REG - Intl Con Airline Grp - 3rd Quarter Results <Origin Href="QuoteRef">ICAG.L</Origin>

International Consolidated Airlines SAAnnouncement

27/10/2017 07:06

RNS Number : 7727U
International Cons Airlines Group
27 October 2017
NINE MONTHS RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) today (October 27, 2017) presented Group consolidated results for the nine months to September 30, 2017.
IAG period highlights on results:
 Third quarter operating profit 1,455 million before exceptional items (2016: 1,205 million)
 Passenger unit revenue for the quarter up 0.7 per cent, up 2.2 per cent at constant currency
 Non-fuel unit costs before exceptional items for the quarter down 1.7 per cent, up 2.5 per cent at constant currency
 Fuel unit costs before exceptional items for the quarter down 7.5 per cent, down 8.4 per cent at constant currency
 Operating profit before exceptional items for the period of nine months to September 30, 2017 2,430 million (2016: 1,915 million), up 26.9 per cent
 Cash of 7,523 million at September 30, 2017 was up 1,095 million on 2016 year end
 Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR improved by 0.4 to 1.4 times
Performance summary:
Nine months to September 30

Financial data  million 
2017
2016
Higher / (lower) 
Passenger revenue 
15,474 
15,345 
0.8 %
Total revenue 
17,505 
17,272 
1.3 %
Operating profit before exceptional items 
2,430 
1,915 
26.9 %
Exceptional items 
(271)
27 
nm
Operating profit after exceptional items 
2,159 
1,942 
11.2 %
Profit after tax 
1,567 
1,484 
5.6 %
Adjusted earnings per share ( cents) 
80.9 
66.6 
21.5 %
Operating figures 
2017
2016
Higher / (lower) 
Available seat kilometres (ASK million) 
231,417 
226,356 
2.2 %
Seat factor (per cent) 
82.9 
82.1 
0.8pts
Passenger revenue per ASK ( cents) 
6.69 
6.78 
(1.4)%
Non-fuel costs per ASK ( cents) 
5.02 
5.11 
(1.9)%
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
Higher / (lower) 
Cash and interest-bearing deposits 
7,523 
6,428 
17.0 %
Adjusted net debt
7,183 
8,159 
(12.0)%
Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR
1.4 
1.8 
(0.4x)
Adjusted gearing
46%
51%
(5pts)



For definitions refer to the IAG Annual Report and Accounts 2016.

Willie Walsh, IAG Chief Executive Officer, said:
"We're reporting another strong quarter with an operating profit up 20.7 per cent to 1,455 million before exceptional items.
"All our companies performed well. Passenger unit revenue was up 2.2 per cent at constant currency boosted by improvements in the Spanish and Latin American markets. Our commercial performance was good despite underlying disruption from severe weather and terrorism. IAG Cargo improved in the quarter due to stronger Asia Pacific demand compared to last year.
"We're pleased to announce an interim dividend of 12.5 euro cents per share."
Trading outlook
At current fuel prices and exchange rates, IAG expects its operating profit for 2017 to be around 3 billion before exceptional items.
LEI: 959800TZHQRUSH1ESL13
This announcement contains inside information and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014. 
Enrique Dupuy, Chief Financial Officer
Forward-looking statements: 
Certain statements included in this report are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. 
Forward-looking statements can typically be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "expects", "may", "will", "could", "should", "intends", "plans", "predicts", "envisages" or "anticipates" and include, without limitation, any projections relating to results of operations and financial conditions of International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. and its subsidiary undertakings from time to time (the 'Group'), as well as plans and objectives for future operations, expected future revenues, financing plans, expected expenditures and divestments relating to the Group and discussions of the Group's Business plan. All forward-looking statements in this report are based upon information known to the Group on the date of this report. The Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 
It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could cause the forward-looking statements in this report to be incorrect or that could otherwise have a material adverse effect on the future operations or results of an airline operating in the global economy. Further information on the primary risks of the business and the risk management process of the Group is given in the Annual Report and Accounts 2016; these documents are available on www.iagshares.com.
IAG Investor Relations
Waterside (HAA2),
PO Box 365,
Harmondsworth,
Middlesex,
UB7 0GB
Tel: +44 (0)208 564 2900
Investor.relations@iairgroup.com
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Nine months to September 30

 million
Before
exceptional
items
2017
Exceptional
items
Total
2017
Before
exceptional
items
2016
Exceptional
items
Total
2016
Higher/
(lower) 







Passenger revenue
15,474 

15,474 
15,345 

15,345 
0.8 %
Cargo revenue
775 

775 
743 

743 
4.3 %
Other revenue
1,256 

1,256 
1,184 

1,184 
6.1 %
Total revenue
17,505 

17,505 
17,272 

17,272 
1.3 %


Employee costs
3,562 
271 
3,833 
3,656 
11 
3,667 
(2.6)%
Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges
3,465 

3,465 
3,782 
(38)
3,744 
(8.4)%
Handling, catering and other operating costs
2,065 

2,065 
2,011 

2,011 
2.7 %
Landing fees and en-route charges
1,652 

1,652 
1,663 

1,663 
(0.7)%
Engineering and other aircraft costs
1,372 

1,372 
1,258 

1,258 
9.1 %
Property, IT and other costs
656 

656 
672 

672 
(2.4)%
Selling costs
740 

740 
711 

711 
4.1 %
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
892 

892 
971 

971 
(8.1)%
Aircraft operating lease costs
669 

669 
537 

537 
24.6 %
Currency differences
2 

2 
96 

96 
(97.9)%
Total expenditure on operations
15,075 
271 
15,346 
15,357 
(27)
15,330 
(1.8)%
Operating profit
2,430 
(271)
2,159 
1,915 
27 
1,942 
26.9 %
Net non-operating costs
(211)

(211)
(134)

(134)
57.5 %
Profit before tax
2,219 
(271)
1,948 
1,781 
27 
1,808 
24.6 %
Tax
(444)
63 
(381)
(322)
(2)
(324)
37.9 %
Profit after tax for the period
1,775 
(208)
1,567 
1,459 
25 
1,484 
21.7 %





Operating figures
2017(1)


2016(1)


Higher/
(lower) 
Available seat kilometres (ASK million)
231,417 


226,356 


2.2 %
Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK million)
191,741 


185,726 


3.2 %
Seat factor (per cent)
82.9 


82.1 


0.8pts
Cargo tonne kilometres (CTK million)
4,220 


3,986 


5.9 %
Passenger numbers (thousands)
80,065 


77,525 


3.3 %
Tonnes of cargo carried (thousands)
498 


543 


(8.3)%
Sectors
545,219


544,711 


0.1%
Block hours (hours)
1,592,151 


1,578,592 


0.9%
Average manpower equivalent
63,732 


63,690 


0.1%
Aircraft in service
546 


548 


(0.4)%
Passenger revenue per RPK ( cents)
8.07 


8.26 


(2.3)%
Passenger revenue per ASK ( cents)
6.69 


6.78 


(1.4)%
Cargo revenue per CTK ( cents)
18.36 


18.64 


(1.5)%
Fuel cost per ASK ( cents)
1.50 


1.67 


(10.4)%
Non-fuel costs per ASK ( cents)
5.02 


5.11 


(1.9)%
Total cost per ASK ( cents)
6.51 


6.78 


(4.0)%






(1)Financial ratios are before exceptional items.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
 
Three months to September 30

 million
Before
exceptional
items
2017
Exceptional
items
Total
2017
Before
exceptional
items
2016
Exceptional
items
Total
2016
Higher/
(lower) 
 


 


Passenger revenue
5,899 

5,899 
5,806 

5,806 
1.6 %
Cargo revenue
259 

259 
240 

240 
7.9 %
Other revenue
459 

459 
440 

440 
4.3 %
Total revenue
6,617 

6,617 
6,486 

6,486 
2.0 %
 


 



Employee costs
1,192 
194 
1,386 
1,189 
62
1,251 
0.3 %
Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges
1,229 

1,229 
1,317 
(10)
1,307 
(6.7)%
Handling, catering and other operating costs
708 

708 
714 

714 
(0.8)%
Landing fees and en-route charges
607 

607 
619 

619 
(1.9)%
Engineering and other aircraft costs
457 

457 
447 

447 
2.2 %
Property, IT and other costs
218 

218 
230 

230 
(5.2)%
Selling costs
246 

246 
222 

222 
10.8 %
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
289 

289 
313 

313 
(7.7)%
Aircraft operating lease costs
223 

223 
200 

200 
11.5 %
Currency differences
(7)

(7)
30 

30 
nm
Total expenditure on operations
5,162 
194 
5,356 
5,281 
52
5,333 
(2.3)%
Operating profit
1,455 
(194)
1,261 
1,205 
(52)
1,153 
20.7 %
Net non-operating costs
(19)

(19)
(33)

(33)
(42.4)%
Profit before tax
1,436 
(194)
1,242 
1,172 
(52)
1,120 
22.5 %
Tax
(290)
48 
(242)
(202)
12
(190)
43.6 %
Profit after tax for the period
1,146 
(146)
1,000 
970 
(40)
930 
18.1 %
 
 




Operating figures
2017(1)


2016(1)

 
Higher/
(lower) 
Available seat kilometres (ASK million)
84,207


83,441

0.9 %
Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK million)
72,584


71,431

1.6 %
Seat factor (per cent)
86.2


85.6

0.6pts
Cargo tonne kilometres (CTK million)
1,434


1,332

7.7 %
Passenger numbers (thousands)
31,259


30,849

1.3 %
Tonnes of cargo carried (thousands)
167


168

(0.6)% 
Sectors
202,791


205,907

(1.5)%
Block hours (hours)
585,833


589,778

(0.7)%
Average manpower equivalent
64,734


65,445

(1.1)%
Passenger revenue per RPK ( cents)
8.13


8.13

-
Passenger revenue per ASK ( cents)
7.01


6.96

0.7 %
Cargo revenue per CTK ( cents)
18.06


18.02

0.2 %
Fuel cost per ASK ( cents)
1.46


1.58

(7.5)%
Non-fuel costs per ASK ( cents)
4.67


4.75

(1.7)%
Total cost per ASK ( cents)
6.13


6.33

(3.1)%
 
(1)Financial ratios are before exceptional items.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Operating profit overview 
In the nine months to September 30, 2017 fuel commodity prices rose versus last year however the Group's fuel cost net of hedging was positive. 
Strategic overview
On March 17th, IAG launched LEVEL, a new longhaul low cost airline brand that started its operations in June 2017 with flights from Barcelona to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Punta Cana. LEVEL is flying two new Airbus A330 aircraft fitted with 293 economy and 21 premium economy seats. LEVEL's trading performance for the period was positive.
Principal risks and uncertainties 
We have continued to maintain and operate our structure and processes to identify, assess and manage risks. The principal risks and uncertainties affecting us, detailed on pages 27 to 32 of the December 31, 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, remain relevant for this period and the remaining three months of the year. 
Basis of presentation 
The Group's performance for the nine month period to September 30, 2017 includes LEVEL's operations since its inception on March 17, 2017. The comparator period does not include any results for LEVEL.
Capacity 
IAG capacity (available seat kilometres or ASKs) was higher by 2.2 per cent. This included the launch of LEVEL from Barcelona in June. British Airways increased capacity in the Middle East and launched new routes including New Orleans, Santiago, Oakland and Fort Lauderdale. These were partially offset by lower capacity to Asia Pacific through the discontinuation of Chengdu and gauge changes in Japan, frequency reductions in Brazil, and the introduction of the Club Europe product on Domestic routes. Iberia grew in Spain in Jerez, the Balearics and Canaries and continued to see longhaul increases from routes launched in 2016 with the full effect of new services to Shanghai, Tokyo and Johannesburg and frequency increases in Mexico and Buenos Aires. Aer Lingus continued its expansion across the North Atlantic with the full impact of new routes launched last year to Los Angeles, Newark and Hartford and the launch of services to Miami last month. Vueling had a small capacity reduction as it rebalanced to a less seasonal, more dense and focused network before resuming its growth trajectory going forward.
Revenue 
Passenger revenue increased 0.8 per cent compared to the prior period, excluding currency up 3.5 per cent. Passenger unit revenue (passenger revenue per ASK) was up 1.2 per cent at constant currency ('ccy') with better yields (passenger revenue/revenue passenger kilometre) and higher loads. Passenger unit revenues improved throughout the period and were up 2.2 per cent at ccy for quarter 3 benefitting from strong performance across all the regions, in particular Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Our largest markets North America and Europe performed well also and British Airways saw strength in its premium bookings. Passengers carried by the Group rose 3.3 per cent to 80.1 million and seat factor increased 0.8 points to 82.9 per cent.
Cargo revenue for the period increased by 4.3 per cent, 5.0 per cent at constant currency. Despite trading conditions remaining challenging in many regions, the result benefits from a stronger performance in the Asia Pacific region following a weak performance in the same period last year. Cargo volumes grew 5.9 per cent versus the same period in 2016.
Other revenue was up 6.1 per cent, excluding currency benefits up 9.3 per cent. The Group saw higher activity at Iberia's third party maintenance (MRO) and at BA Holidays. 
Costs 
Employee costs decreased 2.6 per cent before exceptional items for the period. Excluding currency and on a unit basis, employee costs were up 0.3 per cent. Pay increases, variable pay awards and a higher pension charge due to lower AA bond yields were mostly offset by productivity and efficiency improvements. The average number of employees was up marginally for the Group while productivity increased 2.2 per cent with improvements at British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus.
Fuel costs decreased 8.4 per cent with fuel unit costs at ccy down 12.4 per cent. Fuel benefitted from lower average fuel prices net of hedging and efficiencies from the introduction of new fleet and improved operational procedures.

Handling, catering and other operating costs rose 2.7 per cent, excluding currency up 8.5 per cent. The increase includes 65 million (c. 3 points) of additional compensation fees and baggage claims related to operational disruption at British Airways due to a power failure over the second May bank holiday weekend. The airlines carried 3.3 per cent more passengers, the higher volumes together with inflation increased handling and catering costs for the period. The Group's costs also rose from higher Cargo volumes and from product redemptions at BA Holidays and Avios with corresponding revenues.

Landing fees and en-route charges were broadly flat, excluding currency up 1.3 per cent. The increase is from higher activity, with flying hours up 0.9 per cent and sectors flown up 0.1 per cent, partially offset by price reductions in Europe and Africa. The Group has also recognised certain elements of airport recharges as a cost in the nine months, rather than against revenues as in prior years, following a change in contractual arrangements. 
Engineering and other aircraft costs rose 9.1 per cent, excluding currency up 9.6 per cent. Increases are driven by additional third party maintenance activity at Iberia (c. 7 points) from higher flying hours and price escalation on pay as you go engine contracts.
Property, IT and other costs decreased 2.4 per cent, excluding currency up 2.3 per cent. The increase reflects lower capitalised IT charges reflecting the progress of internal projects and the impact of one-off releases in the base. 
Selling costs increased 4.1 per cent, excluding currency up 5.9 per cent from higher volumes and distribution costs.
Ownership costs rose 3.5 per cent, excluding currency up 6.3 per cent. Depreciation costs are down primarily due to the retirement of Iberia's Airbus A340-300s partially offset by IT charges from the new check-in and aircraft boarding system at British Airways. Aircraft operating lease costs are up due to a tax provision release, which benefitted the base, and from additional aircraft on operating lease (Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A330s) in the period.
At constant currency non-fuel unit costs increased 2.5 per cent. Adjusted for non-airline businesses (such as MRO, handling, BA Holidays) and currency up 1.6 per cent, and on this basis improvements were noted at all carriers except British Airways. British Airways' cost performance was impacted by the operational disruption, an increase in maintenance costs and a higher pension charge from the lower AA bond rate. 
Exceptional items
In 2017, the Group recognised an exceptional charge of 271 million related to restructuring costs. In the third quarter, 180 million of restructuring costs were recognised in relation to Iberia's Transformation Plan. British Airways transformation initiatives which began in 2016 continued resulting in a 91 million charge. 
In 2016, the Group's restructuring charges related to British Airways initiatives were 62 million. 
The Group also made changes to the US PRMB (Post-Retirement Medical Benefits) at British Airways during the prior period to bring the level of benefits in line with national trends in the US. These changes resulted in recognition of a one-off gain in employee costs of 51 million.
Under the Business combination standard, gains or losses on cash flow hedges acquired should not be recycled to the income statement but recognised in equity. Following the acquisition of Aer Lingus, IAG continued to unwind the cash flow fuel hedges acquired in the before exceptional items column. In 2016, a credit was recognised in the exceptional column reversing the impact of unwinding the cash flow hedges to reach the total Fuel, oil costs and emissions charges.
Non-operating items and taxation
The total net non-operating charge rose 77 million to 211 million for the nine months compared to 134 million last year. The movement on remeasurement of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting was 99 million adverse. The prior year period benefitted from a 30 million gain on the sale and lease back of 12 Airbus A319s. These increases were partially offset by a 40 million reduction in finance costs from lower debt. 
The tax charge for the nine months to September 30, 2017 was 381 million (2016: 324 million charge) with an effective tax rate of 20 per cent (2016: 18 per cent). 
Profit after tax and exceptional items
The profit after tax for the nine month period to September 30 was 1,567 million (2016: 1,484 million).
Dividends
An interim dividend of 12.5 euro cents per share was proposed and approved by the Board of Directors on October 26, 2017. It is payable from December 4, 2017 to shareholders who are on the register at December 1, 2017. This interim dividend, amounting to 257 million (calculated based on the current treasury shares position), has not been recognised as a liability at the period end. It will be recognised in shareholders' equity in the year to December 31, 2017.
Exchange rates
Exchange rates were net adverse for the Group. The pound sterling devalued against the euro and the US dollar. The euro was slightly weaker against the US dollar.
IAG's results are impacted by exchange rates used for the translation of British Airways' and Avios' financial results from sterling to the Group's reporting currency of euro. For the nine months, the net impact of translation exchange on operating profit was 115 million adverse, with a decrease in revenues of 974 million and a decrease in cost of 859 million. 
From a transactional perspective, the Group's financial performance is impacted by fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily from the US dollar, euro and pound sterling. The Group generates a surplus in most currencies in which it does business, except for the US dollar, as capital expenditure, debt repayments and fuel purchases typically create a deficit. The Group hedges its transaction exposures. The net transaction impact on operating profit was positive by 108 million for the period, increasing revenues by 521 million and costs by 413 million. 
The net impact of translation and transaction exchange for the Group was 7 million adverse. 
Cash and leverage 
The Group's cash position was 7,523 million up 1,095 million from December 31, 2016 with adverse foreign exchange of 321 million. 
Compared to December 31, 2016, the Group's adjusted net debt decreased by 976 million to 7,183 million due to higher cash and lower debt. Adjusted net debt to EBITDAR improved by 0.4 to 1.4 times and adjusted gearing improved by 5 points.

This information is provided by RNS
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