JBLU's Q3 Loss Narrower Than Expected, Revenues Decline Y/Y

Core Insights - JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) reported a narrower loss of 40 cents per share for Q3 2025, compared to the expected loss of 43 cents, aided by lower fuel costs and strong demand for premium travel [1][11] Financial Performance - Operating revenues for Q3 2025 were $2.32 billion, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and decreased by 1.8% year over year [2][11] - Passenger revenues, which constitute 91.9% of total revenues, fell by 2.9% year over year to $2.13 billion, marginally exceeding the estimate of $2.11 billion [2][3] - Other revenues increased by 12% year over year to $187 million, surpassing the estimate of $184 million [2] Key Metrics - Revenue per available seat mile (RASM) decreased by 2.7% year over year to 13.75 cents [3] - Passenger revenue per available seat mile declined by 3.7% year over year to 12.65 cents [3] - The average fare decreased by 0.9% year over year to $205.67 [3] Capacity and Traffic - Consolidated traffic, measured in revenue passenger miles, declined by 0.8% year over year [4] - Capacity, measured in available seat miles, increased by 0.9% year over year [4] - Consolidated load factor decreased by 1.5 percentage points to 85.1% [4] Operating Costs - Total operating costs rose by 0.8% year over year to $2.4 billion [5] - Salaries, wages, and benefits expenses increased by 4.5% year over year [5] - Aircraft fuel expenses decreased by 7.6% year over year, with the average fuel price per gallon at $2.49, down 6.8% year over year [5] Future Outlook - For Q4 2025, capacity is expected to either decline by 0.75% or increase by 2.25% from Q3 2024 actuals [7] - CASM, excluding fuel and special items, is projected to rise by 3-5% [7] - Average fuel cost per gallon is estimated to range between $2.33 and $2.48 [7] - For the full year 2025, capital expenditures are anticipated to be around $1.1 billion, with CASM, excluding fuel and special items, expected to climb by 5-6% [8]