DAL vs LUV: Stock Comparison
Delta Air Lines, Inc. compared with Southwest Airlines Co.: size, valuation, growth, margins, dividends and returns.
DAL vs LUV at a Glance
As of Nov 6, 2026, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) has a market capitalization of $57.46B versus $21.96B for Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV). Both companies are classified in the Airlines industry.
DAL trades at 17.5x trailing and 14.9x forward earnings, compared with 20.9x trailing and 12.8x forward earnings for LUV as of Nov 6, 2026. Over the trailing twelve months, revenue grew 14.1% at DAL and 14.5% at LUV, operating margins were 7.4% and 4.4%, and net profit margins 4.6% and 3.3%.
As of Nov 6, 2026, DAL has a dividend yield of 1.02% and LUV 1.71%. Over the past year DAL shares changed +34.86% versus +32.80% for LUV (price change, dividends excluded).
Key Figures Side by Side
| Metric | DAL | LUV |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $57.46B | $21.96B |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 17.47 | 20.85 |
| Forward P/E | 14.91 | 12.82 |
| Revenue growth (TTM, YoY) | 14.11% | 14.50% |
| Gross margin (TTM) | 22.45% | 28.32% |
| Operating margin (TTM) | 7.36% | 4.39% |
| Net profit margin (TTM) | 4.58% | 3.34% |
| Dividend yield | 1.02% | 1.71% |
| 1-year price change | +34.86% | +32.80% |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Airlines | Airlines |
Source: Exchange price data and company financial statements. Data as of Nov 6, 2026. Data sources and methodology
Interactive DAL vs LUV Comparison
Performance Comparison
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Comparison Results
Marked values are the best in their row where higher or lower is clearly better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, DAL or LUV?
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) is larger as of Nov 6, 2026, with a market capitalization of $57.46B against $21.96B for Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV), about 2.6 times the size.
Which stock is cheaper, DAL or LUV?
On trailing earnings DAL is cheaper as of Nov 6, 2026: it trades at 17.5x versus 20.9x for LUV. On forward earnings DAL trades at 14.9x and LUV at 12.8x. A lower multiple can also reflect slower expected growth.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAL or LUV?
LUV pays more as of Nov 6, 2026: its dividend yield is 1.71% versus 1.02% for DAL.
Which has performed better, DAL or LUV?
DAL has done better over the past year to Nov 6, 2026: its shares changed +34.86% against +32.80% for LUV. These are price changes and exclude dividends.

