LUV vs UAL
Southwest Airlines (LUV) and United Airlines (UAL) compared side by side. United Airlines (UAL) is larger, with a market cap of $31.8B versus $20.4B for Southwest Airlines, about 1.6 times the size. On trailing earnings, UAL is cheaper at 9.0x versus 20.4x for LUV.
Head to head
| Metric | LUV | UAL |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $20.4B | $31.8B |
| P/E (TTM) | 20.4x | 9.0x |
| Forward P/E | 10.1x | 8.2x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $31.5B | $65.6B |
| Revenue growth | 21.2% | 17.4% |
| Gross margin | 22.1% | 30.9% |
| Operating margin | 4.5% | 7.0% |
| Free cash flow | -$455.0M | $2.5B |
| Dividend yield | 1.72% | None |
| 1-year return | +34.3% | +2.4% |
| 5-year return (annual) | -0.9% | +15.9% |
| Max drawdown | -78% | -93% |
| FI Handbook grade | C+ | C- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
LUV vs UAL FAQ
Which is bigger, LUV or UAL?
United Airlines (UAL) is larger, with a market cap of $31.8B versus $20.4B for Southwest Airlines, about 1.6 times the size.
Is LUV or UAL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, UAL is cheaper at 9.0x 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, LUV or UAL?
LUV returned +34.3% over the past year including dividends, versus +2.4% for UAL, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, LUV or UAL?
LUV yields 1.72%; UAL does not pay a dividend.
Full pages: Southwest Airlines · United Airlines