Global Payments Inc vs Southwest Airlines Co — how do they compare? Global Payments Inc trades at $84.78 (market cap $22.72B), while Southwest Airlines Co trades at $45.12 (market cap $22.27B). The key difference: Global Payments Inc and Southwest Airlines Co are close in size by market cap, and Southwest Airlines Co pays the higher dividend (1.58%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GPN | LUV | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $22.72B | $22.27B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $90.01 | $54.80 |
52-Week Low | $62.47 | $29.67 |
Enterprise Value | $40.87B | $25.37B |
Dividend Yield | 1.16% | 1.58% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Global Payments (GPN) trades at $86.13, up slightly by 0.01% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong quarterly EPS beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $3.46, exceeding expectations, but faces headwinds with a negative net income margin of -9.15% in 2026. Recent news highlights Genius platform momentum driving earnings growth, though full-year revenue guidance was trimmed due to Middle East challenges.
Outlook remains cautiously optimistic with a consensus price target of $96.67, offering 12% upside, supported by analyst buy ratings at 58.7%. Key risks include margin pressure from rising costs and intense fintech competition, while institutional interest persists with recent investments like Delta Global Management's $1.74 million stake in Q1 2026.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) trades at $44.9, down 4.57% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported mixed quarterly earnings, beating in Q2 2026 but missing in Q1 2026, while revenue growth is projected to rise to $30.1B in 2026. Recent news highlights board appointments and initiatives to attract business travelers, amid a volatile fuel cost environment.
LUV presents a cautious opportunity with a consensus price target of $53.86 implying upside, supported by improving cash flow and dividend payments. Risks include fuel price volatility, execution on new business offerings, and competitive pressures, requiring careful monitoring of earnings consistency and cost management.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Global Payments is a leading provider of payment processing and software solutions and focuses on serving small and midsize merchants. The company operates in 30 countries and generates about one fourth of its revenue from outside North America, primarily in Europe and Asia. In 2019, Global Payments merged with Total System Services in an all-stock deal that gave Total System Services shareholders 48% of the combined company's shares.
Read more on GPN →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 →