Core Viewpoint - Wall Street began 2026 positively after a significant bull run over the past three years, with optimism that the upward trend in U.S. stock markets will persist this year despite fluctuations in February due to concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) trade [1] Group 1: Investment Opportunities - It is advisable to invest in U.S. giants with a market capitalization over $30 billion and a favorable Zacks Rank, with five highlighted stocks: The Hershey Co. (HSY), Tapestry Inc. (TPR), FedEx Corp. (FDX), Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), and Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) [2] - Each of the selected stocks carries either a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2] Group 2: The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Hershey is focused on innovation, supply-chain agility, and commercial execution, expanding its presence in the snacking category [5] - The company is undergoing a multi-year transformation to modernize its supply chain and enhance demand forecasting, supported by investments in data and digital tools [6] - HSY's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.4% and 27.1%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 2.62% [7] Group 3: Tapestry Inc. (TPR) - Tapestry is strengthening its position as a global house of brands, driven by strong performance from Coach, particularly among Gen Z consumers [9] - TPR's adjusted gross margin increased by 110 basis points in Q2 of fiscal 2026, with projected revenues above $7.75 billion and EPS between $6.40 and $6.45 [10] - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for TPR are 9.6% and 23.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.02% [11] Group 4: FedEx Corp. (FDX) - FedEx is implementing cost realignment initiatives under the DRIVE program, achieving annual cost savings of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025 [12] - The company returned $4.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in fiscal 2025, exceeding its target [13] - FDX's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.6% and 1.5%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.49% [14] Group 5: Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM) - Howmet Aerospace is benefiting from strong momentum in the commercial aerospace market and rising defense budgets [15] - The company has a solid liquidity position supporting shareholder-friendly policies, with robust orders for defense aerospace units [16] - HWM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 11% and 20.7%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 0.19% [17] Group 6: Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) - Southwest Airlines is experiencing improved air travel demand, with expectations for solid revenue trends continuing into 2026 [18] - The company is focused on cost-cutting initiatives and fleet modernization, supported by a strong balance sheet [19] - LUV's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 12.8% and over 100%, respectively, with a current dividend yield of 1.38% [21]

Billionaire hedge fund investor Paul Singer just began cashing in on one of his biggest winning bets: Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) .Singer's hedge fund, Elliott Investment Management, sold roughly 5.3 million shares of the low-cost carrier, trimming its massive position as the stock trades nearly 75% above Elliott's average buy price of about $29.10, according to a Schedule 13D filed on Feb. 23. Even after the sale, Elliott still holds about 45 million shares. Southwest is now one of the fund's largest ...

U.S. and Canadian airlines canceled flights Sunday to parts of Mexico after Mexican officials said drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in a military operation, triggering reported clashes in Jalisco state and prompting travel advisories. United Airlines canceled all Sunday flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara."United Airlines flight operations to/from PVR (Puerto Vallarta) and GDL (Guadalajara) are canceled today," United Airlines said in a statement to FOX Business. Southwest ...

Hundreds of travellers were left stranded at Cancún International Airport and Lic Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico as at least 29 flights got cancelled and more got delayed. This comes after violence erupted over the killing of the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes.According to Travel and Tour World, 62 flights were delayed and another 29 were cancelled at the two busiest airports of Mexico — Cancun International Airport and Lic. Benito Juáre ...

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines is experiencing a notable increase in share price despite broader market declines, indicating strong momentum and investor interest [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Southwest Airlines shares are trading higher during premarket sessions, up 2.25% at $52.26, while major indices like the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 are showing losses [1][5]. - Over the past 12 months, Southwest Airlines has gained 70.37%, reflecting strong long-term momentum, with the stock trading near its 52-week high of $54.70 [3]. Group 2: Earnings Outlook - The next major catalyst for Southwest Airlines' stock is the upcoming earnings report on April 22, which analysts are closely monitoring due to expected substantial improvements and strategic shifts [4]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings and Estimates - The stock carries a Hold rating with an average price target of $42.44, with recent analyst actions including target increases from Susquehanna to $55.00, UBS to $51.00, and Jefferies to $48.00 [5][6]. - Earnings per share (EPS) is estimated at 52 cents, a significant improvement from a loss of 13 cents year-over-year, while revenue is estimated at $7.16 billion, up from $6.43 billion year-over-year [6].

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines (LUV) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity due to its improving earnings outlook and analysts raising earnings estimates [1][3]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The trend in estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism about Southwest Airlines' earnings prospects, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, the earnings estimate is $0.51 per share, showing a significant increase of +492.3% compared to the previous year [5]. - Over the last 30 days, four estimates have been raised while one has been lowered, resulting in a 30.94% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter [5]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $4.30 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of +362.4% [6]. - In the past month, seven estimates have been raised with no negative revisions, indicating a positive trend for the current year [6]. Zacks Rank - Southwest Airlines currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts regarding the positive earnings estimate revisions [7]. - The Zacks Rank system has a proven track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 2008 [3]. Stock Performance - The stock has gained 18.5% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions, suggesting potential for further growth [8].

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines has announced the rapid deployment of SpaceX's Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi service across its fleet, marking its entry into the competitive in-flight connectivity market [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Southwest Airlines plans to equip over 300 aircraft with Starlink service by the end of this year, with the first flight expected to operate this summer [1] - This move comes after pressure from activist investor Elliot Investment Management, which has become one of Southwest Airlines' largest shareholders [1] - The airline has begun charging for checked baggage and introduced assigned seating, moving away from its previous differentiators compared to competitors like Delta Airlines and American Airlines [1] Group 2: Industry Trends - The in-flight Wi-Fi market is experiencing rapid growth, with SpaceX quickly gaining market share among major airlines, including Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines [1] - Traditional in-flight Wi-Fi services have been criticized for unstable signals and poor experiences, while Starlink offers faster and more reliable connectivity due to its use of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites [1] - The growth of Starlink is contributing to the increasing valuation of SpaceX, which has also acquired Elon Musk's xAI to create a space data center, aiming for an IPO this year [1]

Core Insights - Southwest Airlines is enhancing inflight connectivity by integrating Starlink's ultra-fast WiFi, allowing customers to stream and connect seamlessly during flights [1] - The airline plans to equip over 300 aircraft with Starlink technology by the end of 2026, marking a significant upgrade in its inflight services [1] Company Developments - The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service in summer 2026, with a goal to provide high-speed internet access across its network of 11 countries [1] - Southwest Airlines is the largest U.S. airline to offer free WiFi fleetwide to its loyalty members, enhancing customer experience [1] Technology and Service Enhancements - Starlink consists of over 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, providing reliable, high-speed internet that supports streaming, online gaming, and productivity [1] - The airline is also improving the cabin experience with features like in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and new aircraft seats designed for comfort [1] Customer Experience Initiatives - Southwest Airlines is optimizing the boarding process and offering enhanced services for customers in Extra Legroom seats and loyalty program members [1] - The airline is committed to providing a cabin experience that rivals home connectivity, aiming to make travel faster and more enjoyable [1]

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines announced that two directors representing activist investor Elliott Investment Management will resign from the board, effective February 23. The company stated that there are no disagreements between the departing directors and the airline [1]. Group 1 - The board of Southwest Airlines will decrease in size from 13 members to 11 members following the resignations [1].

Core Viewpoint - Multiple airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to a significant shortage of aviation fuel, exacerbated by U.S. tariffs on oil shipments to the island [1][2][14] Group 1: Airline Operations - Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have canceled flights to Cuba, with Air Canada planning to operate repatriation flights for approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba [5][6] - Air Transat will suspend flights to Cuba through April 30 and refund customers whose trips have not yet begun [6] - U.S. airlines, including Southwest and Delta, reported that their operations to Cuba remain largely unaffected, with Southwest operating one flight daily to Havana [8][9] Group 2: Fuel Shortage Details - Cuban authorities announced that aviation fuel will be unavailable at airports for at least one month, until March 11 at the earliest, due to economic pressure from the U.S. [2][10] - The Cuban Aviation Corporation stated that they are working to ensure the safety and reliability of airspace operations despite the fuel shortage [13] Group 3: Political Context - President Trump declared a national emergency regarding Cuba, accusing the regime of aligning with hostile foreign powers and threatening tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba [3][14][15] - The executive order aims to protect U.S. national security and has led to a halt in oil shipments from major partners like Venezuela and Mexico, crippling Cuba's energy infrastructure [14][15]