American Airlines Q4 2019 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
American Airlines Group reported a record fourth-quarter revenue of $11.3 billion, a 3.4% increase year-over-year, driven by strong passenger demand and a record passenger load factor. The company's earnings per diluted share were $0.95, or $1.15 excluding net special items, which is up 19% year over year. American Airlines is focused on operational excellence, efficient and profitable growth, and generating significant free cash flow.
Fourth-quarter earnings were $0.95 per diluted share, or $1.15 excluding net special items, up 19% year over year.
Full-year earnings were $3.79 per diluted share, or $4.90 excluding net special items, up 8% year over year.
The company accrued $213 million for its profit-sharing program in 2019, including $74 million in the fourth quarter.
American Airlines returned $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in 2019.
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines Revenue by Segment
American Airlines Revenue by Geographic Location
Forward Guidance
American Airlines expects its first-quarter 2020 pre-tax margin excluding net special items to be approximately flat year over year. Based on today’s guidance, the company expects its 2020 diluted earnings per share excluding net special items to be between $4.00 and $6.00.
Positive Outlook
- Operational excellence: Running a reliable operation is a significant driver of customers’ likelihood to recommend and American’s goal is to become customers’ airline of choice.
- Efficient and profitable growth: Grow in high-revenue markets that produce at or above average unit revenues, largely due to new gates in Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Generating significant free cash flow: Use free cash flow to naturally de-lever the company’s balance sheet and return capital to American’s shareholders.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income