Southwest Airlines is an American airline that has been in operation since 1971. The company has seen a steady increase in its stock prices over the years, with a few dips in between. Southwest Airlines has been able to remain profitable and competitive, even during times of economic hardship and market volatility. In this article, we will take a look at the Southwest Airlines stock price history and how it has evolved over the years.
The Early Years
The company was founded in 1971 and went public in 1978. The initial public offering (IPO) of Southwest Airlines was priced at $13.50 per share. In its first year of trading, the stock rose to a high of $23.50. After that, the stock price remained relatively stable, trading within a narrow range between $18 and $20.
The Mid-90s
In 1995, the stock price began to increase significantly, reaching a high of $50.75. This marked a major milestone for the company, as it was the first time the stock had ever traded above $50. The stock price continued to rise and eventually reached a high of $60.25 in mid-1997.
The Late-90s and Early 2000s
After reaching its peak in mid-1997, the stock began to decline. By the end of 1998, the stock had dropped to a low of $30.50. This marked the start of a prolonged period of market volatility and declining stock prices. The stock continued to decline and reached a low of $17.50 in mid-2000.
The Mid-2000s
In the mid-2000s, the stock price began to increase again, reaching a high of $29.50 in mid-2005. The stock remained relatively stable over the next few years, trading within a range of $25 to $30. This was the beginning of a sustained period of growth for the company.
The Late-2000s and Early 2010s
In 2009, the stock price began to surge, reaching a high of $34.50. This marked the start of an impressive period of growth for the company. Over the next few years, the stock continued to increase and eventually reached a high of $57.50 in mid-2013.
The Mid-2010s and Beyond
The stock price continued to increase over the next few years, eventually reaching a high of $74.75 in mid-2017. Since then, the stock has remained relatively stable, trading within a range of $60 to $70. This is a sign that the company is still growing and is in a good position to continue its success in the future.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines has experienced an impressive period of growth over the years. The stock price has increased significantly since its IPO in 1978 and is currently trading at a high of $70. This is a testament to the company’s ability to remain profitable and competitive, even during times of economic hardship and market volatility. As long as the company continues to innovate and remain competitive, we can expect the stock price to remain steady in the years to come.