Sun Country Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

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Insights

The reported Q4 and FY 2023 financial results from Sun Country Airlines indicate a significant increase in revenue and earnings, which is a strong signal to investors and stakeholders about the company's growth and profitability. The record-setting revenue and adjusted operating income margins suggest efficient management and a robust business model. The company's ability to exceed $1 billion in annual revenue for the first time highlights its scalability and potential for further expansion.

From a financial perspective, the increase in GAAP net income and the growth in block hours and total revenue year over year are particularly noteworthy. These figures demonstrate the airline's capacity to enhance its operations while managing costs effectively, as evidenced by the reduced adjusted CASM. The share repurchase activity, totaling 4.2 million shares, reflects a shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy and confidence in the company's intrinsic value. However, the decline in net income and EPS in Q4 compared to the previous year warrants attention to understand the underlying factors, such as increased operating expenses or potential one-time charges.

Sun Country's performance is a testament to the resilience of the airline industry, which has been recovering from the pandemic-induced downturn. The company's diversified business model, including cargo services and charter flights, has allowed it to tap into various revenue streams, mitigating the risks associated with fluctuations in passenger demand. The strategic acquisition of aircraft and the partnership with Amazon under the ATSA are moves that likely contributed to the airline's robust performance and offer a competitive edge.

The company's focus on maintaining strong ties with the Minnesota community and its investment in additional aircraft signal a long-term growth strategy. These initiatives not only enhance brand recognition but also ensure sustained operational capacity. The reported increase in charter and cargo revenues aligns with industry trends where airlines are diversifying to capitalize on different market segments. The positive revenue guidance for Q1 2024, combined with lower projected economic fuel costs, suggests continued optimism for the airline's performance in the short term.

The financial results reported by Sun Country Airlines reflect broader economic trends, such as the recovery in travel demand and the impact of fuel prices on operating costs. The airline's ability to reduce adjusted CASM in the face of inflationary pressures is a strong indicator of cost management and operational efficiency. The projected decrease in economic fuel cost per gallon for Q1 2024 could further enhance profitability margins, assuming stable fuel supply conditions.

However, it is important to consider the potential headwinds such as economic slowdowns, geopolitical tensions and health crises that could affect consumer spending and travel patterns. The airline's increasing net debt position, despite strong revenue growth, suggests a need for careful monitoring of leverage and liquidity ratios to ensure long-term financial stability. The company's strategic investments in fleet expansion and capital expenditures must be balanced against the need to maintain adequate liquidity to weather any unforeseen challenges.

01/31/2024 - 04:05 PM

Q4 2023 total revenue of $245.5 million, highest fourth quarter on record⁽¹⁾Q4 2023 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.10 and operating income margin of 7.0%
Q4 2023 Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.12⁽²⁾and adjusted operating income margin of 7.4%⁽²⁾FY 2023 total revenue of $1.05 billion, highest full year on record⁽¹⁾FY 2023 GAAP diluted EPS of $1.23 and operating income margin of 12.1%
FY 2023 Adjusted diluted EPS of $1.37⁽²⁾and adjusted operating income margin of 13.0%⁽²⁾, highest full year on record⁽¹⁾

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (“Sun Country Airlines,” “Sun Country,” the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SNCY) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

“We are excited that Sun Country’s uniquely diversified business model, and the efforts of our outstanding employees, produced another strong quarter, with record revenue⁽¹⁾, a 7.0% GAAP operating income margin and a 7.4% adjusted operating income margin⁽²⁾,” said Jude Bricker, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Country. “Additionally, we continue to maintain solid cost control with fourth quarter adjusted CASM⁽³⁾ falling by 2.2% versus fourth quarter 2022. Results for the full year were equally impressive. Full year 2023 revenue exceeded $1 billion for the first time, our GAAP operating income margin was 12.1%, and our adjusted operating income margin of 13.0%⁽²⁾ was our highest on record⁽¹⁾. GAAP net income for the year was $72.2 million and we grew total year over year block hours by 9.8% and total revenue by 17.3%. We believe our unique business model produces superior results across operating environments and 2023 again proved that out. We could not have achieved these record results without the hard work of our dedicated employees. We are looking forward to another successful year in 2024.”

Overview of Fourth Quarter and Full Year

	Three Months Ended December 31,
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)		2023		2022	% Change
Total Operating Revenue	$	245.5	$	227.2	8.1
Operating Income		17.1		15.1	13.3
Income Before Income Tax		7.7		9.5	(19.2	)
Net Income		5.6		7.3	(22.5	)
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.10	$	0.12	(17.3	)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)		2023		2022	% Change
Adjusted Operating Income ⁽²⁾	$	18.3	$	15.9		14.8
Adjusted Income Before Income Tax ⁽²⁾		9.3		10.3		(9.6	)
Adjusted Net Income ⁽²⁾		6.9		7.9		(12.3	)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share ⁽²⁾	$	0.12	$	0.13		(7.7	)

	Year Ended December 31,
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)		2023		2022	% Change
Total Operating Revenue	$	1,049.6	$	894.4	17.3
Operating Income		127.5		55.7	128.9
Income Before Income Tax		94.2		24.0	292.6
Net Income		72.2		17.7	308.4
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.23	$	0.29	324.1

	Year Ended December 31,
(unaudited) (in millions, except per share amounts)		2023		2022	% Change
Adjusted Operating Income⁽²⁾	$	136.8	$	58.5	133.9
Adjusted Income Before Income Tax⁽²⁾		104.2		33.0	215.9
Adjusted Net Income⁽²⁾		79.9		25.8	209.9
Adjusted diluted earnings per share⁽²⁾	$	1.37	$	0.42	226.2

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, Sun Country reported Income Before Income Tax of $7.7 million and Net Income of $5.6 million, on $245.5 million of revenue. Adjusted Income Before Income Tax for the quarter was $9.3 million⁽²⁾. GAAP Operating Income during the quarter was $17.1 million, producing an Operating Income Margin of 7.0%, while Adjusted Operating Income was $18.3 million⁽²⁾, resulting in an Adjusted Operating Income Margin of 7.4%⁽²⁾.

“We had a very successful 2023,” said Dave Davis, President and Chief Financial Officer. “Our full year GAAP pre-tax margin was 9.0% and we produced an adjusted pre-tax margin of 9.9%⁽²⁾, which we expect to be the best, or among the best in the industry. Our cost performance improved throughout the year as our fourth quarter adjusted CASM⁽³⁾ of 7.3 cents was 2.2% lower than a year ago. Additionally, our 2023 GAAP diluted EPS was $1.23, our adjusted diluted EPS was $1.37⁽²⁾ and we generated a record⁽¹⁾ 21.4% adjusted EBITDA margin⁽²⁾ for the full year. These positive results allowed us to return cash to shareholders through share repurchases, which in 2023 totaled 4.2 million shares for $68.6 million. Total Capex spending in 2023 was $218.2 million, of which approximately $200 million was for additional aircraft. We expect these aircraft to provide almost all of the passenger lift we need through 2025, resulting in much lower capex levels in 2024.”

Notable Highlights

Strengthened ties with our Minnesota community by becoming the Official Airline of the University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics
Acquired one 737-800 which will remain on lease to Fly Dubai until the fourth quarter 2024. Expected to acquire another 737-800 by the end of February 2024 which will also remain on lease to Fly Dubai.
The Company repurchased 0.9 million shares at an average price of $14.93 during the fourth quarter. At the end of the year, $11.5 million remained under the current repurchase authorization.

Capacity

System block hours flown during the fourth quarter of 2023 grew by 10.4% year over year, while scheduled service ASMs increased 14.9%. Cargo block hours also grew 1.8% year over year during this time. For full year 2023, system block hours grew 9.8% driven by an increase in scheduled service block hours of 8.6%, an increase in cargo block hours of 5.8% and an increase of charter block hours of 18.9%.

Fourth quarter charter block hours grew 7.8% year over year driven by the continued growth in flying under long-term contracts, which comprised 70% of total charter flying versus 61% in the fourth quarter of 2022. Full year 2023 charter block hours under long-term contracts were 80% of total charter block hours versus 76% last year. This was mostly due to 25.7% growth in charter flying under long-term contracts versus the full year 2022.

Revenue

For the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company reported total revenue of $245.5 million, which was 8.1% more than the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company’s scheduled service TRASM⁽⁴⁾ of 10.7 cents in the fourth quarter of 2023 decreased 9.1% year over year as scheduled service ASMs increased 14.9%. The fourth quarter 2023 total fare per passenger of $156.39 was less than fourth quarter 2022 by 11.8% while scheduled load factor of 84.7% was little changed versus last year. Full year 2023 scheduled service TRASM⁽⁴⁾increased 7.6% while scheduled service ASMs increased 7.2% for the same time period. Full year total fare per passenger of $176.30 grew by 0.6% on a 2.8 percentage point increase in scheduled service load factor.

Charter service revenue is primarily generated through service provided to collegiate and professional sports teams, the U.S. Department of Defense, and casinos. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company’s charter service revenue was $46.9 million, an increase of 8.8% year over year. For the full year, charter service revenue was $190.1 million, an increase of 17.6% versus last year.

Cargo revenue consists of revenue earned from flying cargo aircraft under the Air Transportation Services Agreement (“ATSA”) with Amazon. In the fourth quarter of 2023, cargo revenue was $25.3 million, a 3.6% increase versus the fourth quarter of 2022. For the full year, charter service revenue was $99.7 million, an increase of 10.4% versus last year.

Cost

For the fourth quarter of 2023, total GAAP operating expenses increased 7.7% year-over-year versus a 10.4% increase in total block hours, primarily due to a 6.6% increase in salaries, wages, and benefits, a 5.0% increase in sales and marketing expense and a 2.6% increase in ground handling expense. This combination drove adjusted CASM⁽³⁾ in the fourth quarter lower by 2.2% versus the fourth quarter 2022. For the full year 2023, total GAAP operating expenses increased 9.9% while total system block hours grew 9.8% versus 2022. Salaries, wages and benefits grew 20.2%, while maintenance expense increased 30.0% in full year 2023, which were the primary drivers of the 6.4% year over year increase in adjusted CASM⁽³⁾.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

Total liquidity⁽⁵⁾ was $205.2 million on December 31, 2023, while the Company’s net debt⁽⁶⁾ was $517.2 million.

(in millions)	December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(Unaudited)
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	46.3	$	92.1
Available-for-Sale Securities		134.2		172.6
Amount Available Under Revolving Credit Facility		24.7		24.7
Total Liquidity	$	205.2	$	289.4

(in millions)	December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
	(Unaudited)
Total Debt, Net	$	401.6	$	352.2
Finance Lease Obligations		277.3		251.3
Operating Lease Obligations		18.8		26.1
Total Debt and Lease Obligations		697.7		629.6
Cash and Cash Equivalents		46.3		92.1
Available-for-Sale Securities		134.2		172.6
Net Debt	$	517.2	$	364.8

Fleet

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had 42 aircraft in its passenger service fleet, operated 12 freighter aircraft in its cargo operation and had six aircraft that are currently on lease to unaffiliated airlines.

Guidance for First Quarter 2024

	Q1 2024	H/(L) vs Q1 2023
Total revenue - millions	$310 to $320	5% to 9%
Economic fuel cost per gallon	$3.00	(13%)
Operating income margin - percentage	17% to 21%	(3pp) to 1pp
Effective tax rate	23%
Total system block hours - thousands	38 to 39	8% to 11%

Conference Call & Webcast Details

Sun Country Airlines will host a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2023 results at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 1, 2024. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available via the investor relations section of Sun Country Airlines’ website at https://ir.suncountry.com/news-events/events-and-presentations. The online replay will be available on the same website approximately one hour after the call. The conference call can also be listened to live by accessing https://register.vevent.com/register/BI21a7bc02112b43888ac28de97e8b6e16.

About Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines is a new breed of hybrid low-cost air carrier, whose mission is to connect guests to their favorite people and places, to create lifelong memories and transformative experiences. Sun Country dynamically deploys shared resources across our synergistic scheduled service, charter and cargo businesses. Based in Minnesota, we focus on serving leisure and visiting friends and relatives ("VFR") passengers and charter customers and providing cargo CMI services, with flights throughout the United States and to destinations in Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean.

End Notes

1 -	Records begin in January 2017
2 -	See additional details, including reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures, in the section titled “Non-GAAP financial measures”
3 -	Adjusted CASM is a non-GAAP measure derived from CASM by excluding fuel costs, non-cash management stock compensation expense, costs arising from its cargo operations, depreciation and amortization recognized on certain assets that generate lease income, certain commissions, and other costs of selling its vacations product from this measure. See table titled “Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM”
4 -	Scheduled Service TRASM includes Schedule Service revenue, Ancillary revenue, and ASM generating revenue classified within Other Revenue on the Consolidated Statement of Operations / Scheduled Service ASMs. Other Revenue includes rental revenue of approximately $5.9 million and $17.7 million associated with certain assets that generate lease income in the three months and year ended December 31, 2023, respectively, which is not included
5 -	Total liquidity = cash and cash equivalents + available-for-sale securities + amount available under revolver
6 -	Net debt = current portion of long-term debt + long-term debt + finance lease obligations + operating lease obligations – cash and cash equivalents - available-for-sale securities

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives of management, and expected market growth are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are relating to:

our strategy, outlook and growth prospects;

our operational and financial targets and dividend policy;

general economic trends and trends in the industry and markets;

potential repurchases of our common stock; and

the competitive environment in which we operate.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this press release and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or review publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. You should read this press release completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments we may undertake. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. Additional information concerning certain factors is contained in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We sometimes use information that is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements, but that is not presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide a meaningful comparison of our results to others in the airline industry and our prior year results. Investors should consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, our financial performance measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Further, our non-GAAP information may be different from the non-GAAP information provided by other companies. We believe certain charges included in our operating expenses on a GAAP basis make it difficult to compare our current period results to prior periods as well as future periods and guidance. The tables below show a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures used in this document to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except shares and per share amounts) (Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022		% Change
Operating Revenues:
Scheduled Service	$	93,254		$	103,629			(10.0	)
Charter		46,879			43,092			8.8
Ancillary		70,500			52,958			33.1
Passenger		210,633			199,679			5.5
Cargo		25,297			24,421			3.6
Other		9,613			3,054			214.8
Total Operating Revenue		245,543			227,154			8.1

Operating Expenses:
Aircraft Fuel		60,840			62,029			(1.9	)
Salaries, Wages, and Benefits		71,750			67,278			6.6
Aircraft Rent		—			1,421			(100.0	)
Maintenance		16,278			10,810			50.6
Sales and Marketing		8,100			7,717			5.0
Depreciation and Amortization		23,575			18,277			29.0
Ground Handling		9,207			8,977			2.6
Landing Fees and Airport Rent		12,768			12,950			(1.4	)
Other Operating, net		25,901			22,578			14.7
Total Operating Expenses		228,419			212,037			7.7
Operating Income		17,124			15,117			13.3

Non-operating Income (Expense), net:
Interest Income		2,414			2,361			2.2
Interest Expense		(11,363	)		(7,921	)		43.5
Other, net		(516	)		(80	)		545.0
Total Non-operating Expense, net		(9,465	)		(5,640	)		67.8

Income before Income Tax		7,659			9,477			(19.2	)
Income Tax Expense		2,014			2,193			(8.2	)
Net Income	$	5,645		$	7,284			(22.5	)

Net Income per share to common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.10		$	0.13			(17.0	)
Diluted	$	0.10		$	0.12			(17.3	)
Shares used for computation:
Basic		53,892,797			57,693,064			(6.6	)
Diluted		56,270,891			60,071,021			(6.3	)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022		% Change
Operating Revenues:
Scheduled Service	$	453,862		$	438,308			3.5
Charter		190,128			161,619			17.6
Ancillary		276,133			192,506			43.4
Passenger		920,123			792,433			16.1
Cargo		99,735			90,350			10.4
Other		29,762			11,661			155.2
Total Operating Revenue		1,049,620			894,444			17.3

Operating Expenses:
Aircraft Fuel		246,669			268,363			(8.1	)
Salaries, Wages, and Benefits		295,640			245,855			20.2
Aircraft Rent		2,281			8,768			(74.0	)
Maintenance		60,588			46,604			30.0
Sales and Marketing		34,105			31,053			9.8
Depreciation and Amortization		88,151			67,641			30.3
Ground Handling		37,506			33,816			10.9
Landing Fees and Airport Rent		49,615			45,658			8.7
Other Operating, net		107,565			90,978			18.2
Total Operating Expenses		922,120			838,736			9.9
Operating Income		127,500			55,708			128.9

Non-operating Income (Expense), net:
Interest Income		10,180			4,527			124.9
Interest Expense		(42,634	)		(31,018	)		37.4
Other, net		(887	)		(5,235	)		(83.1	)
Total Non-operating Expense, net		(33,341	)		(31,726	)		5.1

Income before Income Tax		94,159			23,982			292.6
Income Tax Expense		21,978			6,306			248.5
Net Income	$	72,181		$	17,676			308.4

Net Income per share to common stockholders:
Basic	$	1.30		$	0.31			319.4
Diluted	$	1.23		$	0.29			324.1
Shares used for computation:
Basic		55,507,144			57,951,955			(4.2	)
Diluted		58,524,652			61,046,595			(4.1	)

KEY OPERATING STATISTICS
The following table presents key operating statistics and metrics for the three months and year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022		% Change
Scheduled Service Statistics:
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) – thousands		1,316,877			1,141,495			15.4
Available seat miles (ASMs) – thousands		1,554,043			1,352,830			14.9
Load factor		84.7	%		84.4	%		0.3
Revenue passengers carried		1,047,127			882,877			18.6
Departures		6,688			5,654			18.3
Block hours		21,180			18,496			14.5
Scheduled service TRASM⁽¹⁾- cents		10.73			11.80			(9.1	)
Average base fare per passenger	$	89.06		$	117.38			(24.1	)
Ancillary revenue per passenger	$	67.33		$	59.98			12.3
Total fare per passenger	$	156.39		$	177.36			(11.8	)
Fuel gallons - thousands		16,404			14,282			14.9

Charter Statistics:
Departures		2,571			2,402			7.0
Block hours		5,160			4,788			7.8
Available seats miles (ASMs) - thousands		324,222			292,832			10.7
Fuel gallons - thousands		3,237			2,970			9.0

Cargo Statistics:
Departures		3,366			3,309			1.7
Block hours		8,960			8,800			1.8

Total System Statistics:
Average passenger aircraft		41.9			38.1			10.0
Passenger aircraft – end of period		42			42			—
Leased Aircraft - end of period		6			—			NM
Cargo aircraft – end of period		12			12			—
Available seat miles (ASMs) – thousands		1,899,363			1,657,207			14.6
Departures		12,745			11,440			11.4
Block hours		35,653			32,309			10.4
Daily utilization – hours		6.9			6.7			3.0
Average stage length – miles		1,098			1,113			(1.3	)
Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) - cents		11.25			12.23			(8.0	)
Cost per ASM (CASM) - cents		12.03			12.79			(5.9	)
Adjusted CASM⁽²⁾- cents		7.28			7.44			(2.2	)
Fuel gallons - thousands		19,841			17,369			14.2
Fuel cost per gallon	$	3.07		$	3.58			(14.2	)
Employees at end of period		2,783			2,510			10.9

1 – See note 3 in End Notes
2 – See note 4 in End Notes
“NM” stands for not meaningful

KEY OPERATING STATISTICS

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022		% Change
Scheduled Service Statistics:
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) – thousands		5,217,852			4,706,996			10.9
Available seat miles (ASMs) – thousands		6,044,011			5,637,233			7.2
Load factor		86.3	%		83.5	%		2.8
Revenue passengers carried		4,140,663			3,598,584			15.1
Departures		26,144			23,166			12.9
Block hours		82,618			76,081			8.6
Scheduled service TRASM⁽¹⁾- cents		12.27			11.40			7.6
Average base fare per passenger	$	109.61		$	121.80			(10.0	)
Ancillary revenue per passenger	$	66.69		$	53.49			24.7
Total fare per passenger	$	176.30		$	175.29			0.6
Fuel gallons - thousands		64,450			59,222			8.8

Charter Statistics:
Departures		10,387			8,616			20.6
Block hours		21,154			17,788			18.9
Available seats miles (ASMs) - thousands		1,286,175			1,093,530			17.6
Fuel gallons - thousands		14,299			12,055			18.6

Cargo Statistics:
Departures		13,009			11,619			12.0
Block hours		34,592			32,691			5.8

Total System Statistics:
Average passenger aircraft		41.8			35.9			16.4
Passenger aircraft – end of period		42			42			—
Leased Aircraft - end of period		6			—		NM
Cargo aircraft – end of period		12			12			—
Available seat miles (ASMs) – thousands		7,416,189			6,771,340			9.5
Departures		50,040			43,686			14.5
Block hours		139,841			127,361			9.8
Daily utilization – hours		6.9			7.2			(4.2	)
Average stage length – miles		1,090			1,155			(5.6	)
Total revenue per ASM (TRASM) - cents		12.56			11.87			5.8
Cost per ASM (CASM) - cents		12.43			12.39			0.3
Adjusted CASM⁽²⁾- cents		7.49			7.04			6.4
Fuel gallons - thousands		79,574			71,690			11.0
Fuel cost per gallon, excluding derivatives	$	3.11		$	3.75			(17.1	)
Employees at end of period		2,783			2,510			10.9

1 – See note 3 in End Notes
2 – See note 4 in End Notes
“NM” stands for not meaningful

SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET (Dollars in millions) (amounts may not recalculate due to rounding)

	December 31, 2023		December 31, 2022		% Change
	(Unaudited)
Cash & Cash Equivalents	$	46.3	$	92.1		(49.7	)
Other Current Assets		225.1		253.4		(11.2	)
Total Current Assets		271.4		345.5		(21.4	)
Total Property & Equipment, net		969.0		785.7		23.3
Other Assets		383.3		393.3		(2.5	)
Total Assets		1,623.6		1,524.4		6.5

Air Traffic Liabilities		158.0		158.0		—
Current Finance Lease Obligations		44.8		18.0		148.9
Current Operating Lease Obligations		2.2		6.3		(65.1	)
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt		74.2		57.5		29.0
Income Tax Receivable Agreement Liability		3.3		2.3		43.5
Other Current Liabilities		136.2		135.0		0.9
Total Current Liabilities		418.6		377.1		11.0
Finance Lease Obligations		232.5		233.3		(0.3	)
Operating Lease Obligations		16.6		19.8		(16.2	)
Long-Term Debt		327.5		294.7		11.1
Income Tax Receivable Agreement Liability		97.8		101.5		(3.6	)
Other Liabilities		16.2		5.2		211.5
Total Liabilities		1,109.2		1,031.7		7.5

Total Stockholders’ Equity	$	514.4	$	492.7		4.4

SUMMARY CASH FLOW (Dollars in millions)
(Unaudited - amounts may not recalculate due to rounding)

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022		% Change
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	174.1		$	127.4			36.7

Purchases of Property & Equipment		(218.2	)		(187.9	)		16.1
Other Investing Activities, net		46.9			(161.4	)		(129.1	)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(171.2	)		(349.3	)		(51.0	)

Common Stock Repurchases		(68.6	)		(25.1	)		173.3
Proceeds from Borrowing		119.2			188.3			(36.7	)
Repayment of Finance Lease Obligations		(21.9	)		(42.1	)		(48.0	)
Repayment of Borrowings		(69.3	)		(113.5	)		(38.9	)
Other Financing Activities, net		(1.6	)		(0.6	)		166.7
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities		(42.1	)		7.0		NM

Net Decrease in Cash		(39.2	)		(214.9	)		(81.8	)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – Beginning of the Period		102.9			317.8			(67.6	)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash – End of the Period	$	63.7		$	102.9			(38.1	)

“NM” stands for not meaningful

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted Income before Income Tax, Adjusted Pre-tax Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income per Share, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted Income before Income Tax, Adjusted Pre-tax Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income per share, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-GAAP measures included as supplemental disclosure because we believe they are useful indicators of our operating performance. Derivations of Operating Income and Net Income are well recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by our management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in our industry.

The measures described above have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: they do not reflect the impact of certain cash and non-cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; and other companies in our industry may calculate these non-GAAP measures differently than we do, limiting each measure’s usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, the following non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be the same as or comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies due to the possible differences in the method of calculation and in the items being adjusted.

For the aforementioned reasons, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted Income before Income Tax, Adjusted Pre-tax Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income per Share, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin have significant limitations which affect their use as indicators of our profitability. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.

Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Adjusted Operating Income
Dollars in millions - Unaudited - amounts may not recalculate due to rounding
The following table presents the reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Adjusted Operating Income.

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
Operating Revenue	$	245.5		$	227.2
Operating Income		17.1			15.1
Stock Compensation Expense		1.1			0.8
Adjusted Operating Income	$	18.3		$	15.9

Operating Income Margin		7.0	%		6.7	%
Adjusted Operating Income Margin		7.4	%		7.0	%

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
Operating Revenue	$	1,049.6		$	894.4
Operating Income		127.5			55.7
Stock Compensation Expense		9.3			2.8
Adjusted Operating Income	$	136.8		$	58.5

Operating Income Margin		12.1	%		6.2	%
Adjusted Operating Income Margin		13.0	%		6.5	%

Reconciliation of GAAP Income Before Income Tax to Adjusted Income before Income Tax
Dollars in millions - Unaudited - amounts may not recalculate due to rounding
The following table presents the reconciliation of GAAP Income before Income Tax to Adjusted Income before Income Tax.

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
Net Income	$	5.6		$	7.3
Add: Provision for Income Tax Expense		2.0			2.2
Income before Income Tax, as reported		7.7			9.5
Pre-tax margin		3.1	%		4.2	%

Stock Compensation Expense		1.1			0.8
Secondary Offering Costs		0.5			—
Adjusted Income before Income Tax	$	9.3		$	10.3

Adjusted Pre-tax margin		3.8	%		4.5	%

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
Net Income	$	72.2		$	17.7
Add: Provision for Income Tax Expense		22.0			6.3
Income before Income Tax, as reported		94.2			24.0
Pre-tax margin		9.0	%		2.7	%

Stock Compensation Expense		9.3			2.8
Secondary Offering Costs		1.1			—
Gain on Asset Transactions, net⁽¹⁾		—			(0.3	)
Tax Receivable Agreement Adjustment⁽²⁾		(0.3	)		5.0
Loss on Refinancing Credit Facility		—			1.6
Adjusted Income before Income Tax	$	104.2		$	33.0

Adjusted Pre-tax margin		9.9	%		3.7	%

(1	)	Due to changes in the Company’s operations, Management determined that, beginning in the fourth quarter 2022, certain asset transactions will no longer be included as adjustments to Adjusted Income Before Income Tax because these transactions are part of our recurring operations. This change was made prospectively beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022, and no prior period amounts have been adjusted.
(2	)	This represents the adjustment to the TRA for the period, which is recorded in Non-Operating Income (Expense), net

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Earnings per Share to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share
Dollars and shares in millions, except for per share - Unaudited - amounts may not recalculate due to rounding
The following table presents the reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Earnings per Share to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share.

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023						2022
	Dollars			Per Share - diluted			Dollars			Per Share - diluted
Net Income	$	5.6		$	0.10		$	7.3		$	0.12
Stock Compensation Expense		1.1			0.02			0.8			0.01
Secondary Offering Costs		0.5			0.01			—			—
Income Tax Effect of Adjusting Items, net⁽¹⁾		(0.4	)		(0.01	)		(0.2	)		—
Adjusted Net Income	$	6.9		$	0.12		$	7.9		$	0.13

Diluted share count		56.3						60.1

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023						2022
	Dollars			Per Share - diluted			Dollars			Per Share - diluted
Net Income	$	72.2		$	1.23		$	17.7		$	0.29
Stock Compensation Expense		9.3			0.16			2.8			0.05
Secondary Offering Costs		1.1			0.02			—			—
Gain on Asset Transactions, net⁽²⁾		—			—			(0.3	)		(0.01	)
Tax Receivable Agreement Adjustment⁽³⁾		(0.3	)		(0.01	)		5.0			0.08
Loss on Refinancing Credit Facility		—			—			1.6			0.03
Income Tax Effect of Adjusting Items, net⁽¹⁾		(2.4	)		(0.04	)		(0.9	)		(0.02	)
Adjusted Net Income	$	79.9		$	1.37		$	25.8		$	0.42

Diluted share count		58.5						61.0

(1	)	The tax effect of adjusting items, net is calculated at the Company’s statutory rate for the application period
(2	)	Due to changes in the Company’s operations, Management determined that, beginning in the fourth quarter 2022, certain asset transactions will no longer be included as adjustments to Adjusted Net Income because these transactions are part of our recurring operations. This change was made prospectively beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022, and no prior period amounts have been adjusted.
(3	)	This represents the adjustment to the TRA for the period, which is recorded in Non-Operating Income (Expense), net

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
Dollars in millions - Unaudited - amounts may not recalculate due to rounding
The following tables present the reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented below.

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
Net Income	$	5.6		$	7.3
Interest Income		(2.4	)		(2.4	)
Interest Expense		11.4			7.9
Stock Compensation Expense		1.1			0.8
Secondary Offering Costs		0.5			—
Provision for Income Taxes		2.0			2.2
Depreciation and Amortization		23.6			18.3
Adjusted EBITDA	$	41.8		$	34.1

Net Income Margin		2.3	%		3.2	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin		17.0	%		15.0	%

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
Net Income	$	72.2		$	17.7
Interest Income		(10.2	)		(4.5	)
Interest Expense		42.6			31.0
Stock Compensation Expense		9.3			2.8
Gain on Asset Transactions, net⁽¹⁾		—			(0.3	)
Secondary Offering Costs		1.1			—
Tax Receivable Agreement Adjustment⁽²⁾		(0.3	)		5.0
Provision for Income Taxes		22.0			6.3
Depreciation and Amortization		88.2			67.6
Adjusted EBITDA	$	224.8		$	125.6

Net Income Margin		6.9	%		2.0	%
Adjusted EBITDA margin		21.4	%		14.0	%

(1	)	Due to changes in the Company’s operations, Management determined that, beginning in the fourth quarter 2022, certain asset transactions will no longer be included as adjustments to Adjusted EBITDA because these transactions are part of our recurring operations. This change was made prospectively beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022, and no prior period amounts have been adjusted.
(2	)	This represents the adjustment to the TRA for the period, which is recorded in Non-Operating Income (Expense), net

Adjusted CASM

Adjusted CASM is a non-GAAP measure derived from CASM by excluding fuel costs, costs related to our cargo operations, stock based compensation, depreciation and amortization recognized on certain assets that generate lease income, certain commissions and other costs of selling our vacations product from this measure as these costs are unrelated to our airline operations and improve comparability to our peers. Adjusted CASM is an important measure used by management and by our board of directors in assessing quarterly and annual cost performance. Adjusted CASM is also a measure commonly used by industry analysts and we believe it is an important metric by which they compare our airline to others in the industry, although other airlines may exclude certain other costs in their calculation of Adjusted CASM. The measure is also the subject of frequent questions from investors.

Adjusted CASM excludes fuel costs. By excluding volatile fuel costs that are outside of our control from our unit metrics, we believe that we have better visibility into the results of operations and our non-fuel cost initiatives. Our industry is highly competitive and is characterized by high fixed costs, so even a small reduction in non-fuel operating costs can lead to a significant improvement in operating results. In addition, we believe that all domestic carriers are similarly impacted by changes in jet fuel costs over the long run, so it is important for management and investors to understand the impact and trends in company-specific cost drivers, such as labor rates, aircraft and maintenance costs, and productivity, which are more controllable by management.

We have excluded costs related to the cargo operations, as well as depreciation and amortization recognized on certain assets that generate lease income as these operations do not create ASMs. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we entered into a series of transactions where we act as a lessor. As of December 31, 2023, we leased or subleased six aircraft. Depreciation and Amortization on these aircraft materially began during the three months ended June 30, 2023. Adjusted CASM further excludes special items and other adjustments, as defined in the relevant reporting period, that are not representative of the ongoing costs necessary to our airline operations and may improve comparability between periods. We also exclude stock compensation expense when computing Adjusted CASM. The Company’s compensation strategy includes the use of stock-based compensation to attract and retain employees and executives and is principally aimed at aligning their interests with those of our stockholders and long-term employee retention, rather than to motivate or reward operational performance for any period. Thus, stock-based compensation expense varies for reasons that are generally unrelated to operational decisions and performance in any period.

As derivations of Adjusted CASM are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of Adjusted CASM as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Adjusted CASM should not be considered in isolation or as a replacement for CASM. For the aforementioned reasons, Adjusted CASM has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.

Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding, dollar amounts in millions unless otherwise noted
The following table presents the reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM.

	Three Months Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
	Operating Expenses		Per ASM (cents)	Operating Expenses		Per ASM (cents)
CASM	$	228.4	12.03	$	212.0	12.79
Less:
Aircraft Fuel		60.8	3.20		62.0	3.74
Stock Compensation Expense		1.1	0.06		0.8	0.05
Cargo Expenses, Not Already Adjusted Above		25.8	1.36		25.8	1.55
Sun Country Vacations		0.2	0.01		0.2	0.01
Leased Aircraft, Depreciation Expense		2.2	0.12		—	—
Adjusted CASM	$	138.2	7.28	$	123.2	7.44

Available seat miles (ASMs)		1,899.4			1,657.2

	Year Ended December 31,
		2023			2022
	Operating Expenses		Per ASM (cents)	Operating Expenses		Per ASM (cents)
CASM	$	922.1	12.43	$	838.7	12.39
Less:
Aircraft Fuel		246.7	3.33		268.4	3.96
Stock Compensation Expense		9.3	0.12		2.8	0.04
Cargo Expenses, Not Already Adjusted Above		103.0	1.39		89.8	1.33
Sun Country Vacations		1.1	0.01		1.0	0.02
Leased Aircraft, Depreciation Expense		6.7	0.09		—	—
Adjusted CASM	$	555.4	7.49	$	476.8	7.04

Available seat miles (ASMs)		7,416.2			6,771.3

FAQ

What was Sun Country Airlines' total revenue for Q4 2023?

Sun Country Airlines' total revenue for Q4 2023 was $245.5 million.

What was the GAAP diluted EPS for FY 2023?

The GAAP diluted EPS for FY 2023 was $1.23.

What was the adjusted operating income margin for FY 2023?

The adjusted operating income margin for FY 2023 was 13.0%.

How much did the net debt increase from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023?

The net debt increased from $364.8 million to $517.2 million.

What was the percentage change in total GAAP operating expenses for the full year 2023?

The total GAAP operating expenses increased by 9.9% for the full year 2023.

Sun Country Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

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What was the adjusted operating income margin for FY 2023?

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What was the percentage change in total GAAP operating expenses for the full year 2023?

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Sun Country Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results

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What was Sun Country Airlines' total revenue for Q4 2023?

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What was the percentage change in total GAAP operating expenses for the full year 2023?

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