form10q.htm




UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
 
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ________ to ________

Commission File No. 1-7259
 

Southwest Airlines Co.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

TEXAS
74-1563240
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, Texas
75235-1611
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (214) 792-4000

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes þ  No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer þ                                                                                                Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)                Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes ¨ No þ

 
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the close of business on October 19, 2009: 741,939,911

 
1

 

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

TABLE OF CONTENTS TO FORM 10-Q


Part I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Part II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX


 
2

 
Table of Contents


SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
FORM 10-Q
Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Southwest Airlines Co.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(in millions)
(unaudited)

   
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 902     $ 1,368  
Short-term investments
    1,352       435  
Accounts and other receivables
    225       209  
Inventories of parts and supplies, at cost
    196       203  
Deferred income taxes
    365       365  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    87       73  
Total current assets
    3,127       2,653  
                 
Property and equipment, at cost:
               
Flight equipment
    13,761       13,722  
Ground property and equipment
    1,870       1,769  
Deposits on flight equipment purchase contracts
    233       380  
      15,864       15,871  
Less allowance for depreciation and amortization
    5,166       4,831  
      10,698       11,040  
Other assets
    275       375  
    $ 14,100     $ 14,068  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 694     $ 668  
Accrued liabilities
    918       1,012  
Air traffic liability
    1,214       963  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    198       163  
Total current liabilities
    3,024       2,806  
                 
Long-term debt less current maturities
    3,378       3,498  
Deferred income taxes
    1,947       1,904  
Deferred gains from sale and leaseback of aircraft
    125       105  
Other non-current liabilities
    409       802  
Stockholders' equity:
               
Common stock
    808       808  
Capital in excess of par value
    1,226       1,215  
Retained earnings
    4,876       4,919  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (715 )     (984 )
Treasury stock, at cost
    (978 )     (1,005 )
Total stockholders' equity
    5,217       4,953  
    $ 14,100     $ 14,068  
                 
See accompanying notes.
               

 

 
3

 
Table of Contents


Southwest Airlines Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)


   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
OPERATING REVENUES:
                       
Passenger
  $ 2,550     $ 2,767     $ 7,308     $ 7,927  
Freight
    28       37       87       108  
Other
    88       87       243       254  
Total operating revenues
    2,666       2,891       7,638       8,289  
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Salaries, wages, and benefits
    909       856       2,607       2,494  
Fuel and oil
    826       1,051       2,250       2,795  
Maintenance materials and repairs
    184       190       557       523  
Aircraft rentals
    47       38       140       115  
Landing fees and other rentals
    192       167       537       497  
Depreciation and amortization
    162       152       462       445  
Other operating expenses
    324       351       990       1,040  
Total operating expenses
    2,644       2,805       7,543       7,909  
OPERATING INCOME
    22       86       95       380  
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
                               
Interest expense
    48       35       140       95  
Capitalized interest
    (5 )     (6 )     (16 )     (20 )
Interest income
    (3 )     (7 )     (11 )     (18 )
Other (gains) losses, net
    2       269       2       (38 )
Total other expenses (income)
    42       291       115       19  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (20 )     (205 )     (20 )     361  
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES
    (4 )     (85 )     (4 )     127  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ (16 )   $ (120 )   $ (16 )   $ 234  
                                 
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, BASIC
  $ (.02 )   $ (.16 )   $ (.02 )   $ .32  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE, DILUTED
  $ (.02 )   $ (.16 )   $ (.02 )   $ .32  
                                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
                               
OUTSTANDING:
                               
Basic
    742       736       741       734  
Diluted
    742       736       741       739  
                                 
See accompanying notes.
                               


 


 
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Table of Contents

Southwest Airlines Co.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(in millions)
(unaudited)

    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (16 )   $ (120 )   $ (16 )   $ 234  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
                               
cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization
    162       152       462       445  
Unrealized loss on fuel derivative instruments
    12       307       79       17  
Deferred income taxes
    8       (48 )     3       81  
Amortization of deferred gains on sale and
                               
leaseback of aircraft
    (4 )     (3 )     (11 )     (9 )
Share-based compensation expense
    3       4       10       14  
Excess tax benefits from share-based
                               
compensation arrangements
    (4 )     8       (6 )     11  
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
                               
Accounts and other receivables
    12       62       (16 )     (105 )
Other current assets
    11       (48 )     (7 )     (98 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (147 )     (379 )     (42 )     (46 )
Air traffic liability
    6       (28 )     251       344  
Cash collateral received from (provided to) fuel
                               
    derivative counterparties
    -       (1,940 )     (185 )     495  
Other, net
    29       (243 )     (29 )     (359 )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    72       (2,276 )     493       1,024  
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Purchases of property and equipment, net
    (198 )     (178 )     (471 )     (765 )
Purchases of short-term investments
    (1,707 )     (794 )     (4,797 )     (4,241 )
Proceeds from sales of short-term investments
    1,608       926       3,955       3,570  
Other, net
    -       -       1       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (297 )     (46 )     (1,312 )     (1,436 )
                                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions
    -       -       381       -  
Issuance of Long-term debt
    124       -       456       600  
Proceeds from Employee stock plans
    4       85       11       113  
Proceeds from credit line borrowing
    83       -       83       -  
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
    (22 )     (15 )     (64 )     (41 )
Payment of revolving credit facility
    -       -       (400 )     -  
Payment of credit line borrowing
    -       -       (91 )     -  
Payments of cash dividends
    (3 )     (3 )     (13 )     (13 )
Repurchase of common stock
    -       -       -       (54 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based
                               
compensation arrangements
    4       (8 )     6       (11 )
Other, net
    (9 )     -       (16 )     (5 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    181       59       353       589  
                                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND
                               
CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (44 )     (2,263 )     (466 )     177  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
                               
BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    946       4,653       1,368       2,213  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
                               
AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 902     $ 2,390     $ 902     $ 2,390  
                                 
CASH PAYMENTS FOR:
                               
Interest, net of amount capitalized
  $ 31     $ 39     $ 109     $ 80  
Income taxes
  $ -     $ 57     $ 4     $ 70  
                                 
See accompanying notes.
                               




 


 
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Table of Contents

Southwest Airlines Co.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


1.      BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Southwest Airlines Co. (Company or Southwest) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements.  The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the interim periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, include all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.  This includes all normal and recurring adjustments, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  Financial results for the Company, and airlines in general, are seasonal in nature.  Historically, the Company’s revenues, as well as its overall financial performance, are better in its second and third fiscal quarters than in its first and fourth fiscal quarters.  However, as a result of significant fluctuations in revenues and the price of jet fuel in some periods, the nature of the Company’s fuel hedging program, the periodic volatility of commodities used by the Company for hedging jet fuel, and the accounting requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 815 (ASC Topic 815, originally issued as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended), the Company has experienced, and may continue to experience, significant volatility in its results in certain fiscal periods.  See Note 5 for further information. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2009.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Southwest Airlines Co. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  In the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008, the Company's cash collateral deposits related to fuel derivatives that have been provided to a counterparty have been adjusted to show a “net” presentation against the fair value of the Company's fuel derivative instruments.  The entire portion of cash collateral deposits as of December 31, 2008, $240 million, has been reclassified to reduce “Other deferred liabilities.”  In the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K filing, these cash collateral deposits were presented “gross” and all were included as an increase to “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”  This change in presentation was made in order to comply with the requirements of ASC Subtopic 210-20 (originally issued as part of FIN 39-1, “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39”), which was required to be adopted by the Company effective January 1, 2008.  Following the Company’s 2008 Form 10-K filing on February 2, 2009, the Company became aware that the requirements of ASC Subtopic 210-20 had not been properly applied to its financial derivative instruments within the financial statements.  The Company determined that the effect of this error was not material to its financial statements and disclosures taken as a whole, and decided to apply ASC Subtopic 210-20 prospectively beginning with its first quarter 2009 Form 10-Q.  Also, in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has reclassified certain unrealized noncash gains and/or losses recorded on fuel derivative instruments and the cash collateral received from counterparties to its fuel hedging program, in order to conform to the current year presentation.  These reclassifications had no impact on net cash flows provided by operations.

In preparing the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company has reviewed, as determined necessary by the Company’s management, events that have occurred after September 30, 2009, up until the issuance of the financial statements, which occurred on October 22, 2009.

2.   NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On August 28, 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value” (ASU 2009-05).  ASU 2009-05 provides additional guidance clarifying the measurement of liabilities at fair value.  ASU 2009-05 is effective in fourth quarter 2009 for a calendar-year entity.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2009-05 on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and disclosures.

On September 23, 2009, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 08-1, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF 08-1).  EITF 08-1 updates the current guidance pertaining to multiple-element revenue arrangements included in ASC Subtopic 605-25, which originated primarily from EITF 00-21, also titled “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.”  EITF 08-1 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2011 for calendar-year entities.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of EITF 08-1 on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and disclosures.

6

 
3.      DIVIDENDS

During the three month periods ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2009, dividends of $.0045 per share were declared on the 740 million shares, 741 million shares, and 742 million shares of Common Stock then outstanding, respectively.  During the three month periods ended March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2008, dividends of $.0045 per share were declared on the 731 million shares, 733 million shares, and 737 million shares of Common Stock then outstanding, respectively.

4.      NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in millions except per share amounts):


    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
NUMERATOR:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (16 )   $ (120 )   $ (16 )   $ 234  
                                 
DENOMINATOR:
                               
Weighted-average shares
                               
outstanding, basic
    742       736       741       734  
Dilutive effect of Employee stock
                               
options
    -       -       -       5  
Adjusted weighted-average shares
                               
outstanding, diluted
    742       736       741       739  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:
                               
Basic
  $ (.02 )   $ (.16 )   $ (.02 )   $ .32  
                                 
Diluted
  $ (.02 )   $ (.16 )   $ (.02 )   $ .32  


The Company has excluded 81 million and 29 million shares, respectively, from its calculations of net income per share, diluted, for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and has excluded 80 million and 57 million shares, respectively, from its calculations of net income per share, diluted, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, as they represent antidilutive stock options for the respective periods presented.

5.      FINANCIAL DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Fuel Contracts

Airline operators are inherently dependent upon energy to operate and, therefore, are impacted by changes in jet fuel prices.  Jet fuel and oil (including related taxes) consumed during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, represented approximately 31 percent and 37 percent of the Company’s operating expenses, respectively. The Company’s operating expenses have been extremely volatile in recent years due to dramatic increases and declines in energy prices.  The Company endeavors to acquire jet fuel at the lowest possible cost and to reduce volatility in operating expenses through its fuel hedging program.  Because jet fuel is not traded on an organized futures exchange, there are limited opportunities to hedge directly in jet fuel.  However, the Company has found that financial derivative instruments in other commodities, such as crude oil, and refined products such as heating oil and unleaded gasoline, can be useful in decreasing its exposure to jet fuel price volatility.  The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The Company has used financial derivative instruments for both short-term and long-term time frames, and typically uses a mixture of purchased call options, collar structures (which include both a purchased call option and a sold put option), and fixed price swap agreements in its portfolio.  Generally, when the Company perceives that prices are lower than historical or expected future levels, the Company prefers to use fixed price swap agreements and purchased call options.  However, at times when the Company perceives that purchased call options have become too expensive, it may use more collar structures.  Although the use of collar structures and swap agreements can reduce the overall cost of hedging, these instruments carry more risk than purchased call options in that the Company could end up in a liability position when the collar structure or swap agreement settles.  With the use of purchased call options, the Company cannot be in a liability position at settlement.

The following table provides information about the Company’s volume of fuel hedging for the first nine months of 2009, and its portfolio as of September 30, 2009, for future periods.  These hedge volumes are presented strictly from an “economic” standpoint and thus do not reflect whether the hedges qualified or will qualify for special hedge accounting as defined in ASC Topic 815.  The Company defines its “economic” hedge as the net volume of fuel derivative contracts held, including the impact of positions that have been offset through sold positions, regardless of whether those contracts qualify for hedge accounting as defined in ASC Topic 815.

7


 
   
Fuel hedged as of
   
Approximate %
 
   
September 30, 2009
   
of jet fuel
 
Period (by year)
 
(gallons in millions)
   
consumption
 
2009
    438       31 % *
2010
    938       66 % *
2011
    559       40 % *
2012
    232       17 % *
2013
    98       7 % *
                 
Period (by quarter for 2009)
               
First quarter 2009
    15       4 %
Second quarter 2009
    185       50 %
Third quarter 2009
    77       21 %
Fourth quarter 2009
    161       47 % *
* Forecasted
               


Upon proper qualification, the Company accounts for its fuel derivative instruments as cash flow hedges, as defined in ASC Topic 815.  Under ASC Topic 815, all derivatives designated as hedges that meet certain requirements are granted special hedge accounting treatment.  Generally, utilizing the special hedge accounting, all periodic changes in fair value of the derivatives designated as hedges that are considered to be effective, as defined, are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (AOCI) until the underlying jet fuel is consumed.  See Note 6 for further information on AOCI.  The Company is exposed to the risk that periodic changes will not be effective, as defined, or that the derivatives will no longer qualify for special hedge accounting.  Ineffectiveness, as defined, results when the change in the fair value of the derivative instrument exceeds the change in the value of the Company’s expected future cash outlay to purchase and consume jet fuel.  To the extent that the periodic changes in the fair value of the derivatives are not effective, that ineffectiveness is recorded to “Other (gains) losses, net” in the statement of operations.  Likewise, if a hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, any change in the fair value of derivative instruments since the last period is recorded to “Other (gains) losses, net” in the statement of operations in the period of the change; however, any amounts previously recorded to AOCI would remain there until such time as the original forecasted transaction occurs at which time these amounts would be reclassified to “Fuel and oil” expense.  In a situation where it becomes probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, any gains and/or losses that have been recorded to AOCI would be required to be immediately reclassified into earnings.  The Company did not have any such situations occur for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2009 or 2008.

Ineffectiveness is inherent in hedging jet fuel with derivative positions based in other crude oil related commodities.  Due to the volatility in markets for crude oil and related products, the Company is unable to predict the amount of ineffectiveness each period, including the loss of hedge accounting, which could be determined on a derivative by derivative basis or in the aggregate for a specific commodity.  This may result, and has resulted, in increased volatility in the Company’s financial results.  Factors that have and may continue to lead to ineffectiveness and unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts include: significant fluctuation in energy prices, the number of derivative positions the Company holds, significant weather events affecting refinery capacity and the production of refined products, and the volatility of the different types of products the Company uses in hedging.  The number of instances in which the Company has discontinued hedge accounting for specific hedges and for specific refined products, such as unleaded gasoline, has increased recently, primarily due to the foregoing factors.  However, even though these derivatives may not qualify for special hedge accounting, the Company continues to hold the instruments as it believes they continue to afford the Company the opportunity to somewhat stabilize jet fuel costs.

8

 
ASC Topic 815 is a complex accounting standard with stringent requirements, including the documentation of a Company hedging strategy, statistical analysis to qualify a commodity for hedge accounting both on a historical and a prospective basis, and strict contemporaneous documentation that is required at the time each hedge is designated by the Company.  As required, the Company assesses the effectiveness of each of its individual hedges on a quarterly basis.  The Company also examines the effectiveness of its entire hedging program on a quarterly basis utilizing statistical analysis.  This analysis involves utilizing regression and other statistical analyses that compare changes in the price of jet fuel to changes in the prices of the commodities used for hedging purposes.

All cash flows associated with purchasing and selling derivatives are classified as operating cash flows in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  The following table presents the location of all assets and liabilities associated with the Company’s hedging instruments within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):


     
Asset Derivatives
   
Liability Derivatives
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value at 9/30/09
   
Fair Value at 12/31/08
   
Fair Value at 9/30/09
   
Fair Value at 12/31/08
 
                           
Derivatives designated as hedging
                         
instruments under ASC Topic 815
                         
Fuel derivative contracts (gross)*
Accrued liabilities
  $ 64     $ 94     $ 34     $ 19  
Fuel derivative contracts (gross)*
Other deferred liabilities
    107       40       31       522  
Interest rate derivative contracts
Other assets
    59       83       -       -  
Interest rate derivative contracts
Other deferred liabilities
    -       -       -       3  
                                   
Total derivatives designated as hedging
                                 
instruments under ASC Topic 815
    $ 230     $ 217     $ 65     $ 544  
                                   
Derivatives not designated as hedging
                                 
instruments under ASC Topic 815
                                 
Fuel derivative contracts (gross)*
Accrued liabilities
  $ 340     $ 387     $ 545     $ 708  
Fuel derivative contracts (gross)*
Other deferred liabilities
    309       266       874       530  
                                   
Total derivatives not designated as
                                 
hedging instruments under ASC Topic 815
  $ 649     $ 653     $ 1,419     $ 1,238  
                                   
Total derivatives
    $ 879     $ 870     $ 1,484     $ 1,782  
* Does not include the impact of cash collateral deposits provided to counterparties. See discussion
         
of credit risk and collateral following in this Note.
                               


 
In addition, the Company also had the following amounts associated with fuel derivative instruments and hedging activities in its unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions):


 
Balance Sheet
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
Location
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash collateral deposits provided
Offset against Other
           
to counterparty - noncurrent
deferred liabilities
    324       240  
Cash collateral deposits provided
Offset against Accrued
               
to counterparty - current
liabilities
    101       -  
Due to third parties for settled fuel contracts
Accrued liabilities
    25       16  
Net unrealized losses from fuel
Accumulated other
               
hedges, net of tax
comprehensive loss
    724       946  


The following tables present the impact of derivative instruments and their location within the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in millions):


Derivatives in ASC Topic 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
             
   
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (effective portion)
   
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (effective portion)(a)
   
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives (ineffective portion) (b)
 
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Three months ended September 30,
   
Three months ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                                     
Fuel derivative
                                   
contracts
  $ (40 ) *   $ 1,403  *   $ 101 *   $ (226 ) *   $ (46 )   $ 41  
Interest rate
                                               
derivatives
    6 *     -       -       -       -       -  
                                                 
Total
  $ (34 )   $ 1,403     $ 101     $ (226 )   $ (46 )   $ 41  
*   Net of tax
                                               
(a) Amounts related to fuel derivative contracts and interest rate derivatives are included in
 
Fuel and oil and Interest expense, respectively.
                         
(b) Amounts are included in Other (gains) losses, net.
                         

 
9



Derivatives in ASC Topic 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
             
   
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in AOCI on Derivatives (effective portion)
   
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (effective portion)(a)
   
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives (ineffective portion) (b)
 
   
Nine months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
   
Nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                                     
Fuel derivative
                                   
contracts
  $ (85 ) *   $ (520 )*   $ 307 *   $ (680 ) *   $ (55   $ 67  
Interest rate
                                               
derivatives
    (19 ) *     -       -       -       -       -  
                                                 
Total
  $ (104 )   $ (520   $ 307     $ (680 )   $ (55   $ 67  
*   Net of tax
                                               
(a) Amounts related to fuel derivative contracts and interest rate derivatives are included in
 
Fuel and oil and Interest expense, respectively.
                         
(b) Amounts are included in Other (gains) losses, net.
                         



Derivatives not in ASC Topic 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
     
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives
   
     
Three months ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income
      2009     2008  
on Derivatives
                 
Fuel derivative contracts
 
8
  $
 205
 
Other (gains) losses, net

 
Derivatives not in ASC Topic 815 Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
     
Amount of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives
   
     
Nine months ended September 30,
 
Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income
      2009     2008  
on Derivatives
                 
Fuel derivative contracts
 
(57
$
(161
Other (gains) losses, net

The Company also recorded expense associated with premiums paid for fuel derivative contracts that settled/expired during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of $35 million and $20 million, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of $104 million and $47 million.  These amounts are excluded from the Company’s measurement of effectiveness for related hedges.

The fair value of the derivative instruments, depending on the type of instrument, was determined by the use of present value methods or standard option value models with assumptions about commodity prices based on those observed in underlying markets.  Included in the Company’s total net unrealized losses from fuel hedges as of September 30, 2009, are approximately $278 million in unrealized losses, net of taxes, that are expected to be realized in earnings during the twelve months following September 30, 2009.  In addition, as of September 30, 2009, the Company had already recognized cumulative net gains due to ineffectiveness and derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting totaling $16 million, net of taxes.  These net gains were recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2009, and prior periods, and are reflected in “Retained earnings” as of September 30, 2009, but the underlying derivative instruments will not expire/settle until the fourth quarter of 2009 or future periods.

Interest rate swaps

The Company is party to interest rate swap agreements related to its $385 million 6.5% senior unsecured notes due 2012, its $350 million 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2014, its $300 million 5.125% senior unsecured notes due 2017, and its $100 million 7.375% senior unsecured debentures due 2027.  The primary objective for the Company’s use of these interest rate hedges is to better match the repricing of its assets and liabilities.  Under each of these interest rate swap agreements, the Company pays the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin every six months on the notional amount of the debt, and receives payments based on the fixed stated rate of the notes every six months until the date the notes become due.  These interest rate swap agreements qualify as fair value hedges, as defined by ASC Topic 815.  In addition, these interest rate swap agreements qualify for the “shortcut” method of accounting for hedges, as defined by ASC Topic 815.  Under the “shortcut” method, the hedges are assumed to be perfectly effective, and, thus, there is no ineffectiveness to be recorded in earnings.

The Company also entered into interest rate swap agreements concurrent with its entry into a twelve-year, $600 million floating-rate term loan agreement during 2008, and a ten-year, $332 million floating-rate term loan agreement during May 2009.  Under these swap agreements, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges, the interest rates on the term loans are effectively fixed for their entire term at 5.223 percent and 6.64 percent, respectively, and ineffectiveness is required to be measured each reporting period.  The fair values of the interest rate swap agreements, which are adjusted regularly, have been aggregated by counterparty for classification in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

10

 
Credit risk and collateral

The Company’s credit exposure related to fuel derivative instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts with a net positive fair value to the Company at the reporting date.  These outstanding instruments expose the Company to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements.  However, the Company has not experienced any significant credit loss as a result of counterparty nonperformance in the past.  To manage credit risk, the Company selects and will periodically review counterparties based on credit ratings, limits its exposure to a single counterparty, and monitors the market position of the fuel hedging program and its relative market position with each counterparty.  At September 30, 2009, the Company had agreements with all of its counterparties containing early termination rights and/or bilateral collateral provisions whereby security is required if market risk exposure exceeds a specified threshold amount or credit ratings fall below certain levels.  Based on the Company’s current agreements with two of these counterparties, cash deposits are required to be posted whenever the net fair value of derivatives associated with those counterparties exceed specific thresholds.  If the threshold is exceeded, cash is either posted by the counterparty if the value of derivatives is an asset to the Company, or posted by the Company if the value of derivatives is a liability to the Company.

Under one of the Company’s counterparty agreements, as amended, if the Company becomes obligated to post collateral for obligations in amounts of up to $300 million and in excess of $700 million, the Company is required to post cash collateral; however, if the Company becomes obligated to post collateral for obligations in amounts between $300 million and $700 million, the Company has pledged 20 of its Boeing 737-700 aircraft as collateral in lieu of cash.  At September 30, 2009, the fair value of fuel derivative instruments with this counterparty was a net liability of $266 million, and the Company had posted $300 million in cash collateral deposits with the counterparty; therefore, none of the Company’s liability was secured by pledged aircraft.  The “over-collateralization” was due to timing of the point at which the fair value of derivative instruments was measured and the time at which resulting collateral levels were adjusted.  If the fair value of fuel derivative instruments with this counterparty were in a net asset position, the counterparty would be required to post cash collateral to the Company on a dollar-for-dollar basis for amounts in excess of $40 million.  This agreement does not contain any triggers that would require additional cash to be posted by the Company outside of further changes in the fair value of the fuel derivative instruments held with the counterparty.  However, if the fair value of fuel derivative instruments with this counterparty were in a net asset position, and the counterparty’s credit rating were to be lowered to specified levels, the counterparty could be required to post cash collateral to the Company on a dollar-for-dollar basis related to the first $40 million of assets held.  This agreement was amended in September 2009 to extend its expiration from January 1, 2010, until January 1, 2015.

Under another of the Company’s counterparty agreements, the Company is obligated to post collateral related to fuel derivative liabilities as follows:  (i) if the obligation is up to $125 million, the Company posts cash collateral, (ii) if the obligation exceeds $125 million, in addition to the cash collateral for the first $125 million, the Company has pledged the value of 29 designated Boeing 737-700 aircraft as collateral in lieu of cash (up to a maximum of $500 million), and (iii) if the obligation exceeds $125 million plus the value of the pledged aircraft (up to the $500 million maximum), the Company must post cash or letters of credit as collateral.  The Company pledged 29 of its Boeing 737-700 aircraft to cover the collateral posting band in clause (ii).  As of September 30, 2009, the fair value of fuel derivative instruments with this counterparty was a net liability of $377 million, and the Company had posted $125 million in cash collateral deposits to this counterparty, with the remaining $252 million secured by pledged aircraft.  This agreement also provides for the counterparty to post cash collateral to the Company on a dollar-for-dollar basis for any net positive fair value of fuel derivative instruments in excess of $150 million held by the Company from that counterparty.  This agreement does not contain any triggers that would require additional cash to be posted by the Company outside of further changes in the fair value of the fuel derivative instruments held with the counterparty.  However, if the fair value of fuel derivative instruments with this counterparty were in a net asset position, and the counterparty’s credit rating were to be lowered to specified levels, the counterparty would be required to post cash collateral to the Company on a dollar-for-dollar basis related to the first $150 million of assets held.

As of September 30, 2009, other than as described above, the Company did not have any fuel hedging agreements with counterparties in which cash collateral is required to be posted based on the Company’s current investment grade credit rating.  However, additional fuel hedging agreements contain a provision whereby each party has the right to terminate and settle all outstanding fuel contracts if the other party’s credit rating falls below investment grade.  Upon this occurrence, the party in a net liability position could subsequently be required to post cash collateral if a mutual alternative agreement could not be reached.  At September 30, 2009, the Company’s estimated fair value of fuel derivative contracts with one counterparty containing this provision was a liability of $77 million, including $14 million that will settle by the end of 2009.

The Company classifies its cash collateral provided to counterparties in accordance with the provisions of ASC Subtopic 210-20.  ASC Subtopic 210-20 requires an entity to select a policy of how it records the offset rights to reclaim cash collateral associated with the related derivative fair value of the assets or liabilities of such derivative instruments.  Entities may either select a “net” or a “gross” presentation.  The Company has elected to present its cash collateral utilizing a net presentation, in which cash collateral amounts held or provided have been netted against the fair value of outstanding derivative instruments.  The Company’s policy differs depending on whether its derivative instruments are in a net asset position or a net liability position.  If its fuel derivative instruments are in a net asset position with a counterparty, cash collateral amounts held are first netted against current derivative amounts (those that will settle during the twelve months following the balance sheet date) associated with that counterparty until that balance is zero, and then any remainder would be applied against the fair value of noncurrent outstanding derivative instruments (those that will settle beyond one year following the balance sheet date).  If its fuel derivative instruments are in a net liability position with a counterparty, cash collateral amounts provided are first netted against noncurrent derivative amounts associated with that counterparty until that balance is zero, and then any remainder would be applied against the fair value of current outstanding derivative instruments.  At September 30, 2009, of the $425 million in cash collateral deposits posted with counterparties under its bilateral collateral provisions, $324 million has been netted against noncurrent fuel derivative instruments within “Other deferred liabilities” and $101 million has been netted against current fuel derivative instruments within “Accrued liabilities” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

11

 
6.      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes changes in the fair value of certain financial derivative instruments, which qualify for hedge accounting, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments, and actuarial gains/losses arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation.  The differences between net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, were as follows:


    Three months ended September 30,  
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net loss
  $ (16 )   $ (120 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments,
               
net of deferred taxes of $37 and ($1,015)
    61       (1,629 )
Other, net of deferred taxes of $14 and ($2)
    21       (3 )
Total other comprehensive income
    82       (1,632 )
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 66     $ (1,752 )



    Nine months ended September 30,  
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net income (loss)
  $ (16 )   $ 234  
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments,
               
net of deferred taxes of $137 and ($111)
    222       (160 )
Other, net of deferred taxes of $30 and ($9)
    47       (14 )
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
    269       (174 )
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 253     $ 60  

 

A rollforward of the amounts included in AOCI, net of taxes, is shown below for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009:

 
               
Accumulated
 
   
Fuel
         
other
 
   
hedge
         
comprehensive
 
(In millions)
 
derivatives
   
Other
   
income (loss)
 
Balance at June 30, 2009
  $ (785 )   $ (12 )   $ (797 )
  Third quarter 2009 changes in value
    (40 )     21       (19 )
  Reclassification to earnings
    101       -       101  
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ (724 )   $ 9     $ (715 )



               
Accumulated
 
   
Fuel
         
other
 
   
hedge
         
comprehensive
 
(In millions)
 
derivatives
   
Other
   
income (loss)
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ (946 )   $ (38 )   $ (984 )
  2009 changes in value
    (85 )     47       (38 )
  Reclassification to earnings
    307       -       307  
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ (724 )   $ 9     $ (715 )
     

7. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

  
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Retirement plans
  $ 12     $ 86  
Aircraft rentals
    110       118  
Vacation pay
    184       175  
Advances and deposits
    16       23  
Fuel derivative contracts
    74       246  
Deferred income taxes
    169       36  
Workers compensation
    120       122  
Other
    233       206  
Accrued liabilities
  $ 918     $ 1,012  


12

 
8.      POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company provides postretirement benefits to qualified retirees in the form of medical and dental coverage.  Employees must meet minimum levels of service and age requirements as set forth by the Company, or as specified in collective bargaining agreements with specific workgroups.  Employees meeting these requirements, as defined, may use accrued unused sick time to pay for medical and dental premiums from the age of retirement until age 65.

The following table sets forth the Company’s periodic postretirement benefit cost for each of the interim periods identified:


    Three months ended September 30,  
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Service cost
  $ 3     $ 4  
Interest cost
    2       2  
Amortization of prior service cost
    -       -  
Recognized actuarial gain
    (6 )     (1 )
                 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)
  $ (1 )   $ 5  



    Nine months ended September 30,  
(In millions)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Service cost
  $ 10     $ 11  
Interest cost
    4       4  
Amortization of prior service cost
    1       1  
Recognized actuarial gain
    (7 )     (2 )
                 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost
  $ 8     $ 14  

 
9.      FINANCING TRANSACTIONS

On April 29, 2009, the Company entered into a term loan agreement providing for loans to the Company aggregating up to $332 million, to be secured by mortgages on 14 of the Company’s 737-700 aircraft.  The Company has borrowed the full $332 million and secured the loan with the requisite 14 aircraft mortgages.  The loan matures on May 6, 2019, and is repayable quarterly in installments of principal beginning August 6, 2009.  The loan bears interest at the LIBO Rate (as defined in the term loan agreement) plus 3.30 percent, and interest is payable quarterly, beginning August 6, 2009.  Concurrent with its entry into the term loan agreement, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively fixes the interest rate on the term loan for its entire term at 6.64 percent.  The Company used the proceeds from the term loan for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of the Company’s revolving credit facility.

On July 1, 2009, the Company entered into a term loan agreement providing for loans to the Company aggregating up to $124 million, to be secured by mortgages on five of the Company’s 737-700 aircraft.  The Company has borrowed the full $124 million and secured this loan with the requisite five aircraft mortgages.  The loan matures on July 1, 2019, and is repayable semi-annually in installments of principal beginning January 1, 2010.  The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.84 percent, and interest is payable semi-annually, beginning January 1, 2010.  The Company used the proceeds from the term loan for general corporate purposes.

During May 2009, the Company fully repaid the $400 million it had previously borrowed in 2008 under its former $600 million revolving credit facility.  On September 29, 2009, the Company entered into a new $600 million unsecured revolving credit facility expiring in October 2012 and terminated the previous facility which would have expired in August 2010.  At the Company’s option, interest on the new facility can be calculated on one of several different bases.  The new facility also contains a financial covenant requiring a minimum coverage ratio of adjusted pre-tax income to fixed obligations, as defined.  As of September 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with this covenant and there were no amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

10.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

During the first quarter and early second quarter of 2008, the Company was named as a defendant in two putative class actions on behalf of persons who purchased air travel from the Company while the Company was allegedly in violation of FAA safety regulations. Claims alleged by the plaintiffs in these two putative class actions include breach of contract, breach of warranty, fraud/misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and negligent and reckless operation of an aircraft.  The Company believes that the class action lawsuits are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.  Also in connection with this incident, during the first quarter and early second quarter of 2008, the Company received four letters from Shareholders demanding the Company commence an action on behalf of the Company against members of its Board of Directors and any other allegedly culpable parties for damages resulting from an alleged breach of fiduciary duties owed by them to the Company.  In August 2008, Carbon County Employees Retirement System and Mark Cristello filed a related Shareholder derivative action in Texas state court naming certain directors and officers of the Company as individual defendants and the Company as a nominal defendant.  The derivative action claims breach of fiduciary duty and seeks recovery by the Company of alleged monetary damages sustained as a result of the purported breach of fiduciary duty, as well as costs of the action.  A Special Committee appointed by the Independent Directors of the Company has been evaluating the Shareholder demands.  The parties have submitted to the court a proposed settlement that has been preliminarily approved by the court.

The Company is from time to time subject to various other legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Company's management does not expect that the outcome in any of its currently ongoing legal proceedings or the outcome of any proposed adjustments presented to date by the IRS, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flow.

During 2008, the City of Dallas approved the Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP), a project to reconstruct Dallas Love Field (Airport) with modern, convenient air travel facilities.  Pursuant to a Program Development Agreement (PDA) with the City of Dallas, the Company is managing this project, and major construction is expected to commence during late 2009, with completion scheduled for October 2014.  Although subject to change, at the current time the project is expected to include the renovation of the Airport airline terminals and complete replacement of gate facilities with a new 20-gate facility, including infrastructure, systems and equipment, aircraft parking apron, fueling system, roadways and terminal curbside, baggage handling systems, passenger loading bridges and support systems, and other supporting infrastructure.

13

 
The PDA authorizes the Company to spend up to $75 million, which would be reimbursed upon the issuance of bonds that will be used as funding for construction.  As of September 30, 2009, the Company had spent a total of $33 million of its own funds on a portion of the LFMP project, and the Company has classified this amount as “Ground property and equipment” in its unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Company has agreed to manage the majority of the LFMP project, and as a result, will be evaluating its accounting requirements in conjunction with ASC Subtopic 840-40 (originally issued as EITF 97-10, “The Effect of Lessee Involvement in Asset Construction”).  As of the current time, the Company has not yet made a final determination of its accounting for the LFMP.  It is currently expected that the bonds being utilized to finance the majority of the LFMP will be issued during late 2009 or early 2010, at which time the Company will disclose its conclusions regarding its accounting treatment for the LFMP.

11.      FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company adopted ASC Topic 820 (originally issued as SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”) as of January 1, 2008.  ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.  These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of September 30, 2009, the Company held certain items that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  These included cash equivalents, short-term investments, certain noncurrent investments, interest rate derivative contracts, fuel derivative contracts, and available-for-sale securities.  Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid, income-producing investments, all of which have maturities of 90 days or less, including money market funds, U.S. Government obligations, and obligations of U.S. Government backed agencies.  Short-term investments consist of short-term, highly liquid, income-producing investments, which have maturities of greater than 90 days but less than one year, including U.S. Government obligations, obligations of U.S. Government backed agencies, and certain auction rate securities.  For all short-term investments, at each reset period, the Company accounts for the transaction as “Proceeds from sales of short-term investments” for the security relinquished, and a “Purchase of short-term investments” for the security purchased, in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  Derivative instruments are related to the Company’s fuel hedging program and interest rate hedges.  Noncurrent investments consist of certain auction rate securities, primarily those collateralized by student loan portfolios, which are guaranteed by the U.S. Government.  Other available-for-sale securities primarily consist of investments associated with the Company’s excess benefit plan.

The Company’s fuel derivative instruments consist of over-the-counter (OTC) contracts, which are not traded on a public exchange.  These contracts include both swaps as well as different types of option contracts.  See Note 5 for further information on the Company’s derivative instruments and hedging activities.  The fair values of swap contracts are determined based on inputs that are readily available in public markets or can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets.  Therefore, the Company has categorized these swap contracts as Level 2.  The Company determines the value of option contracts utilizing a standard option pricing model based on inputs that are either readily available in public markets, can be derived from information available in publicly quoted markets, or are quoted by financial institutions that trade these contracts.  In situations where the Company obtains inputs via quotes from financial institutions, it verifies the reasonableness of these quotes via similar quotes from another financial institution as of each date for which financial statements are prepared.  The Company also considers counterparty credit risk and its own credit risk in its determination of all estimated fair values.  The Company has consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented and believes it has obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts it holds.  Due to the fact that certain of the inputs used to determine the fair value of option contracts are unobservable (principally implied volatility), the Company has categorized these option contracts as Level 3.

The Company’s interest rate derivative instruments also consist of OTC swap contracts.  The inputs used to determine the fair values of these contracts are obtained in quoted public markets. The Company has consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented.

The Company’s investments associated with its excess benefit plan consist of mutual funds that are publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available.

All of the Company’s auction rate security instruments are reflected at estimated fair value in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  At September 30, 2009, approximately $109 million of these instruments are classified as available for sale securities and $83 million are classified as trading securities. The $83 million classified as trading securities are subject to an agreement the Company entered into in December 2008, as discussed below, and are included in “Short-term investments” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.  In periods when an auction process successfully takes place every 30-35 days, quoted market prices would be readily available, which would qualify as Level 1.  However, due to events in credit markets beginning during first quarter 2008, the auction events for most of these instruments failed, and, therefore, the Company has subsequently determined the estimated fair values of these securities utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis or other type of valuation model.  In addition, during fourth quarter 2008, the Company performed a valuation of its auction rate security instruments and considered these valuations in determining estimated fair values of other similar instruments within its portfolio.  The Company’s analyses consider, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investments, the expected future cash flows, including the final maturity, associated with the securities, and estimates of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction or return to full par value.  These securities were also compared, when possible, to other securities not owned by the Company, but with similar characteristics.

In association with this estimate of fair value, the Company has recorded a temporary unrealized decline in fair value of $11 million, with an offsetting entry to AOCI.  The Company currently believes that this temporary decline in fair value is due entirely to market liquidity issues, because the underlying assets for the majority of these auction rate securities held by the Company are almost entirely backed by the U.S. Government.  In addition, for the $109 million in instruments classified as available for sale, these auction rate securities represented less than five percent of the Company’s total cash, cash equivalent, and investment balance at September 30, 2009.  The range of maturities for the Company’s auction rate securities ranges from 9 years to 38 years. Considering the relative significance of these securities in comparison to the Company’s liquid assets and other sources of liquidity, the Company has no current intention of selling these securities nor does it expect to be required to sell these securities before a recovery in their cost basis.  For the $83 million in instruments classified as trading securities, the Company is party to an agreement with the counterparty that allows the Company to put the instruments back to the counterparty at full par value in June 2010.  In conjunction with this agreement, the Company has applied the provisions of ASC Topic 825 (originally issued as SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”) to this put option.  Part of this agreement also contains a line of credit in which the Company can borrow up to $83 million as a loan from the counterparty that would be secured by the auction rate security instruments from that counterparty, and this line of credit was fully drawn as of September 30, 2009.  Both the put option and the auction rate instruments are being marked to market through earnings each period; however, these adjustments offset and had minimal impact on net earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.  At the time of the first failed auctions during first quarter 2008, the Company held a total of $463 million in securities.  Since that time, the Company has been able to sell $260 million of these instruments at par value in addition to the $83 million subject to the agreement to be settled at par in June 2010.

14

 
During first quarter 2009, the Company also entered into a $46 million line of credit agreement with another counterparty secured by approximately $92 million (par value) of its remaining auction rate security instruments purchased through that counterparty.  This agreement allows the Company the ability to draw against the line of credit secured by the auction rate security instruments from that counterparty.  As of September 30, 2009, the Company had no borrowings against that available line of credit.  The Company remains in discussions with its other counterparties to determine whether mutually agreeable decisions can be reached regarding the effective repurchase of its remaining securities.  The Company has continued to earn interest on virtually all of its auction rate security instruments.  Any future fluctuation in fair value related to these instruments that the Company deems to be temporary, including any recoveries of previous temporary write-downs, would be recorded to AOCI.  If the Company determines that any future valuation adjustment was other than temporary, it would record a charge to earnings as appropriate.

The following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 820 at September 30, 2009:


         
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
         
Quoted Prices in
         
Significant
 
         
Active Markets for
   
Significant Other
   
Unobservable
 
         
Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Inputs
 
Description
 
September 30, 2009
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
 
Assets
 
(in millions)
 
Cash equivalents
  $ 902     $ 902     $ -     $ -  
Short-term investments
    1,352       1,249       -       103  
Noncurrent investments (a)
    89       -       -       89  
Interest rate derivatives
    59       -       59       -  
Fuel derivatives (b)
    1,089       -       286       803  
Other available-for-sale securities
    36       28       -       8  
Total assets
  $ 3,527     $ 2,179     $ 345     $ 1,003  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Fuel derivatives (b)
  $ (1,753 )           $ (801 )   $ (952 )
(a) Included in "Other assets" in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
         
(b) In the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, amounts are presented as a net liability, and are also
 
net of $425 million in cash collateral provided to counterparties.
                 



 
The following table presents the Company’s activity for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in ASC Topic 820 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009:


   
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
 
   
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   
Fuel
   
Auction Rate
   
Other
       
(in millions)
 
Derivatives
   
Securities (a)
   
Securities
   
Total
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ (864 )   $ 200     $ 8     $ (656 )
Total gains or (losses) (realized or unrealized)
                               
  Included in earnings
    525       -       -       525  
  Included in other comprehensive income
    (138 )     -       -       (138 )
Purchases and settlements (net)
    328       (8 )     -       320  
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ (149 )   $ 192  (b)   $ 8     $ 51  
                                 
The amount of total gains or (losses) for the
                               
  period included in earnings attributable to the
                               
  change in unrealized gains or losses relating to
                               
  assets still held at September 30, 2009
  $ 453     $ -     $ -     $ 453  
                                 
(a) Includes those classified as short-term investments and noncurrent investments.
                 
(b) Includes $83 million classified as trading securities.
                         


All settlements from fuel derivative contracts that are deemed “effective,” as defined in ASC Topic 815, are included in “Fuel and oil” expense in the period the underlying fuel is consumed in operations.  Any “ineffectiveness” associated with derivative contracts, as defined, including amounts that settled in the current period (realized), and amounts that will settle in future periods (unrealized), is recorded in earnings immediately, as a component of “Other (gains) losses, net.”  See Note 5 for further information on ASC Topic 815 and hedging.

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings related to other investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, are reported in “Other operating expenses.”

15

 
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt and fuel derivative contracts at September 30, 2009 are contained in the below table.  The estimated fair values of the Company’s publicly held long-term debt were based on quoted market prices.


(In millions)
 
Carrying value
   
Estimated fair value
 
10.5% Notes due 2011
  $ 400     $ 432  
French Credit Agreements due 2012
    24       24  
6.5% Notes due 2012
    403       425  
5.25% Notes due 2014
    379       382  
5.75% Notes due 2016
    300       295  
5.125% Notes due 2017
    340       323  
French Credit Agreements due 2017
    84       84  
Term Loan Agreement due 2019
    326       339  
Term Loan Agreement due 2019
    124       124  
Term Loan Agreement due 2020
    562       493  
Pass Through Certificates
    450       466  
7.375% Debentures due 2027
    118       115  
Fuel derivative contracts*
    (664 )     (664 )
                 
* Does not include the impact of cash collateral deposits provided to counterparties.
 
See Note 5.
               



 

12.  EARLY RETIREMENT OFFER

On April 16, 2009, the Company announced Freedom ’09, a one-time voluntary early out program offered to eligible Employees, in which the Company offered cash bonuses, medical/dental coverage for a specified period of time, and travel privileges based on work group and years of service.  The purpose of this voluntary initiative and other initiatives is to right-size headcount in conjunction with the Company’s current plans to reduce its capacity by five percent in 2009, and to help reduce costs.  Virtually all of the Company’s Employees hired before March 31, 2008 were eligible to participate in the program.  Participants’ last day of work will fall between July 31, 2009 and April 15, 2010, as assigned by the Company based on the operational needs of particular work locations and departments, determined on an individual-by-individual basis.  The Company did not have a target for the number of Employees expected to accept the package.

Employees electing to participate in Freedom ’09 were required to notify the Company of their election by June 19, 2009.  However, Employees had until July 16, 2009 to rescind their election and remain with the Company.  Following the deadline to rescind such election, a total of 1,404 Employees have remained as participants in Freedom ‘09, consisting of the following breakdown among workgroups:  439 from Customer Support and Services, 464 from Ground Operations and Provisioning, 113 Flight Attendants, 20 Pilots, 91 from Maintenance, and 277 Managerial and Administrative Employees.  In accordance with the accounting guidance in ASC Topic 715 (originally issued as FAS 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits”), the Company accrued total costs of approximately $66 million during third quarter 2009 related to Freedom ’09—all of which are reflected in salaries, wages, and benefits.  Of this amount, approximately $32 million was paid out to Employees who left the Company prior to September 30, 2009, and the remaining $34 million will be paid out in subsequent periods.  The Company may need to replace some of the positions with newly hired Employees to meet operational demands; however, the Company expects that many of the positions will not be filled based on the Company’s recent capacity reductions.




 
16

 
Table of Contents

Item 2.             Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Comparative Consolidated Operating Statistics

Relevant Southwest comparative operating statistics for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:

   
Three months ended September 30,
       
   
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Revenue passengers carried
    22,375,593       22,243,013       0.6 %
Enplaned passengers
    26,396,360       25,686,181       2.8 %
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)
    19,706,579       18,822,810       4.7 %
Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)
    24,771,016       26,287,035       (5.8 )%
Load factor
    79.6 %     71.6 %  
8.0
pts
Average length of passenger haul (miles)
    881       846       4.1 %
Average aircraft stage length (miles)
    640       642       (0.3 )%
Trips flown
    283,663       300,537       (5.6 )%
Average passenger fare
    $113.95       $124.38       (8.4 )%
Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)
    12.94       14.70       (12.0 )%
Operating revenue yield per ASM (cents)
    10.76       11.00       (2.2 )%
Operating expenses per ASM (cents)
    10.67       10.67       0.0 %
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax
    $2.27       $2.73       (16.8 )%
Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)
    363       382       (5.0 )%
Full-time equivalent Employees at period-end*
    34,806       35,538       (2.1 )%
Aircraft in service at period-end**
    545       538       1.3 %
                         
* Headcount is defined as "Active" fulltime equivalent Employees for both periods presented.
         
** Excludes any aircraft that have been removed from service and are held for sale or for return to the lessor.