Southwest Airlines Reports Record First Quarter Profit

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) (the "Company") today reported its first quarter 2016 results:

• Record first quarter net income, excluding special items¹, of $567 million, or $.88 per diluted share, compared with first quarter 2015 net income, excluding special items, of $451 million, or $.66 per diluted share. This exceeded the First Call consensus estimate of $.84 per diluted share.
• Record first quarter GAAP² net income of $511 million, or $.79 per diluted share, compared with first quarter 2015 GAAP net income of $453 million, or $.66 per diluted share.
• Record first quarter GAAP operating income of $944 million. Excluding special items, record first quarter operating income of $952 million, resulting in a strong first quarter operating margin³ of 19.7 percent.
• Record first quarter free cash flow¹ of $1.2 billion; returned $596 million to Shareholders through the combination of dividends and share repurchases.
• Return on invested capital, before taxes and excluding special items (ROIC)¹, for the 12 months ended March 31, 2016, of 33.4 percent, compared with 25.6 percent for the 12 months ended March 31, 2015.

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are delighted to report an outstanding start to 2016. Our first quarter net income, excluding special items, increased 25.7 percent to a first quarter record $567 million, or $.88 per diluted share. Our strong operating income produced a first quarter operating margin, excluding special items, of 19.7 percent, driven largely by record first quarter operating revenues and lower fuel prices. Our investment grade balance sheet, liquidity, and cash flow remain strong. We generated record first quarter free cash flow of $1.2 billionand returned $596 millionto Shareholders through the combination of dividends and share buybacks during first quarter 2016. Next month, we expect to complete the repurchase of the remaining $200 million under our existing $1.5 billionshare repurchase authorization. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2016, our ROIC was an exceptional 33.4 percent. My congratulations to our superb Employees on these tremendous results and their record first quarter profitsharing accrual of $155 million.

"As expected, operating revenues grew in line with our available seat mile growth of 9.2 percent, which is a very strong performance, especially considering the increase in stage length. The sustained strength of Customer demand for our one-of-a-kind service produced a record first quarter load factor of 80.5 percent. Solid bookings and revenue trends have continued, thus far, in April, and we currently expect modest operating unit revenue growth in second quarter 2016, year-over-year. We are very pleased with our industry outperformance and the ongoing response to our advertising campaign, which highlights Transfarency^SM: low fares; nothing to hide; no change fees; bags fly free^®;and free live TV⁴. That's Transfarency!

"We are also pleased with our first quarter unit cost decrease, excluding special items, of 2.6 percent, which benefited primarily from lower jet fuel prices, and also from ongoing fleet modernization benefits and better ontime performance. First quarter economic fuel costs¹declined 11.0 percent to $1.78 per gallon. We currently expect our second quarter 2016 economic fuel costs per gallon to be in the same range⁵, and below the $2.02 per gallon in second quarter 2015. Excluding fuel, special items, and profitsharing, our first quarter unit costs declined slightly, and we continue to expect modest inflation in our annual 2016 unit costs, as compared with the same year-ago periods.

"In January, we announced our intention to retire our'Classic'Boeing 737-300 fleet in 2018. Today, we are announcing the retirement date has been accelerated to 2017 to simplify our operations and resolve uncertainty surrounding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot training requirements for flying both the Classic and Boeing 737-8 (MAX) aircraft. We have been working with our Pilots' union, Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), to mitigate this issue through segmenting the Classic flying, but that effort has been unsuccessful. Given the FAA is not expected to complete training requirements until next year, the only solution now is to avoid flying both the Classics and the MAX. Therefore, the Classics will be retired in 2017 prior to the MAX being placed into revenue service. Indeed, this is a viable and manageable solution, although not preferred. This accelerated retirement of the Classics will result in fewer aircraft and lower available seat mile (capacity) growth in 2017 than previously planned. We are evaluating our fleet plans and intend to continue managing to average annual fleet growth for the three-year period ending 2018 of no more than two percent. Our annual capacity growth over that period is still expected to fall below this year's five to six percent. We will evaluate future growth opportunities, and any resulting capital spending, in a prudent and disciplined manner.

"We reached another exciting milestone in our international expansion last week with the launch of daily service from Los AngelesInternational Airport to Liberia/Guanacaste, Costa Rica, creating our 13^th mainland gateway serving Latin Americaand the Caribbean. We also filed an application with the U.S.Department of Transportation (DOT) during first quarter 2016 requesting governmental approval to serve Cuba. Subject to approval, we intend to initiate service to Cubalater this year. In addition, as the largest carrier of passengers journeying within and to/from California⁶, we recently announced new daily service linking Long Beach Airport and Oakland, beginning June 2016. Long Beachwill become our 10^th airport within California, and the 98^th destination in our network.

"Overall, we remain very pleased with the performance of our network. Based on current trends and our outlook for second quarter 2016, we expect another quarter of strong margins and cash flows. We are investing in our future and will remain diligent in our efforts to deliver sustained value to our Employees, Customers, and Shareholders. Congratulations again to our wonderful Employees on a terrific first quarter performance."

Financial Results

The Company's total operating revenues were a first quarter record $4.8 billion, a 9.3 percent increase compared with first quarter 2015, driven largely by first quarter 2016 passenger revenues of $4.4 billion. Operating unit revenues (RASM) were comparable to first quarter 2015, on a 9.2 percent year-over-year increase in available seat miles. Based on current trends, the Company expects modestly positive second quarter 2016 RASM, as compared with second quarter 2015 RASM.

First quarter 2016 total operating revenues included approximately $125 millionrecorded as a result of the amendment of the Company's co-branded credit card agreement with Chase Bank USA, N.A. (Chase) during third quarter 2015 and a resulting required change in accounting methodology. This $125 millionnet benefit reflects an approximate $175 millionincrease to other revenues offset by an approximate $50 millionreduction to passenger revenues. An estimated second quarter 2016 total operating revenue benefit from the amended Chase agreement of approximately $125 millionis included in the Company's second quarter 2016 RASM outlook.

Total operating expenses in first quarter 2016 increased 6.8 percent to $3.9 billion, compared with first quarter 2015. Excluding special items in both periods, total operating expenses increased 6.3 percent to $3.9 billion, compared with first quarter 2015. This cost performance includes the impact of the first quarter 2016 ratification of collective bargaining agreements with the Company's Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, and Cargo Agents, as well as its Flight Instructors.

First quarter 2016 economic fuel costs were $1.78 per gallon, including $.56 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts, compared with $2.00 per gallon in first quarter 2015, including $.10 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements from fuel derivative contracts. Based on the Company's existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of April 18, 2016, second quarter 2016 economic fuel costs are estimated to be in the $1.75 to $1.80 per gallon range, as compared with second quarter 2015's $2.02 per gallon. As of April 18, 2016, the fair market value of the Company's fuel derivative contracts for the remainder of 2016 was a net liability of approximately $740 million, and a net liability of $640 million for the hedge portfolio in 2017 and 2018, combined. 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 2016 operating costs increased 9.3 percent from first quarter 2015. First quarter 2016 profitsharing expense was $155 million, compared with $126 millionin first quarter 2015. Excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing expense, first quarter 2016 operating costs increased 8.7 percent from first quarter 2015, and decreased 0.5 percent on a unit basis. Based on current trends and excluding fuel and oil expense, special items, and profitsharing expense, the Company expects its second quarter 2016 and annual 2016 unit costs to increase approximately two percent, and approximately one percent, respectively, as compared withthe same year-ago periods and largely due to accelerated depreciation expense associated with the planned early retirement of the Classic fleet.

Operating income was a first quarter record $944 million, compared with $780 millionin first quarter 2015. Excluding special items, operating income was a first quarter record $952 million, compared with $770 millionin first quarter 2015.

Other expenses in first quarter 2016 were $128 million, compared with $57 million in first quarter 2015. The $71 million increase primarily resulted from $114 million in other losses recognized in first quarter 2016, compared with $32 million in first quarter 2015. In both periods, these 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 2016 had $34 million in other losses, compared with $26 million in first quarter 2015, primarily attributable to the premium costs associated with the Company's fuel derivative contracts. Second quarter 2016 premium costs related to fuel derivative contracts are currently estimated to be in the $45 millionto $50 million range, compared with $22 million in second quarter 2015. Net interest expense in first quarter 2016 was $14 million, compared with $25 million in first quarter 2015.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

As of March 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $3.6 billion in cash and short-term investments, and a fully available unsecured revolving credit line of $1 billion. Net cash provided by operations during first quarter 2016 was $1.6 billion, capital expenditures were $438 million, and assets constructed for others, net of reimbursements, were $1 million, resulting in free cash flow of $1.2 billion. The Company repaid $56 millionin debt and capital lease obligations during first quarter 2016, and intends to repay approximately $550 million in debt and capital lease obligations during the remainder of 2016. The Company will fund the $620 million ProfitSharing contribution as a result of its 2015 results to its ProfitSharing Plan in second quarter 2016.

During first quarter 2016, the Company returned $596 millionto its Shareholders through the payment of $96 million in dividends and the repurchase of $500 million in common stock. During first quarter 2016, the Company repurchased $500 millionin common stock pursuant to an accelerated share repurchase program launched during the quarter (first quarter 2016 ASR program), and received approximately 9.6 million shares, representing an estimated 75 percent of the shares expected to be repurchased. The Company intends to complete the first quarter 2016 ASR program by April 25, 2016, and subsequently launch an additional $200 million accelerated share repurchase program (second quarter 2016 ASR program), thereby completing its existing $1.5 billion share repurchase program authorized in May 2015. The Company intends to complete the second quarter 2016 ASR program next month.

Fleet

The Company ended first quarter 2016 with 714 aircraft in its fleet. This reflects the delivery of 7 new Boeing 737-800s and 13 pre-owned Boeing 737-700s, as well as the retirement of 10 Boeing 737 Classic aircraft during the first quarter. The Company continues to manage to a year-end 2016 fleet of roughly 720 aircraft. As announced in January 2016, the Company decided to accelerate the retirement of its Classic aircraft to no later than mid-2018. The planned retirement date of its Classic fleet has now been accelerated to no later than third quarter 2017. While the Company expects aircraft at the end of 2017 to decline from year-end 2016 as a result of this decision, it intends to manage to an average annual fleet growth for the three-year period ending 2018 of no more than two percent. Additional information regarding the Company's aircraft delivery schedule is included in the accompanying tables.

Awards and Recognitions

• Named to FORTUNE's list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 22^ndconsecutive year. Southwest was ranked as the #7 Most Admired Company, and is the only commercial airline to make the Top Ten.
• Named a Best Employer in Forbes' 2016 list.
• Named Best Low-Cost Carrier in North Americafor the third consecutive year in Premier Traveler's Best of 2015.
• Received the Air Cargo Excellence Gold Award by Air Cargo World magazine, making this the 12^thconsecutive year Southwest Airlines Cargo® has been honored in the annual Air Cargo Excellence Survey.
• Named Best Airline (Domestic) and Best Loyalty Airline Card in MONEY Magazine's Best in Travel Awards.
• Named among the top 10 on Chief Executive Magazine's Best Companies for Leaders.

Conference Call

The Company will discuss its first quarter 2016 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 for additional information on special items, ROIC, and free cash flow. In addition, information regarding special items, ROIC, and economic results is included in the accompanying reconciliation tables.
²Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States.
³Operating 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.
⁴Fare difference may apply. First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply. Limited time. Where available.
⁵Based on the Company's existing fuel derivative contracts and market prices as of April 18, 2016.
⁶Based on the latest statistics reported by the U.S.Department of Transportation.

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. Specificforward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company's expectations with respect to returning value to Shareholders; (ii) the Company's financial outlook, expectations, strategies, and projected results of operations, including specific factors expected to impact the Company's results of operations; (iii) the Company's fleet and capacity plans and expectations and the factors expected to impact such plans and expectations; (iv) the Company's expectations related to its management of risk associated with changing jet fuel prices; (v) the Company's network plans and opportunities; and (vi) the Company's expectations with respect to liquidity (including its plans for the repayment of debt and capital lease obligations) and capital expenditures. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current intent, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Thesestatements 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 (including with respect to the Company's co-branded credit card); (ii) the impact of economic conditions, fuel prices, actions of competitors (including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions and consolidation), governmental actions, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on the Company's business decisions, plans, and strategies; (iii) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, and strategies; (iv) the Company's dependence on third parties, in particular with respect to its fleet plans; (v) changes in aircraft fuel prices, the impact of hedge accounting, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions; 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, 2015.

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, 2015.

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 a one-time special revenue adjustment due to the July 2015 amendment of the Company's co-branded credit card agreement with Chase Bank USA, N.A. and a resulting change in accounting methodology, union contract bonuses recorded for certain workgroups, expenses associated with the Company's acquisition and integration of AirTran incurred in 2015, and a 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. The Company does not expect to incur any further Acquisition and integration costs related to the AirTran acquisition.

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, 2016, the Company generated $1.2 billionin free cash flow, calculated as operating cash flows of $1.6 billionless capital expenditures of $438 millionless assets constructed for others of $11 million plus reimbursements for assets constructed for others of $10 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 (see Return on Invested Capital).