Valued at a market cap of $18.6 billion, Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) is one of the largest domestic airlines in the United States, providing scheduled passenger air transportation to more than 100 destinations across the U.S. and select international markets, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Southwest is known for its low-cost business model, point-to-point route network, and customer-friendly service.
After a turbulent period for the airline industry, Southwest Airlines has staged an impressive comeback. Shares of LUV have surged 42.7% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 14.8%. Moreover, on a YTD basis, the stock is up 7.4%, outpacing SPX’s 6.9% rise.