Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) 주식

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic air carrier in the United States by passengers boarded. Southwest operates nearly 800 aircraft in an all-Boeing 737 fleet. Despite offering some longer routes and a few perks for business travelers, the airline predominantly specializes in short-haul, leisure flights operated in a single, open-seating cabin configuration in a point-to-point network. In late 2025, Southwest will modify its cabins to offer some seats with extra legroom and will update its ticketing process to offer assigned seats.

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지난주에 가장 성과가 좋았던 대형주 10종목은 다음과 같다. 앨나일람, 로쿠, 로빈후드, 엘빗, 보잉, 앵글로골드, 쇼피파이, 사우스웨스트항공, 미쓰비시 파이낸셜, 듀오링고

로빈후드·로쿠·쇼피파이 등 지난주 급등한 대형주 (3월 17일~21일)

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PowerShares ETF Leisure & Entertainment Port

여행 업계가 예상치 못한 난기류를 겪으면서 여행에 초점을 맞춘 ETF가 흔들리고 있다. 항공사가 매출 전망치를 낮추고, 예약 플랫폼이 어려움을 겪고, 호텔과 크루즈 선사의 주가가 하락하면서 여행 ETF 투자자들은 포트폴리오 하락을 지켜보고 있다. 여행 섹터를 추적하면서 압박을 받고 있는 세 가지 ETF는 다음과 같다. 

여행 주식 하락으로 영향 받은 ETF 3종목

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iShares Dow Jones Transportation Average Index Fund

최근 항공 산업은 유가 변동성 증가로 인해 불안정한 상황을 겪고 있다. 3월 6일 브렌트 원유 가격이 배럴당 70달러 이하로 떨어졌다가 3월 7일 급격히 반등하면서 항공사 주식과 섹터 중심 ETF는 롤러코스터를 탄 셈이다. 투자자들은 항공사 운영의 주요 요소인 에너지 비용이 항공 시장 전반에 미치는 영향을 면밀히 주시하고 있다.

항공 ETF, 유가 변동으로 혼란에 빠지고 항공사 주식 하락

Southwest Airlines Co

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Shares of travel and leisure companies are trading lower amid consumer concerns following Feb. PCE price index data, softer-than-expected personal spending and ongoing tariff concerns. A worsening consumer environment could weaken travel demand.

Citigroup analyst Stephen Trent maintains Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) with a Sell and raises the price target from $27 to $30.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Citigroup Maintains Sell on Southwest Airlines, Raises Price Target to $30

If you&#8217;re analyzing contrarian opportunities in 2025, this list is worth studying. It highlights names that, despite widespread skepticism, have been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">outperforming more popular picks.</a>
In a year when Wall Street&#8217;s darlings have stumbled, some of the most unloved names in the S&amp;P 500 are quietly delivering gains that put high-conviction buys to shame—and the data may challenge how investors think about analyst ratings.
In a newsletter sent Tuesday, DataTrek Research spotlighted what it called "a truly remarkable list": the 10 S&amp;P 500 companies with the highest share of &#8216;Sell&#8217; ratings from analysts. 
&#8220;History and year-to-date returns suggest it is a good place to look for longs,&#8221; analysts suggested.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Contrarian Play: Most-Hated, Yet Outperforming</h3>
&#8220;Wall Street analysts don&#8217;t put &#8216;Sell&#8217; on many stocks,&#8221; Datatrek wrote.
FactSet data shows that of the 12,320 ratings issued on S&amp;P 500 stocks, 55.7% are Buys, 38.7% are Holds, and only 5.6% are Sells.
&#8220;The percentage of Buy ratings is above its 5-year (month-end) average of 55.0%. The percentage Hold ratings is below its 5-year (month-end) average of 39.1%. The percentage of Sell ratings is also below its 5-year (month-end) average of 5.9%,&#8221; FactSet said.
Here are the 10 S&amp;P 500 stocks with the highest percentage of Sell ratings:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Company</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>Sell</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEN#NYSE">BEN</a>)</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>60%</td>
<td>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VeriSign, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>)</td>
<td>40%</td>
<td>20%</td>
<td>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Expeditors Intl. of Washington, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXPD#NYSE">EXPD</a>)</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>61%</td>
<td>39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T. Rowe Price Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TROW#NASDAQ">TROW</a>)</td>
<td>6%</td>
<td>59%</td>
<td>35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global Class B (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>13%</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>)</td>
<td>17%</td>
<td>50%</td>
<td>33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennox International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LII#NYSE">LII</a>)</td>
<td>24%</td>
<td>43%</td>
<td>33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Garmin Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRMN#NYSE">GRMN</a>)</td>
<td>10%</td>
<td>60%</td>
<td>30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ED#NYSE">ED</a>)</td>
<td>6%</td>
<td>65%</td>
<td>29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>)</td>
<td>20%</td>
<td>52%</td>
<td>28%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
As counterintuitive as it may seem, an equal-weighted portfolio of these &#8220;Sell-rated&#8221; stocks would have returned 3.89% year-to-date through March 25, 2025.
Here&#8217;s how the individual &#8220;Sell&#8221; stocks performed:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Name</td>
<td>Total Return (YTD)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consolidated Edison, Inc.</td>
<td>19.35%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VeriSign, Inc.</td>
<td>18.78%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global</td>
<td>11.45%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.</td>
<td>6.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Garmin Ltd.</td>
<td>6.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Southwest Airlines Co.</td>
<td>3.72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Franklin Resources, Inc.</td>
<td>-1.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennox International Inc.</td>
<td>-3.62%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FactSet Research Systems Inc.</td>
<td>-8.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.</td>
<td>-14.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
<tfoot>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>3.89%</td>
</tr>
</tfoot>
</table>
</figure>
That performance handily beats the -2.36% decline of the S&amp;P 500, as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), and it's miles ahead of the -10% drop in the Magnificent Seven cohort, tracked by the Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NYSE">MAGS</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The "Buy" Darlings Didn't Deliver</h3>
Now, contrast that with the 10 most-loved stocks in the S&amp;P 500 — the ones with the highest percentage of Buy ratings.
This basket includes mega-cap giants like Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), all ranked in the top tier for analyst sentiment.
But the returns tell a different story. An equal-weighted portfolio of these "Buy-rated" favorites would have lost 4.44% so far in 2025.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Buy</th>
<th>Hold</th>
<th>Sell</th>
<th>YTD Return</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)</td>
<td>97%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>3%</td>
<td>+1.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Delta Air Lines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>)</td>
<td>96%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>-19.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VICI Properties (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VICI#NYSE">VICI</a>)</td>
<td>96%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>+9.77%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp. </td>
<td>95%</td>
<td>5%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-6.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com Inc.</td>
<td>95%</td>
<td>5%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-6.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nvidia Corp.</td>
<td>93%</td>
<td>7%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-10.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>)</td>
<td>92%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>4%</td>
<td>-18.75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRMB#NASDAQ">TRMB</a>)</td>
<td>92%</td>
<td>8%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-0.27%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Synopsys Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</a>)</td>
<td>91%</td>
<td>9%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>-5.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teledyne Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDY#NYSE">TDY</a>)</td>
<td>91%</td>
<td>9%</td>
<td>0%</td>
<td>+10.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>—</td>
<td>-4.44%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Bottom line, the trend offers a striking insight: being unloved by analysts doesn't necessarily doom a stock to underperformance. 
In fact, in a year marked by pullbacks in big tech and sector rotations, contrarian plays are quietly thriving.
For those willing to swim against the tide, Wall Street's least-favored stocks may hold the key to outperformance this year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/03/44473410/trumps-tariff-rates-could-be-double-what-market-participants-expect-goldman-sachs-warns">Trump&#8217;s Tariff Rates Could Be &#8216;Double What Market Participants Expect,&#8217; Goldman Sachs Warns</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Want To Buy Stocks In 2025? There's One Conflicting Place To Find Winners, Analyst Says

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Industrials sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$86.2K</td>
<td>15.8K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NNE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$31.00</td>
<td>$29.5K</td>
<td>435</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$38.8K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>601</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EMR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$26.4K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$25.1K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>403</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UBER</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$62.50</td>
<td>$28.5K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>268</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UPS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$43.0K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>239</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/17/27</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$64.8K</td>
<td>120</td>
<td>120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$61.5K</td>
<td>116</td>
<td>102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NXT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/21/25</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$53.2K</td>
<td>72</td>
<td>74</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding DAL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 53 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 2332 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 40 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.2K, with a price of $37.0 per contract. There were 15850 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5558 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NNE (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NNE#NASDAQ">NNE</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 24 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 123 contract(s) at a $31.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.5K, with a price of $240.0 per contract. There were 435 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1105 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LUV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 179 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 418 contract(s) at a $42.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.8K, with a price of $93.0 per contract. There were 3136 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 601 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding EMR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EMR#NYSE">EMR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 88 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 126 contract(s) at a $125.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.4K, with a price of $210.0 per contract. There were 1106 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 600 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 88 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.1K, with a price of $2510.0 per contract. There were 1873 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 403 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UBER (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBER#NYSE">UBER</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 179 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 103 contract(s) at a $62.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 26 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.5K, with a price of $276.0 per contract. There were 2428 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 268 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UPS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 179 day(s) on September 19, 2025. Parties traded 180 contract(s) at a $135.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 28 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $43.0K, with a price of $239.0 per contract. There were 1583 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 239 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For UAL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 998 day(s) on December 17, 2027. This event was a transfer of 120 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $64.8K, with a price of $540.0 per contract. There were 120 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 120 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GEV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 32 day(s) on April 25, 2025. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $350.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $61.5K, with a price of $2053.0 per contract. There were 116 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 102 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NXT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXT#NASDAQ">NXT</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 242 day(s) on November 21, 2025. Parties traded 74 contract(s) at a $45.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.2K, with a price of $720.0 per contract. There were 72 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 74 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

UBER

10 Industrials Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

These ten large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NASDAQ">ALNY</a>) shares upped 17.20% after the company secured FDA approval of sNDA for its RNAi therapeutic, AMVUTTRA, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44436749" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for the treatment of ATTR-CM in adults</a>.</li>
<li>Roku Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>) stock surged 15.51% after the announcement that Trump Media &amp; Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>) launched its Truth+ <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44405898" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streaming app on the Roku platform</a>.</li>
<li>Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOOD#NASDAQ">HOOD</a>) stock upped 13.05% after Compass Point initiated coverage with a Buy rating and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/hood/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> announced a price forecast of $61</a>.</li>
<li>Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESLT#NASDAQ">ESLT</a>) shares increased 11.72% after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2024 results and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44376371" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterly dividend to $0.60/share</a>.</li>
<li>Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) shares grew 10.07% after President Trump awarded the company a next-generation fighter jet contract.</li>
<li>AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AU#NYSE">AU</a>) shares upped 10.05%, probably due to strength in gold and silver. Gold reached an all-time high.</li>
<li>Shopify Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOP#NYSE">SHOP</a>) shares were up 9.87%, driven by overall market strength following the Federal Reserve's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44406912" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision to hold interest rates steady</a>.</li>
<li>Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) stock was up 9.77%. Several analysts <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/44417227" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised the price forecast</a>.</li>
<li>Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MUFG#NYSE">MUFG</a>) stock rose 9.66%, probably due to sympathy with the overall market sentiment after the Fed policy decision to keep rates unchanged.</li>
<li>Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUOL#NASDAQ">DUOL</a>) stock gained 9.09% last week. Citizens Capital Markets <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DUOL/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upgraded the stock</a> to Market Outperform with a $400 price forecast.</li>
</ol>
Image via Shutterstock

Robinhood, Roku And Shopify Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Mar 17-Mar 21): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

SAVEQ

Fire At Substation Near Heathrow Airport Is Believed To Be Non-Suspicious; Investigation Will Focus On Electrical Distribution Equipment

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Southwest Airlines. Our analysis of options history for Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) revealed 15 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 53% of traders were bullish, while 46% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 11 were puts, with a value of $795,796, and 4 were calls, valued at $176,653.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $27.5 to $37.5 for Southwest Airlines during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Southwest Airlines's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Southwest Airlines's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $27.5 to $37.5 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Southwest Airlines Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742499097_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$2.84</td>
<td>$2.83</td>
<td>$2.83</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$283.2K</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$1.02</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$81.1K</td>
<td>5.4K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$2.18</td>
<td>$2.17</td>
<td>$2.17</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$79.1K</td>
<td>266</td>
<td>382</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$2.47</td>
<td>$2.47</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$61.7K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>787</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$1.81</td>
<td>$1.75</td>
<td>$1.81</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$51.7K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>56</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Southwest Airlines</h3>
Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic air carrier in the United States by passengers boarded. Southwest operates nearly 800 aircraft in an all-Boeing 737 fleet. Despite offering some longer routes and a few perks for business travelers, the airline predominantly specializes in short-haul, leisure flights operated in a single, open-seating cabin configuration in a point-to-point network. In late 2025, Southwest will modify its cabins to offer some seats with extra legroom and will update its ticketing process to offer assigned seats.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Southwest Airlines, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of Southwest Airlines</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 8,867,592, the LUV's price is up by 0.24%, now at $33.68. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Southwest Airlines</h3>
A total of 4 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $31.25.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS has elevated its stance to Neutral, setting a new price target at $36. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Underweight rating for Southwest Airlines, targeting a price of $30. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from JP Morgan downgraded its rating to Underweight, setting a price target of $25. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Melius Research upgrades its rating to Hold with a revised price target of $34. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Southwest Airlines, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Markets

Southwest Airlines Unusual Options Activity

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>64.8K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZIM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$29.16</td>
<td>$34.6K</td>
<td>8.2K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$61.7K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td>787</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FTAI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$27.7K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>681</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$490.00</td>
<td>$101.1K</td>
<td>221</td>
<td>336</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$42.0K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
<td>62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VRT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$87.50</td>
<td>$48.7K</td>
<td>357</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ETN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$27.8K</td>
<td>379</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HWM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$68.2K</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LMT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$435.00</td>
<td>$40.1K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For AAL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 302 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 250 contract(s) at a $10.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $114.0 per contract. There were 64831 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1565 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ZIM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZIM#NYSE">ZIM</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 28 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 25 contract(s) at a $29.16 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.6K, with a price of $1385.0 per contract. There were 8248 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1286 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LUV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 183 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 250 contract(s) at a $32.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $61.7K, with a price of $247.0 per contract. There were 2266 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 787 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding FTAI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTAI#NASDAQ">FTAI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on March 21, 2025. Parties traded 42 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.7K, with a price of $660.0 per contract. There were 1695 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 681 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding DE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DE#NYSE">DE</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 92 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $490.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 12 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $101.1K, with a price of $3331.0 per contract. There were 221 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 336 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GEO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEO#NYSE">GEO</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 302 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $42.0K, with a price of $841.0 per contract. There were 2989 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 62 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For VRT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRT#NYSE">VRT</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 302 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 28 contract(s) at a $87.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $48.7K, with a price of $1740.0 per contract. There were 357 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 44 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ETN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ETN#NYSE">ETN</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 92 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 14 contract(s) at a $300.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.8K, with a price of $1990.0 per contract. There were 379 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 42 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding HWM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HWM#NYSE">HWM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 666 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 22 contract(s) at a $130.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $68.2K, with a price of $3100.0 per contract. There were 40 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 30 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding LMT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 57 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 10 contract(s) at a $435.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.1K, with a price of $4010.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

FTAI

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-20/southwest-air-extends-job-cuts-to-workers-at-four-us-airports" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-20/southwest-air-extends-job-cuts-to-workers-at-four-us-airports">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-20/southwest-air-extends-job-cuts-to-workers-at-four-us-airports</a>

Management

"Southwest Air Extends Job Cuts To Workers At Four U.S. Airports; Southwest Airlines Co. Is Eliminating 120 More Jobs At Four Airports, Extending A Round Of Cutbacks That Included The Carrier's First Ever Involuntary Layoffs" - Bloomberg News

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Potter upgraded the rating for Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) from Neutral to Overweight and maintained the price target of $225. Carvana shares closed at $176.09 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/cvna/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Oppenheimer analyst Kristen Owen upgraded The Mosaic Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MOS#NYSE">MOS</a>) from Perform to Outperform and maintained the price target of $33. Mosaic shares closed at $27.97 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MOS/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Filippo Falorni upgraded The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAM#NYSE">SAM</a>) from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $265 to $280. Boston Beer shares closed at $219.16 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SAM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>UBS analyst Thomas Wadewitz upgraded the rating for Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) from Sell to Neutral and raised the price target from $29 to $36. Southwest Airlines shares closed at $33.60 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LUV/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Michael Brown upgraded KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight but lowered the price target from $150 to $141. KKR shares closed at $116.54 on Wednesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KKR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying LUV stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="584" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20094643/image-181-1024x584.png" alt="" class="wp-image-833827" style="width:491px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20094643/image-181-1024x584.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20094643/image-181-300x171.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20094643/image-181-768x438.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20094643/image-181.png 1090w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Upgrades

CVNA

This Southwest Airlines Analyst Is No Longer Bearish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Thursday

UBS analyst Thomas Wadewitz upgrades Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) from Sell to Neutral and raises the price target from $29 to $36.

UBS Upgrades Southwest Airlines to Neutral, Raises Price Target to $36

In the latest quarter, 9 analysts provided ratings for Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>), showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $32.28, a high estimate of $40.00, and a low estimate of $25.00. Marking an increase of 2.67%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $31.44. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1742475628_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Southwest Airlines. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Conor Cunningham</td>
<td>Melius Research</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$34.00</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamie Baker</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jamie Baker</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Stathoulopoulos</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$34.00</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Didora</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$31.00</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Trent</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$29.50</td>
<td>$31.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Stathoulopoulos</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Wadewitz</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Savanthi Syth</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Southwest Airlines. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Southwest Airlines compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Southwest Airlines's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of Southwest Airlines's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LUV/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Southwest Airlines analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Southwest Airlines's Background</h2>
Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic air carrier in the United States by passengers boarded. Southwest operates nearly 800 aircraft in an all-Boeing 737 fleet. Despite offering some longer routes and a few perks for business travelers, the airline predominantly specializes in short-haul, leisure flights operated in a single, open-seating cabin configuration in a point-to-point network. In late 2025, Southwest will modify its cabins to offer some seats with extra legroom and will update its ticketing process to offer assigned seats.
<h3>Southwest Airlines's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Revenue Growth: Southwest Airlines's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 1.57%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Industrials sector.
Net Margin: Southwest Airlines's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 3.84%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Southwest Airlines's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.56% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Southwest Airlines's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 0.78%. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Southwest Airlines's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.78, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Breaking Down Southwest Airlines: 9 Analysts Share Their Views

Melius Research analyst Conor Cunningham upgrades Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) from Sell to Hold and raises the price target from $28 to $34.

Melius Research Upgrades Southwest Airlines to Hold, Raises Price Target to $34

India&#8217;s newest airline,&nbsp;Akasa Air, is grappling with delayed plane deliveries from&nbsp;Boeing Co.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>), leading to unrest among executives and idle pilots.
What Happened: Akasa Air, backed by the deceased billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, also known as the Warren Buffet of India, is among the most affected by Boeing&#8217;s global delivery delays. The Mumbai-based low-cost airline, in operation for three years, has 27 planes but is waiting on 226 Boeing 737 MAXs. Akasa&#8217;s executives have publicly expressed confidence in Boeing, but privately, they have acknowledged the operational stress they are under, according to a report by&nbsp;Reuters. 
Boeing&#8217;s 737 program has faced regulatory scrutiny following&nbsp;a mid-air cabin panel blowout&nbsp;last year and a seven-week workers&#8217; strike, causing delivery delays. 
In a private town hall meeting in February, Priya&nbsp;Mehra, Akasa&#8217;s&nbsp;chief of strategic acquisitions, referred to Boeing as the &#8220;elephant in the room&#8221; causing &#8220;sleepless nights&#8221;. CEO Vinay Dube expressed frustration over the lack of aircraft, stating, &#8220;We just don&#8217;t&nbsp;have enough aircraft to fly.&#8221;
Boeing&#8217;s delivery delays have also affected other airlines globally, including U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>), which was forced to cut jobs for the first time in its history.
Boeing did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comments.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/03/44409738/bonk-leads-memecoin-rally-as-this-indicator-flashes-buy-but-dogecoin-shiba-inu-not-too-far-behind">Bonk Leads Memecoin Rally As This Indicator Flashes &#8216;Buy,&#8217; But Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Not Too Far Behind</a>
Why It Matters: The delivery delays by Boeing are not a standalone issue. In April, increased <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38093903/boeing-faces-production-slowdown-amid-regulatory-scrutiny-prompts-industry-ripples-and-investor-">factory inspections</a> by U.S. regulators and a slowdown on the assembly line near Seattle led to a significant decline in the production of Boeing&#8217;s 737 MAX jetliners.
Furthermore, the escalating trade war initiated by President Donald Trump could potentially <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44346571/trade-war-may-boost-airbus-over-boeing-aercap-ceo-says-no-ones-going-to-want-to-pay-that">tip the scales</a> in favor of Boeing&#8217;s European competitor, Airbus SE. Boeing, already dealing with the repercussions of the 737 Max crisis, may encounter additional challenges due to rising costs. This situation could further exacerbate Boeing&#8217;s delivery challenges and impact its market share in the aviation industry. 
Read More: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44410602/elon-musks-tesla-faces-1-4-billion-discrepancy-in-capital-expenditure-report">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Faces $1.4 Billion Discrepancy In Capital Expenditure: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Boeing Frustrations Reach Crescendo At Airline Founded By Warren Buffett Of India: 'We Just Don't Have Enough Aircraft To Fly'

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-19/us-readying-plan-to-overhaul-us-air-traffic-control-duffy-says" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-19/us-readying-plan-to-overhaul-us-air-traffic-control-duffy-says">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-19/us-readying-plan-to-overhaul-us-air-traffic-control-duffy-says</a>

Macro Economic Events

Econ #s

Economics

ULCC

U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy Says: The Trump Administration Plans To Announce A "Brand New" US Air Traffic Control System "In The Next Couple Days,"

Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>) announced a new promotion on Tuesday which includes a free seat assignment and one checked bag just one week after Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) stopped <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44245996/why-is-southwest-airlines-stock-rising-today">offering the perks.&nbsp;</a>
What To Know: Frontier Airlines is offering a &#8220;Your New Love&#8221; Economy Bundle for all nonstop<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/03/n44372103/frontier-airlines-is-ready-to-be-your-new-love-low-fares-free-bags-and-more"> travel bookings</a> that includes a free carry-on bag, seat selection and flight changes. A free checked bag included for flights departing May 28 through Aug. 18 and fares that start as low as $39 each way are eerily reminiscent of Southwest's previous offers.&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/03/44367584/black-swan-hedge-fund-posts-4000-profits-during-covid-19-market-crash-heres-how">&#8216;Black Swan&#8217; Hedge Fund Posts 4,000% Profits During COVID-19 Market Crash: Here&#8217;s How</a>
&#8220;We&#8217;ve always had heart,&#8221; said Barry Biffle, CEO of Frontier Airlines.&nbsp;
&#8220;Some airlines are walking away from what travelers love, but we&#8217;re running towards it. Think of this as the ultimate &#8216;divorce your old airline&#8217; deal. If travelers show us the love, we&#8217;ll make these perks permanent,&#8221; Biffle added.&nbsp;
The move comes after Southwest Airlines ended its long-standing "bags fly free" policy last week. The airline will begin charging checked baggage fees on May 28, though Southwest did not disclose how much the fee will be.&nbsp;
Why It Matters: The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/03/44263340/turbulence-ahead-3-etfs-hit-by-slump-in-travel-stocks">airline industry</a> is facing tough times ahead as corporate and leisure travel demand declines. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) and American Airlines Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>) both slashed their revenue forecasts while offering new, no-frills economy tickets to cash-strapped consumers.&nbsp;
Frontier seems to be hopeful that it can grab some market share from travelers who are disappointed with the changes at Southwest.
&#8220;At the end of the day, travelers just want to be valued,&#8221; said Biffle. &#8220;We&#8217;re bringing back the things people love about flying &#8211; free bags, free seat selection, and flexibility &#8211; without the extra fees. No games, just great value.&#8221;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/03/44359238/severe-storm-system-brings-devastation-at-least-42-dead-power-outages-widespread-damage-reported">Severe Storm System Brings Devastation: At Least 42 Dead, Power Outages, Widespread Damage Reported&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Mid Cap

General

Frontier Takes Aim At Southwest Airlines With 'Your New Love' Promotion: 'We've Always Had Heart,' CEO Says

JP Morgan analyst Jamie Baker maintains Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) with a Underweight and raises the price target from $25 to $30.

JP Morgan Maintains Underweight on Southwest Airlines, Raises Price Target to $30

BALY

DASH

DKNG

PLAY

XPOF

YUMC

Shares of hotels, restaurants and leisure companies are trading higher amid a continued market rebound despite mixed sales data.

Shares of airline and travel stocks are trading higher despite travel demand uncertainty. The sector may be up amid an overall market rebound following weakness in recent sessions.

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Southwest Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with LUV, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 11 uncommon options trades for Southwest Airlines.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 36% bullish and 36%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $875,915, and 7 are calls, for a total amount of $893,677.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $22.5 to $32.5 for Southwest Airlines over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Southwest Airlines's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Southwest Airlines's whale activity within a strike price range from $22.5 to $32.5 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Southwest Airlines Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741889780_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.25</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$650.0K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$0.76</td>
<td>$0.69</td>
<td>$0.75</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$564.7K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>12.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$5.15</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$133.3K</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>298</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.7</td>
<td>$5.7</td>
<td>$27.50</td>
<td>$92.9K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LUV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$0.52</td>
<td>$0.47</td>
<td>$0.52</td>
<td>$31.50</td>
<td>$78.0K</td>
<td>7.7K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Southwest Airlines</h3>
Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic air carrier in the United States by passengers boarded. Southwest operates nearly 800 aircraft in an all-Boeing 737 fleet. Despite offering some longer routes and a few perks for business travelers, the airline predominantly specializes in short-haul, leisure flights operated in a single, open-seating cabin configuration in a point-to-point network. In late 2025, Southwest will modify its cabins to offer some seats with extra legroom and will update its ticketing process to offer assigned seats.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Southwest Airlines, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of Southwest Airlines</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 8,107,029, the price of LUV is up 1.33% at $30.5. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 42 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Southwest Airlines</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $25.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from JP Morgan lowers its rating to Underweight with a new price target of $25.
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Southwest Airlines with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Press Releases

Southwest Airlines to Discuss Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on January 30, 2025

Earnings

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS

Dividends

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES DECLARES 184th QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXTENDS SCHEDULE THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2025

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES TOM DOXEY AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES REDUCTION IN CORPORATE OVERHEAD WORKFORCE

Southwest Airlines to Present at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES OUTLINES CHANGES TO DRIVE REVENUE GROWTH AND REWARD ITS MOST LOYAL CUSTOMERS

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