Cowen reiterated an Outperform rating and $65.00 price target on Southwest (NYSE: LUV) as the company announces a 28% increase in the dividend and re-upped its share repurchase program by $2 billion.

Analyst Helane Becker believes that there is upside potential to our 2019 EPS estimate as Southwest gains experience with its new reservation system and can better monetize that investment. In addition, Southwest will be operating a more efficient network by this year's fourth quarter, when its fleet is back to normal levels.

For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Southwest click here. For more ratings news on Southwest click here.

Shares of Southwest closed at $53.01 yesterday.

Analyst Comments

Southwest Airlines (LUV) Raises Quarterly Dividend 28% to $0.16; Approves $2B BuybackMay 16, 2018 9:47 AM Southwest Airlines Returns Value To ShareholdersMay 16, 2018 9:45 AM Appaloosa 13F Shows New Stake in Wells Fargo (WFC) and Lam Research (LRCX), Increase in Micron (MU) MGM (MGM) (more...)May 15, 2018 4:20 PM Buffett's Berkshire 13F Confirms Increase in Apple (AAPL) Stake Along with Increase in Holdings of Teva (TEVA) (More...)May 15, 2018 4:12 PM Southwest Airlines Puts Summer Travel On SaleMay 15, 2018 11:05 AM Webcast Alert: Southwest Airlines Co. Annual Meeting of ShareholdersMay 15, 2018 8:00 AM