Surf Air Mobility Reports First Quarter Revenue Growth Above Guidance and Announces CEO Transition
Surf Air Mobility (NYSE: SRFM) announced its Q1 2024 financial results, reporting revenue of $30.6 million, a 9.5% increase year-over-year, beating guidance. Despite this, the company recorded a net loss of $37.0 million, up from $15.5 million the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA was $(16.5) million, aligning with guidance.
CEO Stan Little will transition to a “Founder’s” role, and Deanna White, former CFO, will serve as COO and interim CEO. Key initiatives include potential benefits from the FAA Reauthorization Act, ongoing electrification efforts, and software development.
Surf Air Mobility supports 19 communities under the EAS program and plans to reduce costs and explore strategic partnerships for electrification. The company aims for $28-$31 million in revenue for Q2 2024 and will provide a full-year outlook later this year.
- Revenue of $30.6 million for Q1 2024, up 9.5% YoY.
- Revenue beat Q1 2024 guidance.
- Adjusted EBITDA aligned with guidance at $(16.5) million.
- CEO transition to experienced leader, Deanna White.
- Potential financial benefits from the FAA Reauthorization Act.
- Textron Aviation aircraft deliveries on track for Q3 and Q4 2024.
- MOU to supply electric powertrains to Auric Air.
- Progress in aircraft electrification and software development.
- Strategic review to balance growth with profitability.
- Net loss increased to $(37.0) million from $(15.5) million YoY.
- Adjusted EBITDA of $(16.5) million indicates significant losses.
- Only $1.3 million in cash on hand as of March 31, 2024.
- Dependence on $90 million in committed draws and up to $296 million in follow-on draws.
- Second quarter revenue guidance lower at $28-$31 million.
- Expected Q2 2024 adjusted EBITDA remains negative at $(18.0) million to $(16.0) million.
Insights
Surf Air Mobility's Q1 2024 results present a mixed bag for investors. The revenue growth of 9.5% year-over-year, reaching
While the company beat its revenue guidance, the widening losses might raise concerns about the sustainability of their growth strategy. The adjusted EBITDA of
In the short term, the company's focus on securing additional, non-dilutive or less-dilutive capital is crucial. Long-term, their investments in electrification and software could pay off significantly, potentially transforming the regional air mobility sector. However, the immediate challenge remains to balance growth with profitability and manage cash flow efficiently.
Surf Air Mobility's updated strategic initiatives and financial performance reveal some promising developments but also areas of concern. The change in leadership, with Deanna White stepping in as interim CEO, brings experience from high-profile roles at Bombardier Flexjet and Kitty Hawk. Her industry knowledge could be beneficial for steering the company towards its goals of profitability and efficiency in operations.
The company's involvement in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program is noteworthy, especially with the anticipated increase in the subsidy cap, which would favor their low-cost operations. Furthermore, Textron Aviation's aircraft deliveries are on track and the MOU with Auric Air to supply electric powertrains highlights their commitment to innovation and market expansion.
However, the ongoing investment in electrification and software, while strategic, is resource-intensive and may strain finances in the short term. The successful implementation of these programs could give Surf Air Mobility a competitive edge, but execution risks remain high.
Overall, the strategic moves are aligned with industry trends towards sustainability and digital transformation, but investors should monitor the execution closely.
The market outlook for Surf Air Mobility looks cautiously optimistic. Their revenue beat suggests a strong market demand, yet the substantial net loss could imply that they are still in a heavy investment phase. The ongoing strategic review and potential cost reduction measures aim to restore profitability, which is a positive signal for the market.
The potential passing of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which would raise the subsidy cap for the EAS program, could significantly boost their revenue from supported communities, enhancing their market position. Additionally, their partnership with Palantir for AI-powered software development is a forward-thinking move that could streamline operations and offer new revenue streams.
From a market perspective, Surf Air Mobility's positioning as a 'green' commuter airline is compelling, especially as sustainability becomes a key differentiator. However, the market will likely weigh their ability to manage costs and achieve profitability against these growth initiatives.
Deanna White, former CFO, will become Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO, Stan Little to assume role of “Founder”
Q1 2024 Revenue of
CEO Transition:
Surf Air Mobility Inc. today announced that Southern Airways founder and current Surf Air CEO Stan Little will transition to a “Founder’s” role. Former CFO and current Senior Advisor Deanna White will become Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO.
Deanna is a seasoned industry leader with a track record of success in the C-Suite of multiple innovative companies across the air mobility sector. Previously, Deanna was CEO of Bombardier Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, which was ultimately sold to Directional Aviation Capital. Following that, she was COO of Kitty Hawk, an EVTOL startup, which was sold during her tenure to Boeing and has subsequently been rebranded as Wisk Aero.
Stan Little will remain an active participant in the company’s long-term strategy. “It was one of the high points of my career to build Southern Airways from the ground up with such a dedicated team, and I look forward to continuing to help Surf Air Mobility transform itself into the premier “green” commuter airline in the world,” said Little on Tuesday as he joined Purdue University officials in launching the first commuter service in a generation from the University to Chicago O’Hare.
“We are thrilled that Deanna has agreed to assume the role of Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO as the company turns its focus to profitability and efficiency across its flight operations,” said Carl Albert, Surf Air Mobility’s Chairman of the Board. “I would like to recognize Stan as the founder of Southern Airways for building that company from birth into the largest commuter airline by departure and largest operator of Cessna Caravans and we are pleased to continue to benefit from his experience as a Special Advisor to the company.”
First Quarter Financial Highlights:
Surf Air Mobility is providing unaudited results for the period ended March 31, 2024, on a quarterly basis, as well as unaudited pro forma results for the period ended March 31, 2023, which assumes the Southern acquisition closed as of the beginning of fiscal year 2023.
-
Revenue
-
Revenue of
$30.6 million $27.9 million
-
Revenue of
-
Net Loss
-
Net loss of
$(37.0) million $(15.5) million
-
Net loss of
-
Adjusted EBITDA
-
Adjusted EBITDA of
$(16.5) million $(11.7) million - See the Adjusted EBITDA table for the reconciliation from Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA.
-
Adjusted EBITDA of
As of March 31, 2024, Surf Air Mobility had
Developments on Key Initiatives:
-
Mobility
-
Congress is expected to imminently pass the FAA Reauthorization Act, which, in its current form, would positively impact the Essential Air Service (“EAS”) program by raising the subsidy cap from a maximum of
$200 $650 - As of March 31, 2024, Surf Air Mobility supported 19 communities under the EAS program. The FAA Reauthorization Act requires the total cost of an air carriers proposal to be equally weighted with other factors such as local recommendations, including frequency of service, and interline agreements. This focus on cost favors Surf Air Mobility’s low-cost Caravan fleet.
- Textron Aviation aircraft deliveries are on track for the third and fourth quarter of 2024.
-
Surf Air Mobility entered into an MOU to supply electric powertrains to Tanzanian Cessna Caravan operator Auric Air, bringing total penetration into Africa’s Caravan footprint to ~
13% .
-
Congress is expected to imminently pass the FAA Reauthorization Act, which, in its current form, would positively impact the Essential Air Service (“EAS”) program by raising the subsidy cap from a maximum of
-
Electrification
- Aircraft electrification program is on track to complete the conceptual design phase by the fourth quarter of 2024.
-
Software
- Continuing development of B2C and B2B software platform to enable the regional aviation ecosystem, from passengers to air operators, with a suite of software tools powered by AIP, Palantir’s AI engine.
“Once again, Surf Air Mobility achieved many of our goals in the first quarter, while also meeting or beating guidance. We worked with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to help reform and expand the Essential Air Service program in a way that benefits passengers, commuter air carriers, and taxpayers, while continuing our drive toward electrification, which benefits everyone,” said Stan Little, founder of Southern Airways.
Strategic Update:
To underpin the company’s ongoing efforts to balance growth with profitability, Surf Air Mobility is undertaking a strategic review that will ultimately result in cost reduction and other expense control measures aimed at returning airline operations to profitability.
Surf Air Mobility is also actively pursuing other strategic initiatives with partners and affiliates, including the creation of one or more joint ventures, to separately capitalize the company’s electrification and software efforts and maximize shareholder value creation from these substantial investments.
The company intends to provide a more comprehensive strategic update on these, and other, initiatives at its investor day that will now, in light of the CEO transition, be held in the third quarter of 2024.
Capital Structure Update:
Surf Air Mobility has retained a leading investment bank to more fully represent the company in its efforts to secure additional, non-dilutive or less-dilutive capital in the form of a credit facility.
“Management is continuously searching for ways to optimize our capital structure and reduce dilution to our shareholders,” said Oliver Reeves, CFO of Surf Air Mobility. “Our agreement with our banking partner formalizes these efforts and we look forward to updating the market of any success in due course.”
Second Quarter 2024 Financial Outlook:
-
Revenue, in the range of
$28.0 million $31.0 million -
Pro forma adjusted EBITDA, in the range of
$(18.0) million $(16.0) million
Surf Air Mobility will provide full-year 2024 guidance at its Investor Day to be held in the third quarter of 2024.
About Surf Air Mobility
Surf Air Mobility, headquartered in
Forward-Looking Statements
This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the transaction; Surf Air Mobility’s ability to anticipate the future needs of the air mobility market; future trends in the aviation industry, generally; Surf Air Mobility’s future growth strategy and growth rate and its ability to access its financings and expand its business. Readers of this release should be aware of the speculative nature of forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs of Surf Air Mobility’s management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Surf Air Mobility and reflect Surf Air Mobility’s current views concerning future events. As such, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among many others: Surf Air Mobility’s future ability to pay contractual obligations and liquidity will depend on operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; Surf Air Mobility’s limited operating history and that Surf Air Mobility has not yet manufactured any hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the powertrain technology Surf Air Mobility plans to develop does not yet exist; any accidents or incidents involving hybrid-electric or fully-electric aircraft; the inability to accurately forecast demand for products and manage product inventory in an effective and efficient manner; the dependence on third-party partners and suppliers for the components and collaboration in Surf Air Mobility’s development of hybrid-electric and fully-electric powertrains and its advanced air mobility software platform, and any interruptions, disagreements or delays with those partners and suppliers; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain Surf Air Mobility’s growth; the inability of Surf Air Mobility’s customers to pay for Surf Air Mobility’s services; the inability of Surf Air Mobility to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against Surf Air, Southern or Surf Air Mobility; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in the prospectus. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the periodic reports that Surf Air Mobility files with the SEC, and investors are urged to review those periodic reports and Surf Air Mobility’s other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, before making an investment decision. Surf Air Mobility assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.
Footnotes
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Surf Air Mobility uses Adjusted EBITDA to identify and target operational results which is beneficial to management and investors in evaluating operational effectiveness. Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental measure of Surf Air Mobility’s performance that is not required by, or presented in accordance with,
Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in their usefulness to investors because they have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not prepared under any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Surf Air Mobility presents Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA because it considers this measure to be an important supplemental measure of its performance and believes it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in its industry. Management believes that investors’ understanding of Surf Air Mobility’s performance is enhanced by including this non-GAAP financial measure as a reasonable basis for comparing its ongoing results of operations.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023:
|
|
March 31,
|
|
December 31,
|
||||
Assets: |
|
|||||||
Current assets: |
|
|||||||
Cash |
$ |
1,278 |
|
$ |
1,720 |
|
||
Accounts receivable, net |
|
4,710 |
|
|
4,965 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
10,725 |
|
|
11,051 |
|
||
Total current assets |
|
16,713 |
|
|
17,736 |
|
||
Restricted cash |
|
713 |
|
|
711 |
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
46,706 |
|
|
45,991 |
|
||
Intangible assets, net |
|
25,777 |
|
|
26,663 |
|
||
Operating lease right-of-use assets |
|
12,263 |
|
|
12,818 |
|
||
Finance lease right-of-use assets |
|
1,352 |
|
|
1,343 |
|
||
Other assets |
|
5,262 |
|
|
5,727 |
|
||
Total assets |
$ |
108,786 |
|
$ |
110,989 |
|
||
Liabilities, Redeemable Convertible Preferred Shares and Shareholders’ Deficit: |
|
|||||||
Current liabilities: |
|
|||||||
Accounts payable |
$ |
20,575 |
|
$ |
18,854 |
|
||
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
72,233 |
|
|
59,582 |
|
||
Deferred revenue |
|
18,122 |
|
|
19,011 |
|
||
Current maturities of long-term debt |
|
5,080 |
|
|
5,177 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities, current |
|
4,837 |
|
|
4,104 |
|
||
Finance lease liabilities, current |
|
249 |
|
|
215 |
|
||
SAFE notes at fair value, current |
|
14 |
|
|
25 |
|
||
Convertible notes at fair value, current |
|
7,852 |
|
|
7,715 |
|
||
Due to related parties, current |
|
36,508 |
|
|
25,431 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
165,470 |
|
|
140,114 |
|
||
Long-term debt, net of current maturities |
|
19,985 |
|
|
20,617 |
|
||
Operating lease liabilities, long term |
|
4,666 |
|
|
5,507 |
|
||
Finance lease liabilities, long term |
|
1,143 |
|
|
1,137 |
|
||
Due to related parties, long term |
|
1,288 |
|
|
1,673 |
|
||
Other long-term liabilities |
|
22,535 |
|
|
19,426 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
$ |
215,087 |
|
$ |
188,474 |
|
||
Shareholders’ equity (deficit): |
|
|||||||
Common shares, |
$ |
8 |
|
$ |
8 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
533,191 |
|
|
525,042 |
|
||
Accumulated deficit |
|
(639,500 |
) |
|
(602,535 |
) |
||
Total shareholders’ deficit |
$ |
(106,301 |
) |
$ |
(77,485 |
) |
||
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred shares and shareholders’ deficit |
$ |
108,786 |
|
|
$ |
110,989 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023: (in thousands, except share and per share data):
|
|
Three Months Ended
|
||||||
|
|
2024 |
|
|
2023 |
|
||
Revenue |
$ |
30,624 |
|
$ |
5,507 |
|
||
Operating expenses: |
|
|||||||
Cost of revenue, exclusive of depreciation and amortization |
|
28,489 |
|
|
6,650 |
|
||
Technology and development |
|
7,009 |
|
|
812 |
|
||
Sales and marketing |
|
3,009 |
|
|
1,394 |
|
||
General and administrative |
|
24,609 |
|
|
8,441 |
|
||
Depreciation and amortization |
|
1,978 |
|
|
258 |
|
||
Total operating expenses |
|
65,094 |
|
|
17,555 |
|
||
Operating loss |
$ |
(34,470 |
) |
$ |
(12,048 |
) |
||
Other income (expense): |
|
|||||||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments carried at fair value, net |
$ |
(515 |
) |
$ |
(8,096 |
) |
||
Interest expense |
|
(1,671 |
) |
|
(171 |
) |
||
Other expense |
|
(355 |
) |
|
(258 |
) |
||
Total other income (expense), net |
$ |
(2,541 |
) |
$ |
(8,525 |
) |
||
Loss before income taxes |
|
(37,011 |
) |
|
(20,573 |
) |
||
Income tax benefit |
|
46 |
|
|
— |
|
||
Net loss |
$ |
(36,965 |
) |
$ |
(20,573 |
) |
||
Net loss per share applicable to common shareholders, basic and diluted |
$ |
(0.48 |
) |
$ |
(1.46 |
) |
||
Weighted-average number of common shares used in net loss per share applicable to common shareholders, basic and diluted |
|
|
77,309,329 |
|
|
|
14,100,926 |
|
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Measures; Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and Pro forma Net Loss to Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 (in thousands):
|
|
Three-Months Ended March 31, |
||||
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 (Pro forma) |
||
Net Loss |
(36,965 |
) |
(15,511 |
) |
||
Addback: |
|
|
||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,978 |
|
1,801 |
|
||
Interest expense |
1,671 |
|
1,055 |
|
||
Income tax expense (benefit) |
|
(46 |
) |
|
(152 |
) |
Stock-based compensation expense |
12,643 |
|
1,145 |
|
||
Changes in fair value of financial instruments |
|
515 |
|
|
- |
|
Transaction costs |
|
588 |
|
|
- |
|
Data license fees |
3,125 |
|
- |
|
||
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
(16,491 |
) |
|
(11,662 |
) |
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240514442980/en/
Media
Press: press@surfair.com
Investors: investors@surfair.com
Source: Surf Air Mobility Inc.
FAQ
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