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Blade Air Mobility Announces Third Quarter 2024 Results

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Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE) reported Q3 2024 financial results showing mixed performance. Revenue increased 4.8% to $74.9 million, while operating cash flow improved to $6.4 million. The company's Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA grew 15.1%, and the Passenger Segment achieved profitability ahead of schedule. Despite these improvements, the company recorded a net loss of $2.0 million. Gross profit increased 43.8% to $14.4 million, with margin expansion of 520 basis points to 19.3%. The company announced a strategic alliance with OrganOx and reaffirmed guidance for positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2024.

Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE) ha riportato risultati finanziari per il terzo trimestre del 2024 che mostrano performance miste. I ricavi sono aumentati del 4,8%, raggiungendo 74,9 milioni di dollari, mentre il flusso di cassa operativo è migliorato a 6,4 milioni di dollari. L'EBITDA rettificato del segmento medico è cresciuto del 15,1%, e il segmento passeggeri ha raggiunto la redditività con anticipo. Nonostante questi miglioramenti, l'azienda ha registrato una perdita netta di 2,0 milioni di dollari. Il profitto lordo è aumentato del 43,8%, raggiungendo 14,4 milioni di dollari, con un'espansione del margine di 520 punti base fino al 19,3%. L'azienda ha annunciato un'alleanza strategica con OrganOx e ha confermato le previsioni per un EBITDA rettificato positivo nel 2024.

Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE) informó resultados financieros del tercer trimestre de 2024 que muestran un desempeño mixto. Los ingresos aumentaron un 4,8% alcanzando $74,9 millones, mientras que el flujo de caja operativo mejoró a $6,4 millones. El EBITDA ajustado del segmento médico creció un 15,1%, y el segmento de pasajeros logró rentabilidad antes de lo previsto. A pesar de estas mejoras, la empresa registró una pérdida neta de $2,0 millones. El beneficio bruto aumentó un 43,8% alcanzando $14,4 millones, con una expansión del margen de 520 puntos básicos hasta el 19,3%. La empresa anunció una alianza estratégica con OrganOx y reafirmó su guía para un EBITDA ajustado positivo en 2024.

Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE)는 2024년 3분기 재무 결과가 혼합된 실적을 보였다고 보고했습니다. 수익은 4.8% 증가하여 7,490만 달러에 달했으며, 운영 현금 흐름은 640만 달러로 개선되었습니다. 회사의 의료 부문 조정 EBITDA는 15.1% 성장했으며, 승객 부문은 예정보다 조기에 수익성을 달성했습니다. 이러한 개선에도 불구하고, 회사는 200만 달러의 순손실을 기록했습니다. 총 이익은 43.8% 증가하여 1,440만 달러에 달했으며, 마진은 520베이시스 포인트 증가하여 19.3%에 이르렀습니다. 회사는 OrganOx와의 전략적 제휴를 발표하고 2024년 조정 EBITDA의 긍정적인 가이드를 재확인했습니다.

Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE) a publié ses résultats financiers pour le troisième trimestre 2024, montrant des performances mixtes. Les revenus ont augmenté de 4,8% pour atteindre 74,9 millions de dollars, tandis que le flux de trésorerie opérationnel s'est amélioré à 6,4 millions de dollars. L'EBITDA ajusté du segment médical a augmenté de 15,1%, et le segment passager a atteint la rentabilité plus tôt que prévu. Malgré ces améliorations, l'entreprise a enregistré une perte nette de 2,0 millions de dollars. Le bénéfice brut a augmenté de 43,8% pour atteindre 14,4 millions de dollars, avec une expansion de la marge de 520 points de base à 19,3%. L'entreprise a annoncé une alliance stratégique avec OrganOx et a réaffirmé ses prévisions pour un EBITDA ajusté positif en 2024.

Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE) hat die finanziellen Ergebnisse für das dritte Quartal 2024 veröffentlicht, die gemischte Leistungen zeigen. Der Umsatz stieg um 4,8% auf 74,9 Millionen US-Dollar, während der operative Cashflow auf 6,4 Millionen US-Dollar anstieg. Das bereinigte EBITDA des Medizinsegments wuchs um 15,1%, und das Passagiersegment erreichte die Rentabilität vor dem Zeitplan. Trotz dieser Verbesserungen verzeichnete das Unternehmen einen Nettoverlust von 2,0 Millionen US-Dollar. Der Bruttogewinn erhöhte sich um 43,8% auf 14,4 Millionen US-Dollar, mit einer Margenexpansion von 520 Basispunkten auf 19,3%. Das Unternehmen gab eine strategische Allianz mit OrganOx bekannt und bestätigte die Prognose für ein positives bereinigtes EBITDA im Jahr 2024.

Positive
  • Operating Cash Flow increased by $4.3M to $6.4M
  • Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA improved 15.1%
  • Passenger Segment achieved profitability ahead of 2025 guidance
  • Gross profit increased 43.8% to $14.4M
  • Gross margin expanded 520 basis points to 19.3%
  • Revenue grew 4.8% to $74.9M
Negative
  • Net loss of $2.0M, worsening by $2.2M year-over-year
  • General and administrative expenses increased 6.0%
  • Operating loss of $3.5M despite improvements

Insights

Blade Air Mobility's Q3 2024 results show significant operational improvements despite a modest net loss. The company achieved $74.9M in revenue, up 4.8% year-over-year, while gross margins expanded impressively by 520 basis points to 19.3%. The standout metrics include a substantial improvement in operating cash flow to $6.4M and free cash flow of $3.7M.

The Medical Segment's 15.1% Adjusted EBITDA improvement and the Passenger Segment achieving profitability ahead of schedule indicate successful execution of the company's growth strategy. The strategic alliance with OrganOx could provide additional revenue streams in the medical transport sector. However, increased general and administrative expenses, up 6%, warrant monitoring as they could impact future profitability.

The strategic alliance with OrganOx represents a significant expansion in Blade's medical logistics capabilities. OrganOx's metra perfusion device, which keeps donor livers viable for transplantation longer than conventional cold storage, creates a compelling synergy with Blade's transportation network. This partnership could revolutionize organ transportation logistics by extending viable transport times and improving transplant outcomes. The 15.1% improvement in Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA suggests strong execution in this critical healthcare vertical.

  • Operating Cash Flow increased by $4.3 million to $6.4 million in Q3 2024; Free Cash Flow, Before Aircraft Acquisitions, increased by $2.4 million to $3.7 million in Q3 2024(1)

  • Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA improved 15.1% in Q3 2024 versus the prior year

  • Passenger Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased by $2.8 million and we achieved trailing twelve month Segment Adjusted EBITDA profitability in Q3 2024, well ahead of previous guidance for full-year profitability by the end of 2025
  • Net loss increased by $2.2 million versus the prior year to $(2.0) million in Q3 2024; Adjusted EBITDA improved by $3.4 million versus the prior year to $4.2 million in Q3 2024(1)
  • Reaffirming guidance for positive Adjusted EBITDA in 2024 and double-digit millions of Adjusted EBITDA in 2025(2)
  • Announced strategic alliance with OrganOx, utilizing Blade logistics to enable rapid deployment of their metra perfusion device to transplant centers across the United States

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Blade Air Mobility, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLDE, "Blade" or the "Company"), today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.


GAAP FINANCIAL RESULTS
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,   
  2024   2023  % Change  2024   2023  % Change 
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  4.8% $194,336  $177,702  9.4% 
Cost of revenue$55,040  $55,863  (1.5) $148,006  $144,590  2.4% 
Software development 800   1,076  (25.7)  2,441   3,639  (32.9) 
General and administrative 20,412   19,265  6.0%  62,757   53,932  16.4% 
Selling and marketing 2,162   2,686  (19.5)  6,686   8,025  (16.7) 
Total operating expenses$78,414  $78,890  (0.6) $219,890  $210,186  4.6% 
Loss from operations$(3,537) $(7,448) (52.5) $(25,554) $(32,484) (21.3) 
Net (loss) income$(1,954) $289  NM(3)  $(17,514) $(22,135) (20.9) 
             
Gross profit$14,438  $10,043  43.8% $31,626  $18,353  72.3% 
Gross margin 19.3%  14.1% 520bps  16.3%  10.3% 600bps 

(1) See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Information" sections attached to this release for an explanation of Non-GAAP measures used and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
(2) We have not reconciled the forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA guidance included above to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because this cannot be done without unreasonable effort due to the variability and low visibility with respect to certain costs, the most significant of which are incentive compensation (including stock-based compensation), transaction-related expenses, certain fair value measurements, which are potential adjustments to future earnings. We expect the variability of these items to have a potentially unpredictable, and a potentially significant, impact on our future GAAP financial results.


NON-GAAP(1)FINANCIAL RESULTS
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,   
  2024   2023  Change  2024   2023  % Change 
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  4.8% $194,336  $177,702  9.4% 
Cost of revenue 55,040   55,863  (1.5)%  148,006   144,590  2.4% 
Flight Profit(2) 19,837   15,579  27.3%  46,330   33,112  39.9% 
Flight Margin 26.5%  21.8% 469bps  23.8%  18.6% 521bps 
Adjusted SG&A 16,169   14,863  8.8%  45,771   44,651  2.5% 
Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenue 512   71  NM(3)  1,033   154  NM(3) 
Adjusted EBITDA$4,180  $787  431.1% $1,592  $(11,385) NM(3) 
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Revenue 5.6%  1.1% 448bps  0.8% (6.4)% 723bps 
Passenger Adjusted EBITDA$5,593  $2,777  101.4% $3,724  $(2,353) NM(3) 
Medical Adjusted EBITDA$3,851  $3,346  15.1% $13,784  $8,249  67.1% 
Adjusted unallocated corporate expenses and software development$(5,264) $(5,336) (1.3)% $(15,916) $(17,281) (7.9)% 

(1) See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Information" sections attached to this release for an explanation of Non-GAAP measures used and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
(2) Includes $512 and $71 of depreciation and amortization for owned aircraft and vehicles in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively and $1,033 and $154 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(3) Not meaningful.

"We reached an important milestone this quarter in our Passenger Business, achieving positive Segment Adjusted EBITDA on a trailing twelve month basis, more than a year ahead of our investor guidance to turn profitable by the end of 2025," said Rob Wiesenthal, Blade's Chief Executive Officer. "Beyond the strength in underlying customer demand, several factors contributed to the faster path to profitability including actions we've taken to exit unprofitable business lines rapidly, early benefits from the recent restructuring of our European operations and implementation of segment-wide cost savings."

Wiesenthal added, "Blade's vertical transportation platform is now stronger than ever and we believe we are better positioned for the transition to Electric Vertical Aircraft ("EVA" or "eVTOL") than any other Urban Air Mobility company. Given the FAA's recent release of the necessary guidelines for future operations as well as the incoming administration’s stated agenda of achieving adoption ahead of other countries, we believe the timeline for this transition has greater clarity."

"We're pleased to see great conversion of Adjusted EBITDA to Free Cash Flow, Before Aircraft Acquisitions, which improved to $3.7 million in Q3 2024, approximately three times the prior year period, demonstrating the cash benefits of our drive to Passenger profitability and the growth in Medical," said Will Heyburn, Chief Financial Officer. "Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA improved 15.1% with margins expanding 70 basis points in Q3 2024 versus the prior year, despite a softer than expected Q3 for US organ transplant volumes.   Regardless, October was one of the highest revenue months for Medical in company history and we continue to take market share, including two recent customer wins for high-volume transplant centers that we expect to begin flying in the coming months."

Heyburn added, "We are also excited to announce a strategic alliance with OrganOx to broaden access to their metra perfusion device. We know from speaking with our customers that demand for metra currently exceeds the supply of available machines. This partnership will enable higher utilization of available metra devices through rapid distribution, utilizing Blade's air and ground logistics, to transplant centers who need them on a case-by-case basis."

"During the quarter, we acquired two additional aircraft which we expect to enter service by early 2025, bringing our owned fleet to ten," said Melissa Tomkiel, President. "Our aircraft ownership strategy is already bearing fruit, enabling us to win new medical contracts in recent months that required asset ownership. However, lower medical flight volumes in Q3 led to negative operating leverage while above average expenses on our owned aircraft fleet, including entry into service delays, did lead to lower Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA margins in Q3 2024 versus Q2 2024. Though quarter to quarter lumpiness in volumes and maintenance expenses may happen from time to time, we have already seen a normalization in the performance of our owned fleet Q4 to date."

Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2024 Financial Highlights

  • Total revenue increased 4.8% to $74.9 million in the current quarter versus $71.4 million in the prior year period, driven primarily by growth in Medical and Short Distance partially offset by Jet and Other.
  • Flight Profit(1) increased 27.3% to $19.8 million in the current quarter versus $15.6 million in the prior year period, driven by strong growth in both the Medical and Passenger segments.
  • Flight Margin(1) improved to 26.5% in the current quarter from 21.8% in the prior year period, driven primarily by a strong summer season in the Northeast, improved profitability in New York Airport and benefits from restructuring actions taken in Europe and Canada in Passenger.
  • Medical revenue increased 7.8% to $36.1 million in the current quarter versus $33.4 million in the prior year period. Medical revenue decreased (5.9)% sequentially versus Q2 2024 driven primarily by air trip volume that declined in line with industry transplant volumes, and a reduction in block hours per air trip as we increased the size of our dedicated fleet and positioned these aircraft closer to our largest hospital clients. This strategy reduces empty leg repositioning, improving outcomes and increasing economic efficiency for our customers while fortifying our value proposition to hospitals and making many other operators uncompetitive in these regions.
  • Short Distance revenue increased 6.5% to $32.4 million in the current quarter versus $30.4 million in the prior year period. Excluding Canada, which was discontinued, Short Distance revenue increased 9.8% versus the prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by Northeast Leisure, Other Short Distance and New York Airport.
  • Jet and Other revenue decreased 15.0% to $6.5 million in the current quarter versus $7.6 million in the prior year period driven by a decline in revenue per flight as charter industry pricing normalized.
  • Net loss increased by $2.2 million versus the prior year to $(2.0) million in Q3 2024 driven primarily by a $6.0 million decrease in non-cash income from change in fair value of warrant liability, partially offset by a $3.9 million reduced loss from operations.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) improved by $3.4 million year-over-year to $4.2 million in the current quarter versus $0.8 million in the prior year period, primarily due to a $2.8 million improvement in Passenger Segment Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter. Medical Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.5 million year-over-year and Adjusted Unallocated Corporate Expenses and Software Development decreased (1.3)% versus the prior year period.
  • Operating Cash Flow increased by $4.3 million to $6.4 million in Q3 2024. Capital expenditures of $9.9 million were driven primarily by the $7.3 million purchase of aircraft in the Medical segment. Free Cash Flow, Before Aircraft Acquisitions, which is net of all capital expenditures, including aircraft maintenance expenses, but excludes the impact of aircraft acquisitions, increased by $2.4 million to $3.7 million in Q3 2024.
  • Ended Q3 2024 with $136.3 million in cash and short term investments.

Business Highlights and Recent Updates

  • Announced strategic alliance with OrganOx to broaden access to OrganOx's metra normothermic machine perfusion device. The metra device extends liver preservation times, aiding the identification of viable donor livers, enabling longer-distance transportation and increasing the utilization of donor organs. OrganOx will preposition metra devices at strategic locations across the United States, utilizing air and ground logistics from Blade's wholly-owned subsidiary, Trinity Medical, to enable rapid deployment to transplant centers.
  • Seven of the eight previously announced aircraft acquisitions operated in Q3 2024, with the eighth aircraft entering service in October. We signed agreements to acquire two additional aircraft during Q3 2024 that are expected to enter service by early 2025. With a fleet size of ten, our owned fleet will only represent approximately one third of our Medical flying hours with the majority remaining on third-party aircraft.
  • Medical's organ placement service offering ("TOPS") continues to gain market share with five contracted customers today and a strong sales pipeline.
  • Completed an acquisition in Medical that expands our captive ground network and fleet of vehicles that will enable us to better serve our New York area customers.
  • Restructured our European operations which is expected to improve profitability and enable stronger organizational and commercial alignment with our local partner.
  • Completed exit from Canada in our Passenger business.

(1) See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Information" sections attached to this release for an explanation of Non-GAAP measures used and reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Financial Outlook(1)

For the full year 2024, we expect:

  • Revenue of $240 million to $250 million
  • Positive Adjusted EBITDA

For the full year 2025, we expect:

  • Double-digit Medical revenue growth
  • Passenger revenue of $85 million to $95 million
  • Double-digit millions of Adjusted EBITDA

Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call starting at 8:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 to discuss the results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

A live audio-only webcast of the call may be accessed from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://ir.blade.com/. An archived replay of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for one year.

(1) We have not reconciled the forward-looking Adjusted EBITDA guidance included above to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because this cannot be done without unreasonable effort due to the variability and low visibility with respect to certain costs, the most significant of which are incentive compensation (including stock-based compensation), transaction-related expenses, certain fair value measurements, which are potential adjustments to future earnings. We expect the variability of these items to have a potentially unpredictable, and a potentially significant, impact on our future GAAP financial results.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

Blade believes that the non-GAAP measures discussed below, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of our reported U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") results, provide useful information to investors by providing a more focused measure of operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making. The non-GAAP measures presented herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Unallocated Corporate Expenses, SG&A, Adjusted SG&A, Flight Profit, Flight Margin, Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, before Aircraft Acquisitions have been reconciled to the nearest GAAP measure in the tables within this press release.

Adjusted EBITDA – Blade reports Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Blade defines Adjusted EBITDA as net loss adjusted to exclude depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, change in fair value of warrant liabilities, interest income and expense, income tax, realized gains and losses on short-term investments, impairment of intangible assets and certain other non-recurring items that management does not believe are indicative of ongoing Company operating performance and would impact the comparability of results between periods.

Adjusted Unallocated Corporate Expenses – Blade defines Adjusted Unallocated Corporate Expenses as expenses that cannot be allocated to either of our reporting segments (Passenger and Medical) and therefore attributable to our Corporate expenses and software development, less non-cash items and certain other non-recurring items that management does not believe are indicative of ongoing Company operating performance and would impact the comparability of results between periods.

SG&A and Adjusted SG&A – Blade defines SG&A as total operating expenses excluding cost of revenue. Blade defines Adjusted SG&A as total operating expenses excluding cost of revenue and excluding non-cash items and certain other non-recurring items that management does not believe are indicative of ongoing Company operating performance and would impact the comparability of results between periods.

Flight Profit and Flight Margin – Blade defines Flight Profit as revenue less cost of revenue. Cost of revenue consists of flight costs paid to operators of aircraft and vehicles, landing fees, depreciation of aircraft and vehicles, right-of-use ("ROU") asset amortization, internal costs incurred in generating organ ground transportation revenue using the Company’s owned vehicles and costs of operating our owned aircraft including fuel, management fees paid to the operator, maintenance costs and pilot salaries. Blade defines Flight Margin for a period as Flight Profit for the period divided by revenue for the same period. Blade believes that Flight Profit and Flight Margin provide an important measure of the profitability of the Company's flight and ground operations, as they focus solely on the non discretionary direct costs associated with those operations such as third party variable costs and costs of owning and operating Blade's owned aircraft.

Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, before Aircraft Acquisitions – Blade defines Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures and capitalized software development costs. Blade also reports Free Cash Flow, before Aircraft Acquisitions, which is Free Cash Flow excluding cash outflows for aircraft acquisitions. Blade believes that Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, before Aircraft Acquisitions provide important insights into the cash-generating capability of the business, with Free Cash Flow, before Aircraft Acquisition specifically highlighting the cash generated by our core operations before the impact of discretionary strategic investments in new aircraft.

Financial Results


BLADE AIR MOBILITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data, unaudited)
 September 30,
2024
 December 31,
2023
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$20,028  $27,873 
Restricted cash 1,378   1,148 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $224 and $98 at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 24,481   21,005 
Short-term investments 116,310   138,264 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,563   17,971 
Total current assets 171,760   206,261 
    
Non-current assets:   
Property and equipment, net 30,550   2,899 
Intangible assets, net 13,957   20,519 
Goodwill 42,952   40,373 
Operating right-of-use asset 22,813   23,484 
Other non-current assets 913   1,402 
Total assets$282,945  $294,938 
    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$16,028  $23,859 
Deferred revenue 6,681   6,845 
Operating lease liability, current 4,472   4,787 
Total current liabilities 27,181   35,491 
    
Non-current liabilities:   
Warrant liability 2,692   4,958 
Operating lease liability, long-term 19,271   19,738 
Deferred tax liability 302   451 
Total liabilities 49,446   60,638 
    
Stockholders' Equity   
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 400,000,000 authorized; 78,314,023 and 75,131,425 shares issued at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 7   7 
Additional paid in capital 406,424   390,083 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 4,173   3,964 
Accumulated deficit (177,105)  (159,754)
Total stockholders' equity 233,499   234,300 
    
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$282,945  $294,938 



BLADE AIR MOBILITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share and per share data, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023  
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  $194,336  $177,702  
         
Operating expenses        
Cost of revenue 55,040   55,863   148,006   144,590  
Software development 800   1,076   2,441   3,639  
General and administrative 20,412   19,265   62,757   53,932  
Selling and marketing 2,162   2,686   6,686   8,025  
Total operating expenses 78,414   78,890   219,890   210,186  
         
Loss from operations (3,537)  (7,448)  (25,554)  (32,484) 
         
Other non-operating income (expense)        
Interest income 1,764   2,147   5,624   6,178  
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (299)  5,719   2,266   3,823  
Realized loss from sales of short-term investments          (95) 
Total other non-operating income 1,465   7,866   7,890   9,906  
         
(Loss) income before income taxes (2,072)  418   (17,664)  (22,578) 
         
Income tax (benefit) expense (118)  129   (150)  (443) 
         
Net (loss) income$(1,954) $289  $(17,514) $(22,135) 
         
Net (loss) income per share:        
Basic$(0.03) $  $(0.23) $(0.30) 
Diluted$(0.03) $  $(0.23) $(0.30) 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:        
Basic 78,044,254   74,139,422   77,151,361   73,108,263  
Diluted 78,044,254   81,006,859   77,151,361   73,108,263  



BLADE AIR MOBILITY, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:       
Net (loss) income$(1,954) $289  $(17,514) $(22,135)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash and restricted cash used in operating activities:       
Depreciation and amortization 1,279   1,843   4,432   5,305 
Stock-based compensation 5,402   3,330   15,367   9,348 
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities 299   (5,719)  (2,266)  (3,823)
Excess of lease liability over operating right-of-use assets       (123)   
Gain on lease modification (22)     (75)   
Realized loss from sales of short-term investments          95 
Realized foreign exchange loss (4)  1      6 
Accretion of interest income on held-to-maturity securities (823)  (1,692)  (3,120)  (4,716)
Deferred tax (benefit) expense (118)  129   (150)  (443)
Impairment of intangible assets       5,759    
Gain on disposal of property and equipment (6)     (6)   
Bad debt expense (34)  171   168   171 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:       
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,354   1,521   8,312   (1,104)
Accounts receivable 3,356   1,251   (3,611)  (10,379)
Other non-current assets 26   16   492   (8)
Operating right-of-use assets/lease liabilities 42   44   81   421 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (811)  3,999   (8,336)  4,086 
Deferred revenue (2,631)  (3,160)  (177)  147 
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities 6,355   2,023   (767)  (23,029)
        
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:       
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (2,230)     (2,230)   
Capitalized software development costs (604)     (1,660)   
Purchase of property and equipment (9,313)  (695)  (26,292)  (2,085)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 6      6    
Purchase of short-term investments          (135)
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments          20,532 
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments (65,715)  (135,690)  (142,766)  (265,835)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity investments 65,210   133,350   167,950   264,537 
Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities (12,646)  (3,035)  (4,992)  17,014 
        
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:       
Proceeds from the exercise of common stock options 11   9   124   63 
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (742)  (15)  (1,765)  (116)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock       (244)   
Net cash used in financing activities (731)  (6)  (1,885)  (53)
        
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash balances 62   (101)  29   (81)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (6,960)  (1,119)  (7,615)  (6,149)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning 28,366   39,393   29,021   44,423 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash - ending$21,406  $38,274  $21,406  $38,274 
        
Reconciliation to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated balance sheets       
Cash and cash equivalents$20,028  $36,815  $20,028  $36,815 
Restricted cash 1,378   1,459   1,378   1,459 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$21,406  $38,274  $21,406  $38,274 
        
Non-cash investing and financing activities       
New leases under ASC 842 entered into during the period(1)$2,187  $1,608  $8,545  $8,920 
Common stock issued for settlement of earn-out previously in accounts payable and accrued expenses(1)       3,022   1,785 
Purchases of PPE and capitalized software in accounts payable and accrued expenses (154)     3,479    
Derecognition of ROU assets       (6,367)   
Derecognition of lease liabilities       6,367    

     (1) Prior year amounts have been updated to conform to current period presentation.

Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Information


DISAGGREGATED REVENUE BY PRODUCT LINE
(in thousands, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2024  2023  2024  2023
Passenger segment       
Short Distance$32,352 $30,388 $63,070 $59,997
Jet and Other 6,463  7,607  20,837  23,092
Total$38,815 $37,995 $83,907 $83,089
        
Medical segment       
MediMobility Organ Transport$36,062 $33,447  110,429  94,613
Total$36,062 $33,447 $110,429 $94,613
        
Total Revenue$74,877 $71,442 $194,336 $177,702



SEGMENT INFORMATION: REVENUE, FLIGHT PROFIT, FLIGHT MARGIN, ADJUSTED EBITDA WITH RECONCILIATION TO TOTAL ADJUSTED EBITDA
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Passenger Revenue$38,815  $37,995  $83,907  $83,089 
Medical Revenue 36,062   33,447   110,429   94,613 
Total Revenue$74,877  $71,442  $194,336  $177,702 
        
Passenger Flight Profit$12,329  $9,410  $21,755  $16,864 
Medical Flight Profit 7,508   6,169   24,575   16,248 
Total Flight Profit(1)$19,837  $15,579  $46,330  $33,112 
        
Passenger Flight Margin 31.8%  24.8%  25.9%  20.3%
Medical Flight Margin 20.8%  18.4%  22.3%  17.2%
Total Flight Margin 26.5%  21.8%  23.8%  18.6%
        
Passenger Adjusted EBITDA$5,593  $2,777  $3,724  $(2,353)
Medical Adjusted EBITDA 3,851   3,346   13,784   8,249 
Adjusted unallocated corporate expenses and software development (5,264)  (5,336)  (15,916)  (17,281)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$4,180  $787  $1,592  $(11,385)

(1) Includes $512 and $71 of depreciation and amortization for owned aircraft and vehicles in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively and $1,033 and $154 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.


LAST TWELVE MONTHS PASSENGER ADJUSTED EBITDA
(in thousands, unaudited)
    Three Months Ended
  Last Twelve
Months
 September 30,
2024
 June 30,
2024
 March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
Passenger Adjusted EBITDA $1,089 $5,593 $782 $(2,651) $(2,635)



SEATS FLOWN - ALL PASSENGER FLIGHTS
(unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024 2023 2024 2023
Seats flown – all passenger flights45,977 50,821 117,722 121,008


REVENUE, FLIGHT PROFIT, FLIGHT MARGIN, ADJUSTED SG&A, ADJUSTED EBITDA
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  $194,336  $177,702 
Flight Profit(1) 19,837   15,579   46,330   33,112 
Flight Margin 26.5%  21.8%  23.8%  18.6%
Adjusted SG&A 16,169   14,863   45,771   44,651 
Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of revenue 21.6%  20.8%  23.6%  25.1%
Depreciation and amortization included in cost of revenue 512   71   1,033   154 
Adjusted EBITDA$4,180  $787  $1,592  $(11,385)
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue 5.6%  1.1%  0.8% (6.4)

(1) Includes $512 and $71 of depreciation and amortization for owned aircraft and vehicles in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively and $1,033 and $154 in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.


RECONCILIATION OF REVENUE LESS COST OF REVENUE TO FLIGHT PROFIT AND GROSS PROFIT
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  $194,336  $177,702 
Less:       
Cost of revenue(1) 55,040   55,863   148,006   144,590 
Depreciation and amortization(2) 558   1,627   2,769   4,742 
Stock-based compensation 36   44   149   124 
Other(3) 4,805   3,865   11,786   9,893 
Gross Profit$14,438  $10,043  $31,626  $18,353 
Gross Margin 19.3%  14.1%  16.3%  10.3%
        
Gross Profit$14,438  $10,043  $31,626  $18,353 
Reconciling items:       
Depreciation and amortization(2) 558   1,627   2,769   4,742 
Stock-based compensation 36   44   149   124 
Other(3) 4,805   3,865   11,786   9,893 
Flight Profit$19,837  $15,579  $46,330  $33,112 
Flight Margin 26.5%  21.8%  23.8%  18.6%

(1) Cost of revenue consists of flight costs paid to operators of aircraft and vehicles, landing fees, depreciation of aircraft and vehicles, ROU asset amortization, internal costs incurred in generating organ ground transportation revenue using the Company's owned vehicles and costs of operating our owned aircraft including fuel, management fees paid to the operator, maintenance costs and pilot salaries.   
(2) Depreciation and amortization included within general and administrative expenses.
(3) Other costs include credit card processing fees, staff costs, commercial costs and establishment costs.

     


RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES TO ADJUSTED SG&A
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  $194,336  $177,702 
        
Total operating expenses 78,414   78,890   219,890   210,186 
Subtract:       
Cost of revenue 55,040   55,863   148,006   144,590 
SG&A$23,374  $23,027  $71,884  $65,596 
SG&A as percentage of Revenue 31.2%  32.2%  37.0%  36.9%
Adjustments to reconcile SG&A to Adjusted SG&A       
Subtract:       
Depreciation and amortization included in SG&A 767   1,772   3,399   5,151 
Stock-based compensation 5,345   3,330   15,434   9,348 
Legal and regulatory advocacy fees(1)(2) 165   217   427   640 
Executive severance costs 140      140   265 
SOX readiness costs 220   145   302   180 
Contingent consideration compensation (earn-out)(3)    2,700      5,361 
M&A transaction costs 85      169    
Impairment of intangible assets       5,759  $ 
Restructuring costs-Blade Europe(4) 483      483  $ 
Adjusted SG&A$16,169  $14,863  $45,771  $44,651 
Adjusted SG&A as percentage of Revenue 21.6%  20.8%  23.6%  25.1%

(1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, represents legal advocacy fees related to the Drulias lawsuit that we do not consider representative of legal and regulatory advocacy costs that we will incur from time to time in the ordinary course of our business.
(2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, represents certain legal and regulatory advocacy fees for certain proposed restrictions at East Hampton Airport and potential operational restrictions on large jet aircraft at Westchester Airport, that we do not consider representative of legal and regulatory advocacy costs that we will incur from time to time in the ordinary course of our business.
(3) Trinity’s contingent consideration, 2023 was the last year subject to an earn-out payment.
(4) Includes severance, retention, legal and other one-time restructuring costs associated with a reorganization of Blade Europe.


RECONCILIATION OF NET (LOSS) INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
(in thousands except percentages, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Net (loss) income$(1,954) $289  $(17,514) $(22,135)
        
Depreciation and amortization 1,279   1,843   4,432   5,305 
Stock-based compensation 5,345   3,330   15,434   9,348 
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities 299   (5,719)  (2,266)  (3,823)
Realized loss from sales of short-term investments          95 
Interest income (1,764)  (2,147)  (5,624)  (6,178)
Income tax (benefit) expense (118)  129   (150)  (443)
Legal and regulatory advocacy fees(1)(2) 165   217   427   640 
Executive severance costs 140      140   265 
SOX readiness costs 220   145   302   180 
Contingent consideration compensation (earn-out)(3)    2,700      5,361 
M&A transaction costs 85      169    
Impairment of intangible assets       5,759    
Restructuring costs-Blade Europe(4) 483      483    
Adjusted EBITDA$4,180  $787  $1,592  $(11,385)
Revenue$74,877  $71,442  $194,336  $177,702 
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Revenue 5.6%  1.1%  0.8% (6.4)%

(1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, represents legal advocacy fees related to the Drulias lawsuit that we do not consider representative of legal and regulatory advocacy costs that we will incur from time to time in the ordinary course of our business.
(2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, represents certain legal and regulatory advocacy fees for certain proposed restrictions at East Hampton Airport and potential operational restrictions on large jet aircraft at Westchester Airport, that we do not consider representative of legal and regulatory advocacy costs that we will incur from time to time in the ordinary course of our business.
(3) Trinity’s contingent consideration, 2023 was the last year subject to an earn-out payment.
(4) Includes severance, retention, legal and other one-time restructuring costs associated with a reorganization of Blade Europe.


RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY / (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO FREE CASH FLOW AND FREE CASH FLOW BEFORE AIRCRAFT ACQUISITIONS
(in thousands, unaudited)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities$6,355  $2,023  $(767) $(23,029)
Capitalized software development costs (604)     (1,660)   
Purchase of property and equipment (9,313)  (695)  (26,292)  (2,085)
Free Cash Flow (3,562)  1,328   (28,719)  (25,114)
Aircraft Acquisition Capital Expenditures(1) 7,288      21,923    
Free Cash Flow, before Aircraft Acquisitions$3,726  $1,328  $(6,796) $(25,114)

(1) Represents capital expenditures for aircraft acquisitions, excluding capitalized maintenance subsequent to initial acquisition.


LAST TWELVE MONTHS DISAGGREGATED REVENUE BY PRODUCT LINE
(in thousands, unaudited)
    Three Months Ended
  Last Twelve
Months
 September 30,
2024
 June 30,
2024
 March 31,
2024
 December 31,
2023
Product Line:          
Short Distance $73,773 $32,352 $20,908 $9,810 $10,703
Jet and Other  25,621  6,463  8,696  5,678  4,784
MediMobility Organ Transport  142,420  36,062  38,341  36,026  31,991
Total Revenue $241,814 $74,877 $67,945 $51,514 $47,478


About Blade Air Mobility

Blade Air Mobility provides air transportation and logistics for hospitals across the United States, where it is one of the largest transporters of human organs for transplant, and for passengers, with helicopter and fixed wing services primarily in the Northeast United States and Southern Europe.  Based in New York City, Blade's asset-light model, coupled with its exclusive passenger terminal infrastructure and proprietary technologies, is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA” or “eVTOL”), enabling lower cost air mobility that is both quiet and emission-free. 

For more information, visit www.blade.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by the use of words such as "will", “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “plan,” “outlook,” “future,” "target," and “project” and other similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable and may also relate to Blade’s future prospects, developments and business strategies. In particular, such forward-looking statements include statements concerning Blade’s future financial and operating performance (including the discussion of 2024 and 2025 financial outlook and guidance), the composition and performance of its fleet, results of operations, industry environment and growth opportunities, new product lines and partnerships, and the development and adoption of EVA technology. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance.

Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside Blade’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements include: our continued incurrence of significant losses; failure of the markets for our offerings to grow as expected, or at all; our ability to effectively market and sell air transportation as a substitute for conventional methods of transportation; reliance on certain customers in our Passenger segment revenue; the inability or unavailability to use or take advantage of the shift, or lack thereof, to EVA technology; our ability to successfully enter new markets and launch new routes and services; any adverse publicity stemming from accidents involving small aircraft, helicopters or charter flights and, in particular, any accidents involving our third-party operators; any change to the ownership of our aircraft and the challenges related thereto; the effects of competition; harm to our reputation and brand; our ability to provide high-quality customer support; our ability to maintain a high daily aircraft usage rate; changes in consumer preferences, discretionary spending and other economic conditions; impact of natural disasters, outbreaks and pandemics, economic, social, weather, geopolitical, growth constraints, and regulatory conditions or other circumstances on metropolitan areas and airports where we have geographic concentration; the effects of climate change, including potential increased impacts of severe weather and regulatory activity; the availability of aircraft fuel; our ability to address system failures, defects, errors, or vulnerabilities in our website, applications, backend systems or other technology systems or those of third-party technology providers; interruptions or security breaches of our information technology systems; our placements within mobile applications; our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; our use of open source software; our ability to expand and maintain our infrastructure network; our ability to access additional funding; the increase of costs and risks associated with international expansion; our ability to identify, complete and successfully integrate future acquisitions; our ability to manage our growth; increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage; the loss of key members of our management team; our ability to maintain our company culture; our reliance on contractual relationships with certain transplant centers and Organ Procurement Organizations; effects of fluctuating financial results; our reliance on third-party operators; the availability of third-party operators; disruptions to third-party operators; increases in insurance costs or reductions in insurance coverage for our third-party aircraft operators; the possibility that our third-party aircraft operators may illegally, improperly or otherwise inappropriately operate our branded aircraft; our reliance on third-party web service providers; changes in our regulatory environment; risks and impact of any litigation we may be subject to; regulatory obstacles in local governments; the expansion of domestic and foreign privacy and security laws; the expansion of environmental regulations; our ability to remediate any material weaknesses or maintain internal controls over financial reporting; our ability to maintain effective internal controls and disclosure controls; changes in the fair value of our warrants; and other factors beyond our control. Additional factors can be found in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect us. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and Blade undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in expectations, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

For Investor Relations
Mathew Schneider
investors@blade.com

For Media Relations
Lee Gold
press@blade.com


FAQ

What was Blade Air Mobility's (BLDE) revenue growth in Q3 2024?

Blade Air Mobility's revenue grew 4.8% to $74.9 million in Q3 2024 compared to the same period last year.

How much was Blade Air Mobility's (BLDE) net loss in Q3 2024?

Blade Air Mobility reported a net loss of $2.0 million in Q3 2024, an increase of $2.2 million compared to the prior year.

What was Blade Air Mobility's (BLDE) gross margin in Q3 2024?

Blade Air Mobility's gross margin was 19.3% in Q3 2024, an increase of 520 basis points from 14.1% in Q3 2023.

Did Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) achieve profitability in its Passenger Segment?

Yes, Blade Air Mobility achieved trailing twelve month Segment Adjusted EBITDA profitability in its Passenger Segment during Q3 2024, ahead of previous guidance for full-year profitability by the end of 2025.

Blade Air Mobility, Inc.

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Airports & Air Services
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