Southwest latest airline to boost dividend
DALLAS - Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) is joining other profitable carriers in raising the dividend and buying back more shares.
CEO Gary Kelly said Wednesday at Southwest's annual meeting that the board approved a 33 percent boost in the dividend, to 10 cents per quarter, and a new $2 billion share-buyback plan.
Delta Air Lines Inc. on Monday said it would raise its annual dividend later this year to 81 cents per share from 54 cents and complete a $5 billion share-buyback program by next May, ahead of schedule.
Earlier this year, American Airlines Group Inc. announced a new $2 billion buyback plan. American is based in Fort Worth.
United Continental Holdings Inc. said it expected to complete a $3 billion buyback program ahead of schedule in the second half of 2016.