Southwest Reports Mixed Q4 Results, 2024 Outlook Remains Optimistic
Portfolio Pulse from Akanksha Bakshi
Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) reported Q4 fiscal 2023 results with a 10.5% increase in operating revenue to $6.82 billion, surpassing the $6.74 billion consensus. Adjusted EPS was $0.37, exceeding the $0.12 consensus. The company experienced an operating loss of $361 million, a slight improvement from the previous year's $386 million loss. Key performance metrics such as revenue passenger miles and available seat miles saw year-over-year increases, while load factor decreased. Fuel costs were down 5.7% year-over-year. The company's liquidity remains strong at $12.5 billion, with a net cash position of $3.5 billion. For Q1 2024, Southwest anticipates RASM to increase by 2.5%-4.5% and for the full year 2024, it expects significant pre-tax profit growth and operating revenue and margin expansion. LUV shares dropped by 2.68% to $30.30 following the report.
January 25, 2024 | 4:44 pm
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Southwest Airlines reported strong Q4 revenue and adjusted EPS, with a slight improvement in operating loss. The company has a robust liquidity position and optimistic guidance for 2024, yet shares fell by 2.68%.
Despite the positive earnings report and optimistic outlook for 2024, LUV shares experienced a short-term decline, likely due to market reactions to the mixed results, such as the operating loss and decreased load factor.
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RELEVANCE 100