Southwest Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter Results and 39th Consecutive Year of Profitability
DALLAS, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the "Company") today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2011 results. Fourth quarter 2011 net income was $152 million, or $.20 per diluted share, which included $86 million (net) of favorable special items.This compared to net income of $131 million, or $.18 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2010, which included favorable special items totaling $16 million (net). Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2011 net income was $66 million, or $.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $115 million, or $.15 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2010. This exceeded Thomson's First Call mean estimate of $.08 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2011. Additional information regarding special items is included in this release and in the accompanying reconciliation tables.
For the full year 2011, net income was $178 million, or $.23 per diluted share, which included $152 million (net) of unfavorable special items. This compared to $459 million, or $.61 per diluted share, for full year 2010, which included $91 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Excluding special items, full year 2011 net income was $330 million, or $.43 per diluted share, compared to net income of $550 million, or $.74 per diluted share, for full year 2010.
Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2011 net income was $66 million, and full year 2011 net income was $330 million. We had an outstanding revenue performance. Our fourth quarter operating revenues were a record $4.1 billion. Fourth quarter passenger revenues were strong, driven by record yields and continued high load factors. Compared to the prior year, our fourth quarter passenger unit revenues increased 8.2 percent (on a combined basis, as defined below). Based on current traffic and booking trends, we expect another strong passenger revenue performance in first quarter of 2012.
"While it is always disappointing to report a year-over-year decline in profits (excluding special items), the fourth quarter and full year declines were primarily caused by significantly higher fuel prices. Our fourth quarter economic fuel costs per gallon increased 33.7 percent to $3.29, compared to our combined fuel costs of $2.46 per gallon in fourth quarter last year. Our full year 2011 combined economic fuel costs were $3.18 per gallon, an increase of 34.7 percent, compared to our combined fuel costs of $2.36 per gallon last year. Based on market prices as of January 13th, our first quarter 2012 economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, are estimated to be approximately $3.35 per gallon, compared to our combined economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, of $2.95 per gallon in first quarter last year. High energy prices demand continued focus on improving productivity and eliminating waste.
"Despite the decline in earnings, 2011 was a momentous year at Southwest Airlines. We celebrated our 40th year of providing legendary low fare, high quality, domestic air travel and delivered our 39th consecutive year of profits to our Shareholders. We launched service to Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston, South Carolina and Newark, New Jersey within two weeks time, increasing Southwest's domestic footprint to 72 cities. In March, we launched our All-New Rapid Rewards® program. The completely revamped, industry-leading frequent flyer program continues to grow at a strong pace. Results, thus far, are well beyond our expectations.
"On May 2nd, we acquired AirTran Airways, increasing our fleet by 140 aircraft, and extending our combined network into key markets we didn't previously serve, such as Atlanta and Washington, D.C., via Ronald Reagan National Airport, as well as many smaller domestic cities and leisure markets in the Caribbean and Mexico. We also expanded our presence at New York LaGuardia, Boston, Milwaukee, and Baltimore/Washington.
"While it will take several years to fully integrate AirTran into Southwest Airlines, I am very proud of the tremendous progress in only eight months' time. We are on track to obtain our single operating certificate this quarter. The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association and the Air Line Pilots Association took the lead on negotiating a seniority list integration (SLI) agreement that was ratified by both Pilot groups. The Flight Attendants', Mechanics', and Flight Instructors' unions have tentative SLI agreements, currently out for vote by the memberships. As a result of the superb efforts of our People, we are already producing over $200 million of net annualized pre-tax synergies, which is 50 percent of our $400 million target by 2013 (excluding acquisition and integration expenses). For 2011, we realized $80 million in net pre-tax synergies, and the acquisition was modestly accretive to our 2011 results, excluding special items, as planned."
The Company incurred $134 million in expenses (before taxes) associated with the acquisition and integration of AirTran during 2011, including $37 million in fourth quarter 2011. The Company expects total acquisition and integration expenses will be approximately $500 million.
Kelly continued, "In December, we unveiled our fleet modernization plans, including the launch of the B737-MAX aircraft beginning in 2017, representing our fourth time as Boeing's launch customer. Our agreements with Boeing afford us significant flexibility to replace our older, less efficient aircraft with new Boeing 737-700/800 aircraft and the B737-MAX aircraft. During 2012, we will take delivery of 33 737-800s, with the first delivery of the -800 model to Southwest scheduled for March. Earlier this week, we announced the final prong of our fleet modernization plans. Leveraging the new Boeing Sky Interior from the -800 model, we decided to retrofit our -700 fleet with an updated cabin interior. Evolve: The New Southwest Experience is a -700 cabin refresh intended to enhance Customer comfort, personal space, and the overall travel experience. It allows for the added benefit of six additional seats, along with more climate-friendly and cost-effective materials. Our fleet modernization plans have been designed to drive significant value in the near and long term.
"Operationally, we finished the year strong with our highest December ontime performance in 15 years. Our People continue to deliver outstanding levels of Customer Service, as recognized by Southwest Airlines being named the 2011 Customer Service Champion by J.D. Powers, and the Customer Satisfaction Leader in Consumer Reports' list of airline ratings.
"I commend each of our 45,000+ Warriors for their hard work and notable accomplishments. We accomplished everything we set out to do in 2011, with soaring fuel costs the only disappointment. As we prepare for our next 40 years, our target is fixed on a 15 percent pretax return on invested capital. Capital commitments for 2012 are approximately $1.3 billion, our 2012 capacity is estimated to be flat with 2011, and we currently plan to end 2012 with 691 aircraft in our fleet. Future capital spending will be carefully monitored with a focus on generating free cash flow. We are committed to providing exceptional Customer Service at everyday low fares; focused on investing in the Customer Experience while preserving our low cost position; and engaged in our strategic initiatives to drive Shareholder value."
Financial Results and Outlook
AirTran Airways, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on May 2, 2011. Results discussed in this release and provided in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Comparative Consolidated Operating Statistics include the results of operations and cash flows for AirTran from May 2 through December 31, 2011, including the impact of purchase accounting. Periods presented prior to the acquisition date do not include AirTran's results. However, the Company believes the analysis of specified financial results on a "combined basis" provides more meaningful year-over-year comparability. Financial information presented on a "combined basis" is the sum of the historical financial results of the Company and AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date, but includes the impact of purchase accounting only as of May 2, 2011. Supplemental financial information presented on a "combined basis" and the accompanying reconciliations have been included in this release.
The Company's total operating revenues in fourth quarter 2011 increased 31.9 percent to $4.1 billion, compared to $3.1 billion in fourth quarter 2010, and increased 9.3 percent compared to $3.8 billion for combined fourth quarter 2010 total operating revenues. Operating unit revenues increased 7.0 percent from fourth quarter 2010, on a combined basis.
Total fourth quarter 2011 operating expenses were $4.0 billion, compared to $2.9 billion in fourth quarter 2010, and compared to $3.5 billion for combined fourth quarter 2010 total operating expenses. Excluding special items in both periods, fourth quarter 2011 unit costs increased 10.8 percent from fourth quarter 2010 combined unit costs, largely due to a 33.7 percent year-over-year increase in economic fuel costs per gallon. Fourth quarter 2011 economic fuel costs of $3.29 per gallon included $0.12 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements for fuel derivative contracts; however, fuel derivative contract premiums are down significantly year-over-year, as described below in other income. Additional information regarding the Company's fuel derivative contracts is included in the accompanying tables.
Excluding fuel and special items in both periods, fourth quarter 2011 unit costs increased 0.5 percent from fourth quarter 2010's combined 7.72 cents. Based on current cost trends, the Company expects another year-over-year increase in its first quarter 2012 unit costs, compared to first quarter 2011's combined unit costs of 7.83 cents, excluding fuel and special items in both periods.
Operating income for fourth quarter 2011 was $147 million, compared to $216 million in fourth quarter 2010. Excluding special items in both periods, operating income was $167 million for fourth quarter 2011, compared to $263 million in fourth quarter 2010, and compared to $278 million for combined fourth quarter 2010 operating income.
Other income for the fourth quarter was $108 million compared to $3 million of other expenses for fourth quarter 2010. This $111 million swing primarily resulted from $153 million in gains recognized in fourth quarter 2011, compared to $31 million in gains recognized in fourth quarter 2010. In both periods, these gains primarily resulted from unrealized gains/losses associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedging portfolio. Excluding these special items, other losses were primarily attributable to the premium costs associated with the Company's fuel derivative contracts. Fourth quarter 2011 premium costs were $14 million, compared to $44 million in fourth quarter 2010, on a combined basis. First quarter 2012 premium costs are currently estimated to be approximately $6 million, compared to combined premium costs of $36 million in first quarter 2011.
Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011, increased 29.4 percent to $15.7 billion, while total operating expenses increased 34.6 percent to $15.0 billion, resulting in operating income of $693 million, compared to $988 million for the year ended 2010. Excluding special items in both periods, operating income was $839 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $1.2 billion in 2010. On a combined basis, total operating revenues for 2011 increased 12.7 percent to $16.6 billion, while total operating expenses increased 17.3 percent to $15.9 billion, resulting in combined operating income for 2011 of $662 million, compared to $1.1 billion for 2010. Excluding special items in both periods, combined operating income for 2011 was $834 million, compared to $1.3 billion for 2010.
The Company's return on invested capital (before taxes and excluding special items) was approximately seven percent for the year ended December 31, 2011, including AirTran's results beginning May 2, 2011. Additional information regarding pretax return on invested capital is included in the accompanying reconciliation tables.
Liquidity
Net cash provided by operations for 2011 was $1.4 billion, and capital expenditures were $968 million. As a result, the Company generated over $400 million in free cash flow* in 2011.
On August 5, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to $500 million of the Company's common stock. During 2011, the Company purchased approximately 27.5 million shares of common stock for approximately $225 million. The Company repaid $638 million in debt during 2011, and is scheduled to repay approximately $560 million debt in 2012, including $430 million in first quarter 2012. After this planned first quarter debt payment, the Company will have reduced debt by approximately $1 billion since acquiring AirTran in May 2011. As of January 18th, the Company had approximately $3.5 billion in cash and short-term investments. In addition, the Company also had a fully available unsecured revolving credit line of $800 million.
2011 Awards and Recognitions
Named the fourth most admired Company in the world in FORTUNE magazine's 2011 survey of corporate reputations Voted best low-cost carrier in North America by Business Traveler Magazine subscribers Named the 2011 Customer Service Champion by J.D. Powers based on customer feedback regarding service excellence Named Brand of the Year in Harris Poll EquiTrend's airline category based on equity, customer connection, commitment, brand behavior, brand advocacy, and trust Ranked third in the Top 10 Business Thought Leaders by TLG Communications Received first place for Best Overall Customer Experience in the Keynote Competitive Research Industry Study examining U.S. Air Travel Websites Named Airline of the Year by Express Delivery and Logistics Association, the tenth consecutive year for Southwest Airlines Cargo to receive the recognition; also recognized for Excellence in Web Site and Technology for the second year in a row Southwest Cargo was also named Domestic Carrier of the Year for 2011 by the Airforwarders Association for the second consecutive year and was recently recognized for excellence in Air Cargo World's annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey Recognized by PR News with several awards including the 2011 PR News Corporate Responsibility Awards for Diversity Communications, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Best Report, and honorable mention for the Social Corporate Responsibility Award for Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership Named the Greenest Airline by ClimateCounts.org Voted the Customer Satisfaction Leader in Consumer Reports' list of airline ratings receiving the highest rankings in check-in ease, cabin crew service, cabin cleanliness, baggage handling, and seating comfort Ranked sixth in the 2011 Customer Service Hall of Fame by MSN Money, the only airline to make the top ten Named one of the 100 Top Military Friendly Employers by GI Jobs magazine Recognized for Best Practices in Supplier Diversity by the Dallas Fort Worth Minority Business Council Named the Stevie Award Winner for the Company of the Year-Transportation by The International Business Awards for outstanding performance and Customer Service Received the 2011 Quest for Quality Award for Excellence in Air Cargo from Logistics Management Magazine; ranked first in ontime performance, value, and Customer Service Recognized as one of the top ten safest airlines in the Holistic Safety Rating 2011 by the Air Transport Rating Agency Recognized as one of the 50 best places to work by the Glassdoors.com Employees' Choice AwardsSouthwest will discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2011 results on a conference call at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time today. A live broadcast of the conference call will also be available at southwest.investorroom.com.
*See Note Regarding use of Non-GAAP financial measures.
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 targets, outlook, and projected results of operations; (ii) the Company's plans and expectations relating to its acquisition of AirTran, including without limitation anticipated integration timeframes and expected costs, synergies, and other financial results associated with the acquisition; (iii) the Company's fleet modernization plans and related expectations; and (iv) the Company's capacity plans. 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 fuel prices, the impact of hedge accounting, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions; (ii) the Company's ability to successfully integrate AirTran and realize the expected synergies and other benefits from the acquisition; (iii) the impact of the economy on demand for air travel and the impact of fuel prices, economic conditions, and actions of competitors on the Company's business decisions, plans, and strategies; (iv) the Company's dependence on third parties with respect to certain of its initiatives; (v) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives; and (vi) 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, 2010.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (1)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
2011
2010
Percent Change
2011
2010
Percent Change
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger
$
3,860
$
2,945
31.1
$
14,735
(2)
$
11,489
28.3
Freight
36
32
12.5
139
125
11.2
Other
212
137
54.7
784
(2)
490
60.0
Total operating revenues
4,108
3,114
31.9
15,658
12,104
29.4
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits
1,145
955
19.9
4,371
3,704
18.0
Fuel and oil
1,494
940
58.9
5,644
3,620
55.9
Maintenance materials and repairs
239
195
22.6
955
751
27.2
Aircraft rentals
93
45
106.7
308
180
71.1
Landing fees and other rentals
254
201
26.4
959
807
18.8
Depreciation and amortization
192
160
20.0
715
628
13.9
Acquisition and integration
37
7
n.a.
134
8
n.a.
Other operating expenses
507
395
28.4
1,879
1,418
32.5
Total operating expenses
3,961
2,898
36.7
14,965
11,116
34.6
OPERATING INCOME
147
216
(31.9)
693
988
(29.9)
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
Interest expense
51
41
24.4
194
167
16.2
Capitalized interest
(4)
(4)
-
(12)
(18)
(33.3)
Interest income
(2)
(3)
(33.3)
(10)
(12)
(16.7)
Other (gains) losses, net
(153)
(31)
n.a.
198
106
n.a
Total other expenses (income)
(108)
3
n.a.
370
243
52.3
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
255
213
19.7
323
745
(56.6)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
103
82
25.6
145
286
(49.3)
NET INCOME
$
152
$
131
16.0
$
178
$
459
(61.2)
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic
$
0.20
$
0.18
$
0.23
$
0.62
Diluted
$
0.20
$
0.18
$
0.23
$
0.61
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic
777
747
774
746
Diluted
783
750
775
747
(1) Includes May through December 2011 financial results for AirTran, and the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Supplemental Combined Statement I for selected financial information on a combined basis, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.
(2) The Company made a fourth quarter 2011 correction to change the allocation of revenues between Passenger and Other from its sale of frequent flyer points associated with its co-branded Chase Visa card. As part of this correction, the Company has reclassified $46 million in revenues for the period from January 2011 through September 2011 from Other revenue to Passenger revenue to conform to the current presentation. Prior periods were immaterial.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)
(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,
2011
2010
Percent Change
2011
2010
Percent Change
Fuel and oil expense, unhedged
$
1,455
$
886
$
5,580
$
3,296
Add: Fuel hedge losses included in Fuel and oil expense
39
54
64
324
Fuel and oil expense, as reported
$
1,494
$
940
$
5,644
$
3,620
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)
17
(40)
-
(172)
Fuel and oil expense, economic
$
1,511
$
900
67.9
$
5,644
$
3,448
63.7
Total operating expenses, as reported
$
3,961
$
2,898
$
14,965
$
11,116
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)
17
(40)
-
(172)
Total operating expenses, economic
$
3,978
$
2,858
$
14,965
$
10,944
(Deduct): Charge for Asset impairment, net (3)
-
-
(14)
-
(Deduct): Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (4)
(37)
(7)
(132)
(7)
Total operating expenses, non-GAAP
$
3,941
$
2,851
38.2
$
14,819
$
10,937
35.5
Operating income, as reported
$
147
$
216
$
693
$
988
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)
(17)
40
-
172
Operating income, economic
$
130
$
256
$
693
$
1,160
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (3)
-
-
14
-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (4)
37
7
132
7
Operating income, non-GAAP
$
167
$
263
(36.5)
$
839
$
1,167
(28.1)
Other (gains) losses, net, as reported
$
(153)
$
(31)
$
198
$
106
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)
168
71
(89)
33
Other losses, net, non-GAAP
$
15
$
40
(62.5)
$
109
$
139
(21.6)
Income before income taxes, as reported
$
255
$
213
$
323
$
745
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)
(185)
(31)
89
139
$
70
$
182
$
412
$
884
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (3)
-
-
14
-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (4)
37
7
132
7
Income before income taxes, non-GAAP
$
107
$
189
(43.4)
$
558
$
891
(37.4)
Net income as reported
$
152
$
131
$
178
$
459
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)
(185)
(31)
89
139
Income tax impact of fuel contracts
78
12
(31)
(52)
$
45
$
112
$
236
$
546
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (5)
-
-
9
-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (5)
21
3
85
4
Net income, non-GAAP
$
66
$
115
(42.6)
$
330
$
550
(40.0)
Net income per share, diluted, as reported
$
0.20
$
0.18
$
0.23
$
0.61
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts
(0.10)
(0.03)
0.07
0.12
$
0.10
$
0.15
$
0.30
$
0.73
Add: Impact of special items, net (5)
(0.01)
-
0.13
0.01
Net income per share, diluted, non-GAAP
$
0.09
$
0.15
(40.0)
$
0.43
$
0.74
(41.9)
(1) Includes May through December 2011 financial results for AirTran, and the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Supplemental Combined Statement II for a reconciliation of selected combined amounts to non-GAAP items, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.
(2) See Reconciliation of Impact from Fuel Contracts.
(3) Net of profitsharing impact.
(4) Amounts net of profitsharing impact on charges incurred through March 31, 2011. The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.
(5) Amounts net of tax and profitsharing impact (see footnote (4) above).
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF IMPACT FROM FUEL CONTRACTS (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Fuel and Oil Expense
Reclassification between Fuel and Oil and Other (gains)
losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts
$
41
$
(14)
$
35
$
(1)
Contracts settling in the current period, but for which gains
and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior period *
(24)
(26)
(35)
(171)
Impact from fuel contracts to Fuel and oil expense
17
(40)
-
(172)
Operating Income
Reclassification between Fuel and Oil and Other (gains)
losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts
$
(41)
$
14
$
(35)
$
1
Contracts settling in the current period, but for which gains
and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior period *
24
26
35
171
Impact from fuel contracts to Operating Income
(17)
40
-
172
Other (gains) losses, net
Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts
settling in future periods
$
127
$
24
$
(21)
$
21
Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges settling in future periods
82
33
(33)
11
Reclassification between Fuel and oil and Other (gains)
losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts
(41)
14
(35)
1
Impact from fuel contracts to Other (gains) losses, net
168
71
(89)
33
Net Income
Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts
settling in future periods
$
(127)
$
(24)
$
21
$
(21)
Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges settling in future periods
(82)
(33)
33
(11)
Other net impact of fuel contracts settling in the
current or a prior period (excluding reclassifications)
24
26
35
171
Impact from fuel contracts to Net Income **
(185)
(31)
89
139
(1) Includes May through December 2011 financial results for AirTran.
* As a result of prior hedge ineffectiveness and/or contracts marked-to-market through the income statement.
** Excludes income tax impact of unrealized items.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED OPERATING STATISTICS (1)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Revenue passengers carried
27,536,128
22,451,968
22.6 %
103,973,759
88,191,322
17.9 %
Enplaned passengers
33,510,920
27,163,960
23.4%
127,551,012
106,227,521
20.1 %
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)
25,180,506
20,005,943
25.9 %
97,582,530
78,046,967
25.0 %
Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)
31,297,561
24,788,095
26.3 %
120,578,736
98,437,092
22.5 %
Load factor
80.5 %
80.7 %
(0.2) pts
80.9 %
79.3 %
1.6 pts
Average length of passenger haul (miles)
914
891
2.6 %
939
885
6.1 %
Average aircraft stage length (miles)
679
653
4.0 %
679
648
4.8 %
Trips flown
343,756
278,137
23.6 %
1,317,977
1,114,451
18.3 %
Average passenger fare
$
140.18
$
131.17
6.9 %
$
141.72
$
130.27
8.8 %
Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)
15.33
14.72
4.1 %
15.10
14.72
2.6 %
RASM (cents)
13.13
12.56
4.5 %
12.99
12.30
5.6 %
PRASM (cents)
12.33
11.88
3.8 %
12.22
11.67
4.7 %
CASM (cents)
12.66
11.69
8.3 %
12.41
11.29
9.9 %
CASM, excluding fuel (cents)
7.89
7.90
(0.1) %
7.73
7.61
1.6 %
CASM, excluding special items (cents)
12.59
11.51
9.4 %
12.29
11.11
10.6 %
CASM, excluding fuel and special items (cents)
7.76
7.88
(1.5) %
7.61
7.61
- %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (unhedged)
$
3.17
$
2.44
29.9 %
$
3.16
$
2.29
38.0 %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax
$
3.25
$
2.59
25.5 %
$
3.19
$
2.51
27.1 %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (economic)
$
3.29
$
2.48
32.7 %
$
3.19
$
2.39
33.5 %
Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)
458
361
26.9 %
1,764
1,437
22.8 %
Active fulltime equivalent Employees
45,392
34,901
30.1 %
45,392
34,901
30.1 %
Aircraft in service at period-end
698
548
27.4 %
698
548
27.4 %
PRASM (Passenger unit revenue) - Passenger revenue yield per ASM
RASM (unit revenue) - Operating revenue yield per ASM
CASM (unit costs) - Operating expenses per ASM
(1) Includes May through December 2011 operating statistics for AirTran, and the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Supplemental Combined Statement V for consolidated operating statistics on a combined basis, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
DETAIL OF AIRLINE FOURTH QUARTER 2011 RESULTS AND PURCHASE ACCOUNTING IMPACT
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended December 31, 2011
Purchase
Southwest (1)
AirTran (2)
Accounting (3)
Consolidated
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger
$
3,239
$
619
$
2
$
3,860
Freight
36
-
-
36
Other
126
86
-
212
Total operating revenues
3,401
705
2
4,108
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits
1,003
142
-
1,145
Fuel and oil
1,213
281
-
1,494
Maintenance materials and repairs
175
64
-
239
Aircraft rentals
44
59
(10)
93
Landing fees and other rentals
210
44
-
254
Depreciation and amortization
167
15
10
192
Acquisition and integration
35
2
-
37
Other operating expenses
420
87
-
507
Total operating expenses
3,267
694
-
3,961
OPERATING INCOME
$
134
$
11
$
2
$
147
(1) Results presented for Southwest exclude AirTran results and the impact of purchase accounting.
(2) Results presented for AirTran exclude Southwest results and the impact of purchase accounting.
(3) Represents the impact of purchase accounting.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
December 31, 2011
Southwest
AirTran
Fuel and oil expense, standalone unhedged
$
1,169
$
286
Add/(Deduct): Fuel hedge (gains) losses included in Fuel and oil expense
44
(5)
Fuel and oil expense, standalone (2)
$
1,213
$
281
Deduct: Net impact from fuel contracts (3)
17
-
Fuel and oil expense, standalone economic
$
1,230
$
281
Total operating expenses, standalone (2)
$
3,267
$
694
Deduct: Net impact from fuel contracts (3)
17
-
Total operating expenses, standalone economic
$
3,284
$
694
Deduct: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs (4)
(35)
(2)
Total operating expenses, standalone non-GAAP
$
3,249
$
692
Operating income, standalone (2)
$
136
$
11
Add: Net impact from fuel contracts (3)
(17)
-
Operating income, standalone economic
$
119
$
11
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs (4)
35
2
Operating income, standalone non-GAAP
$
154
$
13
(1) Selected amounts presented in this schedule are standalone non-GAAP financial results for each of Southwest and AirTran. These standalone results exclude the results of the other airline, and the impact of purchase accounting.
(2) See Selected Consolidating Financial Information - Detail of Airline Fourth Quarter 2011 Results and Purchase Accounting Impact for the detail of standalone airline results and the purchase accounting impact.
(3) See Reconciliation of Impact from Fuel Contracts.
(4) No profitsharing impact. The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31, 2011
December 31, 2010
Operating Income, as reported
$
693
$
988
Add: Net impact from fuel contracts
-
172
Add: Acquisition and integration costs, net (2)
146
7
Operating Income, non-GAAP
$
839
$
1,167
Net adjustment for aircraft leases (3)
131
84
Adjustment for fuel hedge accounting
(107)
(134)
Adjusted Operating Income, non-GAAP
$
863
$
1,117
Average Invested Capital (4)
$
12,372
$
10,431
Equity adjustment for fuel hedge accounting
203
434
Adjusted Average Invested Capital
$
12,575
$
10,865
ROIC, pretax
7%
10%
(1) Calculation includes the impact of the AirTran acquisition as of May 2, 2011.
(2) Net of profitsharing impact on charges incurred through March 31, 2011. The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.
(3) Net adjustment related to presumption that all aircraft in fleet are owned.
(4) Average invested capital represents a five quarter average of debt, net present value of aircraft leases, and equity.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions)
(unaudited)
December 31,
2011
2010
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
829
$
1,261
Short-term investments
2,315
2,277
Accounts and other receivables
299
195
Inventories of parts and supplies, at cost
401
243
Deferred income taxes
263
214
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
238
89
Total current assets
4,345
4,279
Property and equipment, at cost:
Flight equipment
15,542
13,991
Ground property and equipment
2,423
2,122
Deposits on flight equipment purchase contracts
456
230
18,421
16,343
Less allowance for depreciation and amortization
6,294
5,765
12,127
10,578
Goodwill
970
-
Other assets
626
606
$
18,068
$
15,463
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
1,057
$
739
Accrued liabilities
996
863
Air traffic liability
1,836
1,198
Current maturities of long-term debt
644
505
Total current liabilities
4,533
3,305
Long-term debt less current maturities
3,107
2,875
Deferred income taxes
2,566
2,493
Deferred gains from sale and leaseback of aircraft
75
88
Other noncurrent liabilities
910
465
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock
808
808
Capital in excess of par value
1,222
1,183
Retained earnings
5,395
5,399
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(224)
(262)
Treasury stock, at cost
(324)
(891)
Total stockholders' equity
6,877
6,237
$
18,068
$
15,463
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
2011
2010
2011
2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
$
152
$
131
$
178
$
459
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
192
160
715
628
Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel derivative instruments
(185)
(31)
90
139
Deferred income taxes
90
38
123
133
Amortization of deferred gains on sale and
leaseback of aircraft
(3)
(3)
(13)
(14)
Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
Accounts and other receivables
70
39
(26)
(26)
Other current assets
(16)
(2)
(196)
(8)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(13)
3
253
193
Air traffic liability
(222)
(226)
262
153
Cash collateral received from (provided to)
derivative counterparties
234
115
(195)
265
Other, net
101
45
194
(361)
Net cash provided by operating activities
400
269
1,385
1,561
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Payment to acquire AirTran, net of AirTran cash on hand
-
-
(35)
-
Payments for purchase of property and equipment, net
(420)
(94)
(968)
(493)
Purchases of short-term investments
(574)
(1,293)
(5,362)
(5,624)
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments
900
1,367
5,314
4,852
Net cash used in investing activities
(94)
(20)
(1,051)
(1,265)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from Employee stock plans
4
10
39
55
Proceeds from termination of interest rate
derivative instrument
-
-
76
-
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
(447)
(31)
(557)
(155)
Payments of convertible debt
-
-
(81)
-
Payment of credit line borrowing
-
-
-
(44)
Payments of cash dividends
-
-
(14)
(13)
Repurchase of common stock
(50)
-
(225)
-
Other, net
-
2
(4)
8
Net cash used in financing activities
(493)
(19)
(766)
(149)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(187)
230
(432)
147
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
1,016
1,031
1,261
1,114
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
829
$
1,261
$
829
$
1,261
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
Fair value of equity consideration given to acquire AirTran
$
-
$
-
$
523
$
-
Fair value of common stock issued for conversion of debt
$
-
$
-
$
78
$
-
(1) Includes the impact of the AirTran acquisition as of May 2, 2011.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
FUEL DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
AS OF JANUARY 13, 2012
Percent of estimated fuel consumption
covered by fuel derivative contracts
Average WTI Crude Oil
price per barrel
First Half 2012
Second Half 2012
$80 to $100
(1)
10-20% range
$100 to $125
approx. 50%
$125 to $150
approx. 20%
Above $150
less than 5%
Estimated difference in economic jet fuel price per gallon,
above/(below) unhedged market prices, including taxes
Average WTI Crude Oil
price per barrel
1Q 2012
2Q 2012
Second Half 2012
$75
$0.12
$0.12
$0.15
$90
$0.12
$0.09
$0.11
$99 (2)
$0.12
$0.06
$0.06
$115
$0.12
$0.06
($0.11)
$130
$0.11
$0.06
($0.28)
Percent of estimated fuel consumption
covered by fuel derivative contracts at
Period
varying WTI crude-equivalent price levels
2013
over 50%
2014
over 40%
2015
over 10%
(1)
For first half 2012, the Company's current estimated fuel consumption covered by fuel derivative contracts is minimal, with various fuel derivative contracts at WTI crude-equivalent intervals between $80 and $150 per barrel.
(2)
Based on the first quarter 2012 average WTI forward curve and market prices as of January 13, 2012, and current estimated fuel consumption covered by fuel derivative contracts, first quarter 2012 economic fuel price per gallon, including taxes, is estimated to be approximately $3.35 per gallon, or $.12 above market prices.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
737 FUTURE DELIVERY SCHEDULE
AS OF JANUARY 18, 2012
The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company
737 NG
737 MAX
-700
Firm
Orders
-800
Firm
Orders
Options
Additional
-800s
Firm
Orders
Options
Total
2012
28
5
33
2013
41
41
2014
35
4
15
54
2015
36
12
48
2016
31
12
43
2017
15
25
4
44
2018
10
28
15
53
2019
33
33
2020
34
34
2021
34
18
52
2022
30
19
49
2023
23
23
2024
23
23
Through 2027
67
67
127
(a)
73
92
5
(b)
150
(c)
150
597
(a) The Company has flexibility to substitute 737-800s in lieu of 737-700 firm orders
(b) New delivery leased aircraft
(c) The Company has flexibility to accept MAX 7 or MAX 8 deliveries
SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT I
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
Percent
Percent
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger
$
3,860
$
3,492
10.5
$
15,547
(2)
$
13,729
13.2
Freight
36
32
12.5
139
125
11.2
Other
212
236
(10.2)
910
(2)
869
4.7
Total operating revenues
4,108
3,760
9.3
16,596
14,723
12.7
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits
1,145
1,091
4.9
4,564
4,232
7.8
Fuel and oil
1,494
1,156
29.2
6,005
4,447
35.0
Maintenance materials and repairs
239
251
(4.8)
1,043
981
6.3
Aircraft rentals
93
106
(12.3)
389
422
(7.8)
Landing fees and other rentals
254
240
5.8
1,013
970
4.4
Depreciation and amortization
192
175
9.7
735
687
7.0
Acquisition and integration
37
16
131.3
160
17
n.a.
Other operating expenses
507
501
1.2
2,025
1,827
10.8
Total operating expenses
3,961
3,536
12.0
15,934
13,583
17.3
OPERATING INCOME
$
147
$
224
(34.4)
$
662
$
1,140
(41.9)
(1) Selected financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2011, is presented on a consolidated basis. All other selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. AirTran's historical financial information included in the combined presentation has been conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) The Company made a fourth quarter 2011 correction to change the allocation of revenues between Passenger and Other from its sale of frequent flyer points associated with its co-branded Chase Visa card. As part of this correction, the Company has reclassified $46 million in revenues for the period from January 2011 through September 2011 from Other revenue to Passenger revenue to conform to the current presentation. Prior periods were immaterial.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT II
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED COMBINED AMOUNTS FROM SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT I TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
Percent
Percent
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Fuel and oil expense, combined unhedged
$
1,455
$
1,109
$
5,959
$
4,146
Add: Fuel hedge losses included in Fuel and oil expense
39
47
46
301
Fuel and oil expense, as presented on Supplemental Combined Statement I
$
1,494
$
1,156
$
6,005
$
4,447
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts
17
(40)
-
(172)
Fuel and oil expense, combined economic
$
1,511
$
1,116
35.4
$
6,005
$
4,275
40.5
Total operating expenses, as presented on Supplemental Combined Statement I
$
3,961
$
3,536
$
15,934
$
13,583
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts
17
(40)
-
(172)
Total operating expenses, combined economic
$
3,978
$
3,496
$
15,934
$
13,411
Deduct: Charge for Asset impairment, net (2)
-
-
(14)
-
Deduct: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (3)
(37)
(14)
(158)
(16)
Total operating expenses, combined non-GAAP
$
3,941
$
3,482
13.2
$
15,762
$
13,395
17.7
Operating income, as presented on Supplemental Combined Statement I
$
147
$
224
$
662
$
1,140
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts
(17)
40
-
172
Operating income, combined economic
$
130
$
264
$
662
$
1,312
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (2)
-
-
14
-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (3)
37
14
158
16
Operating income, combined non-GAAP
$
167
$
278
(39.9)
$
834
$
1,328
(37.2)
(1) Selected financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2011, is presented on a consolidated basis. All other selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. AirTran's historical financial information included in the combined presentation has been conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate.
(2) Net of profitsharing impact.
(3) Amounts net of profitsharing impact on charges incurred through March 31, 2011. The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT III
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATING COMBINED 2011 FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Year ended December 31, 2011
Southwest
Airlines Co.
(as reported)
AirTran (2)
Combined
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger
$
14,735
$
812
$
15,547
Freight
139
-
139
Other
784
126
910
Total operating revenues
15,658
938
16,596
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits
4,371
193
4,564
Fuel and oil
5,644
361
6,005
Maintenance materials and repairs
955
88
1,043
Aircraft rentals
308
81
389
Landing fees and other rentals
959
54
1,013
Depreciation and amortization
715
20
735
Acquisition and integration
134
26
160
Other operating expenses
1,879
146
2,025
Total operating expenses
14,965
969
15,934
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
$
693
$
(31)
$
662
(1) Selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) Results presented for AirTran, on a standalone basis, include periods prior to the acquisition date, conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT IV
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATING COMBINED 2010 FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
Three months ended December 31, 2010
Year ended December 31, 2010
(as reported)
(as reported)
Southwest
Airlines Co.
AirTran
(as conformed)
Southwest
Airlines Co.
AirTran
(as conformed)
Combined
Combined
OPERATING REVENUES:
Passenger
$
2,945
$
547
$
3,492
$
11,489
$
2,240
$
13,729
Freight
32
-
32
125
-
125
Other
137
99
236
490
379
869
Total operating revenues
3,114
646
3,760
12,104
2,619
14,723
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits
955
136
1,091
3,704
528
4,232
Fuel and oil
940
216
1,156
3,620
827
4,447
Maintenance materials and repairs
195
56
251
751
230
981
Aircraft rentals
45
61
106
180
242
422
Landing fees and other rentals
201
39
240
807
163
970
Depreciation and amortization
160
15
175
628
59
687
Acquisition and integration
7
9
16
8
9
17
Other operating expenses
395
106
501
1,418
409
1,827
Total operating expenses
2,898
638
3,536
11,116
2,467
13,583
OPERATING INCOME
$
216
$
8
$
224
$
988
$
152
$
1,140
(1) Selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. Results presented for Southwest and AirTran, on a standalone basis, represent previously reported results. AirTran's historical financial information has been conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT V
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
COMBINED OPERATING STATISTICS (1)
(unaudited)
Three months ended
Year ended
December 31,
December 31,
2011
2010
Change
2011
2010
Change
Revenue passengers carried
27,536,128
27,330,796
0.8 %
110,151,572
107,605,957
2.4 %
Enplaned passengers
33,510,920
33,276,264
0.7 %
135,274,464
130,921,515
3.3 %
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)
25,180,506
24,713,320
1.9 %
103,864,488
97,597,121
6.4 %
Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)
31,297,561
30,626,416
2.2 %
128,518,201
122,460,579
4.9 %
Load factor
80.5 %
80.7 %
(0.2) pts
80.8 %
79.7 %
1.1 pts
Average length of passenger haul (miles)
914
904
1.1 %
943
907
4.0 %
Average aircraft stage length (miles)
679
670
1.3 %
684
668
2.4 %
Trips flown
343,756
340,597
0.9 %
1,399,644
1,366,826
2.4 %
Average passenger fare
$
140.18
$
127.76
9.7 %
$
141.14
$
127.59
10.6 %
Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)
15.33
14.13
8.5 %
14.97
14.07
6.4 %
RASM (cents)
13.13
12.27
7.0 %
12.91
12.02
7.4 %
PRASM (cents)
12.33
11.40
8.2 %
12.10
11.21
7.9 %
CASM (cents)
12.66
11.54
9.7 %
12.40
11.09
11.8 %
CASM, excluding fuel (cents)
7.89
7.77
1.5 %
7.73
7.46
3.6 %
CASM, excluding special items (cents)
12.59
11.36
10.8 %
12.26
10.94
12.1 %
CASM, excluding fuel and special items (cents)
7.76
7.72
0.5 %
7.59
7.45
1.9 %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (unhedged)
$
3.17
$
2.45
29.4 %
$
3.15
$
2.28
38.2 %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax
$
3.25
$
2.55
27.5 %
$
3.18
$
2.45
29.8 %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (economic)
$
3.29
$
2.46
33.7 %
$
3.18
$
2.36
34.7 %
Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)
458
451
1.4 %
1,887
1,810
4.3 %
PRASM (Passenger unit revenue) - Passenger revenue yield per ASM
RASM (unit revenue) - Operating revenue yield per ASM
CASM (unit costs) - Operating expenses per ASM
(1) Selected operating statistics for the three months ended December 31, 2011, are presented on a consolidated basis. All other selected operating statistics presented in this schedule on a combined basis include operations for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. AirTran's historical operating statistics included in the combined presentation have been conformed to Southwest's presentation where appropriate.
NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (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. 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 and accounting associated with accounting for derivative instruments, and (iii) the causes of hedge ineffectiveness and/or mark-to-market gains or losses from derivative instruments is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, as well as subsequent quarterly filings.
In addition to its "economic" financial measures, as defined above, the Company has also provided other non-GAAP financial measures as a result of items that the Company believes are not indicative of its ongoing operations. These include charges for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011 of $37 million and $134 million, respectively (before the impact of profitsharing and/or taxes) related to expenses associated with the Company's acquisition and integration of AirTran. These also include a 2011 charge of $17 million (before the impact of profitsharing and/or taxes) for an asset impairment related to the Company's recent decision not to equip its Classic (737-300/500) aircraft with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capabilities. 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 and expects to continue to incur substantial charges associated with integration of the two companies. 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 other supplemental non-GAAP financial information on a "combined basis." This supplemental non-GAAP financial information on a "combined basis" includes specified combined financial results of the Company and AirTran for periods prior to May 2, 2011, as if the acquisition had occurred prior to the beginning of the applicable reporting period, but excludes any impact of purchase accounting prior to May 2, 2011. AirTran's historical financial information included in the combined presentation has been conformed to the Company's financial statement classification where appropriate. The Company believes that evaluation of its financial performance can be enhanced by a presentation of combined results in order to evaluate its prior, current or future period results on a more meaningful, consistent year-over-year basis.
The Company has also provided free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. 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 a commonly used as 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 year ended December 31, 2011, the Company generated over $400 million in free cash flow, calculated as operating cash flows of $1.4 billion less capital expenditures of $968 million.
SOURCE Southwest Airlines
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