Compare Caterpillar Inc (CAT) vs Southwest Airlines Co (LUV) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Caterpillar Inc vs Southwest Airlines Co — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $941.16 (market cap $429.03B), while Southwest Airlines Co trades at $47.61 (market cap $23.42B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 18.3× Southwest Airlines Co's market cap, and Southwest Airlines Co pays the higher dividend (1.5%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | LUV | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $429.03B | $23.42B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $54.80 |
52-Week Low | $404.64 | $29.06 |
Enterprise Value | $468.02B | $26.49B |
Dividend Yield | 0.7% | 1.5% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $933.34, down 2.0% on the day but up 51% year-to-date, reflecting strong momentum from AI-driven infrastructure demand. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $5.54 surpassing expectations by 19%. Valuation metrics remain elevated with a P/E of 46.39 and P/S of 6.18, while profitability remains robust with a 13.33% net margin and 51.35% ROE. Technical indicators show neutral signals with support at $922 and resistance at $943.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus pointing to $1,020 price target (9% upside) and 55% buy ratings. Key opportunities include AI data center power demand generating $10.2B in generator sales, while risks include elevated valuation and cyclical exposure to economic conditions. The company's 32nd consecutive dividend increase expected in June supports income investors.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) trades at $47.92, down 1.05% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $52.47 suggesting upside. Recent earnings show a mix of beats and a miss, with Q2 2026 results expected soon. The company maintains a solid balance sheet with a debt-to-asset ratio improving to 16.86% in 2025, though net cash flow remains negative due to significant financing activities.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic, driven by potential earnings growth and cost management, but risks include fuel price volatility and competitive pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with 42% buy ratings, highlighting both recovery potential and near-term headwinds for investors.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Caterpillar Inc
Caterpillar Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets construction, mining, and forestry machinery. The Company also manufactures engines and other related parts for its equipment, and offers financing and insurance. Caterpillar distributes its products through a worldwide organization of dealers.
Read more on CAT →About Southwest Airlines Co
Southwest Airlines is the largest domestic carrier in the United States, as measured by the number of originating passengers boarded. Southwest operates over 700 aircraft in an all-Boeing 737 fleet. Despite expanding into longer routes and business travel, the airline still specializes in short-haul leisure flights, using a point-to-point network. Southwest operates a low-cost carrier business model.
Read more on LUV →
