Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, discount airline Southwest Airlines
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Southwest and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.
Southwest facts
| Headquarters (founded) | Dallas (1967) |
| Market Cap | $6.88 billion |
| Industry | Airlines |
| Trailing-12-Month Revenue | $16.6 billion |
| Management | Chairman/CEO Gary Kelly CFO Laura Wright |
| Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) | 5.1% |
| Cash/Debt | $3.8 billion / $3.3 billion |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% |
| Competitors |
AMR
Delta Air Lines JetBlue Airways |
Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.
On CAPS, 86% of the 1,764 members who have rated Southwest believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.
Just last month, one of those Fools, CoreAndExplore, succinctly summed up the bull case for our community:
Over $7 billion in shareholders' equity yet a market cap of just over $6 billion? ... Besides the ridiculous valuation, earnings are projected to rise substantially next year and beyond. Oh yeah, add the fact that [Southwest] is a best of breed type with a formidable competitive advantage (and strong customer loyalty) as the company continues to take market share, and you have a fine investment.
If you want market-topping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Southwest may not be your top choice.
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