Elliott Sells 5.3M Southwest Shares After 75% Rally; Artisan Cuts 0.1%
Elliott Investment Management sold 5.3 million Southwest Airlines shares after the stock rallied 75% above its $29.10 average cost but still holds about 45 million shares. Artisan Partners trimmed its position by 15,286 shares—0.1%—leaving it with roughly 10.75 million Southwest shares.
1. Elliott Investment Management Trims Stake
Paul Singer’s Elliott Investment Management sold roughly 5.3 million Southwest Airlines shares after the stock climbed nearly 75% above its $29.10 average cost. The fund still holds about 45 million shares, making Southwest one of its largest and most-conviction positions.
2. Artisan Partners Slightly Reduces Position
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership disposed of 15,286 Southwest shares—a 0.1% stake—leaving it with approximately 10.75 million shares. The minor trim reflects routine rebalancing given recent gains.
3. Operational Overhaul Drives Rally
Southwest stock has surged 68% over the past year and 23% year-to-date, propelled by a shift to assigned seating, new extra-legroom options and added ancillary fees. The airline now projects at least $4 in adjusted EPS for 2026, up from $0.93 in 2025, validating its turnaround strategy.