DAL vs LUV
Delta Air Lines (DAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) compared side by side. Delta Air Lines (DAL) is larger, with a market cap of $50.5B versus $20.4B for Southwest Airlines, about 2.5 times the size. On trailing earnings, DAL is cheaper at 15.3x versus 20.4x for LUV.
Head to head
| Metric | DAL | LUV |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $50.5B | $20.4B |
| P/E (TTM) | 15.3x | 20.4x |
| Forward P/E | 10.5x | 10.1x |
| Revenue (TTM) | — | $31.5B |
| Revenue growth | — | 21.2% |
| Gross margin | — | 22.1% |
| Operating margin | — | 4.5% |
| Free cash flow | $3.0B | -$455.0M |
| Dividend yield | 1.12% | 1.72% |
| 1-year return | +32.0% | +34.3% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +15.0% | -0.9% |
| Max drawdown | -82% | -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)
DAL vs LUV FAQ
Which is bigger, DAL or LUV?
Delta Air Lines (DAL) is larger, with a market cap of $50.5B versus $20.4B for Southwest Airlines, about 2.5 times the size.
Is DAL or LUV cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DAL is cheaper at 15.3x versus 20.4x for LUV. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, DAL or LUV?
LUV returned +34.3% over the past year including dividends, versus +32.0% for DAL, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAL or LUV?
LUV yields 1.72% versus 1.12% for DAL.
Full pages: Delta Air Lines · Southwest Airlines