Southwest Airlines Stock Down 12% After Deep Cuts To 2025 Profit Outlookhttps://t.co/aNQ2wQ4rb2 https://t.co/2M6g4t9b7k ...

American down 9% after lower than expected guidance for the full year citing consumer weakness and Alaska lower as well by nearly 5% after third quarter guidance came in light after the bell. The company beat on both the top and bottom lines. However, here to discuss in a CNBC exclusive is Alaska Air CEO Ben Makuchi with our very own Phil Leau.Welcome to both of you. Phil, kick things off. >> Thank you, Kelly. Ben, thank you for joining us today.I'm curious and I want to start with what Kelly mentioned ther ...

Core Insights - Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) reported second-quarter 2025 earnings of $3.03 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.91, marking a 10.6% year-over-year improvement driven by strong operational efficiency [1][10] - Operating revenues reached $6.2 billion, slightly surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.1 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 2.5% attributed to higher volumes and solid core pricing gains [2][10] Financial Performance - Freight revenues, which constitute 95% of total revenues, increased by 4% to $5.8 billion, exceeding the estimate of $5.67 billion, while other revenues fell by 16% to $311 million [3] - Total operating expenses rose by 1% year-over-year to $3.6 billion, with fuel expenses decreasing by 8% and compensation and benefits expenses increasing by 5% [4] - The operating ratio improved by 230 basis points year-over-year to 58.1% on an adjusted basis [4] Segment Performance - Bulk freight revenues increased by 10% year-over-year to $1.9 billion, with segmental revenue carloads rising by 11% [5] - Industrial freight revenues totaled $2.2 billion, up 4% year-over-year, while Premium division freight revenues decreased by 4% to $1.73 billion [6] Liquidity and Debt - Union Pacific ended the second quarter of 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $1.06 billion, up from $1 billion at the end of 2024, while debt increased to $30.3 billion from $29.6 billion [7] Merger Discussions - Union Pacific is in advanced discussions with Norfolk Southern (NSC) regarding a potential business combination, although no further details have been disclosed [8][9]

Core Insights - Delta Air Lines' executive VP of external affairs, Peter Carter, sold 17,550 shares for approximately $1.0 million on July 16, 2025, indicating a strategic move during a period of strong stock performance [1][10]. Transaction Summary - The transaction involved 17,550 shares with a total value of $1.0 million, and post-transaction, Carter retains 191,442 shares valued at approximately $10.8 million [2][3]. - The sale size is consistent with Carter's historical median trade size of about 17,747 shares, showing no significant deviation from past trading behavior [2]. Insider Ownership - Following the sale, Carter's ownership is reduced but still represents an estimated 0.03% of total insider ownership [4]. Market Performance Context - The sale occurred at a share price of $57.19, close to the current price of $56.29, after a 25.3% total return over the past year, suggesting the transaction was executed during a period of relative strength [5]. Company Overview - Delta Air Lines has a market capitalization of $36.75 billion, with a trailing twelve months (TTM) revenue of $61.64 billion and a net income of $3.46 billion, alongside a dividend yield of 0.82% [6]. - The company operates a fleet of approximately 1,200 aircraft, serving major domestic and international hubs, and generates revenue through passenger services, cargo transport, and ancillary offerings [7][9]. Recent Performance and Guidance - Delta recently reported a solid second quarter, resuming full-year guidance, albeit at a lower level than initially forecasted [11]. - The travel environment has stabilized, with expectations of flat earnings year-over-year in the third quarter and low-single-digit percentage revenue growth [12][13].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company updated its full-year EBIT guidance to a range of $600 million to $800 million, reflecting a significant drop from the previous guidance of $1.7 billion due to a decline in the macro environment and higher fuel costs [11][12][26] - The company expects a meaningful year-over-year improvement in EBIT despite the revised guidance, with significant EBIT expansion anticipated in 2026 as initiatives ramp up [11][12][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The revenue contribution from bag fees has exceeded expectations, with an estimated EBIT contribution of over $350 million for the full year 2025, which is higher than initial estimates [27][28] - The company has successfully implemented a basic economy product and check bag fees, with no negative operational impact observed [15][50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment stabilized in the second quarter, with signs of improvement in industry demand and recent bookings showing positive trends [11][12][36] - The company expects to benefit from a recovery in domestic demand due to its overweighting in the domestic market [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is undergoing a transformational journey aimed at evolving its product offerings and increasing shareholder value, with a focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency [5][6][10] - New initiatives include the introduction of assigned premium seating and enhanced benefits for co-brand credit cards, which are expected to drive incremental revenue [10][21][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate the current industry demand environment and achieve EBIT targets through various initiatives [26][36] - The company is optimistic about the future, with plans to continue executing its transformational initiatives and enhancing customer value [12][36] Other Important Information - The company has authorized a new $2 billion share repurchase program, demonstrating confidence in its strategic plan and financial position [12][35] - The company has increased its aircraft delivery assumptions for 2025 from 38 to 47, reflecting positive trends in Boeing's production ramp-up [33][79] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the EBITDA initiatives ramping up over Q3 and Q4? - Management indicated that the majority of this year's expected EBIT will be produced in Q4 due to the ramp-up of initiatives and improvements in the demand environment [40][42] Question: Is the rollout of bag fees tracking ahead of plan? - Management confirmed that the rollout has exceeded expectations, with no operational impact and an increase in checked bags per passenger [48][50][52] Question: What is the outlook for corporate travel demand? - Management noted a positive trend in corporate travel, with improvements observed from May to August [93][96] Question: How do you plan to handle aircraft sales in terms of cash flow and P&L? - Management explained that aircraft sales will provide cash proceeds and book gains, contributing positively to cash flow [91][92] Question: What percent of tickets are clearing at an ultra-low-cost carrier fare? - Management indicated that roughly half of the seats are being sold in the lowest fare category, reflecting a shift in customer behavior [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company updated its full-year EBIT guidance to $600 million to $800 million, reflecting a nearly $1 billion drop due to a decline in the macro environment and a $100 million decrease from higher fuel costs [9][10][23] - The company expects significant EBIT expansion in 2026 as the value contribution from its initiatives continues to accelerate [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The revenue contribution from bag fees has exceeded expectations, with an estimated EBIT contribution of over $350 million for the full year 2025, compared to initial estimates [25] - The company has successfully executed its cost savings target of $370 million for 2025, primarily through headcount reductions and other cost-saving measures [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry demand stabilized in the second quarter, with recent bookings showing clear signs of improvement [9] - The company outperformed its large industry peers on domestic unit revenue, with a year-over-year RASM decline of 3.1% in the second quarter [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on a transformational journey, focusing on evolving its product offerings and delivering increased value for shareholders [4][10] - New initiatives include the introduction of a basic economy product and the rollout of assigned premium seating, which are expected to enhance product differentiation [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the improving demand environment and the company's ability to execute its initiatives effectively [9][10] - The company anticipates a constructive backdrop for the second half of the year and into 2026, driven by improved demand and cost discipline [9][10] Other Important Information - The company has authorized a new $2 billion share repurchase program, expected to be completed over two years, reflecting confidence in its transformational plan [10][33] - The company has increased its aircraft delivery assumptions from 38 to 47 for 2025, indicating positive progress from Boeing [30][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the EBITDA initiatives ramping up over Q3 and Q4? - Management indicated that the majority of this year's expected EBIT will be produced in Q4 due to a combination of initiatives ramping up and assumptions around demand improvement [40][42] Question: Is the rollout of bag fees tracking ahead of plan? - Management confirmed that the rollout has exceeded expectations, with no operational impact and an increase in checked bags per passenger [48][52] Question: Does the macro plus basic economy explain the entire decline in core EBIT? - Management stated that the decline is fully explained by macro impacts and the challenges faced with the basic economy rollout [62] Question: What percent of tickets are clearing at an ultra-low-cost carrier fare? - Management noted that roughly half of seats are being sold in the basic economy bucket, indicating a shift in customer behavior [100][104] Question: Is there any interest in the MAX 10 aircraft once approved? - Management hinted at potential interest in further segmentation of premium demand but did not provide specific details [105]

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines stock experienced a significant decline of 11.9% after missing analyst expectations for both sales and earnings in Q2 [1][3] Financial Performance - Southwest Airlines reported adjusted earnings of $0.43 per share, missing the expected $0.51, with quarterly sales of $7.24 billion, slightly below the anticipated $7.29 billion [1][3] - Actual earnings per share, calculated under GAAP, were $0.39, representing a 33% decrease from the previous year, despite only a 1.5% decline in revenue [3] - The decline in profit margins was attributed to a 9% increase in salaries, wages, and benefits, along with an 11% rise in landing fees, while fuel costs had decreased significantly [3] Future Guidance - Management projects earnings of at least $600 million for the year, excluding interest and taxes, and considers the stock to be undervalued [4] - A $2 billion stock buyback program has been announced, aimed at retiring more shares following the recent sell-off [4] Valuation Metrics - The stock is currently priced at 39 times earnings, which may appear expensive, but analysts forecast a potential doubling of profits next year to $2.25 per share [4] - With a forward earnings multiple of 15, no net debt, and a dividend yield of 1.9%, there are indications that Southwest stock could be a potential buy [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a second quarter GAAP net income of $172 million, with adjusted net income of $215 million excluding special items and fuel hedge adjustments [4] - Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.78, exceeding the high end of guidance [6] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was $3 billion, with net leverage at 2.4 times and debt to capital at 60% [28][29] - Unit costs increased by 6.5% year over year, primarily due to elevated airport real estate costs and maintenance [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue reached a record $3.7 billion, up 2% year over year, with a load factor of 84% [13][14] - Premium revenues increased by 5% year over year, with Hawaiian assets seeing a nearly 19% rise [14] - The company has retrofitted nearly 90 of its 737 aircraft to enhance premium offerings, increasing premium seat share from 26% to 27% [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hawaiian franchise reported a 17% increase in revenues, with unit revenues up 4% and capacity up 13% [47] - Neighbor Island operations showed significant improvement, with double-digit margin increases [18] - Corporate revenue declined by 5% year over year, but small and medium businesses demonstrated resilience, leading to a total corporate revenue decline of only 1% [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing the Alaska Accelerate plan, aiming to unlock $1 billion in incremental profit over the next two years [11][12] - Plans include launching a new loyalty program and premium credit card to enhance customer engagement and loyalty [9][17] - The company is expanding its international operations, with new routes planned to Tokyo and Rome, supported by additional aircraft orders [10][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about demand stabilization and improving consumer sentiment, with expectations for stronger performance in the latter half of the year [11][24] - The company anticipates delivering at least $3.25 in adjusted earnings per share for the full year, with a long-term target of $10 per share by 2027 [11][29] - Management highlighted the importance of synergies and operational discipline in achieving financial goals [27] Other Important Information - The company experienced operational disruptions due to an IT outage but managed to restore operations quickly [5] - Cargo revenues increased by 34% year over year, with successful integration of new freighter aircraft [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q3 to Q4 ramp - Management indicated that positive momentum is expected to continue into Q4, with synergies contributing to improved performance [38][39] Question: Buyback strategy - Management acknowledged that the stock does not reflect the company's earnings power and indicated a balanced approach to share repurchases moving forward [42][44] Question: Hawaiian franchise performance - Management reported strong performance in the Hawaiian franchise, attributing it to synergies and improved market conditions [47][48] Question: Q3 and Q4 seasonality - Management suggested that Q3 may become stronger in the future, with improved demand dynamics expected [55] Question: Corporate revenue dynamics - Management noted a double-digit increase in business demand recently, with small and medium businesses showing resilience despite challenges in the corporate sector [26][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a second quarter GAAP net income of $172 million, with adjusted net income of $215 million, exceeding guidance [4] - Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.78, surpassing the high end of guidance [7][31] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was $3 billion, with net leverage at 2.4 times and debt to capital at 60% [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue reached a record $3.7 billion, up 2% year over year, with a load factor of 84% [15][16] - Premium revenues increased by 5% year over year, with Hawaiian assets seeing a nearly 19% rise in premium revenue [16] - Cargo revenues surged by 34% year over year, supported by the launch of new freighter services [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a stabilization in demand, with positive momentum in bookings observed since late June [12][25] - Managed corporate revenue declined by 5% year over year, but small and medium businesses showed resilience, leading to a total corporate revenue decline of only 1% [26][27] - The Hawaiian franchise reported a 17% revenue increase, with unit revenues up 4% and capacity up 13% [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Alaska Accelerate plan aims to unlock $1 billion in incremental profit over the next two years, with a target of reaching $10 in earnings per share by 2027 [12][32] - The company is focusing on expanding its premium offerings and enhancing customer loyalty through a newly branded loyalty program and premium credit card [9][18] - International growth is being supported by the addition of new routes and aircraft, with plans to serve at least 12 long-haul destinations from Seattle by 2030 [11][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the second half of the year, citing improved consumer sentiment and potential easing of fuel prices [12][35] - The company anticipates delivering at least $3.25 in adjusted earnings per share for the full year, assuming continued execution of synergy and commercial initiatives [35] - There is a renewed sense of energy and purpose within the company, driven by a shared vision to transform into a larger global airline [13] Other Important Information - The company faced operational disruptions due to an IT outage but managed to restore operations quickly [6] - The integration of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines is progressing well, with synergies exceeding expectations [51][92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Q3 to Q4 ramp - Management indicated that positive momentum is expected to continue into Q4, with synergies contributing to improved performance [42] Question: Buyback strategy - Management acknowledged that the stock does not reflect the company's earnings power and plans to continue share repurchases if earnings recover [46] Question: Performance of Hawaiian franchise - The Hawaiian franchise has shown strong performance, with revenues up 17% and unit costs down, attributed to synergies and improved market conditions [50] Question: Corporate revenue dynamics - While large managed corporates remain cautious, small and medium businesses are showing resilience, and recent bookings have improved significantly [26][28] Question: Integration progress - The company is tracking ahead of its synergy targets and expects significant contributions in Q4 [91][92]

Core Viewpoint - AerCap Holdings N.V. has delivered the first of twenty new Airbus A321LR aircraft on lease to Etihad Airways, marking a significant milestone in their partnership and Etihad's fleet expansion [1][4]. Group 1: Aircraft Delivery and Features - The delivered aircraft is the first A321LR to be included in Etihad's fleet, featuring luxurious cabin interiors with private First Suites, lie-flat Business seats, and advanced Economy class seats equipped with 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi [2][4]. - This delivery is part of Etihad's strategy to enhance its service offerings on short and medium-haul routes, combining widebody luxury with operational efficiency [4]. Group 2: Statements from Executives - Peter Anderson, CCO of AerCap, expressed pride in supporting Etihad's fleet expansion and highlighted the aircraft's exceptional performance, extended range, and improved fuel efficiency [3]. - Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized that the A321LR represents a transformative step in their growth strategy, enabling increased flight frequencies and new destinations [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - AerCap is recognized as the world's largest Airbus A320neo Family lessor, managing a total of 580 owned, on order, and managed aircraft [4]. - The company serves approximately 300 customers globally, providing comprehensive fleet solutions and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange [5].