FedEx (FDX) vs Southwest Airlines (LUV)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
FedEx (FDX) has outperformed Southwest Airlines (LUV) over the past year, gaining 48.0% versus a gain of 28.8%. Over five years, FDX leads with a +56.6% price change compared with -17.2% for LUV. FedEx is the larger company by market cap ($68.41 billion vs $20.41 billion), about 3.4 times the size.
On valuation, Southwest Airlines trades at a lower forward P/E (9.2x vs 13.9x for FedEx). FedEx offers the higher dividend yield (1.93% vs 1.73%). FedEx converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 4.7% versus 1.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FDX | LUV |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $289.04 | $41.72 |
| Market cap | $68.41B | $20.41B |
| 1-day change | +0.00% | -1.72% |
| YTD return | +24.18% | +0.94% |
| 1-year return | +48.02% | +28.81% |
| 5-year return | +56.55% | -17.16% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 15.58 | 26.08 |
| Forward P/E | 13.86 | 9.23 |
| EPS (TTM) | $18.55 | $1.60 |
| Dividend yield | 1.93% | 1.73% |
| Annual dividend | $5.57 | $0.72 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $94.72B | $28.06B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.73% | +2.11% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $4.43B | $441.00M |
| Operating margin | 5.77% | 1.53% |
| Net margin | 4.68% | 1.57% |
| 52-week high | $345.37 | $55.11 |
| 52-week low | $180.99 | $29.26 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -16.31% | -24.30% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +22.81% | +18.50% |
| Average volume | 1.58M | 5.34M |
| Shares outstanding | 236.67M | 489.21M |
| Employees | 300,000 | 73,456 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Air Freight/Delivery Services | Air Freight/Delivery Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- FedEx is about 3.4 times larger than Southwest Airlines by market value ($68.41B vs $20.41B).
- FDX has outperformed LUV by 19.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Southwest Airlines trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.1x vs 15.6x trailing P/E).
- FedEx grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+7.73% vs +2.11%).
About FedEx
FDX stock →FedEx Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides transportation, e-commerce, and business services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Express U.S.
Consumer Discretionary · Air Freight/Delivery Services · 300,000 employees
About Southwest Airlines
LUV stock →Southwest Airlines Co. operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and internationally.
Consumer Discretionary · Air Freight/Delivery Services · 73,456 employees
FDX vs LUV FAQ
Which is bigger, FedEx or Southwest Airlines?
FedEx (FDX) is larger, with a market capitalization of $68.41B compared with $20.41B for Southwest Airlines (LUV).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FDX or LUV?
FDX returned +48.02% over the past 12 months, compared with +28.81% for LUV (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FDX or LUV?
FDX has the lower trailing P/E at 15.6, versus 26.1 for LUV. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, FedEx or Southwest Airlines?
FedEx has the higher yield at 1.93%, compared with 1.73% for Southwest Airlines.
Are FedEx and Southwest Airlines in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Air Freight/Delivery Services industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.