Southwest Airlines Reports Record First Quarter Profit

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) (the "Company") today reported its first quarter 2015 results: 

• Record first quarter net income, excluding special items¹, of $451 million, or $.66 per diluted share, compared with first quarter 2014 net income, excluding special items, of $126 million, or $.18 per diluted share.  This represented a 266.7 percent increase from first quarter 2014 and exceeded the First Call consensus estimate of $.65 per diluted share.
• Record first quarter net income of $453 million, or $.66 per diluted share, which included $2 million (net) of favorable special items, compared with first quarter 2014 net income of $152 million, or $.22 per diluted share, which included $26 million (net) of favorable special items. 
• Record first quarter operating income of $780 million.  Excluding special items, record first quarter operating income of $770 million, resulting in an operating margin² of 17.4 percent.
• Strong free cash flow¹ of $859 million used to return $381 million to Shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and to repay $51 million in debt and capital lease obligations.
• Return on invested capital, before taxes and excluding special items (ROIC)¹, for the 12 months ended March 31, 2015, of 25.6 percent, compared with 14.2 percent for the 12 months ended March 31, 2014.

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are thrilled to report an exceptionally strong first quarter 2015 earnings performance.  Our net income, excluding special items, of $451 million, or $.66 per diluted share, far surpasses any first quarter profit in our history and represents our eighth consecutive quarter of record profits.  Our first quarter 2015 operating income, excluding special items, increased over 200 percent year-over-year to $770 million, resulting in a first quarter record 17.4 percent operating margin.  Our ROIC for the 12 months ended March 31, 2015, was an outstanding 25.6 percent.  These superb results earned our 47,000 hard-working and dedicated Employees a first quarter record $126 million profitsharing accrual, up 334.5 percent from first quarter 2014. 

"Total operating revenues were a first quarter record $4.4 billion, driven by a 6.2 percent year-over-year increase in passenger revenues and double-digit year-over-year percentage growth in freight revenues.  Customer demand was strong throughout first quarter 2015, resulting in a record first quarter load factor of 80.1 percent.  As expected, first quarter 2015 passenger revenues grew in line with our available seat mile (ASM) growth of 6.0 percent, year-over-year.  Considering the 4.1 percent increase in stage length and the 2.7 percent increase in seats per trip³ (gauge) from our fleet modernization, year-over-year, we are very pleased with our first quarter 2015 unit revenue performance.  Strong revenue and booking trends have continued thus far in April.  Second quarter 2015 year-over-year comparisons are more challenging, largely due to last year's exceptional and above-trend performance.  With the continuation of year-over-year increases in stage length and gauge, we currently expect our April 2015 passenger unit revenues to decline, year-over-year, approximately two percent.

"We are delighted also with our unit cost trends, which continue to benefit from increased stage length, increased gauge, lower maintenance costs, and substantially lower fuel prices.  Our first quarter 2015 unit costs, excluding special items, declined 12.4 percent year-over-year.  First quarter 2015 economic fuel costs were $2.00 per gallon, compared with $3.08 per gallon in first quarter 2014, resulting in over $450 million in economic fuel cost savings.  Based on our existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of April 16, 2015, we estimate second quarter 2015 economic fuel costs per gallon will be comparable to first quarter 2015's $2.00 per gallon.

"Setting fuel aside, the solid first quarter 2015 cost performance reflects our intense focus to control costs and maintain our competitive low-cost position.  Excluding fuel and oil expense and special items, our first quarter 2015 unit costs were comparable to first quarter last year.  Unit costs were down 3.6 percent, year-over-year, when also excluding first quarter 2015 profitsharing expense.  Based on current cost trends, and excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing, we expect second quarter 2015 unit costs to decline in the one-to-two percent range, and full year 2015 unit costs to decline approximately two percent, both compared with the same year-ago periods.

"Our network optimization is producing strong financial results, and we are pleased with the performance of our markets under development.  We continue to project roughly 700 aircraft by year-end, and an approximate seven percent year-over-year increase in ASMs versus 2014.  The full year effect of 2015's expansion is also estimated to increase 2016 ASMs approximately five percent, year-over-year, and we currently expect any further 2016 ASM year-over-year growth to be modest, with a focus on producing strong returns on our investments.  Our incremental fleet growth in 2016 is currently expected to approximate two percent, compared with 2015.

"The Customer response to our new Dallas Love Field service, which represents the majority of 2015 year-over-year ASM growth, is very strong, and first quarter 2015 Dallas traffic has increased 145.5 percent from year-ago levels.  In first quarter 2015, we acquired the rights to two additional gates, bringing our total gate occupancy to 18 at Dallas Love Field.  By August 2015, we are scheduled to operate 180 weekday departures to 50 nonstop destinations, representing a more than 50 percent increase in flight activity since the lifting of the Wright Amendment restrictions⁴ in October 2014.  We are very pleased to provide more competition, more travel options, and low fares for the Dallas market.

"Our international expansion also continued during first quarter 2015.  On March 7, 2015, Costa Rica became our sixth international country served with daily nonstop service between Baltimore/Washington and San Jose, Costa Rica.  We also launched international flying from Houston Hobby with seasonal Saturday service to Aruba⁵.  We remain on track to add an additional six international destinations from Hobby later this year with the planned October completion of the international terminal.  We look forward to beginning service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in June 2015, and pending government approvals, Belize City, Belize, in October 2015.

"We are managing our invested capital aggressively and continue to provide healthy returns to our Shareholders.  During first quarter 2015, we returned $381 million through the payment of $81 million in dividends and the repurchase of $300 million in common stock.  And, we expect to complete the repurchase of the remaining $80 million under our existing $1 billion share repurchase authorization next month.  Our balance sheet, liquidity, and cash flows remain strong, and we ended first quarter 2015 with $3.4 billion in cash and short-term investments, with a fully available unsecured revolving credit line of $1 billion."

Financial Results and Outlook
The Company's first quarter 2015 total operating revenues increased 6.0 percent to $4.4 billion, on a 6.0 percent increase in ASMs, both compared with first quarter 2014, which resulted in operating unit revenues comparable to first quarter 2014.  The growth in total operating revenues was largely driven by strong first quarter 2015 passenger revenues of $4.2 billion.

Total operating expenses in first quarter 2015 decreased 8.0 percent to $3.6 billion, compared with first quarter 2014.  During first quarter 2015, the Company incurred costs (before profitsharing and taxes) associated with the acquisition and integration of AirTran of $23 million, and recorded a $37 million (before profitsharing and taxes) reduction to other operating expenses related to a favorable litigation settlement, both of which are special items.  Excluding special items in both periods, total operating expenses in first quarter 2015 decreased 7.1 percent to $3.6 billion, compared with first quarter 2014.

First quarter 2015 economic fuel costs were $2.00 per gallon, including $.10 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts, compared with $3.08 per gallon in first quarter 2014, including $.06 per gallon in favorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts.  Based on the Company's fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of April 16, 2015, second quarter 2015 economic fuel costs are expected to approximate first quarter 2015's $2.00 per gallon, compared with second quarter 2014's $3.02 per gallon.  As of April 16, 2015, the fair market value of the Company's fuel derivative contracts is a net liability of approximately $968 million for the fuel hedge portfolio through 2018, including a $225 million net liability related to the remainder of 2015.  Additional information regarding the Company's fuel derivative contracts is included in the accompanying tables.

Excluding fuel and oil expense and special items in both periods, first quarter 2015 operating costs increased 5.8 percent from first quarter 2014, largely due to the first quarter 2015 profitsharing expense of $126 million, compared with $29 million in first quarter 2014.  Excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing in both periods, first quarter 2015 operating costs increased 2.1 percent from first quarter 2014, and decreased 3.6 percent on a unit basis. 

Operating income in first quarter 2015 was a first quarter record $780 million, compared with $215 million in first quarter 2014.  Excluding special items, operating income was a first quarter record $770 million in first quarter 2015, compared with $242 million in first quarter 2014.

Other expenses in first quarter 2015 were $57 million, compared with other income of $29 million in first quarter 2014.  The $86 million swing primarily resulted from $32 million in other losses recognized in first quarter 2015, compared with $53 million in other gains recognized in first quarter 2014.  In both periods, these gains/losses included ineffectiveness and unrealized mark-to-market amounts associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio, which are special items.  Excluding these special items, first quarter 2015 had $26 million in other losses, compared with $16 million in first quarter 2014, primarily attributable to the premium costs associated with the Company's fuel derivative contracts.  Second quarter 2015 premium costs related to fuel derivative contracts are currently estimated to be approximately $22 million, compared with $17 million in second quarter 2014.  Net interest expense in first quarter 2015 was $25 million, compared with $24 million in first quarter 2014.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows
As of April 22, 2015, the Company had approximately $3.4 billion in cash and short-term investments, and a fully available unsecured revolving credit line of $1.0 billion.  Net cash provided by operations during first quarter 2015 was $1.45 billion, capital expenditures were $573 million, and assets constructed for others, net of reimbursements, were $20 million, resulting in free cash flow of $859 million.  The Company repaid $51 million in debt and capital lease obligations during first quarter 2015, and intends to repay an additional $133 million in debt and capital lease obligations during the remainder of 2015.

During first quarter 2015, the Company returned $381 million to its Shareholders through the payment of $81 million in dividends and the repurchase of $300 million in common stock, or 5.1 million shares, pursuant to an accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program executed during the quarter.  This ASR program was completed in early April, and the Company then received an additional 1.8 million shares, bringing the total shares repurchased under the first quarter 2015 ASR program to 6.9 million.  During first quarter 2015, the Company also received the remaining 1.1 million shares pursuant to the fourth quarter 2014 $200 million ASR program, bringing the total shares repurchased under that ASR program to 4.9 million.  The Company intends to complete the repurchase of the remaining $80 million under its existing $1.0 billion share repurchase authorization in May 2015.

Awards and Recognitions

• Named to FORTUNE's 2015 list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 21^st consecutive year. Southwest was ranked as the No. 7 Most Admired Company, and is the only commercial airline to make the Top Ten.
• Named 2015 Airline of the Year by Air Transport World.
• Selected as the Favorite Airline by TripAdvisor U.S. travelers.
• Ranked as the top airline employer, and one of the top 20 best employers overall, according to Forbes' inaugural list of America's Best Employers for 2015.
• Named to Chief Executive Magazine's Best Companies for Leaders.
• Named Domestic Carrier of the Year by the Airforwarders Association for the sixth consecutive year.
• Named Domestic Airline of the Year by Express Delivery and Logistics Association for the 15^th year in a row.
• Received the Air Cargo Excellence Diamond Award by Air Cargo World magazine.

Conference Call
Southwest will discuss its first quarter 2015 results on a conference call at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time today.  A live broadcast of the conference call also will be available at www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com.

¹See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.  In addition, information regarding special items and ROIC is included in the accompanying reconciliation tables.
²Operating margin, excluding special items, is calculated as operating income, excluding special items, divided by operating revenues. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
³Seats per trip is calculated using seats flown divided by trips flown.  Seats flown is calculated using total number of seats available by aircraft type multiplied by the total trips flown by the same aircraft type, for a given period.
⁴Restrictions still apply to nonstop destinations beyond the 50 States or the District of Columbia.
⁵The Aruba flights are made possible by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Pre-clearance procedures, which provide U.S. border inspection in certain foreign countries including Aruba. This allows Southwest Customers arriving at Hobby Airport from Aruba to deplane into the domestic terminal without further CBP inspections.

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 financial outlook and projected results of operations; (ii) the Company's capacity and fleet plans and expectations; (iii) the Company's plans and expectations related to managing risk associated with changing jet fuel prices; (iv) the Company's network plans, goals, opportunities, and expectations, including its plans and expectations with respect to international operations; (v) the Company's goal with respect to returning value to Shareholders; (vi) the Company's expectations with respect to liquidity (including its plans for the repayment of debt and capital lease obligations); and (vii) the Company's aircraft delivery schedule. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current intent, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance.  These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) changes in demand for the Company's services and other changes in consumer behavior; (ii) the impact of economic conditions, fuel prices, actions of competitors (including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions and consolidation and alliance activities), and other factors beyond the Company's control, on the Company's business decisions, plans, and strategies; (iii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives; (iv) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions related to the Company's operations; (v) the Company's dependence on third parties, in particular with respect to its technology and fleet plans; (vi) the Company's ability to timely and effectively prioritize its strategic initiatives and related expenditures; (vii) changes in aircraft fuel prices, the impact of hedge accounting, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions; and (viii) 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, 2014.

NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. These GAAP financial statements include (i) unrealized non-cash adjustments and reclassifications, which can be significant, as a result of accounting requirements and elections made under accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging and (ii) other charges the Company believes are not indicative of its ongoing operational performance.

As a result, the Company also provides financial information in this release that was not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company provides supplemental non-GAAP financial information, 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 greater transparency to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results. The Company's economic financial results differ from GAAP results in that they only include the actual cash settlements from fuel hedge contracts--all reflected within Fuel and oil expense in the period of settlement. Thus, Fuel and oil expense on an economic basis reflects the Company's actual net cash outlays for fuel during the applicable period, inclusive of settled fuel derivative contracts. Any net premium costs paid related to option contracts are reflected as a component of Other (gains) losses, net, for both GAAP and non-GAAP (including economic) purposes in the period of contract settlement. The Company believes these economic results provide a better measure of the impact of the Company's fuel hedges on its operating performance and liquidity since they exclude the unrealized, non-cash adjustments and reclassifications that are recorded in GAAP results in accordance with accounting 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, 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, 2014.

In addition to its "economic" financial measures, as defined above, the Company has also provided other non-GAAP financial measures, including results that it refers to as "excluding special items," as a result of items that the Company believes are not indicative of its ongoing operations. These include expenses associated with the Company's acquisition and integration of AirTran and a $37 million gain resulting from a litigation settlement received in January 2015. The Company believes that evaluation of its financial performance can be enhanced by a presentation of results that exclude the impact of these items in order to evaluate the results on a comparative basis with results in prior periods that do not include such items and as a basis for evaluating operating results in future periods. As a result of the Company's acquisition of AirTran, which closed on May 2, 2011, the Company has incurred substantial charges associated with integration of the two companies. Given that the AirTran integration process has been effectively completed, the Company does not anticipate significant future integration expenditure requirements, but may incur smaller incremental costs associated primarily with the continuing conversion and sublease of the Boeing 717 fleet throughout 2015. While the Company cannot predict the exact timing or amounts of such charges, it does expect to treat the charges as special items in its future presentation of non-GAAP results.

The Company has also provided free cash flow and ROIC, which are non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes free cash flow is a meaningful measure because it demonstrates the Company's ability to service its debt, pay dividends and make investments to enhance Shareholder value. Although free cash flow is commonly used as a measure of liquidity, definitions of free cash flow may differ; therefore, the Company is providing an explanation of its calculation for free cash flow. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company generated $859 million in free cash flow, calculated as operating cash flows of $1.45 billion less capital expenditures of $573 million less assets constructed for others of $22 million plus reimbursements for assets constructed for others of $2 million.

The Company believes ROIC is a meaningful measure because it quantifies how well the Company generates operating income relative to the capital it has invested in its business.  Although ROIC is commonly used as a measure of capital efficiency, definitions of ROIC may differ; therefore, the Company is providing an explanation of its calculation for ROIC in the accompanying reconciliation tables to the press release (See Return on Invested Capital).

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.