Form 8-K
false 0001670076 0001670076 2022-02-05 2022-02-05

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 7, 2022 (February 5, 2022)

 

 

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-40304   46-3681866

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

4545 Airport Way
Denver, CO 80239
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(720) 374-4490

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425).

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12).

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)).

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)).

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbols

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share   ULCC   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 


Item 2.02.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 7, 2022, Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2021. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

The Company makes reference to non-GAAP financial information in the press release. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their nearest GAAP equivalents is provided in the press release.

The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 5.02.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On February 5, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Josh A. Wetzel as the Company’s principal accounting officer. Mr. Wetzel was also named Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, effective that same date. Mark C. Mitchell, the Company’s current principal accounting officer and Chief Accounting Officer, will continue to serve the Company in his new role as Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations.

Mr. Wetzel, age 40, has served as the Company’s Corporate Controller since September 2020, after serving as Director, Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting from March 2019 to September 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Wetzel served as Vice President, Corporate Accounting at DCT Industrial Trust Inc., an industrial real estate company, from January 2018 until its acquisition by Prologis, Inc. in August 2018. From June 2017 to January 2018, Mr. Wetzel served as Assistant Controller at Welltok, Inc., a consumer activation company. Prior to that, Mr. Wetzel held various accounting and reporting positions at The WhiteWave Foods Co., a food and beverage company acquired by Danone S.A., from October 2015 to June 2017, The Western Union Company, a financial services company, from August 2014 to October 2015, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a multinational pharmaceutical company, from October 2010 to August 2014. Mr. Wetzel previously held various positions at Deloitte and Touche LLP from September 2005 to October 2010, most recently serving as an Audit Manager. Mr. Wetzel is a Certified Public Accountant and received a B.A. in Accountancy from DePaul University.

In connection with his appointment as Chief Accounting Officer, Mr. Wetzel’s annual base salary was increased to $250,000. The other existing compensation arrangements for Mr. Wetzel remain unchanged and he will receive equity grants under the Company’s annual performance and long-term incentive programs commensurate with his position and on the same timing as other similarly situated persons within the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Wetzel and any other person pursuant to which he was promoted to his role, there are no family relationships between Mr. Wetzel and any director or executive officer of the Company, and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

99.1    Press Release, dated February 7, 2022.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

FRONTIER GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
By:  

/s/ Howard M. Diamond

Name:   Howard M. Diamond
Title:   General Counsel and Secretary

Date: February 7, 2022

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

Headline: Frontier Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Financial Results

DENVER - February 7, 2022 - Frontier Group Holdings, Inc., parent company of Frontier Airlines, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULCC), today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results.

Frontier ended 2021 with a total fleet of 110 aircraft, which is six percent higher than the corresponding prior year period and 12 percent higher than the comparable pre-COVID quarter in 2019. Frontier’s fleet continues to be the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by ASMs per fuel gallon consumed, generating over 100 ASMs per gallon during the fourth quarter and the full year 2021, representing Frontier’s commitment to continued fuel efficiency as the airline grows.

On November 13, 2021, Frontier executed an order of 91 additional A321neo aircraft that are scheduled for delivery between 2023 and 2029. These aircraft commitments will enable the airline to significantly increase in size by 2029 while advancing its industry-leading environmental efforts and fuel-efficiency advantage.

Frontier’s capacity, measured by ASMs, was four percent higher in the fourth quarter compared to the corresponding 2019 quarter. Frontier continued its domestic and international expansion, opening four new stations and operating an average of over 450 flights per day. This was ten percent higher than the comparable 2019 quarter.

Total revenue per passenger in the fourth quarter was approximately $103. Of this amount, ancillary revenue was $63 per passenger, eight percent higher than the comparable 2019 quarter, supported by the economic recovery and the Company’s innovative product offerings. Full year 2021 ancillary revenue per passenger was approximately $61, six percent higher than 2019. Despite the impact of the Delta and Omicron variants and rising fuel prices, management remained financially disciplined and the Company ended the year in a strong financial position.

“Throughout 2021, Frontier displayed its operational and financial resiliency notwithstanding the persistent challenges from COVID-19 variants,” commented Barry Biffle, president and CEO. “During the fourth quarter, we increased our capacity, departures, fuel efficiency and level of ancillary revenue per passenger versus the comparable pre-COVID period. We continue to view the impact of COVID-19 as transient, and remain focused on getting the airline back to full utilization in 2022 while being nimble to counter any further COVID-19 impacts. I want to thank Team Frontier for providing safe and dependable travel to our valued customers, all while fulfilling our ‘Low Fares Done Right’ commitment.”


The following is a summary of the fourth quarter and full year 2021 select financial results, including both GAAP and adjusted (Non-GAAP) metrics. Please see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information” on page 8 below.

(unaudited, in millions, except for percentage and per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
     As
Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
    As
Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
    As
Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
 

Total operating revenues

   $ 609     $ 609     $ 267     $ 267     $ 655     $ 655  

Total operating expenses

   $ 695     $ 695     $ 451     $ 456     $ 587     $ 565  

Net income (loss)

   $ (53   $ (52   $ (127   $ (133   $ 56     $ 73  

Net income (loss) margin

     (8.7 )%      (8.5 )%      (47.6 )%      (49.8 )%      8.5     11.1

Diluted earnings (loss) per share1

   $ (0.25   $ (0.24   $ (0.64   $ (0.67   $ 0.26     $ 0.37  

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
     As
Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
    As
Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
    As
Reported
(GAAP)
    Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
 

Total operating revenues

   $ 2,060     $ 2,060     $ 1,250     $ 1,250     $ 2,508     $ 2,508  

Total operating expenses

   $ 2,177     $ 2,461     $ 1,615     $ 1,749     $ 2,199     $ 2,167  

Net income (loss)

   $ (102   $ (299   $ (225   $ (301   $ 251     $ 276  

Net income (loss) margin

     (5.0 )%      (14.5 )%      (18.0 )%      (24.1 )%      10.0     11.0

Diluted earnings (loss) per share1

   $ (0.48   $ (1.42   $ (1.13   $ (1.51   $ 1.19     $ 1.38  

Recent Company Highlights Included:

 

   

Completed IPO in April 2021.

 

   

Executed an order of 91 additional A321neo aircraft in November 2021, which are scheduled for delivery between 2023 and 2029. These aircraft commitments will enable the airline to significantly increase in size by 2029 while advancing its industry-leading environmental efforts and fuel-efficiency advantage.

 

   

Ended the fourth quarter of 2021 with $918 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

 

   

Repaid the $150 million Treasury Loan in February 2022.

 

   

Continued the domestic and international network expansion, opening stations in Antigua, Belize, Costa Rica, and Newburgh/Stewart, NY during the fourth quarter.

 

   

Generated $63 of ancillary revenue per passenger during the fourth quarter of 2021, eight percent higher than the comparable 2019 quarter.

 

   

Frontier’s fleet continues to be the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by ASMs per fuel gallon consumed, generating 102 ASMs per gallon during the fourth quarter of 2021. The Company retired the last of the A319 aircraft from its fleet during the year, increasing the proportion of the more fuel-efficient A320neo family aircraft to 66 percent of its total fleet.

 

   

The Company won first place for North America’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award for 2022 by ch-aviation, a leading provider of airline data and intelligence, with an average aircraft age of four years, and was recognized as one of the safest low-cost airlines in the world by AirlineRatings.com, a forensic airline research publication.

 

   

13 fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo aircraft joined the fleet, bringing the total fleet to 110 aircraft, six percent higher than the prior year.

 

   

Hired more than 550 flight attendants and 170 pilots in support of the growth of the airline.

 

   

Added approximately 130 routes and 20 destinations.

 

2


Cash and Liquidity

Frontier ended the fourth quarter of 2021 with $918 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. During February 2022, the Company repaid the $150 million outstanding under the Treasury Loan. The repayment of this loan unencumbered the Company’s co-branded credit card program and related brand assets that secured the Treasury obligation and makes those assets available to access substantial additional liquidity, if needed, based on similar debt financings by other airlines.

Revenue Performance

Total operating revenue for the fourth quarter of 2021 of $609 million was 93 percent of the revenue recognized in the comparable 2019 quarter, while total revenue per passenger of $103.41 was 96 percent of the revenue recognized in the comparable 2019 quarter. Total revenue per passenger included $63.00 of ancillary revenue, consistent with the third quarter of 2021 and eight percent higher than the $58.18 of ancillary revenue per passenger generated during the comparable 2019 quarter.

Capacity during the fourth quarter of 2021 demonstrated resilience at 7,836 million ASMs, which was approximately four percent higher than the capacity achieved in the fourth quarter of 2019. Full year 2021 capacity was approximately four percent lower compared to 2019, which, when contextualized with fourth quarter 2021 ASMs, highlights the recovery weighted to the back half of the year.

Frontier had 18 percent more average aircraft in service during the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Frontier’s average daily aircraft utilization continued to recover, improving from 10.6 hours per day in the third quarter of 2021 to 10.9 hours per day in the fourth quarter 2021. The fleet operated at a 74.2 percent load factor during the quarter, which was impacted by the Delta and Omicron variants. Further improvement is expected to the utilization and load factor levels achieved in the fourth quarter of 2019 as the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Cost Performance

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2021, on both a GAAP and adjusted basis, were $695 million, including $186 million of fuel expenses at an average cost per gallon of $2.43. Frontier’s adjusted total operating expenses, excluding fuel, were $509 million, reflecting lower employee and station-related costs. On an Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) basis, operating expenses were 6.50 cents during the quarter compared to 5.21 cents in the fourth quarter of 2019 and 6.55 cents during the third quarter of 2021, reflecting continued cost discipline while managing lower utilization.

Fleet

As of December 31, 2021, Frontier had a fleet of 110 Airbus single-aisle aircraft, consisting of 73 A320neos, 21 A321ceos and 16 A320ceos. All aircraft in the fleet are financed with operating leases that expire between 2022 and 2033. Frontier’s fleet is the most fuel-efficient of all major U.S. carriers when measured by ASMs per fuel gallon consumed. This fuel efficiency reflects Frontier’s operation of a large number of aircraft with new generation, fuel-efficient engines, lightweight seats, and an efficient seating layout.

Frontier completed an order of 91 additional A321neo aircraft in November 2021 that are scheduled for delivery between 2023 and 2029. These aircraft commitments bring the Company’s total aircraft order as of December 31, 2021 to 234 aircraft to be delivered through 2029, including 76 A320neo aircraft and 158 A321neo aircraft. These aircraft commitments will enable the Company to significantly increase in size by 2029. In addition, the entry into service of the A321neo aircraft in the second half of 2022 will advance Frontier’s structural advantage in fuel and operating expense efficiency versus the industry.    

 

3


Guidance

In consideration of the anticipated merger with Spirit Airlines, Inc. which was also announced today, the Company will not provide guidance for the first quarter or full year 2022 at this time.

Investor Conference Call

In light of the transaction announced this morning and the investor conference call at 6:30 AM MT / 8:30 AM ET, the Company has cancelled its previously scheduled call on February 9, 2022.

About Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ: ULCC) is committed to “Low Fares Done Right.” Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the Company operates more than 100 A320 family aircraft and has the largest A320neo fleet in the U.S. The use of these aircraft, Frontier’s seating configuration, weight-saving tactics and baggage process have all contributed to the airline’s average of 43 percent fuel savings compared to other U.S. airlines (fuel savings is based on Frontier Airlines’ 2019 ASMs per fuel gallon consumed compared to the weighted average of major U.S. airlines), which makes Frontier the most fuel-efficient U.S. airline. With over 230 new Airbus planes on order, Frontier will continue to grow to deliver on the mission of providing affordable travel across America.

End Notes

 

1 

Share amounts included in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations for the fourth quarter and full year 2021, as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, include the impact of the 15 million shares issued and sold by the Company as part of its initial public offering that closed on April 6, 2021. The Company has 3.1 million warrants outstanding relating to CARES Act funding that are not included in the diluted share count in the fourth quarter and full year 2021 as the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The warrants are expected to be part of the Company’s diluted share count under the treasury stock method in future quarters. In addition, most of the Company’s 7.7 million outstanding options are participating securities and are therefore not expected to be part of the Company’s diluted share count under the two-class method until they are exercised, but in periods of net income, are included as an adjustment to the numerator of the Company’s earnings per share calculation as they are eligible to participate in the Company’s earnings.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain statements in this release should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and anticipated financial and operating performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be subject to many risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s operations and business environment that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “will,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “indicates,” “remains,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “goals,” “targets” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

 

 

4


Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including, without limitation, the following: the adverse impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the most recent Delta and Omicron variants and any other future variants of the virus, and possible outbreaks of another disease or similar public health threat in the future, on the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition, liquidity and near-term and long-term strategic operating plan, including possible additional adverse impacts resulting from the duration and spread of the pandemic; risks related to the proposed business combination with Spirit Airlines, Inc. as detailed in the separate filing on Form 8-K made on the date hereof; unfavorable economic and political conditions in the states where the Company operates and globally; the highly competitive nature of the global airline industry and susceptibility of the industry to price discounting and changes in capacity; high and/or volatile fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel; the Company’s reliance on technology and automated systems to operate its business and the impact of any significant failure or disruption of, or failure to effectively integrate and implement, the technology or systems; the Company’s reliance on third-party service providers and the impact of any failure of these parties to perform as expected, or interruptions in the Company’s relationships with these providers or their provision of services; adverse publicity and/or harm to the Company’s brand or reputation; reduced travel demand and potential tort liability as a result of an accident, catastrophe or incident involving the Company, its codeshare partners, or another airline; terrorist attacks, international hostilities or other security events, or the fear of terrorist attacks or hostilities, even if not made directly on the airline industry; increasing privacy and data security obligations or a significant data breach; further changes to the airline industry with respect to alliances and joint business arrangements or due to consolidations; changes in the Company’s network strategy or other factors outside its control resulting in less economic aircraft orders, costs related to modification or termination of aircraft orders or entry into less favorable aircraft orders; the Company’s reliance on single suppliers to source a majority of its aircraft and certain parts, and the impact of any failure to obtain timely deliveries, additional equipment or support from any of these suppliers; the impacts of union disputes, employee strikes or slowdowns, and other labor-related disruptions on the Company’s operations; extended interruptions or disruptions in service at major airports where the Company operates; the impacts of seasonality and other factors associated with the airline industry; the Company’s failure to realize the full value of its intangible assets or its long-lived assets, causing the Company to record impairments; the costs of compliance with extensive government regulation of the airline industry; costs, liabilities and risks associated with environmental regulation and climate change; the Company’s inability to accept or integrate new aircraft into the Company’s fleet as planned; the impacts of the Company’s significant amount of financial leverage from fixed obligations; the possibility the Company may seek material amounts of additional financial liquidity in the short-term and the impacts of insufficient liquidity on the Company’s financial condition and business; failure to comply with the covenants in the Company’s financing agreements or failure to comply with financial and other covenants governing the Company’s other debt; changes in, or failure to retain, the Company’s senior management team or other key employees; current or future litigation and regulatory actions, or failure to comply with the terms of any settlement, order or arrangement relating to these actions; increases in insurance costs or inadequate insurance coverage; and other risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” in the Company’s reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

 

5


Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited, in millions, except for per share data)

 

                                                                                                   
     Three Months Ended December 31,      Percent Change     Year Ended December 31,      Percent Change  
     2021      2020      2019      2021 vs.
2020
    2021 vs.
2019
        2021              2020              2019          2021 vs.
2020
    2021 vs.
2019
 

Operating revenues:

                          

Passenger

   $ 592      $ 257      $ 638        130     (7)   $ 2,000      $ 1,207      $ 2,445        66     (18)

Other

     17        10        17        70     —       60        43        63        40     (5)
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total operating revenues

     609        267        655        128     (7)     2,060        1,250        2,508        65     (18)
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Operating expenses:

                          

Aircraft fuel

     186        57        172        226     8     575        338        640        70     (10)

Salaries, wages and benefits

     162        127        156        28     4     616        533        529        16     16

Aircraft rent

     131        130        98        1     34     530        396        368        34     44

Station operations

     99        75        84        32     18     384        257        336        49     14

Sales and marketing

     29        16        34        81     (15)     109        78        130        40     (16)

Maintenance materials and repairs

     37        24        26        54     42     119        83        86        43     38

Depreciation and amortization

     10        10        11        —       (9)     38        33        46        15     (17)

CARES Act credits

     —          (5)        —          N/     N/     (295)        (193)        —          53     N/

Other operating

     41        17        6        141     583     101        90        64        12     58
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total operating expenses

     695        451        587        54     18     2,177        1,615        2,199        35     (1)
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Operating income (loss)

     (86)        (184)        68        (53)     N/     (117)        (365)        309        (68)     N/
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Other income (expense):

                          

Interest expense

     (2)        (11)        (3)        (82)     (33)     (33)        (18)        (11)        83     200

Capitalized interest

     1        1        3        —       (67)     4        6        11        (33)     (64)

Interest income and other

     1        1        4        —       (75)     2        5        16        (60)     (88)
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Total other income (expense)

     —          (9)        4        N/     N/     (27)        (7)        16        286     N/
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Income (loss) before income taxes

     (86)        (193)        72        (55)     N/     (144)        (372)        325        (61)     N/

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (33)        (66)        16        (50)     N/     (42)        (147)        74        (71)     N/
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Net income (loss)

   $ (53)      $ (127)      $ 56        (58)     N/   $ (102)      $ (225)      $ 251        (55)     N/
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

      

Earnings (loss) per share:

                          

Basic (a)

   $ (0.25)      $ (0.64)      $ 0.26        (61)     N/   $ (0.48)      $ (1.13)      $ 1.19        (58)     N/

Diluted (a)

   $ (0.25)      $ (0.64)      $ 0.26        (61)     N/   $ (0.48)      $ (1.13)      $ 1.19        (58)     N/

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                          

Basic (a)

     216        199        199        9     9     211        199        199        6     6

Diluted (a)

     216        199        200        9     8     211        199        200        6     6

 

 

(a)

Reference End Note 1 within the previous section for discussion on basic and diluted shares.

 

6


Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.

Selected Operating Statistics

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,     Percent Change     Year Ended December 31,     Percent Change  
     2021     2020     2019     2021 vs.
2020
    2021 vs.
2019
        2021             2020             2019         2021 vs.
2020
    2021 vs.
2019
 

Available seat miles (ASMs) (millions)

     7,836       4,280       7,560       83     4     26,867       16,955       28,120       58     (4)

Departures

     41,523       23,106       37,768       80     10     143,476       88,642       138,570       62     4

Average stage length (statute miles)

     975       967       1,039       1     (6)     968       999       1,051       (3)     (8)

Block hours

     111,363       59,421       105,327       87     6     381,018       235,974       389,476       61     (2)

Average aircraft in service

     111       86       94       29     18     106       81       88       31     20

Aircraft – end of period

     110       104       98       6     12     110       104       98       6     12

Average daily aircraft utilization (hours)

     10.9       7.5       12.1       45     (10)     9.8       8.0       12.2       23     (20)

Passengers (thousands)

     5,896       2,865       6,110       106     (4)     20,709       11,238       22,823       84     (9)

Average seats per departure

     193       192       192       1     1     193       191       192       1     1

Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (millions)

     5,818       2,796       6,406       108     (9)     20,380       11,443       24,203       78     (16)

Load Factor (%)

     74.2     65.3     84.7     8.9 pts      (10.5) pts      75.9     67.5     86.1     8.4 pts      (10.2) pts 

Fare revenue per passenger ($)

     40.41       35.55       49.12       14     (18)     38.94       48.78       52.80       (20)     (26)

Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($)

     60.00       54.13       55.31       11     8     57.65       58.66       54.33       (2)     6

Other revenue per passenger ($)

     3.00       3.42       2.87       (12)     5     2.90       3.79       2.78       (23)     4

Total revenue per passenger ($)

     103.41       93.10       107.30       11     (4)     99.49       111.23       109.91       (11)     (9)

Total revenue per available seat mile (RASM) (¢)

     7.78       6.23       8.67       25     (10)     7.67       7.37       8.92       4     (14)

Cost per available seat mile (CASM) (¢)

     8.87       10.52       7.78       (16)     14     8.10       9.53       7.82       (15)     4

CASM (excluding
fuel) (¢)

     6.50       9.18       5.51       (29)     18     5.96       7.53       5.55       (21)     7

CASM + net
interest (¢)

     8.88       10.73       7.73       (17)     15     8.21       9.57       7.76       (14)     6

Adjusted CASM (¢)

     8.87       10.65       7.48       (17)     19     9.16       10.32       7.71       (11)     19

Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢)

     6.50       9.31       5.21       (30)     25     7.02       8.63       5.44       (19)     29

Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢)

     8.88       10.68       7.43       (17)     20     9.18       10.31       7.65       (11)     20

Fuel cost per gallon ($)

     2.43       1.44       2.24       69     8     2.17       2.08       2.22       4     (2)

Fuel gallons consumed (thousands)

     76,555       39,735       76,736       93         265,558       162,241       288,510       64     (8)

Employees (FTE)

     5,481       4,974       4,935       10     11     5,481       4,974       4,935       10     11

 

7


Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information

The Company is providing below a reconciliation of GAAP financial information to the non-GAAP financial information provided. The non-GAAP financial information is included to provide supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful additional indicators of, among other things, its operating and cost performance. Derivations of net income and CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company’s management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. Because of these limitations, determinations of the Company’s operating performance or CASM excluding unrealized gains and losses, special items or other items should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may be presented on a different basis than other companies using similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)

($ in millions) (unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019         2021             2020             2019      

Net income (loss), as reported

   $ (53   $ (127   $ 56     $ (102   $ (225   $ 251  
            

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

            

Fuel expense

            

Derivative de-designation and mark-to-market adjustment (a)

     —         —         —         —         52       —    

Aircraft Rent

            

Early lease termination costs(b)

     —         —         —         10       —         —    

Salaries, wages and benefits

            

Pilot phantom equity(c)

     —         —         18       —         —         5  

Collective bargaining contract ratification(d)

     —         —         4       —         —         22  

Flight attendant early out program(e)

     —         —         —         —         —         5  

Depreciation and amortization

            

Early lease termination costs(b)

     —         —         —         1       —         —    

Other operating expenses

            

Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits(f)

     —         (5     —         (295     (193     —    

Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty(g)

     —         —         —         —         7       —    

Interest expense

            

CARES Act – mark-to-market impact for warrants(h)

     —         8       —         22       9       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-tax impact

     —         3       22       (262     (125     32  
            

Tax benefit (expense) related to non-GAAP adjustments(i)

     1       (9     (5     65       49       (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) impact

     1       (6     17       (197     (76     25  

Adjusted net income (loss), non-GAAP

   $ (52   $ (133   $ 73     $ (299   $ (301   $ 276  

 

(a)

Due to the significant reduction in demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, future anticipated consumption of fuel dropped significantly and the Company therefore de-designated hedge accounting in March 2020 on the derivative positions where the future consumption was not deemed probable, which primarily related to the written put options on costless collars. The $52 million represents the charge from de-designation and the resulting mark to market impact on the quantities where consumption was not deemed probable.

(b)

As a result of an early termination and buyout agreement executed in May 2021 with one of the Company’s lessors, Frontier was able to accelerate the removal of the remaining four A319 aircraft from its fleet. These aircraft were originally scheduled to return in December 2021 and were instead returned during the second and third quarters of 2021. The Company incurred $11 million in aircraft rent and depreciation costs during the year ended December 31, 2021 relating to the acceleration and resulting changes to its lease return obligations.

 

8


(c)

Represents the impact of the change in value and vesting of phantom equity units pursuant to the Pilot Phantom Equity Plan. In accordance with the amended and restated phantom equity agreement, the remaining phantom equity obligation became fixed as of December 31, 2019 and is no longer subject to valuation adjustments.

(d)

Represents $15 million of costs related to a one-time contract ratification incentive, plus $3 million in payroll-related taxes and certain other compensation and benefits-related accruals earned through March 31, 2019 and committed to by the Company as part of a tentative agreement with the union representing the Company’s flight attendants that was reached in March 2019 for a contract that was ratified and became effective in May 2019, in addition to $4 million in pilot vacation accrual adjustments during the fourth quarter of 2019 as a result of the ratified agreement with the union representing the Company’s pilots specifically tied to the implementation of a preferred bidding system.

(e)

Represents expenses associated with an early out program agreed to in 2019 with the Company’s flight attendants, payable throughout 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(f)

Represents the recognition of $278 million of grant funding received from the U.S. government for payroll support pursuant to PSP2 and PSP3 during the year ended December 31, 2021 in addition to $17 million in employee retention credits qualified for under the CARES Act during the year ended December 31, 2021. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized $177 million in net grant funding recognized from the U.S. government for payroll support pursuant to the PSP, along with $5 million and $16 million in employee retention credits qualified for under the CARES Act for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, respectively.

(g)

Represents the write-off of deferred initial public offering preparation costs during the first quarter 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting uncertainty on the Company’s ability to access the capital markets.

(h)

Represents the mark to market adjustment to the value of the warrants issued as part of the funding provided under the CARES Act. This amount is a component of interest expense. As a result of the IPO and the resulting reclassification of warrants from liability based awards to equity based awards, as of April 6, 2021, the Company no longer uses mark to market accounting for the warrants.

(i)

Represents the tax impact of the non-GAAP adjustments, taking into consideration the non-deductibility of the warrant mark to market adjustments for tax purposes. The tax expense reflected for the fourth quarter of 2021 includes the impact of the update to the effective tax rate for the full year 2021 on the first, second and third quarter 2021 underlying results.

Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Adjusted Total Operating Expenses

($ in millions) (unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021      2020      2019         2021             2020             2019      

Total operating expenses, as reported(a)

   $ 695      $ 451      $ 587     $ 2,177     $ 1,615     $ 2,199  

Early lease termination costs

     —          —          —         (11     —         —    

Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits

     —          5        —         295       193       —    

Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty

     —          —          —         —         (7     —    

Derivative de-designation and mark to market adjustment

     —          —          —         —         (52     —    

Pilot phantom equity

     —          —          (18     —         —         (5

Collective bargaining contract ratification

     —          —          (4     —         —         (22

Flight attendant early out program

     —          —          —         —         —         (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted total operating expenses, non-GAAP

   $ 695      $ 456      $ 565     $ 2,461     $ 1,749     $ 2,167  

 

(a)

See “Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)” above for discussion on adjusting items.

 

9


Reconciliation of EBITDA to EBITDAR and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDAR

($ in millions) (unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019         2021             2020             2019      

EBITDA, EBITDAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR reconciliation (unaudited):

            

Net income (loss)

   $ (53   $ (127   $ 56     $ (102   $ (225   $ 251  

Plus (minus):

            

Interest expense

     2       11       3       33       18       11  

Capitalized interest

     (1     (1     (3     (4     (6     (11

Interest income and other

     (1     (1     (4     (2     (5     (16

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (33     (66     16       (42     (147     74  

Depreciation and amortization

     10       10       11       38       33       46  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

     (76     (174     79       (79     (332     355  

Plus: Aircraft rent

     131       130       98       530       396       368  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAR

   $ 55     $ (44   $ 177     $ 451     $ 64     $ 723  
            

EBITDA

   $ (76   $ (174   $ 79     $ (79   $ (332   $ 355  

Plus (minus)(a):

            

Early lease termination costs

     —         —         —         10       —         —    

Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits

     —         (5     —         (295     (193     —    

Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty

     —         —         —         —         7       —    

Derivative de-designation and mark to market adjustment

     —         —         —         —         52       —    

Pilot phantom equity

     —         —         18       —         —         5  

Collective bargaining contract ratification

     —         —         4       —         —         22  

Flight attendant early out program

     —         —         —         —         —         5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

     (76     (179     101       (364     (466     387  

Plus: Aircraft rent(b)

     131       130       98       520       396       368  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDAR

   $ 55     $ (49   $ 199     $ 156     $ (70   $ 755  

 

(a)

See “Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)” above for discussion on adjusting items.

(b)

Represents aircraft rent expense included in Adjusted EBITDA. Excludes aircraft rent expense of $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 for costs incurred due to the early termination of the Company’s A319 leased aircraft. See footnote (b) under the caption “Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)."

 

10


Reconciliation of CASM to Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) and Adjusted CASM including net interest

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
    

($ in

millions)

    Per ASM (¢)    

($ in

millions)

    Per ASM (¢)    

($ in

millions)

    Per ASM (¢)  

CASM(a)(b)

       8.87         10.52         7.78  

Aircraft fuel

     (186     (2.37     (57     (1.34     (172     (2.27
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CASM (excluding fuel)

       6.50         9.18         5.51  

Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits

     —         —         5       0.13       —         —    

Pilot phantom equity

     —         —         —         —         (18     (0.25

Collective bargaining contract ratification

     —         —         —         —         (4     (0.05
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)

       6.50         9.31         5.21  

Aircraft fuel

     186       2.37       57       1.34       172       2.27  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Adjusted CASM

       8.87         10.65         7.48  

Net interest expense (income)

     —         0.01       9       0.21       (4     (0.05

CARES Act – mark to market impact for warrants

     —         —         (8     (0.18     —         —    
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Adjusted CASM + net interest

       8.88         10.68         7.43  
            

CASM

       8.87         10.52         7.78  

Net interest expense (income)

     —         0.01       9       0.21       (4     (0.05
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CASM + net interest

       8.88         10.73         7.73  

 

(a)

Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding

(b)

See “Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)” above for discussion on adjusting items.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2021     2020     2019  
    

($ in

millions)

    Per ASM (¢)    

($ in

millions)

    Per ASM (¢)    

($ in

millions)

    Per ASM (¢)  

CASM(a)(b)

       8.10         9.53         7.82  

Aircraft fuel

     (575     (2.14     (338     (2.00     (640     (2.27
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CASM (excluding fuel)

       5.96         7.53         5.55  

Early lease termination costs

     (11     (0.04     —         —         —         —    

Cares Act – grant recognition and employee retention credits

     295       1.10       193       1.14       —         —    

Write-off of deferred registration statement costs due to significant market uncertainty

     —         —         (7     (0.04     —         —    

Pilot phantom equity

     —         —         —         —         (5     (0.02

Collective bargaining contract ratification

     —         —         —         —         (22     (0.07

Flight attendant early out program

     —         —         —         —         (5     (0.02
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)

       7.02         8.63         5.44  

Aircraft fuel

     575       2.14       338       2.00       640       2.27  

Derivative de-designation and mark to market adjustment

     —         —         (52     (0.31     —         —    
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Adjusted CASM

       9.16         10.32         7.71  

Net interest expense (income)

     27       0.11       7       0.04       (16     (0.06

CARES Act – mark to market impact for warrants

     (22     (0.09     (9     (0.05     —         —    
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Adjusted CASM + net interest

       9.18         10.31         7.65  
            

CASM

       8.10         9.53         7.82  

Net interest expense (income)

     27       0.11       7       0.04       (16     (0.06
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

CASM + net interest

       8.21         9.57         7.76  

 

(a)

Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding

(b)

See “Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss)” above for discussion on adjusting items.

 

11


The calculation of Adjusted CASM including net interest provided in the tables above reflects the sum of Adjusted CASM and net interest expense (income) excluding special items per ASM. Adjusted CASM including net interest is included as a supplemental disclosure because the Company believes it is a useful metric to properly compare its cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, the Company believes this metric is a useful comparator because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM including net interest is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

Contacts:

Jennifer F. de la Cruz Corporate Communications

Email: JenniferF.Delacruz@flyfrontier.com Phone: 720.374.4207

David Erdman Investor Relations

Email: David.Erdman@flyfrontier.com Phone: 720.798.5886

 

12