Surf Air Mobility (US:SRFM)2024-05-18 06:42Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surf Air Mobility reported first quarter revenue of $30.6 million, up 9.5% year-over-year from $27.9 million, exceeding first quarter guidance [35][36] - Adjusted EBITDA was negative $16.5 million, driven by operating losses in the Air Mobility segment due to inflationary cost pressures and supply chain issues [39] - As of March 31, 2024, the company had $1.3 million cash on hand, with the ability to draw $90 million in committed draws and $296 million in follow-on draws from the GEM share subscription facility [40][41] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regional Air Mobility platform's revenue growth was driven by an 80% year-over-year increase in EAS scheduled service revenue and a 4% year-over-year increase in on-demand charter revenue [22] - On-demand charter products saw a 29% year-over-year increase in quarterly departures, totaling 906 departures in Q1 2024 compared to 701 in Q1 2023 [37] - The charter mix increasingly favored turboprops, with 72% of charters in Q1 2024 flown on turboprops compared to 68% in Q1 2023 [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The imminent passing of the FAA Reauthorization Act could raise the subsidy cap from $200 to at least $650 per passenger, potentially increasing revenues and profitability [24] - The company anticipates that the Reauthorization Act will allow for a more competitive bidding process for EAS routes, potentially adding up to $5 million to the bottom line without increasing costs [63] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to provide a comprehensive overview of its business and growth strategy at the upcoming Investor Day in Q3 2024, focusing on regional Air Mobility and technology platforms [12][13] - A strategic review of scheduled service routes will be conducted to maximize profitability in a challenging operating environment [30] - The company aims to balance growth and opportunity with profitability, with a renewed focus under the new leadership of Deanna White [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of the FAA Reauthorization Act on revenue and profitability, emphasizing the importance of the subsidy cap increase [24][63] - The company is committed to achieving profitability without sacrificing revenue, with plans to implement cost-cutting measures and strategic initiatives [23] - Management acknowledged ongoing inflationary pressures and supply chain issues affecting aircraft maintenance and operations [39] Other Important Information - Deanna White has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO, bringing extensive experience in the aviation industry [10][16] - The company is progressing with its electrification initiatives, including the electric caravan program, which is in the conceptual design phase [33][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the strategic review expected to focus on essential air services flights or Tier 1 routes? - The strategic review will focus on all routes currently flown, primarily on EAS routes [51] Question: Will the electrified powertrain tech be sold, or is the company considering selling some of the caravan fleet? - The company is considering various strategic initiatives, including potential joint ventures to capitalize on electrification and software efforts [54] Question: Can you explain how the EAS program subsidies work and the impact of the FAA Reauthorization Act? - The EAS program requires airlines to bid with a proposed subsidy below $200 per passenger, which may increase to $650, allowing for more profitable bids [63]