Southwest Holds Off on Changing Profit Outlook, Says It ‘Would Not Be Productive’

Southwest Airlines said Wednesday it is not updating its 2026 guidance, despite high fuel costs eating into its bottom line. The carrier had initially forecast earnings per share of $4 for the full year. 

“Given the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, updating the Company’s full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $4.00 would not be productive at this time,” Southwest said in an earnings release. “Achieving this outcome would require lower fuel prices and/or stronger revenue performance to offset higher fuel expense.”

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