Southwest Airlines reports record fourth quarter and full year profit; 41st consecutive year of profitability

Southwest Airlines has reported fourth quarter net income, excluding special items, of $236 million, or $.33 per diluted share, compared to fourth quarter 2012 net income, excluding special items, of $65 million, or $.09 per diluted share. This exceeded the First Call consensus estimate of $.29 per diluted share. The airline also posted record fourth quarter net income of $212 million compared to net income of $78 million during the year-ago period. Southwest also posted a record full year net income of $805 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, compared to full year 2012 net income, of $417 million, or