CAT vs LUV
Caterpillar (CAT) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $20.4B for Southwest Airlines, about 15.5 times the size. On trailing earnings, LUV is cheaper at 20.4x versus 29.6x for CAT.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | LUV |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $20.4B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 20.4x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 10.1x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $31.5B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 21.2% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 22.1% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 4.5% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | -$455.0M |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 1.72% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +34.3% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | -0.9% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -78% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C+ |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CAT vs LUV FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or LUV?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $20.4B for Southwest Airlines, about 15.5 times the size.
Is CAT or LUV cheaper?
On trailing earnings, LUV is cheaper at 20.4x versus 29.6x for CAT. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, CAT or LUV?
LUV returned +34.3% over the past year including dividends, versus +32.8% for CAT, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or LUV?
LUV yields 1.72% versus 0.95% for CAT.
Full pages: Caterpillar · Southwest Airlines