Chorus Aviation Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

CNW Group

Tue, May 6, 2025, 3:49 PM 20 min read

Net income of $18.9 million compared to $12.3 million for Q1 2024.
Net income from continuing operations¹ of $18.9 million compared to $5.4 million for Q1 2024.
Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders² of $15.4 million compared to $3.7 million for Q1 2024 was due to the positive impacts of the sale of the RAL business and improved financial results primarily related to increased parts sales, contract flying, MRO and other revenue.
Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders of $0.57 per Common Share, basic,² compared to $0.13 for Q1 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA² of $56.9 million compared to $54.0 million for Q1 2024.
Free Cash Flow² of $40.6 million compared to $30.7 million for Q1 2024.
Leverage Ratio² of 1.6 compared to 1.4 at December 31, 2024. The increase was a result of additional cash held at December 31, 2024 due to a $58.9 million prepayment of revenue related to January 2025.
Parts sales, contract flying, MRO and other revenue of $39.1 million compared to $28.5 million for Q1 2024 primarily driven by Voyageur.

HALIFAX, NS, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Chorus Aviation Inc. ('Chorus') (TSX: CHR) today announced its first quarter 2025 financial results.

"Consistent with our plan, the first quarter results show significant improvements resulting from our sale of the regional aircraft leasing (RAL) business," said Colin Copp, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chorus. "The results also reflect strong growth at Voyageur, primarily driven by part sales, consistent earnings from Jazz's capacity purchase agreement (CPA) with Air Canada as well as our corporate cost reductions."

"At the same time, we took steps to deliver on our commitment to return capital to shareholders through a substantial issuer bid (SIB) for $25.0 million in value of Chorus' shares," added Mr. Copp. "This initiative is in addition to $53.0 million in share buy-backs since we launched our normal course issuer bid (NCIB) program in 2022."

"These positive outcomes and our focus on returning capital to shareholders reflect the increased strength of our balance sheet, and a commitment to enhance value for our shareholders," said Mr. Copp.

__________________________

¹ The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this press release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

² These are non-GAAP financial measures or non-GAAP ratios that are not recognized measures for financial statement presentation under GAAP. As such, they do not have standardized meanings, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. Refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for further information.

First Quarter Summary

In the first quarter of 2025, Chorus reported Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $56.9 million, an increase of $2.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to:

an increase in Voyageur's parts sales, contract flying and MRO activity; and
a decrease in general administrative expenses primarily attributable to lower overhead costs; partially offset by
a decrease in capitalization of major maintenance overhauls on owned aircraft of $1.5 million; and
a decrease in aircraft leasing revenue under the CPA of $0.7 million primarily due to a change in lease rates on certain aircraft partially offset by a higher US dollar exchange rate.

Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations was $15.4 million for the quarter, an increase of $2.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to:

a $2.8 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA as previously described; and
a decrease in net interest costs of $5.5 million primarily related to the repayment of the Series A Debentures at maturity, the partial repurchase of the Series B Debentures and Series C Debentures and the absence of any draw in the current quarter under the Operating Credit Facility; partially offset by
an increase of $3.5 million in income tax expense;
an increase in depreciation expense of $1.1 million primarily attributable to capital expenditures; and
a negative change in foreign exchange of $1.0 million.

Net income from continuing operations was $18.9 million, an increase of $13.5 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to:

the previously noted increase in Adjusted Net Income of $2.8 million; and
a positive change in net unrealized foreign exchange of $10.7 million.

Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders from continuing operations was $15.4 million for the quarter, an increase of $11.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to:

the previously noted increase in Adjusted Net Income of $2.8 million; and
the elimination of Preferred Share dividends of $8.8 million due to the redemption of the Preferred Shares.

Consolidated Financial Analysis

This section provides detailed information and analysis about Chorus' performance from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024.

(unaudited) (expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Three months ended March 31,
	2025	2024	Change	Change
	$	$	$	%
		(revised)⁽¹⁾
Operating revenue	348,129	358,594	(10,465)	(2.9)
Operating expenses	318,419	330,632	(12,213)	(3.7)

Operating income	29,710	27,962	1,748	6.3
Net interest expense	(3,744)	(9,291)	5,547	(59.7)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	152	(9,550)	9,702	(101.6)
Gain on property and equipment	1	—	1	100.0

Income before income tax	26,119	9,121	16,998	186.4
Income tax expense	(7,186)	(3,711)	(3,475)	93.6

Net income from continuing operations	18,933	5,410	13,523	250.0
Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—	6,900	(6,900)	(100.0)
Net income	18,933	12,310	6,623	53.8
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	—	3,491	(3,491)	(100.0)
Net income attributable to Shareholders	18,933	8,819	10,114	114.7

Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾	56,861	54,013	2,848	5.3
Adjusted EBT⁽²⁾	22,568	16,279	6,289	38.6
Adjusted Net Income⁽²⁾	15,382	12,568	2,814	22.4

(1)	The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures in accordance with IFRS 5 to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.
(2)	These are non-GAAP financial measures that are not recognized measures for financial statement presentation under GAAP. As such, they do not have standardized meanings, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results.

Outlook
(See cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information below.)

The discussion that follows includes forward-looking information. This outlook provides current expectations for the Jazz business in 2025 and 2026. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

The CPA provides a Fixed Margin to Jazz regardless of flying levels; therefore, any variations in flying are not expected to have any impact on Jazz's earnings. In addition, Jazz receives compensation for aircraft leased under the CPA that generates predictable Free Cash Flows. Jazz aircraft have amortizing debt that will be fully paid-off at the end of the original lease term under the CPA. At the end of each lease, Jazz will either extend the lease, sell or part-out each aircraft. Subsequent aircraft leases will continue to produce predictable Free Cash Flow at lower rates as the aircraft will be unencumbered.

	Annual Forecast⁽¹⁾
(unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars)	2025 $	2026⁽²⁾ $
Fixed Margin⁽³⁾	59,600	43,900
Aircraft leasing under the CPA
Revenue⁽⁴⁾	123,000	109,000
Payment on long-term debt and interest	81,000	72,000
Total Fixed Margin and Aircraft leasing under the CPA less payment on long-term debt and interest	101,600	80,900
Wholly-owned aircraft leased under the CPA (end of period)⁽⁴⁾	45	39
Wholly-owned aircraft leased under the CPA available for re-lease (end of period)⁽⁴⁾	3	9

(1)	The forecast uses a foreign exchange rate of 1.4000 for 2025 and 2026 to translate USD to CAD.
(2)	Includes lease rates for 12 Dash 8-400's for 2026 with contracted lease extensions to 2030.
(3)	The Fixed Margin will decrease to no less than $59.6 million in 2025 and no less than $43.9 million in 2026 with no further changes thereafter.
(4)	Leases on three Dash 8-400s expire at the end of 2025 and on six Dash 8-400s that expire in mid-2026. Chorus plans to sell these aircraft.

Portfolio of Aircraft Leasing under the CPA

Current fleet of 48 wholly-owned aircraft and five spare engines
Current net book value of $778.0 million
Future contracted lease revenue US $362.2 million¹
Current weighted average fleet age of 8.7 years²
Current weighted average remaining lease term of 4.6 years²
Long-term debt of $324.1 million (US $225.4 million)
100% of debt has a fixed rate of interest
Current weighted average cost of borrowing of 3.31%

^1.	The estimates are based on agreed lease rates in the CPA.
^2.	Fleet age and remaining lease term is calculated based on the weighted average of the aircraft net book value.

Covered Aircraft

The actual and forecasted Covered Aircraft under the CPA for the years 2025 to 2026 are as follows:

		Actual	Change	Forecast	Change	Forecast
(unaudited)		March 31, 2025	2025	2025	2026	2026

Dash 8-400	Aircraft Leased under the CPA	34	(3)	31	(6)	25
	Other Covered Aircraft	5	(5)	—	—	—
		39	(8)	31	(6)	25

CRJ900	Aircraft Leased under the CPA	14	—	14	—	14
	Other Covered Aircraft	21	—	21	(5)	16
		35	—	35	(5)	30

CRJ200	Aircraft Leased under the CPA	—	—	—	—	—
	Other Covered Aircraft⁽¹⁾	15	—	15	(15)	—
		15	—	15	(15)	—

E175	Aircraft Leased under the CPA	—	—	—	—	—
	Other Covered Aircraft	25	—	25	—	25
		25	—	25	—	25

Total	Aircraft Leased under the CPA⁽²⁾⁽³⁾	48	(3)	45	(6)	39
	Other Covered Aircraft	66	(5)	61	(20)	41
		114	(8)	106	(26)	80

(1)	The 15 CRJ200s are currently non-operational under the CPA.
(2)	After 2026, the 39 owned aircraft leased under the CPA have lease expiry dates from 2027 to 2033. Air Canada will determine the composition of the Covered Aircraft fleet on the condition that the fleet must have a minimum of 80 aircraft with 75-78 seats. As leases in respect of owned aircraft mature, the minimum 80 Covered Aircraft fleet will be composed of owned aircraft with lease extensions and/or other Covered Aircraft sourced by Air Canada.
(3)	Lease expiry dates for owned aircraft are as follows: Dash 8-400s: six expiries in November 2027, seven expiries in 2028 and 12 expiries in 2030; and for CRJ900s: five in 2028, eight in 2032 and one in 2033.

Jazz has started the initial phase of an extensive cabin refurbishment program for aircraft operated under the Air Canada Express brand. This refurbishment program includes upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity, larger overhead storage bins, new lightweight seats, in-seat power supply, and refreshed cabin interiors for the E-175s and CRJ900s. In addition, a select number of Dash 8-400s will receive Wi-Fi connectivity for Toronto Billy Bishop service along with Jazz's previous announcement in May 2024 that its Dash 8-400 fleet would receive new lightweight seats as part of an emission reductions initiative. All 39 owned aircraft leased under the CPA post 2026 are included in this passenger cabin refurbishment program with all costs associated with the program to be paid by Air Canada.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures in 2025 are expected to be as follows:

(unaudited) (in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Annual Forecast 2025 $
Capital expenditures, excluding aircraft acquisitions	20,000	to	25,000
Capitalized major maintenance overhauls⁽¹⁾	8,000	to	13,000
Aircraft acquisitions and improvements	2,500	to	7,500
	30,500	to	45,500

(1)	The 2025 plan includes between $3.0 million to $7.0 million of costs that are expected to be included in and recovered through the Controllable Costs.

Use of Defined Terms

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this news release have the meanings given to them in management's discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition dated May 6, 2025 (the"MD&A"), which is available on Chorus' website (www.chorusaviation.com) and under Chorus' profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). In this news release, the term "shareholders" refers only to holders of Common Shares.

Investor Conference Call / Audio Webcast

Chorus will hold an analyst call at 9:00 AM ET on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, to discuss the first quarter 2025 financial results. The call may be accessed by dialing 1-888-699-1199. The call will be simultaneously audio webcast via: https://app.webinar.net/p4WRGKaZxQe.

This is a listen-in only audio webcast.

The conference call webcast will be archived on Chorus' website at www.chorusaviation.com under Investors > Reports. A playback of the call can also be accessed until midnight ET, May 14, 2025, by dialing toll-free 1-888-660-6345 and using passcode 88823 # (pound key).

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

This news release references several non-GAAP financial measures and ratios to supplement the analysis of Chorus' results. Chorus uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate and assess performance. These non-GAAP measures are generally numerical measures of Chorus' financial performance, financial position, or cash flows, that include or exclude amounts from the most comparable GAAP measure. As such, these measures are not recognized for financial statement presentation under GAAP, do not have standardized meanings, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities, and should not be considered a substitute for or superior to GAAP results. For further information on non-GAAP measures used in this news release, please refer to Section 17 (Non-GAAP Financial Measures) of the MD&A, which is available on Chorus' website (www.chorusaviation.com) and under Chorus' profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to their nearest GAAP measures are provided below.

Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBT, Adjusted EBITDA

(unaudited) (expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Three months ended March 31,
	2025 $	2024 $	Change $
		(revised)⁽¹⁾
Net income	18,933	12,310	6,623
Less: Net income from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—	6,900	(6,900)
Net income from continuing operations	18,933	5,410	13,523
Add (Deduct) items to get to Adjusted Net Income
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss	(3,551)	7,158	(10,709)
	(3,551)	7,158	(10,709)
Adjusted Net Income	15,382	12,568	2,814
Add (Deduct) items to get to Adjusted EBT
Income tax expense	7,186	3,711	3,475
Adjusted EBT	22,568	16,279	6,289
Add (Deduct) items to get to Adjusted EBITDA
Net interest expense	3,744	9,291	(5,547)
Depreciation and amortization excluding impairment	27,151	26,051	1,100
Foreign exchange loss	3,399	2,392	1,007
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(1)	—	(1)
	34,293	37,734	(3,441)
Adjusted EBITDA	56,861	54,013	2,848

(1)	The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures in accordance with IFRS 5 to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders per Common Share

Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders per Common Share is used by Chorus to assess performance and is calculated as Adjusted Net Income less non-controlling interest and Preferred Share dividends declared, excluding the MOIC.

(unaudited) (expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except per Share amounts)	Three months ended March 31,
	2025 $	2024 $	Change $
		(revised)⁽¹⁾
Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations	15,382	12,568	2,814
Add (Deduct) items to get to Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders
Preferred Share dividends declared	—	(8,848)	8,848
Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders - continuing operations	15,382	3,720	11,662
Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders per Common Share, basic - continuing operations	0.57	0.13	0.44

(1)	The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures in accordance with IFRS 5 to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Leverage Ratio

Leverage Ratio is used by Chorus as a means to measure financial leverage. Leverage Ratio is calculated by dividing Net debt by trailing 12-month Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes Leverage Ratio to be a useful ratio when monitoring and managing debt levels. In addition, as leverage is a measure frequently analyzed for public companies, Chorus has calculated the amount to assist readers in this review. Leverage Ratio should not be construed as a measure of cash flows. Net debt is a key component of capital management for Chorus and provides management with a measure of its net indebtedness.

(unaudited) (expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)	March 31, 2025	December 31, 2024	Change
	$	$	$
		(revised)⁽¹⁾
Long-term debt and lease liabilities (including current portion)	418,437	516,379	(97,942)
Less:
Cash	(74,351)	(222,216)	147,865
Adjusted Net Debt	344,086	294,163	49,923
Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾	211,885	209,037	2,848
Leverage Ratio	1.6	1.4	0.2

(1)	The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures in accordance with IFRS 5 to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure used as an indicator of financial strength and performance. Chorus believes that this measurement is useful as an indicator of its ability to service its debt, meet other ongoing obligations and reinvest in the Corporation and return capital to Common Shareholders. Readers are cautioned that Free Cash Flow does not represent residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures.

Free Cash Flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less net changes in non-cash balances related to operations, capital expenditures excluding aircraft acquisitions and improvements. Following the sale of the RAL business in December 2024, asset sales are no longer considered part of the ordinary course of Chorus' business. Therefore, net proceeds from asset sales are no longer included in Free Cash Flow.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to cash flows from operating activities, which is the most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP:

(unaudited) (expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Three months ended March 31,
	2025	2024	Change
	$	$	$
		(revised)⁽¹⁾
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations	(22,514)	68,216	(90,730)
Add (Deduct)
Net changes in non-cash balances related to operations	69,457	(29,722)	99,179
Capital expenditures, excluding aircraft acquisitions	(3,171)	(3,037)	(134)
Capitalized major maintenance overhauls	(3,218)	(4,768)	1,550
Free Cash Flow	40,554	30,689	9,865

(1)	The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures in accordance with IFRS 5 to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

Adjusted Return on Equity

Adjusted Return on Equity is a non-GAAP financial measure used to gauge a corporation's profitability and how efficient it is in generating profits. Adjusted Return on Equity is calculated based on Chorus' Adjusted Net Income less non-controlling interest and Preferred Share dividends declared, excluding the MOIC, divided by Average Shareholders' equity excluding non-controlling interest, Preferred Shares and cash.

(unaudited) (expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars)	Trailing 12-months ended
	March 31,	December 31,
	2025	2024	Change
	$	$	$
		(revised)⁽¹⁾

Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations⁽¹⁾	47,261	44,447	2,814
Add (Deduct) items to get to Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders
Preferred Share dividends declared, excluding MOIC⁽²⁾	(8,979)	(17,827)	8,848
Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders⁽²⁾	38,282	26,620	11,662


Average equity attributable to Common Shareholders excluding cash
Average Shareholders' equity	906,317	896,209	10,108
Add (Deduct) items to get to average equity attributable to Common Shareholders excluding cash
Average Non-controlling interest	(45,838)	(43,293)	(2,545)
Average Preferred Shares	(187,609)	(187,609)	—
Average Cash⁽¹⁾	(48,101)	(126,385)	78,284
	624,769	538,922	85,847
Adjusted Return on Equity⁽¹⁾	6.1 %	4.9 %	1.2 %

(1)	The results of discontinued operations (RAL segment) have been excluded from prior period figures in accordance with IFRS 5 to conform to current period presentation. All amounts presented and discussed in this release are from continuing operations unless otherwise noted.
(2)	Adjusted Earnings available to Common Shareholders excludes the MOIC payment in December 2024 of $91.2 million as the Preferred Shares were redeemed early due to the sale of the RAL business.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate", "believe", "could", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "plan", "potential", "predict", "project", "will", "would", and similar terms and phrases, including negative versions thereof. All information and statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking and by their nature, are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual future results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information. As a result, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information included in this news release will prove to be accurate or correct.

Examples of forward-looking information in this news release include the discussion in the Outlook section and statements regarding Chorus' future performance, growth prospects and the ability to return capital to Common Shareholders. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking information for a number of reasons including: changes in the aviation industry and general economic conditions; the emergence of disputes with contractual counterparties (including under the CPA); a deterioration in Air Canada's financial condition; any default by Chorus under debt covenants; asset impairments; changes in law; litigation; the imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports or imports or adverse changes to existing trade agreements and/or relationships; and the risk factors in Chorus' Annual Information Form dated February 19, 2025, and in Chorus' public disclosure record available under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents Chorus' expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and is subject to change after such date. Chorus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing factors and risks are not exhaustive.

About Chorus Aviation Inc.

Chorus is a holding company which owns the following principal operating subsidiaries: Jazz Aviation, the largest regional operator in Canada and provider of regional air services under the Air Canada Express brand; Voyageur Aviation, a leading provider of specialty charter, aircraft modifications, parts provisioning and in-service support services; and Cygnet Aviation Academy, an industry leading accredited training academy preparing pilots for direct entry into airlines. Together, Chorus' subsidiaries provide services that encompass every stage of an aircraft's lifecycle, including: contract flying, aircraft refurbishment, engineering, modification, repurposing and transition; aircraft and component maintenance, disassembly, and parts provisioning; aircraft acquisition and leasing; and pilot training.

Chorus Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 'CHR'. Chorus' 6.00% Convertible Senior Unsecured Debentures due June 30, 2026, and 5.75% Senior Unsecured Debentures due June 30, 2027 trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols 'CHR.DB.B' and 'CHR.DB.C' respectively. For further information on Chorus, please visit www.chorusaviation.com.

SOURCE Chorus Aviation Inc.