6-K 1 d586993d6k.htm FORM 6-K Form 6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of August, 2013.

Commission File Number 1-14728

 

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

Presidente Riesco 5711, 20th floor

Las Condes

Santiago, Chile

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  x              Form 40-F  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ¨

 

 

 


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LATAM AIRLINES GROUP REPORTS CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR SECOND QUARTER 2013, MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE MERGER

Santiago, Chile, August 20, 2013 – LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (NYSE: LFL; IPSA: LAN; BOVESPA: LATM11), the leading airline group in Latin America, announced today its consolidated financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. “LATAM” or “the Company” makes reference to the consolidated entity, which includes passenger and cargo airlines in Latin America. All figures were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and are expressed in U.S. dollars. The Brazilian real / US dollar average exchange rate for the quarter was BRL 2.07 per USD.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTS ON MERGER PROGRESS AND SECOND QUARTER 2013 RESULTS

The second quarter of 2013 marks the first anniversary of the merger between LAN Airlines S.A. (“LAN”) and TAM S.A. (“TAM”). We are satisfied with our progress during the first twelve months since the merger was completed, and can highlight important milestones achieved during this period, including the integration of most corporate functions and of the commercial areas of both cargo and international passenger operations. In addition, we have harmonized the airlines’ frequent flyer programs, and have made significant progress in contract renegotiations and procurement standardization, and are in the process of implementing a plan to transfer best practices across multiple areas of the Company. Furthermore, we are also working on the integration of information systems, having started the design for the implementation of SAP in TAM, as well as establishing common platforms in revenue management and maintenance, among others. These initiatives have resulted in improved financial results, and place us on solid ground to continue to implement operational improvements going forward.

In the domestic Brazil passenger operations, which represents 34% of LATAM’s total passenger capacity, financial results have improved significantly over the last year as a result of our strategy of continued capacity reductions and improved market segmentation and revenue management practices. TAM continues to reduce domestic capacity, with a 1% ASK reduction in 2012 and an additional expected ASK reduction of between 7% and 9% for 2013. Our strategy enabled TAM to improve load factors by 9 points to 77.8% and to increase revenue per ASK by more than 14% when measured in Brazilian reais as compared to the second quarter of 2012, consolidating its leadership position in the Brazilian market and reaching 40.3% market share as of June 2013.

Regarding the Company’s international passenger operations, our strategy is focused on rationalizing passenger capacity both in Brazil and the Spanish speaking countries. We expect capacity growth on international routes to reach between 2% and 4% in 2013, which implies a reduction of approximately 10% in international ASKs in December 2013 as compared to December 2012. This reduction is mainly driven by reducing flights from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport to Europe and consolidating operations at the São Paulo Guarulhos Airport, strengthening Guarulhos’ position as the main hub for regional and long haul traffic in South America. The international capacity reductions in Brazil are achieved in part by grounding the ten oldest and least efficient Airbus A330s, and replacing part of this capacity with Boeing 767s from LAN, which have a lower cost per ASK. This change also allows us to improve our product for our premium passengers, including full flat seats in Business Class. We have also focused on optimizing the utilization of the belly capacity of our wide body aircraft for the transportation of cargo, in order to benefit from the competitive advantage provided by our integrated passenger and cargo business model.

An important milestone for TAM’s international passenger operations is its code share agreement signed with American Airlines, which was launched on August 15, 2013, after being approved by CADE. In the United States, TAM operates

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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flights to Miami, New York and Orlando, while its existing code share agreements provide connectivity from hubs in Chicago and Houston. Through this code share with American Airlines, TAM will be able to provide its passengers with improved connectivity, offering 50 additional destinations in the United States by connecting with American Airlines flights departing from Miami, Orlando and New York. In addition, American Airlines customers will be able to access eight new destinations in Brazil through flights operated by TAM from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The agreement will also allow passengers to earn and redeem miles in either airline’s frequent flyer programs.

We are convinced that the macroeconomic conditions in Latin America, with depreciated currencies in most countries and higher volatility, require a conservative and flexible fleet plan. In line with the Company’s capacity strategy for the international and domestic passenger operations, and considering the macroeconomic outlook for the region, LATAM has modified its fleet plan for the period 2013 – 2015, reducing the number of aircraft deliveries by 22 planes, and reducing its fleet commitments over this period accordingly by US$1.1 billion as compared to our fleet commitments as of June 2012. However, we retain the flexibility to adjust our ASKs by between 3% and 6% per year in 2014 and 2015, in both the narrow body and wide body fleets.

Regarding synergy capture, during the first year of the merger, between July 2012 and June 2013, LATAM realized US$233 million in merger synergies, before merger-related expenses. One-time merger costs during this period reached US$103 million. We expect merger synergies to be between US$250 and US$300 million for full year 2013 and we remain confident in our synergy target of between US$600 and US$700 million, to be fully achieved by the fourth year after the merger (June 2016).

LATAM has also implemented cost reduction and efficiency initiatives focused on reducing fuel consumption and capturing cost synergies related to the integration of LAN and TAM. As a result of these ongoing initiatives, and a decrease of 9.9% in the fuel price as compared to the same quarter of last year, costs per ASK-equivalent declined 6.2% in the second quarter 2013 as compared to the second quarter 2012 (pro forma).

Despite being the seasonally weakest quarter of the year, LATAM’s second quarter 2013 operating results show a significant improvement as compared to second quarter 2012 pro forma results. These results are a reflection of the integration process of LAN and TAM, the restructuring of operations in Brazil, and the implementation of important long term strategic initiatives over the past year since the merger, also positively impacted by a decrease in fuel prices. The Company reported operating income of US$39.4 million for the second quarter 2013, a substantial increase as compared to the US$117.0 million pro forma operating loss in second quarter 2012, despite the 5.3% average depreciation of the Brazilian real in the second quarter of 2013, as compared to the second quarter of 2012. The Company’s operating margin reached 1.3%, an increase of 5.1 points compared to negative 3.8% in the second quarter 2012.

Factoring in a non-operating non-cash loss of US$361 million related to the 10.4% depreciation of the Brazilian real at June 30, 2013 as compared to the exchange rate on March 31, 2013, LATAM reported a net loss of US$329.8 million for second quarter 2013, compared to a pro forma consolidated net loss of US$448.8 million for the same period 2012. The Company is advancing in its plan to reduce its balance sheet exposure to the volatility in the foreign exchange rate fluctuations of the Brazilian currency, and expects to reduce this exposure completely by mid-2014.

The second quarter 2013 marks the first anniversary of the exchange offer that combined the businesses of LAN and TAM on June 22, 2012. As a result, in accordance with IFRS, as of June 30, 2013, the Company has finalized the purchase price allocation and the related fair value adjustments to assets and liabilities accounted for in the business combination.

Finally, starting with this second quarter report, and in order to provide greater visibility to the investor community, LATAM has decided to complement the information historically disclosed by providing full-year operating margin guidance on a quarterly basis going forward. Currently, the Company expects its consolidated operating margin to be between 4% and 6% for full year 2013, assuming an average exchange rate of approximately BRL/USD 2.30 and a jet fuel price of US$ 122 per barrel for the second semester of 2013.

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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LATAM AIRLINES GROUP CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER 2013

Following is the LATAM Airlines Group Consolidated Income Statement for second quarter 2013, in thousands of US dollars. Pro forma results for second quarter 2012 are presented for comparison purposes.

 

     For the three month period ended June 30  
     2013     2012     % Change  

REVENUE

      

Passenger

     2,520,129        2,554,638        -1.4

Cargo

     486,527        478,244        1.7

Other

     92,255        56,149        64.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE

     3,098,911        3,089,031        0.3

EXPENSES

      

Wages and Benefits

     -639,973        -638,874        0.2

Aircraft Fuel

     -1,027,596        -1,158,205        -11.3

Commissions to Agents

     -89,244        -110,276        -19.1

Depreciation and Amortization

     -250,944        -261,716        -4.1

Other Rental and Landing Fees

     -339,692        -343,395        -1.1

Passenger Services

     -85,919        -66,394        29.4

Aircraft Rentals

     -92,713        -103,294        -10.2

Aircraft Maintenance

     -128,969        -128,947        0.0

Other Operating Expenses

     -404,501        -394,922        2.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

     -3,059,551        -3,206,023        -4.6

OPERATING INCOME

     39,360        -116,992        -133.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Margin

     1.3     -3.8     5.1 pp   

Interest Income

     9,921        38,106        -74.0

Interest Expense

     -116,251        -122,271        -4.9

Other Income (Expense)

     -386,570        -435,557        -11.2

INCOME BEFORE TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST

     -453,540        -636,714        -28.8

Income Taxes

     130,695        190,385        -31.4

INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST

     -322,845        -446,329        -27.7

Attributable to:

      

Shareholders

     -329,830        -448,793        -26.5

Minority Interest

     6,985        2,464        183.5

NET INCOME

     -329,830        -448,793        -26.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Margin

     -10.6     -14.5     3.9 pp   

Effective Tax Rate

     28.4     29.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

     290,304        144,724        100.6

EBITDA Margin

     9.4     4.7     4.7 pp.   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDAR

     383,017        248,018        54.4

EBITDAR Margin

     12.4     8.0     4.3 pp.   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note: Complete quarterly pro forma income statement information can be found on the Company’s website at “http://www.latamairlinesgroup.net”

Note: The LATAM financial statements for 2012 from which the pro forma financial statements have been prepared, have been retrospectively revised as described further below in this press release under “Retrospective Revision of Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2012.”

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF SECOND QUARTER 2013 RESULTS

LATAM Airlines Group reported a significant improvement in terms of operating income in the second quarter 2012, which reached US$39.4 million as compared to an operating loss of US$117.0 million in the second quarter 2012. Operating margin reached 1.3%, which represents an improvement of 5.1 percentage points when compared to the same period in 2012. Despite being seasonally the weakest quarter of the year, this result reflects important improvements in revenue and cost management that LATAM has been able to achieve as we continue to capture efficiencies and expected merger synergies.

The net loss in this quarter amounted to US$329.8 million, a decrease of 26.5% as compared to a pro forma net loss of US$448.8 in the second quarter 2012. This already includes the impact on our results of a 10.4% devaluation of the Brazilian real against the US dollar in the quarter versus the prior quarter.

Total revenues in the second quarter 2013 reached US$3,098.9 million compared to pro forma revenues of US$3,089.0 million in second quarter 2012. The increase of 0.3% is a result of a 1.7% increase in cargo revenues and a 64.3% increase in other revenues, partially offset by a 1.4% decrease in passenger revenues. These variations include the negative impact of the 5.3% average depreciation of the Brazilian real in the second quarter 2013 as compared to the second quarter 2012 on revenues denominated in that currency. Passenger and cargo revenues accounted for 81.3% and 15.7% of total revenues, respectively, in second quarter 2013.

Passenger revenues decreased 1.4% during the quarter despite a 1.9% increase in passenger traffic, as a result of a slight decrease in capacity due to our initiatives in Brazil, and a 3.2% decrease in yields as compared to second quarter 2012. Load factor increased from 77.2% to 79.1%. Overall, revenues per ASK (RASK) decreased 0.7% as compared to second quarter 2012, including the effect of the devaluation of the Brazilian real on revenues denominated in that currency during the second quarter 2013.

During the second quarter 2013, the domestic operations of the Company’s Spanish speaking countries (SSC) continued to show strong traffic growth. Passenger traffic growth during the quarter reached 12.6%, while passenger capacity as measured in ASKs grew 15.3%. Load factors reached 74.8%, 1.8 percentage points lower than 2012, leading to a decline in revenue per ASK.

In the domestic Brazil passenger operations, financial results have improved significantly over the last year as a result of our strategy of continued capacity reductions and improved market segmentation and revenue management practices. This strategy enabled TAM to improve its load factors by 9 percentage points in the second quarter 2013 as compared to the second quarter 2012, reaching 77.8%, and to improve revenue per ASK by more than 14% when measured in Brazilian reais. RASK also increased in US dollar terms, despite the 5.3% average depreciation of the Brazilian currency during the quarter as compared to the second quarter 2012.

During the second quarter 2013, the international passenger operations of LATAM Airlines Group continued to be impacted by increased capacity from international carriers flying to South America, as well as by weak European markets both of which impacted unit revenues. Passenger capacity of LAN and TAM on international routes grew 3.6% during the second quarter as compared to the second quarter of 2012. Traffic grew 0.6% which resulted in a decline of 2.5 percentage points in load factors.

Cargo revenues increased 1.7% during second quarter 2013 as a result of a 3.3% increase in cargo traffic, partially offset by a 1.5% decrease in yields. Capacity increased 3.2%, resulting in a slight increase in cargo load factors. The increase in cargo traffic was mainly driven by delayed seasonal demand. On the other hand, the decrease in yields reflects the

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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challenging scenario in Latin American cargo markets due to a decline in demand on routes to Latin America, especially imports into Brazil, as well as increased competitive pressures from regional and international cargo carriers. This decline also reflects the impact of the 5.3% depreciation of the Brazilian real during the second quarter 2013 on cargo revenues in the Brazilian domestic market.

The increase in capacity is a result of the incorporation of two new Boeing 777 freighters during the second half of 2012 as well as additional belly capacity with the incorporation of new wide body aircraft in our passenger operations, partially offset by capacity adjustments in the freighter fleet.

The Company continued to successfully optimize the utilization of the bellies of its passenger aircraft to realize synergies associated with the Company’s integrated passenger/cargo business model.

Other revenues increased 64.3%, amounting to US$92.3 million during the second quarter 2013. This increase was mainly explained by growth in revenues from handling and aircraft leases, as well as increased revenues from Multiplus resulting from breakage and non-air redemptions. In addition, the Company recognized a one-time gain of US$ 12 million related to the sale and lease-back of 10 Airbus A330 aircraft and US$ 3 million from the sale of a spare engine.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter 2013 reached US$3,059.6 million, a 4.6% reduction as compared to pro forma operating expenses in the second quarter 2012. This resulted in a 6.2% reduction in cost per ASK equivalent (including net financial expenses). The reduction in costs reflects a 9.9% decline in the average fuel price per gallon. Excluding fuel, cost per ASK equivalent decreased 3.1%, as a result of cost synergies and efficiencies related to the integration process between LAN and TAM, as well as the positive impact of the depreciation of the Brazilian real on certain cost items. Changes in operating expenses were mainly due to the following.

 

   

Wages and benefits increased 0.2% driven by an increase of 2.6% in average headcount, which was partially offset by the positive impact of a 5.3% average depreciation of the Brazilian real during the quarter as compared to the second quarter 2012.

 

   

Fuel costs decreased 11.3% mainly driven by a 1.2% decrease in fuel gallons consumed, in line with the Company’s fuel efficiency programs and a change in mix between narrow body and wide body aircraft, as well as a 9.9% decrease in the average fuel price per gallon. In addition, the Company recognized a US$1.6 million fuel hedge gain, compared to a US$3.0 million fuel hedge loss in the second quarter of 2012.

 

   

Commissions to agents decreased 19.1% due to a 15.7% and 32.2% decrease in average passenger and cargo commissions respectively.

 

   

Depreciation and amortization decreased 4.1% mainly as a result of the sale and lease-back of 10 Airbus A330 aircraft in June 2013 and the 5.3% depreciation of the Brazilian currency during the quarter as compared to the second quarter 2012.

 

   

Other rental and landing fees decreased 1.1% mainly due to a decrease in aeronautical rates as a result of efficiency initiatives at TAM, partially offset by a $3.5 million charge related to the conflict with Intercargo in Argentina.

 

   

Passenger service expenses increased 29.4% driven by a 2.8% increase in the number of passengers transported and an increase in the service cost per passenger.

 

   

Aircraft rentals decreased 10.2% as a result of the return of 13 aircraft under operational leases over the past 12 months, partially offset by the arrival of 4 leased aircraft.

 

   

Maintenance expenses had no variation despite a larger fleet, as a result of the fleet renewal initiatives.

 

   

Other operating expenses increased 2.4% mainly due to increased marketing and other sales costs.

 

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Non-operating results

 

   

Interest income decreased from US$38.1 million in second quarter 2012 to US$9.9 million in second quarter 2013 mainly due to a lower average cash balance during the quarter, as well as lower interest rates and the impact of the depreciation of the Brazilian real on cash balances denominated in that currency.

 

   

Interest expense decreased from US$122.3 million in second quarter 2012 to US$116.3 million in same quarter 2013, mainly due to a lower average interest rate, partially offset by a higher debt due to new fleet purchases.

 

   

Under Other income (expense), the Company recorded a US$386.6 million loss, mainly due to US$ 361 million foreign exchange loss as a result of the 10.4% depreciation of the Brazilian real between March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013. This compares to a US$435.6 million loss in the second quarter 2012, which included a foreign exchange loss of US$ 431 million recognized at TAM.

ACCOUNTING IMPACT OF THE BUSINESS COMBINATION

The merger between LAN and TAM has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, with LAN treated as the acquirer of TAM. The purchase price was determined in accordance with IFRS 3, as the sum of the fair value of the delivered shares of LAN plus the payment in cash related to the squeeze-out of the remaining TAM shareholders. Following this criteria, the total purchase price as of June 22, 2012 was US$ 3,782.2 million.

Following the business combination, certain TAM assets and liabilities which were accounted for at historical values were incorporated into the LATAM consolidated balance sheet at their fair value, as required by applicable accounting principles. Applicable accounting standards provide a one year measurement period, requiring fair value adjustments completed during that period to be adjusted against previously reported goodwill. As of June 30, 2013, the purchase price allocation has been completed. Previously reported goodwill has been adjusted to reflect fair value changes in this one year period. The final purchase price allocation includes goodwill of US$ 3,726 million.

During the measurement period, the main adjustments to the balance sheet of LATAM during this one-year period were related to the fair values of the following: (i) airport slots (Congonhas, JFK and Heathrow airports); (ii) the Multiplus loyalty coalition program; (iii) fleet; and (iv) other provisions, including legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities with a probability of loss below 50%, which ordinarily may not be recognized in the Company’s financial statements but, which, in accordance with IFRS 3, must be accounted for at fair value under a business combination.

Retrospective Revision of Financial Statements for Fiscal Year 2012

The LATAM financial statements included in this second quarter report have been retrospectively revised as described below.

As required by IFRS 3, LATAM reexpressed its balance sheet to account for the changes in the purchase price allocation as a result of the fair value adjustments mentioned above, which resulted in an increase in the Company’s assets (other than goodwill) of US$ 485 million as of December 31, 2012 and an increase of US$ 1,039 million in liabilities, resulting in a goodwill of US$ 3,726 million.

In addition, following our analysis of the fair value calculations as part of the final purchase price allocation, we identified certain errors to the TAM historical financial statements which occurred in 2012 and prior periods. These errors are not material to LATAM, but may be material for TAM and, as such, may require the restatement of TAM’s financial statements for 2012 and/or prior years. The errors in TAM’s balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, amount to a total of US$599 million, of which US$416 million are related to revenues and deferred revenues, and US$183 million are related to taxes and deferred taxes. These errors resulted in the retroactive revision of the LATAM income statement for 2012 to correct these errors and to reflect other nominal adjustments, and was taken into account in the final purchase price allocation relating to the merger with TAM.

 

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Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of LATAM for 2012 have been retroactively revised to reflect both the correction of the items identified in TAM’s historical financial statements, as well as the fair value adjustments. These revisions resulted in decreases in LATAM’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 in an aggregate amount of US$30 million. These revisions do not have any significant impact on LATAM’s results or cash flow generation for any period after December 31, 2012.

FINANCING AND LIQUIDITY

Following are summary consolidated balance sheet indicators for LATAM Airlines Group as of June 30, 2013, in thousands of US dollars.

 

     As of June 30,      As of December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Total Assets

     21,726,902         22,326,339   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     17,005,057         17,105,654   

Total Equity

     4,721,845         5,220,685   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders equity

     21,726,902         22,326,339   

Net Debt

     

Current and long term portion of loans from financial institutions

     7,270,828         6,471,737   

Current and long term portion of obligations under capital leases

     2,518,622         3,087,820   

Other liabilities current and long term portion

     178,246         199,950   

Cash and cash equivalents

     -1,241,984         -1,120,335   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Net Debt

     8,725,712         8,639,172   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

Main Financial Ratios

 

     As of June 30,     As of December 31,  
     2013     2012  

Cash and Equivalents as % of LTM revenues

     9.3     8.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Gross Debt (US$)

     13,327,104        13,150,171   

Adjusted Gross Debt / EBITDAR (LTM)

     7.17        8.04   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Net Debt (US$)

     12,085,120        12,029,836   

Adjusted Net Debt / EBITDAR (LTM)

     6.50        7.35   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At the end of the second quarter 2013, LATAM reported US$ 1,242.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, including certain highly liquid investments accounted for as other current financial assets. In addition, as of June 30, 2013, the Company reported deposits with aircraft manufacturers (pre-delivery payments) of US$844 million, US$559 million of which were funded directly by LATAM. Furthermore, as of June 2013, LATAM Airlines Group had US$208 million in committed credit lines with Chilean and international banks, of which US$160 million have been utilized in short-term financings with the corresponding banks.

 

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On June 11, 2013, an Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting of LATAM approved the Company’s proposed capital increase of up to 63.5 million new shares. The capital increase is expected to be accomplished through a preemptive rights offering in Chile and outside of Chile, for the purpose of financing part of LATAM’s investment plan for the following years, especially fleet growth and renewal requirements, as well as to strengthen the financial position of the Company. Up to 1.5 million of the new shares will be allocated to the Company’s stock option plans, in accordance with Chilean corporate law.

The Board of Directors of LATAM will determine the price, mechanism, timing, procedures and other conditions for the issuance of the new shares, including but not limited to all the terms and conditions of the Company’s compensation plans. The Company is currently working to satisfy the regulatory requirements necessary to register the new shares and is working to launch the preemptive rights offering towards the end of the fourth quarter of 2013.

Since the completion of the business combination with TAM, future fleet deliveries for LAN and TAM are being incorporated at LATAM Airlines Group. The new focus of LATAM in terms of fleet financing will be a combination of ECA-supported transactions in both loan and bond formats, sale & leaseback transactions and commercial financing including senior and junior debt and tax-based structures. The typical tenor for these financings is twelve years.

One of the objectives of LATAM Airlines Group is to reduce the volatility in the financial results of TAM caused by external factors such as foreign exchange rate and fuel price fluctuations. In order to mitigate the impact of exchange rate variations as a result of the imbalance of TAM’s balance sheet accounts between assets denominated in Brazilian reais and liabilities denominated in US dollars, LATAM is in the process of moving the TAM aircraft and related debt to the LATAM balance sheet, which has the US dollar as its functional currency. In addition, most aircraft delivered after June 22, 2012 have been financed by LATAM Airlines Group, irrespective of whether the aircraft is to be operated by TAM or by LAN. As of June 30, 2013, LATAM has reduced the exposure to the Brazilian real on TAM’s balance sheet from US$4.1 billion on June 30, 2012 to US$2.4 billion, and expects to further reduce it to approximately US$0.9 billion by year end 2013 and to close to zero by June 2014. The volatility caused by exchange rate variations on the cash flows of TAM are expected to be partially mitigated over time as a result of the natural hedge provided by the diversified nature of the cash flows of LATAM Airlines Group.

All hedging activities are carried out by LATAM Airlines Group. The Company aims to offset the impact of fuel price fluctuations through fuel surcharges in both passenger and cargo operations. LATAM has hedged approximately 76% of its estimated fuel consumption for the third quarter of 2013, and 59% of its average estimated fuel consumption for the fourth quarter 2013. The Company’s fuel hedging strategy consists of a combination of collars, swaps and call options for Brent and Jet Fuel.

LATAM FLEET PLAN

Given the Company’s capacity strategy in its domestic and international passenger operations and the macroeconomic outlook for the Latin American markets where we operate, LATAM has modified its fleet plan, resulting in a net reduction in total fleet commitments of US$1.1 billion for the period between 2013 and 2015, a 17% reduction as compared to the fleet plan on June 2012, when LAN and TAM combined.

We have reduced deliveries between 2013 and 2015 by 21 narrowbody aircraft and 1 widebody aircraft. In line with our strategy of increasing fleet efficiency and reducing costs per ASK, our current fleet orders for this period are concentrated on Airbus A321s in the narrow body fleet and Boeing 787s in the wide body fleet.

 

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We are also focused on building and maintaining flexibility in our fleet plan, in order to better face the volatility inherent to operations in most Latin American countries. Our current fleet plan provides us with the flexibility to adjust ASKs by between 3% and 6% per year in 2014 and 2015, in both narrow body and wide body operations.

The changes in our fleet plan are a result of the modification of delivery schedules as well as aircraft sales, sale and leasebacks, and redeliveries, some of which may generate one-time impacts in our results over the coming quarters. In addition, we estimate that grounded aircraft, including the grounding of LAN’s three Boeing 787s between January and May 2013, will generate approximately between US$50 and US$60 million of increased costs during 2013. These costs are being recognized on an ongoing basis in the Company’s income statement as they occur.

During the second quarter 2013, LATAM received 9 Airbus A320s and 3 Boeing 767-300ER. The Company also returned 2 Airbus A319s, 1 Airbus A320 and 1 Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft and sold 2 Airbus A318 aircraft.

LATAM’s current estimated fleet plan and associated financial commitments are shown in the table below.

 

At year end

   2013      2014      2015  

Passenger Aircraft

        

Dash 8-200

     7         5         5   

Dash 8-Q400

     1         0         0   

Boeing 737-700

     6         2         0   

Airbus A319-100

     47         44         41   

Airbus A320-200

     160         161         169   

Airbus A321-200

     10         20         32   

Airbus A330-200

     20         10         10   

Boeing 767-300

     43         37         35   

Airbus A340-300/500

     3         3         0   

Boeing 777-300 ER

     10         10         10   

Boeing 787-8/-9

     5         10         17   

TOTAL

     312         302         319   

Cargo Aircraft

        

Boeing 777-200F

     4         4         4   

Boeing 767-300F

     11         11         11   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     15         15         15   

TOTAL FLEET

     327         317         334   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Fleet Commitments (US$ millions)

     1,953         1,343         1,773   

GUIDANCE

The Company expects total passenger ASK growth for full year 2013 to be between 0% and 2%. International passenger ASK growth for full year 2013 for LATAM Airlines Group is expected to be approximately 2% to 4%. TAM’s domestic passenger ASKs in the Brazilian market are expected to decrease by approximately 7% to 9% during 2013. ASKs in Spanish-speaking countries are expected to increase by approximately 12% to 14%.

 

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Regarding cargo operations, LATAM expects cargo ATK growth between 0% and 2% for full year 2013, mainly driven by the incorporation of two new B777 freighters in September and October 2012, as well as additional belly capacity.

As noted above, starting with this second quarter report, in order to provide greater visibility to the investor community, LATAM has decided to complement the information historically disclosed by providing full-year operating margin guidance on a quarterly basis going forward. Currently, the Company expects operating margin to be between 4% and 6% for full year 2013, assuming an average exchange rate of approximately BRL/USD 2.30 and jet fuel price of US$ 122 per barrel for the second semester of 2013.

LATAM will review its guidance on a quarterly basis to incorporate any important changes in macroeconomic variables or operating performance.

 

          2013 - 2012   Dec 13 - Dec 12

ASK Growth (Passenger)

   Total Network    0% / 2%   approx. -4%
  

International (Long Haul & Regional)

   2% / 4%   approx. -10%
   Brazil Domestic    -7% / -9%   approx. -2%
   SSC Domestic    12% / 14%   approx. 13%

ATK Growth (Cargo)

      0% - 2%  

Synergies (EBITDA)

   (FY 2013)    US$ 250-300mm  

Operating Margin

   (FY 2013)    4% / 6%  

Average Exchange rate (BRL/USD)

   (2H13)    2.30  

Jet Fuel Price (US$ per barrel)

   (2H13)    122  

*****

About LATAM Airlines Group S.A

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. is the new name given to LAN Airlines S.A. as a result of its association with TAM S.A. LATAM Airlines Group S.A. now includes LAN Airlines and its affiliates in Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador, and LAN Cargo and its affiliates, as well as TAM S.A. and its subsidiaries TAM Linhas Aereas S.A., including its business units TAM Transportes Aereos del Mercosur S.A., TAM Airlines (Paraguay) and Multiplus S.A. This association creates one of the largest airline groups in the world in terms of network connections, providing passenger transport services to about 135 destinations in 22 countries and cargo services to about 144 destinations in 27 countries, with a fleet of 316 aircraft. In total, LATAM Airlines Group S.A. has more than 53,000 employees and its shares are traded in Santiago, as well as on the New York Stock Exchange, in the form of ADRs, and the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange, in the form of BDRs.

Each airline will continue to operate under their current brands and identities. For any inquiry of LAN or TAM, please visit www.lan.com or www.tam.com.br, respectively. Further information at www.latamairlinesgroup.net

*****

This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to sell, purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States or elsewhere. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration, and any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that, when filed, may be obtained from LATAM and will contain detailed information about LATAM and its management, as well as financial statements. LATAM intends to register the proposed preemptive rights offering in the United States.

******

Note on Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe” or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on LATAM’s current plans,, estimates and projections and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of LATAM’s control and difficult to predict. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors and uncertainties include in particular those described in the documents we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them, whether in light of new information, future events or otherwise.

LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

Consolidated Operational Statistics

 

     For the three month period ended     For the six month period ended  
     June 30     June 30  
     2013     2012     % Change     2013     2012     % Change  

System

            

ASKs-equivalent (millions)

     51,499        51,071        0.8     106,504        104,198        2.2

RPKs-equivalent (millions)

     36,637        35,801        2.3     75,490        73,091        3.3

Overall Load Factor (based on ASK-equivalent)%

     71.1     70.1     1.0 pp        70.9     70.1     0.7 pp   

Break-Even Load Factor (based on ASK-equivalent)%

     72.7     74.7     -2.0 pp        72.2     66.3     5.9 pp   

Yield based on RPK-equivalent (US Cents)

     8.2        8.5        -3.1     8.4        8.6        -2.6

Operating Revenues per ASK-equivalent (US Cents)

     5.8        5.9        -1.7     6.0        6.0        -1.6

Costs per ASK-equivalent (US Cents)

     6.2        6.6        -6.2     6.2        6.5        -5.1

Fuel Gallons Consumed (millions)

     308        312        -1.2     638        637        0.2

Average Trip Length (thousands km)

     1.6        1.6        -0.9     1.6        1.6        -0.7

Total Number of Employees

     54,118        52,759        2.6     54,118        52,759        2.6

Passenger

            

ASKs (millions)

     31,426        31,620        -0.6     65,829        64,905        1.4

RPKs (millions)

     24,861        24,401        1.9     52,152        50,129        4.0

Passengers Transported (thousands)

     15,579        15,155        2.8     32,192        30,724        4.8

Load Factor (based on ASKs) %

     79.1     77.2     1.9 pp        79.2     77.2     2.0 pp   

Yield based on RPKs (US Cents)

     10.1        10.5        -3.2     10.3        10.7        -3.1

Revenues per ASK (US cents)

     8.0        8.1        -0.7     8.2        8.2        -0.6

Cargo

            

ATKs (millions)

     1,907        1,848        3.2     3,864        3,733        3.5

RTKs (millions)

     1,119        1,083        3.3     2,217        2,181        1.6

Tons Transported (thousands)

     290        283        2.4     620        554        11.8

Load Factor (based on ATKs) %

     58.7     58.6     0.1 pp        57.4     58.4     -1.1 pp   

Yield based on RTKs (US Cents)

     43.5        44.2        -1.5     42.7        43.7        -2.3

Revenues per ATK (US Cents)

     25.5        25.9        -1.4     24.5        25.6        -4.1

Note: ASK-equivalent is the sum of passenger ASKs and the quotient of cargo ATK and 0.095 (including LAN and TAM cargo operations)

Note: Historical pro forma figures are presented for comparison purposes. Complete quarterly pro forma statistics for 2011 and 2012 can be found on the Company’s website at www.latamairlinesgroup.net.

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

Consolidated Balance Sheet (in thousands of US Dollars)

 

     As of June 30, 2013     As of December 31, 2012  

Assets:

    

Cash, and cash equivalents

     790,929        650,263   

Other financial assets

     540,311        636,543   

Other non-financial assets

     229,342        169,821   

Trade and other accounts receivable

     1,708,613        1,417,531   

Accounts receivable from related entities

     1,294        15,187   

Inventories

     207,066        176,818   

Tax assets

     233,635        210,368   

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale

     10,894        47,655   

Total current assets

     3,722,084        3,324,186   

Property and equipment

     11,219,919        11,807,076   

Goodwill

     3,890,181        4,213,160   

Intangible assets other than goodwill

     2,202,507        2,382,399   

Other non-current assets

     692,211        590,514   

Total non-current assets

     18,004,818        19,002,153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     21,726,902        22,326,339   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:

    

Other financial liabilities

     2,288,537        2,047,330   

Trade and other accounts payables

     1,579,466        1,689,990   

Tax liabilities

     107,284        115,481   

Other non-financial liabilities

     2,508,076        2,444,766   

Total current liabilities

     6,483,363        6,297,567   

Other financial liabilities

     7,662,477        7,698,857   

Accounts payable

     1,012,618        1,085,601   

Other provisions

     1,176,931        1,306,872   

Deferred tax liabilities

     541,165        579,339   

Employee benefits

     41,653        38,095   

Other non-financial liabilities

     86,850        99,323   

Total non-current liabilities

     10,521,694        10,808,087   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     17,005,057        17,105,654   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share capital

     1,605,165        1,501,018   

Retained earnings

     800,711        1,076,136   

Treasury Shares

     (178     (203

Other reserves

     2,222,417        2,535,100   

Equity attributable to the parent company’s equity holders

     4,628,115        5,112,051   

Minority interest

     93,730        108,634   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net equity

     4,721,845        5,220,685   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     21,726,902        22,326,339   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow Direct Method

 

     As of June 30, 2013     As of June 30, 2012  

Cash flow from operating activities

    

Cash collections from operating activities

    

Proceeds from sales of goods and services

     6,281,216        3,263,996   

Other cash receipts from operating activities

     7,373        28,308   

Payments for operating activities

    

Payments to suppliers for goods and services

     (4,920,124     (2,443,298

Payments to and on behalf of employees

     (1,250,371     (515,103

Other payments for operating activities

     (18,213     (18,000

Interest Received

     4,939        6,729   

Income Taxes refunded (paid)

     (47,493     (29,470

Other cash inflows (outflows)

     46,381        5,622   

Net cash flows from operating activities

     103,708        298,784   

Cash flow used in investing activities

    

Other cash receipts from sales of equity or debt instruments of other entities

     (59,346     77,312   

Amounts raised from sale of property, plant and equipment

     154,799        42   

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (907,467     (450,607

Purchases of intangible assets

     (13,408     (19,832

Payment from other long-term assets

     14,386        —     

Other cash inflows (outflows)

     77,334        269,464   

Net cash flows used in investing activities

     (733,702     (123,621

Cash flow from (used in) financing activities

    

Amounts raised from issuance of shares

     104,351        10,226   

Payments to acquire or redeem the shares of the entity

     (148     (203

Amounts raised from long-term loans

     1,147,107        179,578   

Amounts raised from short-term loans

     535,940        110,000   

Loans repayment

     (550,142     (245,204

Payments of finance lease liabilities

     (240,279     (48,303

Dividends paid

     (18,518     (103,517

Interest paid

     (173,715     (55,215

Other cash inflows (outflows)

     (33,810     60,694   

Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities

     770,786        (91,944

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents before effect of exchange rate changes

     140,792        83,219   

Effects of variations in the exchange rate on cash and equivalents

     (126     (79

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     140,666        83,140   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     650,263        374,407   

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

     790,929        457,547   

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


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LATAM Airlines Group S.A.

Consolidated Fleet

 

            As of June 30, 2013         
     Off-Balance      On-Balance      Total  

Passenger Aircraft

        

Dash 8-200

     9         0         9   

Dash 8-Q400

     4         0         4   

Boeing 737-700

     6         0         6   

Airbus A318-100

     0         3         3   

Airbus A319-100

     16         39         55   

Airbus A320-200

     63         87         150   

Airbus A321-200

     1         9         10   

Airbus A330-200

     12         8         20   

Boeing 767-300

     8         37         45   

Airbus A340-300/500

     3         4         7   

Boeing 777-300 ER

     0         8         8   

Boeing 787-8/-9

     0         3         3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     122         198         320   

Flota Carga

        

Boeing 777-200F

     2         2         4   

Boeing 767-300F

     4         8         12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     6         10         16   

TOTAL FLEET

     128         208         336   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE: As of June 30, 2013, 11 aircraft were grounded as a result of sale or redelivery processes (2 Airbus A318s, 4 Dash 8-Q400s, 2 Airbus A340-500s and 3 Airbus A330s).

 

LATAM Airlines Group S.A. 2Q13


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 22, 2013

 

LATAM AIRLINES GROUP S.A.

By:  

/s/ Alejandro de la Fuente

  Name:  

Alejandro de la Fuente

  Title:   Chief Financial Officer