Southwest Airlines cuts 2026 profit forecast as fuel costs rise

Southwest lowered its adjusted 2026 earnings forecast to $2.60 to $2.85 a share from July’s $3.25 to $4.25 range, according to CNBC. Its third-quarter adjusted earnings and revenue beat LSEG estimates, but higher fuel costs weighed on the full-year outlook. CNBC reported that CEO Bob Jordan said demand remained strong despite higher fares. Barron’s opening paragraph noted turnaround progress without naming milestones.