Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.
Hawaiian Holdings disclosed 58 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Hawaiian Holdings reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Risk Overview Q1, 2024
Risk Distribution
31% Finance & Corporate
17% Production
17% Ability to Sell
16% Legal & Regulatory
14% Macro & Political
5% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
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Hawaiian Holdings Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
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No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q1, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 18 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 18 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
58
-2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
58
-2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
0Risks added
2Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Mar 2024
0Risks added
2Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Mar 2024
Number of Risk Changed
0
-2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
-2
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Hawaiian Holdings in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 58
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 18/58 (31%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights7 | 12.1%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about us, or if they issue unfavorable commentary about us or our industry or downgrade the outlook of our common stock, the market price of our common stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that third-party securities analysts publish about us and our industry. One or more analysts could downgrade the outlook for our common stock or issue other negative commentary about us or our industry. Furthermore, if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us, we could lose visibility in the market. In addition, analysts and other market observers assessing our performance and prospects will take into account our existing and future amounts of debt, securities offerings, and any offers by us to repurchase our securities. As a result of one or more of these factors, the market price of our common stock could decline and cause you to lose all or a portion of your investment.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
If Amazon exercises its right to acquire additional shares of our common stock pursuant to its warrants, Amazon may become a significant stockholder.
The warrants issued by us to Amazon grant Amazon the right to purchase, in the aggregate, up to 15%, as of the date of the agreements, of our common stock on a post-issuance basis. If the warrants issued to Amazon, including pursuant to any anti-dilutive adjustments, are exercised, Amazon may become a significant stockholder of our company.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and our issuance of warrants to Amazon, may delay or prevent a change of control, which could materially adversely affect the price of our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may make it difficult to remove our Board of Directors and management, and may discourage or delay a change of control, which could materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock. These provisions include, among others:
- the ability of our Board of Directors to issue, without further action by the stockholders, series of undesignated preferred stock, or rights to acquire preferred stock, that could dilute the interest of, or impair the voting power of, holders of our common stock or could also be used as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change of control;- advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals to be considered at stockholders' meetings and for nominations of candidates for election to our Board of Directors;- the ability of our Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the board;- a prohibition against stockholders taking action by written consent;- a prohibition against stockholders calling special meetings of stockholders; and - super-majority voting requirements to modify or amend specified provisions of our certificate of incorporation.
In addition, some terms of the agreements between us and Amazon may discourage attempts to acquire our company. Amazon is entitled to notice of certain transactions, including transactions that might result in a change of control of Hawaiian, ten days before we enter into a definitive agreement related to such transactions, subject to certain exceptions. Also, the vesting of the warrants issued by us to Amazon will generally, subject to certain exceptions, be accelerated upon a change of control of the Company.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
Our certificate of incorporation includes a provision limiting voting and ownership by non-U.S. citizens and our bylaws include a provision specifying an exclusive forum for stockholder disputes.
To comply with restrictions imposed by federal law on foreign ownership of U.S. airlines, our certificate of incorporation restricts voting of shares of our common stock by non-U.S. citizens. Our certificate of incorporation provides that the failure of non-U.S. citizens to register their shares on a separate stock record, which we refer to as the "foreign stock record," would result in a suspension of their voting rights in the event that the aggregate foreign ownership of the outstanding common stock exceeds the foreign ownership restrictions imposed by federal law.
Our certificate of incorporation further provides that no shares of our common stock will be registered on the foreign stock record if the amount so registered would exceed the foreign ownership restrictions imposed by federal law. If it is determined that the amount registered in the foreign stock record exceeds the foreign ownership restrictions imposed by federal law, shares will be removed from the foreign stock record in reverse chronological order based on the date of registration therein, until the number of shares registered therein does not exceed the foreign ownership restrictions imposed by federal law. As of March 31, 2024, we believe we were in compliance with the foreign ownership rules.
Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court lacks jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located in the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us; (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our current or former directors, officers, stockholders or other employees to us or our stockholders; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers, stockholders or other employees arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws (as each may be amended or restated from time to time); or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or any of our directors, officers or other employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our amended and restated bylaws further provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Accordingly, stockholders may be limited in the forum in which they are able to pursue legal actions against us.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
If Amazon or the Treasury exercise their rights to acquire shares of our common stock pursuant to the outstanding warrants held by them, such exercise will dilute the ownership interests of our then-existing stockholders and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
If Amazon or the Treasury exercise their rights to acquire shares of our common stock pursuant to their warrants, it will dilute the ownership interests of our then-existing stockholders and reduce our earnings per share. In addition, any sales in the public market of any common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants by Amazon or the Treasury, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. Moreover, the warrants include anti-dilution adjustments for certain issuances of common stock or convertible securities by us. If such anti-dilution adjustments are made, Amazon would receive more shares for the exercise of its warrants than before the anti-dilution adjustment, increasing their dilutive impact.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
We do not expect to repurchase our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program or pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
You should not rely on an investment in our common stock to provide dividend income. Although we have historically issued quarterly dividends and repurchased shares, we do not currently anticipate any future dividends or share repurchases and we cannot provide any assurance that we will initiate any dividend or a share repurchase program again in the future. Accordingly, investors may need to rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any return on their investment. Our decision whether to declare dividends or institute a share repurchase program could be based on, amongst other things, our operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Our share price is subject to fluctuations.
The market price of our stock is influenced by many factors, many of which are outside of our control, and include other factors discussed in the Risk Factors section, as well as the following:
- our operating results and financial condition;- how our operating results and financial condition compare to securities analyst expectations, particularly with respect to metrics for which we do not give guidance, including whether those results significantly fail to meet or exceed securities analyst expectations;- changes in the competitive environment in which we operate;- fuel price volatility including the availability of fuel;- announcements concerning our competitors including bankruptcy filings, mergers, restructurings or acquisitions by other airlines;- increases or changes in government regulation;- general and industry specific market conditions;- changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts; and - sales of our common stock or other actions by investors with significant shareholdings.
In recent years the stock market has experienced volatile price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of individual companies. These market fluctuations, as well as general economic conditions, have affected and may continue to affect the price of our common stock.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against a company following periods of volatility in its stock price. This type of litigation, if filed against us, could result in substantial costs and divert our management's attention and resources. In addition, the future sale of a substantial number of shares of common stock by us or by our existing stockholders may have an adverse impact on the market price of our common stock. There can be no assurance that the trading price of our common stock will remain at or near its current level.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 5.2%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We may never realize the full value of our long-lived assets such as aircraft and non-aircraft equipment, resulting in impairment and other related charges that may negatively impact our financial position and results of operations.
Long-lived assets used in operations consist principally of property and equipment and had a carrying value of approximately $2.1 billion as of March 31, 2024. Economic and intrinsic triggers, which include extreme fuel price volatility, an uncertain economic and credit environment, unfavorable trends in historical or forecasted results of operations and cash flows, as well as other uncertainties, may cause us to record material impairments of our long-lived assets. Additionally, we could be subject to impairment charges in the future that could have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations in future periods.
Long-lived assets are tested for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management's judgement, that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amount. To determine whether impairment exists for aircraft used in operations, assets are grouped at the fleet-type level (the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows) and future cash flows are estimated based on projections of capacity, passenger mile yield, fuel costs, labor costs and other relevant factors. If, at any time, management determines the net carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, the amount is reduced to its fair value during the period in which such determination is made.
We continue to evaluate our current fleet and other long-lived assets for impairment accordingly. As of March 31, 2024, our remaining long-lived assets continued to generate future cash flows from operation of the fleet through the respective retirement dates in excess of their respective carrying values.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
Our future earnings and earnings per share, as reported under generally accepted accounting principles, will be impacted by the Amazon warrants.
The warrants held by Amazon are subject to fair value measurements during periods that they are outstanding. Accordingly, future fluctuations in the fair value of the warrants are expected to adversely impact our reported earnings measures from time to time. See Note 11 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements of this report for further information about the warrants issued to Amazon.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards and certain other tax attributes may be limited.
As of March 31, 2024, we had NOLs available to reduce future taxable income of approximately $451.4 million for federal income tax purposes that have indefinite carryover, but are limited to 80% utilization, and approximately $968.8 million for state income tax purposes that will expire, if unused, beginning in 2024. The majority of our state NOLs relate to the state of Hawai'i, most of which have indefinite carryover, but are limited to 80% utilization.
Our ability to use our NOLs will depend on the amount of taxable income generated in future periods. If our financial results continue to be adversely impacted, there can be no assurance that an increase in the valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets will not be required in the future. Such valuation allowance could be material. Additionally, due to our ongoing financial recovery, the NOLs may expire before we can generate sufficient taxable income to use them.
During the first quarter of 2024, we determined that it is no longer more-likely-than-not that our deferred tax assets will be fully realized based on expected sources of future taxable income. As a result, we increased our valuation allowance resulting in the reduction of our annual effective tax rate to approximately 10.0%.
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, if a corporation undergoes an "ownership change," the corporation's ability to use its pre-change NOLs to offset its post-change income may be limited. In general, an "ownership change" will occur if there is a cumulative change in our ownership by "5-percent shareholders" that exceeds 50 percentage points over a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. Our ability to use NOLs to reduce future taxable income and liabilities may be subject to annual limitations as a result of prior ownership changes and ownership changes that may occur in the future.
Debt & Financing4 | 6.9%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Interest rate increases may adversely affect the fair value of our investments
The Federal Reserve's interest rate increases have reduced and could continue to reduce, the fair value of our investments. Reductions in the fair value of our investments could have a negative impact on our earnings and liquidity.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
Our debt could adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and include covenants that impose restrictions on our financial and business operations.
As of March 31, 2024, we had approximately $1.6 billion in outstanding commercial debt, excluding funds borrowed under the federal PSP. Our debt and related covenants could:
- require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for other purposes;- limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;- limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our debt, our ability to borrow additional funds;- place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to other less leveraged competitors and competitors with debt agreements on more favorable terms than us; and - adversely affect our ability to secure additional financing in the future on acceptable terms or at all, which would impact our ability to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purpose needs.
These agreements require us to meet certain covenants. If we breach any of these covenants we could be in a default under these facilities, which could cause our outstanding obligations under these facilities to accelerate and become due and payable immediately, and could also cause us to default under our other debt or lease obligations and lead to an acceleration of the obligations related to such other debt or lease obligations. The existence of such a default could also preclude us from borrowing funds under other credit facilities.
Our ability to comply with the provisions of financing agreements can be affected by events beyond our control and a default under any such financing agreements if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse effect on us. In the event our debt is accelerated, we may not have sufficient liquidity to repay these obligations or to refinance our debt obligations, resulting in a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
In connection with the issuance of the senior secured notes due 2026, our indebtedness and liabilities could limit the cash flow available for Hawaiian's operations, and consequently expose us to risks that could materially adversely affect the resources available to us to satisfy our obligations under the Notes.
In February 2021, we conducted a private offering of 5.75% senior secured notes due 2026 (the Notes) collateralized by certain loyalty and brand assets (Notes Offering). The indebtedness of Hawaiian and its subsidiaries increased significantly as a result of the Notes Offering. As of March 31, 2024, Hawaiian had approximately $1.7 billion of total indebtedness (excluding finance lease obligations of approximately $65.1 million and operating lease obligations of $363.1 million). We incurred approximately $1.2 billion principal amount of indebtedness as a result of the Notes Offering. We may also incur additional indebtedness to meet future financing needs. The indebtedness of Hawaiian and its subsidiaries could have significant negative consequences for our security holders and the resources available to satisfy our obligations under the Notes, including the following:
- greater difficulty satisfying our obligations with respect to the Notes;- increasing Hawaiian's vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions;- limiting Hawaiian's ability to obtain additional financing;- requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of Hawaiian's cash flow from operations to service Hawaiian's indebtedness, which will reduce the amount of cash available for other purposes;- limiting Hawaiian's flexibility to plan for, or react to, changes in its business;- placing Hawaiian at a possible competitive disadvantage with competitors that are less leveraged than us or have better access to capital; and - potentially causing Hawaiian's credit ratings to be reduced and causing our and Hawaiian's debt and equity securities to significantly decrease in value.
Hawaiian's business, including the HawaiianMiles Program, may not generate sufficient funds, and we and Hawaiian may otherwise be unable to maintain sufficient cash reserves, to pay amounts due under our and Hawaiian's indebtedness, including the Notes, and our and Hawaiian's cash needs may increase in the future. In addition, future indebtedness that we or Hawaiian may incur may contain financial and other restrictive covenants that limit our ability to operate our business, including with respect to the HawaiianMiles Program, raise capital or make payments under our or Hawaiian's indebtedness. If we or Hawaiian fail to comply with these covenants or to make payments under ours or Hawaiian's indebtedness when due, then we or Hawaiian would be in default under that indebtedness, which could, in turn, result in ours and Hawaiian's other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
In connection with the issuance of Hawaiian's enhanced equipment trust certificate, our indebtedness and liabilities could limit the cash flow available for our operations, and consequently expose us to risks that could materially adversely affect the resources available to us and Hawaiian to satisfy our obligations under such certificates.
As of March 31, 2024, the outstanding principal balance of our enhanced equipment trust certificate (EETC) issuances was $153.1 million. Offerings of structured finance securities, such as the EETC issuances may present risks similar to those of the other types of debt obligations in which we or Hawaiian may invest and, in fact, such risks may be of greater significance in the case of such structured finance securities. In addition, the performance of the EETCs will be affected by a variety of factors, including its priority in the capital structure of the issuer thereof, and the availability of any credit enhancement, the level and timing of payments and recoveries on and the characteristics of the underlying receivables, loans or other assets that are being securitized, remoteness of those assets from the originator or transferor, the adequacy of and ability to realize upon any related collateral and the capability of the servicer of the securitized assets. If we or Hawaiian fail to comply with these covenants or to make payments under such indebtedness when due, then we or Hawaiian would be in default under that indebtedness, which could, in turn, result in ours or Hawaiian's other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full.
Corporate Activity and Growth4 | 6.9%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our failure to successfully implement our route and network strategy could harm our business.
Our route and network strategy (how we determine to deploy our fleet) includes initiatives to increase revenue, decrease costs, mature our network, and improve distribution of our sales channels. It is critical that we execute upon our planned strategy in order for our business to attain economies of scale and to sustain or improve our results of operations. If we are unable to utilize and fill increased capacity provided by additional aircraft entering our fleet, hire and retain skilled personnel, or secure the required equipment and facilities in a cost-effective manner, we may be unable to successfully develop and grow our new and existing markets, which may adversely affect our business and operations.
We continue to strive toward aggressive cost-containment goals which are an important part of our business strategy to offer the best value to passengers through competitive fares while maintaining acceptable profit margins and return on capital. We believe a lower cost structure will better position us to fund our strategy and take advantage of market opportunities. If we are unable to adequately contain our non-fuel unit costs, our financial results may suffer.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our agreement with Amazon increases the role of cargo in our business model, which may have negative impacts on our operating results and financial condition.
Our business has historically focused on passenger flights. The ATSA with Amazon is anticipated to increase our cargo operations. Historically, our revenue from non-passenger operations, which includes cargo, accounted for approximately 9.4%, 11.6%, and 14.1% of total revenue during the years ending December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, our revenue from non-passenger operations accounted for 9.6% of our total revenue. Under the ATSA, cargo operations are expected to account for a larger portion of our revenue. Our cargo operations for Amazon may not generate the levels of revenue anticipated. We expect to incur additional costs in order to ramp up and prepare for increased cargo operations, including hiring crew, opening mainland bases and preparing to provide line maintenance for the Amazon fleet. Our pre-service efforts could be costly and be time-consuming and distracting to our management. Additionally, we will incur costs before we generate revenue from our cargo operations for Amazon, which may negatively impact our business and results of operations. Once we begin generating revenue from cargo operations for Amazon, some or all of that revenue will be offset against the value of Amazon's vested warrant shares due to our accounting policies.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Failure to complete the Merger in a timely manner or at all could negatively impact the market price of our common stock, as well as our future business and our results of operations and financial condition.
The Merger cannot be completed until the conditions to closing are satisfied or (if permissible under applicable law) waived. The failure to satisfy the required conditions could delay the completion of the Merger for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring. Further, there can be no assurance that the conditions to the closing of the Merger will be satisfied or waived or that the Merger will be completed.
If the Merger is not completed in a timely manner or at all, our ongoing business may be adversely affected, including as follows:
- we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets, and our stock price could decline to the extent that the current market price reflects an assumption that the Merger will be completed;- we may experience negative reactions from employees, guests, suppliers, communities or other third parties;- we may be subject to further litigation, which could result in significant costs and expenses;- management's focus may be diverted from our day-to-day business operations and from pursuing other opportunities that could have been beneficial to the Company;- our costs of pursuing the Merger may be higher than anticipated;- we may have difficulties in attracting and/or retaining key employees; and - our access to capital markets may be limited and we may experience increased borrowing costs.
If the Merger is not consummated, there can be no assurance that these risks will not materialize and will not materially adversely affect our stock price, business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Merger Agreement includes customary termination rights in favor of each party. In certain circumstances, we may be required to pay Alaska a termination fee of $39.6 million in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement. In certain circumstances, Alaska may be required to pay us a termination fee of $100.0 million. Any requirement to pay a termination fee to Alaska may have an adverse effect on our liquidity and results of operations. The receipt of any termination fee from Alaska may not be sufficient to compensate us for all of the expenses incurred, and opportunities forgone, as a result of our pursuit of the Merger.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
The pendency of the Merger may cause disruption in our business.
The Merger Agreement restricts us from taking specified actions without Alaska's consent until the Merger is completed or the Merger Agreement is terminated. These restrictions are more fully described in the Merger Agreement. These restrictions may affect our ability to execute our business strategies and attain our financial and other goals and may impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The pendency of the Merger could cause disruptions to our business or business relationships, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Parties with which we have business relationships, including guests, employees and labor groups, suppliers, third-party service providers and third-party distribution channels, may be uncertain as to the future of such relationships and may delay or defer certain business decisions, seek alternative relationships with third parties or seek to alter their present business relationships with us. Parties with whom we otherwise may have sought to establish business relationships may seek alternative relationships with third parties.
The pursuit of the Merger is expected to place a significant burden on our management and internal resources. The diversion of management's attention away from day-to-day business concerns and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs, expenses and fees in connection with the Merger. The substantial majority of these costs will be non-recurring expenses relating to the Merger, and many of these costs are payable regardless of whether or not the Merger is consummated. Litigation has been filed in connection with the Merger, and further litigation may arise prior to closing. Defending the litigation could prove costly and time consuming.
Production
Total Risks: 10/58 (17%)Above Sector Average
Manufacturing1 | 1.7%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Our operations may be disrupted if we are unable to obtain and maintain adequate facilities and infrastructure at airports within the state of Hawai'i.
We must be able to maintain and/or obtain adequate gates, maintenance capacity, office space, operations areas, and ticketing facilities, especially at airports within the state of Hawai'i, to be able to operate our existing and proposed flight schedules. Failure to maintain such facilities and infrastructure may adversely impact our operations and financial performance.
Employment / Personnel2 | 3.4%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Our operations may be adversely affected if we are unable to attract and retain qualified personnel and key executives.
We believe that our future success is dependent on the knowledge and expertise of our key executives and highly qualified management, technical, and other personnel. Attracting and retaining such personnel in the airline industry is highly competitive. We cannot be certain that we will be able to retain our key executives or attract other qualified personnel in the future. Any inability to retain our key executives, or other senior technical personnel, or attract and retain additional qualified executives, could have a negative impact on our operations.
In addition, as we rebuild our operations as passenger demand recovers, and expand our operations through the acquisition of new aircraft and introduction of service to new markets, it may be challenging to attract a sufficient number of qualified personnel including pilots, mechanics and other skilled labor. As we compete with other carriers for qualified personnel, we also face the challenge of attracting individuals who embrace our team-oriented, friendly and customer-driven corporate culture. Our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel who embrace our corporate culture could have a negative impact on our reputation and overall operations.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We are dependent on satisfactory labor relations.
Labor costs are a significant component of airline expenses and can substantially impact an airline's results of operations. A significant portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions. We have entered into collective bargaining agreements with our pilots, mechanical group employees, clerical group employees, flight attendants, and dispatchers. We cannot ensure that future agreements with our employees' labor unions will be on terms in line with our expectations or comparable to agreements entered into by our competitors, and any future agreements may increase our labor costs or otherwise adversely affect our business. We may make strategic and operational decisions that may require the consent of one or more of these labor unions, and these labor unions could demand additional wages, benefits or other consideration in return for their consent.
Application of state and local laws to our operations may conflict with federal laws, or with the laws of other states and local governments, and may subject us to additional requirements and restrictions, which might affect our relationship with our workforce and cause our expenses to increase. Application of conflicting laws may result in operational disruption or have negative effects on our collective bargaining agreements, and any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with federal, state or local labor laws may lead to litigation.
Supply Chain3 | 5.2%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We are highly reliant on third-party contractors to provide certain facilities and services for our operations, and their failure to provide adequate products and services, or the termination of our third-party agreements could have a potentially adverse effect on our financial results.
There are a limited number of qualified employees and personnel in the airline and information technology industry, especially within the Hawai'i market. Due to these limitations, we have historically relied on outside vendors for a variety of services and functions critical to our business, including aircraft maintenance and parts, code-sharing, distribution and reservations, computer services including hosting and software maintenance, accounting, frequent flyer programs, passenger processing, ground facilities, baggage and cargo handling, personnel training, and the distribution and sale of airline seats. Our reliance on outside vendors may continue to increase in the future.
The failure of any of our third-party service providers to adequately perform their service obligations, or other interruptions of services are likely to reduce our revenues, increase expenses, and/or prevent us from operating our flights and providing other services to our customers. Our reliance on third-party distribution channels means we depend, in part, on their willingness and ability to reach customers and sell ancillary products and services that we offer. Such distribution channels may be more expensive or have less functionality than the distribution channels that we operate. Our business and financial performance would be materially harmed if our customers believe that any of our, or our contractors', services are unreliable or unsatisfactory.
Supply Chain - Risk 2
We are dependent on our limited number of suppliers for aircraft, aircraft engines and parts.
We are dependent on a limited number of suppliers (e.g. Airbus, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce) for aircraft, aircraft engines, and aircraft-related items. We are vulnerable to malfunction, failure, recall or other problems associated with the supply and performance of these aircraft and parts and/or related operational disruptions, such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recalls of Pratt & Whitney engines used on our A321neo aircraft due to contamination in the powdered metal used to manufacture certain engine parts. Certain of our suppliers have experienced and continue to experience significant supply chain disruptions. We have experienced delays and part shortages from our suppliers and may experience additional delays and part shortages in the future. These disruptions have and may continue to have a negative impact on our operations, including for example, aircraft out of service due to part unavailability. During 2023, we experienced shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines that resulted in aircraft out of service, and we expect these challenges to continue into 2024 and potentially beyond. We do not yet know the full impact of these operational disruptions resulting from our engine shortages from Pratt & Whitney and its affiliates. We believe that such disruptions could result in reputational harm, increased parts and maintenance costs, increased aircraft down time, and adverse effects on our financial position and results of operations.
Supply Chain - Risk 3
Delays in scheduled aircraft deliveries or other loss of fleet capacity may adversely impact our operations and financial results.
The success of our business depends on, among other things, the ability to effectively operate a certain number and type of aircraft. As noted above, we are uncertain about the future of our contractual commitments to purchase additional aircraft for our fleet and have and may continue to experience supply chain delays that impact the availability of our aircraft. Our inability to purchase and introduce new aircraft into our fleet could negatively impact our business, operations and financial performance. Even if we proceed with some or all of our contractual commitments to purchase additional aircraft, delays in scheduled aircraft or our failure to integrate newly purchased aircraft into our fleet as planned may require us to utilize our existing fleet longer than expected. Such extensions may require us to operate existing aircraft beyond the point at which it is economically optimal to retire them, resulting in increased maintenance costs.
Costs4 | 6.9%
Costs - Risk 1
Our agreements to purchase Boeing 787-9 aircraft represent significant future financial commitments and operating costs.
As of March 31, 2024, we had the following firm order commitments and purchase rights for additional aircraft:
Aircraft TypeFirm OrdersPurchase RightsExpected Delivery DatesA321neo aircraft- 9N/ABoeing 787-9 aircraft118Between 2024 and 2027
We have made substantial pre-delivery payments for aircraft under existing purchase agreements and are required to continue these pre-delivery payments as well as make payments for the balance of the purchase price through delivery of each aircraft. In December 2022, we entered into a supplemental agreement to our Boeing 787-9 purchase agreement with the Boeing Company, pursuant to which (a) we agreed with the Boeing Company to defer the delivery of our Boeing 787-9 aircraft, the first of which we initially expected to receive in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the remaining deliveries scheduled through 2027, and (b) we agreed to exercise purchase options for an additional two Boeing 787-9 aircraft with scheduled delivery dates in 2027. In July 2023, we were notified by Boeing that our 2023 and 2024 Boeing 787-9 deliveries will be delayed by a couple of months. In February 2024, we took delivery of our first Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which was placed into service in April 2024. In April 2024, we received delivery of our second Boeing 787-9 aircraft and anticipate delivery of our third aircraft in late 2024. We have, and may continue to experience delays in the delivery of our future Boeing 787-9 aircraft deliveries.
These future commitments substantially increase our future capital spending requirements and may require us to increase our level of debt in future years. We are continuing to evaluate our options to finance these commitments. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financing on favorable terms, or at all.
Costs - Risk 2
Our insurance costs are susceptible to significant increases, and further increases in insurance costs or reductions in coverage could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
We carry types and amounts of insurance customary in the airline industry, including coverage for general liability, passenger liability, property damage, aircraft loss or damage, baggage and cargo liability, and workers' compensation. We are required by the DOT to carry liability insurance on each of our aircraft. We currently maintain commercial airline insurance with a major group of independent insurers that regularly participate in world aviation insurance markets, including public liability insurance and coverage for losses resulting from the physical destruction or damage to our aircraft. However, there can be no assurance that the amount of such coverage will not change or that we will not bear substantial losses from accidents or damage to, or loss of, aircraft or other property due to other factors such as natural disasters. We could incur substantial claims resulting from an accident or damage to, or loss of, aircraft or other property due to other factors such as natural disasters in excess of related insurance coverage that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced, and may continue to experience, increases in our policy premiums as our policies become eligible for renewal.
Costs - Risk 3
Our cargo business will be concentrated with Amazon, and any decrease in volumes or increase in costs, or a termination of our commercial agreement with Amazon, could have a significant impact on our business, operations, financial condition and brand.
We expect that a significant portion of our cargo revenue will consist of air cargo transportation services provided to Amazon under the ATSA. The ATSA does not require a minimum amount of volume or revenue and Amazon is permitted to decrease volume at any time. Our cargo business would not achieve its expected financial benefits if Amazon's use of our cargo services does not reach forecasted levels for any reason, including due to general economic conditions or preferences of Amazon and its customers. Such a shortcoming could significantly impact our business and results of operations.
In addition, the profitability of the ATSA is dependent on our ability to manage and accurately predict costs. Our projections of operating costs, crew productivity and maintenance expenses contain assumptions, including as to flight hours, aircraft reliability, crewmember productivity, compensation and benefits expense, and maintenance costs. If actual costs are higher than projected or aircraft reliability is less than expected, or aircraft become damaged and are out of revenue service for repair, the profitability of the ATSA and future operating results may be negatively impacted. We also rely on flight crews that are unionized. If collective bargaining agreements increase our costs and we cannot recover such increases, our operating results would be negatively impacted.
Performance under the ATSA is subject to a number of challenges and uncertainties, such as: unforeseen maintenance and other costs; our ability to hire pilots and other personnel necessary to support our services; interruptions in the operations under the ATSA as a result of unexpected or unforeseen events, whether as a result of factors within our control or outside of our control; and the level of operations and results of operations, including margins, under the ATSA being less than our current expectations and projections. The ATSA also contains monthly incentive payments for reaching specific on-time arrival performance thresholds, as well as providing for monetary penalties for on-time arrival performance below certain thresholds. As a result, our operating revenues may vary from period to period depending on the achievement of monthly incentives or the imposition of penalties. Further, we could be found in default if we do not maintain certain minimum reliability thresholds over an extended period of time. If we are placed in default due to the failure to maintain reliability thresholds, Amazon may elect to terminate all or part of the services we provide and pursue rights and remedies available to it at law or in equity. The ATSA is also subject to two extension options, which Amazon may choose not to exercise. To the extent that our volume of flying for Amazon is less than we anticipate or costs associated with our cargo business are higher than we forecast, or if the ATSA is terminated for any reason, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be significantly and adversely affected.
Costs - Risk 4
Our business is highly dependent on the price and availability of fuel.
Our results, operations, and plans for decarbonization are heavily impacted by the price and availability of jet fuel. The cost of jet fuel remains high and the availability of jet fuel remains volatile. The cost and availability of jet fuel are subject to political, economic, and market factors that are generally outside of our control, including those related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the widening conflict in the Middle East. Prices may be affected by many factors including, without limitation, the impact of political instability, crude oil production and refining capacity, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production volume, unexpected changes in the availability of petroleum products due to disruptions to distribution systems or refineries, unpredicted increases in demand due to weather or the pace of global economic growth, inventory reserve levels of crude oil and other petroleum products, the relative fluctuation between the U.S. dollar and other major currencies, government taxes, regulations and subsidies that change the price or reduce the availability of jet fuel, and the actions of speculators in commodity markets. Because of the effects of these factors on the price and availability of jet fuel, the cost and future availability of fuel cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty. Also, due to the competitive nature of the airline industry, there can be no assurance that we will be able to increase our fares or other fees to sufficiently offset any increase in fuel prices.
While we may enter into derivative agreements to protect against the volatility of fuel costs, there is no assurance that such agreements will protect us during unfavorable market conditions or that counterparties will be able to perform under these hedge arrangements.
See Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for further information regarding our exposure to the price of fuel.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 10/58 (17%)Above Sector Average
Competition4 | 6.9%
Competition - Risk 1
Our International routes are affected by competition from domestic and foreign carriers.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, approximately 22.6% of our passenger revenue was generated from our International routes. Our competitors on these routes include both domestic and foreign carriers. Both domestic and foreign competitors have a number of competitive advantages that may enable them to attract higher customer traffic levels as compared to us.
Many of our domestic competitors are members of airline alliances, which provide customers access to each participating airline's international network, allowing for convenience and connectivity to their destinations. These alliances formed by our domestic competitors have increased in recent years. In some instances, our domestic competitors have been granted antitrust exemptions to form joint venture arrangements in certain geographies, further deepening their cooperation on certain routes. To mitigate this risk, we rely on code-share agreements with partner airlines to provide customers access to international destinations currently unserved by us.
Many of our foreign competitors are network carriers that benefit from network feed to support international routes on which we compete. In contrast, we lack a comparable direct network to feed passengers to our international flights, and are therefore more reliant on passenger demand in the specific destinations that we serve. Most network carriers operate from hubs, which can provide a built-in home base market of passengers. Passengers on our International routes, for the most part, do not originate in Hawai'i, but rather internationally, in these foreign carriers' home bases. We also rely on our code-share agreements and our relationships with travel agencies and wholesale distributors to provide customers access to and from International destinations currently unserved by us.
Competition - Risk 2
Our North America and Neighbor Island routes are affected by increased capacity provided by our competitors.
Prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain of our competitors increased capacity to and within Hawai'i by introducing new routes and increasing the frequency of existing routes from North America to Hawai'i and by the introduction of additional flights within the neighbor islands. We are unable to predict competitor capacity related to air travel to Hawai'i or between the neighbor islands. Any increased competitor capacity that decreases our share of traffic to Hawai'i or between the neighbor islands could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Competition - Risk 3
Our business is affected by the competitive advantages held by network carriers in the North America market.
The majority of competition on our North America routes is from network carriers such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, all of whom have a number of competitive advantages. Primarily, network carriers generate passenger traffic from and throughout the U.S. mainland, which enables them to attract higher customer traffic levels as compared to us.
In contrast, we lack a comparable direct network to feed passengers to our North America flights and are therefore more reliant on passenger demand in the specific cities we serve. We also rely on our code-share partner agreements (e.g. with JetBlue) to provide customers access to and from North American destinations currently unserved by us. Most network carriers operate from hubs, which can provide a built-in market of passengers depending on the economic strength of the hub city and the size of the customer group that frequents the airline. Our Honolulu and Maui hubs do not originate a large proportion of North American travel, nor do they have the population or potential customer franchise of a larger city to provide us with a significant built-in market. Passengers in the North American market, for the most part, do not originate in Honolulu, but on the U.S. mainland, making Honolulu primarily a destination rather than an origin of passenger traffic.
Competition - Risk 4
We operate in an extremely competitive environment.
The airline industry is characterized by low profit margins, high fixed costs, and significant price competition. We compete with other airlines on all of our Domestic and International routes. The commencement of, or increase in, service on our routes by existing or new carriers at aggressive prices has and could continue to negatively impact our operating results, including as demand for air travel rebuilds. Most of our competitors are much larger and have greater financial resources and brand recognition than we do. Moreover, competitors or potential competitors may merge or enter alliances that increase their financial resources and other strategic advantages. Aggressive marketing tactics or a prolonged fare competition initiated by one or more of these competitors could adversely affect our financial resources and our ability to compete in these markets. Additionally, our competitors have been and may continue to be more successful in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could impact our ability to compete successfully in the future. Since airline markets have few natural barriers to entry, we also face the constant threat of new entrants in all of our markets.
Additional capacity to or within Hawai'i, whether from network carriers or low-cost carriers, could decrease our share of the markets in which we operate, could cause a decline in our yields, or both, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Demand3 | 5.2%
Demand - Risk 1
The concentration of our business within Hawai'i, and between Hawai'i and the U.S. mainland, provides little diversification of our revenue.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, approximately 77.4% of our passenger revenue was generated from our Domestic routes. Most of our competitors, particularly major network carriers with whom we compete on North America and Neighbor Island routes, enjoy greater geographical diversification of their passenger revenue. As Domestic routes account for a significantly higher proportion of our revenue than they do for most of our competitors, a proportionately higher decline in demand for our domestic routes is likely to have a relatively greater adverse effect on our financial results than on those of our competitors. Sustained reduction in demand on our Domestic routes and continued industry capacity of major network carriers on routes to, from and within Hawai'i could adversely affect our financial results.
Demand - Risk 2
Our business is highly dependent on tourism to, from, and amongst the Hawaiian Islands and our financial results have been impacted and may continue to be impacted by the current and any future downturn in tourism levels.
Our principal base of operations is in Hawai'i and our revenue is linked primarily to the number of travelers (mainly tourists) to, from and amongst the Hawaiian Islands. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and government mandates related to travel, we experienced a significant decline in the demand for travel to, from and amongst the Hawaiian Islands. The State of Hawai'i stopped imposing quarantine, testing and vaccination requirements at the end of the first quarter of 2022, but certain foreign government restrictions remained in effect for international travelers during 2022. We have and will continue to incur costs as we further increase our number of flights as passenger traffic to and within the Hawaiian Islands increases, which we incur before the anticipated additional revenue is earned.
Hawai'i tourism levels are generally affected by the economic and political climate impacting air travel and tourism markets generally, including the availability of hotel accommodations, the popularity of tourist destinations relative to other vacation destinations, and other global factors including health crises, natural disasters, safety, and security. While we have seen some increased tourism activity in the state of Hawai'i since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot predict if and when tourism levels will be sustained at levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with respect to international markets. Additionally, from time to time, various events and industry-specific problems such as labor strikes have had a negative impact on tourism generally and in Hawai'i specifically. The occurrence of natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, in Hawai'i or other parts of the world, could also have an adverse effect on our business or financial condition. For example, as a result of the August 2023 wildfires in West Maui, we have experienced a decline in tourism in this region that has adversely impacted our business and financial results. We expect demand for travel to Maui to remain depressed and continue to impact our business and financial results while West Maui continues to rebuild from wildfire devastation. In addition, the potential or actual occurrence of terrorist attacks, wars, and/or the threat of other negative world events have had, and may in the future have, a material adverse effect on or impede the recovery of tourism from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demand - Risk 3
Our business is subject to substantial seasonal and cyclical volatility.
Our results of operations reflect the impact of seasonal volatility primarily due to passenger leisure and holiday travel patterns. Because of fluctuations in our results from seasonality, operating results for a historical period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for a future period and operating results for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year. Moreover, due to the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the demand for air travel generally and travel to and within Hawai'i specifically, we have seen significant declines in demand for air travel in fiscal years 2020 through 2023, as compared to the years before the COVID-19 pandemic. As Hawai'i is a popular vacation destination, demand from North America, our largest source of visitors, is typically stronger during the months of June, July, August and December and considerably weaker at other times of the year. Because of fluctuations in our results from seasonality, operating results for a historical period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for a future period and operating results for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year.
Our cargo operations are also subject to seasonal volatility. Global trade flows are typically seasonal in nature, with peak activity during the retail holiday season. Demand for air cargo capacity is historically low following the seasonal holiday peak in the fourth quarter of the previous year. While we expect our revenues to fluctuate seasonally, a significant proportion of the costs associated with our cargo business, such as crew salaries and benefits, facilities and overhead costs, cannot easily be reduced to match the seasonal drop in demand.
Because of fluctuations in our results from seasonality, operating results for a historical period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for a future period and operating results for an interim period are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire year.
Sales & Marketing1 | 1.7%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We are required to maintain reserves under our credit card processing agreements which could adversely affect our financial and business operations.
Under our bank-issued credit card processing agreements, certain proceeds from advance ticket sales may be held back to serve as collateral to cover any possible chargebacks or other disputed charges that may occur. As of March 31, 2024, there were no holdbacks held by our credit card processors.
In the event of a material adverse change in our business, the holdback could incrementally increase to an amount up to 100% of the applicable credit card activity for all unflown flights, which would also cause an increase in the level of restricted cash. If we are unable to obtain a waiver, or otherwise mitigate the increase in restricted cash, it could adversely affect our liquidity and also cause a covenant violation under other debt or lease obligations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Brand / Reputation2 | 3.4%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
Our reputation and financial results could be harmed in the event of adverse publicity, such as in the event of an aircraft accident or incident, or if we are unable to achieve certain sustainability goals.
Our customer base is broad and our business activities have significant prominence, particularly in Hawai'i and other destinations we serve. Consequently, negative publicity, including on social media, resulting from real or perceived shortcomings in our customer service, employee relations, business conduct, third-party aircraft components or other events or circumstances affecting our operations could negatively affect the public image of our company and the willingness of customers to purchase services from us, which could affect our financial results.
Additionally, we are exposed to potential losses that may be incurred in the event of an aircraft accident or incident. Any such accident or incident involving our aircraft or an aircraft operated by one of our code-share partners could involve not only the repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft or aircraft parts, and its consequential temporary or permanent loss of revenue, but also significant claims of injured passengers and others. We are required by the DOT to carry liability insurance, and although we currently maintain liability insurance in amounts consistent with the industry, we cannot be assured that our insurance coverage will adequately cover us from all claims and we may be forced to bear substantial losses incurred with an accident. In addition, any aircraft accident or incident could cause a public perception that we are less safe or reliable than other airlines, which would harm our business.
The airline industry is also subject to increasing scrutiny for its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment. We are investing and intend to continue to invest towards achieving our environmental goals. While we are working to achieve our environmental goals, our sustainability plans and our ability to execute those sustainability plans are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including ongoing support from governments and other third-parties, the need for significant capital investment, and research and development as well as commercialization of new technologies. There can be no guarantee that we can achieve any or all of our environmental goals, and our brand, reputation and financial results may be harmed as a result of our inability to achieve such goals.
Brand / Reputation - Risk 2
Any damage to our reputation or brand image could adversely affect our business or financial results.
Maintaining a good reputation globally is critical to our business. Our reputation or brand image could be adversely impacted by, among other things, any failure to maintain our safety record, our high ethical, social and environmental sustainability practices for all of our operations and activities, our ability to provide on-time operational service to our customers, our impact on the environment, public pressure from investors or policy groups to change our policies, such as initiatives to address climate change, customer perceptions of our advertising campaigns, sponsorship arrangements or marketing programs, or customer perceptions of statements made by us, our employees and executives, agents or other third parties. Damage to our reputation or brand image or loss of customer confidence in our services could adversely affect our business and financial results, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.
We also increasingly use social media to communicate news and events. The inappropriate and/or unauthorized use of certain platforms or outlets could damage our brand image and reputation, and could lead to a loss of goodwill with our customers and stakeholders. Inappropriate or unauthorized use of social media could have legal implications if, for example, employees improperly collect or disseminate personally identifiable information of employees, customers or other stakeholders. Further, disclosure of our non-public information by our employees or others, whether intentional or unintentional, through social media could lead to information loss.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 9/58 (16%)Above Sector Average
Regulation3 | 5.2%
Regulation - Risk 1
In order to complete the Merger, the Company and Alaska must obtain certain regulatory approvals, and if such approvals are not granted or are granted with conditions, completion of the Merger may be jeopardized or the anticipated benefits of the Merger could be reduced.
Although the Company and Alaska have agreed to use reasonable best efforts, subject to certain limitations, to make certain governmental filings and obtain the required regulatory approvals, there can be no assurance that the relevant approvals will be obtained (including through the expiration of applicable waiting periods). Governmental authorities may also commence litigation against us, Alaska or both to prevent the Merger from occurring. Defending any such lawsuit will be time-consuming and expensive and there can be no assurance that we and Alaska would ultimately be successful.
Additionally, if the Merger is not consummated, our stockholders and holders of RSUs, options, and warrants will not receive the merger consideration that would have been paid at the closing of the Merger.
Regulation - Risk 2
Our operations may be adversely affected by our expansion into non-U.S. jurisdictions and the related laws and regulations to which we are subject.
The expansion of our operations into non-U.S. jurisdictions has expanded the scope of the laws and regulations to which we are subject, both domestically and internationally. Compliance with the laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions and the restrictions on operations that these laws, regulations or other government actions may impose could significantly increase the cost of airline operations or reduce revenue. For example, various jurisdictions have imposed or are currently imposing restrictions that impede or restrict travel in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and certain of our destinations in Asia have been revising their privacy and consumer laws and regulations. Limitations placed on our business as a result of these or other laws and regulations or failure to comply with evolving laws or regulations could result in significant penalties, criminal charges, costs to defend ourselves in a foreign jurisdiction, restrictions on operations and reputational damage. In addition, we operate flights on international routes regulated by treaties and related agreements between the U.S. and foreign governments, which are subject to change as they may be amended from time to time. Modifications of these arrangements could result in an inability to obtain or retain take-off or landing slots for our routes, route authorization and necessary facilities. Any limitations, additions or modifications to government treaties, agreements, regulations, laws or policies related to our International routes could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 3
The airline industry is subject to extensive government regulation, new regulations, and taxes which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Airlines are subject to extensive regulatory requirements that result in significant costs. New, and modifications to existing, laws, regulations, taxes and airport rates, and charges imposed by domestic and foreign governments have been proposed from time to time that could significantly increase the cost of airline operations, restrict operations or reduce revenue. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from time to time issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require significant expenditures. Some FAA requirements cover, among other things, retirement of older aircraft, security measures, aircraft landing safety measures, including with respect to the interaction of aircraft systems with new technologies such as 5G C-band service, collision avoidance systems, airborne windshear avoidance systems, noise abatement and other environmental concerns, commuter aircraft safety and increased inspections, and maintenance procedures to be conducted on older aircraft. A failure to be in compliance, or a modification, suspension or revocation of any of our DOT/FAA authorizations or certificates, would have a material adverse impact on our operations.
In 2018, Congress passed a five-year funding authorization for the FAA which was scheduled to expire in September 2023, and has been extended through May 10, 2024. The legislative process to renew this authorization (the FAA Reauthorization) could impact us, and the airline industry more generally, in numerous ways. As part of the FAA Reauthorization, Congress could seek to impose new rules or regulations concerning, among other things, customer service and consumer protection, aviation safety, labor requirements, investments in FAA staffing and resources and improvements to the air traffic control system, as well as new or increased fees or taxes intended to fund these policies. Any new or enhanced requirements resulting from the FAA Reauthorization have the potential to increase our costs or impact our operations.
We cannot predict the impact that laws or regulations may have on our operations, nor can we ensure that laws or regulations enacted in the future will not adversely affect our business. Further, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain or maintain necessary governmental approvals. Once obtained, operating permits are subject to modification and revocation by the issuing agencies. Compliance with these and any future regulatory requirements could require us to incur significant capital and operating expenditures.
In addition to extensive government regulations, the airline industry is dependent on certain services provided by government agencies (DOT, FAA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)). Furthermore, because of significantly higher security and other costs incurred by airports since September 11, 2001, many airports have significantly increased their rates and charges to airlines, including us, and may continue to do so in the future. In addition to passenger security requirements, the TSA has adopted comprehensive regulations governing air cargo transportation, covering things like cargo screening and security clearances for people with access to cargo. Additional measures have been proposed, which, if adopted, may have an adverse impact on our ability to efficiently process cargo and could increase our costs.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 1.7%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may be party to litigation or regulatory action in the normal course of business or otherwise, which could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
From time to time, we are a party to or otherwise involved in legal or regulatory proceedings, claims, government inspections, investigations or other legal matters, both domestically and in foreign jurisdictions, including proceedings related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, despite the removal of COVID-19 vaccine requirements as a condition of employment, we continue to be subject to related civil lawsuits and employee grievances that may give rise to legal liability. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest such claims. Resolving or defending legal matters, however, can take months or years. The duration of such matters can be unpredictable with many variables that we do not control including adverse party or government responses. Litigation and regulatory proceedings are subject to significant uncertainty and may be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to our operations. In addition, an adverse resolution of a lawsuit, regulatory matter, investigation or other proceeding could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We may be required to change or restrict our operations or be subject to injunctive relief, significant compensatory damages, punitive damages, penalties, fines or disgorgement of profits, none of which may be covered by insurance. We may have to pay out settlements that also may not be covered by insurance. There can be no assurance that any of these payments or actions will not be material. In addition, publicity of ongoing legal and regulatory matters may adversely affect our reputation.
Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.7%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
Changes in tax laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial conditions.
The rules dealing with U.S. federal, state and local income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the Treasury) and state and local tax authorities. Changes in U.S. tax laws or their interpretations (which may have retroactive application) could materially increase the amount of taxes we owe, thereby negatively impacting our results of operations as well as our cash flows from operations. For example, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act, which, among other changes, implements a 1% excise tax on certain stock buybacks and a 15% alternative minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income of certain companies. Furthermore, our implementation of new practices and processes designed to comply with changing tax laws and regulations could require us to make substantial changes to our business practices, allocate additional resources, and increase our costs, potentially adversely impacting our business, financial position and results of operations.
As we continue to grow internationally, we may also be subject to taxation in jurisdictions around the world with increasingly complex tax laws, the application of which may be uncertain. The amount of taxes we pay in these jurisdictions could increase substantially as a result of changes in the applicable tax principles, including increased tax rates, new tax laws or revised interpretations of existing tax laws and precedents, potentially adversely affecting our liquidity and results of operations. For example, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development proposed a global minimum tax of 15%, which has been adopted by the European Union effective January 1, 2024. In addition, the authorities in these jurisdictions could review our tax returns and impose additional tax, interest and penalties, and the relevant authorities could claim that various withholding requirements apply to us or assert that benefits of tax treaties are not available to us or our subsidiaries, any of which could adversely impact us and our results of operations.
Environmental / Social4 | 6.9%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
The airline industry is required to comply with various environmental laws and regulations, which could inhibit our ability to operate and could also have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Many aspects of airlines' operations are subject to increasingly stringent federal, state, local, and foreign laws protecting the environment. U.S. federal laws that have a particular impact on us include the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response Act and the Compensation and Liability Act. Compliance with these and other environmental laws and regulations can require significant expenditures, and violations can lead to significant fines and penalties. Governments globally are increasingly focusing on the environmental impact caused by the consumption of fossil fuels and as a result have proposed or enacted legislation which may increase the cost of providing airline service or restrict its provision. We expect the focus on environmental matters to increase.
Concern about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in additional regulation of aircraft emissions in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, other legislative or regulatory action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions is possible. At this time, we cannot predict whether any such legislation or regulation would apportion costs between one or more jurisdictions in which we operate flights. We are monitoring and evaluating the potential impact of such legislative and regulatory developments. In addition to direct costs, such regulation may have a greater effect on the airline industry through increases in fuel costs. The impact to us and our industry from such actions is likely to be adverse and could be significant, particularly if regulators were to conclude that emissions from commercial aircraft cause significant harm to the atmosphere or have a greater impact on climate change than other industries.
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
We are subject to risks associated with climate change, including increased regulation of our CO2 emissions and the potential increased impacts of severe weather events on our operations and infrastructure.
There is increasing global regulatory focus on climate change and emissions of greenhouse gases, including CO2. In particular, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted rules such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which is a market-based emissions offset program. Although the U.S. federal government has not yet enacted legislation to mandate that U.S. airlines participate in CORSIA, we are currently monitoring our international emissions for reporting purposes, and such data will be used in calculations to determine subsequent carbon offsetting requirements under the CORSIA program. At this time, we cannot predict the costs of complying with any future obligations under the CORSIA program. Regardless of the method of regulation or application of CORSIA, further policy changes with regard to climate change are possible, which could increase operating costs in the airline industry and, as a result, adversely affect our operations.
In the event that CORSIA does not come into force as expected, we and other airlines could become subject to an unpredictable and inconsistent array of national or regional emissions restrictions, creating a patchwork of complex regulatory requirements that may affect global competitors differently. Concerns over climate change may result in the adoption of municipal, state, regional, and federal requirements or in changing business environments that may result in increased costs to the airline industry and us. In addition, several countries and U.S. states have adopted or are considering adopting programs to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. On January 20, 2021, the United States rejoined the Paris Climate Accord and the current Presidential administration has made climate change mitigation an important policy priority. For example, on September 9, 2021, the current Presidential administration launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge to scale up the production of SAF, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 20% by 2030. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pressed for ambitious new aircraft greenhouse gas emission standards at international negotiations organized by ICAO in 2022. The current Presidential administration may adopt additional regulatory changes that could impact the airline industry and our business. Moreover, certain airports have adopted, and others could in the future adopt, greenhouse gas emission or climate-neutral goals that could impact our operations or require us to make changes or additional investments in our infrastructure.
All such climate change-related regulatory activity and developments may adversely affect our business and financial results by requiring us to reduce our emissions, make capital investments to modernize aspects of our operations, purchase carbon offset credits, or otherwise pay for our emissions. Such activity may also impact us indirectly by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs. We may not be able to increase revenue in proportion with such additional costs.
We could incur significant costs to improve the climate resiliency of our infrastructure and otherwise prepare for, respond to, and mitigate such physical effects of climate change. We could also experience significant operational disruption, reduced demand and increased costs as a result of increases in the frequency, severity or duration of natural disasters, such as wildfires, like the August 2023 wildfires in West Maui, and severe weather events, like hurricanes, exacerbated by climate change. Such severe weather events may increase the incidence of delays and cancellations, increase turbulence-related injuries, impact fuel consumption to avoid weather, require repositioning of aircraft to avoid damage or accommodate changed flights, or reduce demand for travel. We are not able to accurately predict the materiality of any potential losses or costs associated with the physical effects of climate change.
Environmental / Social - Risk 3
Our actual or perceived failure to protect customer information or other personal information or confidential information could result in harm to our business.
Our business and operations involve the storage, transmission and processing of information about our customers, our employees and contractors, our business partners, and others, as well as our own confidential information. We have not experienced a material cybersecurity incident, but we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past and we may experience cybersecurity incidents in the future, including incidents through cyber-attacks by third parties seeking unauthorized access to any of these types of information or to disrupt our business or operations. Ransomware and other malware, business e-mail compromises, fraudulent sales of frequent flier miles, and general hacking have become more prevalent in our industry. While we have taken steps to protect customer information and other confidential information to which we have access, there can be no assurance that any security measures that we or our third-party service providers have implemented will be effective against current or future security threats. The security risks that we and our third-party service providers face have been heightened by an increase in employees and service providers working remotely. Additionally, these risks may be elevated in connection with geopolitical events such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the widening conflict in the Middle East. We and our third-party service providers may be unable to anticipate attempted security breaches and to implement adequate preventative measures, and our security measures or those of our third-party service providers could be breached or otherwise compromised, we could suffer data loss, corruption, or unavailability, unauthorized access to or use of the systems or networks used in our business and operations, and unauthorized, accidental, or unlawful access to, or disclosure, modification, misuse, loss, unavailability, destruction, or other unauthorized processing of our or our customers' information. We may also experience security breaches or other incidents that may remain undetected for an extended period. Further, third parties may also conduct attacks designed to disrupt or deny access to the systems and networks used in our business and operations.
Actual or perceived security breaches or other security incidents could result in unauthorized use of or access to systems and networks, unauthorized, accidental, or unlawful access to, or disclosure, modification, misuse, loss, unavailability or destruction of, our or our customers' information, and may lead to litigation, claims, indemnity obligations, regulatory investigations and other proceedings, severe reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence and causing damage to our brand, indemnity obligations, disruption to our operations, damages for contract breach, and other liability, and may adversely affect our revenues and operating results. Additionally, our service providers may suffer security breaches or other incidents that may result in unauthorized access or otherwise compromise data stored or processed for us that may give rise to any of the foregoing.
Any such actual or perceived security breach or other incident may lead to the expenditure of significant financial and other resources in efforts to investigate or correct a breach or other incident, address and eliminate vulnerabilities, and to prevent future security breaches or incidents, as well as significant costs for remediation that may include liability for stolen assets or information and repair of system damage that may have been caused, incentives offered to customers or other business partners in an effort to maintain business relationships after a breach, costs in connection with payment card brand fines, and other liabilities. Certain breaches affecting payment card information or the environment in which such information is processed may also result in a loss of our ability to process payment cards or increased costs associated with doing so. We have incurred and expect to incur ongoing expenditures in an effort to prevent information security breaches and other security incidents.
We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for information security liabilities actually incurred or to cover any indemnification claims against us relating to any incident. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that insurance will continue to be available to us on economically reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition, operating results, and reputation.
Environmental / Social - Risk 4
If we do not maintain the privacy and security of personal information or other information relating to our customers or others, or fail to comply with applicable U.S. and foreign privacy, data protection, or data security laws or security standards imposed by our commercial partners, our reputation could be damaged, we could incur substantial additional costs, and we could become subject to litigation or regulatory penalties.
We receive, retain, transmit and otherwise process personal information and other information about our customers and other individuals, including our employees and contractors, and we are subject to increasing legislative, regulatory and customer focus on privacy, data protection, and data security both domestically and internationally. Numerous laws and regulations in the U.S. and in various other jurisdictions in which we operate relate to privacy, data protection, and security, including laws and regulations regarding the collection, processing, storage, sharing, disclosure, use and security of personal information and other data from and about our customers and other individuals. For example, in the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became effective in 2018. The United Kingdom has adopted legislation that substantially implements the GDPR. Additionally, California enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), effective as of January 1, 2020, which was modified significantly by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), which became effective in most material respects on January 1, 2023. Other states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia have enacted similar legislation. The U.S. federal government also is contemplating federal privacy legislation. The GDPR and CCPA, other new laws and regulations, and changes in laws or regulations relating to privacy, data protection and information security may require us to modify our practices with respect to the collection, use and disclosure of data. The GDPR provides for significant penalties in the case of non-compliance of up to €20 million or four percent of worldwide annual revenues, whichever is greater. The United Kingdom legislation implementing the GDPR provides for a similar penalty structure. The GDPR, CCPA, CPRA and other existing and proposed laws and regulations can be costly to comply with and can delay or impede our processing of data, result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs and subject us to claims or other remedies. The scope of laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, and security is changing, subject to differing interpretations, may be costly to comply with, and may be inconsistent among countries and jurisdictions or conflict with other obligations of ours.
A number of our commercial partners, including payment card companies, have imposed data security standards or other obligations relating to privacy, data protection, or data security upon us. We strive to comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and contractual and other legal obligations relating to privacy, data protection, and data security. However, these legal, contractual, and other actual and asserted obligations may be interpreted and applied in new ways and/or in manners that are inconsistent, and may conflict with other obligations or our practices.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with laws or regulations, our privacy or data protection policies, or other actual or asserted privacy-, data protection-, or information security-related obligations to customers or other third parties, or any actual or perceived compromise of security resulting in the unauthorized disclosure, transfer, loss, unavailability, use, or other processing of personal or other information, may result in governmental investigations and enforcement actions, governmental or private litigation, other liability, our loss of the ability to process payment card transactions, or us becoming subject to higher costs for such transactions, or public statements critical of us by consumer advocacy groups, competitors, the media or others that could cause our current or prospective customers to lose trust in us, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business. Additionally, if third-party business partners that we work with, such as vendors, violate or are alleged to violate applicable laws, applicable policies or other privacy-, data protection-, or security-related obligations, such violations may also put our customers' or others' information at risk and could in turn have an adverse effect on our business. Governmental agencies may also request or take customer data for national security or informational purposes, and also can make data requests in connection with criminal or civil investigations or other matters, which could harm our reputation and our business.
We will continue our efforts to comply with new and increasing privacy, data protection, and information security obligations; however, it is possible that such obligations may require us to expend additional resources, and may be difficult or impossible for us to meet. Any actual or alleged failure to comply with applicable U.S. or foreign privacy, data protection, or data security laws or regulations, any privacy or security standards imposed by our commercial partners, or any other actual or asserted obligations relating to privacy, data protection, or information security, may result in claims, regulatory investigations and proceedings, private litigation and proceedings, and other liability, all of which may adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations and financial condition.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 8/58 (14%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment4 | 6.9%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
The airline industry has substantial operating leverage and is affected by many conditions that are beyond its control, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Due to the substantial fixed costs associated with operating an airline, there is a disproportionate relationship between the cost of operating each flight and the number of passengers carried. However, the revenue generated from a particular flight is directly related to the number of passengers carried and the respective average fares applied. Accordingly, a decrease in the number of passengers carried and, when applicable, the aggregate effect of decreasing flights scheduled, causes a corresponding decrease in revenue that is likely to result in a disproportionately greater decrease in profits. Therefore, any future reductions in airline passenger traffic as a result of the following or other factors, which are largely outside of our control, will likely harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations:
- decline in general economic conditions;- threat of terrorist attacks and conflicts overseas;- actual or threatened war and political instability;- increased security measures or breaches in security;- adverse weather and natural disasters, such as the Maui wildfires;- changes in consumer preferences, perceptions, or spending patterns;- increased costs related to security and safety measures;- increased fares as a result of increases in fuel costs;- outbreaks of contagious diseases or fear of contagion that affect travel behavior, such as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic; and - congestion or major construction at airports and actual or potential disruptions in the air traffic control system.
Our results of operations are and may continue to be volatile due to the conditions identified above. We cannot ensure that our financial resources will be sufficient to absorb the effects of any unexpected events, including those identified above.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Federal budget constraints may adversely affect our industry, business, results of operations and financial position.
Many of our airline operations are regulated by governmental agencies, including the FAA, the DOT, the CBP, the TSA, and others. If a failure by the federal government to reach budgetary consensus for fiscal year 2024, or future periods, results in mandatory furloughs and/or other budget constraints, our business and results of operations could be materially negatively impacted, including as a result of actual or potential disruption in the air traffic control system, actual or perceived delays at various airports, and delays in deliveries of new aircraft, which may materially adversely impact our industry, our business, results of operations and financial positions.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Inflation may adversely affect us by increasing costs beyond what we can recover through price increases and may contribute to a recession.
In the past year, inflation increased throughout the U.S. economy to levels not seen in decades. Although inflation rates have recently declined, inflation can adversely affect us by increasing the costs of labor, fuel, and other costs as well as by reducing demand for air travel. In an inflationary environment, depending on airline industry and other economic conditions, we may be unable to raise prices enough to keep up with the rate of inflation, which would reduce our profit margins. We have experienced, and continue to experience, increases in the prices of labor, fuel and other costs of providing service. Continued inflationary pressures could further impact our profitability.
In response to inflation, the Federal Reserve has increased interest rates in an effort to reduce inflationary pressures. The Federal Reserve's actions increase the risk of a recession in which demand for air travel is reduced, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4
Our business is affected by global economic volatility, including any future economic downturns.
Our business and results of operations are significantly impacted by general world-wide economic conditions, including any future economic downturns. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated decline in economic activity and increase in unemployment levels had a severe and prolonged effect on the global economy generally and, in turn, resulted in a prolonged period of depressed demand for air travel in general. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced a significant decrease in demand for air travel and reduced load capacity on flights. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, our passenger revenue was $583.4 million, up approximately $34.9 million compared to 2023, but down $17.9 million, or 3.0% from the pre-pandemic period in 2019. Across our business and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have faced operational challenges, including continued delay in the recovery of international travel. Our business depends on the demand for travel to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands and such demand for discretionary air travel remains unpredictable. Further deterioration or instability in demand, including resulting from any future pandemic or other public health related travel restrictions, recommendations or other impacts on travel behavior, such as those that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing economic uncertainty or recession may result in sustained reduction in our passenger traffic and/or increased competitive pressure on fares in the markets we serve, which could continue to negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. There can be no assurance that we will be able to offset passenger revenue reductions with other revenue, by reducing our costs or by seeking financing arrangements or other programs or opportunities. We also may not have sufficient cash flows to support our debt obligations, on which more detail is provided in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, a rapid economic expansion following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant inflationary pressures and volatility in certain currencies, which have increased our costs for aircraft fuel, wages and other goods and services we require to operate our business.
In 2023, concerns arose with respect to the financial condition of certain banking institutions in the United States, in particular those with exposure to certain types of depositors and large portfolios of investment securities. In March 2023, both Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank (Signature) entered receivership. While we do not maintain accounts with either SVB or Signature, we maintain our cash at other financial institutions in balances that exceed the current Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. If more banks and financial institutions experience financial hardship, enter receivership or become insolvent in the future due to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability to access our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 3.4%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Terrorist attacks or international hostilities, or the fear of terrorist attacks or hostilities, even if not made directly on the airline industry, could negatively affect us and the airline industry.
Terrorist attacks, even if not made directly on the airline industry, or the fear of such attacks, hostilities or acts of war, could adversely affect the airline industry, including us, and could result in a significant decrease in demand for air travel, increased security costs, increased insurance costs covering war-related risks, and increased flight operational loss due to cancellations and delays. Any future terrorist attacks or the implementation of additional security-related fees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and on the airline industry in general.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Extended interruptions or disruptions in service have and could continue to have a material adverse impact on our operations.
Our financial results have been and may continue to be adversely affected by factors outside our control, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations, significant delays in operations, and facility disruptions. Our principal base of operations is in Hawai'i and a significant interruption or disruption in service has had and may continue to have a serious impact on our business and results of operations. In addition to international health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, have in the past and may again impact the demand for transportation in the markets in which we operate.
Capital Markets2 | 3.4%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Our financial liquidity could be adversely affected by credit market conditions.
Our business requires access to capital markets to finance equipment purchases, including aircraft, and to provide liquidity in seasonal or cyclical periods of weaker revenue generation. In particular, we will face specific funding requirements with respect to our obligation under purchase agreements with Boeing to acquire new aircraft. We may finance these upcoming aircraft deliveries; however, the unpredictability of global credit market conditions, particularly in light of the U.S. Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) raising interest rates, may adversely affect the availability of financing or may result in unfavorable terms and conditions.
Our current unencumbered aircraft can be financed to increase our liquidity, but such financings may be subject to unfavorable terms. In light of current market conditions, any such financings are likely to reflect loan-to-value ratios and interest rates and other terms and conditions less favorable than our recent aircraft financings.
Additionally, there can be no assurance that we will not face credit rating downgrades as a result of weaker than anticipated performance of our business or other factors, as demonstrated by our credit rating downgrades in 2020. Future downgrades could adversely affect our cost of funds and related margins, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets.
We can offer no assurance that financing we may need in the future will be available when required or that the economic terms on which it is available will not adversely affect our financial condition. In addition, our ability to refinance our existing or future indebtedness as we may need or desire will depend on the capital markets, including prevailing interest rates, and our financial condition and performance, which, among other things, is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. If we cannot obtain financing, we are unable to refinance our existing or future indebtedness, or we cannot obtain financing or refinance our existing or future indebtedness on commercially reasonable or desirable terms, we may default on our existing or future indebtedness and our business and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Capital Markets - Risk 2
Our business is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our business had been expanding internationally with an increasing percentage of our passenger revenue generated from our International routes. The fluctuation of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies can significantly affect our results of operations and financial condition. For example, the value of the Japanese Yen has experienced significant volatility versus the U.S. dollar recently. Any weakening of the Japanese Yen relative to the U.S. dollar causes our flights, and travel in general, from Japan to Hawai'i to become more expensive to customers in Japan, which has and could continue to negatively impact our business. To manage the effects of fluctuating exchange rates, we periodically enter into foreign currency forward contracts and execute payment of expenditures in those locations in local currency. As of March 31, 2024, we have Japanese Yen denominated debt totaling $111.4 million. If our business continues to expand internationally, there is no assurance that these agreements will protect us against foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations during unfavorable market conditions or that our counterparties will be able to perform under these hedge arrangements.
See Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 for further information regarding our exposure to foreign currency exchange rates.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 3/58 (5%)Above Sector Average
Trade Secrets2 | 3.4%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
Our agreements with Amazon confer certain termination rights which, if exercised or triggered, may result in our inability to realize the full benefits of the agreements.
Our agreements with Amazon give Amazon the option to terminate in certain circumstances and upon the occurrence of certain events of default, including a change of control of Hawaiian or our failure to meet certain performance requirements. In particular, Amazon will have the right to terminate the agreement without cause after March 31, 2027, upon providing us prior written notice of termination and paying an early termination fee.
Upon termination, Amazon will generally, subject to certain exceptions, retain the warrants that have vested prior to the time of termination and, depending on the circumstances giving rise to the termination, may have the right to accelerated vesting of the remaining warrants upon a change of control of our company. Upon termination, Amazon or we may also have the right to receive a termination fee from the other party depending on the circumstances giving rise to the right of termination.
An exercise by Amazon of any of these termination rights could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
Our intellectual property rights, particularly our brand, are valuable, and any inability to protect them may adversely affect our business and financial results.
We consider our intellectual property rights, particularly our brand and its associated trademarks, to be valuable assets. We protect our intellectual property rights through a combination of trademark, copyright and other forms of legal protection, contractual agreements and policing of third-party misuses of our intellectual property. Our failure to obtain or adequately protect our intellectual property or any change in law that reduces or removes the current legal protections of our intellectual property may diminish our competitiveness and adversely impact our business and financial results. Any litigation or disputes regarding intellectual property may be costly and time-consuming and may divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations, either of which may adversely impact our business and financial results.
Technology1 | 1.7%
Technology - Risk 1
We are increasingly dependent on technology and automated systems to operate our business.
We depend heavily on technology and automated systems to effectively operate our business. These systems include flight operations systems, communications systems, airport systems, reservations systems, management and accounting systems, commercial websites, including www.hawaiianairlines.com, and other IT systems, many of which must be able to accommodate high traffic volumes, maintain secure information and provide accurate flight information, as well as process critical financial transactions. Any substantial, extended, or repeated failures of these systems could negatively affect our customer service, compromise the security of customer information or other information stored on, transmitted by, or otherwise processed by these systems, result in the loss of or damage to important data, loss of revenue and increased costs, and generally harm our business. Additionally, loss of key talent required to maintain and advance these systems could have a material impact on our operations. Like other companies, our systems may be vulnerable to disruptions due to events beyond our control, including natural disasters, power disruptions, software or equipment failures, terrorist attacks, cybersecurity incursions, computer viruses and hackers. There can be no assurance that the measures we have taken to reduce the adverse effects of certain potential failures or disruptions are adequate to prevent or remedy disruptions of our systems or prevent or mitigate all attacks. In addition, we will need to continuously make significant investments in technology to periodically upgrade and replace existing systems. If we are unable to make these investments or fail to successfully implement, upgrade or replace our systems, our operations and business could be adversely impacted. For example, in May 2023, a maintenance failure caused a power disruption at our Honolulu internet provider, which interrupted our operations and resulted in significant flight delays and, during our transition to the Amadeus Altéa Passenger Service System in April 2023, we experienced intermittent issues, including issues related to our website, mobile and kiosk passenger check-in capability and booking through our website, which could have a significant impact on our operations. We do not carry business interruption insurance sufficient to compensate us for the potentially significant losses, including the potential harm to our business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation that may result from system interruptions or system failures.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.