Downloaded the quarterly results. In case you're interested, here are the actual numbers...

SWA income before taxes - $515 million
Current quarterly gains from fuel hedges - $225 million (before taxes)
SWA income from unrealized SFAS 133 gains/losses - $96 million (before taxes)

$515 - $225 - $96 = $194 million profit (before taxes).

At approximately 30% tax, net income would be $135 million.

Since SWA also paid out approximately $25 million more in profit sharing due to hedging gains, that would bring the total profit to around $160 million.

SWA has also started purchasing hedges into 2010. Not sure how the cost of those contracts is accounted for in the current quarter.

 

It's good to see some more numbers thrown into the mix...

I think I have made my point on this thread whether the number is $48 million or $148 million. My point is Southwest has a big advantage due to fuel hedges. Even at your high quote, it is less than American and Continental, and very close to United. This is where I expect Southwest's profit's to be for many years to come (inline with other majors).

 

"Hey Sr. Barco. Try reading it again. Apparently you misunderstood!
There (sic) income was $273 million dollars. Their gains from fuel hedges were $225 million dollars. Press subtract. They would have made a grand total of $48 million dollars.....

...."It's good to see some more numbers thrown into the mix...I think I have made my point on this thread whether the number is $48 million or $148 million. My point is Southwest has a big advantage due to fuel hedges."

Way to change your tune when presented with the facts. Additionally, I sure would hope the largest airline in the world would make more money than little ol' SWA, wouldn't you?

Brown Dog

 

Wow! Talking about silly. I do have control over corporate profits. The fact that I do have some control and that my company is profitable IS important as I have never once in twelve years been concerened about job security and have received a profit sharing check every year. I have control over on- time performance, total employees per airplane, fuel burn, and return customer ticket sales. I am one of the reasons that Southwest is profitable along with a bunch of other guys like me. You seem to think that this is some sort of accident. I'm a line guy and corporate profits are very important to me. Perhaps you should care.

 

Bull****ter, pathetic liar, or flamebaiter, I can't decide...Any thoughts?

I think we either need an ignore function on this forum, or a way to weed out ridiculous stuff like this. Anyway can we establish a "posting credibility" rating? I think this guy really takes away from the credibility of this entire forum, and whatever productive communication that could occur here suffers.

 

What percent of control do you have over any corporate profit, employees, fuel burn, or return customer ticket sales? .00000000000000000000001 I know it's not that much but it's good that you think you have control over SWA profits. I'm sure you were there when the fuel deal was done and you provide fleet plans and route structure ideas.
I don't think SWA being a great Airline and a secure one is any accident at all. I just don't think any pilot there has anything to do with the business model that is SWA. Unless you are Herb? How is it that you control fuel burn? I'm sure you are talking about on the flights you fly. How may hours does SWA fly a month and how many do you? How much do you save? Since you have control over fuel burn I'm sure you know the exact number.
It still sounds Silly to me that you or any pilot thinks they have any control over airline profits. SWA is great for sure there is no denying that.

If pilots controlled the airlines Eastern, Braniff and PanAm and so on, would still rule the world and SWA would be flying LUV-AUS-HOU with two 737-200s.
And FedEx would still have 12 Falcons since the Major airline pilots would have never let deregultion happen. You and I should just enjoy our great fortune!

 

Well said.... and anyone that rides a 1200rt can't be all bad!

 

SWA Capt IS the reason that Southwest is profitable.
It is his (and his alone) doings. If it weren't for this SWA Skipper
LUV would be down the tubes 12 years ago. I sure would like to spend
a 4 day 29:59 hour sequence with this Sky King.

I bet he probably invented the quick turn process!

I can imagine that you are a real treat to spend some time with.
You probably only fly with reserve pilots because all the others
have you on the "do not pair with" list.

I have met PLENTY of your type, pompous, arrogant and self centered.
Just looking for a excuse to justify your crappy landing or other mistake.

I bet your F.O. 's have a list of excuses already to spew out.

1) Gee Capt SWA, I think we had some windshear there at the flair.
2) Hey, sorry Capt SWA, I forgot to call out decision height for you
3) or maybe this one, I think the weight and balance was way off for you.

Your arrogance is revolting.
You are surely the best aviator to
ever grace the cockpit and the skys.
Maybe when you dork one in and bend something we will all be
able to sleep better knowing you are now the greeter at Wally Mart.

 

Oh, I get it now Av8r4aa. Thanks for setting me straight. You think we should all seek the lowest common denominator like you and not give a crap about our jobs. We should just be as inefficient as we can so that when our company looses millions and cuts our pay we can whine about it. You are pathetic and aparently get what you deserve. You seemed to miss the part where I give credit to about 90% of our pilot force. I am one of the reasons that Southwest is profitable along with a bunch of other guys like me. I am not an anomally over here, I am a product of the hiring process. We hire hard working people that 'get it' and you apparently don't. You seem very angry with the fact that I and my fellow pilots are concerned with company profitability. In fact you just seem plain angry. You are pretty transparrent. It's the 'ol SWA has destroyed the industry thing again. Perhaps you should focus some of your negative energy on improving your company and be less concerned with mine. Hope you are able to get over your anger issues for he sake of those that might have to fly with you. Best wishes to you

 

Did I accidently hit my FlightInfo Shortcut???