Southwest Airlines Co 8-K, filed Jan 30, 2025
Southwest Airlines Co (LUV)
8-K
2025-01-30
For: 2025-01-30
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Added on
April 10, 2026
About this 8-K
Southwest Airlines Co filed this 8-K on January 30, 2025.
Items reported
- Item 2.02: Financial results
- Item 7.01: Regulation FD disclosure
- Item 9.01: Financial statements and exhibits
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 30, 2025
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
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| of incorporation) | File Number) | Identification No.) | ||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (214 ) 792-4000
| Not Applicable | ||
| (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) | ||
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the
filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
(17 CFR 230.425)
CFR 240.14a-12)
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.12b-2).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On January 30, 2025, the Registrant issued a press release (the "Earnings Press Release") announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024. The Earnings Press Release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.02.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On January 30, 2025, the Registrant also posted on its investor relations website at www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com a supplemental presentation (the "Supplemental Financial Information") providing additional information. The Supplemental Financial Information is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference into this Item 7.01. The Supplemental Financial Information should be read in conjunction with the Earnings Press Release.
The information furnished in Items 2.02 and 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1 and Exhibit 99.2, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits:
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. | ||||||||
| January 30, 2025 | By: | /s/ Tammy Romo | ||||||
| Tammy Romo | ||||||||
| Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||||||||
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS
DALLAS, TEXAS - January 30, 2025 - Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the “Company”) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results:
•Fourth quarter and full year net income of $261 million and $465 million, or $0.42 and $0.76 per diluted share, respectively
•Fourth quarter and full year net income, excluding special items1, of $356 million and $597 million, or $0.56 and $0.96 per diluted share, respectively
•Record fourth quarter and record full year operating revenues of $6.9 billion and $27.5 billion, respectively
•Record fourth quarter and record full year operating revenues, excluding special items1, of $7.0 billion and $27.6 billion, respectively
•Fourth quarter revenues per available seat mile, excluding special items1, increased 8.0 percent, year-over-year, resulting from strong execution of tactical initiatives
•Liquidity2 of $9.7 billion, well in excess of debt outstanding of $6.7 billion
•Returned $680 million to Shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases in 2024
•Announced a $750 million accelerated share repurchase program ("ASR") under the Company's $2.5 billion share repurchase authorization
Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, & Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, "We closed out 2024 with positive momentum from our revenue initiatives and the performance of our operation. While we still have much work to do, we are pleased that the improvements from our tactical initiatives are materializing faster than expected, and our progress continues to be further supported by a constructive demand environment and industry backdrop. Similarly, we are working to accelerate and exceed our 2027 $500 million cost reduction target, supporting a 2025 CASM-X exit rate in the low-single digits. Based on confidence in our performance and outlook, we are launching a $750 million accelerated share repurchase, with the initial $250 million share repurchase now complete. We are also pleased with our continued strong operational performance. The recent recognition we received by the Wall Street Journal’s 2024 annual airline rankings is a testament to our outstanding People and the significant investments we have made in our operation.
"As we look forward, 2025 will be a pivotal year as we continue to execute and deliver on our ‘Southwest. Even Better.’ transformational plan, the largest and most comprehensive in our 53-year history. To that end, we recently reached an amended co-brand agreement with Chase that provides enhanced Cardmember benefits associated with our assigned and premium seating initiative and supports the multi-year financial targets we announced at Investor Day. We will continue moving forward with urgency to drive financial improvements while maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient operation; delivering unrivaled Hospitality; modernizing our Customer Experience; and providing enhanced Shareholder returns.”
Guidance and Outlook
The following tables provide selected financial guidance for first quarter 2025, as well as select full year 2025 guidance and 2027 targets, as applicable:
| 1Q 2025 Estimation | |||||||||||
| RASM (a), year-over-year | Up 5% to 7% | ||||||||||
| ASMs (b), year-over-year | Down 2% to 3% | ||||||||||
Economic fuel costs per gallon1,3 | $2.50 to $2.60 | ||||||||||
| Fuel hedging premium expense per gallon | $0.07 | ||||||||||
| Fuel hedging cash settlement gains per gallon | $— | ||||||||||
| ASMs per gallon (fuel efficiency) | 81 to 83 | ||||||||||
CASM-X (c), year-over-year1,4 | Up 7% to 9% | ||||||||||
| Scheduled debt repayments (millions) | ~$5 | ||||||||||
| Interest expense (millions) | ~$45 | ||||||||||
| 2025 Estimation | 2027 Targets | ||||||||||
Operating margin, excluding special items1,5 | 3% to 5% | ≥ 10% | |||||||||
Return on invested capital ("ROIC") after-tax6 (d) | 5% to 8% | ≥ 15% | |||||||||
| ASMs (b), year-over-year | Up 1% to 2% | Up 1% to 2% | |||||||||
(a) Operating revenue per available seat mile ("RASM" or "unit revenues").
(b) Available seat miles ("ASMs" or "capacity"). The Company currently expects second quarter 2025 capacity to increase in the range of 1 percent to 2 percent, year-over-year.
(c) Operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing ("CASM-X").
(d) The Company estimates its full year 2025 effective tax rate to be in the range of 22 percent to 24 percent.
Revenue Results and Outlook:
•Fourth quarter 2024 operating revenues were a fourth quarter record $6.9 billion, a 1.6 percent increase, year-over-year
•Fourth quarter 2024 operating revenues, excluding special items1, were a fourth quarter record $7.0 billion, a 3.3 percent increase, year-over-year
•Fourth quarter 2024 RASM, excluding special items1, increased 8.0 percent, year-over-year—better than the Company's previous guidance range
The Company had record fourth quarter 2024 revenue performance due to the execution of tactical actions, including the maturation of the revenue management system and techniques, marketing and distribution evolution, and network optimization, as well as continued demand strength. Close-in bookings performed better than expectations in December, especially during the holiday period. In addition, the Company saw earlier than expected benefits from revenue management advancement, driving fourth quarter unit revenues to outperform the Company's previous guidance range.
The Company expects first quarter 2025 RASM to increase in the range of 5 percent to 7 percent, year-over-year. The expected year-over-year improvement is driven primarily by a focus on capacity rationalization and the Company's continued focus on the execution of its tactical initiatives. The Company also anticipates continued strength in the demand environment.
Fuel Costs and Outlook:
•Fourth quarter 2024 economic fuel costs were $2.42 per gallon1—in line with the Company's previous guidance range—and included $0.07 per gallon in premium expense and $0.01 per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts
•Full year 2024 economic fuel costs were $2.66 per gallon1—in line with previous guidance—and included $0.07 per gallon in premium expense and $0.03 per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts
•Fourth quarter 2024 fuel efficiency improved 1.9 percent, year-over-year, primarily due to more Boeing 737-8 ("-8") aircraft, the Company's most fuel-efficient aircraft, as a percentage of its fleet
•As of January 21, 2025, the fair market value of the Company's fuel derivative contracts settling in 2025 through the end of 2027 was an asset of $133 million
The Company's current fuel derivative contracts contain a combination of instruments based on Brent crude oil. The economic fuel price per gallon sensitivities3 provided in the table below assume the relationship between Brent crude oil and refined products based on market prices as of January 21, 2025.
| Estimated economic fuel price per gallon, including taxes and fuel hedging premiums | ||||||||
| Average Brent Crude Oil price per barrel | 1Q 2025 | 2025 | ||||||
| $60 | $2.05 to $2.15 | $2.00 to $2.10 | ||||||
| $70 | $2.35 to $2.45 | $2.30 to $2.40 | ||||||
| Current market (a) | $2.50 to $2.60 | $2.45 to $2.55 | ||||||
| $80 | $2.65 to $2.75 | $2.65 to $2.75 | ||||||
| $90 | $3.00 to $3.10 | $2.95 to $3.05 | ||||||
| $100 | $3.20 to $3.30 | $3.20 to $3.30 | ||||||
| Fair market value of fuel derivative contracts settling in period | $1 million | $23 million | ||||||
| Estimated premium costs | $37 million | $148 million | ||||||
In addition, the Company is providing its maximum percentage of estimated fuel consumption7 covered by fuel derivative contracts in the following table:
| Period | Maximum fuel hedged percentage (a) | |||||||
| 2025 | 47% | |||||||
| 2026 | 43% | |||||||
| 2027 | 13% | |||||||
(a) Based on the Company's current available seat mile plans. The Company is currently 51 percent hedged in first quarter 2025, 45 percent hedged in second quarter 2025, and 46 percent hedged in second half 2025.
Non-Fuel Costs and Outlook:
•Fourth quarter 2024 operating expenses decreased 7.9 percent, year-over-year, to $6.7 billion driven primarily by a reduction in fuel expense
•Fourth quarter 2024 operating expenses, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing1, increased 6.3 percent, year-over-year
•Fourth quarter 2024 CASM-X increased 11.1 percent, year-over-year, and full year 2024 CASM-X increased 7.8 percent, year-over-year
•Accrued $103 million of profitsharing expense for 2024 for the benefit of Employees
The Company's fourth quarter 2024 CASM-X increased 11.1 percent, year-over-year, inclusive of a $92 million gain from a sale-leaseback transaction in fourth quarter 2024. The year-over-year increase was primarily a result of elevated labor cost pressure and lower capacity levels in fourth quarter 2024.
The Company currently expects its first quarter 2025 CASM-X to increase in the range of 7 percent to 9 percent, year-over-year, driven primarily by the continuation of inflationary pressures, including those associated with labor contracts ratified in 2024, and from capacity moderation efforts. Year-over-year unit cost trends are expected to improve throughout the year as labor comparisons ease, efficiency initiatives generate modest capacity growth, and cost plan benefits are aggressively pursued. Based on its current plan, the Company expects to exit 2025 with year-over-year CASM-X growth in the low-single digits. Improving cost performance is a key focus. The Company is urgently working to accelerate and exceed the $500 million cost initiative announced at its 2024 Investor Day to help mitigate cost inflation by minimizing hiring, optimizing scheduling efficiency, capitalizing on supply chain opportunities, and aggressively improving corporate overhead.
Capacity, Fleet, and Capital Spending:
The Company's fourth quarter 2024 capacity decreased 4.4 percent, and full year 2024 capacity increased 4.1 percent, both year-over-year. The Company expects first quarter 2025 capacity to decrease in the range of 2 percent to 3 percent; second quarter 2025 capacity to increase in the range of 1 percent to 2 percent; and full year 2025 capacity to increase in the range of 1 percent to 2 percent, all year-over-year. Planned ASM growth in the second half of the year is driven by an increase in aircraft utilization provided by redeye flying and turn time reduction initiatives. The Company continues to plan for annual capacity growth through 2027 in the 1 percent to 2 percent range, year-over-year.
The Company received three -8 aircraft during fourth quarter 2024, including two more -8 aircraft deliveries than previously planned, for a total of 22 -8 aircraft deliveries in 2024, compared with previous guidance of 20. The Company ended 2024 with 803 aircraft, which reflected 36 aircraft retirements (34 Boeing 737-700s ("-700") and two Boeing 737-800s ("-800")), compared with its previous guidance of 40 retirements, due to shifting two -700 and two -800 retirements into 2025.
The Company is currently using a planning assumption of 38 -8 aircraft deliveries in 2025, which differs from its contractual order book displayed in the table below as The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) continues to ramp up production and works to certify the Boeing 737-7 (“-7”). This planning assumption supports the Company's plans to retire approximately 51 aircraft, including 49 -700s and two -800s, ending 2025 with roughly 790 aircraft in its fleet. Based on recent discussions, the Company is optimistic that Boeing can exceed 38 aircraft deliveries in 2025 and plans to use any additional aircraft deliveries to support its fleet monetization and capital allocation strategies.
The Company’s full year 2024 capital expenditures were $2.1 billion, in line with the Company's previous guidance. The Company completed the sale-leaseback of 35 -800 aircraft in December 2024 and expects to complete the sale-leaseback of one additional -800 aircraft in first quarter 2025. Including proceeds of $871 million from the sale-leaseback transaction in fourth quarter 2024, the Company's full year 2024 net capital expenditures were $1.2 billion. The Company estimates its 2025 capital spending to be in the range of $2.5 billion to $3.0 billion. This includes approximately $1.2 billion in aircraft capital spending, based on the planning assumption of 38 -8 deliveries, and $1.6 billion in non-aircraft capital spending. The $1.2 billion in aircraft capital spending does not include the impact of potential future fleet sales or sale-leaseback transactions. The Company's opportunities to lower net capital spending from its fleet monetization strategy are dependent on aircraft market conditions and Boeing's ability to deliver aircraft.
Since the previous financial results released on October 24, 2024, the Company exercised three -7 options for delivery in 2025 and eight -7 options for delivery in 2026. The following tables provide further information regarding the Company's contractual order book and compare its contractual order book as of January 30, 2025 with its previous order book as of October 24, 2024. For purposes of the delivery schedule below, the Company has included the remaining 63 of its 2024 contractual but undelivered aircraft (27 -7s and 36 -8s) within its 2025 contractual commitments. The contractual order book as of January 30, 2025 does not include the impact of delivery delays and is subject to change based on ongoing discussions with Boeing and their production capability.
Current 737 Contractual Order Book as of January 30, 2025:
(a) The delivery timing for the -7 is dependent on the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") issuing required certifications and approvals to Boeing and the Company. The FAA will ultimately determine the timing of the -7 certification and entry into service, and the Company therefore offers no assurances that current estimations and timelines are correct.
| The Boeing Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -7 Firm Orders | -8 Firm Orders | -7 or -8 Options | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 70 | 66 | — | 136 | (c) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 68 | — | 18 | 86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | 19 | 46 | 25 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | 15 | 50 | 25 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | 38 | 34 | 18 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2030 | 45 | — | 45 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2031 | 45 | — | 45 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 300 | (a) | 196 | (b) | 176 | 672 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(b) The Company has flexibility to designate firm orders or options as -7s or -8s, upon written advance notification as stated in the contract.
(c) The Company has included the remaining 63 of its 2024 contractual but undelivered aircraft (27 -7s and 36 -8s) within its 2025 contractual commitments. As Boeing continues to ramp up production and works to certify the -7, the Company is currently using a planning assumption of 38 -8 aircraft deliveries in 2025. The 2025 contractual detail is as follows:
| The Boeing Company | ||||||||||||||||||||
| -7 Firm Orders | -8 Firm Orders | Total | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 Contractual Deliveries Remaining | 27 | 36 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2025 Contractual Deliveries | 43 | 30 | 73 | |||||||||||||||||
| 2025 Contractual Total | 70 | 66 | 136 | |||||||||||||||||
Previous 737 Order Book as of October 24, 2024 (a):
| The Boeing Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| -7 Firm Orders | -8 Firm Orders | -7 or -8 Options | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 27 | 58 | — | 85 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 40 | 30 | 3 | 73 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 60 | — | 26 | 86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2027 | 19 | 46 | 25 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2028 | 15 | 50 | 25 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2029 | 38 | 34 | 18 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2030 | 45 | — | 45 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2031 | 45 | — | 45 | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 289 | 218 | 187 | 694 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) The 'Previous 737 Order Book' is for reference and comparative purposes only. It should no longer be relied upon. See 'Current 737 Contractual Order Book' for the Company's current aircraft order book.
Liquidity and Capital Deployment:
•The Company ended 2024 with $8.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, and a fully available revolving credit line of $1.0 billion
•The Company continues to have a large base of unencumbered assets with a net book value of approximately $16.3 billion, including $13.3 billion in aircraft value and $3.0 billion in non-aircraft assets such as spare engines, ground equipment, and real estate
•The Company had a net cash position8 of $2.0 billion, and adjusted debt to invested capital ("leverage")9 of 43 percent as of December 31, 2024
•The Company returned $680 million, comprised of $430 million of dividends and $250 million of share repurchases, to its Shareholders in 2024
•The Company intends to launch an additional $750 million accelerated share repurchase program in first quarter 2025
•The Company paid $1.3 billion during 2024 to retire debt and finance lease obligations, including the early redemption of its $1.3 billion outstanding 5.25% Notes due 2025
•The Company has elected to settle in cash its 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025. The settlement date for such conversions will be May 1, 2025, the maturity date of the notes
Awards and Recognitions:
•Ranked the #1 Airline for Economy Class Customer Satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Airline Satisfaction Study10 for the third consecutive year
•Ranked No. 1 on Newsweek's 2024 America's Best Customer Service List in the Airlines and Low-Cost Airlines subcategories
•Recognized by USA TODAY as one of America’s 2024 Customer Service Champions
•Named Domestic Carrier of the Year by the Airforwarders Association
•Named the #2 domestic airline by the 2024 Elliot Readers' Choice Awards
•The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier and Priority Credit Cards, issued by Chase, were named the top two Co-Branded Airline Credit Cards for Customer Satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study11
•Recognized by USA TODAY as the #1 Airline and the #1 Cabin Crew in the 2024 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards
•Ranked #2 on the Business Travel News ("BTN") 2024 Airline Survey for the third year in a row
•Recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Most Responsible Companies
•Ranked as the top airline on Forbes America's Best Employers for Veterans List
•Named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion after achieving a top score on Disability:IN's 2024 Disability Equality Index
•Earned Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG):
•Published the Company's annual corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability report—the Southwest Airlines One Report—a comprehensive, integrated report that includes information on the Company's Citizenship efforts and key topics including People, Performance, and Planet, along with reporting guided by the Global Reporting Initiatives ("GRI") Standards, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB"), United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ("UNSDG"), and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures ("TCFD") frameworks
•Joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel ("SAF") Coalition. Members of the SAF Coalition are working together to rapidly scale investment in the SAF sector and advocate for the incentives and policies necessary to promote U.S. economic competitiveness in the emerging SAF marketplace
•Received an ESG ranking from FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company) of 4.3 out of 5 and, as a result, was included in the FTSE4Good Index Series which is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong ESG practices
•Celebrated 10 years of the Company's Repurpose with Purpose program, a global sustainability initiative that creates partnerships with social impact organizations to upcycle and transform aircraft seat leather removed during ongoing aircraft renovations and the aircraft retirement process
•Introduced a new bamboo cup for inflight cold beverages and a wood stir stick as part of the Company's ongoing work toward its goal to reduce single-use plastics from inflight service by 50% by weight by the end of 202512
Supplemental Financial information:
The Company will provide additional details on progress against initiative development and expected financial results, including a scorecard. This will be available on the Investor Relations website at
www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com.
Conference Call
The Company will discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results on a conference call at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time today. To listen to a live broadcast of the conference call please go to
www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com.
Footnotes
1See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information on special items. In addition, information regarding special items and economic results is included in the accompanying table Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Items (also referred to as "excluding special items").
2Includes $8.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, and a fully available revolving credit line of $1.0 billion.
3Based on the Company's existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of January 21, 2025, first quarter and full year 2025 economic fuel costs per gallon are estimated to be in the range of $2.50 to $2.60 and $2.45 to $2.55, respectively. Economic fuel cost projections do not reflect the potential impact of special items because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate the hedge accounting impact associated with the volatility of the energy markets, or the impact to its financial statements in future periods. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
4Projections do not reflect the potential impact of fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods, especially considering the significant volatility of the fuel and oil expense line item. Accordingly, the Company believes a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for these projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
5Operating margin, excluding special items, is calculated as operating income, excluding special items, divided by operating revenues, excluding special items. Projections and targets do not reflect the potential impact of special items because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods. Accordingly, the Company believes reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for these projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
6See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information on ROIC. In addition, information regarding ROIC and economic results is included in the accompanying table Non-GAAP Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). Projections and targets do not reflect the potential impact of special items because the Company cannot reliably predict or estimate those items or expenses or their impact to its financial statements in future periods. Accordingly, the Company believes reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the equivalent GAAP financial measures for these projected results is not meaningful or available without unreasonable effort.
7The Company's maximum fuel hedged percentage is calculated using the maximum number of gallons that are covered by derivative contracts divided by the Company's estimate of total fuel gallons to be consumed for each respective period. The Company's maximum number of gallons that are covered by derivative contracts may be at
different strike prices and at strike prices materially higher than the current market prices. The volume of gallons covered by derivative contracts that ultimately get exercised in any given period may vary significantly from the volumes used to calculate the Company's maximum fuel hedged percentages, as market prices and the Company's fuel consumption fluctuate.
8Net cash position is calculated as the sum of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, less the sum of short-term and long-term debt.
9See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for an explanation of the Company's leverage calculation.
10Southwest Airlines Co. received the highest score in the Economy Class segment of the J.D. Power
2022-2024 North American Airline Satisfaction Studies of passengers’ satisfaction with their airline experience.
Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.
11Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier and Priority Credit Cards, issued by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., ranked #1 and #2, respectively, in the Airline Co-Branded Credit Cards segment of the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study, which profiles the experiences of customers from the largest credit card issuers. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.
12Weight compared with a 2022 baseline and includes plastics for Inflight service.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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 related to (i) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to Shareholder returns; (ii) the Company’s ongoing strategic initiatives and planned initiatives; (iii) the Company's financial and operational outlook, expectations, goals, plans, targets, and projected results of operations, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (iv) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to modernizing the Customer Experience, restoring efficiencies, and delivering a more efficient operation; (v) the Company's plans and expectations with respect to capacity, capacity adjustments, and network adjustments, and factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (vi) the Company's expectations with respect to fuel costs, hedging gains, and fuel efficiency, fuel hedged, and the Company's related management of risks associated with changing jet fuel prices, including factors underlying the Company's expectations; (vii) the Company's plans, estimates, and assumptions related to repayment of debt obligations, interest expense, effective tax rate, and capital spending, including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (viii) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to the maturation of the revenue management system and techniques, marketing and distribution evolution, and better network optimization; (ix) the Company’s expectations with respect to consumer demand and the demand environment; (x) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to mitigating costs, minimizing hiring, better optimizing scheduling efficiency, capitalizing on supply chain opportunities, and improving corporate overhead; (xi) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to redeye flying and turn time reduction initiatives; and (xii) the Company's plans, expectations, opportunities, and goals regarding its fleet and fleet delivery schedule, including with respect to deliveries and retirements, fleet transactions, fleet utilization, fleet modernization, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's plans and expectations. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking 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) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), consumer perception, economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management and assigned and premium seating; (iii) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (iv) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, volatility of commodities used by the Company for hedging jet fuel, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions, on the Company's business plans and results of operations; (v) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, Boeing MAX 7 aircraft certifications, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vi) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to safety approvals for the new cabin layout and the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (vii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, Global Distribution Systems, environmental sustainability, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively prioritize its initiatives and focus areas and related expenditures; (ix) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (x) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; (xi) the Company's dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company’s plans,
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 related to (i) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to Shareholder returns; (ii) the Company’s ongoing strategic initiatives and planned initiatives; (iii) the Company's financial and operational outlook, expectations, goals, plans, targets, and projected results of operations, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (iv) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to modernizing the Customer Experience, restoring efficiencies, and delivering a more efficient operation; (v) the Company's plans and expectations with respect to capacity, capacity adjustments, and network adjustments, and factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (vi) the Company's expectations with respect to fuel costs, hedging gains, and fuel efficiency, fuel hedged, and the Company's related management of risks associated with changing jet fuel prices, including factors underlying the Company's expectations; (vii) the Company's plans, estimates, and assumptions related to repayment of debt obligations, interest expense, effective tax rate, and capital spending, including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (viii) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to the maturation of the revenue management system and techniques, marketing and distribution evolution, and better network optimization; (ix) the Company’s expectations with respect to consumer demand and the demand environment; (x) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to mitigating costs, minimizing hiring, better optimizing scheduling efficiency, capitalizing on supply chain opportunities, and improving corporate overhead; (xi) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to redeye flying and turn time reduction initiatives; and (xii) the Company's plans, expectations, opportunities, and goals regarding its fleet and fleet delivery schedule, including with respect to deliveries and retirements, fleet transactions, fleet utilization, fleet modernization, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's plans and expectations. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking 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) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), consumer perception, economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management and assigned and premium seating; (iii) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (iv) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, volatility of commodities used by the Company for hedging jet fuel, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions, on the Company's business plans and results of operations; (v) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, Boeing MAX 7 aircraft certifications, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vi) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to safety approvals for the new cabin layout and the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (vii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, Global Distribution Systems, environmental sustainability, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively prioritize its initiatives and focus areas and related expenditures; (ix) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (x) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; (xi) the Company's dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company’s plans,
strategies, and initiatives; (xii) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; and (xiii) 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, 2023.
Investor Contact:
Southwest Airlines Investor Relations
214-792-4415
Media Contact:
Southwest Airlines Media Relations
214-792-4847
swamedia@wnco.com
SW-QFS
Southwest Airlines Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger | $ | 6,307 | $ | 6,211 | 1.5 | $ | 24,980 | $ | 23,637 | 5.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Freight | 45 | 44 | 2.3 | 175 | 175 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 579 | 567 | 2.1 | 2,328 | 2,279 | 2.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating revenues | 6,931 | 6,822 | 1.6 | 27,483 | 26,091 | 5.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries, wages, and benefits | 3,232 | 3,161 | 2.2 | 12,240 | 11,152 | 9.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel and oil | 1,264 | 1,703 | (25.8) | 5,812 | 6,217 | (6.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maintenance materials and repairs | 307 | 351 | (12.5) | 1,353 | 1,188 | 13.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Landing fees and airport rentals | 493 | 465 | 6.0 | 1,962 | 1,789 | 9.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 407 | 415 | (1.9) | 1,657 | 1,522 | 8.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expenses | 950 | 1,131 | (16.0) | 4,138 | 3,999 | 3.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 6,653 | 7,226 | (7.9) | 27,162 | 25,867 | 5.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) | 278 | (404) | n.m. | 321 | 224 | 43.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NON-OPERATING EXPENSES (INCOME): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 59 | 66 | (10.6) | 249 | 259 | (3.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | (11) | (8) | 37.5 | (35) | (23) | 52.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (105) | (159) | (34.0) | (497) | (583) | (14.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 2 | — | n.m. | 2 | — | n.m. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (gains) losses, net | 4 | (17) | n.m. | 4 | (62) | n.m. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-operating expenses (income) | (51) | (118) | (56.8) | (277) | (409) | (32.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 329 | (286) | n.m. | 598 | 633 | (5.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES | 68 | (34) | n.m. | 133 | 168 | (20.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 261 | $ | (252) | n.m. | $ | 465 | $ | 465 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.44 | $ | (0.42) | n.m. | $ | 0.78 | $ | 0.78 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.42 | $ | (0.42) | n.m. | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.76 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 595 | 596 | (0.2) | 598 | 595 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 641 | 596 | 7.6 | 643 | 640 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Southwest Airlines Co.
Reconciliation of Reported Amounts to Non-GAAP Items (excluding special items)
(See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures)
(in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues, as reported | $ | 6,931 | $ | 6,822 | $ | 27,483 | $ | 26,091 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Breakage revenue adjustment (a) | 116 | — | 116 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenues, excluding special items | $ | 7,047 | $ | 6,822 | 3.3 | $ | 27,599 | $ | 26,091 | 5.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel and oil expense, unhedged | $ | 1,252 | $ | 1,738 | $ | 5,750 | $ | 6,346 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Premium cost of fuel contracts designated as hedges | 34 | 30 | 148 | 121 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Fuel hedge gains included in Fuel and oil expense, net | (22) | (65) | (86) | (250) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel and oil expense, as reported | $ | 1,264 | $ | 1,703 | $ | 5,812 | $ | 6,217 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI | 19 | (5) | 34 | (16) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Premium cost of fuel contracts not designated as hedges | 6 | — | 9 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel and oil expense, excluding special items (economic) | $ | 1,289 | $ | 1,698 | (24.1) | $ | 5,855 | $ | 6,201 | (5.6) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses, as reported | $ | 6,653 | $ | 7,226 | $ | 27,162 | $ | 25,867 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Voluntary Employee programs | (5) | — | (5) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Labor contract adjustment (b) | — | — | (9) | (180) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: SWAPA Labor contract adjustment (c) | — | (474) | — | (354) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI | 19 | (5) | 34 | (16) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Premium cost of fuel contracts not designated as hedges | 6 | — | 9 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: DOT settlement | — | (107) | — | (107) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Litigation settlements | — | — | (7) | (12) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Professional advisory fees | (18) | — | (37) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Transformation costs | (5) | — | (5) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses, excluding special items | $ | 6,650 | $ | 6,640 | 0.2 | $ | 27,142 | $ | 25,198 | 7.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Fuel and oil expense, excluding special items (economic) | (1,289) | (1,698) | (5,855) | (6,201) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses, excluding Fuel and oil expense and special items | $ | 5,361 | $ | 4,942 | 8.5 | $ | 21,287 | $ | 18,997 | 12.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Profitsharing expense | (54) | 49 | (103) | (110) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses, excluding Fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing | $ | 5,307 | $ | 4,991 | 6.3 | $ | 21,184 | $ | 18,887 | 12.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income (loss), as reported | $ | 278 | $ | (404) | $ | 321 | $ | 224 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Breakage revenue adjustment (a) | 116 | — | 116 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Voluntary Employee programs | 5 | — | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Labor contract adjustment (b) | — | — | 9 | 180 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: SWAPA contract adjustment (c) | — | 474 | — | 354 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI | (19) | 5 | (34) | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Premium cost of fuel contracts not designated as hedges | (6) | — | (9) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: DOT settlement | — | 107 | — | 107 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Litigation settlements | — | — | 7 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Professional advisory fees | 18 | — | 37 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Transformation costs | 5 | — | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income, excluding special items | $ | 397 | $ | 182 | 118.1 | $ | 457 | $ | 893 | (48.8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (gains) losses, net, as reported | $ | 4 | $ | (17) | $ | 4 | $ | (62) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts settling in current periods | (1) | (9) | (34) | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Premium cost of fuel contracts not designated as hedges | (6) | — | (9) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Unrealized mark-to-market adjustment on available for sale securities | — | — | — | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gains, net, excluding special items | $ | (3) | $ | (26) | (88.5) | $ | (39) | $ | (41) | (4.9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes, as reported | $ | 329 | $ | (286) | $ | 598 | $ | 633 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Breakage revenue adjustment (a) | 116 | — | 116 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Voluntary Employee programs | 5 | — | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Labor contract adjustment (b) | — | — | 9 | 180 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: SWAPA contract adjustment (c) | — | 474 | — | 354 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI | (19) | 5 | (34) | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts settling in current periods | 1 | 9 | 34 | (17) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Unrealized mark-to-market adjustment on available for sale securities | — | — | — | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: DOT settlement | — | 107 | — | 107 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Litigation settlements | — | — | 7 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Professional advisory fees | 18 | — | 37 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Transformation costs | 5 | — | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes, excluding special items | $ | 455 | $ | 309 | 47.2 | $ | 777 | $ | 1,281 | (39.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision (benefit) for income taxes, as reported | $ | 68 | $ | (34) | $ | 133 | $ | 168 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Net income tax impact of fuel and special items (d) | 31 | 106 | 47 | 133 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes, net, excluding special items | $ | 99 | $ | 72 | 37.5 | $ | 180 | $ | 301 | (40.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss), as reported | $ | 261 | $ | (252) | $ | 465 | $ | 465 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Breakage revenue adjustment (a) | 116 | — | 116 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Voluntary Employee programs | 5 | — | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Labor contract adjustment (b) | — | — | 9 | 180 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: SWAPA contract adjustment (c) | — | 474 | — | 354 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI | (19) | 5 | (34) | 16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts settling in current periods | 1 | 9 | 34 | (17) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Unrealized mark-to-market adjustment on available for sale securities | — | — | — | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: DOT settlement | — | 107 | — | 107 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Litigation settlements | — | — | 7 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Professional advisory fees | 18 | — | 37 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Transformation costs | 5 | — | 5 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Net income (loss) tax impact of fuel and special items (d) | (31) | (106) | (47) | (133) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income, excluding special items | $ | 356 | $ | 237 | 50.2 | $ | 597 | $ | 980 | (39.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | 2024 | 2023 | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share, diluted, as reported | $ | 0.42 | $ | (0.42) | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.76 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Impact of special items | 0.22 | 0.90 | 0.27 | 1.01 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Net impact of net income above from fuel contracts divided by dilutive shares | (0.03) | 0.02 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Income tax impact of fuel contracts | 0.01 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Net income (loss) tax impact of special items (d) | (0.06) | (0.15) | (0.07) | (0.21) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: GAAP to Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares difference (e) | — | 0.03 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per share, diluted, excluding special items | $ | 0.56 | $ | 0.38 | 47.4 | $ | 0.96 | $ | 1.56 | (38.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents), as reported | ¢ | 18.30 | ¢ | 17.46 | ¢ | 17.53 | ¢ | 17.35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Impact of special items | 0.33 | — | 0.08 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue yield per RPM, excluding special items (cents) | ¢ | 18.63 | ¢ | 17.46 | 6.7 | ¢ | 17.61 | ¢ | 17.35 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue per ASM (cents), as reported | ¢ | 15.92 | ¢ | 14.99 | ¢ | 15.51 | ¢ | 15.32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Impact of special items | 0.27 | — | 0.06 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating revenue per ASM, excluding special items (cents) | ¢ | 16.19 | ¢ | 14.99 | 8.0 | ¢ | 15.57 | ¢ | 15.32 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue per ASM (cents), as reported | ¢ | 14.49 | ¢ | 13.65 | ¢ | 14.09 | ¢ | 13.88 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add: Impact of special items | 0.27 | — | 0.06 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue per ASM, excluding special items (cents) | ¢ | 14.76 | ¢ | 13.65 | 8.1 | ¢ | 14.15 | ¢ | 13.88 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses per ASM (cents), as reported | ¢ | 15.28 | ¢ | 15.88 | ¢ | 15.32 | ¢ | 15.19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Impact of special items | (0.06) | (1.27) | (0.04) | (0.38) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deduct: Fuel and oil expense divided by ASMs | (2.90) | (3.74) | (3.27) | (3.65) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Add (Deduct): Profitsharing expense divided by ASMs | (0.13) | 0.10 | (0.06) | (0.07) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses per ASM, excluding Fuel and oil expense, profitsharing, and special items (cents) | ¢ | 12.19 | ¢ | 10.97 | 11.1 | ¢ | 11.95 | ¢ | 11.09 | 7.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) Represents a change in breakage revenue estimate related to flight credits the Company issued to Passengers during 2022 and prior. On July 28, 2022, the Company modified its policy and announced that all unexpired flight credits as of that date, including a significant volume of such credits issued to impacted Customers during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Company was making significant changes to its schedules based on fluctuating demand, will no longer have an expiration date and thus will be able to be redeemed by Customers indefinitely. This change in policy was considered a contract modification under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and the Company accounted for such change prospectively in third quarter 2022. At that time, based on historical Customer behavior, the Company estimated that redemptions of these flight credits would have been reduced to an immaterial amount during 2024 and recognized breakage revenue in prior periods for these flight credits accordingly; however, based on actual Customer redemptions throughout 2024, as well as currently projected redemptions beyond 2024, the Company determined a reversal of a portion of this prior breakage revenue was warranted in the current period. This adjustment is not reflective of base business revenue trends in fourth quarter 2024 or beyond. See the Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further information.
(b) 2024 amounts represent changes in estimate related to the contract ratification bonuses for the Company's Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, & Cargo Agents as part of the tentative agreement ratified in March 2024 with the Transport Workers Union Local 555 ("TWU 555"). 2023 amounts represent changes in estimate related to the contract ratification bonus for the Company’s Flight Attendants as part of the tentative agreement reached in October 2023 with the Transport Workers of America Union Local 556 ("TWU 556"). The Company began accruing for all of its open labor contracts on April 1, 2022, and this incremental $180 million expense extends the timeframe covered by the ratification bonus to the date the Flight Attendant contract became amendable on November 1, 2018, to compensate for missed wage increases over that time period. The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 included market rate wage accruals for all workgroups with open collective bargaining agreements. See the Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further information.
(c) Represents changes in estimate related to the contract ratification bonus for the Company’s Pilots as part of the tentative agreement reached in December 2023 with Southwest Airlines Pilots Association ("SWAPA"). The Company began accruing for all of its open labor contracts on April 1, 2022, and this incremental $474 million expense for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and incremental $354 million expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 represented an increase in retroactive pay associated with wage rates for purposes of calculating the ratification bonus agreed to for Pilots for periods prior to fourth quarter and full year 2023, respectively. See the Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for further information.
(d) Tax amounts for each individual special item are calculated at the Company's effective rate for the applicable period and totaled in this line item.
(e) Adjustment related to GAAP and Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares difference, due to the Company being in a Net loss position on a GAAP basis versus a Net income position on a Non-GAAP basis for the three months ended December 31, 2023.
Southwest Airlines Co.
Comparative Consolidated Operating Statistics
(unaudited)
| Three months ended | Year ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | Percent | December 31, | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue passengers carried (000s) | 34,126 | 35,983 | (5.2) | 140,023 | 137,279 | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enplaned passengers (000s) | 42,591 | 44,766 | (4.9) | 175,466 | 171,817 | 2.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (in millions) (a) | 34,471 | 35,580 | (3.1) | 142,515 | 136,256 | 4.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Available seat miles (ASMs) (in millions) (b) | 43,533 | 45,513 | (4.4) | 177,250 | 170,323 | 4.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Load factor (c) | 79.2 | % | 78.2 | % | 1.0 pts. | 80.4 | % | 80.0 | % | 0.4 pts. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average length of passenger haul (miles) | 1,010 | 989 | 2.1 | 1,018 | 993 | 2.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average aircraft stage length (miles) | 763 | 739 | 3.2 | 763 | 730 | 4.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trips flown | 353,529 | 385,291 | (8.2) | 1,443,866 | 1,459,427 | (1.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seats flown (000s) (d) | 56,598 | 61,293 | (7.7) | 230,187 | 231,409 | (0.5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seats per trip (e) | 160.1 | 159.1 | 0.6 | 159.4 | 158.6 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average passenger fare | $ | 184.81 | $ | 172.6 | 7.1 | $ | 178.40 | $ | 172.18 | 3.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents) (f) | 18.30 | 17.46 | 4.8 | 17.53 | 17.35 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passenger revenue yield per RPM, excluding special items (cents) | 18.63 | 17.46 | 6.7 | 17.61 | 17.35 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RASM (cents) (g) | 15.92 | 14.99 | 6.2 | 15.51 | 15.32 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RASM, excluding special items (cents) | 16.19 | 14.99 | 8.0 | 15.57 | 15.32 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRASM (cents) (h) | 14.49 | 13.65 | 6.2 | 14.09 | 13.88 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRASM, excluding special items (cents) | 14.76 | 13.65 | 8.1 | 14.15 | 13.88 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASM (cents) (i) | 15.28 | 15.88 | (3.8) | 15.32 | 15.19 | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASM, excluding Fuel and oil expense (cents) | 12.38 | 12.14 | 2.0 | 12.05 | 11.54 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASM, excluding special items (cents) | 15.27 | 14.59 | 4.7 | 15.31 | 14.79 | 3.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASM, excluding Fuel and oil expense and special items (cents) | 12.31 | 10.86 | 13.4 | 12.01 | 11.15 | 7.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASM, excluding Fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing expense (cents) | 12.19 | 10.97 | 11.1 | 11.95 | 11.09 | 7.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (unhedged) | $ | 2.36 | $ | 3.07 | (23.1) | $ | 2.62 | $ | 2.95 | (11.2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax | $ | 2.38 | $ | 3.01 | (20.9) | $ | 2.64 | $ | 2.89 | (8.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (economic) | $ | 2.42 | $ | 3.00 | (19.3) | $ | 2.66 | $ | 2.89 | (8.0) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions) | 531 | 565 | (6.0) | 2,194 | 2,143 | 2.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Active fulltime equivalent Employees | 72,450 | 74,806 | (3.1) | 72,450 | 74,806 | (3.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aircraft at end of period (j) | 803 | 817 | (1.7) | 803 | 817 | (1.7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) A revenue passenger mile is one paying passenger flown one mile. Also referred to as "traffic," which is a measure of demand for a given period.
(b) An available seat mile is one seat (empty or full) flown one mile. Also referred to as "capacity," which is a measure of the space available to carry passengers in a given period.
(c) Revenue passenger miles divided by available seat miles.
(d) Seats flown is calculated using total number of seats available by aircraft type multiplied by the total trips flown by the same aircraft type during a particular period.
(e) Seats per trip is calculated by dividing seats flown by trips flown.
(f) Calculated as passenger revenue divided by revenue passenger miles. Also referred to as "yield," this is the average cost paid by a paying passenger to fly one mile, which is a measure of revenue production and fares.
(g) RASM (unit revenue) - Operating revenue yield per ASM, calculated as operating revenue divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "operating unit revenues," this is a measure of operating revenue production based on the total available seat miles flown during a particular period.
(h) PRASM (Passenger unit revenue) - Passenger revenue yield per ASM, calculated as passenger revenue divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as “passenger unit revenues,” this is a measure of passenger revenue production based on the total available seat miles flown during a particular period.
(i) CASM (unit costs) - Operating expenses per ASM, calculated as operating expenses divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "unit costs" or "cost per available seat mile," this is the average cost to fly an aircraft seat (empty or full) one mile, which is a measure of cost efficiencies.
(j) Included three Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft in temporary storage as of December 31, 2024.
Southwest Airlines Co.
Non-GAAP Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)
(See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, and see note below)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
| Twelve Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||||||||||||
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Operating income, as reported | $ | 321 | $ | 224 | ||||||||||
| Breakage revenue adjustment | 116 | — | ||||||||||||
| Voluntary Employee programs | 5 | — | ||||||||||||
| TWU 555 contract adjustment | 9 | — | ||||||||||||
| TWU 556 contract adjustment | — | 180 | ||||||||||||
| SWAPA contract adjustment | — | 354 | ||||||||||||
| Net impact from fuel contracts | (34) | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Premium benefit of fuel contracts not designated as hedges | (9) | — | ||||||||||||
| Professional advisory fees | 37 | — | ||||||||||||
| Transformation costs | 5 | — | ||||||||||||
| DOT settlement | — | 107 | ||||||||||||
| Litigation settlements | 7 | 12 | ||||||||||||
| Operating income, non-GAAP | $ | 457 | $ | 893 | ||||||||||
| Net adjustment for aircraft leases (a) | 134 | 128 | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted operating income, non-GAAP (A) | $ | 591 | $ | 1,021 | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP tax rate (B) | 23.1 | % | (d) | 23.5 | % | (e) | ||||||||
| Net operating profit after-tax, NOPAT (A* (1-B) = C) | $ | 454 | $ | 781 | ||||||||||
| Debt, including finance leases (b) | $ | 7,742 | $ | 8,033 | ||||||||||
| Equity (b) | 10,388 | 10,669 | ||||||||||||
| Net present value of aircraft operating leases (b) | 933 | 1,029 | ||||||||||||
| Average invested capital | $ | 19,063 | $ | 19,731 | ||||||||||
| Equity adjustment (c) | 13 | (168) | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted average invested capital (D) | $ | 19,076 | $ | 19,563 | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP ROIC, pre-tax (A/D) | 3.1 | % | 5.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Non-GAAP ROIC, after-tax (C/D) | 2.4 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||||||||
(a) Net adjustment related to presumption that all aircraft in fleet are owned (i.e., the impact of eliminating aircraft rent expense and replacing with estimated depreciation expense for those same aircraft). The Company makes this adjustment to enhance comparability to other entities that have different capital structures by utilizing alternative financing decisions.
(b) Calculated as an average of the five most recent quarter end balances or remaining obligations. The Net present value of aircraft operating leases represents the assumption that all aircraft in the Company’s fleet are owned, as it reflects the remaining contractual commitments discounted at the Company's estimated incremental borrowing rate as of the time each individual lease was signed.
(c) The Equity adjustment in the denominator adjusts for the cumulative impacts, in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and Retained earnings, of gains and/or losses that will settle in future periods, including those associated with the Company's fuel hedges. The current period impact of these gains and/or losses is reflected in the Net impact from fuel contracts in the numerator.
(d) The GAAP full year tax rate as of December 31, 2024, was 22.2 percent, and the full year Non-GAAP tax rate was 23.1 percent. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information.
(e) The GAAP full year tax rate as of December 31, 2023, was 26.5 percent, and the full year Non-GAAP tax rate was 23.5 percent. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for additional information.
Southwest Airlines Co.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(in millions)
(unaudited)
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 7,509 | $ | 9,288 | |||||||
| Short-term investments | 1,216 | 2,186 | |||||||||
| Accounts and other receivables | 1,110 | 1,154 | |||||||||
| Inventories of parts and supplies, at cost | 800 | 807 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 639 | 520 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 11,274 | 13,955 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, at cost: | |||||||||||
| Flight equipment | 25,202 | 26,060 | |||||||||
| Ground property and equipment | 8,244 | 7,460 | |||||||||
| Deposits on flight equipment purchase contracts | 413 | 236 | |||||||||
| Assets constructed for others | 88 | 62 | |||||||||
| 33,947 | 33,818 | ||||||||||
| Less allowance for depreciation and amortization | 14,891 | 14,443 | |||||||||
| 19,056 | 19,375 | ||||||||||
| Goodwill | 970 | 970 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 1,369 | 1,223 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 1,081 | 964 | |||||||||
| $ | 33,750 | $ | 36,487 | ||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 1,818 | $ | 1,862 | |||||||
| Accrued liabilities | 2,206 | 3,606 | |||||||||
| Current operating lease liabilities | 328 | 208 | |||||||||
| Air traffic liability | 6,294 | 6,551 | |||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | 1,630 | 29 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 12,276 | 12,256 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt less current maturities | 5,069 | 7,978 | |||||||||
| Air traffic liability - noncurrent | 1,948 | 1,728 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 2,167 | 2,044 | |||||||||
| Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | 1,031 | 985 | |||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | 909 | 981 | |||||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||
| Common stock | 888 | 888 | |||||||||
| Capital in excess of par value | 4,199 | 4,153 | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 16,332 | 16,297 | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (25) | — | |||||||||
| Treasury stock, at cost | (11,044) | (10,823) | |||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 10,350 | 10,515 | |||||||||
| $ | 33,750 | $ | 36,487 | ||||||||
Southwest Airlines Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(in millions) (unaudited)
| Three months ended December 31, | Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 261 | $ | (252) | $ | 465 | $ | 465 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 407 | 415 | 1,657 | 1,522 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized mark-to-market adjustment on available for sale securities | — | — | — | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized/realized (gain) loss on fuel derivative instruments | (17) | 14 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 70 | (52) | 132 | 159 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale-leaseback transactions | (92) | — | (92) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 2 | — | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in certain assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts and other receivables | 100 | 316 | 19 | (89) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | (12) | (14) | (8) | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 305 | 740 | (1,363) | 1,386 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Air traffic liability | (459) | (721) | (37) | 29 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | (61) | 43 | (197) | (137) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash collateral provided to derivative counterparties | — | (50) | (28) | (56) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | (28) | (14) | (88) | (171) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 476 | 425 | 462 | 3,164 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (461) | (707) | (2,054) | (3,520) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions | 871 | — | 871 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets constructed for others | — | (11) | (26) | (33) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments | (1,168) | (1,623) | (5,014) | (6,970) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of short-term and other investments | 835 | 1,677 | 5,995 | 7,591 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | (4) | — | (33) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 73 | (664) | (261) | (2,932) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payroll Support Program stock warrants repurchase | — | — | (6) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from Employee stock plans | 15 | 12 | 60 | 48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchase of common stock | (250) | — | (250) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments of long-term debt and finance lease obligations | (1,310) | (7) | (1,337) | (85) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments of cash dividends | — | — | (430) | (428) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds of terminated interest rate derivative instruments | — | 23 | — | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 2 | 2 | (17) | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,543) | 30 | (1,980) | (436) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | (994) | (209) | (1,779) | (204) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 8,503 | 9,497 | 9,288 | 9,492 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD | $ | 7,509 | $ | 9,288 | $ | 7,509 | $ | 9,288 | ||||||||||||||||||
NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company's unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). These GAAP financial statements may include (i) unrealized noncash 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 and (ii) other charges and benefits the Company believes are unusual and/or infrequent in nature and thus may make comparisons to its prior or future performance difficult.
As a result, the Company also provides financial information in this update 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 (also referred to as "excluding special items"), including results that it refers to as "economic," which the Company's management utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance and the Company believes provides additional insight to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results. The non-GAAP measures provided that relate to the Company’s performance on an economic fuel cost basis include Fuel and oil expense, non-GAAP; Total operating expenses, non-GAAP; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Fuel and oil expense; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Fuel and oil expense and profitsharing; Operating income, non-GAAP; Other gains, net, non-GAAP; Income before income taxes, non-GAAP; Income tax rate, non-GAAP; Provision for income taxes, net, non-GAAP; Net income, non-GAAP; Net income per share, diluted, non-GAAP; and Operating expenses per ASM, non-GAAP, excluding Fuel and oil expense and profitsharing (cents). The Company's economic Fuel and oil expense 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 has historically been utilized by the Company, as well as some of the other airlines that utilize fuel hedging, as it 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 that are designated as hedges are reflected as a component of Fuel and oil expense, for both GAAP and non-GAAP (including economic) purposes in the period of contract settlement. The Company believes these economic results provide further insight into the impact of the Company's fuel hedges on its operating performance and liquidity since they exclude the unrealized, noncash adjustments and reclassifications that are recorded in GAAP results in accordance with accounting guidance relating to derivative instruments, 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 and analysts, to consistently assess the Company's operating performance on a year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter basis after considering all efforts in place to manage 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 of 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, 2023 and subsequent filings.
The Company’s GAAP results in the applicable periods may include other charges or benefits that are also deemed “special items” that the Company believes make its results difficult to compare to prior periods, anticipated future periods, or industry trends. Financial measures identified as non-GAAP (or as "excluding special items") have been adjusted to exclude special items. For the periods presented, in addition to the items discussed above, special items include:
1.Reversal of breakage revenue previously recorded related to a portion of flight credits issued to Customers during 2022 and prior that have either been redeemed or are expected to be redeemed in future periods. The majority of these flight credits were issued during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Company was making significant changes to its flight schedules based on fluctuating demand, which made it difficult to estimate future redemption patterns when compared against historical Customer behavior;
2.Incremental expense associated with a voluntary separation program that allowed eligible Employees the opportunity to voluntarily separate from the Company in exchange for severance, medical/dental coverage for a specified period of time, and travel privileges based on years of service;
3.Incremental expense associated with contract ratification bonuses for various workgroups related to additional compensation for services performed by Employees outside the applicable fiscal period;
4.Expenses associated with incremental professional advisory fees related to activist investor activities, which were not budgeted by the Company, are not associated with the ongoing operation of the airline, and are difficult to predict in future periods;
5.A charge associated with a settlement reached with the DOT as a result of the Company's December 2022 operational disruption;
6.Charges associated with tentative litigation settlements regarding certain California state meal-and-rest-break regulations for flight attendants and an arbitration award in favor of the Company's Pilots relating to a collective-bargaining matter;
7.Expenses associated with professional advisory fees related to the Company's implementation of its comprehensive three-year "Southwest. Even Better." transformational plan; and
8.Unrealized mark-to-market adjustment associated with certain available for sale securities.
Because management believes special items can distort the trends associated with the Company’s ongoing performance as an airline, the Company believes that evaluation of its financial performance can be enhanced by a supplemental presentation of results that exclude the impact of special items in order to enhance consistency and comparativeness with results in prior periods that do not include such items and as a basis for evaluating operating results in future periods. The following measures are often provided, excluding special items, and utilized by the Company’s management, analysts, and investors to enhance comparability of year-over-year results, as well as to industry trends: Operating revenues, non-GAAP; Fuel and oil expense, non-GAAP; Total operating expenses, non-GAAP; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Fuel and oil expense; Operating expenses, non-GAAP excluding Fuel and oil expense and profitsharing; Operating income, non-GAAP; Other gains, net, non-GAAP; Income before income taxes, non-GAAP; Income tax rate, non-GAAP; Provision for income taxes, net, non-GAAP; Net income, non-GAAP; Net income per share, diluted, non-GAAP; Passenger revenue yield per RPM, non-GAAP; Operating revenue per ASM, non-GAAP; Passenger revenue per ASM, non-GAAP; and Operating expenses per ASM, non-GAAP, excluding Fuel and oil expense and profitsharing (cents).
The Company has also provided its calculation of return on invested capital, which is a measure of financial performance used by management to evaluate its investment returns on capital. Return on invested capital is not a substitute for financial results as reported in accordance with GAAP and should not be utilized in place of such GAAP results. Although return on invested capital is not a measure defined by GAAP, it is calculated by the Company, in part, using non-GAAP financial measures. Those non-GAAP financial measures are utilized for the same reasons as those noted above for Net income, non-GAAP and Operating income, non-GAAP. The comparable GAAP measures include charges or benefits that are deemed "special items" that the Company believes make its results difficult to compare to prior periods, anticipated future periods, or industry trends, and the Company’s profitability targets and estimates, both internally and externally, are based on non-GAAP results since "special items" cannot be reliably predicted or estimated. The Company believes non-GAAP return on invested capital is a meaningful measure because it quantifies the Company's effectiveness in generating returns relative to the capital it has invested in its business. Although return on invested capital is commonly used as a measure of capital efficiency, definitions of return on invested capital differ; therefore, the Company is providing an explanation of its calculation for non-GAAP return on invested capital in the accompanying reconciliation in order to allow investors to compare and contrast its calculation to the calculations provided by other companies.
The Company has also provided adjusted debt, invested capital, and adjusted debt to invested capital (leverage), which are non-GAAP measures of financial performance. Management believes these supplemental measures can provide a more accurate view of the Company's leverage and risk, since they consider the Company’s debt and debt-like obligation profile and capital. Leverage ratios are widely used by investors, analysts, and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating, and investment recommendations of companies. Although adjusted debt, invested capital, and leverage ratios are commonly-used financial measures, definitions of each differ; therefore, the Company is providing an explanation of its calculations for non-GAAP adjusted debt and adjusted equity in the accompanying reconciliation below in order to allow investors to compare and contrast its calculations to the calculations provided by other companies. Invested capital is adjusted debt plus adjusted equity. Leverage is calculated as adjusted debt divided by invested capital.
| December 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, as reported | $ | 1,630 | $ | 29 | |||||||
| Long-term debt less current maturities, as reported | 5,069 | 7,978 | |||||||||
| Total debt, including finance leases | 6,699 | 8,007 | |||||||||
| Add: Net present value of aircraft operating leases | 1,102 | 950 | |||||||||
| Adjusted debt (A) | $ | 7,801 | $ | 8,957 | |||||||
| Total stockholders' equity, as reported | $ | 10,350 | $ | 10,515 | |||||||
| Deduct: Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), as reported | (25) | — | |||||||||
| Deduct: Cumulative retained earnings impact of unrealized gains (losses) associated with ineffective fuel hedge derivatives | (14) | 4 | |||||||||
| Adjusted equity (B) | $ | 10,389 | $ | 10,511 | |||||||
| Invested capital (A+B) | $ | 18,190 | $ | 19,468 | |||||||
| Leverage: Adjusted debt to invested capital (A/(A+B)) | 43 | % | 46 | % | |||||||
4Q 2024 Earnings January 30, 2025
Summary of contents 4Q 2024 highlights Fleet strategy overview Initiative expectations and scorecard Critical path milestone reporting for assigned and premium seating 'Southwest. Even Better.' 2027 financial targets Page 2
Page 3 Glossary of terms and acronyms Item Definition Adjusted debt A non-GAAP financial measure calculated as total debt plus the net present value of aircraft rentals ASM An available seat mile, or one seat (empty or full) flown one mile. Also referred to as "capacity," which is a measure of the space available to carry passengers in a given period CASM-X The average cost to fly an aircraft seat (empty or full) one mile calculated as operating expenses, excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing expense, divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "unit costs", which is a measure of cost efficiencies EBIT A non-GAAP financial measure calculated as earnings before interest and taxes ELR Refers to extra legroom EPS Net income per share, diluted FAA Refers to the Federal Aviation Administration Free cash flow A non-GAAP financial measure calculated as operating cash flows less capital expenditures Leverage A non-GAAP financial measure calculated as adjusted debt divided by invested capital Operating margin A non-GAAP financial measure calculated as operating income divided by operating revenues, excluding special items RASM A measure of operating revenue production based on the total available seat miles flown during a particular period calculated as operating revenue divided by available seat miles. Also referred to as "unit revenues" ROIC After-tax return on invested capital WACC Weighted average cost of capital Non-GAAP Financial measures: For additional information on non-GAAP financial measures, including measures "excluding special items," please see "Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in our earnings release included in the "Investor Relations--Financials--Quarterly Results" section of our website. We are not able to reconcile certain forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures used in this presentation without unreasonable effort because the adjusting items (in particular, volatile line items such as fuel and oil expense) will not be known until the end of the indicated future periods and could be significant.
Page 4 Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements This Investor Update 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. Forward-looking statements are based on, and include statements about, the Company’s current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company’s fleet plans and expectations, including with respect to fleet utilization, fleet modernization, fleet management, flexibility, expected fleet deliveries and retirements, refreshed cabin design, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, increased WiFi, and new RECARO seats, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's plans and expectations; (ii) the Company's plans, estimates, and assumptions related to capital spending, repayment of debt obligations, leverage, credit ratings, interest expense, including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (iii) the Company’s initiatives, strategic priorities and focus areas, plans, goals, expectations, and opportunities, including with respect to (a) network optimization and maturation, (b) marketing and distribution evolution, (c) improving revenue performance and revenue management, (d) assigned and premium seating, (e) airline partnerships and enhanced vacation products, including Getaways by Southwest, (f) aircraft turn-time, (g) redeye flying and 24-hour operation capabilities, (h) innovation, Customer Service modernization, and Customer Experience enhancements, (i) managing and mitigating cost pressures and removing costs, (j) enhancing efficiency, growth initiatives and efficient use of capital, and capital allocation, (k) fleet strategy and extracting value from the fleet and the fleet order book, (l) creating value for Shareholders and Shareholder returns; and (m) maintaining investment grade credit rating; (iv) the Company's financial and operational outlook, expectations, goals, plans, strategies, targets, and projected results of operations, including with respect to its initiatives, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; and (v) the Company’s plans and expectations with respect to its network, its capacity, its network optimization efforts, its network plan, network restructurings, market maturation, refining connection opportunities, and capacity and network adjustments, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), consumer perception, economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management and assigned and premium seating; (iii) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (iv) the impact of fuel price changes, fuel price volatility, volatility of commodities used by the Company for hedging jet fuel, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions, on the Company's business plans and results of operations; (v) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, Boeing MAX 7 aircraft certifications, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vi) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to safety approvals for the new cabin layout and the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (vii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, Global Distribution Systems, environmental sustainability, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively prioritize its initiatives and focus areas and related expenditures; (ix) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (x) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; (xi) the Company's dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company’s plans, strategies, and initiatives; (xii) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; and (xiii) 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, 2023.
Page 5 4Q 2024 highlights Record revenue with momentum from initiatives • Benefits from tactical initiatives contributed to record yield performance • Continued demand strength, particularly during the holiday period Strong operational performance • 99.3% completion factor rounding out our industry-leading full year performance of 99.2% • 84.1% ontime performance, our best performance since 2020 • 63.9 Trip Net Promoter Score, our best performance since 2020 Maximizing Shareholder value and capital flexibility • Retired $1.3B in debt and finance lease obligations in 2024 • Incurred $1.2B in net capital spending in 2024 • Returned $680M in dividends and share repurchases in 2024 • Liquidity of $9.7B, well in excess of $6.7B outstanding debt $7.0B +3.3% YoY 4Q 2024 operating revenues1 c16.19 +8.0% YoY 4Q 2024 RASM1 c12.19 +11.1% YoY 4Q 2024 CASM-X1 $0.56 +47.4% YoY 4Q 2024 EPS1 1. Excludes special items
Page 6 Fleet strategy initiative underway Type Avg. Age (Yrs) Owned Leased Total Change in 2025 737-700 19 326 27 353 -49 737-800 9 155 50 205 -2 737-8 3 216 29 245 +38 Total 12 697 106 803 ~790 Completed sale-leaseback of 36 –800s,, including 35 in December 2024 and one in first quarter 2025 Significant flexibility, including options and ability to change mix of -7s and -8s Estimated gross CapEx of $2.5B to $3.0B for 2025, with opportunities to lower net CapEx through fleet strategy transactions -800 aircraft sales facilitate capital efficient fleet modernization; -8 aircraft sales afford the opportunity to realize significant embedded value Fleet Composition1 The Boeing Company Summary Contractual Order Book1,2 Type Firm Orders Options Total 737-7 300 - 300 737-8 196 - 196 737-7 or 737-8 - 176 176 Total 496 176 672 1. Fleet composition is as of 12/31/24 and the Boeing order book is as of 1/30/25 2. The Company's current Boeing order book extends through 2031 Planning for 38 -8 deliveries in 2025 vs contractual order book of 136 MAX aircraft, creating opportunity for more fleet transactions based on Boeing's production capability
Page 7 Initiatives expectations 1. 2025 EBIT benefit from strategic initiatives is offset by operating expenses associated with initiative investments, including cabin reconfiguration expense Value maturity date Ongoing Late 2025 Late 2025 2027 2027+ 2027 2026 2027 2026 2027 n/a Ongoing n/a Total EBIT 2025 ~$1.5B 2026 2027 Monetize Customer value proposition Optimize capital allocation Increase efficiency & lower cost Tactical S tr a te g ic Continual network optimization & maturationR Marketing & distribution evolutionR Revenue management maturationR Extra legroom & seat assignmentR Getaways by SouthwestR Airline partnershipsR Capital discipline Fleet strategy Shareholder returns E Turn 24-hour operationsR E Service modernization E Cost initiative E EBIT derived primarily from revenue EBIT derived primarily from operating expenseE R ~$1.0B ~$0B1 ~$1.3B ~$1.3B ~$1.3B ~$2.2B Annual average ~$0.4B-$0.5B EBIT Goals ~$3.0B ~$4.0B
Page 8 Value maturity date Ongoing Late 2025 Late 2025 2027 2027+ 2027 2026 2027 2026 2027 Ongoing n/a Key highlights ▪ Revenue management benefits realized earlier than expected ▪ Added new metasearch partner Skyscanner ▪ Amended Chase co-brand agreement ▪ Announced Getaways partner MGM ▪ Signed agreement with Icelandair ▪ Implemented 5-minute turn time reduction in 12 Stations ▪ Realized call volume decreases ahead of plan ▪ Urgently implementing cost plan ▪ Extended strike at Boeing could shift some transactions from 2025 to 2026 ▪ Remain confident in three-year value Scorecard for quarterly value capture reporting Positive momentum in our various initiatives EBIT derived primarily from revenue EBIT derived primarily from operating expenseE R On track for value At risk for value Off track for value n/a Total EBIT Monetize Customer value proposition Optimize capital allocation Increase efficiency & lower cost Tactical S tr a te g ic Continual network optimization & maturationR Marketing & distribution evolutionR Revenue management maturationR Extra legroom & seat assignmentR Getaways by SouthwestR Airline partnershipsR Capital discipline Fleet strategy Shareholder returns E Turn 24-hour operationsR E Service modernization E Cost initiative E 2025 2026 2027 EBIT value capture
Page 9 Critical path milestones and status for assigned and premium seating Critical path activity 2023 2024 2025 2026 Extensive 3rd party research confirms Customer preferences Seeking FAA approval of supplemental type certificate (STC) to modify aircraft product Retrofit 50-100 aircraft per month with ELR seating configurations Updates underway to 60+ front-end and back-end technology applications Preparing to train and equip ~55K Employees to support Sell and Operate Implementation Research & design Announce new assigned seating and premium seating product FAA certification Aircraft retrofit Technology build (Build then test) Training Sell Operate Currently in the development phase for “Sell” capabilities and preparing for testing Retrofits to begin mid-year and expected to be completed by “Operate” launch. The removal of seats on the -700s to begin post summer travel Engaged with regulatory agencies and vendor partners to work through updated cabin configurations
Page 10 Tactical and strategic initiatives provide a path to prosperity Our plan supports ROIC well above WACC in 2027 ROIC contributions After-tax ROIC 2024 2025 2026 2027 Operating Margin 3%-5% 5%-8% ≥10% 5%-8% 10%-13% ≥15% Fleet strategy opportunity Core operations WACC ~9%
Page 11 Our 2027 targets support strong Shareholder returns All targets are supported with, and without, contributions from the fleet strategy 1. As measured in year-over-year available seat miles 1% to 2% Capacity1 >$1 billion Free cash flow Low to mid 30% Leverage Investment-grade credit rating Balance sheet ~10% Operating margin ≥15% ROIC ≥
Page 12 Non-GAAP reconciliation Three months ended December 31, 2024 2023 Percent Change Operating revenues, as reported $ 6,931 $ 6,822 Add: Breakage revenue adjustment (a) 116 — Operating revenues, excluding special items $ 7,047 $ 6,822 3.3 Fuel and oil expense, unhedged $ 1,252 $ 1,738 Add: Premium cost of fuel contracts designated as hedges 34 30 Deduct: Fuel hedge gains included in Fuel and oil expense, net (22) (65) Fuel and oil expense, as reported $ 1,264 $ 1,703 Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI 19 (5) Add: Premium cost of fuel contracts not designated as hedges 6 — Fuel and oil expense, excluding special items (economic) $ 1,289 $ 1,698 (24.1) Total operating expenses, as reported $ 6,653 $ 7,226 Deduct: Voluntary Employee programs (5) — Deduct: SWAPA Labor contract adjustment (b) — (474) Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI 19 (5) Add: Premium cost of fuel contracts not designated as hedges 6 — Deduct: DOT settlement — (107) Deduct: Professional advisory fees (18) — Deduct: Transformation costs (5) — Total operating expenses, excluding special items $ 6,650 $ 6,640 0.2 Deduct: Fuel and oil expense, excluding special items (economic) (1,289) (1,698) Operating expenses, excluding Fuel and oil expense and special items $ 5,361 $ 4,942 8.5 Add (Deduct): Profitsharing expense (54) 49 Operating expenses, excluding Fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing $ 5,307 $ 4,991 6.3
Page 13 Non-GAAP reconciliation continued Three months ended December 31, 2024 2023 Percent Change Net income (loss), as reported $ 261 $ (252) Add: Breakage revenue adjustment (a) 116 — Add: Voluntary Employee programs 5 — Add: SWAPA contract adjustment (b) — 474 Add (Deduct): Fuel hedge contracts settling in the current period, but for which (gains) losses were reclassified from AOCI (19) 5 Add (Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts settling in current periods 1 9 Add: DOT settlement — 107 Add: Professional advisory fees 18 — Add: Transformation costs 5 — Deduct: Net income (loss) tax impact of fuel and special items (c) (31) (106) Net income, excluding special items $ 356 $ 237 50.2 Net income (loss) per share, diluted, as reported $ 0.42 $ (0.42) Add: Impact of special items 0.22 0.90 Add (Deduct): Net impact of net income above from fuel contracts divided by dilutive shares (0.03) 0.02 Add: Income tax impact of fuel contracts 0.01 — Deduct: Net income (loss) tax impact of special items (c) (0.06) (0.15) Add: GAAP to Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares difference (d) — 0.03 Net income per share, diluted, excluding special items $ 0.56 $ 0.38 47.4 Operating revenue per ASM (cents), as reported ¢ 15.92 ¢ 14.99 Add: Impact of special items 0.27 — Operating revenue per ASM, excluding special items (cents) ¢ 16.19 ¢ 14.99 8.0 Operating expenses per ASM (cents), as reported ¢ 15.28 ¢ 15.88 Deduct: Impact of special items (0.06) (1.27) Deduct: Fuel and oil expense divided by ASMs (2.90) (3.74) Add (Deduct): Profitsharing expense divided by ASMs (0.13) 0.10 Operating expenses per ASM, excluding Fuel and oil expense, profitsharing, and special items (cents) ¢ 12.19 ¢ 10.97 11.1
Page 14 Non-GAAP reconciliation continued (a) Represents a change in breakage revenue estimate related to flight credits the Company issued to Passengers during 2022 and prior. On July 28, 2022, the Company modified its policy and announced that all unexpired flight credits as of that date, including a significant volume of such credits issued to impacted Customers during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Company was making significant changes to its schedules based on fluctuating demand, will no longer have an expiration date and thus will be able to be redeemed by Customers indefinitely. This change in policy was considered a contract modification under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and the Company accounted for such change prospectively in third quarter 2022. At that time, based on historical Customer behavior, the Company estimated that redemptions of these flight credits would have been reduced to an immaterial amount during 2024 and recognized breakage revenue in prior periods for these flight credits accordingly; however, based on actual Customer redemptions throughout 2024, as well as currently projected redemptions beyond 2024, the Company determined a reversal of a portion of this prior breakage revenue was warranted in the current period. This adjustment is not reflective of base business revenue trends in fourth quarter 2024 or beyond. (b) Represents changes in estimate related to the contract ratification bonus for the Company’s Pilots as part of the tentative agreement reached in December 2023 with Southwest Airlines Pilots Association ("SWAPA"). The Company began accruing for all of its open labor contracts on April 1, 2022, and this incremental $474 million expense represented an increase in retroactive pay associated with wage rates for purposes of calculating the ratification bonus agreed to for Pilots for periods prior to fourth quarter 2023. (c) Tax amounts for each individual special item are calculated at the Company's effective rate for the applicable period and totaled in this line item. (d) Adjustment related to GAAP and Non-GAAP diluted weighted average shares difference, due to the Company being in a Net loss position on a GAAP basis versus a Net income position on a Non-GAAP basis for the three months ended December 31, 2023.
