THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE
INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE UK MARKET ABUSE
REGULATION.
WIZZ AIR
HOLDINGS PLC - RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER
2024
Q3
F25 RESULTS:
REVENUE SUPPORTING
RETURN TO GROWTH,
DESPITE SHORT-TERM FX AND
COST HEADWINDS
LSE: WIZZ
Geneva, 30 January 2025: Wizz Air Holdings Plc ("Wizz Air", "the Company" or
"the Group"), today issues unaudited results for the three months
to 31 December 2024 ("third quarter", "Q3" or
"Q3 F25").
This interim financial report does not include all the notes
of the type normally included in an annual financial report.
Accordingly, this report should be read in conjunction with the
annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 and any
public announcements made by Wizz Air Holdings Plc during
the interim reporting period.
|
|
|
|
For
the three months ended 31 December
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
Period-end fleet
size 1
|
226
|
197
|
14.7%
|
ASKs (million km)
|
30,480
|
31,002
|
(1.7)%
|
Load factor (%)
|
90.3
|
87.6
|
2.7
ppt
|
Passengers carried
(million)
|
15.5
|
15.1
|
2.6%
|
Total revenue (€ million)
|
1,176.8
|
1,064.8
|
10.5%
|
EBITDA (€
million) 2
|
157.1
|
18.7
|
740.0%
|
EBITDA Margin
(%) 2
|
13.3
|
1.8
|
11.6
ppt
|
Operating loss for the period (€
million)
|
(75.9)
|
(180.4)
|
(57.9)%
|
Net loss for the period (€
million)
|
(241.1)
|
(105.4)
|
128.7%
|
RASK (€ cent)
|
3.86
|
3.43
|
12.4%
|
Total CASK (€ cent)
|
4.25
|
4.10
|
3.6%
|
Fuel CASK (€ cent)
|
1.37
|
1.63
|
(16.3)%
|
Ex-fuel CASK (€ cent)
|
2.88
|
2.47
|
16.8%
|
Total cash (€
million) 2,3
|
1,599.6
|
1,588.9
|
0.7%
|
Net debt (€
million) 2,4
|
5,140.8
|
4,790.2
|
7.3%
|
1 Comparative figure has been changed from 195 to 197 in order
to include the two purchased Ukrainian aircraft on
ground.
2 For further
definition of measures presented refer to "Alternative performance
measures (APMs)" section of this document. In addition to marked
APMs, other measures presented above incorporate certain
non-financial information that management believes is useful when
assessing the performance of the Group. For further details refer
to "Glossary of terms" section of this document.
3 Comparative figure is total cash as
at 31 March 2024. Total cash is a non-statutory financial
performance measure and comprises cash and cash equivalents (31
December 2024: €481.9 million; 31 March 2024:
€728.4 million), short-term cash deposits (31 December 2024:
€1,024.1 million; 31 March 2024: €751.1 million) and
total current and non-current restricted cash (31 December 2024:
€93.6 million; 31 March 2024:
€109.4 million).
4 Comparative figure is net debt balance as at 31 March
2024.
HIGHLIGHTS
▶1.7 per cent lower ASK capacity in Q3 vs last
year.
▶Record
traffic of 15.5 million passengers in Q3
(vs 15.1 million last year) and 62.7 million in CY
2024.
▶Load factor
up 2.7ppts yoy to 90.3 per cent (vs 87.6 per
cent last year).
▶Unit
revenue (RASK) increased by 12.4 per cent
year-on-year, due to a better overall revenue environment and
last year being affected by last minute capacity redeployment
away from Israel.
▶Total unit
cost (CASK) increased only by 3.6 per cent
year-on-year, helped by an 18% decline in fuel unit
costs.
▶Ex-fuel
CASK increased by 16.8 per cent year-on-year,
with higher maintenance costs and the timing of other benefits now
likely falling into Q4.
▶Total cash
balance at €1.6 billion.
▶Operational
metrics (including cancellations of Israel flights at the start of
the quarter):
▶Flight
completion rate at 99.4 per cent (flat vs last
year).
▶On-time
performance increased to 75.5 per cent
(vs 72.2 per cent in last year).
▶Operating
fleet utilization at 12:10 hours/day, in line with last
year's 12:15 hours.
▶Restarting
operations into Israel with routes from Budapest, Sofia, Bucharest,
Krakow, London, Rome to Tel Aviv from beginning of
March.
▶No change
currently to GTF engine removal forecasts with an average of 40
aircraft to be grounded over F26. However, this may change
depending on the current engine selection negotiations to select
the engine for 177 A321NEOs.
▶Airbus
delivery schedule further adjusted in January 2025, with 137 A321s
due for delivery over the next three years ending F28. Given lease
returns, the fleet is now forecast to grow from a forecast 230
aircraft as at the end of March 2025 to 305 aircraft as at end
March 2028; this compares to the previous forecast of 380 aircraft
at that end date.
József Váradi, Wizz Air Chief Executive Officer commented on
business developments in the period:
"As expected, demand and pricing were strong over the quarter,
with ticket RASK up 15% year-on-year. Booking rates were ahead of
the same period last year, leading to a 2.7ppt increase in our Q3
load factor to a positive 90.3%. This was supported by a favorable
comparison against the disruption to our network last year in
Israel. Q3 revenues were up 11% year-on-year to €1,177m and we
carried a record 15.5 million passengers in the
quarter.
Wizz Air has continued to navigate the complexity imposed on
its operations from the ongoing grounding of some 20% of its fleet,
due to the well-documented GTF engine issue. This is reflected in
our unit cost performance, with Q3 ex-fuel CASK up 17%
year-on-year, given the multiple inefficiencies these groundings
generate across a number of our cost lines.
Disappointingly the benefits of the stronger demand
environment did not flow through to our reported profit level due
to these cost headwinds and a significant €160m negative FX charge
recognised in Q3. This reflects the requirement to mark-to-mark our
US$ denominated lease exposure at the ruling rate at the end of
each quarter. While a non-cash item, it has the potential to
introduce significant volatility to our reported profitability
(with an FX credit of €88m booked a year ago for a €248m swing
year-on-year). Given the current volatility in FX, the board has
approved a hedging program to help mitigate this in the future, the
timing of which is yet to be determined given current ruling
exchange rates."
On
current trading and the outlook, Mr Váradi added:
"Underlying demand remains positive at the
start of Q4. January and February RASK continue to track
in the low double-digit range, underpinned by bookings some 3ppts
ahead of the same period last year. However, given the fact that
Easter in 2025 will fall in our Q126 quarter, our Q425 run rate to
date will be diluted as March is further booked. To date, our Q4 is
circa 62% booked, with RASK up 8.3%
year-on-year.
Trading through the remainder of the current fiscal year
remains a focus for Wizz's management team, from maximizing daily
revenues to seeking further short and longer-term cost savings. As
we look ahead to F26, we believe that we are at an important
inflection point for the business as we transition to a sustained
period of growth for the rest of the decade. This is a return to
Wizz's DNA and the basis for long-term value creation for
shareholders.
Our confirmed aircraft orders provide a clear pathway for
sustained growth, giving us a competitive advantage in the
medium-term. Our recently adjusted Airbus delivery schedule
underpins this ambition, especially when factoring in the return
our grounded fleet to the air over the next two years. Annual
capacity growth of 15-20% over the next five years will facilitate
the densification of Wizz's network, and allow it to protect and
expand leading postilions in its fast growing core markets and, in
so doing, deliver cost wins and a return to historic net margins
and an investment grade balance sheet."
NEAR-TERM AND FORWARD OUTLOOK
▶Capacity
(ASKs): F25 reduced back to flat YoY from up 1%;
▶Load
factor: Maintain F25 at 92 per cent;
▶Revenue:
Maintain F25 RASK up mid-single digits YoY;
▶Cost:
Increase F25 ex-fuel CASK to high teens YoY; and maintain F25 fuel
CASK down 3-5 per cent YoY;
▶Financial
performance: Decrease F25 from the range of €350-450 million to
€250-300 million before any H2 unrealized FX losses; Reported
F25 full year NPAT likely to be in the range of €125-175 million at
current FX rates.
▶The above
guidance is based on current visibility in relation to external
events (including macro, security, infrastructure and/or supply
chain developments), revenue performance, as well as any
airworthiness directive in relation to GTF engine inspections and a
number of available spare engines.
GTF
ENGINE UPDATE
The new commercial support agreement
with Pratt & Whitney was agreed at the end of 2024, with this
covering the two-year period for calendar years 2025 and 2026. The
compensation package, which covers Wizz's direct costs associated
with the aircraft that have been grounded and those expected to be,
is similar to the levels of the previous agreement ruling during
2024.
In terms of the ongoing management
of this, important considerations relating to increased access to
spare engines and additional engineering shop slots are part of an
ongoing tender related to the selection for engines for 177
A321neos. Management expects that these negotiations will be
concluded by the end of the current quarter.
FLEET UPDATE
▶In the
three months ended 31 December 2024 Wizz Air saw its
fleet increase by two, ending the calendar year
with 226 aircraft. Movements over the quarter saw four
A321neos delivered while two A320ceos were redelivered to their
lessors.
▶Critical in
this past quarter, and not counted within our own fleet count, all
wet-leased aircraft were returned to their lessor companies by the
end of October.
▶The average
number of seats per aircraft has climbed to 226 as at December
2024, up 1 quarter-on-quarter and by 3 over the last
12-months.
▶The share
of new "neo" technology aircraft within Wizz Air's fleet stood at
64% by aircraft and 68% by seat capacity as at the end of December
2024, an increase year-on-year of 6ppt in both
instances.
▶For the
remainder of F25 we expect eight new A321neo deliveries (including
our first XLR), while a further four A320ceo aircraft will exit the
fleet.
▶As at 31
December 2024, Wizz Air's delivery backlog comprises 307 aircraft,
made up of 260 x A321neo and 47 x A321XLR aircraft.
▶The table
below provides expected number of aircraft for the current and next
fiscal years, reflecting the January update from Airbus.
|
|
|
|
|
March 2025
|
March 2026
|
March 2027
|
|
Planned
|
Planned
|
Planned
|
A320ceo (180/186 seats)
|
35
|
22
|
12
|
A320neo (186 seats)
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
A321ceo (230 seats)
|
41
|
40
|
29
|
A321neo (239 seats)
|
147
|
189
|
222
|
A321neo XLR (239 seats)
|
1
|
8
|
12
|
Fiscal year end Fleet size
|
230
|
265
|
281
|
FINANCIAL UPDATE
▶As of 20
January 2025, using jet fuel zero-cost collars, Wizz Air has a
hedge coverage of 82 per cent for its jet fuel needs for the
remainder of F25 at a price of 745/838 $/mT. For F26, the coverage
is 56 per cent at the price of 712/792 $/mT. The jet fuel-related
EUR/USD FX coverage stands at 77 per cent for F25 at 1.0733/1.1170,
while the coverage for F25 stands at 53 per cent at
1.0854/1.1291rates.
▶The
outstanding balance of the PDP facility has been repaid fully in
November 2024.
▶Net
debt1 at 31 December 2024 was €5,140.8 million
vs €4,790.2 million at 31 March 2024, while the Company's
leverage ratio1 (net debt to EBITDA) did
not change compared to F24 year-end 4.0. Over the same period,
liquidity1 decreased to 29.0 per cent.
1 For
further definition of non-financial measures presented refer to
"Alternative performance measures (APMs)" and "Glossary of terms"
sections of this document.
ESG
UPDATE
Wizz Air's CO2 emissions amounted to
52.4 grams per passenger for the rolling twelve months to 31
December 2024. This was an increase of 1.9% over the 51.5 grams
recorded for calendar 2023, but reflects the suboptimal fleet mix
due to the grounding of some of our neo aircraft and the wet
leasing in of older, more polluting capacity. These wet leases were
all returned in October 2024, with November seeing a 2.1%
year-on-year improvement in carbon per pax emissions and December a
4.1% fall.
We continue to be focused on
delivering value for all stakeholders and to further our
environmental and social agenda. The most material ESG related
developments of late have been:
▶Wizz Air,
Airbus, Moeve and Charleroi Airport successfully completed
sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) operational trials, marking a
pivotal step towards decarbonizing aviation following the
implementation of the Refuel EU legislation. Wizz Air highlighted
the importance of better educating passengers about the advantages
and challenges of SAF, while also calling for increased industry
collaboration and policy support to scale it adoption and reduce
costs.
▶Wizz Air
welcomed the opportunity for collaboration and dialogue at COP29 on
Transport Day and reaffirmed its commitment to decarbonizing
aviation while highlighting the critical role of international
collaboration and effective policy support in achieving net-zero
emissions.
▶During the
period, Wizz Air was awarded as: Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline
for the fourth consecutive year at the World Finance Sustainability
Awards 2024; Best Airline for Carbon Reduction at the inaugural
Carbon Awards 2024 hosted by World Finance: and EMEA Environmental
Sustainability Airline Group of the Year in 2024 by CAPA - the
Centre for Aviation.
- Ends -
This announcement contains inside
information. The person responsible for making this announcement on
behalf of the Group is Ian Malin, Chief Financial
Officer.
ABOUT WIZZ AIR
Wizz Air, one of the most
sustainable European airlines, operates a fleet of over 220 Airbus
A320 and A321 aircraft. A team of dedicated aviation professionals
delivers superior service and very low fares, making Wizz Air the
preferred choice of 62 million passengers in the financial year
ended 31 March 2024. Wizz Air is listed on the London Stock
Exchange under the ticker WIZZ. The company was recently named the
World's Top 5 Safest Low-Cost Airlines 2024 by airlineratings.com,
the world's only safety and product rating agency, and named
Airline of the Year by Air Transport Awards in 2019 and in 2023.
Wizz Air has also been recognised as the "Most Sustainable Low-Cost
Airline" within the World Finance Sustainability Awards in
2021-2024, the "Global Environmental Sustainability Airline Group
of the Year" in 2022-2023 and the "EMEA Environmental
Sustainability Airline Group of the Year" in 2024 by the
CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence.
For
more information:
Investors: Mark
Simpson, Wizz Air
+36 1 777 9407
Media:
Andras Rado, Wizz Air
+36 1 777
9324
James
McFarlane/Eleni Menikou/Charles Hirst, MHP Group
wizz@mhpgroup.com
Certain information provided in this
Press Release pertains to forward-looking statements and is subject
to significant risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results to differ materially. It is not feasible to enumerate all
the factors and specific events that could impact the outlook and
performance of an airline group operating across Europe, the Middle
East, and beyond, as Wizz Air does. Some of the factors that are
susceptible to change and could notably influence Wizz Air's
anticipated results include demand for aviation transport services,
fuel costs, competition from both new and established carriers,
availability of Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, turnaround times
at Engine Shops, expenses related to environmental, safety, and
security measures, the availability of suitable insurance coverage,
actions taken by governments and regulatory agencies, disruptions
caused by weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, revenue
performance and staffing issues, delivery delays of contracted
aircraft, fluctuations in exchange and interest rates, airport
access and fees, labour relations, the economic climate within the
industry, passengers' inclination to travel, social, and political
factors, including global pandemics, and unforeseen security
incidents.
Q3 Financial review
In the third quarter, Wizz Air
carried 15.5 million passengers, a 2.6 per
cent increase compared to the same period in the previous
year and generated revenues of
€1,176.8 million, 10.5 per
cent higher year-on-year. These rates compare to capacity
decrease measured in terms of ASKs of 1.7%
and 0.4% in terms of seats. The load
factor increased by 3.1% to 90.3%. The reported
net loss for the third quarter was
€241.1 million, compared to a loss of
€105.4 million in the same period of F24.
Summary statement of comprehensive income
(unaudited)
For the three months ended 31 December
|
|
|
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Change
|
Passenger ticket revenue
|
626.2
|
553.9
|
13%
|
Ancillary revenue
|
550.7
|
510.9
|
8%
|
Total revenue
|
1,176.8
|
1,064.8
|
11%
|
Staff costs
|
(141.5)
|
(126.9)
|
11%
|
Fuel costs
|
(416.7)
|
(506.6)
|
(18)%
|
Distribution and
marketing
|
(28.1)
|
(29.4)
|
(4)%
|
Maintenance, materials and
repairs
|
(105.4)
|
(69.4)
|
52%
|
Airport, handling and en-route
charges
|
(312.2)
|
(301.8)
|
3%
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(232.9)
|
(199.0)
|
17%
|
Other expenses*
|
(81.2)
|
(84.8)
|
(4)%
|
Other income*
|
65.3
|
72.8
|
(10)%
|
Total operating expenses
|
(1,252.7)
|
(1,245.2)
|
1%
|
Operating loss
|
(75.9)
|
(180.4)
|
(58)%
|
Financial income
|
21.5
|
24.0
|
(10)%
|
Financial expenses
|
(63.7)
|
(50.1)
|
27%
|
Net foreign exchange
(losses)/gains
|
(159.5)
|
88.1
|
(281)%
|
Net
financing (expense)/income
|
(201.7)
|
62.0
|
(425)%
|
Loss before income tax
|
(277.6)
|
(118.4)
|
134%
|
Income tax credit
|
36.5
|
13.0
|
181%
|
Loss for the period
|
(241.1)
|
(105.4)
|
129%
|
Loss for the period attributable
to:
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interest
|
(3.2)
|
(7.7)
|
(59)%
|
Owners of Wizz Air Holdings
Plc
|
(237.9)
|
(97.7)
|
144%
|
* The Group
previously presented net other expense for the three months ended
31 December 2023 of €12.0 million. To enhance the presentation this
has been split to separately show other expenses of
€84.8 million and other income of €72.8 million on the
face of the summary statement of comprehensive income. There was no
impact on net income as a result of this change in
classification.
Revenue
Passenger ticket
revenue increased by 13.0% to €626.2 million
and ancillary income (or "non-ticket" revenue) increased
by 7.8% to €550.7 million year on year, driven by higher
average net fares and a slightly improved load factor (increased
by 3.1%). The total revenue per ASK
(RASK) increased by 12.4% to 3.86 Euro
cents from 3.43 Euro cents due to higher ticket
and ancillary prices and load factor.
Average revenue per
passenger increased to €75.79 during Q3 F25,
which was 7.7% higher than
last year, during the same period. Average ticket revenue per passenger increased from
€36.6 in Q3 F24 to
€40.3 in Q3 F25, and average ancillary
revenue per passenger increased from
€33.8 in Q3 F24 to
€35.5 in Q3 F25, representing
a increase of 5.0%.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses
for Q3 F25 increased by 0.6% to
€1,252.7 million from €1,245.2 million
in Q3 F24 despite the 1.7% lower
year-on-year capacity. The total cost per ASK
(CASK) increased by 3.6% to 4.25 Euro
cents in Q3 F25 from 4.10 Euro cents
in Q3 F24, driven mainly by significantly higher
maintenance and depreciation costs and generally higher staff,
overhead, lease cost, airport, handling and en-route charges. This
is partly offset by savings on fuel and flight disruption
costs.
Staff costs increased by 11.5% to €141.5 million
in Q3 F25, up from €126.9 million
in Q3 F24, reflecting the
increase in capacity and the cost-of-living adjustments to salaries
year on year.
Fuel expenses decreased by 17.7% to €416.7 million
in Q3 F25, from €506.6 million in the same period
of F24. The average fuel price (including hedge impact)
paid by Wizz Air
during Q3 F25 decreased by 19.9% compared
to the same period of last year. On the top of that the consumption
efficiency also improved due to the increase of NEO
fleet.
Distribution and marketing costs decreased by 4.4% to
€28.1 million in Q3 F25 from €29.4 million
in Q3 F24, reflecting the cost saving
initiatives carried out for some IT expenses and for the customer
experience center and increased revenue in the
period.
Maintenance, materials and repair costs increased by 51.9% to
€105.4 million in Q3 F25 compared to
€69.4 million in Q3 F24. Due to the larger fleet
Line & Light maintenance cost increases even if not all
aircraft were being utilized, as parking procedure and engine
changes generate cost. A greater number of heavy maintenance events
were performed, with an unfavorable mix shift towards more
expensive structural checks. Related to upcoming CEO re-deliveries,
provision building for lease-end settlement also increases the F25
cost level.
Airport, handling and en-route
charges increased 3.4% to
€312.2 million in Q3 F25 versus €301.8 million in the same
quarter of the prior fiscal year due to 2.6% more
passengers carried and to a general growth of contracted
rates.
Depreciation and amortisation charges increased by 17.1%
in Q3 F25 to
€232.9 million, from €199 million in Q3 F24. The increase to depreciation is in line
with the growing fleet.
Other expenses amounted to
€81.2 million in Q3 F25, compared to
€84.8 million in the same period of last fiscal year. Other
expenses decreased due to
elevated flight disruption cost in Q3 F24 stemming from Israel crises started in
October 2023.
Other income amounted to
€65.3 million in Q3 F25, compared to
€72.8 million in the same period of last fiscal year. Other
income decreased due to less sale and leaseback
transactions (higher number of aircraft deliveries
in Q3 F24 compared to Q3 F25) and fewer credits and
compensation received from suppliers.
Financial income amounted
to €21.5 million in Q3 F25,
compared to €24.0 million in Q3 F24, driven by the increase in short-term cash
deposits and higher interest rate environment in Q3 F25.
Financial expenses amounted to €63.7 million
in Q3 F25 compared to €50.1 million
in Q3 F24, driven by the increase in fleet size, the
higher interest rate environment and the PDP financing.
Net
foreign exchange loss was €159.5 million
in Q3 F25, compared to a gain of
€88.1 million in Q3 F24.
This significant change was driven by the weakening of the Euro/USD
exchange rate, which declined from 1.105
in Q3 F24 to 1.041 at the end of Q3 F25. The unfavorable movement impacted the
revaluation of USD-denominated lease liabilities, leading to the
loss.
Income tax credit was
a €36.5 million credit (Q3 F24: €13.0 million)
reflecting a negative profit before tax in the period. The increase
in tax credit is mainly attributable to the higher loss of profit
before tax for the current period, which is partially offset by the
higher effective tax rate applicable in Hungary from FY25 due to
the introduction of OECD Pillar 2 minimum taxation.
Net
profit for the nine months ended on 31 December
2024 was €74.2 million
compared to a profit of €295.3 million in the same
period of the last year.
Other information
1.
Cash
Total cash and cash equivalents
(including restricted cash and cash deposits with more than 3
months maturity) at the end of the third quarter was
€1,599.6 million, of which over €1,506.0 million is free
cash.
2.
Hedging position
Wizz Air operates under a clear set
of treasury policies approved by the Board and supervised by the
Audit and Risk Committee. The hedges under the hedge policy are
rolled forward monthly, 18 months out, with coverage levels over
time reaching indicatively between 85 per cent for the first
quarter of the hedging horizon and 35 per cent for the last quarter
of the hedging horizon. The hedging policy covers jet fuel and jet
fuel-related EUR/USD exposure. Hedge coverages at 20 January 2025
are as follows:
Fuel hedge coverage
|
|
|
|
|
F25
|
F26
|
F27
|
Period covered
|
3 months
|
12 months
|
12 months
|
Exposure in metric tonnes
('000)
|
446
|
2,178
|
2,518
|
Coverage in metric tonnes
('000)
|
367
|
1,221
|
144
|
Hedge coverage for the
period
|
82%
|
56%
|
6%
|
Blended weighted average
ceiling
|
$838.0
|
$792.0
|
$757.0
|
Blended weighted average
floor
|
$745.0
|
$712.0
|
$687.0
|
Foreign exchange hedge coverage
|
|
|
|
|
F25
|
F26
|
F27
|
Period covered
|
3 months
|
12 months
|
12 months
|
Exposure in USD millions
|
320
|
1,529
|
1,705
|
Coverage in USD millions
|
246
|
814
|
96
|
Hedge coverage for the
period
|
77%
|
53%
|
6%
|
Weighted average ceiling
|
$1.1170
|
$1.1291
|
$1.0933
|
Weighted average floor
|
$1.0733
|
$1.0854
|
$1.0513
|
Sensitivities
Pre-hedging, a $10 (per metric ton)
movement in the price of jet fuel impacts the Q4 F25 fuel
costs by $4.5 million.
One cent movement in the EUR/USD
exchange rate impacts the Q4 F25 operating expenses by
€4.2 million.
3.
Fully diluted share capital
The figure of 127,733,907 should be
used for the Company's theoretical fully diluted number of shares
as at 31st December 2024. This figure comprises 103,391,947 issued
ordinary shares and 24,246,715 new ordinary shares which would have
been issued if the full principal of outstanding convertible notes
had been fully converted on 31st December 2024 (excluding any
ordinary shares that would be issued in respect of accrued but
unpaid interest on that date) and 95,245 new ordinary shares which
may be issued upon exercise of vested but unexercised employee
share options.
4.
Ownership and Control
To protect the EU airline operating
license of Wizz Air Hungary Ltd and Wizz Air Malta Ltd
(subsidiaries of the Company), the Board has resolved to continue
to apply a disenfranchisement of Ordinary Shares held by non-EEA
Shareholders in the capital of the Company. This will continue to
be done on the basis of a "Permitted Maximum" of 45 per cent
pursuant to the Company's articles of association ("the Permitted
Maximum"). In preparation for the 2024 Annual General Meeting
(AGM), on 4 September 2024 the Company sent a Restricted Share
Notice to Non-Qualifying registered Shareholders, informing them of
the number of Ordinary Shares that will be treated as Restricted
Shares.
▶a "Qualifying National" includes: (i) EEA nationals, (ii) nationals of
Switzerland and (iii) in respect of any undertaking, an undertaking
which satisfies the conditions as to nationality of ownership and
control of undertakings granted an operating licence contained in
Article 4(f) of Regulation (EC) No. 1008/2008 of the European
Commission, as such conditions may be amended, varied, supplemented
or replaced from time to time, or as provided for in any agreement
between the EU and any third country (whether or not such
undertaking is itself granted an operating licence); and
▶a "Non-Qualifying National" includes any person who is not a Qualifying National in
accordance with the definition above.
5.
Key statistics
For the three months ended 31 December
|
|
|
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
Capacity
|
|
|
|
Number of aircraft at end of
period*
|
226
|
197
|
14.7%
|
Number of operating aircraft at end of
period**
|
183
|
180
|
1.7%
|
Equivalent aircraft
|
224.5
|
192.9
|
16.4%
|
Equivalent operating aircraft**
|
181.8
|
180.5
|
0.7%
|
Utilisation (block hours per
aircraft per day)
|
9:45
|
11:35
|
-15.7%
|
Utilisation (block hours per operating aircraft per
day)**
|
12:10
|
12:15
|
(0.6)%
|
Total block hours
|
203,675
|
203,544
|
0.1%
|
Total flight hours
|
177,129
|
177,585
|
(0.3)%
|
Revenue departures
|
77,636
|
77,437
|
0.3%
|
Average departures per day per
aircraft
|
3.72
|
4.41
|
(15.6)%
|
Average departures per day per operating
aircraft**
|
4.64
|
4.67
|
(0.6)%
|
Seat capacity
|
17,201,344
|
17,271,832
|
(0.4)%
|
Average aircraft stage length
(km)
|
1,772
|
1,795
|
(1.3)%
|
Total ASKs ('000 km)
|
30,479,934
|
31,002,145
|
(1.7)%
|
Operating data
|
|
|
|
RPKs ('000 km)
|
27,485,776
|
27,159,121
|
1.2%
|
Load factor %
|
90.3%
|
87.6%
|
3.1%
|
Passengers carried
|
15,527,765
|
15,129,491
|
2.6%
|
Fuel price (average US$ per tonne,
including hedging impact and into-plane premium) ***
|
857.0
|
1,070.0
|
(19.9)%
|
Foreign exchange rate (average
US$/€, including hedge impact)
|
1.081
|
1.078
|
0.3%
|
* Aircraft at
end of period includes 3 aircraft in Ukraine, but excludes
wet-leased aircraft. Comparative figure has been changed from 195
to 197 as it did not include the two purchased Ukrainian aircraft
on ground.
** Operating
aircraft excludes grounded aircraft. At end of period Q3 F25 there
were 43 grounded aircraft due to GTF engine inspections and 3
grounded aircraft in Ukraine. At end of period Q3 F25 there were 4
grounded aircraft due to GTF engine inspections and 3 grounded
aircraft in Ukraine. Operating utilisation is calculated based on
the Equivalent operating aircraft and Block hours including
wet-lease flights.
*** Average
fuel price metric has been changed to include into plane premium
figure as well, whereas prior year report excluded it. The current
reporting possibilities do not allow us to precisely calculate and
separate IPP prices. Prior year benchmark has been aligned to the
new method.
6.
Cost per available seat kilometers (CASK)
For the three months ended 31 December
|
|
|
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
|
euro cents
|
euro
cents
|
euro
cents
|
Fuel costs
|
1.37
|
1.63
|
(16.3)%
|
Staff costs
|
0.46
|
0.41
|
13.4%
|
Distribution and
marketing
|
0.09
|
0.09
|
(2.7)%
|
Maintenance, materials and
repairs
|
0.35
|
0.22
|
54.5%
|
Airport, handling and en-route
charges
|
1.02
|
0.97
|
5.2%
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
0.76
|
0.64
|
19.1%
|
Other expenses
|
0.27
|
0.27
|
(2.6)%
|
Other income
|
(0.21)
|
(0.23)
|
(8.8)%
|
Net financial expenses*
|
0.14
|
0.08
|
64.5%
|
Total CASK
|
4.25
|
4.10
|
3.6%
|
Total ex-fuel CASK
|
2.88
|
2.47
|
16.8%
|
* Net financial
expenses excluding Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1.
Alternative performance measures
Alternative performance measures are
non-IFRS standard performance measures aiming to introduce the
Company's performance in line with management's requirements. The
existing presentation is considered relevant for the users of the
financial statements because: (i) it mirrors disclosures presented
outside of the financial statements; and (ii) it is regularly
reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker for evaluating the
financial performance of its single operating segment.
Ancillary revenue: generated
revenue from ancillaries (including other ancillary revenue related
items). Rationale - Key financial indicator for the separation of
different revenue lines.
Average capital employed:
average capital employed is the sum of the annual average equity
and interest-bearing borrowings (including convertible debt), less
annual average cash and cash equivalents, and short-term cash
deposits. Rationale - This key financial indicator is integral for
evaluating the profitability and effectiveness of capital
utilisation.
Calculation: average equity + interest-bearing borrowings
(including convertible debt) - cash and cash equivalents -
short-term cash deposits.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA): EBITDA represents the
profit or loss before accounting for net financing costs or gains,
income tax expenses or credits, and depreciation and amortization.
Rationale - This measure serves as a key financial indicator for
the Company, providing insights into operational
profitability.
Calculation: operating profit/(loss) + depreciation and
amortization.
EBITDA margin %: EBITDA margin
% is computed by dividing EBITDA by total revenue in millions of
Euros.
Rationale - This metric presents
EBITDA as a percentage of total net revenue and offers valuable
financial insights for the Company's performance
assessment.
Calculation: EBITDA / total revenue (€ million) *
100.
|
|
|
|
Three months ended 31 Dec
2024
|
Three
months ended 31 Dec 2023
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Operating loss
|
(75.9)
|
(180.4)
|
Depreciation and
amortisation
|
(232.9)
|
(199.0)
|
EBITDA
|
157.1
|
18.7
|
Total revenue (€ million)
|
1,176.8
|
1,064.8
|
EBITDA margin (%)
|
13.3%
|
1.8%
|
Leverage ratio: leverage ratio
is computed by dividing net debt by the last twelve months EBITDA.
Rationale - It serves as a crucial key financial indicator for the
Group, facilitating an assessment of the organization's financial
leverage and debt management.
Calculation: please see the table below.
|
|
|
|
31 Dec 2024
|
31 Dec
2023
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
6,481.8
|
4,971.8
|
Convertible debt
|
25.5
|
25.7
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
138.9
|
835.0
|
Convertible debt
|
0.5
|
0.5
|
Current assets
|
|
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
1,024.1
|
82.3
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
481.9
|
1,506.9
|
Net
debt
|
5,140.8
|
4,243.8
|
Additional data to calculate leverage ratio
|
|
|
EBITDA for the 9 months ended 31
December
|
983.1
|
896.8
|
EBITDA for the 3 months ended 31
March
|
296.3
|
(74.5)
|
Total EBITDA for the rolling 12 months
|
1,279.3
|
822.3
|
Leverage ratio
|
4.0
|
5.2
|
Liquidity: liquidity represents
cash, cash equivalents, and short-term cash deposits, expressed as
a percentage of the last twelve months' revenue. Rationale - This
key financial indicator offers a comprehensive view of the Group's
cash position and financial stability.
Calculation: please see the table below.
|
|
|
|
31 Dec 2024
|
31 Dec
2023
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
481.9
|
1,506.9
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
1,024.1
|
82.3
|
Additional data to calculate liquidity
|
|
|
Total revenue for the 9 months ended
31 December
|
4,242.9
|
4,117.1
|
Total revenue for the 3 months ended
31 March
|
953.1
|
790.2
|
Total revenue for the rolling 12 months
|
5,196.1
|
4,907.3
|
Liquidity
|
29.0%
|
32.4%
|
Net
debt: net debt is defined as
interest-bearing borrowings (including convertible debt) less cash
and cash equivalents. Rationale - plays a pivotal role as a key
financial indicator, offering valuable information regarding the
Group's financial liquidity and leverage position.
Calculation: please see the table below.
|
|
|
|
31 Dec 2024
|
31 Mar
2024
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
6,481.8
|
5,159.7
|
Convertible debt
|
25.5
|
25.4
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
Borrowings
|
138.9
|
1,084.3
|
Convertible debt
|
0.5
|
0.3
|
Current assets
|
|
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
1,024.1
|
751.1
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
481.9
|
728.4
|
Net
debt
|
5,140.8
|
4,790.2
|
Passenger ticket revenue:
generated revenue from ticket sales (including other ticket revenue
related items). Rationale - Key financial indicator for the
separation of different revenue lines.
Total cash: non-statutory
financial performance measure and comprises/is calculated from cash
and cash equivalents, short-term cash deposits and total current
and non-current restricted cash. Rationale - This key financial
indicator offers a comprehensive view of the Group's cash position
and financial stability.
Calculation: please see the table
below.
|
|
|
|
31 Dec 2024
|
31 Mar
2024
|
|
€ million
|
€
million
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
Restricted cash
|
41.5
|
54.0
|
Current assets
|
|
|
Restricted cash
|
52.1
|
55.4
|
Short-term cash deposits
|
1,024.1
|
751.1
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
481.9
|
728.4
|
Total cash
|
1,599.6
|
1,588.9
|
Total revenue: total ticket and
ancillary revenue for the given period. The split of total revenue
presented in the condensed consolidated interim statement of
comprehensive income. Rationale - Key Financial indicator for the
Company.
2.
Glossary of terms
Aircraft utilisation / utilisation: the number of hours of one aircraft is in operation on one
day. Rationale - Key performance indicator in aviation business,
measurement for one day aircraft productivity.
Calculation (for 1 month): monthly aircraft utilisation equals
total block hours divided by number of days in the month divided by
the equivalent aircraft number divided by 24 hours. Calculation
(for a longer period than 1 month): the given period aircraft
utilisation equals with the weighted average of monthly aircraft
utilisation based on the month-end fleet counts.
Ancillary revenue per passenger: ancillary revenue divided by the number of passengers (PAX)
in the given period, which gives the ancillary performance per one
passenger. Rationale - Key performance indicator for revenue
performance measurement.
Calculation: ancillary revenue / PAX.
Available seat kilometers (ASK) / total
ASKs: the number of seats available
for scheduled passengers multiplied by the number of kilometres
those seats were flown. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
capacity measurement.
Calculation: seats on aircraft * stage
length.
Average aircraft stage length (km): average distance that an aircraft flies between the
departure and arrival airport. Rationale - Key performance
indicator for measurement of capacity and productivity.
Calculation: average stage length of the revenue sectors in
the given period (ASKs / capacity).
Average departures per aircraft per
day: the number of departures
one aircraft performs in a day in the given period. Rationale - Key
performance indicator for revenue generation / utilisation of
assets.
Calculation: total number of revenue sectors per number of
days (in the given period) per equivalent aircraft
number.
CASK (total unit cost): total
cost per ASK, where cost is defined as operating expenses and
financial expenses net of financial income. Rationale - Key
performance indicator for divisional cost control.
Calculation: total operating expenses + financial income +
financial expenses / total of ASKs (km) *100.
Completion factor or rate: per
cent of operated flights compared to the scheduled flights.
Rationale - Key performance indicator for commercial planning and
controlling, measurement for operational performance.
Calculation: number of operated flights divided by scheduled
flights.
Equivalent aircraft or average aircraft
count: the average number of
aircraft available to Wizz Air within a period. The count contains
spare aircraft, aircraft under maintenance and parked aircraft.
Rationale - Key performance indicator in aviation business for the
measurement of average aircraft available for flying and
capacity.
Calculation (for one month): average from the daily fleet
count in a given month which includes/excludes deliveries and
redeliveries. Calculation (for a longer period than one month):
weighted average of the monthly equivalent aircraft numbers based
on the number of days in the given period.
Equivalent operating aircraft or average operating aircraft
count: the average number of
operating aircraft available to Wizz Air within a period. The count
includes all aircraft except those parked. Rationale - Key
performance indicator in aviation business for the measurement of
average fleet and capacity.
Calculation (for one month): average from the daily operating
fleet count in the given month which includes/excludes deliveries
and redeliveries. Calculation (for a longer period than one month):
weighted average of the monthly
equivalent operating aircraft numbers
based on the number of days in the given period.
Ex-fuel CASK (ex-fuel unit costs): this measure is computed by dividing the total ex-fuel cost
by the total ASKs within a given timeframe. Ex-fuel CASK defines
the unit ex-fuel cost for each kilometre flown per seat in Wizz
Air's fleet. Note that: total ex-fuel cost consists of total
operating expenses and net cost from financial income and expense
but does not contain fuel costs. Rationale - It serves as an
essential performance indicator for overseeing divisional cost
control. The rationale for employing this metric is rooted in its
ability to gauge and manage non-fuel operating expenses
effectively.
Calculation: total ex-fuel cost (EUR) / total of ASKs (km) *
100.
Foreign exchange rate: average
foreign exchange rate, plus any hedge deal for the given
period, calculated with a weighted average
method. Rationale - Key performance
indicator for fuel control and treasury teams.
Fuel CASK (fuel unit cost):
this metric is calculated by dividing the total fuel costs (plus
additional fuel consumption related costs) by the sum of Available
Seat Kilometers (ASKs) during a specific reporting period.
Rationale - Fuel CASK provides an insightful unit fuel cost
measurement, representing the cost incurred for flying one
kilometer per seat within Wizz Air's fleet. The rationale behind
the use of this measure lies in its effectiveness as a critical
performance indicator for the control and management of fuel
expenses.
Calculation: total fuel cost (EUR) / total of ASKs (km) *
100.
Fuel price (average US$ per tonne): average fuel price within in a
period, calculated as fuel cost (including other fuel cost related
items) divided by the consumption.
Rationale - Key performance indicator for fuel cost
controlling.
Gauge: the average seat
capacity per aircraft.
JOLCO (Japanese Tax Lease) and French Tax
Lease: special forms of structured
asset financing, involving local tax benefits for Japanese and
French investors, respectively. Rationale -These measures are
employed to encapsulate specific lease contracts that facilitate
enhanced cash utilisation strategies.
Load factor (%): the number of
seats sold (PAX) divided by the number of seats available on the
aircraft (capacity). Rationale - Key performance indicator for
commercial and revenue controlling.
Calculation: the number of seats sold, divided by the number
of seats available.
Net
fare (total revenue per passenger):
average revenue per one passenger calculated by total revenue
divided by the number of passengers (PAX) during a specified
period. Rationale - This metric is a crucial performance indicator
for commercial control, offering insights into the overall revenue
generated per passenger.
Calculation: total revenue / PAX.
Operating aircraft utilisation:
the number of hours that one operating aircraft is in operation on
one day. Rationale - Key performance indicator in aviation
business, measurement for one-day aircraft productivity.
Calculation (for one month): average daily operating aircraft
utilisation in a month equals total monthly block hours divided by
number of days in the month divided by the equivalent operating
aircraft number divided by 24 hours. Calculation (for a longer
period than one month): the given period operating aircraft
utilisation equals the weighted average of monthly operating
aircraft utilisation based on the month-end operating aircraft
counts.
Passengers (alternative names: passengers carried,
PAX): passengers who bought a
ticket (thus making revenue for the Company) for a revenue sector.
Rationale - Key performance indicator for commercial controlling
team.
Calculation: sum of number of passengers of all revenue
sectors.
PDP: PDP refers to the
pre-delivery payments made under the Group's aircraft purchase
agreements. These payments signify contractual commitments designed
to support fleet expansion and growth.
Period-end fleet size or number of aircraft at end of
period: the number of aircraft that
Wizz Air has in its fleet and that are leased or owned at the end
of the given period. The count contains spares and aircraft under
maintenance as well. Rationale - Key performance indicator in
aviation business for the measurement of fleet.
Calculation: sum of aircraft at the end of the given
period.
Period-end operating aircraft:
the number of operating aircraft that Wizz Air has in its fleet and
that are leased and/or owned at the end of the given period. The
count includes all aircraft except those parked. Rationale - Key
performance indicator in aviation business for the measurement of
operating aircraft at a period end.
Calculation: sum of operating aircraft at the end of the given
period.
RASK: RASK is determined by
dividing the total revenue by the total ASK. This measure
characterizes the unit net revenue performance for each kilometer
flown per seat within Wizz Air's fleet. Rationale - It serves as a
pivotal performance indicator for commercial control, providing
insights into the revenue generation efficiency.
Calculation: total revenue (EUR) / total of ASKs (km) *
100.
Revenue departures or sectors:
flight between departure and arrival airport where Wizz Air
generates revenue from ticket sales. Rationale - Key performance
indicator in revenue generation controlling.
Calculation: sum of departures of all
sectors.
Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK): the number of seat kilometres flown by passengers who paid
for their tickets. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
revenue measurement.
Calculation: number of passengers * stage
length.
Seat capacity / capacity: the
total number of available (flown) seats on aircraft for Wizz Air
within a given period (revenue sectors only). Rationale - Key
performance indicator for capacity measurement.
Calculation: sum of capacity of all revenue
sectors.
Stage length: the length of the
flight from take-off to landing in a single leg.
Calculation: sum of kilometres flown during a
flight.
Ticket revenue per passenger:
passenger ticket revenue divided by the number of passengers (PAX)
in the given period. Rationale - Key performance indicator for
measurement of revenue performance.
Calculation: passenger ticket revenue / PAX.
Total block hours: each hour
from the moment an aircraft's brakes are released at the departure
airport's parking place for the purpose of starting a flight until
the moment the aircraft's brakes are applied at the arrival
airport's parking place. Rationale - Key performance indicator in
aviation business, measurement for aircraft's block
hours.
Calculation: sum of block hours of all sectors (in the given
period).
Total flight hours: each hour
from the moment the aircraft takes off from the runway for the
purposes of flight until the moment the aircraft lands at the
runway of the arrival airport. Rationale - Key performance
indicator in the airline business for the measurement of capacity
and flown flight hours by aircraft.
Calculation: sum of flight hours of all sectors (in the given
period).
Yield: represents the total
revenue generated per Revenue Passenger Kilometer (RPK). Rationale
- This measure is integral for assessing and controlling commercial
performance by quantifying the revenue derived from each kilometer
flown by paying passengers.
Calculation: total revenue / RPK.