Equifax Inc. (EFX) vs Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV)

A side-by-side comparison of Equifax Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnEFX vs LUV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
EFX +56.3% (+4.6%/yr)LUV +15.9% (+1.5%/yr)EFX compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$156$116
EFX LUV

EFX vs LUV: by the numbers

  • EFX is the larger company ($20.64B vs $19.33B market cap).
  • LUV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.76 vs 33.23 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • EFX converts more revenue to profit (10.73% vs 2.78% net margin).
  • LUV grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.97% vs 6.82% CAGR).
  • LUV pays the higher dividend yield (1.86% vs 1.15%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricEFXLUV
P/E ratio33.2323.76
Forward P/E22.0911.51
P/S ratio3.500.64
P/B ratio5.152.72
EV / EBITDA14.748.74
FCF yield4.90%N/A

Profitability

MetricEFXLUV
Gross margin44.38%17.44%
Operating margin17.85%3.46%
Net margin10.73%2.78%
ROE15.78%11.82%
ROIC7.91%4.30%

Dividends

MetricEFXLUV
Dividend yield1.15%1.86%
Payout ratio40.67%87.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricEFXLUV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.82%24.97%
EPS CAGR (5Y)4.60%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.02%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)-6.70%-2.90%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, EFX or LUV?
LUV has the lower trailing P/E: EFX trades at 33.23 and LUV at 23.76. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, EFX or LUV?
Over the past five years, LUV grew revenue faster — EFX at a 6.82% CAGR versus LUV at 24.97%.
Does EFX or LUV pay a bigger dividend?
EFX yields 1.15% and LUV yields 1.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is EFX or LUV more profitable?
EFX runs the higher net margin — EFX at 10.73% versus LUV at 2.78%.
How have EFX and LUV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, EFX delivered 4.48% and LUV delivered 1.74% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 4, 2026.