The earnings call reflects a positive sentiment overall, with strong revenue performance, strategic partnerships, and operational improvements outweighing concerns about cost inflation and fleet delivery uncertainties.

Company Guidance

During Southwest Airlines' Fourth Quarter 2024 Conference Call, the company provided detailed guidance and updates on various key metrics. The airline reported an 8% year-over-year increase in unit revenue for the fourth quarter, exceeding their prior guidance range of 5.5% to 7%. They highlighted a strong nominal RASM, which was 7% higher sequentially compared to the third quarter, surpassing historical trends by 5 points. Southwest also achieved an industry-leading completion factor with less than 1% flight cancellations, and was recognized by The Wall Street Journal for its operational performance. Looking ahead, the company plans for a modest capacity growth of 1% to 2% in 2025, which will be funded by efficiency initiatives such as turn time reductions and redeye flights. They aim to deliver $1.5 billion in incremental EBIT by 2025, supported by their Southwest Even Better plan, which includes a $500 million cost-saving initiative. The airline also plans to execute fleet monetization strategies and maintain a low-single-digit CASM-X growth rate by the end of 2025. Additionally, Southwest intends to repurchase $2.25 billion of stock this year, representing approximately 12% of their market cap.

Industry-Leading Completion Factor

Southwest Airlines finished the year with an industry-leading completion factor, indicating significant improvements in operational performance and fewer flight cancellations.

Strong Year-Over-Year Unit Revenue Improvement

For the fourth quarter, unit revenues increased by 8% year-over-year, exceeding the prior guidance range. This improvement was driven by strong demand and effective revenue management initiatives.

Strategic Partnerships and Expansion

Southwest signed its first commercial agreement with Icelandair, marking a significant milestone in expanding travel options for customers. This partnership will enhance connectivity across the Atlantic.

Launch of New Products and Initiatives

The company is on track to launch assigned and premium seating products, Getaways by Southwest, and has secured a partnership with MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas.

Enhanced Financial Performance and Strategic Execution

Southwest Airlines exceeded expectations for fourth-quarter performance, with improved year-over-year margins and a comprehensive plan for cost reductions and strategic growth.

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Southwest Airlines (DE:SWN) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

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DE:SWN Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Apr 24, 2025	2025 (Q1)	-0.15 / -	-0.343	―	―	―
Jan 30, 2025	2024 (Q4)	0.44 / 0.53	0.353	51.35% (+0.18)	―
Oct 24, 2024	2024 (Q3)	0.05 / 0.14	0.362	-60.53% (-0.22)	―
Jul 25, 2024	2024 (Q2)	0.49 / 0.55	1.039	-46.79% (-0.49)	―
Apr 25, 2024	2024 (Q1)	-0.32 / -0.34	-0.257	-33.33% (-0.09)	―
Jan 25, 2024	2023 (Q4)	0.12 / 0.35	-0.362	197.37% (+0.72)	―
Oct 26, 2023	2023 (Q3)	0.36 / 0.36	0.477	-24.00% (-0.11)	―
Jul 27, 2023	2023 (Q2)	1.04 / 1.04	1.24	-16.15% (-0.20)	―
Apr 27, 2023	2023 (Q1)	-0.22 / -0.26	-0.305	15.62% (+0.05)	―
Jan 26, 2023	2022 (Q4)	-0.07 / -0.36	0.133	-371.43% (-0.50)	―

The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.

Beat

Missed

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DE:SWN Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Jan 30, 2025	€30.39	€30.37	-0.05%
Oct 24, 2024	€27.92	€26.72	-4.33%
Jul 25, 2024	€24.58	€24.04	-2.19%
Apr 25, 2024	€26.81	€26.65	-0.62%

Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.

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