IDEX Corporation (IEX) vs Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV)

A side-by-side comparison of IDEX Corporation and Southwest Airlines Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnIEX vs LUV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
IEX +184.0% (+11.0%/yr)LUV +27.8% (+2.5%/yr)IEX compounded faster over this window
50100150200250300Start $10020182020202220242026$284$128
IEX LUV

IEX vs LUV: by the numbers

  • LUV is the larger company ($20.26B vs $17.28B market cap).
  • LUV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.41 vs 33.73 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • IEX converts more revenue to profit (14.49% vs 2.78% net margin).
  • LUV grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.97% vs 7.19% CAGR).
  • LUV pays the higher dividend yield (1.74% vs 1.23%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricIEXLUV
P/E ratio33.7325.41
Forward P/E26.9912.10
P/S ratio4.850.69
P/B ratio4.342.91
EV / EBITDA19.509.26
FCF yield3.69%N/A

Profitability

MetricIEXLUV
Gross margin44.70%17.44%
Operating margin20.75%3.46%
Net margin14.49%2.78%
ROE12.96%11.82%
ROIC8.93%4.30%

Dividends

MetricIEXLUV
Dividend yield1.23%1.74%
Payout ratio44.93%87.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricIEXLUV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.19%24.97%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.14%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.13%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.53%-1.10%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, IEX or LUV?
LUV has the lower trailing P/E: IEX trades at 33.73 and LUV at 25.41. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, IEX or LUV?
Over the past five years, LUV grew revenue faster — IEX at a 7.19% CAGR versus LUV at 24.97%.
Does IEX or LUV pay a bigger dividend?
IEX yields 1.23% and LUV yields 1.74% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is IEX or LUV more profitable?
IEX runs the higher net margin — IEX at 14.49% versus LUV at 2.78%.
How have IEX and LUV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, IEX delivered 10.97% and LUV delivered 2.53% 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 August 20, 2026.