Alaska Air Group, Inc., (Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air) (Seattle/Tacoma) today reported first quarter 2015 GAAP net income of $149 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, compared to $94 million, or $0.68 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2014. Excluding the impact of mark-to-market fuel hedge adjustments, the company reported record adjusted net income of $149 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $89 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in 2014.
“Our record first quarter results reflect lower fuel prices, but more importantly the tremendous loyalty of our customers in Seattle and across our system” said CEO Brad Tilden. “It is gratifying to see such strong growth and financial results given unprecedented competition. I want to thank our incredible employees who continue to rise to the challenge and deliver outstanding experiences to our customers.”
Financial Highlights:
Reported record first quarter net income, excluding special items, of $149 million – a 67% increase over the first quarter of 2014.
Reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.12 per diluted share, a 75% increase over the first quarter of 2014 and ahead of First Call analyst consensus estimate of $1.10 per share.
Earned net income for the first quarter under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $149 million or $1.12 per diluted share, compared to net income of $94 million, or $0.68 per diluted share in 2014.
Recorded $26 million of employee incentive pay in recognition of Air Group employees’ progress on meeting customer service, safety, operational and financial goals.
Increased fuel efficiency (as measured by seat-miles per gallon) by 2.5% compared to the first quarter of 2014, as part of our effort to be the airline leader in environmental stewardship.
Generated record adjusted pretax margin in the first quarter of 18.9% compared to 11.8% in 2014.
Generated 18.8% adjusted pretax margin for the trailing 12-month period ended March 31, 2015, compared to 13.6% for the same period in the prior year.
Achieved trailing 12-month after-tax return on invested capital of 20.1% compared to 14.8% in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2014.
Repurchased 1.6 million shares of common stock for $102 million in the first quarter of 2015, representing 1.2% of the total shares outstanding at the beginning of the year.
Paid a $0.20 per-share quarterly cash dividend on March 10, 2015, a 60% increase over the dividend declared in the first quarter of 2014.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737-890 N535AS (msn 35200) with Split Scimitar Winglets climbs away from Los Angeles International Airport.
Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show: 
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Filed under: Alaska Air Group, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Horizon, Horizon Air Tagged: 35200, 737, 737-800, 737-890, Alaska Air Group, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Horizon, Boeing, Boeing 737, Boeing 737-800, Horizon Air, LAX, Los Angeles, N535AS
