Wheels Up Reports Second Quarter Results
- None.
- None.
Results highlight operating progress of recent initiatives
Second Quarter 2023 Highlights
- Revenue decreased
year-over-year to$90 million $335 million - Net loss increased year-over-year to
, driven by a$161 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge$70 million - Adjusted EBITDA improved slightly year-over-year to a loss of
$40 million
"The actions we have taken to improve our operations are translating to a better experience for our customers and an improved financial performance for the company," said CFO and Interim CEO Todd Smith. "Our on-time performance and reliability are showing marked improvement while our Adjusted Contribution margin and Adjusted EBITDA are at the best levels in almost two years, reflecting our focus on our network strengths as well as significant cost reductions and process improvements. We still have more work to do, but I am extremely encouraged by this quarter's performance."
"We are continuing to engage with strategic and financial partners around the path forward and look forward to sharing more information in the days ahead. Meanwhile, we are continuing to provide exceptional service and experiences to our customers, who are reaping the benefits of our continued focus on operations."
Announcement Details
- Company received a short-term capital infusion from Delta Air Lines, which is actively engaged with the company as it pursues strategic options.
- Member program changes launched in June focus flying in regions where Wheels Up has a significant network density. Company expects those programs to comprise over
50% of flying by the end of the year and drive continued improvement in Adjusted Contribution margin next year. - Pursuant to a non-binding letter of intent, Wheels Up expects to divest non-core aircraft management business to Airshare, a well-respected operator in
the United States with a complementary business. - Licensed Avianis fleet management software to Portside, which will serve the existing base of customers, market to prospective customers and develop new features on the platform. Wheels Up has retained the intellectual property associated with Avianis and will continue to use it for its 1P fleet.
Financial and Operating Highlights
As of June 30, | |||||
2023 | 2022 | % Change | |||
Active Members(1) | 11,639 | 12,667 | (8) % | ||
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||
(In thousands, except Active Users, Live Flight Legs and Flight revenue per | 2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||
Active Users(1) | 12,549 | 13,119 | (4) % | ||
Live Flight Legs(1) | 18,137 | 21,705 | (16) % | ||
Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg | 12,973 | 13,088 | (1) % | ||
Revenue | $ 335,062 | $ 425,512 | (21) % | ||
Net loss | $ (160,593) | $ (92,760) | (73) % | ||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $ (40,303) | $ (46,889) | 14 % | ||
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||
(In thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||
Revenue | $ 686,874 | $ 751,147 | (9) % | ||
Net loss | $ (261,459) | $ (181,800) | 44 % | ||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $ (89,218) | $ (96,317) | 7 % |
(1) | For information regarding Wheels Up's use and definition of this measure see "Definitions of Key Operating Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" sections herein. |
For the second quarter:
- Active Members decreased
8% year-over-year to 11,639 offset by a higher mix of Core members, in line with our conscious efforts toward more profitable flying. - Active Users decreased
4% year-over-year to 12,549. - Live Flight Legs decreased
16% year-over-year to 18,137 reflecting our efforts to focus on profitable flying. - Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg was relatively consistent year-over-year.
- Revenue decreased
21% year-over-year primarily driven by reduced flight revenue and reduced aircraft sales. - Net loss increased by
year-over-year primarily drive by the$67.8 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recognized during the quarter.$70.0 million - Adjusted EBITDA loss decreased by
to$6.6 million , reflecting the impact of the March 2023 Restructuring Plan, our operational efficiency initiatives and other spend-reduction efforts.$40.3 million
About Wheels Up
Wheels Up is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the
Wheels Up is guided by the mission to connect private flyers to aircraft, and one another, through an open platform that seamlessly enables life's most important experiences. Powered by a global private aviation marketplace connecting its base of approximately 12,000 members and customers to a network of approximately 1,500 safety-vetted and verified private aircraft, Wheels Up is widening the aperture of private travel for millions of consumers globally. With the Wheels Up mobile app and website, members and customers have the digital convenience to search, book and fly.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of the control of Wheels Up Experience Inc. ("Wheels Up", or "we", "us", or "our"), that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies of Wheels Up regarding the future, including, without limitation, statements regarding: (i) Wheels Up's ability to continue as a going concern, (ii) the expected impact of any potential acquisitions or divestitures, investments, financings, restructurings or other strategic transactions involving Wheels Up or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including realizing any anticipated benefits relating to any such transactions and any potential impacts on the trading prices and trading market for Wheels Up's Class A common stock, par value
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin. These non-GAAP financial measures are an addition, and not a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, see the sections titled "Definitions of Key Operating Metrics," "Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" included at the end of this earnings press release.
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited, in thousands, except share data) | |||
June 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||
ASSETS | |||
Current assets: | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 151,828 | $ 585,881 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 85,352 | 112,383 | |
Other receivables | 3,872 | 5,524 | |
Parts and supplies inventories, net | 23,423 | 29,000 | |
Aircraft inventory | 5,383 | 24,826 | |
Aircraft held for sale | 12,388 | 8,952 | |
Prepaid expenses | 53,626 | 39,715 | |
Other current assets | 14,001 | 13,338 | |
Total current assets | 349,873 | 819,619 | |
Property and equipment, net | 401,021 | 394,559 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 91,409 | 106,735 | |
Goodwill | 282,133 | 348,118 | |
Intangible assets, net | 130,588 | 141,765 | |
Other non-current assets | 131,147 | 112,429 | |
Total assets | $ 1,386,171 | $ 1,923,225 | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||
Current liabilities: | |||
Current maturities of long-term debt | $ 26,504 | $ 27,006 | |
Accounts payable | 52,110 | 43,166 | |
Accrued expenses | 115,864 | 148,945 | |
Deferred revenue, current | 828,607 | 1,075,133 | |
Other current liabilities | 47,632 | 49,968 | |
Total current liabilities | 1,070,717 | 1,344,218 | |
Long-term debt, net | 210,051 | 226,234 | |
Operating lease liabilities, non-current | 71,323 | 82,755 | |
Warrant liability | 5 | 751 | |
Other non-current liabilities | 21,256 | 17,347 | |
Total liabilities | 1,373,352 | 1,671,305 | |
Equity: | |||
Common Stock, | 3 | 3 | |
Additional paid-in capital | 1,563,672 | 1,545,530 | |
Accumulated deficit | (1,537,332) | (1,275,873) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (5,834) | (10,053) | |
Treasury stock, at cost, 265,300 and 264,441 shares, respectively | (7,690) | (7,687) | |
Total Wheels Up Experience Inc. stockholders' equity | 12,819 | 251,920 | |
Non-controlling interests | — | — | |
Total equity | 12,819 | 251,920 | |
Total liabilities and equity | $ 1,386,171 | $ 1,923,225 |
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data) | |||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Revenue | $ 335,062 | $ 425,512 | $ 686,874 | $ 751,147 | |||
Costs and expenses: | |||||||
Cost of revenue | 327,903 | 408,898 | 681,694 | 741,656 | |||
Technology and development | 14,430 | 14,606 | 30,303 | 25,797 | |||
Sales and marketing | 23,149 | 33,688 | 48,952 | 56,931 | |||
General and administrative | 40,065 | 46,973 | 79,481 | 85,877 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | 16,134 | 29,568 | 30,362 | |||
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale | (2,621) | (663) | (3,487) | (2,634) | |||
Impairment of goodwill | 70,000 | — | 70,000 | — | |||
Total costs and expenses | 488,049 | 519,636 | 936,511 | 937,989 | |||
Loss from operations | (152,987) | (94,124) | (249,637) | (186,842) | |||
Other income (expense): | |||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | (870) | — | (870) | — | |||
Change in fair value of warrant liability | 621 | 2,129 | 746 | 5,760 | |||
Interest income | 1,865 | 405 | 5,686 | 482 | |||
Interest expense | (7,658) | — | (15,777) | — | |||
Other expense, net | (1,580) | (850) | (1,435) | (880) | |||
Total other income (expense) | (7,622) | 1,684 | (11,650) | 5,362 | |||
Loss before income taxes | (160,609) | (92,440) | (261,287) | (181,480) | |||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 16 | (320) | (172) | (320) | |||
Net loss | (160,593) | (92,760) | (261,459) | (181,800) | |||
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | — | — | (387) | |||
Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience Inc. | $ (160,593) | $ (92,760) | $ (261,459) | $ (181,413) | |||
Net loss per share of Common Stock | |||||||
Basic and diluted | $ (6.28) | $ (3.80) | $ (10.27) | $ (7.42) | |||
Weighted-average shares of Common Stock | |||||||
Basic and diluted | 25,570,200 | 24,408,604 | 25,446,199 | 24,434,744 |
WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited, in thousands) | |||
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||
2023 | 2022 | ||
Cash flows from operating activities | |||
Net loss | $ (261,459) | $ (181,800) | |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 29,568 | 30,362 | |
Equity-based compensation | 18,142 | 43,335 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount | 1,124 | — | |
Change in fair value of warrant liability | (746) | (5,760) | |
Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale | (3,487) | (2,634) | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 870 | — | |
Impairment of goodwill | 70,000 | — | |
Other | 1,519 | 200 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||
Accounts receivable | 27,698 | (17,394) | |
Parts and supplies inventories | 5,637 | (2,754) | |
Aircraft inventory | (2,008) | (30,464) | |
Prepaid expenses | (14,499) | (9,442) | |
Other non-current assets | (16,420) | (27,496) | |
Accounts payable | 9,166 | 9,345 | |
Accrued expenses | (32,393) | (6,979) | |
Deferred revenue | (248,358) | 67,391 | |
Other assets and liabilities | 3,976 | (6,085) | |
Net cash used in operating activities | (411,670) | (140,175) | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||
Purchases of property and equipment | (12,201) | (76,464) | |
Purchases of aircraft held for sale | (961) | (43,774) | |
Proceeds from sale of aircraft held for sale, net | 24,981 | 27,135 | |
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired | 22 | (75,093) | |
Capitalized software development costs | (12,924) | (12,901) | |
Other | 172 | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (911) | (181,097) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||
Purchase of shares for treasury | (3) | (6,689) | |
Repayments of long-term debt | (18,680) | — | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (18,683) | (6,689) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (540) | (4,345) | |
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (431,804) | (332,306) | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 620,153 | 786,722 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted, cash end of period | $ 188,349 | $ 454,416 | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||
Cash paid for interest | $ 16,097 | $ — |
Definitions of Key Operating Metrics
Active Members. We define Active Members as the number of Connect, Core, and Business membership accounts that generated membership revenue in a given period and are active as of the end of the reporting period. We use Active Members to assess the adoption of our premium offerings which is a key factor in our penetration of the market in which we operate and a key driver of membership and flight revenue.
Active Users. We define Active Users as Active Members and jet card holders as of the reporting date plus unique non-member consumers who completed a revenue generating flight at least once in the given quarter and excludes wholesale flight activity. While a unique consumer can complete multiple revenue generating flights on our platform in a given period, that unique user is counted as only one Active User. We use Active Users to assess the adoption of our platform and frequency of transactions, which are key factors in our penetration of the market in which we operate and our growth in revenue.
Live Flight Legs. We define Live Flight Legs as the number of completed one-way revenue generating flight legs in a given period. The metric excludes empty repositioning legs and owner legs related to aircraft under management. We believe Live Flight Legs are a useful metric to measure the scale and usage of our platform, and our growth in flight revenue.
Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for (i) interest income (expense), (ii) income tax expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) equity-based compensation expense, (v) acquisition and integration related expenses and (vi) other items not indicative of our ongoing operating performance, including but not limited to, restructuring charges.
We include Adjusted EBITDA because it is a supplemental measure used by our management team for assessing operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is used in conjunction with bonus program target achievement determinations, strategic internal planning, annual budgeting, allocating resources and making operating decisions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information for historical period-to-period comparisons of our business, as it removes the effect of certain non-cash expenses and variable amounts.
Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin. We calculate Adjusted Contribution as gross profit (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization and adjusted further for (i) equity-based compensation included in cost of revenue, (ii) acquisition and integration expense included in cost of revenue, (iii) restructuring expense in cost of revenue and (iv) other items included in cost of revenue that are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance. Adjusted Contribution Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted Contribution by total revenue.
We include Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin as supplemental measures for assessing operating performance. Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin are used to understand our ability to achieve profitability over time through scale and leveraging costs. In addition, Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin provides useful information for historical period-to-period comparisons of our business and to identify trends.
Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Net loss | $ (160,593) | $ (92,760) | $ (261,459) | $ (181,800) | |||
Add back (deduct) | |||||||
Interest expense | 7,658 | — | 15,777 | — | |||
Interest income | (1,865) | (405) | (5,686) | (482) | |||
Income tax expense | (16) | 320 | 172 | 320 | |||
Other expense, net | 1,580 | 850 | 1,435 | 880 | |||
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | 16,134 | 29,568 | 30,362 | |||
Change in fair value of warrant liability | (621) | (2,129) | (746) | (5,760) | |||
Equity-based compensation expense | 6,604 | 20,781 | 18,142 | 43,335 | |||
Acquisition and integration expenses(1) | 74 | 7,511 | 2,108 | 11,345 | |||
Restructuring charges(2) | 8,201 | 2,809 | 18,692 | 5,483 | |||
Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense(3) | 9,170 | — | 16,130 | — | |||
Certificate consolidation expense(4) | 4,873 | — | 7,520 | — | |||
Impairment of goodwill(5) | 70,000 | — | 70,000 | — | |||
Other(5) | (491) | — | (871) | — | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ (40,303) | $ (46,889) | $ (89,218) | $ (96,317) |
__________________ | |
(1) | Consists of expenses incurred associated with acquisitions, as well as integration-related charges incurred within one year of acquisition date primarily related to system conversions, re-branding costs and fees paid to external advisors. |
(2) | For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, includes restructuring charges related to the Restructuring Plan and related strategic business initiatives implemented in the first quarter of 2023, as well as expenses incurred during the second quarter of 2023 to support significant changes to our member programs and certain aspects of our operations, primarily consisting of consultancy fees associated with designing and implementing changes to our member programs, and severance and recruiting expenses associated with executive transitions. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, includes restructuring charges for employee separation programs following strategic business decisions. |
(3) | Consists of expenses associated with establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center and its operations primarily including redundant operating expenses during the transition period, relocation expenses for employees and costs associated with onboarding new employees. The Atlanta Member Operations Center began operating on May 15, 2023. |
(4) | Consists of expenses incurred to execute consolidation of our FAA operating certificates primarily including pilot training and retention programs and consultancy fees associated with planning and implementing the consolidation process. |
(5) | Represents non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill recognized in the second quarter of 2023. See Note 1, Summary of Business and Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. |
(6) | Includes collections of certain aged receivables which were added back to Net Loss in the reconciliation presented for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. |
Refer to "Supplemental Expense Information" below, for further information |
Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin
The following table reconciles Adjusted Contribution to gross profit (loss), which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
Revenue | $ 335,062 | $ 425,512 | $ 686,874 | $ 751,147 | |||
Less: Cost of revenue | (327,903) | (408,898) | (681,694) | (741,656) | |||
Less: Depreciation and amortization | (15,123) | (16,134) | (29,568) | (30,362) | |||
Gross profit (loss) | (7,964) | 480 | (24,388) | (20,871) | |||
Gross margin | (2.4) % | 0.1 % | (3.6) % | (2.8) % | |||
Add back: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 15,123 | 16,134 | 29,568 | 30,362 | |||
Equity-based compensation expense in cost of revenue | 1,092 | 3,307 | 2,271 | 7,739 | |||
Restructuring expense in cost of revenue(1) | — | — | 755 | — | |||
Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense in cost of revenue(2) | 7,999 | — | 11,798 | — | |||
Certificate consolidation expense in cost of revenue(3) | 1,840 | — | 4,441 | — | |||
Adjusted Contribution | $ 18,090 | $ 19,921 | $ 24,445 | $ 17,230 | |||
Adjusted Contribution Margin | 5.4 % | 4.7 % | 3.6 % | 2.3 % |
__________________ | |
(1) | For the six months ended June 30, 2023, includes restructuring charges related to the Restructuring Plan and other strategic business initiatives. |
(2) | Consists of expenses associated with establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center and its operations primarily including redundant operating expenses during the transition period, relocation expenses for employees and costs associated with onboarding new employees. The Atlanta Member Operations Center began operating on May 15, 2023. |
(3) | Consists of expenses incurred to execute consolidation of our FAA operating certificates primarily including pilot training and retention programs and consultancy fees associated with planning and implementing the consolidation process. |
Supplemental Revenue Information
(In thousands) | Three Months Ended June 30, | Change in | |||||
2023 | 2022 | $ | % | ||||
Membership | $ 21,478 | $ 24,020 | $ (2,542) | (11) % | |||
Flight | 235,284 | 284,071 | (48,787) | (17) % | |||
Aircraft management | 48,502 | 60,718 | (12,216) | (20) % | |||
Other | 29,798 | 56,703 | (26,905) | (47) % | |||
Total | $ 335,062 | $ 425,512 | $ (90,450) | (21) % | |||
(In thousands) | Six Months Ended June 30, | Change in | |||||
2023 | 2022 | $ | % | ||||
Membership | $ 43,158 | $ 44,667 | $ (1,509) | (3) % | |||
Flight | 467,046 | 520,434 | (53,388) | (10) % | |||
Aircraft management | 112,196 | 121,224 | (9,028) | (7) % | |||
Other | 64,474 | 64,822 | (348) | (1) % | |||
Total | $ 686,874 | $ 751,147 | $ (64,273) | (9) % |
Supplemental Expense Information
Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 | |||||||||
Cost of | Technology and | Sales and | General and | Total | |||||
Equity-based compensation expense | $ 1,092 | $ 673 | $ 641 | $ 4,198 | $ 6,604 | ||||
Acquisition and integration expenses | — | — | — | 74 | 74 | ||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | 8,202 | 8,201 | ||||
Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense | 7,999 | 201 | — | 970 | 9,170 | ||||
Certificate consolidation expense | 1,840 | — | — | 3,033 | 4,873 | ||||
Other | — | — | — | (491) | (491) | ||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 | |||||||||
Cost of | Technology and | Sales and | General and | Total | |||||
Equity-based compensation expense | $ 2,271 | $ 1,157 | $ 1,341 | $ 13,373 | $ 18,142 | ||||
Acquisition and integration expenses | — | 53 | 134 | 1,921 | 2,108 | ||||
Restructuring charges | 755 | 2,299 | 2,058 | 13,581 | 18,692 | ||||
Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense | 11,798 | 201 | — | 4,131 | 16,130 | ||||
Certificate consolidation expense | 4,441 | — | — | 3,079 | 7,520 | ||||
Other | — | — | — | (871) | (871) |
Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||||
Cost of | Technology and | Sales and | General and | Total | |||||
Equity-based compensation expense | $ 3,307 | $ 655 | $ 2,857 | $ 13,962 | $ 20,781 | ||||
Acquisition and integration expense | — | — | — | 7,511 | 7,511 | ||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | 2,809 | 2,809 | ||||
Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||||
Cost of | Technology and | Sales and | General and | Total | |||||
Equity-based compensation expense | $ 7,739 | $ 1,296 | $ 5,558 | $ 28,742 | $ 43,335 | ||||
Acquisition and integration expense | — | — | — | 11,345 | 11,345 | ||||
Restructuring charges | — | — | — | 5,483 | 5,483 |
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wheels-up-reports-second-quarter-results-301900234.html
SOURCE Wheels Up