Core Insights - SkyWest, Inc. reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share (EPS) of $2.42, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.04 and improving 66% year-over-year. Revenues reached $948.5 million, exceeding the estimate of $931.4 million and increasing 18% year-over-year [1]. Revenue Performance - Revenues from flying agreements, which contributed 96.5% to total revenues, grew 17.6% from the prior year's figure of $915.99 million. The airline carried 13.6% more passengers year-over-year, and departures increased by 19.1% year-over-year. However, the passenger load factor decreased by 2.2 points to 78.6% [2]. Management Commentary - Chip Childs, CEO of SkyWest, emphasized the solid demand for their services despite uncertain macroeconomic factors. The company is focused on enhancing value for partners, improving service to smaller communities, and investing in fleet upgrades for long-term growth. A multi-year contract extension with Delta Air Lines for five CRJ700 and 11 CRJ900 aircraft was also announced [3]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses totaled $809 million, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year, primarily due to higher maintenance costs for the CRJ fleet and increased flight production, partially offset by operational efficiencies from better fleet utilization [4]. Financial Position - As of the end of the first quarter, SkyWest had cash and marketable securities amounting to $750.88 million, down from $801.62 million in the prior quarter. Long-term debt decreased to $2.07 billion from $2.14 billion [5]. Share Repurchase and Capital Expenditures - During the first quarter of 2025, SkyWest repurchased 141,000 shares for $13.7 million under its share repurchase program, with $34 million remaining available. Capital expenditures for the quarter were $73 million, which included the purchase of four CRJ550 aircraft and other fixed assets [6].