Frontier Airlines Delivers Record Second Quarter 2026 Revenue of $1.3 billion, up 38 percent Year-over-Year and Significantly Beats Wall Street Estimates
Rhea-AI Summary
Frontier Group Holdings (Nasdaq: ULCC) reported record second quarter 2026 revenue of $1.28 billion, up 38% year-over-year, with revenue per available seat mile (RASM) rising 28% to 11.52 cents on 8% higher capacity. GAAP net loss was $90 million (–$0.39 per diluted share), while adjusted (non-GAAP) net loss was $22 million (–$0.10 per share), excluding a non-recurring Early Return Agreement charge tied to the early lease termination of 24 aircraft.
Frontier reported cost per available seat mile (CASM) of 12.39 cents, including fuel at $4.17 per gallon, and adjusted CASM of 7.42 cents (stage‑adjusted, ex‑fuel and the Early Return Agreement). Total liquidity was $1.16 billion, equal to 27% of trailing 12‑month adjusted revenue. The company extended its co‑branded credit card partnership with Barclays through 2037, announced plans to launch Starlink onboard Wi‑Fi starting in 2027, and ended the quarter with a fleet of 165 Airbus aircraft. Guidance for the second half of 2026 calls for adjusted diluted EPS between –$0.10 and $0.10 in Q3 and between breakeven and $0.20 in Q4, with capacity expected to grow 17–18% and about 7% year-over-year, respectively.
Positive
- Q2 2026 revenue $1.28 billion, up 38% year-over-year
- RASM 11.52¢, up 28% versus Q2 2025 and above guidance
- Adjusted Q2 net loss $22 million, meaningfully smaller than GAAP loss
- Total liquidity $1.16 billion, equal to 27% of trailing 12‑month adjusted revenue
- Barclays co-branded card extended through 2037, improving expected program economics
- Fuel efficiency 106 ASMs per gallon, over 40% better than major U.S. carriers
Negative
- Q2 GAAP net loss $90 million, larger than $70 million loss in Q2 2025
- Six‑month 2026 GAAP net loss $362 million, up from $113 million year-over-year
- Total operating expenses up 37% in Q2, reaching $1.38 billion
- Aircraft fuel expense up 90% in Q2 to $436 million at $4.17 per gallon
- Q3 2026 adjusted EPS guidance –$0.10 to $0.10 still includes potential loss
- Capacity growth 17–18% in Q3 planned amid noted jet fuel price volatility
News Explained
The outlook combines expected pre-delivery-deposit financing reductions with planned 2026 capital spending; neither is a completed cash change.
The release reports Frontier’s second-quarter 2026 results, while its additional capital outlook remains forward guidance: the company expects its pre-delivery-deposit balance and related financing-facility balance to decline by
Because Frontier says this guidance is based on current estimates and is not a guarantee, these figures describe planned changes rather than completed transactions.
Key Figures
Previous Earnings Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 22 | Q2 earnings webcast notice | Neutral | -3.4% | Webcast notice preceded scheduled Q2 results release and analyst conference call. |
| May 05 | Q1 earnings report | Positive | +6.8% | Record Q1 adjusted revenue and improved RASM accompanied a reported adjusted net loss. |
| Apr 27 | Q1 earnings webcast notice | Neutral | -2.5% | Webcast notice announced the upcoming Q1 financial results and analyst conference call. |
| Feb 11 | Q4 earnings report | Positive | -7.9% | Q4 revenue, profitability, liquidity and fleet-rightsizing plans were reported with 2026 guidance. |
| Feb 06 | Q4 earnings webcast notice | Neutral | -2.5% | Webcast notice announced Q4 results timing, analyst access and replay availability. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Tag-specific earnings history showed four divergences and one alignment, with an average move of -1.89%.
Key Terms
rasm technical
casm technical
available seat miles technical
non-gaap financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Second Quarter and Year-to-Date Select Financial Highlights
The following tables summarize select financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025, including both GAAP and adjusted (non-GAAP) metrics. Refer to "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Information" in the appendix of this release.
(unaudited, in millions, except for percentages and per share data) | |||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | |||||||
2026 | 2025 | ||||||
As Reported | Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | As Reported | Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 1,279 | $ 1,279 | $ 929 | $ 929 | |||
Revenue per available seat mile ("RASM") (¢) | 11.52 | 11.52 | 9.01 | 9.01 | |||
Total operating expenses | $ 1,376 | $ 1,306 | $ 1,004 | $ 1,004 | |||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ (94) | $ (24) | $ (70) | $ (70) | |||
Income (loss) before income taxes margin | (7.3) % | (1.9) % | (7.5) % | (7.5) % | |||
Net income (loss) | $ (90) | $ (22) | $ (70) | $ (70) | |||
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted | $ (0.39) | $ (0.10) | $ (0.31) | $ (0.31) | |||
(unaudited, in millions, except for percentages and per share data) | |||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||
2026 | 2025 | ||||||
As Reported | Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | As Reported | Adjusted (Non-GAAP) | ||||
Total operating revenues | $ 2,271 | $ 2,344 | $ 1,841 | $ 1,841 | |||
Revenue per available seat mile (¢) | 10.86 | 11.21 | 9.08 | 9.08 | |||
Total operating expenses | $ 2,651 | $ 2,442 | $ 1,962 | $ 1,962 | |||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ (375) | $ (93) | $ (110) | $ (110) | |||
Income (loss) before income taxes margin | (16.5) % | (4.0) % | (6.0) % | (6.0) % | |||
Net income (loss) | $ (362) | $ (90) | $ (113) | $ (113) | |||
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted | $ (1.58) | $ (0.40) | $ (0.50) | $ (0.50) | |||
Highlights:
- Delivered all-time record total revenue of approximately
$1.3 billion - Exceeded RASM guidance, with RASM increasing 28 percent versus the corresponding 2025 quarter to
11.52 cents on 8 percent higher capacity - Maintained cost discipline while executing fleet simplification actions, with cost per available seat mile ("CASM") of
12.39 cents , including fuel expense at an average cost of$4.17 7.42 cents , stage-adjusted to 1,000 miles and excluding fuel and a non-recurring charge related to the early lease termination of 24 aircraft (the "Early Return Agreement") - Reported an adjusted (non-GAAP) net loss of
$22 million $0.10 - Ended the second quarter with
$1.16 billion - Strengthened a key ancillary revenue platform by extending and enhancing the co-branded credit card partnership with Barclays through 2037, improving expected program economics
- Announced plans to launch Starlink onboard Wi-Fi in 2027, supporting the Company's ongoing efforts to enhance the customer's onboard experience
- Generated 106 available seat miles ("ASMs") per gallon in the second quarter of 2026, a fuel efficiency advantage of over 40 percent compared to the other major
U.S . carriers1 - Expanded the network across key leisure and business markets, including
Dallas-Fort Worth ,Newark , Santa Ana,Fort Lauderdale , Washington Dulles,Nashville ,Las Vegas ,Boise andOakland
"Our transformation plan is delivering meaningful results, reflecting our team's relentless focus on execution. The strength of our second quarter revenue performance is a testament to the momentum we are building through our commercial initiatives, product investments and loyalty enhancements, as well as the continued resilience of the demand environment," said Jimmy Dempsey, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As a result of this progress, we expect RASM to increase over 20 percent in the third quarter year-over-year, which would be our third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. We are pleased to see macro conditions remain strong and I'm confident we have the right plan in place to restore sustainable earnings growth for the long term."
Revenue and Cost Performance
Revenue was approximately
RASM increased 28 percent over the corresponding 2025 quarter to
Total adjusted operating expenses were approximately
Liquidity
Total liquidity as of June 30, 2026 was
Fleet
As of June 30, 2026, Frontier had a fleet of 165 Airbus single-aisle aircraft, as scheduled below, all financed through operating leases that expire between 2027 and 2038.
Equipment | Quantity | Seats | |||
A320neo | 72 | 186 | |||
A320ceo | 6 | 180 - 186 | |||
A321ceo | 21 | 230 | |||
A321neo | 66 | 240 | |||
Total fleet | 165 |
Frontier took delivery of two A320neo aircraft and four A321neo aircraft during the second quarter of 2026, and returned 24 A320neo aircraft pursuant to the Early Return Agreement. The delivery of one A321neo aircraft, originally scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, was postponed by Airbus to the third quarter. The Company expects to take delivery of six A320 family aircraft in the third quarter 2026, including five A321neo aircraft and one A320neo aircraft.
Frontier is "America's Greenest Airline," producing 106 ASMs per gallon in the second quarter of 2026 and delivering a fuel-efficiency advantage of more than 40 percent versus the other major
Starlink
On July 14, 2026, Frontier announced plans to transform its onboard experience by introducing Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink delivers an unparalleled broadband experience in flight, with high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi capable of HD streaming, online gaming, productivity and more.
The Company plans to launch its first Starlink-equipped aircraft by early 2027 and will be the first US airline to offer passengers access to Starlink's high-speed internet through a new system managed directly by Starlink. Beyond enhancing the customer experience, Starlink will provide gate-to-gate connectivity for Frontier's pilots, flight attendants, maintenance teams, and ground operations, enabling improved operational performance and more seamless customer service.
Forward Guidance
The guidance provided below is based on the Company's current estimates and is not a guarantee of future performance. This guidance is subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the risk factors discussed in the Company's reports on file with the SEC. Frontier undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements or estimates, except as required by applicable law. Further, this guidance excludes special items and the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the comparable GAAP measures because such amounts cannot be determined at this time.
Adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted earnings per share guidance for the third and fourth quarters of 2026, as noted below, reflects continued progress across key commercial initiatives, underpinned by favorable competitive capacity and strong travel demand, while elevated fuel prices continue to be a cost headwind. Third quarter capacity is expected to increase 17 to 18 percent versus the corresponding 2025 quarter, partially a function of lapping unproductive aircraft in the corresponding 2025 quarter, or 2 to 3 percent sequentially. Fourth quarter capacity is expected to increase approximately 7 percent versus the corresponding 2025 quarter.
Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | |
2026 | 2026 | |
Adjusted (non-GAAP) diluted earnings (loss) per share(a)(b)(c) | Breakeven to | |
Capacity growth (compared to corresponding 2025 quarter)(d) | 17 to 18 percent | ~7 percent |
Full Year | ||
2026 | ||
Pre-delivery deposits, net of refunds ($ millions)(e) | ||
Other capital expenditures ($ millions)(f) |
_________________
(a) | Includes guidance on certain non-GAAP measures which excludes, among other things, special items. The Company is unable to reconcile these forward-looking projections to GAAP as the nature or amount of such special items cannot be determined at this time. |
(b) | Average fuel cost (including fuel taxes and into-plane costs) is estimated to be |
(c) | Based on estimated weighted average shares outstanding of 230 million (basic) to 234 million (diluted) shares in the third quarter of 2026 and 234 million diluted shares in the fourth quarter of 2026, and tax expense of approximately |
(d) | Given the volatile nature of jet fuel prices, actual capacity adjustments made by the Company may be materially different than what is currently expected. |
(e) | The Company expects its pre-delivery deposit balance to be reduced by |
(f) | Includes capitalized heavy maintenance. |
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2026 results today, July 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (
About Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines, Inc., a subsidiary of Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULCC), is a value-focused airline operating one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in
End Notes
1 Industry average weighted by ASMs in FY2025 to include DAL, UAL, AAL, LUV, JBLU, ALK, and ALGT. Fuel efficiency is measured by ASMs per fuel gallon consumed.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information
Certain statements in this release should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and beliefs with respect to certain current and future events and anticipated financial and operating performance. Words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "indicates," "remains," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "guidance," "outlook," "goals," "targets" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements include statements that do not relate solely to historical facts, such as statements which identify uncertainties or trends, discuss the possible future effects of current known trends or uncertainties, or which indicate that the future effects of known trends or uncertainties cannot be predicted, guaranteed or assured. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's operations and business environment including, without limitation, the following: unfavorable economic and political conditions in the states where the Company operates and globally, including tariffs and other trade protection measures, an inflationary environment and potential recession, weakened demand environment, and the resulting impact on cost inputs and/or consumer demand for air travel; the highly competitive nature of the global airline industry and susceptibility of the industry to price discounting and changes in capacity; disruptions to the Company's flight operations, including due to factors beyond the Company's control, such as adverse weather events or air traffic controller staffing shortages and facility and infrastructure constraints (including as a result of federal government shutdowns); the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel at reasonable costs; high and/or volatile fuel prices or significant disruptions in the supply of aircraft fuel, including as a result of the war between
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited, in millions, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Percent | Six Months Ended June 30, | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Passenger | $ 1,235 | $ 898 | 38 % | $ 2,187 | $ 1,782 | 23 % | ||||||||||||||||
Other | 44 | 31 | 42 % | 84 | 59 | 42 % | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating revenues | 1,279 | 929 | 38 % | 2,271 | 1,841 | 23 % | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 436 | 230 | 90 % | 704 | 468 | 50 % | ||||||||||||||||
Salaries, wages and benefits | 266 | 254 | 5 % | 537 | 503 | 7 % | ||||||||||||||||
Aircraft rent | 266 | 194 | 37 % | 531 | 355 | 50 % | ||||||||||||||||
Station operations | 197 | 178 | 11 % | 389 | 358 | 9 % | ||||||||||||||||
Maintenance, materials and repairs | 64 | 47 | 36 % | 206 | 98 | 110 % | ||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing | 48 | 39 | 23 % | 91 | 80 | 14 % | ||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 56 | 21 | 167 % | 118 | 41 | 188 % | ||||||||||||||||
Other operating | 43 | 41 | 5 % | 75 | 59 | 27 % | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,376 | 1,004 | 37 % | 2,651 | 1,962 | 35 % | ||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (97) | (75) | 29 % | (380) | (121) | 214 % | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (10) | (10) | — % | (22) | (19) | 16 % | ||||||||||||||||
Capitalized interest | 6 | 8 | (25) % | 14 | 16 | (13) % | ||||||||||||||||
Interest income and other | 7 | 7 | — % | 13 | 14 | (7) % | ||||||||||||||||
Total other income (expense) | 3 | 5 | (40) % | 5 | 11 | (55) % | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | (94) | (70) | 34 % | (375) | (110) | 241 % | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (4) | — | N/M | (13) | 3 | N/M | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ (90) | $ (70) | 29 % | $ (362) | $ (113) | 220 % | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic (a) | $ (0.39) | $ (0.31) | 26 % | $ (1.58) | $ (0.50) | 216 % | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted (a) | $ (0.39) | $ (0.31) | 26 % | $ (1.58) | $ (0.50) | 216 % | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic (a) | 229,978,266 | 227,941,534 | 1 % | 229,698,938 | 227,307,480 | 1 % | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted (a) | 229,978,266 | 227,941,534 | 1 % | 229,698,938 | 227,307,480 | 1 % | ||||||||||||||||
__________________
N/M = Not meaningful | |
(a) | In periods of net income, the dilutive impact of the outstanding warrants relating to funding provided pursuant to the CARES Act and related legislation, any non-participating options and unvested performance and restricted stock units are included in the diluted earnings per share calculations. In addition, most of the outstanding options are participating securities and are therefore not expected to be part of the Company's diluted share count under the two-class method until they are exercised, but, in periods of net income, are included as an adjustment to the numerator of the Company's earnings per share calculation as they are eligible to participate in the Company's earnings. |
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. Comparative Operating Statistics (unaudited) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Percent | Six Months Ended June 30, | Percent | ||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||
Operating statistics(a) | |||||||||||
Available seat miles ("ASMs") (millions) | 11,103 | 10,313 | 8 % | 20,912 | 20,262 | 3 % | |||||
Departures | 58,271 | 52,147 | 12 % | 110,164 | 103,505 | 6 % | |||||
Average stage length (miles) | 897 | 942 | (5) % | 898 | 933 | (4) % | |||||
Block hours | 151,888 | 140,149 | 8 % | 288,036 | 276,885 | 4 % | |||||
Average aircraft in service | 172 | 163 | 6 % | 175 | 158 | 11 % | |||||
Aircraft – end of period | 165 | 164 | 1 % | 165 | 164 | 1 % | |||||
Average daily aircraft utilization (hours) | 9.7 | 9.7 | — % | 9.1 | 9.7 | (6) % | |||||
Passengers (thousands) | 9,730 | 8,499 | 14 % | 18,054 | 16,338 | 11 % | |||||
Average seats per departure | 212 | 208 | 2 % | 211 | 208 | 1 % | |||||
Revenue passenger miles ("RPMs") (millions) | 8,915 | 8,182 | 9 % | 16,601 | 15,636 | 6 % | |||||
Load factor | 80.3 % | 79.3 % | 1.0 pts | 79.4 % | 77.2 % | 2.2 pts | |||||
Fare revenue per passenger ($) | 63.04 | 40.94 | 54 % | 58.84 | 42.70 | 38 % | |||||
Non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($) | 63.87 | 64.77 | (1) % | 62.29 | 66.39 | (6) % | |||||
Other revenue per passenger ($) | 4.55 | 3.56 | 28 % | 4.66 | 3.57 | 31 % | |||||
Total ancillary revenue per passenger ($) | 68.42 | 68.33 | — % | 66.95 | 69.96 | (4) % | |||||
Total revenue per passenger ($) | 131.46 | 109.27 | 20 % | 125.79 | 112.66 | 12 % | |||||
Total revenue per available seat mile ("RASM") (¢) | 11.52 | 9.01 | 28 % | 10.86 | 9.08 | 20 % | |||||
RASM, stage-length adjusted to 1,000 miles (¢) (c) | 10.91 | 8.74 | 25 % | 10.29 | 8.78 | 17 % | |||||
Adjusted fare revenue per passenger ($)(b) | 63.04 | 40.94 | 54 % | 59.54 | 42.70 | 39 % | |||||
Adjusted non-fare passenger revenue per passenger ($)(b) | 63.87 | 64.77 | (1) % | 65.64 | 66.39 | (1) % | |||||
Adjusted other revenue per passenger ($)(b) | 4.55 | 3.56 | 28 % | 4.66 | 3.57 | 31 % | |||||
Adjusted total ancillary revenue per passenger ($)(b) | 68.42 | 68.33 | — % | 70.30 | 69.96 | — % | |||||
Adjusted total revenue per passenger ($)(b) | 131.46 | 109.27 | 20 % | 129.84 | 112.66 | 15 % | |||||
Adjusted RASM (¢)(b) | 11.52 | 9.01 | 28 % | 11.21 | 9.08 | 23 % | |||||
Adjusted RASM, stage-length adjusted to 1,000 miles (¢)(b)(c) | 10.91 | 8.74 | 25 % | 10.62 | 8.78 | 21 % | |||||
Cost per available seat mile ("CASM") (¢) | 12.39 | 9.73 | 27 % | 12.68 | 9.68 | 31 % | |||||
CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 8.46 | 7.50 | 13 % | 9.31 | 7.37 | 26 % | |||||
CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 12.37 | 9.68 | 28 % | 12.65 | 9.62 | 31 % | |||||
Adjusted CASM (¢) (b) | 11.77 | 9.73 | 21 % | 11.68 | 9.68 | 21 % | |||||
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) (¢) (b) | 7.84 | 7.50 | 5 % | 8.31 | 7.37 | 13 % | |||||
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel), stage-length adjusted to 1,000 miles (¢) (b)(c) | 7.42 | 7.28 | 2 % | 7.88 | 7.12 | 11 % | |||||
Adjusted CASM + net interest (¢) (b) | 11.74 | 9.68 | 21 % | 11.66 | 9.62 | 21 % | |||||
Adjusted CASM + net interest, stage-length adjusted to 1,000 miles (¢) (b)(c) | 11.12 | 9.40 | 18 % | 11.04 | 9.30 | 19 % | |||||
Fuel cost per gallon ($) | 4.17 | 2.36 | 77 % | 3.56 | 2.45 | 45 % | |||||
Fuel gallons consumed (thousands) | 104,789 | 97,427 | 8 % | 197,751 | 190,639 | 4 % | |||||
Full-time equivalent employees | 8,352 | 7,766 | 8 % | 8,352 | 7,766 | 8 % | |||||
____________________
(a) | Figures may not recalculate due to rounding. |
(b) | These metrics are not calculated in accordance with GAAP. For the reconciliation to corresponding GAAP measures, see section "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Information." |
(c) | Stage-Length Adjusted (SLA) to 1,000 miles: Applicable Operating Statistic * Square root (stage length / 1,000). |
Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Information
The Company is providing below a reconciliation of GAAP financial information to the non-GAAP financial information provided. The non-GAAP financial information is included to provide supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful additional indicators of, among other things, its operating and cost performance. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. Because of these limitations, determinations of the Company's operating performance, RASM or CASM excluding unrealized gains and losses, special items or other items should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may be presented on a different basis than other companies using similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | ||||||||||||||
($ in millions) (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss), as reported | $ (90) | $ (70) | $ (362) | $ (113) | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
TSA Reserve(a) | — | — | 73 | — | ||||||||||
Early Return Agreement(b) | 70 | — | 209 | — | ||||||||||
Pre-tax impact | 70 | — | 282 | — | ||||||||||
Tax benefit (expense), related to non-GAAP adjustments | (2) | — | (10) | — | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) impact | $ 68 | $ — | $ 272 | $ — | ||||||||||
Adjusted net income (loss)(c) | $ (22) | $ (70) | $ (90) | $ (113) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes, as reported | $ (94) | $ (70) | $ (375) | $ (110) | ||||||||||
Pre-tax impact | 70 | — | 282 | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted income (loss) before income taxes(c) | $ (24) | $ (70) | $ (93) | $ (110) | ||||||||||
____________________
(a) | The Company received a court ruling relating to the remittance of TSA fees for unused travel covering the 2016 to 2018 audit period that resulted in a |
(b) | The Company entered into an Early Return Agreement to early terminate the leases associated with 24 A320neo aircraft and as a result incurred non-recurring charges of |
(c) | Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes are included as a supplemental disclosure because the Company believes they are useful indicators of its operating performance. Derivations of net income (loss) and income (loss) before income taxes are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties, in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. |
Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes have limitations as analytical tools. Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters the Company considers not to be indicative of the Company's ongoing operations and do not reflect the Company's cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments, and other companies in the industry may calculate adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes differently than the Company does, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes, including adjusted income (loss) before income taxes margin, are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of net income, including adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. For the foregoing reasons, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted income (loss) before income taxes have significant limitations which affect their use as indicators of the Company's profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. |
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent ("EBITDAR"), Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR | ||||||||||||||
($ in millions) (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ (90) | $ (70) | $ (362) | $ (113) | ||||||||||
Plus (minus): | ||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 10 | 10 | 22 | 19 | ||||||||||
Capitalized interest | (6) | (8) | (14) | (16) | ||||||||||
Interest income and other | (7) | (7) | (13) | (14) | ||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (4) | — | (13) | 3 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 56 | 21 | 118 | 41 | ||||||||||
EBITDA(a) | (41) | (54) | (262) | (80) | ||||||||||
Plus: Aircraft rent | 266 | 194 | 531 | 355 | ||||||||||
EBITDAR(b) | $ 225 | $ 140 | $ 269 | $ 275 | ||||||||||
EBITDA(a) | $ (41) | $ (54) | $ (262) | $ (80) | ||||||||||
Plus (minus)(c): | ||||||||||||||
TSA Reserve | — | — | 73 | — | ||||||||||
Early Return Agreement(d) | 44 | — | 146 | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(a) | 3 | (54) | (43) | (80) | ||||||||||
Plus: Aircraft rent | 266 | 194 | 531 | 355 | ||||||||||
Minus: Early Return Agreement(e) | (44) | — | (73) | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDAR(b) | $ 225 | $ 140 | $ 415 | $ 275 | ||||||||||
__________________
(a) | EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful indicators of its operating performance. Derivations of EBITDA are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties, in comparing the operating performance of companies in the industry. |
EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters the Company considers not to be indicative of its ongoing operations; the Company's cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; changes in, or cash requirements for, the Company's working capital needs; or the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on the Company's indebtedness. Further, although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements. Other companies in the airline industry may calculate EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA differently than the Company does, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of EBITDA, including adjusted EBITDA, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. | |
For the foregoing reasons, each of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA have significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of the Company's profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. | |
(b) | EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful solely as valuation metrics for airlines as their calculations isolate the effects of financing in general, the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions (primarily aircraft, which may be acquired directly, directly subject to acquisition debt, by capital lease or by operating lease, each of which is presented differently for accounting purposes), and income taxes, which may vary significantly between periods and for different airlines for reasons unrelated to the underlying value of a particular airline. However, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR are not determined in accordance with GAAP, are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. In addition, EBITDAR and adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as measures of overall performance since they exclude aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate the business. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. |
(c) | See "Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes" above for discussion on adjusting items. |
(d) | Represents lease termination costs and write-off of non-recoverable capitalized maintenance costs associated with the Early Return Agreement. |
(e) | Represents lease termination costs related to aircraft rent associated with the Early Return Agreement. |
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data | ||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP financial data:(a) | ||||||||||||||
CASM | 12.39 | 9.73 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | (436) | (3.93) | (230) | (2.23) | ||||||||||
CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 8.46 | 7.50 | ||||||||||||
Early Return Agreement(c) | (70) | (0.62) | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)(b) | 7.84 | 7.50 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 436 | 3.93 | 230 | 2.23 | ||||||||||
Adjusted CASM(d) | 11.77 | 9.73 | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense (income) | (3) | (0.03) | (5) | (0.05) | ||||||||||
Adjusted CASM + net interest(e) | 11.74 | 9.68 | ||||||||||||
CASM | 12.39 | 9.73 | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense (income) | (3) | (0.02) | (5) | (0.05) | ||||||||||
CASM + net interest(e) | 12.37 | 9.68 | ||||||||||||
_______________________
(a) | Cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding. |
(b) | CASM (excluding fuel) and adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes that excluding aircraft fuel is useful to investors as it provides an additional measure of management 's performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. The price of fuel, over which the Company has limited control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance, and excluding allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze the Company's non-fuel costs and core operating performance, and increases comparability with other airlines that also provide a similar metric. CASM (excluding fuel) and adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
(c) | See "Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes" above for discussion on adjusting items. |
(d) | Adjusted CASM is included as supplemental disclosure because the Company believes it is a useful metric to properly compare the Company's cost management and performance to other peers, as derivations of adjusted CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, the Company believes this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
(e) | Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful metrics to properly compare its cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies, particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, the Company believes these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Data | ||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | ($ in millions) | Per ASM (¢) | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP financial data:(a) | ||||||||||||||
RASM | 10.86 | 9.08 | ||||||||||||
TSA Reserve(b) | 73 | 0.35 | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted RASM (¢)(c) | 11.21 | 9.08 | ||||||||||||
CASM | 12.68 | 9.68 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | (704) | (3.37) | (468) | (2.31) | ||||||||||
CASM (excluding fuel)(d) | 9.31 | 7.37 | ||||||||||||
Early Return Agreement(b) | (209) | (1.00) | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted CASM (excluding fuel)(d) | 8.31 | 7.37 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | 704 | 3.37 | 468 | 2.31 | ||||||||||
Adjusted CASM(e) | 11.68 | 9.68 | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense (income) | (5) | (0.02) | (11) | (0.06) | ||||||||||
Adjusted CASM + net interest(f) | 11.66 | 9.62 | ||||||||||||
CASM | 12.68 | 9.68 | ||||||||||||
Net interest expense (income) | (5) | (0.03) | (11) | (0.06) | ||||||||||
CASM + net interest(f) | 12.65 | 9.62 | ||||||||||||
_______________________
(a) | Revenue and cost per ASM figures may not recalculate due to rounding. |
(b) | See "Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes" above for discussion on adjusting items. |
(c) | Adjusted RASM is included as a supplemental disclosure because the Company believes it is a useful metric to properly compare its revenue performance to its peers, as RASM metrics are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, the Company believes this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted RASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
(d) | CASM (excluding fuel) and adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes that excluding aircraft fuel is useful to investors as it provides an additional measure of management's performance excluding the effects of a significant cost item over which management has limited influence. The price of fuel, over which the Company has limited control, impacts the comparability of period-to-period financial performance, and excluding fuel allows management an additional tool to understand and analyze the Company's non-fuel costs and core operating performance, and increases comparability with other airlines that also provide a similar metric. CASM (excluding fuel) and adjusted CASM (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
(e) | Adjusted CASM is included as supplemental disclosure because the Company believes it is a useful metric to properly compare the Company's cost management and performance to other peers, as derivations of adjusted CASM are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, the Company believes this metric is useful because it removes certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM is not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
(f) | Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful metrics to properly compare its cost management and performance to other peers that may have different capital structures and financing strategies, particularly as it relates to financing primary operating assets such as aircraft and engines. Additionally, the Company believes these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. Adjusted CASM including net interest and CASM including net interest are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
Reconciliation of Revenue to Adjusted Revenue (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
($ in millions) | Per Passenger $ | ($ in millions) | Per Passenger $ | |||||||||||
Non-GAAP financial data:(a)(b) | ||||||||||||||
Fare revenue: | 1,062 | 58.84 | 698 | 42.70 | ||||||||||
TSA Reserve | 13 | 0.70 | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted fare revenue:(c) | 1,075 | 59.54 | 698 | 42.70 | ||||||||||
Non-fare passenger revenue: | 1,125 | 62.29 | 1,084 | 66.39 | ||||||||||
TSA Reserve | 60 | 3.35 | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted non-fare revenue:(c) | 1,185 | 65.64 | 1,084 | 66.39 | ||||||||||
Other revenue: | 84 | 4.66 | 59 | 3.57 | ||||||||||
TSA Reserve | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted other revenue:(c) | 84 | 4.66 | 59 | 3.57 | ||||||||||
Total ancillary revenue: | 1,209 | 66.95 | 1,143 | 69.96 | ||||||||||
TSA Reserve | 60 | 3.35 | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted total ancillary revenue:(c) | 1,269 | 70.30 | 1,143 | 69.96 | ||||||||||
Total revenue: | 2,271 | 125.79 | 1,841 | 112.66 | ||||||||||
TSA Reserve | 73 | 4.05 | — | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted total revenue:(c) | 2,344 | 129.84 | 1,841 | 112.66 | ||||||||||
_______________________
(a) | Revenue per passenger figures may not recalculate due to rounding. |
(b) | See "Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes" above for discussion on adjusting items. |
(c) | Adjusted fare revenue, adjusted non-fare revenue, adjusted other revenue, adjusted total ancillary revenue and adjusted total revenue, and respective metrics per passenger, (collectively, "revenue per passenger") are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful metrics to properly compare its revenue performance to its peers, as revenue per passenger metrics are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. Additionally, the Company believes these metrics are useful because they remove certain items that may not be indicative of base operating performance or future results. These metrics are not determined in accordance with GAAP, may not be comparable across all carriers and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. |
Reconciliation of Earnings (Loss) per Share, Diluted to Adjusted Earnings (Loss) per Share, Diluted | ||||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share, diluted, as reported(a)(b) | $ (0.39) | $ (0.31) | $ (1.58) | $ (0.50) | ||||||||||
TSA Reserve | — | — | 0.32 | — | ||||||||||
Early Return Agreement | 0.30 | — | 0.91 | — | ||||||||||
Tax benefit (expense), related to non-GAAP adjustments | (0.01) | — | (0.05) | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share, diluted(c) | $ (0.10) | $ (0.31) | $ (0.40) | $ (0.50) | ||||||||||
______________________
(a) | Cost per share figures may not recalculate due to rounding. |
(b) | See "Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes" above for discussion on adjusting items. |
(c) | Adjusted earnings (loss) per share is included as a supplemental disclosure because the Company believes it is a useful indicator of operating performance. Derivations of net income are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing the operating performance of companies in the industry. |
Adjusted earnings (loss) per share has limitations as an analytical tool. Adjusted earnings (loss) per share does not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters the Company considers not to be indicative of ongoing operations and does not reflect the cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments, and other companies in the industry may calculate Adjusted earnings (loss) per share differently than the Company does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, Adjusted earnings (loss) per share should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of adjusted net income are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of net income, including Adjusted earnings (loss) per share, as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. For the foregoing reasons, Adjusted earnings (loss) per share has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. |
Reconciliation of Total Operating Expenses to Total Operating Expenses (excluding fuel), Adjusted Total Operating Expenses and Adjusted Total Operating Expenses (excluding fuel) | ||||||||||||||
($ in millions) (unaudited) | ||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||
Total operating expense, as reported(a) | $ 1,376 | $ 1,004 | $ 2,651 | $ 1,962 | ||||||||||
Early Return Agreement | (70) | — | (209) | — | ||||||||||
Adjusted total operating expenses(b) | 1,306 | 1,004 | 2,442 | 1,962 | ||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | (436) | (230) | (704) | (468) | ||||||||||
Adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel)(b) | $ 870 | $ 774 | $ 1,738 | $ 1,494 | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses, as reported | $ 1,376 | $ 1,004 | $ 2,651 | $ 1,962 | ||||||||||
Aircraft fuel | (436) | (230) | (704) | (468) | ||||||||||
Total operating expense (excluding fuel)(b) | $ 940 | $ 774 | $ 1,947 | $ 1,494 | ||||||||||
____________________
(a) | See "Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes to Adjusted Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes" above for discussion on adjusting items. |
(b) | Total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) are included as supplemental disclosures because the Company believes they are useful indicators of its operating performance. Derivations of total operating expenses are well-recognized performance measurements in the airline industry that are frequently used by the Company's management, as well as by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties, in comparing the operating performance of companies in the airline industry. |
Total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) have limitations as analytical tools and other companies in the industry may calculate total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) differently than the Company does, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures. Because of these limitations, total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, because derivations of total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, derivations of total operating expenses, including total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) as presented may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. For the foregoing reasons, total operating expenses (excluding fuel), adjusted total operating expenses and adjusted total operating expenses (excluding fuel) have significant limitations which affect their use as an indicator of the Company's profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. |
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frontier-airlines-delivers-record-second-quarter-2026-revenue-of-1-3-billion-up-38-percent-year-over-year-and-significantly-beats-wall-street-estimates-302837329.html
SOURCE Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.