西南航空Q3营收与EPS双超预期，但Q4及全年盈利指引低于共识，盘后冲高回落仅约+1.4%

Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) shares rose about 2% in postmarket trading Wednesday after the carrier reported third-quarter adjusted earnings and revenue above analysts’ estimates, supported by record revenue and strong demand, although higher fuel costs remained a headwind. The airline posted adjusted earnings of 66 cents per share, topping the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 57 cents. Operating revenue increased 21.2% year over year to a record $8.42 billion, beating the $8.25 billion estimate. Adjusted net income reached $328 million, above the consensus estimate of $281.7 million. Southwest ( LUV ) said revenue per available seat mile rose 21.6% year over year to an all-time high, despite capacity declining 0.4%. Chief Executive Bob Jordan said customers were responding to the airline’s enhanced offering and that "demand remained strong". However, higher fuel expenses tempered the improvement. Fuel costs rose 61.7% year over year to $2.15 billion, with the average price reaching $3.92 per gallon. The company said higher fuel costs represented a $1.08 per share headwind to adjusted earnings. For the fourth quarter, Southwest ( LUV ) forecast adjusted earnings of about 67.5 cents per share, below the 84-cent consensus estimate at the midpoint. It expects revenue per available seat mile to rise about 20% year over year. The airline maintained its full-year adjusted earnings forecast at $2.60 to $2.85 per share, compared with the $2.85 consensus estimate, while trimming its 2026 capacity-growth outlook to about 1.2% from roughly 1.5% previously. Shares of the carrier have fallen about 3% so far this year, compared to a 13% rise in the broader index. Short interest on LUV stands at 5.02% of the total float.