Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) vs Xylem Inc. (XYL)
A side-by-side comparison of Southwest Airlines Co. and Xylem Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
LUV
Southwest Airlines Co.
$42.68IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
XYL
Xylem Inc.
$102.63IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — LUV vs XYL
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yLUV +18.7% (+1.7%/yr)XYL +146.0% (+9.4%/yr)XYL compounded faster over this window
LUV XYL
LUV vs XYL: by the numbers
- •XYL is the larger company ($23.96B vs $20.88B market cap).
- •XYL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.44 vs 26.18 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •XYL converts more revenue to profit (11.07% vs 2.78% net margin).
- •LUV grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.97% vs 11.91% CAGR).
- •LUV pays the higher dividend yield (1.83% vs 1.54%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | LUV | XYL |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 26.18 | 24.44 |
| Forward P/E | 13.08 | 18.12 |
| P/S ratio | 0.69 | 2.63 |
| P/B ratio | 2.95 | 2.30 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.35 | 13.66 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 4.01% |
Profitability
| Metric | LUV | XYL |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 17.44% | 39.24% |
| Operating margin | 3.46% | 14.48% |
| Net margin | 2.78% | 11.07% |
| ROE | 11.82% | 9.69% |
| ROIC | 4.30% | 6.91% |
Dividends
| Metric | LUV | XYL |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.83% | 1.54% |
| Payout ratio | 44.17% | 39.52% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | LUV | XYL |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 24.97% | 11.91% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 22.76% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 7.05% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -2.25% | -3.08% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, LUV or XYL?
- XYL has the lower trailing P/E: LUV trades at 26.18 and XYL at 24.44. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, LUV or XYL?
- Over the past five years, LUV grew revenue faster — LUV at a 24.97% CAGR versus XYL at 11.91%.
- Does LUV or XYL pay a bigger dividend?
- LUV yields 1.83% and XYL yields 1.54% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is LUV or XYL more profitable?
- XYL runs the higher net margin — LUV at 2.78% versus XYL at 11.07%.
- How have LUV and XYL total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, LUV delivered 1.75% and XYL delivered 9.60% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Southwest Airlines P/E ratioXylem P/E ratioSouthwest Airlines dividend yieldXylem dividend yieldSouthwest Airlines ROEXylem ROESouthwest Airlines operating marginXylem operating marginSouthwest Airlines revenue growthXylem revenue growthSouthwest Airlines free cash flowXylem free cash flow
Southwest Airlines & Xylem appear in these rankings
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 13, 2026.