UBS keeps USD 52 target for Southwest Airlines stock

Published on 10/18/2026 at 12:43 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Southwest adds three Rapid Rewards tiers from January 1, 2027. Southwest Airlines stock closed at EUR 35.24 on October 16, 2026, the Xetra close.

Analyst view and upcoming dates

UBS maintained a Buy rating with a USD 52.00 target.
Southwest Airlines introduced three Rapid Rewards tiers for January 1, 2027.
Southwest Airlines stock closed at EUR 35.24 on October 16, 2026.

Isometrische 3D-Illustration eines Flughafens mit Terminal, Gepäck und Flugzeug — Southwest Airlines Flugbetrieb Wertschoepfungskette als isometrische 3D Darstellung eines Flughafens ISIN US8447411088, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

UBS maintained a Buy rating on Southwest Airlines with a USD 52.00 price target in a report dated October 16, 2026, according to Markets Insider. The analyst view arrives as the airline prepares to report third-quarter results after the market close on October 21, 2026.

UBS sees a USD 52 target

UBS analyst Atul Maheswari kept the Buy rating and set the target at USD 52.00. The same report cited second-quarter revenue of USD 8.43 billion and net income of USD 233 million, compared with USD 7.24 billion and USD 213 million a year earlier, respectively.

The latest target view contrasts with pressure from fuel and operating costs. Zacks Investment Research said its third-quarter 2026 earnings consensus was USD 0.61 per diluted share, while its revenue estimate was USD 8.26 billion, an 18.83 percent year-over-year increase. Management's guided earnings range was USD 0.50 to USD 0.75 per share.

Three events shape the timeline

On July 22, 2026, Southwest Airlines reported second-quarter revenue of USD 8.43 billion and net income of USD 233 million. On October 9, 2026, management had cut third-quarter and full-year earnings guidance as fuel costs rose, according to Yahoo Finance. On October 15, 2026, the airline announced three Rapid Rewards tiers, Silver, Gold and Platinum, with the changes beginning January 1, 2027, as reported by RTTNews.

What will October results test?

The October 21 release will test whether stronger products and managed-business demand can offset cost pressure. The company has scheduled its earnings call for October 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, according to its investor release.

Last Xetra close sets the reference

Southwest Airlines stock's last Xetra close was EUR 35.24 on October 16, 2026. The next two dated catalysts are the third-quarter release on October 21, 2026, and the management call on October 22, 2026. The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of Southwest Airlines stock.