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Southwest Airlines Reports Second Quarter Earnings

July 29, 2010

DALLAS, July 29, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today reported second quarter 2010 net income of $112 million, or $.15 per diluted share, compared to net income of $91 million, or $.12 per diluted share, for second quarter 2009. Both years' results included special items related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. Excluding special items for both periods, second quarter 2010 net income was $216 million, or $.29 per diluted share, compared to $59 million, or $.08 per diluted share, for second quarter 2009. The second quarter 2010 net income, excluding special items, of $.29 per diluted share exceeded Thomson's First Call mean estimate of $.27 per diluted share. Additional information regarding special items is included in this release and in the accompanying reconciliation tables.

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are extremely pleased with our second quarter results. Second quarter net income (excluding special items) dramatically improved over second quarter last year, largely due to another record revenue performance. Total operating revenues reached an all-time quarterly record of $3.2 billion, a year-over-year increase of 21 percent. On a unit basis, our revenues increased approximately 22 percent, compared to second quarter last year, also an all-time quarterly record. Second quarter pretax margin (excluding special items) was 11 percent. Our second quarter 2010 earnings performance (excluding special items) was second-best in our history, behind second quarter 2006. This was, indeed, a strong performance, despite significantly higher fuel prices and other cost pressures.

"We have made excellent progress toward generating revenue levels sufficient to reach our 15 percent pretax return on invested capital target. Although business demand has not fully recovered, it has strengthened, and consumer travel demand is robust. We experienced record traffic levels during the quarter, despite flat year-over-year capacity, demonstrating a continuing and significant market share shift to Southwest, in part due to our unique and successful 'Bags Fly Free' policy. Further, we led the industry with our year-over-year domestic passenger revenue and corresponding unit revenue performance. It is, without question, our Employees who make it possible for Southwest to remain such a great Company, and I am very grateful for their hard work and steadfast delivery of outstanding Service to our Customers.

"After an array of revenue records set over the past three quarters, and based on current traffic and booking trends, an all-time record load factor is possible for July. We have built considerable, industry-leading revenue momentum that began in second half 2009. We see no signs that the momentum will stall in second half 2010. Based on traffic and revenue trends to date, we expect strong year-over-year unit revenue growth in third quarter 2010. Our year-over-year growth rates will face more and more difficult comparisons, of course, due to the rapid revenue recovery that began at Southwest a year ago. Each of the three years preceding 2009 experienced more normal seasonal trends and provide a better gauge of second half 2010 potential revenue health."

Second quarter 2010 unit costs, excluding special items, increased 13.6 percent from second quarter 2009, largely due to a 32.4 percent increase in economic fuel costs to $2.37 per gallon. Second quarter 2010 economic fuel costs included $39 million in unfavorable cash settlements for fuel derivative contracts. As of July 26th, the Company had derivative contracts in place for approximately 55 percent of its estimated third quarter 2010 fuel consumption at varying crude-equivalent prices up to approximately $100 per barrel; approximately 30 percent if market prices settle in the $100 to $120 per barrel range; and approximately 45 percent if market prices exceed $120 per barrel. Based on this fuel hedge position and market prices (as of July 26th), the Company estimates economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, for third quarter 2010 will be in the $2.40 per gallon range.

For fourth quarter 2010, the Company has derivative contracts in place for approximately 40 percent of its estimated fuel consumption at varying crude-equivalent prices up to approximately $95 per barrel; approximately 10 percent if market prices settle in the $95 to $120 per barrel range; and approximately 30 percent if market prices exceed $120 per barrel. The Company has derivative contracts in place for approximately 70 percent of its 2011 consumption at varying crude-equivalent prices up to approximately $95 per barrel; approximately 50 percent if market prices settle between $95 and $105 per barrel; and approximately 70 percent if market prices exceed $105 per barrel. Beyond 2011, the Company has coverage of approximately 60 percent of its estimated fuel consumption in 2012; approximately 50 percent in 2013; and approximately 45 percent in 2014 at varying price levels. The total market value (as of July 26th) of the Company's net fuel derivative contracts for the remainder of 2010 through 2014 reflects a net liability of approximately $227 million.

Excluding fuel, second quarter 2010 unit costs increased 6.4 percent from a year ago, which was a smaller increase than anticipated primarily due to lower advertising and an $18 million refund of excess security fees charged by the Transportation Security Administration since 2005. Based on current cost trends, the Company expects a similar year-over-year increase in its third quarter 2010 nonfuel unit costs as compared to third quarter 2009's 7.11 cents, which excluded a charge related to the Company's 2009 early-out program.

"We are very pleased with the Customer response to our service to Panama City Beach, which commenced on May 24, 2010 with eight daily nonstop departures to four cities: Nashville, Houston Hobby, Orlando, and Baltimore/Washington," stated Kelly. "During the quarter, we also celebrated the one-year anniversary of our successful introduction of the Southwest brand to the New York market out of LaGuardia, and we announced our intent to serve South Carolina with service to Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg in 2011.

"Given the current economic outlook and trends, we continue to approach route expansion through optimizing our flight schedule rather than fleet growth. We remain committed to reaching our financial targets before we return to any significant level of fleet growth. For 2010, our capacity will remain essentially flat with last year. For 2011, we are estimating a modest year-over-year capacity increase with no fleet growth. Although it is too early to commit, at present, we have no plans to grow the fleet in 2012, either. We will continue to monitor trends for changes and are prepared to adjust our schedule, accordingly."

The Company has updated its schedule to replace its 737 Classic fleet to improve its operational and economic efficiency and, accordingly, also updated its future firm orders and options with the Boeing Company with no net change to its fleet plans. The Boeing schedule revisions included conversion of six purchase rights to 2014 options, acceleration of three options (two from 2015 to 2013; one from 2016 to 2014), and exercise of 25 737-700 options for firm delivery in 2011 through 2016. In addition, the Company now has 98 purchase rights through 2021. Please refer to the revised delivery schedule included in this release for further information.

Southwest Airlines' recent recognitions and honors include:

  • For the seventeenth year in a row, Southwest led the airline industry in Customer Satisfaction according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
  • Executive Travel Magazine and their 2010 Leading Edge Awards recently honored Southwest by naming the Company the best North American Low Cost Carrier for its outstanding Customer Service.
  • Southwest ranked seventh among the top ten companies in MSN Money's 2010 Customer Service Hall of Fame.
  • For the second year in a row, City Business Journals Network named Southwest the 2010 Grand Award winner in the travel category of the seventh annual American Brand Excellence Awards.
  • Computerworld named Southwest one of the 100 Best Places to Work in IT in 2010, a category which includes organizations that excel at providing Employees with great opportunities and benefits while demonstrating leadership through the use of information technology and strategic vision to align technology with business goals.
  • Airfarewatchdog recently announced the results of its 2010 survey of more than 2,100 savvy flyers, and Southwest Airlines ranked highest in two categories, "Best Bang for Your Buck" and "Friendliest Flight Attendants."

Southwest will discuss its second quarter 2010 results on a conference call at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time today. A live broadcast of the conference call will also be available at southwest.com/investor_relations.

Operating Results

Total operating revenues for second quarter 2010 increased 21.1 percent to $3.2 billion, compared to $2.6 billion for second quarter 2009. Total second quarter 2010 operating expenses were $2.8 billion, compared to $2.5 billion in second quarter 2009. Operating income for second quarter 2010 was $363 million, compared to $123 million in second quarter 2009. Excluding special items, operating income was $414 million in second quarter 2010, compared to $183 million for the same period last year. Second quarter 2010 operating margin was 11.5 percent, and excluding special items was 13.1 percent.

"Other expenses" were $179 million for second quarter 2010, compared to $16 million for second quarter 2009. The $163 million increase in total other expenses primarily resulted from $146 million in "other losses" recognized in second quarter 2010 versus $23 million in "other gains" recognized in second quarter 2009. In both periods, these "other (gains) losses" primarily resulted from unrealized gains/losses associated with the Company's fuel hedging program. The cost of the hedging program (the premium costs of derivative contracts) is also included in "other (gains) losses", and was $30 million in second quarter 2010 and $37 million in second quarter 2009. Second quarter 2010 interest expense decreased $5 million from second quarter 2009 primarily due to lower rates.

The second quarter 2010 effective tax rate was 39 percent compared to 15 percent for the same period last year. The second quarter 2009 tax rate was impacted by the Company's projections for full year 2009 financial results and the related impact that permanent tax differences were expected to have on those projections.

Net cash provided by operations for first half 2010 was $913 million, and capital expenditures were $298 million, resulting in over $600 million in free cash flow. The Company expects to generate free cash flow for all of 2010, based on current trends and projected 2010 capital expenditures of less than $600 million. In addition to a fully available, unsecured, revolving credit facility of $600 million, as of July 26th, the Company had $3.4 billion in cash and short-term investments, which does not include $185 million in cash collateral held by its fuel hedge counterparties. The Company's total fuel hedge collateral obligations, as of July 26th, also required approximately $165 million of aircraft collateral.

Total operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased 16.6 percent to $5.8 billion, while total operating expenses increased 9.8 percent to $5.4 billion, resulting in operating income in first half 2010 of $417 million, versus $73 million in first half 2009. Excluding special items in both periods, operating income for first half 2010 was $516 million, compared to $213 million for the same period last year. Net income for first half 2010 was $123 million, or $.17 per diluted share, compared to breakeven results for the same period last year. Excluding special items, net income for first half 2010 was $239 million, or $.32 per diluted share, compared to $38 million, or $.05 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to (i) the Company's financial and operating strategies and goals; (ii) its growth strategies and expectations, including fleet, route, and capacity plans; (iii) its plans for managing risk associated with changing jet fuel prices and related expectations; and (iv) its projected results of operations. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current intent, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) changes in the price of aircraft fuel, the impact of hedge accounting, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions; (ii) economic uncertainty, which can impact the demand for air travel and related revenues; (iii) the impact of fuel prices and economic conditions on the Company's overall business plan and strategies; (iv) actions of competitors, including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities; (v) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives; (vi) the impact of governmental regulations on the Company's operations; and (vii) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and under the heading "Forward-looking statements" in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
    (in millions, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)

                                               Three months ended
                                                    June 30,
                                       --------------------------------

                                                                Percent
                                       2010         2009         Change
                                       ----         ----        -------

    OPERATING REVENUES:
      Passenger                      $3,016       $2,506          20.4
      Freight                            33           29          13.8
      Other                             119           81          46.9
                                        ---          ---
        Total operating revenues      3,168        2,616          21.1

    OPERATING EXPENSES:
      Salaries, wages, and benefits     946          863           9.6
      Fuel and oil                      933          726          28.5
      Maintenance materials and
       repairs                          194          190           2.1
      Aircraft rentals                   45           47          (4.3)
      Landing fees and other
       rentals                          206          179          15.1
      Depreciation and amortization     154          150           2.7
      Other operating expenses          327          338          (3.3)
                                        ---          ---
        Total operating expenses      2,805        2,493          12.5
                                      -----        -----

    OPERATING INCOME                    363          123         195.1

    OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
      Interest expense                   42           47         (10.6)
      Capitalized interest               (5)          (5)            -
      Interest income                    (4)          (3)         33.3
      Other (gains) losses, net         146          (23)         n.a.
                                        ---          ---
        Total other expenses            179           16          n.a.
                                        ---          ---


    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES          184          107          72.0
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES           72           16          n.a.
                                        ---          ---


    NET INCOME                         $112          $91          23.1
                                       ====          ===


    NET INCOME PER SHARE:
      Basic                            $.15         $.12
      Diluted                          $.15         $.12

    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
     OUTSTANDING:
      Basic                             745          741
      Diluted                           746          741


                                                Six months ended
                                                    June 30,
                                        ------------------------------

                                                               Percent
                                        2010         2009       Change
                                        ----         ----      -------

    OPERATING REVENUES:
      Passenger                       $5,511       $4,758          15.8
      Freight                             63           58           8.6
      Other                              224          156          43.6
                                         ---          ---
        Total operating revenues       5,798        4,972          16.6

    OPERATING EXPENSES:
      Salaries, wages, and benefits    1,810        1,699           6.5
      Fuel and oil                     1,754        1,423          23.3
      Maintenance materials and
       repairs                           360          373          (3.5)
      Aircraft rentals                    92           93          (1.1)
      Landing fees and other
       rentals                           396          345          14.8
      Depreciation and amortization      308          300           2.7
      Other operating expenses           661          666          (0.8)
                                         ---          ---
        Total operating expenses       5,381        4,899           9.8
                                       -----        -----

    OPERATING INCOME                     417           73          n.a.

    OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
      Interest expense                    83           92          (9.8)
      Capitalized interest               (10)         (11)         (9.1)
      Interest income                     (6)          (8)        (25.0)
      Other (gains) losses, net          150            -          n.a.
                                         ---          ---
        Total other expenses             217           73         197.3
                                         ---          ---


    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES           200            -          n.a.
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES            77            -          n.a.
                                         ---          ---


    NET INCOME                          $123           $-          n.a.
                                        ====          ===


    NET INCOME PER SHARE:
      Basic                             $.17           $-
      Diluted                           $.17           $-

    WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
     OUTSTANDING:
      Basic                              744          741
      Diluted                            745          741


    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS TO NON-GAAP ITEMS
    (SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
    (in millions, except per share amounts)
    (unaudited)


                                                  Three Months Ended
                                                        June 30,
                                          ---------------------------------

                                                                    Percent
                                          2010            2009       Change
                                          ----            ----       ------

    Fuel and oil expense - unhedged       $843            $607
    Less: Fuel hedge losses included in
     fuel and oil expense                   90             119
                                           ---             ---
    Fuel and oil expense - as reported    $933            $726        28.5
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                         (51)            (60)
                                           ---             ---
    Fuel and oil expense - economic       $882            $666        32.4
                                          ----            ----

    Operating income (loss), as
     reported                             $363            $123
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                          51              60
                                           ---             ---
    Operating income - non-GAAP           $414            $183       126.2
                                          ----            ----

    Operating margin - as reported (2)    11.5%            4.7%
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts                             1.6%            2.3%
                                           ---             ---
                                                                       6.1
    Operating margin - non-GAAP           13.1%            7.0%        pts
                                          ----             ---

    Other losses, net, as reported        $146            $(23)
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                        (115)             63
                                          ----              --
    Other losses, net, non-GAAP            $31             $40       (22.5)
                                           ---             ---

    Net income, as reported               $112             $91
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                         166              (3)
    Income tax impact of fuel contracts    (62)            (29)
                                           ---             ---
    Net income, non-GAAP                  $216             $59       266.1
                                          ----             ---

    Income before income taxes, as
     reported                             $184            $107
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                         166              (3)
                                           ---              --
    Income before income taxes, non-
     GAAP                                 $350            $104       236.5
                                          ----            ----

    Pretax margin - as reported (3)        5.8%            4.1%
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts                             5.2%          (0.1)%
                                           ---           ----
                                                                       7.0
    Pretax margin - non-GAAP              11.0%            4.0%        pts
                                          ----             ---

    Net income per share, diluted, as
     reported                             $.15            $.12
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts                             .14            (.04)
                                           ---            ----
    Net income per share, diluted, non-
     GAAP                                 $.29            $.08       262.5
                                          ----            ----

    Operating expense per ASM (cents)   $11.01           $9.76
    Deduct: Fuel expense divided by
     ASMs                                (3.66)          (2.85)
                                         -----           -----
    Operating expense per ASM,
     excluding fuel (cents)              $7.35           $6.91         6.4
                                         -----           -----

                                                  Six Months Ended
                                                      June 30,
                                           ------------------------------

                                                                  Percent
                                           2010          2009      Change
                                           ----          ----     -------

    Fuel and oil expense - unhedged      $1,573        $1,158
    Less: Fuel hedge losses included in
     fuel and oil expense                   181           265
                                            ---           ---
    Fuel and oil expense - as reported   $1,754        $1,423         23.3
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                          (99)         (140)
                                            ---          ----
    Fuel and oil expense - economic      $1,655        $1,283         29.0
                                         ------        ------

    Operating income (loss), as reported   $417           $73
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                           99           140
                                            ---           ---
    Operating income - non-GAAP            $516          $213        142.3
                                           ----          ----

    Operating margin - as reported (2)      7.2%          1.5%
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts                              1.7%          2.8%
                                            ---           ---
    Operating margin - non-GAAP             8.9%          4.3%     4.6 pts
                                            ---           ---

    Other losses, net, as reported         $150            $-
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                          (88)           73
                                            ---           ---
    Other losses, net, non-GAAP             $62           $73        (15.1)
                                            ---           ---

    Net income, as reported                $123            $-
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                          187            67
    Income tax impact of fuel contracts     (71)          (29)
                                            ---           ---
    Net income, non-GAAP                   $239           $38        528.9
                                           ----           ---

    Income before income taxes, as
     reported                              $200            $-
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts (1)                          187            67
                                           ----           ---
    Income before income taxes, non-GAAP   $387           $67        477.6
                                           ----           ---

    Pretax margin - as reported (3)         3.4%          0.0%
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts                              3.3%          1.3%
                                            ---           ---
    Pretax margin - non-GAAP                6.7%          1.3%     5.4 pts
                                            ---           ---

    Net income per share, diluted, as
     reported                              $.17            $-
    Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel
     contracts                              .15           .05
                                            ---           ---
    Net income per share, diluted, non-
     GAAP                                  $.32          $.05        540.0
                                           ----          ----

    Operating expense per ASM (cents)    $11.19         $9.85
    Deduct: Fuel expense divided by ASMs  (3.65)        (2.86)
                                          -----         -----
    Operating expense per ASM, excluding
     fuel (cents)                         $7.54         $6.99          7.9
                                          -----         -----

    (1) See Reconciliation of Impact from Fuel Contracts
    (2) Operating income - as reported divided by Total operating revenues
    (3) Income before income taxes -as reported divided by Total
         operating revenues

    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    RECONCILIATION OF IMPACT FROM FUEL CONTRACTS
    (SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)

                                                            Three Months Ended
                                                                 June 30,
                                                            ------------------

                                                             2010        2009
                                                             ----        ----

    Fuel & Oil Expense
    ------------------
    Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil
     and Other (gains)
      losses, net, associated with current period settled
       contracts                                               $7         $(2)
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current
     period, but for which gains
      and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior
       period*                                                (58)        (58)
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in a prior period,
     but for which the
      underlying hedged fuel has been consumed in the
       current period                                           -           -
                                                              ---         ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Fuel & Oil Expense         $(51)       $(60)
                                                             ----        ----


    Operating Income
    ----------------
    Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil
     and Other (gains)
      losses, net, associated with current period settled
       contracts                                              $(7)         $2
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current
     period, but for which gains
      and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior
       period*                                                 58          58
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in a prior period,
     but for which the
      underlying hedged fuel has been consumed in the
       current period                                           -           -
                                                              ---         ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Operating Income            $51         $60
                                                              ---         ---


    Other (gains) losses
    --------------------
    Add/(Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel
     contracts
      settling in future periods                             $(57)        $37
    Add/(Deduct): Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges
     settling in future periods                               (51)         24
    Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil
     and Other (gains)
      losses, net, associated with current period settled
       contracts                                               (7)          2
                                                              ---         ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Other losses              $(115)        $63
                                                            -----         ---


    Net Income
    ----------
    Add/(Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel
     contracts
      settling in future periods                              $57        $(37)
    Add/(Deduct): Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges
     settling in future periods                                51         (24)
    Add/(Deduct): Other net impact of fuel contracts
     settling in the
      current or a prior period (excluding
       reclassifications)                                      58          58
                                                              ---         ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Net income **              $166         $(3)
                                                             ----         ---

                                                           Six Months Ended
                                                               June 30,
                                                           ----------------

                                                          2010          2009
                                                          ----          ----

    Fuel & Oil Expense
    ------------------
    Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil
     and Other (gains)
      losses, net, associated with current period settled
       contracts                                           $11          $(23)
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current
     period, but for which gains
      and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior
       period*                                            (110)         (113)
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in a prior period,
     but for which the
      underlying hedged fuel has been consumed in the
       current period                                        -            (4)
                                                           ---           ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Fuel & Oil Expense      $(99)        $(140)
                                                          ----         -----


    Operating Income
    ----------------
    Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil
     and Other (gains)
      losses, net, associated with current period settled
       contracts                                          $(11)          $23
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current
     period, but for which gains
      and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior
       period*                                             110           113
    Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in a prior period,
     but for which the
      underlying hedged fuel has been consumed in the
       current period                                        -             4
                                                            ---          ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Operating Income         $99          $140
                                                           ---          ----


    Other (gains) losses
    --------------------
    Add/(Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel
     contracts
      settling in future periods                          $(31)          $39
    Add/(Deduct): Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges
     settling in future periods                            (46)           11
    Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil
     and Other (gains)
      losses, net, associated with current period settled
       contracts                                           (11)           23
                                                           ---           ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Other losses            $(88)          $73
                                                          ----           ---


    Net Income
    ----------
    Add/(Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel
     contracts
      settling in future periods                           $31          $(39)
    Add/(Deduct): Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges
     settling in future periods                             46           (11)
    Add/(Deduct): Other net impact of fuel contracts
     settling in the
      current or a prior period (excluding
       reclassifications)                                  110           117
                                                           ---           ---
    Impact from fuel contracts to Net income **           $187           $67
                                                          ----           ---

    *   As a result of prior hedge ineffectiveness and/or contracts
         marked to market through earnings
    ** Excludes income tax impact of unrealized items


    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED OPERATING STATISTICS
    (unaudited)

                                                      Three months ended
                                                           June 30,
                                                ------------------------------

                                                2010         2009       Change
                                                ----         ----       ------


    Revenue passengers carried               22,883,422    22,676,171    0.9 %
    Enplaned passengers                      27,554,201    26,505,438    4.0 %
    Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)    20,206,229    19,683,479    2.7 %
    Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)       25,471,845    25,552,927   (0.3)%
                                                                          2.3
    Load factor                                    79.3%         77.0%   pts.
    Average length of passenger haul (miles)        883           868    1.7 %
    Average aircraft stage length (miles)           650           647    0.5 %
    Trips flown                                 287,222       289,573   (0.8)%
    Average passenger fare                      $131.82       $110.52   19.3 %
    Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)       14.93         12.73   17.3 %
    Operating revenue yield per ASM (cents)       12.44         10.24   21.5 %
    CASM, GAAP (cents)                            11.01          9.76   12.8 %
    CASM, GAAP excluding fuel (cents)              7.35          6.91    6.4 %
    CASM, excluding special items (cents)         10.81          9.52   13.6 %
    CASM, excluding fuel and special items
     (cents)                                       7.35          6.91    6.4 %
    Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel
     tax (unhedged)                               $2.26         $1.63   38.7 %
    Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel
     tax (GAAP)                                   $2.50         $1.95   28.2 %
    Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel
     tax (economic)                               $2.37         $1.79   32.4 %
    Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)            372           371    0.3 %
    Active fulltime equivalent Employees         34,636        35,296   (1.9)%
    Aircraft in service at period-end               544           543    0.2 %

                                                       Six months ended
                                                           June 30,
                                                 ----------------------------

                                                 2010         2009     Change
                                                 ----         ----     ------


    Revenue passengers carried               42,860,257    42,435,861    1.0 %
    Enplaned passengers                      51,248,665    49,555,428    3.4 %
    Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)    37,367,943    36,575,108    2.2 %
    Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)       48,091,305    49,724,602   (3.3)%
                                                                          4.1
    Load factor                                    77.7%         73.6%   pts.
    Average length of passenger haul (miles)        872           862    1.2 %
    Average aircraft stage length (miles)           642           641    0.2 %
    Trips flown                                 549,114       568,708   (3.4)%
    Average passenger fare                      $128.60       $112.13   14.7 %
    Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)       14.75         13.01   13.4 %
    Operating revenue yield per ASM (cents)       12.06         10.00   20.6 %
    CASM, GAAP (cents)                            11.19          9.85   13.6 %
    CASM, GAAP excluding fuel (cents)              7.54          6.99    7.9 %
    CASM, excluding special items (cents)         10.98          9.57   14.7 %
    CASM, excluding fuel and special items
     (cents)                                       7.54          6.99    7.9 %
    Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel
     tax (unhedged)                               $2.24         $1.60   40.0 %
    Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel
     tax (GAAP)                                   $2.49         $1.97   26.4 %
    Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel
     tax (economic)                               $2.35         $1.77   32.8 %
    Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)            701           721   (2.8)%
    Active fulltime equivalent Employees         34,636        35,296   (1.9)%
    Aircraft in service at period-end               544           543    0.2 %

    CASM (unit costs) -Operating expenses per ASM


    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)


                                             June 30,        December 31,
                                               2010              2009
                                             -------         ------------

    ASSETS
    Current assets:
           Cash and cash equivalents           $989             $1,114
           Short-term investments             2,135              1,479
            Accounts and other
            receivables                         277                169
            Inventories of parts and
            supplies, at cost                   226                221
           Deferred income taxes                252                291
            Prepaid expenses and other
            current assets                       92                 84
                                                ---                 --
             Total current assets             3,971              3,358

    Property and equipment, at cost:
           Flight equipment                  13,923             13,719
            Ground property and
            equipment                         2,024              1,922
            Deposits on flight
            equipment purchase
            contracts                           235                247
                                                ---                ---
                                             16,182             15,888
                                             ------             ------
            Less allowance for
            depreciation and
            amortization                      5,555              5,254
                                              -----              -----
                                             10,627             10,634
    Other assets                                389                277
                                                ---                ---
                                            $14,987            $14,269
                                            =======            =======

    LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS'
     EQUITY
    Current liabilities:
           Accounts payable                    $787               $732
           Accrued liabilities                  942                729
           Air traffic liability              1,486              1,044
            Current maturities of long-
            term debt                           123                190
                                                ---                ---
             Total current liabilities        3,338              2,695

    Long-term debt less current
     maturities                               3,324              3,325
    Deferred income taxes                     2,192              2,200
    Deferred gains from sale and
     leaseback of aircraft                       95                102
    Other noncurrent liabilities                490                493
    Stockholders' equity:
           Common stock                         808                808
            Capital in excess of par
            value                             1,221              1,216
           Retained earnings                  5,075              4,971
            Accumulated other
            comprehensive loss                 (641)              (578)
           Treasury stock, at cost             (915)              (963)
                                              -----               ----
             Total stockholders' equity       5,548              5,454
                                              -----              -----
                                            $14,987            $14,269
                                            =======            =======


    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
    (in millions)
    (unaudited)

                                                      Three months ended
                                                            June 30,
                                                      ------------------

                                                     2010            2009
                                                     ----            ----

    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
        Net income                                   $112             $91
        Adjustments to reconcile net income to
        cash provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization                 154             150
        Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel
         derivative instruments                       166              (3)
        Deferred income taxes                          63              16
        Amortization of deferred gains on sale
         and
          leaseback of aircraft                        (3)             (4)
        Changes in certain assets and
         liabilities:
        Accounts and other receivables                (42)             (6)
        Other current assets                            5             (28)
        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities      279             104
        Air traffic liability                          86             (43)
        Cash collateral received from (provided
         to) fuel
          derivative counterparties                   130            (125)
        Other, net                                   (410)            (17)
                                                     ----             ---
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities                                     540             135

    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
        Purchases of property and equipment, net     (159)           (187)
        Purchases of short-term investments        (1,800)         (1,394)
        Proceeds from sales of short-term
         investments                                1,349           1,203
        Other, net                                      -               1
                                                      ---             ---
      Net cash used in investing activities          (610)           (377)

    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
        Issuance of long-term debt                      -             332
        Proceeds from sale and leaseback
         transactions                                   -             208
        Proceeds from Employee stock plans             23               4
        Payments of long-term debt and capital
         lease obligations                            (25)             (7)
        Payments of revolving credit facility           -            (400)
        Payment of credit line borrowing              (44)            (91)
        Payments of cash dividends                     (3)             (3)
        Other, net                                     (2)              -
                                                      ---             ---
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing
       activities                                     (51)             43
                                                      ---             ---

    NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH
     EQUIVALENTS                                     (121)           (199)
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
     OF PERIOD                                      1,110           1,145
                                                    -----           -----

    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
     PERIOD                                          $989            $946
                                                     ====            ====

                                                     Six months ended
                                                         June 30,
                                                     -----------------


                                                   2010            2009
                                                   ----            ----

    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
        Net income                                 $123              $-
        Adjustments to reconcile net income to
        cash provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization               308             300
        Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel
         derivative instruments                     187              67
        Deferred income taxes                        75              (5)
        Amortization of deferred gains on sale
         and
          leaseback of aircraft                      (7)             (7)
        Changes in certain assets and
         liabilities:
        Accounts and other receivables             (108)            (28)
        Other current assets                        (14)            (18)
        Accounts payable and accrued liabilities    195             104
        Air traffic liability                       442             244
        Cash collateral received from (provided
         to) fuel
          derivative counterparties                 135            (185)
        Other, net                                 (423)            (52)
                                                   ----             ---
      Net cash provided by operating
       activities                                   913             420

    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
        Purchases of property and equipment, net   (298)           (272)
        Purchases of short-term investments      (3,180)         (3,090)
        Proceeds from sales of short-term
         investments                              2,546           2,347
        Other, net                                    -               1
                                                    ---             ---
      Net cash used in investing activities        (932)         (1,014)

    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
        Issuance of long-term debt                    -             332
        Proceeds from sale and leaseback
         transactions                                 -             381
        Proceeds from Employee stock plans           35               8
        Payments of long-term debt and capital
         lease obligations                          (85)            (41)
        Payments of revolving credit facility         -            (400)
        Payment of credit line borrowing            (44)            (91)
        Payments of cash dividends                  (10)            (10)
        Other, net                                   (2)             (7)
                                                    ---             ---
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing
       activities                                  (106)            172
                                                   ----             ---

    NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH
     EQUIVALENTS                                   (125)           (422)
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING
     OF PERIOD                                    1,114           1,368
                                                  -----           -----

    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
     PERIOD                                        $989            $946
                                                   ====            ====

    SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
    BOEING 737-700 DELIVERY SCHEDULE
    AS OF JULY 28, 2010

                                    PRIOR SCHEDULE
                   -----------------------------------------------

                                             Purchase
                   Firm        Options       Rights          Total
                   ----        -------       ------          -----

    2010               10                                         10
    2011               10            4                            14
    2012               13           10                            23
    2013               19            4                            23
    2014               13            7                            20
    2015               14            3                            17
    2016               12           11                            23
    2017                            17                            17
    Through 2018                                   54             54
    Total              91           56             54            201
                      ===          ===            ===            ===


                                   CURRENT SCHEDULE
                   -----------------------------------------------
                                             Purchase
                   Firm        Options       Rights          Total
                   ----        -------       ------          -----

    2010               10                                        10*
    2011               14                                         14
    2012               23                                         23
    2013               19            6                            25
    2014               21            6                            27
    2015               14            1                            15
    2016               15            7                            22
    2017                            17                            17
    Through 2021                                   98             98
    Total             116           37             98            251
                      ===          ===            ===            ===

    * Includes six aircraft delivered through July 28, 2010.

NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). These GAAP financial statements include unrealized non-cash adjustments and reclassifications, which can be significant, as a result of accounting requirements and elections made under accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging.

The Company also provides financial information included in this press release that was not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company provides supplemental non-GAAP financial information that it sometimes refers to as "economic", which the Company's management utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance and the Company believes provides greater transparency to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results. The Company's economic financial results differ from GAAP results in that they only include the actual cash settlements from fuel hedge contracts--all reflected within Fuel and oil expense in the period of settlement. Thus, Fuel and oil expense on an economic basis reflects the Company's actual net cash outlays for Fuel during the applicable period, inclusive of settled fuel derivative contracts. Any net premium costs paid related to option contracts are reflected as a component of Other (gains) losses, net, for both GAAP and non-GAAP purposes. These economic results provide a better measure of the impact of the Company's fuel hedges on its operating performance and liquidity since they exclude the unrealized, non-cash adjustments and reclassifications that are recorded in GAAP results in accordance with accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging, and they reflect all cash settlements related to fuel derivative contracts within Fuel and oil expense. This enables the Company's management, as well as investors, to consistently assess its operating performance on a year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter basis after considering all programs in place to curtail fuel expense. However, because these measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, the aforementioned measures, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Further information on (i) the Company's fuel hedging program, (ii) the requirements and accounting associated with accounting for derivative instruments, and (iii) the causes of hedge ineffectiveness and/or mark-to-market gains or losses from derivative instruments is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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