ATSG Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) reported its Q2 2024 results, showing a decline in revenues and earnings compared to Q2 2023. Key highlights include:

• Revenues of $488 million, down from $529 million
• GAAP EPS from Continuing Operations of $0.11, versus $0.49
• Adjusted EBITDA of $130.4 million, compared to $157.1 million
• Free Cash Flow of $91.8 million, up from negative $1.3 million

Despite the decline, ATSG raised its 2024 Adjusted EBITDA outlook to approximately $526 million. The company leased four Boeing 767 Freighters to customers since June 30 and expects improved performance in the second half of 2024, particularly in Q4.

Positive

• Raised 2024 Adjusted EBITDA outlook to $526 million
• Generated strong Free Cash Flow of $91.8 million in Q2
• Leased four Boeing 767 Freighters to customers since June 30
• Reduced capital spending forecast for 2024 to $390 million, down from $410 million

Negative

• Revenues decreased to $488 million from $529 million in Q2 2023
• GAAP EPS from Continuing Operations declined to $0.11 from $0.49
• Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $130.4 million from $157.1 million
• CAM's pretax earnings decreased by 51% to $15 million
• ACMI Services reported a pretax loss of $7 million, compared to earnings of $24 million in Q2 2023

Insights

Financial Analyst

ATSG's Q2 2024 results show a mixed performance. While revenues declined 7.8% to $488 million, the company beat internal expectations and raised its full-year Adjusted EBITDA outlook. Key points:

• Adjusted EBITDA of $130.4 million, down 17% year-over-year
• Strong free cash flow of $91.8 million, a significant improvement
• Leased 4 Boeing 767 freighters since June 30, showing market demand

The decline in earnings is primarily due to fewer block hours flown and the return of older aircraft. However, the company's ability to generate strong free cash flow and secure new leases indicates resilience in its business model. The raised full-year guidance suggests management's confidence in H2 2024 performance, particularly Q4.

Aviation Industry Expert

ATSG's Q2 results reflect the evolving dynamics of the air cargo market. The company is navigating a transition period, phasing out older 767-200 freighters while introducing newer models and Airbus A321-200s. This fleet modernization strategy is important for long-term competitiveness but impacts short-term financials.

The addition of 14 new freighter leases, including 11 767-300s and 3 A321-200s, demonstrates ATSG's ability to adapt to market demands. The planned introduction of A330 freighters in Q4 2024 further diversifies their fleet offering. However, the 10% decrease in block hours highlights ongoing challenges in the air cargo market, possibly due to global economic uncertainties and shifts in e-commerce patterns.

Market Research Analyst

ATSG's performance indicates a transitional phase in the air cargo market. The company's focus on medium wide-body freighters positions it well for the growing e-commerce and express delivery sectors. The successful leasing of four aircraft post-Q2 and the mention of "momentum in global markets" suggest potential upside.

However, the 11% decrease in cargo block hours and reduced international flying point to ongoing market challenges. The company's ability to meet Amazon's Prime Week commitments is a positive sign for its key customer relationships. Investors should watch for:

• Recovery in block hours in H2 2024
• Success of the A330 freighter introduction
• Further lease commitments for available aircraft

These factors will be important in determining ATSG's growth trajectory and market position in the evolving air cargo landscape.

Raises 2024 Adjusted EBITDA Outlook

Generates Strong Free Cash Flow

Leases Four Boeing 767 Freighters to Customers since June 30

WILMINGTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATSG), the leading provider of medium wide-body freighter aircraft leasing, contracted air transportation, and related services, today reported consolidated financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024. Those results, as compared with the same period in 2023, were as follows:

Second Quarter Results

• Revenues of $488 million, versus $529 million
• GAAP Earnings per Share (diluted) from Continuing Operations of $0.11, versus $0.49
• GAAP Pretax Earnings from Continuing Operations of $10.7 million, versus $49.7 million
• Adjusted Pretax* Earnings of $17.3 million, versus $57.9 million
• Adjusted EPS* of $0.19, versus $0.57
• Adjusted EBITDA* of $130.4 million, versus $157.1 million
• Free Cash Flow was $91.8 million, versus negative $1.3 million

Mike Berger, chief executive officer of ATSG, said, "Our second quarter results were affected by fewer block hours by our airlines and the scheduled return of Boeing 767-200 freighters since a year ago. We beat our internal expectations for the quarter, however, and are positioned for further improvement in the second half of the year, particularly in the fourth quarter. We're encouraged by the free cash flow we're generating and have again raised our full year guidance for Adjusted EBITDA. We have leased four aircraft to customers since the end of June and are encouraged by the momentum we're seeing in the global markets we serve. We remain proud of the service levels we deliver every day and are particularly pleased that we met commitments to our customer Amazon during this year's Prime Week."

* Adjusted EPS (Earnings per Share), Adjusted Pretax Earnings, Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), Free Cash Flow, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures used in this release, which are defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP at the end of this release.

Segment Results

Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM)

• Aircraft leasing and related revenues decreased 7% for the second quarter, including the benefit of revenues from fourteen additional freighter leases, including eleven additional 767-300s and three Airbus A321-200s since the end of June 2023. These lease revenues were more than offset by the scheduled returns of nine 767-200 freighters and four 767-300 freighters over that same period. Revenue reductions associated with the 767-200 fleet include the effect of fewer cycles operated by lessees under our 767-200 engine power program.
• CAM’s second quarter pretax earnings decreased $16 million, or 51%, to $15 million versus the prior-year quarter. The biggest driver of the year-over-year decrease was the previously mentioned reduction in 767-200 freighter lease and engine power program revenues. Segment interest expense increased by $4 million and depreciation increased by $9 million versus the prior-year quarter.
• CAM leased three 767s and sold five others to external customers in the second quarter. Six 767-200 freighters were returned by external customers upon lease expiration. At the end of the second quarter, eighty-seven CAM-owned freighter aircraft were leased to external customers, one more than a year ago.
• Twenty-three CAM-owned aircraft were in or awaiting conversion to freighters at the end of the second quarter, six fewer than at the end of the prior-year quarter. This included twelve 767s, six A321s, and five A330s. Two of the A330s are expected to complete conversion and be leased to an external customer in the fourth quarter 2024.

ACMI Services

• Pretax loss was $7 million in the second quarter, versus earnings of $24 million in the second quarter of 2023. Revenue block hours for ATSG's airlines decreased 10% versus the prior-year quarter. Cargo block hours decreased 11% for the second quarter, reflecting the removal of certain 767-200 freighter aircraft from service and less international flying versus the prior year. Passenger block hours decreased 4% in the quarter. In addition to the reduced flying hours and reduced revenues, ACMI Services experienced increased expenses for crew training, maintenance, travel and ground service rates. Of the decrease in pretax earnings, $3 million was attributable to an increase in non-cash amortization for Amazon warrants.

2024 Outlook

Taking into account the four aircraft leases that commenced since the end of June, ATSG expects Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $526 million in 2024. That is an increase, concentrated in the fourth quarter, of $10 million from the outlook provided in May 2024. This forecast excludes any contribution from additional aircraft leases not currently under contractual commitment. The Company continues to see the potential for additional Adjusted EBITDA from new lease commitments for available aircraft and opportunities for additional flying.

ATSG expects capital spending for 2024 to be $390 million, down from the $410 million estimated in May 2024, and down $400 million from 2023 actual spending. ATSG's total projected capital spend includes growth capital of $225 million. ATSG expects third quarter Adjusted EBITDA to be similar to the second quarter as ramp-up costs for adding ten Amazon supplied 767 freighters continue, but higher in the fourth quarter when the last few enter service and other peak-season operations occur.

Berger added, “We are on track to achieve our improved 2024 outlook. We expect contracted pricing increases and seasonal charter opportunities in the fourth quarter, which should drive improved sequential results in our ACMI Services segment. This expected improvement, combined with momentum in our core leasing business, positions us well to drive earnings growth in 2025. We are ahead of our target for positive free cash flow for the year, with $107 million generated in the first half and an expectation to add to that total in the second half."

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release, including the attached tables, contains financial measures that are calculated and presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in the United States, and financial measures that are not calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP ("non-GAAP financial measures"). Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate historical results and project future results. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures assist in highlighting operational trends, facilitating period-over-period comparisons, and providing additional clarity about events and trends affecting core operating performance. Disclosing these non-GAAP financial measures provides insight to investors about additional metrics that management uses to evaluate past performance and prospects for future performance. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under GAAP and may be calculated differently by other companies.

The historical non-GAAP financial measures included in this release are reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the non-GAAP reconciliation tables included later in this release. The Company does not provide a reconciliation of projected Adjusted EBITDA or Adjusted EPS, as permitted by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K, because it is unable to predict with reasonable accuracy the value of certain adjustments and as a result, the comparable GAAP measures are unavailable without unreasonable efforts. For example, certain adjustments can be significantly impacted by the re-measurements of financial instruments including stock warrants issued to a customer. The Company’s earnings on a GAAP basis, including its earnings per share on a GAAP basis, and the non-GAAP adjustments for gains and losses resulting from the re-measurement of stock warrants, will depend on, among other things, the future prices of ATSG stock, interest rates, and other assumptions which are highly uncertain. As a result, the Company believes such reconciliations of forward-looking information would imply a degree of precision and certainty that could be confusing to investors.

Conference Call
ATSG will host an investor conference call on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to review its results for the second quarter of 2024, and its outlook for the remainder of the year. Live call participants must register via this link, which is also available at ATSG’s website (www.atsginc.com) under “Investors” and “Presentations.” Once registered, call participants will receive dial-in numbers and a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) that must be entered to join the live call. Listen-only access to live and replay versions of the call, including slides, will be available via a webcast link at the same ATSG website location. Slides that accompany management’s discussion of first-quarter results may be downloaded from there starting shortly before the start of the call at 10 a.m.

About ATSG
ATSG is a leading provider of aircraft leasing and air cargo transportation and related services to domestic and foreign air carriers and other companies that outsource their air cargo lift requirements. ATSG, through its leasing and airline subsidiaries, is the world's largest owner and operator of converted Boeing 767 freighter aircraft. Through its principal subsidiaries, including three airlines with separate and distinct U.S. FAA Part 121 Air Carrier certificates, ATSG provides aircraft leasing, air cargo lift, passenger ACMI and charter services, aircraft maintenance services and airport ground services. ATSG's subsidiaries include ABX Air, Inc.; Airborne Global Solutions, Inc.; Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Inc., including its subsidiary, Pemco World Air Services, Inc.; Air Transport International, Inc.; Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc.; and Omni Air International, LLC. For more information, please see www.atsginc.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Throughout this release, Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (“ATSG") makes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended (the “Act”). Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Such statements are provided under the “safe harbor” protection of the Act. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated operating results, prospects and aircraft in service, technological developments, economic trends, expected transactions and similar matters. The words “may,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “goal,” “project,” “estimate,” “guidance,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “will,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” “hope,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend” and variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, descriptions of ATSG’s objectives, strategies, plans, goals or targets are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are susceptible to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors. While ATSG believes that the assumptions underlying its forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and, accordingly, ATSG’s actual results and experiences could differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause ATSG's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in the market demand for ATSG's assets and services, including the loss of customers or a reduction in the level of services it performs for customers; (ii) its operating airlines' ability to maintain on-time service and control costs; (iii) the cost and timing with respect to which it is able to purchase and modify aircraft to a cargo configuration; (iv) fluctuations in ATSG's traded share price and in interest rates, which may result in mark-to-market charges on certain financial instruments; (v) the number, timing, and scheduled routes of its aircraft deployments to customers; (vi) ATSG's ability to remain in compliance with key agreements with customers, lenders and government agencies; (vii) the impact of current supply chain constraints, which may be more severe or persist longer than it currently expects; (viii) the impact of the current competitive labor market; (ix) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions, including inflation and regulatory changes; and (x) the impact of geopolitical tensions or conflicts and human health crises, and other factors that could cause ATSG’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, which are discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of ATSG's 2023 Form 10-K and may be contained from time to time in its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Readers should carefully review this release and should not place undue reliance on ATSG's forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements were based only on information, plans and estimates as of the date of this release. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and factors that ATSG currently deems immaterial may become material, and it is impossible for ATSG to predict these events or how they may affect it. Except as may be required by applicable law, ATSG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes. ATSG does not endorse any projections regarding future performance that may be made by third parties.

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share data)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
REVENUES		$	488,410			$	529,339			$	973,927			$	1,030,434
OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages and benefits			164,079				170,458				335,561				347,173
Depreciation and amortization			91,879				82,691				182,259				167,419
Maintenance, materials and repairs			46,727				50,436				96,610				94,269
Fuel			65,577				67,271				129,122				134,026
Contracted ground and aviation services			21,726				19,682				37,432				37,470
Travel			32,180				31,222				62,626				60,775
Landing and ramp			4,505				4,744				8,535				8,868
Rent			7,698				8,274				15,230				16,386
Insurance			2,557				2,684				5,293				5,232
Other operating expenses			20,161				22,136				36,934				41,652
			457,089				459,598				909,602				913,270
OPERATING INCOME			31,321				69,741				64,325				117,164
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income			218				180				457				395
Non-service component of retiree benefit costs			(1,086	)			(3,218	)			(2,171	)			(6,436	)
Net gain on financial instruments			2,946				1,818				5,301				78
Loss from non-consolidated affiliate			(1,254	)			(2,107	)			(1,333	)			(2,513	)
Interest expense			(21,403	)			(16,672	)			(43,391	)			(32,377	)
			(20,579	)			(19,999	)			(41,137	)			(40,853	)
EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES			10,742				49,742				23,188				76,311
INCOME TAX EXPENSE			(3,314	)			(11,720	)			(7,141	)			(18,148	)
EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS			7,428				38,022				16,047				58,163
EARNINGS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAXES			—				—				—				—
NET EARNINGS		$	7,428			$	38,022			$	16,047			$	58,163
EARNINGS PER SHARE - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Basic		$	0.11			$	0.54			$	0.25			$	0.82
Diluted		$	0.11			$	0.49			$	0.24			$	0.73
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Basic			65,028				70,722				65,000				71,259
Diluted			67,301				79,515				67,268				81,276

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except share data)
		June 30, 2024				December 31, 2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash		$	28,714			$	53,555
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,151 in 2024 and $1,065 in 2023			205,740				215,581
Inventory			50,548				49,939
Prepaid supplies and other			30,476				26,626
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS			315,478				345,701
Property and equipment, net			2,819,077				2,820,769
Customer incentive			140,764				60,961
Goodwill and acquired intangibles			477,320				482,427
Operating lease assets			65,399				54,060
Other assets			121,447				118,172
TOTAL ASSETS		$	3,939,485			$	3,882,090
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable		$	255,386			$	227,652
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits			47,677				56,650
Accrued expenses			11,119				10,784
Current portion of debt obligations			54,825				54,710
Current portion of lease obligations			21,465				20,167
Unearned revenue			38,310				30,226
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES			428,782				400,189
Long term debt			1,577,328				1,707,572
Stock warrant obligations			17,079				1,729
Post-retirement obligations			16,195				19,368
Long term lease obligations			45,591				34,990
Other liabilities			97,357				64,292
Deferred income taxes			291,767				285,248
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, 20,000,000 shares authorized, including 75,000 Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock			—				—
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 65,761,436 and 65,240,961 shares issued and outstanding in 2024 and 2023, respectively			658				652
Additional paid-in capital			912,968				836,270
Retained earnings			605,256				589,209
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(53,496	)			(57,429	)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY			1,465,386				1,368,702
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	3,939,485			$	3,882,090

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
OPERATING CASH FLOWS		$	137,101			$	192,198			$	263,521			$	408,576
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Aircraft acquisitions and freighter conversions			(43,153	)			(138,556	)			(115,048	)			(303,164	)
Planned aircraft maintenance, engine overhauls and other non-aircraft additions to property and equipment			(27,344	)			(55,568	)			(57,770	)			(109,761	)
Proceeds from property and equipment			25,219				585				26,114				10,445
Acquisitions and investments in businesses			—				—				(9,800	)			(800	)
TOTAL INVESTING CASH FLOWS			(45,278	)			(193,539	)			(156,504	)			(403,280	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on secured debt			(331,218	)			(65,103	)			(471,323	)			(90,317	)
Proceeds from revolver borrowings			245,000				35,000				340,000				140,000
Payments for financing costs			—				(27	)			—				(511	)
Purchase of common stock			—				(14,956	)			—				(36,874	)
Taxes paid for conversion of employee awards			(72	)			(25	)			(535	)			(1,578	)
TOTAL FINANCING CASH FLOWS			(86,290	)			(45,111	)			(131,858	)			10,720
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH		$	5,533			$	(46,452	)		$	(24,841	)		$	16,016
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		$	23,181			$	89,602			$	53,555			$	27,134
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD		$	28,714			$	43,150			$	28,714			$	43,150

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES PRETAX EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS AND ADJUSTED PRETAX EARNINGS SUMMARY NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (In thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenues
CAM
Aircraft leasing and related revenues		$	107,566			$	115,281			$	216,211			$	232,355
Customer incentive			(3,097	)			(3,903	)			(6,193	)			(8,933	)
Total CAM			104,469				111,378				210,018				223,422
ACMI Services
ACMI services revenue			342,255				367,003				666,895				701,922
Customer incentive			(4,076	)			(816	)			(4,892	)			(1,608	)
Total ACMI Services			338,179				366,187				662,003				700,314
Other Activities			97,640				110,789				206,680				221,377
Total Revenues			540,288				588,354				1,078,701				1,145,113
Eliminate internal revenues			(51,878	)			(59,015	)			(104,774	)			(114,679	)
Customer Revenues		$	488,410			$	529,339			$	973,927			$	1,030,434
Pretax Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations
CAM, inclusive of interest expense			15,247				31,020				28,656				65,220
ACMI Services, inclusive of interest expense			(7,076	)			24,054				(10,561	)			21,643
Other Activities			2,973				(1,299	)			5,280				(645	)
Net, unallocated interest expense			(1,008	)			(526	)			(1,984	)			(1,036	)
Non-service components of retiree benefit costs			(1,086	)			(3,218	)			(2,171	)			(6,436	)
Net gain on financial instruments			2,946				1,818				5,301				78
Loss from non-consolidated affiliates			(1,254	)			(2,107	)			(1,333	)			(2,513	)
Earnings from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes (GAAP)		$	10,742			$	49,742			$	23,188			$	76,311
Adjustments to Pretax Earnings from Continuing Operations
Add contra-revenue from customer incentive			7,173				4,719				11,085				10,541
Add loss from non-consolidated affiliates			1,254				2,107				1,333				2,513
Less net gain on financial instruments			(2,946	)			(1,818	)			(5,301	)			(78	)
Less non-service components of retiree benefit costs			1,086				3,218				2,171				6,436
Add net charges for hangar foam incident			—				(28	)			—				13
Adjusted Pretax Earnings (non-GAAP)		$	17,309			$	57,940			$	32,476			$	95,736

Adjusted Pretax Earnings (non-GAAP) excludes certain items included in GAAP-based Pretax Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes because these items are distinctly different in their predictability among periods, or not closely related to our operations. Presenting this measure provides investors with a comparative metric of fundamental operations, while highlighting changes to certain items among periods. Adjusted Pretax Earnings should not be considered an alternative to Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP.

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES ADJUSTED EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (In thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	10,742			$	49,742			$	23,188			$	76,311
Interest Income			(218	)			(180	)			(457	)			(395	)
Interest Expense			21,403				16,672				43,391				32,377
Depreciation and Amortization			91,879				82,691				182,259				167,419
EBITDA from Continuing Operations (non-GAAP)		$	123,806			$	148,925			$	248,381			$	275,712
Add contra-revenue from customer incentive			7,173				4,719				11,085				10,541
Add start-up loss from non-consolidated affiliates			1,254				2,107				1,333				2,513
Less net gain on financial instruments			(2,946	)			(1,818	)			(5,301	)			(78	)
Less non-service components of retiree benefit costs			1,086				3,218				2,171				6,436
Add net charges for hangar foam fire suppression system discharge			—				(28	)			—				13
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)		$	130,373			$	157,123			$	257,669			$	295,137

Management uses Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP, defined below) to assess the performance of the Company's operating results among periods. It is a metric that facilitates the comparison of financial results of underlying operations. Additionally, these non-GAAP adjustments are similar to the adjustments used by lenders in the Company’s senior secured credit facility to assess financial performance and determine the cost of borrowed funds. The adjustments also remove the non-service cost components of retiree benefit plans because they are not closely related to ongoing operating activities. To improve comparability between periods, the adjustments also exclude from EBITDA from Continuing Operations the recognition of charges related to the discharge of a foam fire suppression system in a Company aircraft hangar, net of related insurance recoveries. Management presents EBITDA from Continuing Operations (defined below), as a subtotal toward calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

EBITDA from Continuing Operations (non-GAAP) is defined as Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes plus net interest expense, depreciation, and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA from Continuing Operations less financial instrument revaluation gains or losses, non-service components of retiree benefit costs, amortization of warrant-based customer incentive costs recorded in revenue, charge off of debt issuance costs upon refinancing, costs from non-consolidated affiliates and charges related to the discharge of a foam fire suppression system, net of insurance recoveries.

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CASH FLOWS NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION (In thousands)
		Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (GAAP)		$	137,101			$	192,198			$	263,521			$	408,576
Sustaining capital expenditures			(27,344	)			(55,568	)			(57,770	)			(109,761	)
ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (non-GAAP)		$	109,757			$	136,630			$	205,751			$	298,815
Aircraft acquisitions and freighter conversions			(43,153	)			(138,556	)			(115,048	)			(303,164	)
Proceeds from property and equipment			25,219				585				26,114				10,445
Acquisitions and investments in businesses			—				—				(9,800	)			(800	)
FREE CASH FLOW (non-GAAP)		$	91,823			$	(1,341	)		$	107,017			$	5,296

Sustaining capital expenditures includes cash outflows for planned aircraft maintenance, engine overhauls, information systems and other non-aircraft additions to property and equipment. It does not include expenditures for aircraft acquisitions and related passenger-to-freighter conversion costs.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP) includes cash flow from operating activities net of expenditures for planned aircraft maintenance, engine overhauls and other non-aircraft additions to property and equipment. Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP) is net cash from operating activities reduced for net cash flows from investing activities. Management believes that adjusting GAAP operating cash flows is useful for investors to evaluate the company's ability to generate adjusted free cash flow for growth initiatives, debt service, stock buybacks or other discretionary allocations of capital.

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ADJUSTED EARNINGS AND ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
(In thousands)

Management presents Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share, both non-GAAP financial measures, to provide additional information regarding earnings per share without the volatility otherwise caused by the items below among periods.

		Three Months Ended																Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2024								June 30, 2023								June 30, 2024								June 30, 2023
		$				$ Per Share				$				$ Per Share				$				$ Per Share				$				$ Per Share
Earnings from Continuing Operations - basic (GAAP)		$	7,428							$	38,022							$	16,047							$	58,163
Gain from warrant revaluation, net tax1			—								—								—								(148	)
Convertible notes interest charges, net of tax 2			158								780								317								1,556
Earnings from Continuing Operations - diluted (GAAP)			7,586				0.11				38,802			$	0.49				16,364			$	0.24				59,571			$	0.73
Adjustments, net of tax
Customer incentive 3			5,434				0.08				3,665				0.05				8,427				0.13				8,211				0.11
Non-service component of retiree benefits4			823				0.01				2,499				0.03				1,653				0.02				5,012				0.06
Derivative and warrant revaluation5			(2,232	)			(0.02	)			(1,411	)			(0.02	)			(4,034	)			(0.06	)			95				0.00
Loss from affiliates6			950				0.01				1,636				0.02				1,010				0.02				1,953				0.02
Hangar foam incident7			—				—				(22	)			—				—				—				10				0.00
Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)		$	12,561			$	0.19			$	45,169			$	0.57			$	23,420			$	0.35			$	74,852			$	0.92
		Shares								Shares								Shares								Shares
Weighted Average Shares - diluted1			67,301								79,515								67,268								81,276

Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share should not be considered as alternatives to Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Weighted Average Shares - diluted or Earnings (Loss) Per Share from Continuing Operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under GAAP.

1. Under U.S. GAAP, certain warrants are reflected as a liability and unrealized warrant gains are typically removed from diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) calculations, while unrealized warrant losses are not removed because they are dilutive to EPS. For each quarter, additional shares assumes that Amazon net settled its remaining warrants that were above the strike price. Each year reflects an average of the quarterly shares.
2. Under U.S. GAAP, certain types of convertible debt are treated under the "if-convert method" if dilutive for EPS. Stock-based compensation awards are treated under the "treasury stock method" if dilutive for EPS. The non-GAAP presentation adds the dilutive effects that were excluded under GAAP.
3. Removes the amortization of the warrant-based customer incentives which are recorded against revenue over the term of the related aircraft leases and customer contracts.
4. Removes the non-service component effects of employee post-retirement plans.
5. Removes gains and losses from financial instruments, including derivative interest rate instruments and warrant revaluations.
6. Removes losses for the Company's non-consolidated affiliates.
7. Removes charges related to the discharge of a foam fire suppression system in a Company aircraft hangar, net of related insurance recoveries.

AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES AIRCRAFT FLEET
Aircraft Types
		June 30, 2023				December 31, 2023				June 30, 2024				December 31, 2024 Projected1
		Freighter		Passenger		Freighter		Passenger		Freighter		Passenger		Freighter		Passenger
Aircraft in service
B767-200 2		24		3		22		3		18		3		17		3
B767-300		83		8		87		8		93		10		106		10
B777-200		—		3		—		3		—		3		—		3
B757-200		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
B757 Combi		—		4		—		4		—		4		—		4
A321-200		—		—		3		—		3		—		4		—
A330		—		—		—		—		—		—		2		—
Total Aircraft in Service		107		18		112		18		114		20		129		20
Aircraft available for lease
B767-200		2		—		1		—		—		—		—		—
B767-300		—		—		3		—		2		—		3		—
A321		—		—		—		—		—		—		5		—
A330		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Aircraft Available for Lease		2		—		4		—		2		—		8		—
Aircraft in Cargo Modification
B767-300		20		—		9		—		5		—		2		—
A321		9		—		6		—		6		—		—		—
A330		—		—		2		—		4		—		3		—
Feedstock
B767		—		—		5		—		7		—		5		—
A321		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
A330		—		—		1				1				1
Total Aircraft		138		18		139		18		139		20		148		20

Aircraft in Service
		June 30,		December 31,		June 30,		December 31,
		2023		2023		2024		2024 Projected 1
Dry leased without CMI		38		42		47		52
Dry leased with CMI		48		48		40		40
Customer provided for CMI		15		16		17		27
ACMI/Charter3		24		24		30		30

1. Projected aircraft levels for December 31, 2024 include customer commitments for new leases, management's estimates of existing lease renewals, aircraft expected to complete the freighter modification process and scheduled aircraft acquisitions during 2024.
2. As Boeing 767-200 aircraft are retired from service, management plans to use the engines and related parts to support the remaining Boeing 767 fleet and part sales.
3. ACMI/Charter includes four Boeing 767 passenger aircraft leased from external companies through December 31, 2023 and six Boeing 767 passenger aircraft leased from external companies after December 31, 2023.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240808710366/en/

Quint Turner, ATSG Inc. Chief Financial Officer

937-366-2303

Source: Air Transport Services Group, Inc.

FAQ

What were ATSG's Q2 2024 revenue and earnings results?

ATSG reported Q2 2024 revenues of $488 million, down from $529 million in Q2 2023. GAAP EPS from Continuing Operations was $0.11, compared to $0.49 in the same period last year.

How did ATSG's Free Cash Flow perform in Q2 2024?

ATSG generated a strong Free Cash Flow of $91.8 million in Q2 2024, a significant improvement from negative $1.3 million in Q2 2023.

Has ATSG updated its 2024 Adjusted EBITDA outlook?

Yes, ATSG raised its 2024 Adjusted EBITDA outlook to approximately $526 million, an increase of $10 million from the outlook provided in May 2024.

How many aircraft did ATSG lease to customers since June 30, 2024?

ATSG leased four Boeing 767 Freighters to customers since June 30, 2024.

What is ATSG's capital spending forecast for 2024?

ATSG expects capital spending for 2024 to be $390 million, down from the $410 million estimated in May 2024, and a significant reduction from $790 million in 2023.