|
26.9%
|
Operating data
|
|
|
|
RPKs ('000 km)
|
27,159,121
|
21,465,694
|
26.5%
|
Load factor %
|
87.6%
|
87.3%
|
0.3 %
|
Passengers carried
|
15,129,491
|
12,391,074
|
22.1%
|
Fuel price (average US$/mT, incl.
hedging impact but excl. into-plane premium)
|
898.5
|
1,089.0
|
(17.5)%
|
Foreign exchange rate (average
US$/€, including hedge impact)
|
1.078
|
1.02
|
5.7 %
|
*
excludes UA aircraft
Cost per available seat kilometers (CASK)
For the three months ended 31 December
|
2023 euro
cents
|
2022 euro
cents
|
Change
Euro
cents
|
Fuel costs
|
1.63
|
2.01
|
(18.6)%
|
Staff costs
|
0.41
|
0.41
|
1.0%
|
Distribution and
marketing
|
0.09
|
0.10
|
(8.7)%
|
Maintenance, materials and
repairs
|
0.22
|
0.22
|
1.9%
|
Airport, handling and en-route
charges
|
0.97
|
0.99
|
(1.4)%
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
0.64
|
0.63
|
2.7%
|
Net other expenses/income
|
0.04
|
0.02
|
97.0%
|
Net financial income and
expenses
|
0.08
|
0.13
|
(36.1)%
|
Total CASK
|
4.10
|
4.50
|
(8.9)%
|
Total ex-fuel CASK
|
2.47
|
2.49
|
(1.1)%
|
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information in this announcement
includes forward-looking statements which are based on the
Company's or, as appropriate, the Company's Directors' current
expectations and projections about future events. These
forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology including, but not limited to, the
terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates",
"expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case,
their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by
discussion of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or
intentions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and its
subsidiaries and investments, including, among other things, the
development of its business, trends in its operating industry and
future capital expenditures. In light of these risks, uncertainties
and assumptions, the events or circumstances referred to in the
forward-looking statements may differ materially from those
indicated in these statements. Forward-looking statements may, and
often do, materially differ from actual results.
None of the future projections,
expectations, estimates or prospects or any other statements
contained in this announcement should be taken as forecasts or
promises nor should they be taken as implying any indication,
assurance or guarantee that the assumptions on which such future
projections, expectations, estimates or prospects have been
prepared are correct or exhaustive or, in the case of the
assumptions, fully stated in the announcement. Forward-looking
statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Subject
to obligations under the listing rules and disclosure and
transparency rules made by the Financial Conduct Authority under
Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended
from time to time), neither the Company nor any of its affiliates,
or individuals acting on its behalf, undertakes to publicly update
or revise any such forward-looking statement, or any other
statements contained in this announcement, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
As a result of these risks,
uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance
on these forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual
results or otherwise. The information and opinions contained in
this announcement are provided as at the date of this announcement
and are subject to change without notice.
This announcement includes inside
information.
Glossary of terms and alternative performance measures
(APMS)
Alternative performance measures are
Non-IFRS standard performance measures aiming to introduce the
company's performance in line to the management's requirements. The
existing presentation is considered relevant for the users of the
financial statements because: (i) it mirrors disclosures presented
outside of the financial statements; and (ii) it is regularly
reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker for evaluating the
financial performance of its single operating segment.
Aircraft utilisation / Utilisation: the number of hours of one aircraft is in operation on one
day. Rationale - Key performance indicator in aviation business,
measurement for one day aircraft productivity.
Calculation (for 1 month): monthly aircraft utilization equals
total block hours divided by number of days in the month divided by
the equivalent aircraft number divided by 24 hours. Calculation
(for a longer period than 1 month): the given period aircraft
utilization equals with the weighted average of monthly aircraft
utilisation based on the month-end fleet counts.
Ancillary revenue: generated
revenue from ancillaries (including other ancillary revenue related
items). Rationale - Key financial indicator for the separation of
different revenue lines.
Ancillary revenue per passenger: ancillary revenue divided by the number of passengers (PAX)
in the given period, which gives the ancillary performance per one
passenger. Rationale - Key performance indicator for revenue
performance measurement.
Calculation: Ancillary revenue / PAX.
Available seat kilometers (ASK) / total
ASKs: the number of seats available
for scheduled passengers multiplied by the number of kilometres
those seats were flown. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
capacity measurement.
Calculation: Seats on aircraft * Stage
length.
Average aircraft stage length (km): average distance that an aircraft flies between the
departure and arrival airport. Rationale - Key performance
indicator for measurement of capacity and productivity.
Calculation: Average stage length of the revenue sectors in
the given period (ASKs / Capacity).
Average capital employed:
average capital employed is the sum of the annual average equity
and interest-bearing borrowings (including convertible debt), less
annual average cash and cash equivalents, and short-term cash
deposits. Rationale - This key financial indicator is integral for
evaluating the profitability and effectiveness of capital
utilization.
Calculation: Average equity + Interest-bearing borrowings
(including convertible debt) - Cash and cash equivalents -
short-term cash deposits.
Average departures per aircraft per
day: the number of departures
one aircraft performs in a day in the given period. Rationale - Key
performance indicator for revenue generation / utilisation of
assets.
Calculation: Total number of revenue sectors per number of
days (in the given period) per equivalent aircraft
number.
CASK (total unit cost): total
cost per ASK, where cost is defined as operating expenses and
financial expenses net of financial income. Rationale - Key
performance indicator for divisional cost control.
Calculation: Total operating expenses + Financial income +
Financial expenses / Total of ASKs (km) *100.
Completion factor or rate: per
cent of operated flights compared to the scheduled flights.
Rationale - Key performance indicator for commercial planning and
controlling, measurement for operational performance.
Calculation: Number of operated flights divided by scheduled
flights.
Foreign exchange rate: average
foreign exchange rate, plus any hedge deal for the given period,
calculated with a weighted
average method. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
fuel control and treasury teams.
Fuel CASK (fuel unit cost):
this metric is calculated by dividing the total fuel costs (plus
additional fuel consumption related costs) by the sum of Available
Seat Kilometers (ASKs) during a specific reporting period.
Rationale - Fuel CASK provides an insightful unit fuel cost
measurement, representing the cost incurred for flying one
kilometer per seat within Wizz Air's fleet. The rationale behind
the use of this measure lies in its effectiveness as a critical
performance indicator for the control and management of fuel
expenses.
Calculation: Total fuel cost (EUR) / Total of ASKs (km) *
100.
Fuel price (average US$ per tonne): average fuel price within in a period, calculated as fuel cost (including other fuel
cost related items) divided by the consumption. Rationale -
Key performance indicator for fuel cost controlling.
Equivalent aircraft or average aircraft
count: the average number of
aircraft available to Wizz Air within a period. The count contains
spare aircraft, aircraft under maintenance and parked aircraft.
Rationale - Key performance indicator in aviation business for the
measurement of average aircraft available for flying and
capacity.
Calculation (for 1 month): average from the daily fleet count
in a given month which includes/excludes deliveries and
redeliveries. Calculation (for a longer period than 1 month):
weighted average of the monthly equivalent aircraft numbers based
on the number of days in the given period.
Equivalent operating aircraft or average operating aircraft
count: the average number of
operating aircraft available to Wizz Air within a period. The count
includes all aircraft except those parked. Rationale - Key
performance indicator in aviation business for the measurement of
average fleet and capacity.
Calculation (for 1 month): average from the daily operating
fleet count in the given month which includes/excludes deliveries
and redeliveries. Calculation (for a longer period than 1 month):
weighted average of the monthly equivalent
operating aircraft numbers based on the number of
days in the given period.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA): EBITDA represents the
profit or loss before accounting for net financing costs or gains,
income tax expenses or credits, and depreciation and amortization.
Rationale - This measure serves as a key financial indicator for
the Company, providing insights into operational
profitability.
Calculation: Operating profit/(loss) + Depreciation and
amortization.
EBITDA Margin %: EBITDA Margin
% is computed by dividing EBITDA by total revenue in millions of
Euros.
Rationale - This metric presents
EBITDA as a percentage of total net revenue and offers valuable
financial insights for the Company's performance
assessment.
Calculation: EBITDA / Total revenue (€ million) *
100.
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Operating loss
|
(180.4)
|
(155.5)
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(199.0)
|
(152.7)
|
EBITDA
|
18.7
|
(2.8)
|
Total revenue (€ million)
|
1,064.8
|
911.7
|
EBITDA Margin (%)
|
1.8%
|
(0.3)%
|
Ex-fuel CASK (ex-fuel unit costs): This measure is computed by dividing the total ex-fuel cost
by the total ASKs within a given timeframe. Ex-fuel CASK defines
the unit ex-fuel cost for each kilometer flown per seat in Wizz
Air's fleet. Note that: ex-fuel cost contains Wizz Air operating
costs excludes fuel cost, includes interest cost and income.
Rationale - It serves as an essential performance indicator for
overseeing divisional cost control. The rationale for employing
this metric is rooted in its ability to gauge and manage non-fuel
operating expenses effectively.
Calculation: Total ex-fuel cost (EUR) / Total of ASKs (km) *
100.
JOLCO (Japanese Tax Lease) and French Tax
Lease: special forms of structured
asset financing, involving local tax benefits for Japanese and
French investors, respectively. Rationale -These measures are
employed to encapsulate specific lease contracts that facilitate
enhanced cash utilization strategies.
Leverage ratio: The Leverage
ratio is computed by dividing net debt by the last twelve months
EBITDA. Rationale - It serves as a crucial key financial indicator
for the Group, facilitating an assessment of the organization's
financial leverage and debt management.
Calculation: Please see in the table under the definition of
Net debt.
Operating aircraft utilisation:
the number of hours that one operating aircraft is in operation on
one day. Rationale - Key performance indicator in aviation
business, measurement for one day aircraft productivity.
Calculation (for 1 month): average daily operating aircraft
utilization in a month equals total monthly block hours divided by
number of days in the month divided by the equivalent operating
aircraft number divided by 24 hours. Calculation (for a longer
period than 1 month): the given period operating aircraft
utilization equals the weighted average of monthly operating
aircraft utilisation based on the month-end operating aircraft
counts.
Liquidity: Liquidity represents
cash, cash equivalents, and short-term cash deposits, expressed as
a percentage of the last twelve months' revenue. Rationale - This
key financial indicator offers a comprehensive view of the Group's
cash position and financial stability.
Calculation: Please in the table below.
|
31 Dec 2023
|
31 Dec
2022
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,506.9
|
756.6
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
82.3
|
481.3
|
Additional data to calculate liquidity
|
|
|
Total revenue for the 9 months ended
31 December
|
4,117.1
|
3,105.5
|
Total revenue for the 3 months ended
31 March
|
790.2
|
374.7
|
Total revenue for the rolling 12 months
|
4,907.4
|
3,480.2
|
Liquidity
|
32.4%
|
35.6%
|
Load factor (%): The number of
seats sold (PAX) divided by the number of seats available on the
aircraft (capacity). Rationale - Key performance indicator for
commercial and revenue controlling.
Calculation: The number of seats sold, divided by the number
of seats available.
Net
debt: Interest-bearing borrowings
(including convertible debt) less cash and cash equivalents.
Rationale - plays a pivotal role as a key financial indicator,
offering valuable information regarding the Group's financial
liquidity and leverage position.
|
31 Dec 2023
|
31 Dec
2022
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
4,971.8
|
4,945.0
|
Convertible debt
|
25.7
|
27.0
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
835.0
|
-
|
Convertible debt
|
0.5
|
-
|
Current assets
|
|
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
82.3
|
481.3
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,506.9
|
756.6
|
Net
debt
|
4,243.8
|
3,734.1
|
Additional data to calculate leverage ratio
|
|
|
EBITDA for the 9 months ended 31
December
|
896.8
|
215.0
|
EBITDA for the 3 months ended 31
March
|
(74.5)
|
(95.9)
|
Total EBITDA for the rolling 12 months
|
822.3
|
119.1
|
Leverage ratio
|
5.2
|
31.4
|
|
|
|
|
Net
fare (total revenue per passenger):
average revenue per one passenger calculated by total revenue
divided by the number of passengers (PAX) during a specified
period. Rationale - This metric is a crucial performance indicator
for commercial control, offering insights into the overall revenue
generated per passenger.
Calculation: Total revenue / PAX.
Passengers (alternative names: passengers carried,
PAX): passengers who bought a ticket
(thus making revenue for the Company) for a revenue sector.
Rationale - Key performance indicator for commercial controlling
team.
Calculation: Sum of number of passengers of all revenue
sectors.
Passenger ticket revenue:
generated revenue from ticket sales (including other ticket revenue
related items). Rationale - Key financial indicator for the
separation of different revenue lines.
PDP: PDP refers to the
pre-delivery payments made under the Group's aircraft purchase
agreements. These payments signify contractual commitments designed
to support fleet expansion and growth.
Period-end fleet size or number of aircraft at end of
period: the number of aircraft that
Wizz Air has in its fleet and that is leased and/or owned at the
end of the given period. The count contains spare, aircraft under
maintenance and parked aircraft. Rationale - Key performance
indicator in aviation business for the measurement of
fleet.
Calculation: Sum of aircraft at the end of the given
period.
Period-end operating aircraft:
the number of operating aircraft that Wizz Air has in its fleet and
that is leased and/or owned at the end of the given period. The
count includes all aircraft except those parked. Rationale - Key
performance indicator in aviation business for the measurement of
operating aircraft at a period end.
Calculation: Sum of operating aircraft at the end of the given
period.
RASK: RASK is determined by
dividing the total revenue by the total ASK. This measure
characterizes the unit net revenue performance for each kilometer
flown per seat within Wizz Air's fleet. Rationale - It serves as a
pivotal performance indicator for commercial control, providing
insights into the revenue generation efficiency.
Calculation: Total revenue (EUR) / Total of ASKs (km) *
100.
Revenue departures or sectors:
flight between departure and arrival airport where Wizz Air
generates revenue from ticket sales. Rationale - Key performance
indicator in revenue generation controlling.
Calculation: Sum of departures of all
sectors.
Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK): the number of seat kilometres flown by passengers who paid
for their tickets. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
revenue measurement.
Calculation: Number of passengers * Stage
length.
Seat capacity / Capacity: the
total number of available (flown) seats on aircraft for Wizz Air
within a given period (revenue sectors only). Rationale - Key
performance indicator for capacity measurement.
Calculation: Sum of capacity of all revenue
sectors.
Ticket revenue per passenger:
passenger ticket revenue divided by the number of passengers (PAX)
in the given period. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
measurement of revenue performance.
Calculation: Passenger ticket revenue / PAX.
Total block hours: each hour
from the moment an aircraft's brakes are released at the departure
airport's parking place for the purpose of starting a flight until
the moment the aircraft's brakes are applied at the arrival
airport's parking place. Rationale - Key performance indicator in
aviation business, measurement for aircraft's block
hours.
Calculation: Sum of block hours of all sectors (in the given
period).
Total cash: Non-statutory
financial performance measure and comprises/is calculated from cash
and cash equivalents, short-term cash deposits and total current
and non-current restricted cash. Rationale - This key financial
indicator offers a comprehensive view of the Group's cash position
and financial stability.
Calculation: Please in the table below.
|
31 Dec 2023
|
31 Dec
2022
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
Restricted cash
|
34.3
|
43.1
|
Current assets
|
|
|
Restricted cash
|
68.3
|
86.1
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
82.3
|
481.3
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
1,506.9
|
756.6
|
Total cash
|
1,691.7
|
1,367.1
|
Total flight hours: each hour
from the moment the aircraft takes off from the runway for the
purposes of flight until the moment the aircraft lands at the
runway of the arrival airport. Rationale - Key performance
indicator in aviation business, measurement for aircraft's flight
hours.
Calculation: Sum of flight hours of all sectors (in the given
period).
Total revenue: total ticket and
ancillary revenue for the given period. The split of total revenue
presented in the condensed consolidated interim statement of
comprehensive income. Rationale - Key Financial indicator for the
Company.
Yield: Yield represents the
total revenue generated per Revenue Passenger Kilometer (RPK).
Rationale - This measure is integral for assessing and controlling
commercial performance by quantifying the revenue derived from each
kilometer flown by paying passengers.
Calculation: The total revenue / RPK.