Southwest Airlines shares fall on guidance update

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) shares fell nearly 4% today after the company updated its Q4/23 guidance, now expecting higher unit revenues, reaching the upper end of its previous estimates (down 9% to 10% year-over-year vs. down 9% to 11% prior), and record operating revenues and passenger numbers for the quarter. However, this positive outlook is offset by increased jet fuel costs, now predicted to be between $3.00 and $3.10 per gallon (vs. $2.90 to $3.00 prior).

In response to this update, Goldman Sachs revised its December quarter EPS estimate for Southwest to $0.10, lower than the earlier $0.12 prediction and below the consensus estimate of $0.20.

Looking further ahead, the company moderated its long-term capacity growth plans, now expecting to grow in the low-single to mid-single digit range. Management noted that this moderation in growth plans is meant to support the company's goal of improving returns.

By Davit Kirakosyan

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