Southwest Airlines stock gains 0.71 percent as earnings beat estimates

Southwest Airlines stock (ISIN US8447411088) closed at USD 41.27 on the NYSE on September 22, 2026, up 0.71 percent from the prior close. The latest reported quarter delivered EPS of USD 0.94 against consensus of USD 0.52, giving the airline a measurable earnings advantage.

EPS beats consensus by USD 0.42

According to MarketBeat on September 23, 2026, Southwest reported USD 0.94 EPS for the quarter announced on July 22, 2026, compared with an estimated USD 0.52. Revenue reached USD 8.72 billion versus USD 8.58 billion expected, while revenue increased 16.4 percent from the same quarter a year earlier.

The comparison is important because the earnings beat was wider than the revenue surprise: EPS exceeded consensus by USD 0.42, while revenue was USD 0.14 billion above estimates. The same quarterly data showed a net margin of 2.78 percent and return on equity of 14.15 percent for the reported period.

Guidance sets the next test

MarketBeat also reported on September 23, 2026, that Southwest set fiscal 2026 EPS guidance at USD 3.25 to USD 4.25 and third-quarter 2026 guidance at USD 0.50 to USD 0.75. The next earnings date listed in that market overview is October 21, 2026, placing the next reported quarter ahead of the annual guidance range as the next quantified checkpoint.

Revenue growth has not yet translated into a high margin. The reported 2.78 percent net margin leaves operating performance exposed to fuel prices, fares and capacity decisions, while the 16.4 percent revenue increase provides a concrete scale comparison for the latest quarter.

Stock remains below yearly high

The September 22, 2026 NYSE snapshot put Southwest's 52-week range at USD 29.26 to USD 55.11. At USD 41.27, the stock was USD 13.84 below the yearly high and USD 12.01 above the low, while reported volume was 820,112 shares and market capitalization was USD 20.19 billion.

The market response was measured relative to the earnings difference: the shares gained USD 0.29, or 0.71 percent, even though quarterly EPS exceeded consensus by USD 0.42. That contrast makes the next guidance update and the October 21, 2026 reporting date more relevant than the single-day price move.

NYSE price stays at USD 41.27

Southwest Airlines stock stood at USD 41.27 on the NYSE as of September 22, 2026, with a daily gain of 0.71 percent, a 52-week range of USD 29.26 to USD 55.11, market capitalization of USD 20.19 billion and volume of 820,112 shares.

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