MEXICO CITY, Dec. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) (“Volaris” or “the Company”), the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serving Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, reports its November 2025 preliminary traffic results. In November, Volaris’ ASM capacity increased 5.8%, while RPMs for the month grew 3.9%. Mexican domestic RPMs increased 0.6%, while international RPMs rose 9.2%. Consolidated load factor decreased by 1 ...

Core Insights - Volaris successfully completed all inspections and repairs mandated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regarding a flight-control software issue affecting approximately 6,000 A320-family aircraft globally [1][2][4] - The airline maintained its full flight schedule without any cancellations and only experienced minimal delays during the process, demonstrating effective operational management [2][4] - Volaris emphasized its commitment to safety and operational excellence, showcasing its ability to respond quickly to regulatory requirements while ensuring a positive customer experience [2][4] Company Overview - Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (Volaris) is an ultra-low-cost carrier operating in Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America, with a fleet of 154 aircraft and over 221 routes [3] - Since its inception in March 2006, Volaris has expanded significantly, offering around 500 daily flight segments connecting 44 cities in Mexico and 30 cities in the United States, Central, and South America [3] - The airline targets cost-conscious travelers, including those visiting friends and relatives, as well as business and leisure passengers [3]

Core Insights - Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VLRS) is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity in the Mexican stock market due to its recent performance and growth potential [1] Traffic and Performance Metrics - In October, Volaris reported a 1.1% increase in available seat miles, while revenue passenger miles decreased by 0.6% [1] - Domestic traffic saw a decline of 1.9%, whereas international traffic experienced a growth of 1.4% [1] - The overall load factor was 85.9%, which is approximately 1.5 percentage points lower than the same month last year [1] - Volaris carried a total of 2.6 million passengers in October [1] Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Volaris reported total operating revenues of $784 million, a 4% decrease compared to Q3 2024 [3] - The net income for the quarter was $6 million, down from $37 million in Q3 2024, with earnings per American Depositary Share (ADS) at $0.05 compared to $0.32 a year earlier [3] Capacity Management - Throughout 2025, Volaris reduced its planned capacity growth from around 15% to nearly half that level to align supply with demand and manage costs effectively [4] - This conservative capacity approach was also influenced by engine inspections [4] Future Guidance - Executives expect ASM growth for 2026 to be in the range of 6-8% [5] - The projected EBITDA margin for the full year 2025 is anticipated to be between 32-33% [5] Company Overview - Volaris operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier based in Mexico City, conducting approximately 550 daily flights connecting 44 cities in Mexico, 23 in the United States, 4 in Central America, and 2 in South America [5]

Core Insights - Momentum investing focuses on "buying high and selling higher" rather than the traditional "buying low and selling high" approach [1] - Identifying the right entry point for fast-moving stocks can be challenging, as they may lose momentum if future growth does not justify their high valuations [2] Group 1: Momentum Investing Strategy - A safer approach involves investing in bargain stocks that exhibit recent price momentum, utilizing tools like the Zacks Momentum Style Score to identify such opportunities [3] - Controladora Vuela (VLRS) is highlighted as a strong candidate, showing a four-week price change of 0.5% and a 13.5% gain over the past 12 weeks, indicating growing investor interest [4][5] - VLRS has a beta of 2.06, suggesting it moves 106% higher than the market, demonstrating its fast-paced momentum [5] Group 2: Valuation and Earnings Estimates - VLRS has a Momentum Score of B, indicating a favorable time to invest based on its momentum characteristics [6] - The stock has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to upward revisions in earnings estimates, which typically attract more investors and drive prices higher [7] - VLRS is trading at a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.26, suggesting it is undervalued, as investors pay only 26 cents for each dollar of sales [7] Group 3: Additional Opportunities - Besides VLRS, there are other stocks that meet the criteria of the 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen, presenting further investment opportunities [8] - The Zacks Premium Screens offer over 45 different strategies to help identify potential winning stocks based on various investing styles [9]

Core Insights - Volaris reported a 1.1% increase in ASM capacity for October 2025, while RPMs declined by 0.6% compared to the previous year [2][3] - The consolidated load factor decreased by 1.5 percentage points year-over-year to 85.9%, with domestic RPMs down 1.9% and international RPMs up 1.4% [2][3] - The company transported 2.6 million passengers in October 2025, reflecting a healthy domestic demand and improving cross-border booking trends [3] Traffic Results - **RPMs (million)**: - Domestic: 1,520 (down 1.9% from 1,549 in October 2024) - International: 972 (up 1.4% from 959 in October 2024) - Total: 2,493 (down 0.6% from 2,509 in October 2024) [3] - **ASMs (million)**: - Domestic: 1,670 (down 0.9% from 1,685 in October 2024) - International: 1,231 (up 3.8% from 1,185 in October 2024) - Total: 2,901 (up 1.1% from 2,870 in October 2024) [3] - **Load Factor (%)**: - Domestic: 91.0% (down 0.9 pp from 92.0% in October 2024) - International: 79.0% (down 1.9 pp from 80.9% in October 2024) - Total: 85.9% (down 1.5 pp from 87.4% in October 2024) [3] - **Passengers (thousand)**: - Domestic: 1,874 (down 0.3% from 1,880 in October 2024) - International: 679 (up 3.2% from 657 in October 2024) - Total: 2,553 (up 0.6% from 2,537 in October 2024) [3] Year-to-Date Performance - **YTD RPMs (million)**: - Domestic: 15,373 (up 2.8% from 14,949 in YTD October 2024) - International: 9,553 (up 3.1% from 9,269 in YTD October 2024) - Total: 24,926 (up 2.9% from 24,217 in YTD October 2024) [3] - **YTD ASMs (million)**: - Domestic: 17,290 (up 4.7% from 16,522 in YTD October 2024) - International: 12,300 (up 7.8% from 11,408 in YTD October 2024) - Total: 29,590 (up 5.9% from 27,930 in YTD October 2024) [3] - **YTD Load Factor (%)**: - Domestic: 88.9% (down 1.6 pp from 90.5% in YTD October 2024) - International: 77.7% (down 3.6 pp from 81.2% in YTD October 2024) - Total: 84.2% (down 2.5 pp from 86.7% in YTD October 2024) [3] - **YTD Passengers (thousand)**: - Domestic: 18,762 (up 5.2% from 17,839 in YTD October 2024) - International: 6,594 (up 4.3% from 6,322 in YTD October 2024) - Total: 25,357 (up 4.9% from 24,162 in YTD October 2024) [3]

Core Insights - CDB Aviation has successfully completed a mandate to deliver five Airbus A320neo Family aircraft to Volaris, a long-standing customer [1] Company Summary - CDB Aviation is involved in the aircraft leasing industry, focusing on delivering modern aircraft to airlines [1] - Volaris is a key customer for CDB Aviation, indicating a strong business relationship between the two companies [1] Industry Summary - The delivery of Airbus A320neo Family aircraft reflects ongoing demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft in the airline industry [1] - The transaction highlights the competitive landscape in the aircraft leasing market, where companies like CDB Aviation are expanding their fleets to meet customer needs [1]

Core Insights - Volaris has entered a multi-year agreement with Sabre Corporation to make its content available through the SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace, marking a strategic expansion for the airline into the global distribution system (GDS) channel [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership enhances SabreMosaic's position as a leading source of low-cost carrier content for travel agencies globally [2]. - Volaris operates over 220 routes across Mexico, the United States, Central America, and South America, focusing on affordable fares and high-frequency service [3][4]. - The integration into SabreMosaic will allow Volaris to reach a broader network of corporate and leisure travel agencies, expanding its market presence [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The collaboration aims to better serve the business travel segment by integrating more efficiently with agency systems while maintaining Volaris's operational efficiency and flexibility [4]. - The addition of Volaris content to SabreMosaic will provide travel agencies with seamless access to one of the fastest-growing airlines in the region, enhancing the marketplace's offerings [5][6]. - This agreement is expected to create new revenue opportunities for both Volaris and Sabre, connecting airlines with travelers seeking affordable and flexible options [6][7]. Group 3: Market Position - SabreMosaic Travel Marketplace is positioned as one of the largest travel marketplaces globally, combining competitive fares and extensive reach with Sabre's global agency network [7]. - The platform integrates low-cost carrier content from over 150 airlines, enabling agencies to search, compare, and book options efficiently [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q3 2025 were $784 million, a 4% decrease compared to Q3 2024 [24] - EBITDA reached $264 million with a margin of 33.6%, aligned with guidance [27] - Net profit was $6 million, translating to earnings per ADS of $0.05 [27] - Cash flow generated by operating activities in Q3 was $205 million, with total liquidity at $794 million [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic load factor reached 89.8%, consistent with last year's levels, reflecting stable demand [6][14] - International load factor was at 77%, prioritizing yield over loads to optimize profitability [14] - Average ancillary revenue per passenger for Q3 was $56, consistently above $50 for eight consecutive quarters [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The recovery in cross-border demand is evident, with traffic improving month over month [6][15] - Booking trends in the US-Mexico transborder market show sustained improvement compared to last year [40][54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined growth strategy, with a capacity growth outlook of approximately 7% for 2025 [7][23] - Volaris aims to enhance its ultra-low-cost carrier model by expanding ancillary products and optimizing distribution channels [11][21] - The company is adapting its fleet plan to ensure flexibility in response to demand trends [8][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that demand momentum is building, with a stable domestic demand and improved travel sentiment in cross-border markets [4][5] - The company expects to close 2025 and enter 2026 stronger and more efficient, with a focus on capturing opportunities and driving sustained profitability [12][36] Other Important Information - The company has a favorable position with an order book of 122 aircraft, with 84% being A320neo to A321neo models [31] - Volaris is leveraging technology to enhance customer service, with 79% of customer interactions now handled through digital channels [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the stronger-than-normal seasonality in international markets and the inflection point in the US-Mexico transborder market? - Management indicated that since mid-August, sales in the US-Mexico transborder market have been above last year's levels, showing optimism for Q4 traffic evolution [40] Question: How many lease returns are expected next year, and how does that compare to this year? - Management expects 17 re-deliveries next year compared to 7 this year, emphasizing the importance of managing capacity in line with consumer demand [42] Question: What is the expected RASM uplift from new initiatives? - Management expects a positive year-over-year impact on RASM from new products starting in 2026, with specific targets to be communicated in future guidance [46] Question: How will the customer mix diversification impact costs? - Management assured that broadening the customer base will not significantly impact costs or complexity, maintaining a low-cost model [48] Question: What is the outlook for grounded aircraft and AOGs? - Management anticipates an average of 32-33 grounded aircraft next year, with a goal of no material impacts from AOGs by the end of 2027 [57][71] Question: What is the expected CapEx for 2026 compared to 2025? - Management indicated that CapEx for 2026 is expected to be higher than the $250 million planned for 2025 due to maintenance and re-delivery investments [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q3 2025 were $784 million, a 4% decrease compared to the same period in 2024 [24] - EBITDA reached $264 million with a margin of 33.6%, aligned with guidance for the quarter [27] - Net profit was $6 million, translating to earnings per ADS of $0.05 [27] - Cash flow generated by operating activities in Q3 was $205 million, with total liquidity at $794 million, representing 27% of the last 12 months' total operating revenues [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The load factor in the Mexican market reached 89.8%, consistent with last year's levels, while the international load factor was at 77% [6][14] - Average ancillary revenue per passenger for Q3 was $56, marking the eighth consecutive quarter above the $50 threshold [15] - TRASM for Q3 reached $0.0865, down 7.7% year over year, but improved from declines of 17% and 12% in the first and second quarters, respectively [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic demand remained stable with a rational supply environment, supporting healthier yields [4][6] - Cross-border demand showed a steady recovery, with traffic improving month over month and holiday bookings trending ahead of last year [6][15] - The US-Mexico transborder market has seen sales above last year's levels since mid-August, indicating a positive trend [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining cost efficiency while adapting quickly to market conditions, with a capacity growth outlook of approximately 7% for the full year 2025 [7][8] - Volaris aims to enhance its ultra-low-cost carrier model by expanding its product suite and optimizing distribution channels [11][17] - The company is committed to controlling growth with discipline, aligning capacity with market demand [8][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that demand momentum is building, with a recovery anticipated for the second half of the year [4] - The geopolitical disruptions have not significantly impacted travel sentiment, which has improved in the cross-border market [4] - The company expects to close 2025 and enter 2026 stronger and more efficient, with sustained profitability [12] Other Important Information - The company has an order book of 122 aircraft, with 84% being A320neo to A321neo models [31] - The average age of the fleet is 6.6 years, with two-thirds being new models [30] - The introduction of AI agents has improved customer service efficiency, with 79% of interactions now handled through digital channels [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the stronger-than-normal seasonality in international markets and the inflection point in the US-Mexico transborder market? - Management indicated that since mid-August, sales in the US-Mexico transborder market have been above last year's levels, showing sustained improvement in booking trends [40] Question: How many lease returns are expected next year, and how does that compare to this year? - The company is budgeting for 17 re-deliveries next year compared to 7 this year, emphasizing the importance of managing capacity in line with consumer demand [42] Question: What is the expected RASM uplift from new initiatives? - Management expects a positive year-over-year impact on RASM from new commercial initiatives starting in 2026 [46] Question: How will the customer mix diversification affect costs? - The company plans to broaden its customer base while maintaining a low-cost, low-complexity model, with no significant impact on costs expected [48] Question: What is the outlook for grounded aircraft and AOGs? - The average number of AOGs is expected to improve to around 32-33 next year, with a goal of no material impacts by the end of 2027 [57][71] Question: What is the expected CapEx for 2026 compared to 2025? - The company expects CapEx for 2026 to be higher than the $250 million planned for 2025 due to investments in maintenance and aircraft re-delivery [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total operating revenues for Q3 2025 were $784 million, a 4% decrease year-over-year [23] - EBITDA reached $264 million with a margin of 33.6%, aligned with guidance [25] - Net profit was $6 million, translating to earnings per ADS of $0.05 [25] - CASM was $0.079, virtually flat compared to Q3 2024, while CASM ex-fuel was $0.0548, up 2% [23][25] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio stood at 3.1 times, with a total liquidity position of $794 million [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic load factor reached 89.8%, consistent with last year's levels, while international load factor was at 77% [12][14] - Average ancillary revenue per passenger for Q3 was $56, consistently above $50 for eight consecutive quarters [14] - TRASM for Q3 was $0.0865, down 7.7% year-over-year but improved from previous quarters [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Stable domestic demand was observed, with a rational supply environment supporting healthier yields [4] - Cross-border demand showed a steady recovery, with booking trends improving month-over-month [4][14] - The company noted an inflection point in the US-Mexico transborder market, with sales above last year's levels since mid-August [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining cost efficiency while adapting to market conditions, with a capacity growth outlook of approximately 7% for 2025 [5][22] - Volaris aims to enhance its ultra-low-cost carrier model by expanding ancillary products and optimizing distribution channels [10][19] - The company is committed to controlling growth with discipline, aligning capacity with market demand [6][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in demand, particularly in the cross-border market, and expects solid booking trends for the holiday season [12][14] - The company anticipates a healthier yield environment due to supply rationalization in the domestic market [22] - Management emphasized the importance of flexibility in fleet planning to respond to demand trends and market conditions [5][30] Other Important Information - The company has a favorable fleet plan with an order book of 122 aircraft, primarily A320neo to A321neo models [30] - Volaris is enhancing customer service through technology, with 79% of customer interactions now handled digitally [21] - The company launched its in-house loyalty program, Altitude, which has seen strong early response [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the stronger-than-normal seasonality in international markets and the inflection point in the US-Mexico transborder market? - Management noted that since mid-August, sales in the US-Mexico transborder market have been above last year's levels, indicating improved demand and capacity management [38] Question: What are the expected lease returns next year and how do they compare to this year? - The company is budgeting for 17 re-deliveries next year compared to 7 this year, emphasizing the importance of managing capacity in line with consumer demand [40] Question: How should we think about the potential RASM uplift from new initiatives? - Management expects a positive year-over-year impact on RASM from new products starting in 2026, with specific targets to be communicated in future guidance [42][44] Question: What is the expected number of grounded aircraft throughout 2026? - The average number of grounded aircraft is expected to improve to around 32-33 next year, with a goal of no material impacts by the end of 2027 [52][61] Question: How does the company view competition in 2026? - Management anticipates that competition will remain rational, supporting a healthier fare environment, with low to mid single-digit growth budgeted for the domestic market [66]