<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [ X ]
Filed by a party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ X ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.1a-11(c) or Section 240.1a-12
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):
[ X ] No fee required
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computer pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
0-11: (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined.)
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which
the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous
filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount previously paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
[COMPANY LOGO]
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2000
To the Shareholders:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Southwest Airlines Co. (the "Company"
or "Southwest") will be held at its corporate headquarters, 2702 Love Field
Drive, Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, May 17, 2000, at 10:00 A.M., local time, for
the following purposes:
(1) the election of two directors;
(2) to take action on shareholder proposals, if the proposals are
presented at the meeting; and
(3) transacting such other business as may properly come before such
meeting.
March 21, 2000 has been fixed as the date of record for determining
shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Colleen C. Barrett
Secretary
April 14, 2000
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. PLEASE DATE, VOTE, SIGN AND MAIL BACK THE ENCLOSED
PROXY AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. THE ENCLOSED RETURN ENVELOPE MAY BE USED FOR
THAT PURPOSE.
<PAGE> 3
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
P. O. BOX 36611
DALLAS, TEXAS 75235-1611
(214/792-4000)
---------------
PROXY STATEMENT
---------------
SOLICITATION AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES; VOTING
The enclosed proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors
of the Company for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May
17, 2000, at the Company's corporate headquarters, 2702 Love Field Drive,
Dallas, Texas, or any adjournment thereof. The cost of solicitation will be paid
by the Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, solicitation of proxies may
be made personally or by telephone by the Company's regular employees, and
arrangements will be made with brokerage houses or other custodians, nominees
and fiduciaries to send proxies and proxy material to their principals. The
proxy statement and form of proxy were first mailed to shareholders of the
Company on or about April 14, 2000.
The enclosed proxy, even though executed and returned, may be revoked at
any time prior to the voting of the proxy by the subsequent execution and
submission of a revised proxy, by written notice to the Secretary of the
Company, or by voting in person at the meeting. Shares represented by proxy will
be voted at the meeting. Cumulative voting is not permitted. An automated system
administered by the Company's transfer agent tabulates the votes. Abstentions
and broker non-votes are each included in the determination of the number of
shares present and voting, for purposes of determining the presence or absence
of a quorum for the transaction of business. Neither abstentions nor broker
non-votes are counted as voted either for or against a proposal. Except as
otherwise stated herein, provided a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on, and voted for or
against, the matter is required to approve any matter.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(ITEM 1)
At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, two directors are to be elected for
a three-year term expiring in 2003 or until their respective successors are duly
elected and qualified, to serve with the six directors whose terms do not expire
until later years. Provided a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, a
plurality of the votes cast in person or by proxy by the holders of shares
entitled to vote is required to elect directors.
The persons named in the enclosed proxy have been selected as a proxy
committee by the directors of the Company, and it is the intention of the proxy
committee that, unless otherwise directed therein, proxies will be voted for the
election of the nominees listed below. Although the directors of the Company do
not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable to serve, if such a
situation arises prior to the meeting, the proxy committee will act in
accordance with its best judgment.
The following table sets forth certain information for each nominee and
present director of the Company. Each of the nominees for director named in the
following table is now serving as a director of the Company. There is no family
relationship between any of the directors or between any director and any
executive officer of the Company.
<PAGE> 4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME SINCE AGE
- ---- -------- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Samuel E. Barshop .................... 1975 70
Gene H. Bishop ....................... 1977 69
C. Webb Crockett...................... 1994 66
William P. Hobby...................... 1990 67
Travis C. Johnson..................... 1978 63
Herbert D. Kelleher(1)(2)............. 1967(2) 68
Rollin W. King........................ 1967 68
Walter M. Mischer, Sr.(3)............. 1983 77
June M. Morris(1)..................... 1994 69
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(1) Current Nominee.
(2) Mr. Kelleher resigned as a director effective August 5, 1975, and he was
reelected to the Board on April 27, 1976.
(3) Mr. Mischer's term is expiring this year, and he has notified the Company
of his intention to retire from the Board of Directors at that time.
CURRENT NOMINEES
Current nominees are to be reelected for a term expiring in 2003.
Herbert D. Kelleher has been Chairman of the Board of the Company since
March 29, 1978. Mr. Kelleher became interim President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company in September 1981, and assumed those offices on a
permanent basis in February 1982.
June M. Morris was a founder of Morris Air Corporation ("Morris"). Mrs.
Morris was Chief Executive Officer of Morris until its operations were absorbed
by Southwest in October 1994, and subsequently she has been principally engaged
in private investments. Morris was a domestic airline operating 21 Boeing 737
aircraft until its acquisition by Southwest in December 1993.
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2001
C. Webb Crockett has been a shareholder in the Phoenix, Arizona, law firm
of Fennemore Craig for more than the past five years. Fennemore Craig has
performed services for the Company in the past and may do so in 2000.
William P. Hobby was lieutenant governor of the State of Texas for 18 years
until January 1991. He was Chancellor of the University of Houston System from
September 1995 until March 1997. He has been Chairman of Hobby Communications,
L.L.C., Houston, Texas, a privately owned company, since January 1997, and was
Chairman and CEO of H&C Communications, Inc. (a privately owned broadcasting
company) from 1983 until December 1996. He also served as Executive Editor of
the Houston Post for more than 20 years.
Travis C. Johnson has been a partner in the El Paso, Texas law firm of
Johnson & Bowen for more than the past five years. Mr. Johnson is a director of
Chase Bank of Texas - El Paso. Johnson & Bowen has performed services for the
Company during the past and may do so in 2000.
2
<PAGE> 5
DIRECTORS WHOSE TERM EXPIRES IN 2002
Samuel E. Barshop was Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer of La Quinta Inns, Inc., for more than five years prior
to 1992. During 1992, Mr. Barshop resigned his positions as President and Chief
Executive Officer, maintaining the position of Chairman of La Quinta Inns, Inc.
until March 1994. La Quinta Inns, Inc. develops, owns, operates and licenses
motor inns. Since March 1994, Mr. Barshop has been Chairman of the Board of
Barshop & Oles, Co., Inc., a real estate company located in San Antonio, Texas.
Gene H. Bishop was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Life Partners
Group, Inc., a closely held life insurance holding company, from November 1991
until October 1994, when he retired. Prior to that time he was Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer of Lomas Financial Corporation and Chief Operating
Officer of Lomas Mortgage USA since October 1990, becoming President and Chief
Operating Officer of Lomas Mortgage USA in January 1991. Mr. Bishop is also a
director of Liberte` Investors (a real estate investment trust) and Drew
Industries, Inc. (a manufacturer).
Rollin W. King engaged in executive education and consulting as the
principal of Rollin King Associates from January 1, 1989 until his retirement on
December 31, 1995. He owns and operates King Sporting Agency, Inc.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee consisting of
Messrs. Barshop, Bishop, Crockett, Hobby, Johnson (Chairman), King and Mrs.
Morris. The Audit Committee held six meetings during 1999. Its principal
functions are to give additional assurance that financial information is
accurate and timely and that it includes all appropriate disclosures; to
ascertain the existence of an effective accounting and internal control system;
and to oversee the entire audit function, both independent and internal. The
Board of Directors of the Company has determined that all of the members of the
Audit Committee are "independent" as required and defined by the New York Stock
Exchange.
The Board of Directors has appointed a Compensation Committee consisting of
Messrs. Barshop (Chairman), Bishop, and Hobby. The Compensation Committee held
two meetings during 1999, and otherwise acted by unanimous consent. The
Compensation Committee studies, advises and consults with management respecting
the compensation of officers of the Company, and administers the Company's
stock- based compensation plans. It recommends for the Board's consideration any
plan for additional compensation that it deems appropriate.
The Board of Directors has appointed an Executive Committee consisting of
Messrs. Bishop, Kelleher and King to assist the Board in carrying out its
duties. The Executive Committee has authority to act for the Board on most
matters during the intervals between Board meetings. The Executive Committee
held six telephone meetings during 1999, and otherwise acted by unanimous
consent. The Company has no standing nominating committee of its Board nor any
committee performing similar functions. During 1999, each director attended at
least 75% of the total of the Board and committee meetings which he or she was
obligated to attend.
DIRECTORS' FEES
Directors' fees are paid on an annual basis from May to May in each year.
Each director of the Company who is not an officer of the Company was paid
$10,700 for the year ending May 1999 and $11,200 for the year ending May 2000,
for services as a director. During 1999, the Board of Directors held six
meetings and otherwise acted by unanimous consent. In addition, $2,400
(increasing to $2,600 for the year ending May 2000) was paid for attendance at
each meeting of the Board of Directors, and $1,000 (increasing to $1,050
3
<PAGE> 6
for the year ending May 2000) for attendance at each meeting of a committee held
on the same date as the Board meetings. Members of the Executive Committee
receive an additional $5,150 (increasing to $5,300 for the year ending May 2000)
per year for their services on such committee. The Chairmen of the Audit and
Compensation Committees received annual fees of $4,200 and $2,400, respectively
(increasing to $4,400 and $2,500, respectively for the year ending May 2000).
Officers of the Company receive no additional remuneration for serving as
directors or on committees of the Board.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
At the close of business on March 21, 2000, the record date of those
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting, there were outstanding
496,080,248 shares of Common Stock, $1.00 par value, each share of which is
entitled to one vote.
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to persons who, to
the Company's knowledge (based on information contained in Schedules 13G filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to beneficial ownership
at December 31, 1999), beneficially own more than 5% of the Common Stock of the
Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF NUMBER OF SHARES AND NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP PERCENT OF CLASS
- ------------------------------------------ -------------------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
American Express Financial Corporation 27,471,741(1) 5.5%
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN 55440
State Street Bank and Trust Company 61,215,435(2) 12.1%(3)
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------
(1) As of December 1, 1999, American Express Financial Corporation reported
that it had shared voting power with respect to 2,349,745 shares and shared
dispositive power with respect to 27,471,741 shares. American Express
Company, the parent holding company of American Express Financial
Corporation, with offices at World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street, New
York, New York 10285, jointly filed the Schedule 13G with its subsidiary,
but disclaimed beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock.
(2) As of December 31, 1999, State Street Bank and Trust Company reported sole
voting power with respect to 7,827,018 shares, shared voting power with
respect to 52,604,476 shares, sole dispositive power with respect to
61,197,915 shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 17,520
shares.
(3) State Street Bank and Trust Company reported that it beneficially owned
10.4% of the shares outstanding at year-end in its capacity as trustee of
the Southwest Airlines Co. Profit Sharing Plan.
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of February 29, 2000, certain information
regarding the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by the directors, each of the
executive officers of the Company named in the Summary Compensation Table and by
all executive officers and directors as a group.
4
<PAGE> 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SHARES PERCENT
NAME OF DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR BENEFICIALLY OF
IDENTITY OF GROUP OWNED (1)(2) CLASS (2)
- --------------------------------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Samuel E. Barshop..................................... 101,237 *
Gene H. Bishop........................................ 70,200 *
C. Webb Crockett...................................... 37,125 *
William P. Hobby(3)................................... 140,130 *
Travis C. Johnson..................................... 249,525 *
Herbert D. Kelleher(4)................................ 8,028,239 1.6%
Rollin W. King(5)..................................... 446,453 *
Walter M. Mischer, Sr................................. 186,552 *
June M. Morris(6)..................................... 1,474,130 *
John G. Denison(7).................................... 358,803 *
Colleen C. Barrett(8)................................. 385,881 *
James F. Parker(9).................................... 422,283 *
Gary C. Kelly(10).................................... 261,925 *
Executive Officers and Directors as a Group
(18 persons)(11)...................................... 12,985,412 2.6%
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, beneficial owners have sole rather than shared
voting and investment power respecting their shares, other than shared
rights created under joint tenancy or marital property laws as between the
Company's directors and officers and their respective spouses, if any. Such
persons also beneficially owned an equal number and percentage of
nonexercisable Common Share Purchase Rights of the Company that trade in
tandem with its Common Stock.
All share information in this proxy statement has been adjusted for the
3-for-2 stock split distributed on July 19, 1999.
(2) The number of shares beneficially owned includes shares which each
beneficial owner and the group had the right to acquire within 60 days
pursuant to stock options. The percentage for each beneficial owner and for
the group is calculated based on the sum of the 497,413,174 shares of
Common Stock outstanding on February 29, 2000 and any shares shown for such
beneficial owner or group as subject to stock options and currently
exercisable, as if any such stock options had been exercised.
(3) Includes 135,675 shares held by a family limited partnership controlled by
Governor Hobby, and 4,455 shares held by a testamentary trust of which
Governor Hobby is a co-trustee.
(4) Includes 4,133,871 shares which Mr. Kelleher had the right to acquire
within 60 days pursuant to stock options; and 295,878 shares held in trust
for unrelated individuals.
(5) Includes 9,563 shares which Mr. King had the right to acquire within 60
days pursuant to stock options; and 3,375 shares held by a charitable
remainder trust in which Mr. King has a beneficial interest. Mr. King
disclaims any beneficial interest in the trust shares.
(6) Includes 1,464,005 shares held by a family limited liability company over
which Ms. Morris has investment and voting power, and 10,125 shares which
Ms. Morris had the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to stock
options.
(footnotes continue on next page)
5
<PAGE> 8
(7) Includes 15,854 shares held for his account under the Profit Sharing Plan
with respect to which he has the right to direct the voting and 301,035
shares which Mr. Denison had the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant
to stock options.
(8) Includes 1,004 shares held for her account under the Profit Sharing Plan
with respect to which she has the right to direct the voting and 314,241
shares which Ms. Barrett had the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant
to stock options.
(9) Includes 23,337 shares held for his account under the Profit Sharing Plan
with respect to which he has the right to direct the voting and 341,235
shares which Mr. Parker had the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to
stock options.
(10) Includes 5,739 shares held for his account under the Profit Sharing Plan
with respect to which he has the right to direct the voting and 128,035
shares which Mr. Kelly had the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to
stock options.
(11) Includes 40,795 shares held for the accounts of certain officers under the
Profit Sharing Plan with respect to which such persons have the right to
direct voting.
6
<PAGE> 9
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table discloses compensation for services rendered by the
Company's Chief Executive Officer and the four remaining most highly paid
executive officers during the three fiscal years ended December 31, 1999:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------------
SECURITIES ALL OTHER
UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($)(1) OPTIONS(#) ($) (2)
- --------------------------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Herbert D. Kelleher, Chairman 1999 395,000 172,000 6,976(3) 87,555
of the Board, President and 1998 395,000 172,000 5,064(3) 84,461
Chief Executive Officer 1997 395,000 172,000 5,063(3) 71,014
Colleen C. Barrett, Executive 1999 234,432 252,000 33,657 28,296
Vice President - Customers; 1998 219,670 161,000 36,282 27,423
Corporate Secretary 1997 207,787 150,000 43,036 20,500
John G. Denison, 1999 230,365 247,000 32,172 28,296
Executive Vice President - 1998 219,395 161,000 35,067 27,423
Corporate Services 1997 209,514 115,000 44,167 20,500
James F. Parker, 1999 199,270 199,000 21,526 28,296
Vice President - 1998 189,780 135,000 24,517 27,423
General Counsel 1997 181,233 75,000 28,456 20,500
Gary C. Kelly, Vice President 1999 169,152 127,000 23,008 28,296
Finance and Chief Financial 1998 158,500 94,000 23,095 23,628
Officer 1997 149,927 67,000 28,724 27,422
- --------------------------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------------ ----------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Officers' bonuses are paid in January of each year in respect of
performance for the prior year. The numbers shown in this column reflect
such payments made in January of each year.
(2) Consists of amounts contributed by the Company pursuant to the Southwest
Airlines Co. Profit Sharing Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan and 401(k)
Plan in which all employees of the Company are eligible to participate. In
addition to those amounts, "All Other Compensation" for Mr. Kelleher
includes deferred compensation, bearing interest at an annual rate of 10%,
in an amount equal to Company contributions which would otherwise have been
made on behalf of Mr. Kelleher to the Profit Sharing Plan but which exceed
the contributions permitted by Federal tax laws, totaling $67,555, $64,461,
and $50,514 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. See "Employment and
Other Contracts".
(3) Granted to Mr. Kelleher in respect of options exercised and held by him.
See "Board Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation".
7
<PAGE> 10
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table provides information on option grants in 1999 to the
named executive officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES OF
STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS OPTION TERM (1)
---------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
- -------------------------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Herbert D. Kelleher (2) 6,976 0.14% $15.1667 01/01/09 $ 66,539 $168,623
John G. Denison (2) 2,171 0.04% 15.1667 01/01/09 $ 20,708 $ 52,477
30,001 0.61% 17.5833 01/22/09 $331,752 $840,726
Colleen C. Barrett (2) 3,656 0.07% 15.1667 01/01/09 $34,872 $ 88,372
30,001 0.61% 17.5833 01/22/09 $331,752 $840,726
James F. Parker (2) 2,025 0.04% 15.1667 01/01/09 $19,315 $ 48,948
19,501 0.40% 17.5833 01/22/09 $215,643 $546,481
Gary C. Kelly (2) 3,507 0.07% 15.1667 01/01/09 $33,451 $ 84,771
19,501 0.40% 17.5833 01/22/09 $215,643 $546,481
- -------------------------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- --------
</TABLE>
(1) These amounts represent assumed rates of appreciation in market value from
the date of grant until the end of the option term, at the rates set by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and therefore are not intended to
forecast possible future appreciation, if any, in Southwest's stock price.
Southwest did not use an alternative formula for a grant date valuation, as
it is not aware of any formula which will determine with reasonable
accuracy a present value based on future unknown or volatile factors.
(2) Options to the named individuals were granted under the Company's 1991
Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and 1996 Incentive Stock Option Plan at
fair market value on the date of the grant. Such options are exercisable as
follows: One-third on the grant date, one-third on the first anniversary of
the grant date, and one-third on the second anniversary of the grant date,
subject to continued employment; except that options to purchase 6,976
shares granted to Mr. Kelleher, 2,171 shares granted to Mr. Denison, 3,656
shares granted to Ms. Barrett, 2,025 shares granted to Mr. Parker, and
3,507 shares granted to Mr. Kelly vest immediately. The exercise price per
share has been adjusted to give effect to the 3-for-2 stock split
distributed on July 19, 1999.
At January 22, 2009, the expiration date of the $17.5833 options described
above, the stock price for Southwest Common Stock would be $28.6413 or $45.6066
per share, assuming annual appreciation rates from January 22, 1999 at 5% or
10%, respectively. However, if the price of the Common Stock does not
appreciate, the value of these options to the named executives, and the
corresponding benefit to all shareholders of the Company, would be zero. All of
the preceding appreciation calculations are compounded annually.
8
<PAGE> 11
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAREND OPTION VALUES
The following table shows stock option exercises by the named executive
officers during 1999. In addition, this table includes the number of shares
covered by both exercisable and non-exercisable stock options as of December 31,
1999. Also reported are the values for "in-the-money" options which represent
the positive spread between the exercise price of any such existing stock
options and the yearend price of the Common Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY
AT FISCAL YEAREND (#) OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAREND ($) (2)
------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) (1) (#) (#) ($) ($)
- ----------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Herbert D. Kelleher 599,532 $10,056,115 4,584,958 479,518 $59,371,068 $5,205,275
John G. Denison 0 $0 226,139 75,802 $2,090,236 $687,490
Colleen C. Barrett 30,000 $480,858 268,122 75,802 $2,486,992 $687,490
James F. Parker 4,000 $57,740 281,364 59,481 $3,153,491 $591,432
Gary C. Kelly 37,530 $617,192 104,913 59,481 $738,813 $591,432
- ----------------------- --------------- --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ --------------
</TABLE>
(1) Aggregate market value of the shares covered by the option less the
aggregate price paid by the executive.
(2) The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 1999, the last
trading day of Southwest's fiscal year, was $16.125 per share.
EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER CONTRACTS
The Company re-employed Herbert D. Kelleher, effective as of January 1,
1996, as President and Chief Executive Officer under a five-year Employment
Contract. The contract provides for an annual base salary of $395,000, in the
first four years, increasing to $450,000 in the year 2000. The Employment
Contract also provides for additional benefits including: (i) a discretionary
annual cash bonus, not exceeding $172,000 in the first four years and $196,000
in the year 2000; (ii) long-term disability insurance providing for disability
payments of $6,000 per month to age 70; (iii) reimbursement for medical and
dental expenses incurred by Mr. Kelleher and his spouse, and for such expenses
for other members of his family to the extent Mr. Kelleher pays in excess of
$10,000 per year in such expenses; and (iv) deferred compensation bearing
interest at 10% in an amount equal to any Company contributions which would
otherwise have been made on behalf of Mr. Kelleher to the Company Profit Sharing
Plan but which exceed maximum annual additions under the Plan on his behalf
under federal tax laws. The Employment Contract is terminable by Mr. Kelleher
within 60 days after the occurrence of a change of control of the Company in
which a third party acquires 20% or more of the Company's voting securities or a
majority of the directors of the Company are replaced as a result of a tender
offer or merger, sale of assets or contested election. In the event Mr. Kelleher
so terminates his employment, the Employment Contract provides for a lump sum
severance payment equal to Mr. Kelleher's unpaid base salary for the remaining
term of his Employment Contract plus $750,000 subject to reduction to avoid any
"excess parachute payment" for federal income tax purposes.
9
<PAGE> 12
The Board of Directors of the Company established in 1987 an Executive
Service Recognition Plan to permit the Company to continue to attract and retain
well-qualified executive personnel and to assure both the Company of continuity
of management and its executives of continued employment in the event of any
actual or threatened change of control of the Company (defined substantially as
described in the following paragraph). As contemplated by the Executive Service
Recognition Plan, the Company has entered into employment agreements with each
of its current executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and
certain other executive personnel. The terms of these employment agreements
would be invoked only in the event of a change of control. The executives must
remain in the employment of the Company for one year after a change of control
has occurred. If the executive's employment is terminated other than for cause
(as defined), or if the executive terminates employment for good reason (as
defined), during the one-year term of employment, then the executive would
receive a severance payment equal to a full year's base salary and annual bonus
plus a prorated annual bonus for the year of termination. In addition, the
executive's welfare benefits would continue for the unexpired portion of his
one-year term of employment.
The Board of Directors of the Company established in 1988 a Change in
Control Severance Pay Plan (the "Severance Pay Plan") to provide for severance
payments to qualified employees whose employment with the Company terminates due
to certain conditions created by a change in control of the Company (as defined
in the plan). All employees of the Company are participants in the Severance Pay
Plan except the President, any Vice President participating in the Executive
Service Recognition Plan and all other employees who are beneficiaries of an
enforceable contract with the Company providing for severance payments in the
event of a reduction in force or furlough (collective bargaining agreements).
Generally, the Severance Pay Plan provides for severance payments, based upon
the employee's salary and years of service with the Company, in the event the
employee is terminated, other than for cause (as defined in the Plan), death,
voluntary retirement or total and permanent disability, within one year of a
"change in control". The employee would also remain eligible for a 12 month
extension of coverage under each "welfare benefit" plan of the Company,
including medical, dental, etc., as in effect immediately prior to any change in
control. For purposes of the Severance Pay Plan, a "change in control" shall be
deemed to have occurred if 20% or more of the combined voting power of the
Company's outstanding voting securities ordinarily having the right to vote for
directors shall have been acquired by a third person or a change in the makeup
of the Board of Directors shall have occurred under certain circumstances
described in the plan.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Salary Administration Program for Southwest's noncontract people will
be administered in a manner that promotes the attainment by Southwest of
reasonable profits on a consistent basis in order to preserve job protection and
security for such noncontract people; that promotes and rewards productivity and
dedication to the success of Southwest as the collective embodiment of all of
its people; that accomplishes internal equity among its people; and that
responds pragmatically to the actual influence of external market forces.
Southwest Airlines Co.
Salary Administration Manual
The above principles are applied to all Southwest noncontract employees,
including executive officers. The compensation of Southwest's executive officers
is reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on an annual
basis. The Committee considers the total compensation (both salary and
incentives), as well as the recommendation of the Company's President, in
establishing each element of compensation.
At current cash compensation levels, the Committee does not expect
Internal Revenue Service regulations regarding maximum deductibility of
executive compensation to have any application to the Company, except with
respect to Mr. Kelleher's 1996 Employment Contract, addressed below.
The principal elements of compensation for Southwest's executive officers
are the following:
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<PAGE> 13
Base Salary. As a general rule, base salary for the executive officers of
Southwest falls below the salaries for comparable positions in comparably sized
companies. The Committee bases this determination on comparative compensation
studies for similarly situated businesses; its impression of the prevailing
business climate; and the advice of the Company's President.
Annual salary increases, if any, for executive officers as a group are not
more, on a percentage basis, than those received by other noncontract employees.
Annual Incentive Bonus. Only officers of the Company are eligible for
annual incentive bonuses. The amount of each bonus is determined by the
Compensation Committee at the end of each year, including Mr. Kelleher's
discretionary bonus (which is capped pursuant to his Employment Contract).
In fixing the salary and bonus amounts for 1999, the Committee considered
the performance of each individual, his or her level of responsibility within
the Company, the Company's profitability, the longevity in office of each
officer, and each officer's performance as a team member. However, no
mathematical weighing formulae were applied with respect to any of these
factors. In evaluating an individual's performance, the Committee relied on the
recommendation of the President, whose recommendation is based on his own
perception of such officer's performance.
The Company does not utilize defined performance targets in establishing
compensation, nor does it employ minimum, targeted or maximum amounts of bonuses
or total compensation levels for the executive officers and the final
determination of compensation is subjective.
Stock Options. In an effort to bridge the perceived gap between the lower
level of cash compensation for Company officers as compared to their peers and
to provide a long-term incentive for future performance that aligns officers'
interests with shareholders in general, the Company adopted its 1991 and 1996
Incentive Stock Option Plans and 1991 and 1996 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans.
The number of options initially granted to an individual, as compared to other
Southwest employees, is dependent on the length of service with the Company and
individual levels of performance and responsibility. Subsequent grants are based
on levels of individual performance. With respect to all options granted, the
precise number of shares is determined on a subjective basis. All grants under
the Stock Option Plans are at current market value and vest over a number of
years, dependent on continued employment. Each grant is made based upon the
individual's compensation package for that year, without reference to previous
grants. There is no limit on the number of options that may be granted to any
one individual under the 1991 Plans. Each of the 1996 Plans limits the number of
options that may be granted to any one individual in any calendar year to
168,750 shares.
Although it is not contractually obligated to do so, it has been the
practice of the Committee to grant additional options to employees (including
the named executive officers) who exercise options under the above Stock Option
Plans and hold the acquired stock. Such grants have been made on January 1 of
each year in an amount equal to five percent of the number of shares held by the
employee on the previous December 31 as a result of option exercises. On January
1, 2000, the total such options granted was 89,289, of which 20,571 were to
named executive officers.
Kelleher 1996 Employment Contract. Mr. Kelleher's 1999 compensation was
determined by his existing employment agreement, entered into on January 1,
1996. See "Compensation of Executive Officers - Employment and Other Contracts".
As a result of the $1 stock options granted to Mr. Kelleher in his 1996
Employment Contract, some portion of Mr. Kelleher's compensation may not be
deductible pursuant to current Internal Revenue Service regulations. At the time
the Company entered into such agreement, the Committee believed that it was in
the best interests of all shareholders to structure Mr. Kelleher's compensation
in a manner consistent with past practices, in a way designed to ensure his
continued service to Southwest.
11
<PAGE> 14
Executive officers, including the President, participate in the Southwest
Airlines Profit Sharing Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan, and 401(k) Plan, which
are available to all Southwest employees on the same basis. See "Compensation of
Executive Officers - Summary Compensation Table." Southwest makes little use of
perquisites for executive officers.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Samuel E. Barshop, Chair
Gene H. Bishop
William P. Hobby
Walter M. Mischer, Sr.
[remainder of page left intentionally blank]
12
<PAGE> 15
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following table compares total shareholder returns for the Company
over the last five years to the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the
Standard & Poor's Transportation Index assuming a $100 investment made on
December 31, 1994. Each of the three measures of cumulative total return assumes
reinvestment of dividends. The stock performance shown on the graph below is not
necessarily indicative of future price performance.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO., S&P 500 INDEX
AND S&P TRANSPORTATION INDEX
[GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2/25/2000
---- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Southwest Airlines 100 137.56 131.81 221.69 306.79 327.47 368.14
S&P 500 100 137.44 168.92 225.16 289.29 350.08 318.40
S&P Transportation 100 138.01 155.37 201.73 197.30 177.74 149.26
--- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE> 16
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL
(ITEM 2)
An owner* of the requisite number of shares of Common Stock has given
notice that he intends to present for action at the Annual Meeting the following
resolution (which is reproduced exactly as presented to the Company):
"RESOLVED:
SHAREHOLDER RIGHT TO VOTE ON POISON PILLS
Recommend the company shall not adopt or maintain any poison pill designed to
block, the acquisition of stock in excess of a specified amount:
UNLESS such plan or agreement has previously been approved by a majority
shareholder vote at a shareholder meeting.
This includes, but is not limited to the poison pill that was adopted by
the Company WITHOUT SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL and extended to 2006. After adoption
this Resolution is not to be amended, modified or repealed, except as a separate
resolution by a majority shareholder vote.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT:
WHY SUBMIT THE SOUTHWEST POISON PILL TO A SHAREHOLDER VOTE?
* The poison pill injures shareholders by adversely affecting shareholder
value.
* Pills give directors absolute veto power over any proposed business
combination, no matter how beneficial it might be for the shareholders.
Nell Minow and Robert Monks in their book, Power and Accountabilty
* Shareholder right to vote on poison pill resolutions achieved 60% APPROVAL
from shareholders in 1999.
Investor Responsibility Research Center's Corporate Governance
Bulletin, April-June 1999
* The Council of Institutional Investors (www.ciicentral.com) recommends
shareholder approval of all poison pills in its Shareholder Bill of Rights.
SOUTHWEST NEEDS TO TAKE STEPS, LIKE THE SHAREHOLDER RIGHT TO VOTE ON
POISON PILLS, TO BE MORE COMPETITIVE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AS IT PREPARES FOR
THE SUCCESSOR TO ITS LEGENDARY CEO, MR. HERB KELLEHER.
In its response to this resolution, Southwest is asked to name the steps it
has taken in the last year to improve corporate governance at the highest level
of the company. Improvement at the highest corporate level can have significant
impact to ensure that Wall Street continues its high value for Southwest Stock.
To increase shareholder value vote yes:
SHAREHOLDER RIGHT TO VOTE ON POISON PILLS
YES ON 2"
BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITION
YOUR DIRECTORS RECOMMEND A VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL, FOR
THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
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<PAGE> 17
The Board of Directors adopted the Company's shareholder rights plan in
1986, and extended its term for ten more years in 1996, in order to protect the
Company's shareholders against abusive takeover tactics and to ensure that each
shareholder is treated fairly in any transaction involving an acquisition of
control of the Company. Plans similar to the Company's plan have been adopted by
a majority of the corporations included in the Standard & Poor's 500.
The purpose of the rights plan is to strengthen the Board's ability, in the
exercise of its fiduciary duties, to protect and maximize the value of
shareholders' investment in the Company in the event of an attempt to acquire
control of the Company. The plan is not intended to, and does not, preclude
unsolicited, non-abusive offers to acquire the Company at a fair price. Nor is
it intended as a deterrent to a shareholder's initiation of a proxy contest. The
plan is designed, instead, to encourage any potential acquiror to negotiate
directly with the Board, which the Company believes is in the best position to
evaluate the adequacy and fairness of proposed offers, to negotiate on behalf of
shareholders and to protect shareholders against abusive tactics during a
takeover process, such as partial or two-tiered tender offers that do not treat
all shareholders fairly and equally or acquisitions in the open market of shares
constituting control without offering fair value to all shareholders. The rights
do not affect any takeover proposal which the Board believes is in the best
interests of the Company's shareholders. The overriding objective of the Board
in adopting and extending the rights plan was, and continues to be, the
preservation and maximization of the Company's value for all shareholders.
The Board believes that the adoption of a shareholder rights plan is
appropriately within the scope of responsibilities of the Board of Directors,
acting on behalf of all shareholders. The adoption of such a plan accords with
the Board's responsibilities for the management of the Company's affairs and the
issuance of securities and does not require shareholder approval under Texas
corporation law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. Redeeming the
rights would remove an important tool that the Board should have for the
protection of shareholders. The Board therefore believes that any decision to
redeem the rights should be made in the context of a specific acquisition
proposal.
THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THIS
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL. PROXIES SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE SO
VOTED UNLESS SHAREHOLDERS SPECIFY A DIFFERENT CHOICE.
*The Company will provide the name, address and number of shares owned by the
proponent, upon request.
15
<PAGE> 18
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, has been selected by
the Board of Directors to serve as the Company's auditors for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2000. Ernst & Young LLP has served as the Company's auditors
since the inception of the Company. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is
expected to be present at the Annual Meeting in order to make a statement if he
so desires and to respond to appropriate questions.
OTHER MATTERS
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS
To permit the Company and its shareholders to deal with shareholder
proposals in an informed and orderly manner, the Bylaws establish an advance
notice procedure with regard to the nomination (other than by or at the
direction of the Board of Directors) of candidates for election to the Board of
Directors and with regard to certain matters to be brought before an Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. In general, under the Bylaws written notice must be
received by the Secretary of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90
days prior to the meeting and must contain certain specified information
concerning the person to be nominated or the matters to be brought before the
meeting as well as the shareholder submitting the proposal. If we do not receive
notice of your proposal before February 27, 2001 it will be considered
"untimely" and we may properly use our discretionary authority to vote for or
against the proposal. A copy of the applicable Bylaw provisions may be obtained,
without charge, upon written request to the Secretary of the Company at the
address set forth on page 1 of this Proxy Statement.
In addition, any shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal for inclusion
in the proxy material and presentation at the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders must forward such proposal to the Secretary of the Company, at the
address indicated on page 1 of this Proxy Statement, so that the Secretary
receives it no later than December 6, 2000.
DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
In the event a quorum is present at the meeting but sufficient votes to
approve any of the items proposed by the Board of Directors have not been
received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of
the meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. A shareholder vote may be
taken on one or more of the proposals in this Proxy Statement prior to such
adjournment if sufficient proxies have been received and it is otherwise
appropriate. Any adjournment will require the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of those shares of Common Stock represented at the meeting in person
or by proxy. If a quorum is present, the persons named as proxies will vote
those proxies which they have been authorized to vote on any other business
properly before the meeting in favor of such an adjournment.
The Company has received notice that a shareholder intends to introduce
several related proposals at the Annual Meeting requesting Management to report
on certain of the Company's corporate governance, shareholder resolution, and
annual meeting reporting practices. If any of these proposals is introduced at
the meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote against the proposal under
their discretionary authority.
The Board of Directors does not know of any other matters which are to be
presented for action at the meeting. However, if other matters properly come
before the meeting, it is intended that the enclosed proxy will be voted in
accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the proxy.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Herbert D. Kelleher
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
April 14, 2000
16
<PAGE> 19
PROXY
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
The undersigned hereby appoints Colleen C. Barrett, Herbert D. Kelleher and Gary C. Kelly proxies (to act by majority decision
if more than one shall act), and each of them with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock of Southwest
Airlines Co. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the annual meeting of shareholders thereof to be held on May 17, 2000, or
at any adjournments thereof, as follows:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES."
(1) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS [ ] FOR all nominees listed below (except those [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote
indicated to the contrary below, see instructions) for all nominees listed below
Herbert D. Kelleher and June M. Morris
INSTRUCTION: to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominee's name in the space provided here.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "DISAPPROVE" THE FOLLOWING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSAL:
(2) shareholder proposal (Item 2) on page 14 of the Proxy Statement.
[ ] APPROVE or [ ] DISAPPROVE or [ ] ABSTAIN
(Please Date and Sign on Reverse Side)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 20
Please complete, sign and promptly mail this proxy in the enclosed envelope.
ALL SHARES WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN AND, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED,
WILL BE VOTED "FOR ALL NOMINEES" IN ITEM 1, "DISAPPROVE" ITEM 2 AND IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE DISCRETION OF THE PERSON VOTING THE PROXY WITH RESPECT TO
ANY OTHER BUSINESS PROPERLY BEFORE THE MEETING.
YOU MAY REVOKE THIS PROXY AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO A VOTE THEREON.
Dated , 2000
--------------------
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
Please sign exactly as name
appears on this card. Joint
owners should each sign.
Executors, administrators,
trustees, etc., should give
their full titles.
