Hmm. You know what will instantly increase the value of those shares?

I'll give you a clue, the company loves to do it and hasn't been able to for over two years.

Another clue?

It rhymes with "destore the rividend" and "block stybacks". One is a valid way to reward shareholders, many of whom exist here. The other is an accounting tool to hide excess money that could be used to reward employees.

The Kelly/VDV era will forever be remembered as a dark time for company employees and a great time for executives and shareholders. At least you knew where Gary Kelly stood. He was going to do whatever he could in his power to maximize shareholder value, damn the consequences to long term employee morale and motivation.

VDV was way above his maximized potential. He was a blundering accountant forced into a job that requires planning, sharp execution, leadership. and accountability. He proved over and over again that you can fail miserably at your job with zero consequences. Not only that, he never once took the blame for hundreds of millions of dollars worth of mistakes that happened on his watch. I have met him, and he is sure a nice guy, but nice doesn't make an airline run well.

Good riddance to both of them. I am sure GK is still pulling some strings, but he will fade away in time and leave a legacy of neglect that will take years to fix.