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Sky Harbour Group (NYSEAM:SKYH) Conference Transcript
2025-10-08 18:32
Summary of Sky Harbour Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Sky Harbour - **Industry**: Business Aviation Real Estate - **Business Model**: Secures land at airports, develops private hangar campuses, leases them out long-term, and manages operations [3][4] Key Points Business Strategy and Growth - **Expansion Plans**: Aiming to grow from 18 announced airports to 50, with guidance for an additional five by the end of the year [4] - **Current Operations**: Nine of the 18 airports are operational and cash flowing, while the other nine are in development [4] - **Market Position**: Currently the only player in the business aviation real estate space, with significant first-mover advantages [4][5] Market Dynamics - **Demand Growth**: The U.S. Business Aviation Fleet's total square footage is increasing by approximately 3 million square feet annually, indicating strong demand for hangar space [5][6] - **Supply Constraints**: There is a significant supply-demand mismatch, particularly for hangars accommodating aircraft with tail heights over 24 feet [6][7] - **Airport Limitations**: New airports cannot be created, leading to a constrained supply of available land at existing airports [9] Financial Performance and Projections - **Yield on Cost**: Targeting a yield on cost in the mid-teens, translating to returns on equity in the thirties after leverage [4][17] - **Break-even Point**: Expected to achieve cash flow break-even on an operating basis by December, driven by new campuses in Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas [14][21] - **Capital Formation**: Raised approximately $250 million in equity and $166 million in long-term, tax-exempt debt, with plans for further growth equity [16][18] Construction and Cost Management - **In-house Construction**: Recently integrated general contracting and manufacturing of steel components to control costs and timelines [24][25] - **Cost Structure**: Total project cost estimated at $300 per square foot, with a focus on maintaining a 13% to 15% yield on cost [25][26] Financing Strategy - **Warehouse Facility**: Secured a $200 million warehouse facility to minimize interest expenses during construction, with plans to convert to fixed rates [19][27] - **Future Equity Needs**: Anticipates needing additional equity in the next year, with options for upfront payments from tenants to address these needs [35] Risk Management - **Economic Resilience**: The cost of storage is a minor percentage of overall aircraft ownership costs, making the tenant base relatively inelastic during economic downturns [39][40] Additional Insights - **Pre-leasing Strategy**: Engaging in pre-leasing for upcoming campuses to secure tenants ahead of construction [21][22] - **Market Awareness**: As the portfolio grows, increased visibility and interest from potential tenants are expected [22] - **Investment Grade Rating**: Aiming for an investment-grade rating to enhance future financing options [28][29] This summary encapsulates the key aspects of Sky Harbour's business model, market dynamics, financial performance, construction strategies, and risk management as discussed in the conference call.