How Has Southwest Utilized Its Cash Flows?

+21.15%
Upside
29.30
Market
35.50
Trefis
LUV: Southwest Airlines logo
LUV
Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airline’s (NYSE:LUV) cash flows from operations have increased significantly over the last few years due to the effect of plummeting crude oil prices on the company’s expenses. Consequently, the airline increased its capital spending to revamp its existing fleet and add more fuel-efficient planes, although by a far lower percentage than the other players in the market. In contrast, after repaying some debt in 2013, the company has been somewhat increasing its long-term obligations, likely to fund the aircraft it has rented. Further, the carrier returned over $3 billion to its shareholders over the last three years in the form of share repurchases, one of the highest in the industry. Going forward, the company expects the growth in cash flow from operations to slow down due to the rising oil prices, while its capital expenditure remains stable due to the restructured delivery schedule for aircraft. Further, the carrier has authorized a $2 billion share repurchase program to compensate its shareholders with the benefits from cost-savings.

luv11

Have more questions about Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV)? See the links below:

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Notes:

1) The purpose of these analyses is to help readers focus on a few important things. We hope such lean communication sparks thinking, and encourages readers to comment and ask questions on the comment section, or email content@trefis.com

2) Figures mentioned are approximate values to help our readers remember the key concepts more intuitively. For precise figures, please refer to our complete analysis for Southwest Airlines

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