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Wheels Up Reports Fourth Quarter Results

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Wheels Up Experience Inc. announced financial results for Q4 2023, showing a decrease in total revenue to $246 million due to divestiture, with a net loss of $81 million. Operational improvements and strategic repositioning efforts are progressing, focusing on cost optimization and profitability.
Positive
  • Introduction of UP for Business program for small and medium-sized enterprises in partnership with Delta.
  • Secured $40 million in new capital from investors like Kore Capital and Whitebox Advisors.
  • Achieved or exceeded goals for Total Completion Rate and On-Time performance in Q4.
  • Appointed new leadership with extensive aviation experience to enhance performance and reliability.
  • Active Members decreased by 21%, Active Users by 22%, and Live Flight Legs by 26% year-over-year.
  • Revenue decreased by 40% primarily due to divestiture, with a net loss of $81.1 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by $5.6 million year-over-year to $38.1 million.
Negative
  • Significant decrease in total revenue and active members.
  • Net loss of $81 million in Q4 2023.
  • Continued decrease in Active Users and Live Flight Legs.
  • Revenue decline of 40% year-over-year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss of $38.1 million in Q4.

The data presented indicates a significant year-over-year decline in revenue, which is a critical metric for assessing a company's growth trajectory. This decline is partially attributed to strategic divestitures, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it may streamline operations and focus on core competencies, potentially leading to improved margins in the long term. On the other hand, it could signal a retreat from previously anticipated growth areas, which may concern investors about the company's market positioning and future revenue streams.

Moreover, the improvement in net loss and Adjusted EBITDA are noteworthy. The reduction in net loss, particularly due to the absence of a goodwill impairment charge, suggests that previous losses may have included significant non-cash or one-time expenses. An improvement in EBITDA, even as a loss, indicates better operational control. However, investors should be cautious and consider whether these improvements are sustainable and if they stem from enhanced operational efficiency or merely cost-cutting measures that could impact long-term growth.

Wheels Up's decrease in Active Members and Active Users by 21% and 22%, respectively, is a critical concern as customer base expansion is vital for market share and revenue growth. The company's shift towards a higher mix of Core members suggests a strategic pivot towards quality over quantity, potentially aiming for higher retention and lifetime value. However, this approach may limit market expansion and could be perceived as a defensive move in a competitive industry.

The Live Flight Legs metric's decrease of 26% year-over-year, while maintaining consistent Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg, suggests that Wheels Up is successfully increasing the profitability of each flight. This is a positive sign for operational efficiency but must be balanced against the overall decline in flight activity, which could indicate reduced demand or a shrinking customer base.

The introduction of the UP for Business program represents a strategic initiative to capture a specific market segment—small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—which could be a growth driver if executed effectively. The partnership with Delta and the joint sales efforts could leverage Delta's established market presence and offer a competitive edge. However, the success of such programs depends on the ability to deliver on the promise of flexibility and global capabilities, which are critical factors for SMEs when choosing a private aviation solution.

The new leadership appointments in the operations team, with extensive industry experience, could enhance the company's operational capabilities and reliability. This is crucial in the aviation industry, where service quality and safety are paramount. Nevertheless, leadership changes can also bring uncertainty and require a period of adjustment, which could temporarily affect operations.

Operational improvements and strategic repositioning continue to progress

Cash balance up sequentially from third quarter

NEW YORK, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:UP) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter, which ended December 31, 2023.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights

  • Total Revenue decreased $162 million year-over-year to $246 million, partially due to the divestiture of the Aircraft Management business
  • Adjusted Contribution decreased $16 million year-over-year to $3 million
  • Net loss decreased year-over-year to $81 million, due primarily to the absence of a goodwill impairment charge in the current quarter
  • Adjusted EBITDA improved $6 million year-over-year to a loss of $38 million

"In our first full quarter since the strategic investment, we have made strong progress on a number of key fronts. Operationally, we continue to drive performance and strengthen our team. Commercially, we are rebuilding our sales pipeline, restoring customer confidence, and are seeing strong momentum in our joint efforts with the Delta sales teams," said George Mattson, Chief Executive Officer. 

"We made significant progress over the past quarter to improve our business for a sustainable future," said Todd Smith, Chief Financial Officer. "We are continuing to optimize our cost structure and fleet to focus on profitability. With improving liquidity in the fourth quarter and our partnership with Delta, we believe we are well positioned to continue to invest in our business for the long term."

Recent Initiatives

  • Introduced new UP for Business program, offering a tailored private aviation solution for small and medium-sized enterprises jointly sold through Wheels Up and Delta sales organizations offering unmatched flexibility and global capabilities.
     
  • Added incremental $40 million of investor capital from Kore Capital and Whitebox Advisors, bringing the Company's total secured new capital to $490 million.
      
  • Achieved or exceeded goals for Total Completion Rate and On-Time performance in the fourth quarter, inclusive of weather, air traffic control delays, unscheduled maintenance and customer delays. Wheels Up continues to lead the industry in the publication of its service metrics.
      
  • Announced a number of new leadership appointments with a combined over 250 years of aviation experience to company's operations team as part of its mission to lead the industry in performance and reliability.

 

Financial and Operating Highlights



As of December 31,




2023


2022


% Change

Active Members(1)

9,947


12,661


(21) %








Three Months Ended December 31,



(In thousands, except Active Users,  Live Flight Legs and Flight revenue per
Live Flight Leg)

2023


2022


% Change

Active Users(1)

10,744


13,846


(22) %

Live Flight Legs(1)

14,374


19,308


(26) %

Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg

$             14,079


$             14,178


(1) %







Revenue

$           246,380


$           408,257


(40) %

Net loss

$           (81,115)


$         (224,910)


64 %

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$           (38,122)


$           (43,705)


13 %








Twelve Months Ended December 31,



(In thousands)

2023


2022


% Change

Live Flight Legs(1)

64,481


79,664


(19) %

Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg

$             13,710


$             13,470


2 %

Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value per Live Flight Leg(1)

$             15,863


$             14,721


8 %







Revenue

$       1,253,317


$       1,579,760


(21) %

Net loss

$         (487,387)


$         (555,547)


12 %

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$         (145,868)


$         (185,251)


21 %

 

(1)  

For information regarding Wheels Up's use and definition of this measure see "Definitions of Key Operating Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" sections herein.

 

For the fourth quarter:

  • Active Members decreased 21% year-over-year to 9,947 offset by a higher mix of Core members, primarily as a result of the regionalization of our member programs and focus on more profitable flying.
      
  • Active Users decreased 22% year-over-year to 10,744.
      
  • Live Flight Legs decreased 26% year-over-year to 14,374 reflecting a slowdown in the industry and our efforts to focus on profitable flying.
      
  • Flight revenue per Live Flight Leg was relatively consistent year-over-year.
      
  • Revenue decreased 40% year-over-year primarily driven by the divestiture of our non-core aircraft management business as well as reduced flight revenue and aircraft sales.
      
  • Net loss decreased by $143.8 million year-over-year to $81.1 million, due to the absence of a goodwill impairment charge in the current quarter and lower costs that more than offset the decline in revenue.
      
  • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by $5.6 million year-over-year to $38.1 million, reflecting our operational efficiency and other spend reduction efforts.

About Wheels Up

Wheels Up is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S. and one of the largest companies in the industry. Wheels Up offers a complete global aviation solution with a large and diverse fleet and a global network of safety vetted charter operators, all backed by an uncompromising commitment to safety and service. Customers can access charter and membership programs, as well as unique commercial travel benefits through a one-of-a-kind, strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. Wheels Up also offers freight, safety and security solutions and managed services to individuals, industry, government and civil organizations. 

Wheels Up is guided by the mission to deliver a premium solution for every customer journey. With the Wheels Up mobile app and website, members and customers have the digital convenience to search, book and fly.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside of the control of Wheels Up Experience Inc. ("Wheels Up", or "we", "us", or "our"), that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (i) the impact of Wheels Up's cost reduction efforts and measures intended to increase Wheels Up's operational efficiency on its business and results of operations, including the timing and magnitude of such expected actions and any associated expenses in relation to liquidity levels and working capital needs; (ii) Wheels Up's liquidity, future cash flows and certain restrictions related to its debt obligations; (iii) the size, demands, competition in and growth potential of the markets for Wheels Up's products and services and Wheels Up's ability to serve and compete in those markets; (iv) the degree of market acceptance and adoption of Wheels Up's products and services, including member program changes implemented in June 2023, the UP for Business member program introduced in November 2023 and any additional new member programs or other products introduced by Wheels Up; (v) Wheels Up's ability to perform under its contractual obligations; (vi) the expected impact of any potential strategic actions involving Wheels Up or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including realizing any anticipated benefits relating to any such transactions or asset sales, and any potential impacts on the trading market and prices for the Wheels Up's Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share; (vii) Wheels Up's ability to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA (as defined herein) pursuant to the schedule that it has announced; and (viii) general economic and geopolitical conditions, including due to fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, foreign currencies, consumer and business spending decisions, and general levels of economic activity. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "strive," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that statement is not forward-looking. We have identified certain known material risk factors applicable to Wheels Up in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2023 filed with the SEC and our other filings with the SEC. Moreover, it is not always possible for us to predict how new risks and uncertainties that arise from time to time may affect us. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Contribution, Adjusted Contribution Margin and Flight Transaction Value. These non-GAAP financial measures are an addition, and not a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to revenue or any component thereof, net income (loss), operating income (loss) or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP. Definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP counterparts are included in the sections titled "Definitions of key metrics and non-GAAP financial measures" and "Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures," respectively, in this press release. Wheels Up believes that these non-GAAP financial measures of financial results provide useful supplemental information to investors about Wheels Up. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-GAAP financial measures and their nearest GAAP equivalents, including that they exclude significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in Wheels Up's financial measures or represent a transaction value that Wheels Up does not book as revenue. In addition, other companies may calculate non-GAAP financial measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore, Wheels Up's non-GAAP financial measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Additionally, to the extent that forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures are provided, they are presented on a non-GAAP basis without reconciliations of such forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations.

For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, see the sections titled "Definitions of key metrics and non-GAAP financial measures" and "Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures" included in this press release.

 

 

WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)



December 31, 2023


December 31, 2022

ASSETS




Current assets:




Cash and cash equivalents

$                263,909


$               585,881

Accounts receivable, net

38,237


112,383

Other receivables

11,528


5,524

Parts and supplies inventories, net

20,400


29,000

Aircraft inventory

1,862


24,826

Aircraft held for sale

30,496


8,952

Prepaid expenses

55,715


39,715

Other current assets

11,887


13,338

Total current assets

434,034


819,619

Property and equipment, net

337,714


394,559

Operating lease right-of-use assets

68,910


106,735

Goodwill

218,208


348,118

Intangible assets, net

117,766


141,765

Restricted cash

28,916


34,272

Other non-current assets

110,512


78,157

Total assets

$             1,316,060


$            1,923,225

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY




Current liabilities:




Current maturities of long-term debt

$                  23,998


$                 27,006

Accounts payable

32,973


43,166

Accrued expenses

102,475


148,947

Deferred revenue, current

723,246


1,075,133

Operating lease liabilities, current

22,869


29,945

Intangible liabilities, current

1,525


2,000

Other current liabilities

416


18,023

Total current liabilities

907,502


1,344,220

Long-term debt, net

235,074


226,234

Deferred revenue, non-current

983


1,742

Operating lease liabilities, non-current

54,956


82,755

Warrant liability

12


751

Intangible liabilities, non-current

10,677


12,083

Other non-current liabilities

6,983


3,520

Total liabilities

1,216,187


1,671,305

Mezzanine equity:




Executive performance award

2,476


Total mezzanine equity

2,476


Stockholders' equity




Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,500,000,000 authorized; 697,131,838 and
25,198,298  shares issued and 696,856,131 and 24,933,857 common shares
outstanding as of as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

70


3

Additional paid-in capital

1,879,009


1,545,530

Accumulated deficit

(1,763,260)


(1,275,873)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(10,704)


(10,053)

Treasury stock, at cost, 275,707 and 264,441 shares, respectively

(7,718)


(7,687)

Total Wheels Up Experience Inc. stockholders' equity

97,397


251,920

Non-controlling interests


Total stockholders' equity

97,397


251,920

Total liabilities and equity

$             1,316,060


$            1,923,225

 

 

 

WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in thousands except share and per share data)



Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,


2023


2022

2023


2022

Revenue

$            246,380


$            408,257

$         1,253,317


$         1,579,760








Costs and expenses:







Cost of revenue

250,925


395,627

1,232,506


1,540,325

Technology and development

11,608


14,804

61,873


57,240

Sales and marketing

17,328


29,349

88,828


117,110

General and administrative

23,539


53,331

145,873


183,531

Depreciation and amortization

13,506


19,074

58,533


65,936

Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale

(5,611)


(425)

(16,939)


(4,375)

Impairment of goodwill


118,000

126,200


180,000

Total costs and expenses

311,295


629,760

1,696,874


2,139,767








Loss from operations

(64,915)


(221,503)

(443,557)


(560,007)








Other income (expense):







Change in fair value of warrant liability

54


1,251

739


9,516

Loss on divestiture


(2,991)


Loss on extinguishment of debt

(1,595)


(4,401)


Interest income

31


2,058

6,121


3,670

Interest expense

(14,220)


(7,515)

(41,255)


(7,515)

Other expense,  net

162


464

(660)


(1,041)

Total other income (expense)

(15,568)


(3,742)

(42,447)


4,630








Loss before income taxes

(80,483)


(225,245)

(486,004)


(555,377)








Income tax benefit (expense)

(632)


335

(1,383)


(170)








Net loss

(81,115)


(224,910)

(487,387)


(555,547)

Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling
interests



(387)

Net loss attributable to Wheels Up Experience
Inc.

$            (81,115)


$          (224,910)

$          (487,387)


$          (555,160)








Net loss per share of Common Stock







Basic and diluted

$                (0.14)


$                (0.91)

$                (3.69)


$              (22.60)








Weighted-average shares of Common Stock
outstanding:







Basic and diluted

576,426,623


24,783,277

132,194,747


24,567,164

 

 

 

WHEELS UP EXPERIENCE INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in thousands)



Twelve Months Ended December 31,


2023


2022

Cash flows from operating activities




Net loss

$           (487,387)


$           (555,547)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:




Depreciation and amortization

58,533


65,936

Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount

329


766

Payment in kind interest

10,453


Equity-based compensation

25,633


88,979

Change in fair value of warrant liability

(739)


(9,516)

Provision for expected credit losses

1,705


8,129

Loss on divestiture

2,991


Loss on extinguishment of debt

4,401


Gain on sale of aircraft held for sale

(16,939)


(4,375)

Impairment of goodwill

126,200


180,000

Other

5,825


1,575

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:




Accounts receivable

30,062


(23,946)

Other receivables

(3,164)


2,537

Parts and supplies inventories

4,686


(21,693)

Aircraft inventory

11,010


(29,470)

Prepaid expenses

(17,315)


(3,058)

Other non-current assets

(32,289)


(41,555)

Operating lease liabilities, net

(552)


(490)

Accounts payable

(8,089)


(9,702)

Accrued expenses

(35,110)


19,143

Deferred revenue

(348,419)


103,313

Other current assets and liabilities

2,890


(1,715)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

(665,285)


(230,689)





Cash flows from investing activities




Purchases of property and equipment

(20,168)


(83,559)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired


(75,093)

Proceeds from sale of divested business

13,200


Purchases of aircraft held for sale

(4,240)


(40,105)

Proceeds from sale of aircraft held for sale, net

68,308


51,208

Other

267


Capitalized software development costs

(16,497)


(27,693)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

40,870


(175,242)





Cash flows from financing activities




Purchase of shares for treasury

(28)


(7,687)

Purchase of fractional shares

(3)


Proceeds from notes payable

70,000


Repayment of notes payable

(70,000)


Proceeds from long-term debt

382,200


259,200

Repayments of long-term debt

(59,523)


Payment of debt issuance costs

(21,692)


(6,727)

Net cash provided by financing activities

300,954


244,786





Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(3,867)


(5,424)





Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(327,328)


(166,569)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period

620,153


786,722

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$             292,825


$             620,153

 

Definitions of Key Operating Metrics

Active Members. We define Active Members as the number of Connect, Core, and UP for Business membership accounts that generated membership revenue in a given period and are active as of the end of the reporting period. We use Active Members to assess the adoption of our premium offerings which is a key factor in our penetration of the market in which we operate and a key driver of membership and flight revenue.

Active Users. We define Active Users as Active Members and jet card holders as of the reporting date plus unique non-member consumers who completed a revenue generating flight at least once in the given quarter and excludes wholesale flight activity. While a unique consumer can complete multiple revenue generating flights on our platform in a given period, that unique user is counted as only one Active User. We use Active Users to assess the adoption of our platform and frequency of transactions, which are key factors in our penetration of the market in which we operate and our growth in revenue.

Live Flight Legs. We define Live Flight Legs as the number of completed one-way revenue generating flight legs in a given period. The metric excludes empty repositioning legs and owner legs related to aircraft under management. We believe Live Flight Legs are a useful metric to measure the scale and usage of our platform, and our growth in flight revenue.

Charter FTV. We define Charter FTV as the sum of total gross spend by members and customers on all private, on-demand charter flights that are at market-based rates and are not Programmatic Flights. Charter FTV excludes customer gross spend attributable to all group charter flights with 15 or more passengers and cargo flight services. We use Charter FTV to measure the size of our private jet charter business relative to the overall industry. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above for more information about the use of Charter FTV in the calculation of Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value and Total Flight Transaction Value.

Other Charter FTV. We define Other Charter FTV as the sum of total gross spend by customers on all group charter flights with 15 or more passengers and cargo flight services. We use Other Charter FTV to measure the size of our group charter and cargo charter businesses relative to the overall industry. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above for more information about the use of Other Charter FTV in the calculation of Total Flight Transaction Value.

Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value per Live Flight Leg. We use Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value per Live Flight Leg to measure the average price for each live flight leg. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" above for more information regarding our use and definition of Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value.

Definitions of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) adjusted for (i) interest income (expense), (ii) income tax expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) equity-based compensation expense, (v) acquisition and integration related expenses and (vi) other items not indicative of our ongoing operating performance, including but not limited to, restructuring charges.

We include Adjusted EBITDA because it is a supplemental measure used by our management team for assessing operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA is used in conjunction with bonus program target achievement determinations, strategic internal planning, annual budgeting, allocating resources and making operating decisions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information for historical period-to-period comparisons of our business, as it removes the effect of certain non-cash expenses and variable amounts.

Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin. We calculate Adjusted Contribution as gross profit (loss) excluding depreciation and amortization and adjusted further for (i) equity-based compensation included in cost of revenue, (ii) acquisition and integration expense included in cost of revenue, (iii) restructuring expense in cost of revenue and (iv) other items included in cost of revenue that are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance. Adjusted Contribution Margin is calculated by dividing Adjusted Contribution by total revenue.

We include Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin as supplemental measures for assessing operating performance. Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin are used to understand our ability to achieve profitability over time through scale and leveraging costs. In addition, Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin provides useful information for historical period-to-period comparisons of our business and to identify trends.

Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value. We calculate Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value as the sum of total gross spend by members and customers on all private jet flight services, which excludes all group charter flights with 15 or more passengers and cargo flight services. Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value reflects the Flight revenue recognized from Programmatic Flights (as defined below) and private, on-demand charter flights by members and customers. "Programmatic Flights" are all flights that were flown subject to a Wheels Up Member Flight Service Agreement, Custom Corporate Agreement or other similar agreement (excluding jet cards) that provides for guaranteed aircraft availability, shorter call-out periods, capped rate protection or fixed rates, and other benefits.

We calculate Total Flight Transaction Value as Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value, plus the sum of total gross spend by customers on all group charter flights with 15 or more passengers and cargo flight services.

We include Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value and Total Flight Transaction Value as supplemental measures for assessing the size of the markets which we serve.

 

 

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure (in thousands):



Three Months Ended December 31,


Twelve Months Ended December 31,


2023


2022


2023


2022

Net loss

$         (81,115)


$      (224,910)


$         (487,387)


$      (555,547)

Add back (deduct)








Interest expense

14,220


7,515


41,255


7,515

Interest income

(31)


(2,058)


(6,121)


(3,670)

Income tax expense

632


(335)


1,383


170

Other expense, net

(162)


(464)


660


1,041

Depreciation and amortization

13,506


19,074


58,533


65,936

Change in fair value of warrant liability

(54)


(1,251)


(739)


(9,516)

Loss on divestiture



2,991


Equity-based compensation expense

3,983


23,140


25,633


88,979

Acquisition and integration expenses(1)


5,177


2,108


21,269

Restructuring charges(2)

2,749


4,215


43,655


10,380

Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up expense(3)

3,673



30,568


Certificate consolidation expense(4)

576



11,375


Impairment of goodwill(5)


118,000


126,200


180,000

Other(6)

3,901


8,192


4,018


8,192

Adjusted EBITDA

$         (38,122)


$         (43,705)


$         (145,868)


$      (185,251)

 

__________________

 

(1)

Consists of expenses incurred associated with acquisitions, as well as integration-related charges incurred within one year of acquisition date primarily related to system conversions, re-branding costs and fees paid to external advisors.

(2)

For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, includes restructuring charges related to the Company's restructuring plan ("Restructuring Plan") and related strategic business expenses incurred to support significant changes to our member programs and certain aspects of our operations, primarily consisting of consultancy fees associated with designing and implementing changes to our member programs and obtaining financing, and severance and recruiting expenses associated with executive transitions and other employee separation programs as part of our cost reduction initiatives. For the year ended December 31, 2022, includes restructuring charges for employee separation programs following strategic business decisions.

(3)

Consists of expenses associated with establishing the Company's Member Operations Center located in Atlanta Georgia area (the "Atlanta Member Operations Center") and its operations primarily including redundant operating expenses during the transition period, relocation expenses for employees and costs associated with onboarding new employees. The Atlanta Member Operations Center began operating on May 15, 2023.

(4)

Consists of expenses incurred to execute consolidation of our U.S. Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") operating certificates primarily including pilot training and retention programs and consultancy fees associated with planning and implementing the consolidation process.

(5)

Represents non-cash impairment charge related to goodwill recognized in the second and third quarters of 2023, and the third and fourth quarters of 2022. 

(6)

For each of the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, includes amounts reserved during the fourth quarter of 2023 related to Parts and supplies inventory deemed in excess after evaluation of future business need offset by an increase in Adjusted EBITDA loss due to collections of certain aged receivables which reduced Adjusted EBITDA loss in the reconciliation presented for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, includes charges related to an individually immaterial litigation settlement during the third quarter of 2023. For each of the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2022, includes amounts related to a one-time charge for certain aged receivables and inventory.



Refer to "Supplemental Expense Information" below, for further information

Refer to "Supplemental Expense Information" below, for further information

 

Adjusted Contribution and Adjusted Contribution Margin

 

The following table reconciles Adjusted Contribution to gross profit (loss), which is the most directly comparable
GAAP measure (in thousands):



Three Months Ended December 31,


Twelve Months Ended December 31,


2023


2022


2023


2022

Revenue

$         246,380


$         408,257


$      1,253,317


$      1,579,760

Less: Cost of revenue

250,925


395,627


1,232,506


1,540,325

Less: Depreciation and amortization

13,506


19,074


58,533


65,936

Gross profit (loss)

(18,051)


(6,444)


(37,722)


(26,501)

Gross margin

(7.3) %


(1.6) %


(3.0) %


(1.7) %

Add back:








Depreciation and amortization

13,506


19,074


58,533


65,936

Equity-based compensation expense in cost of
revenue

830


3,136


3,927


$         14,456

Acquisition and integration expense in cost of
revenue(1)


2,410



3,060

Restructuring expense in cost of revenue(2)


34


1,075


34

Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up
expense in cost of revenue(3)

2,264



24,704


Certificate consolidation expense in cost of
revenue(4)

324



8,044


Other(5)

3,975


961


3,975


961

Adjusted Contribution

$              2,848


$           19,171


$           62,536


$           57,946

Adjusted Contribution Margin

1.2 %


4.7 %


5.0 %


3.7 %

 

__________________



(1)

Consists of expenses incurred associated with acquisitions, as well as integration-related charges incurred within one year of acquisition date.

(2)

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, includes restructuring charges related to the Restructuring Plan and other employee separation programs as part of our cost reduction initiatives.

(3)

Consists of expenses associated with establishing the Atlanta Member Operations Center and its operations primarily including redundant operating expenses during the transition period, relocation expenses for employees and costs associated with onboarding new employees. The Atlanta Member Operations Center began operating on May 15, 2023.

(4)

Consists of expenses incurred to execute consolidation of our FAA operating certificates primarily including pilot training and retention programs and consultancy fees associated with planning and implementing the consolidation process.

(5)

For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, includes amounts reserved during the fourth quarter of 2023 related to Parts and supplies inventory deemed in excess after evaluation of future business needs. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2022, includes amounts related to a one-time charge for certain aged inventory.

 

 

Flight Transaction Value

 

The following table reconciles each of Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value and Total Flight Transaction Value
to Flight revenue, which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure (in thousands). The table below omits
the results of Air Partner before April 1, 2022, the date of acquisition



Year Ended December 31,


2023


2022


2021

Flight revenue

$         884,065


$      1,073,094


$         873,724

Add back (deduct):






Charter revenue in Flight revenue(1)

(195,092)


(132,501)


(180,113)

Charter FTV(2)

333,898


232,126


180,113

Total Private Jet Flight Transaction Value

1,022,871


1,172,719


873,724

Other Charter FTV(2)

177,345


164,318


Total Flight Transaction Value

$      1,200,216


$      1,337,037


$         873,724

 

__________________



(1)

Represents the portion of Flight revenue not attributable to Programmatic Flights

(2)

See "Definitions of Key Operating Metrics" for more information about Charter FTV and Other CharterFTV

 

 

 

Supplemental Revenue Information


(In thousands)

Three Months Ended December 31,


Change in

2023


2022


$


%

Membership

$             19,077


$             23,056


$           (3,979)


(17) %

Flight

202,374


273,743


(71,369)


(26) %

Aircraft management

10,398


61,846


(51,448)


(83) %

Other

14,531


49,612


(35,081)


(71) %

Total

$           246,380


$           408,257


$       (161,877)


(40) %

















(In thousands)

Twelve Months Ended December 31,


Change in

2023


2022


$


%

Membership

$             82,857


$             90,132


$           (7,275)


(8) %

Flight

884,065


1,073,094


(189,029)


(18) %

Aircraft management

175,829


242,032


(66,203)


(27) %

Other

110,566


174,502


(63,936)


(37) %

Total

$        1,253,317


$        1,579,760


$       (326,443)


(21) %

 

 

 

Supplemental Expense Information



Three Months Ended December 31, 2023


Cost of
revenue


Technology
and
development


Sales and
marketing


General and
administrative


Total

Equity-based compensation expense

$               830


$               319


$               (17)


$            2,851


$            3,983

Restructuring charges




2,749


2,749

Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up
expense

2,264




1,409


3,673

Certificate consolidation expense

324




252


576

Other

3,975




(74)


3,901






















Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023


Cost of
revenue


Technology
and
development


Sales and
marketing


General and
administrative


Total

Equity-based compensation expense

$            3,927


$            2,096


$            1,764


$          17,846


$          25,633

Acquisition and integration expenses


53


134


1,921


2,108

Restructuring charges

1,075


6,940


2,761


32,879


43,655

Atlanta Member Operations Center set-up
expense

24,704


201



5,662


30,568

Certificate consolidation expense

8,044




3,332


11,375

Other

3,975




43


4,018












Three Months Ended December 31, 2022


Cost of
revenue


Technology
and
development


Sales and
marketing


General and
administrative


Total

Equity-based compensation expense

$            3,136


$            1,133


$            2,695


$          16,176


$          23,140

Acquisition and integration expense

2,410




2,767


5,177

Restructuring charges

34


591


332


3,258


4,215

Other

961




7,231


8,192






















Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022


Cost of
revenue


Technology
and
development


Sales and
marketing


General and
administrative


Total

Equity-based compensation expense

$          14,456


$            3,180


$          11,009


$          60,334


$          88,979

Acquisition and integration expense

3,060




18,209


21,269

Restructuring charges

34


591


332


9,423


10,380

Other

961




7,231


8,192

 

 

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wheels-up-reports-fourth-quarter-results-302082297.html

SOURCE Wheels Up

Wheels Up Experience Inc.'s total revenue for Q4 2023 was $246 million, showing a decrease from the previous year.

Wheels Up Experience Inc. reported a net loss of $81 million in Q4 2023, a decrease from the previous year.

Wheels Up introduced the UP for Business program, offering a tailored private aviation solution for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Wheels Up secured $40 million in new capital from investors like Kore Capital and Whitebox Advisors in Q4 2023.

In Q4 2023, Wheels Up's total revenue decreased, net loss decreased to $81 million, and Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to $38.1 million.
Wheels Up Experience Inc

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About UP

revolutionary membership-based private aviation company that reduces the upfront cost to fly privately while providing an unrivaled lifestyle platform wheels up offers individual, family and corporate members exceptional world-class service with around the clock support. the cutting-edge wheels up mobile app enables members to seamlessly book flights, manage their accounts and participate in ride-share opportunities. wheels up members also have access to the wheels down program, featuring exclusive lifestyle events and experiences, unique partner benefits and a full-service luxury concierge, which is also integrated in the wheels up app.