News Summary: Southwest 4Q profit rises sharply
News Summary: Southwest Airlines' 4Q profit beats expectations on higher revenue, cheaper fuel
SOARING PROFIT: Southwest Airlines Co. reported fourth-quarter net income of $212 million, nearly triple from a year earlier. The results beat Wall Street forecasts.
HIGHER REVENUE: The airline, which carries more passengers in the U.S. than any carrier, had revenue of $4.43 billion, up 6 percent in one year. The average fare rose $8, or 5.4 percent, to $156.05 each way.
PUMP SAVINGS: Southwest and other airlines are catching a break on jet fuel. Southwest paid 30 cents less per gallon than a year ago and cut its fuel bill by $138 million, or 9 percent.
