Southwest Airlines earnings expectations draw analyst focus, shares hover near 50 dollars
24.06.2026 - 11:28:01 | ad-hoc-news.de
By Anna Wagner, Analysts & Consensus desk. Reviewed prior to publication on 2026-06-24, 11:26.
Southwest Airlines (US8447411088) sits in analyst focus this week, with updated earnings expectations and price targets framing the near-term view on the NYSE-listed carrier. The stock most recently traded just below 50 dollars on the New York Stock Exchange, according to U.S. quote data.
What UBS now models
UBS has lifted its price target for Southwest Airlines from 53 dollars to 61 dollars while maintaining a Buy rating, according to a recent analyst note summarised by Investing.com. The house now expects second-quarter earnings per share of 0.55 dollars, compared with a consensus figure of 0.45 dollars for the period.
The UBS team also projects third-quarter EPS of 1.06 dollars, notably above the consensus estimate of 0.56 dollars, signalling confidence in the carrier’s peak-season performance. For full-year 2026, UBS forecasts earnings of 3.30 dollars per share, versus a consensus around 2.67 dollars per share as cited in the same report.
How Jefferies positions the stock
Jefferies has raised its price target for Southwest Airlines shares from 37 dollars to 44 dollars while keeping a Hold rating on the stock, pointing to continued network optimisation and higher frequencies in attractive markets. The Jefferies stance reflects a more cautious view than UBS but still recognises operational improvements in the airline’s route structure.
Recent commentary highlights that Southwest has been restructuring its presence at larger airports to improve connectivity for transfer passengers, which could support unit revenue over time. Analysts have also noted prior share-price gains coinciding with lower oil prices, underlining the sensitivity of U.S. airline stocks, including Southwest, to fuel cost trends.
More news and data on the Southwest Airlines shares
Further articles, price data and regulatory disclosures on Southwest Airlines are available in the dedicated topic section and via the company’s investor relations pages.
The business behind the stock
Southwest Airlines operates a point-to-point network focused on short to medium-haul flights across the United States, with additional services to nearby international leisure destinations. The carrier is known for its single-class cabin configuration and a fleet standardised predominantly on Boeing 737 aircraft, supporting cost efficiency and straightforward maintenance.
Where the shares trade today
Southwest Airlines shares (US8447411088) most recently traded on the New York Stock Exchange at around 49.30 dollars in after-hours dealing, based on public trading data as of the latest available session.
Southwest Airlines key share data
- Company: Southwest Airlines Co.
- ISIN: US8447411088
- WKN: 862167
- Ticker: LUV
- Trading venue: NYSE
- Price (as of latest after-hours data): 49.30 USD
- Market cap: around 29 billion USD (recent estimate)
- Sector / industry: Airlines / Passenger Transportation
- Index membership: S&P 500
- Next earnings date: not officially scheduled
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities. All data are based on sources believed to be reliable at the time of writing but may change without notice.
