In Tuesday’s trading, NYSE and Nasdaq had 56 and 99 new 52-week highs, respectively, against 42 and 256 new 52-week lows, respectively. Yesterday’s jobs report caused the S&P 500 to fall for the third consecutive day. Southwest Airlines and TJX Companies hit new 52-week highs on the NYSE. Year-to-date, both stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 significantly.

Southwest Airlines stock is up over 25% year-to-date, while TJX Companies’ share price has gained more than 28%. Concerns about Southwest include operational deficiencies, financial stability, and an overvalued stock price. Delta Air Lines outperforms Southwest in operational metrics and profitability.

Southwest has total debt of $5.26 billion, with net debt of $2.24 billion, while Delta’s net debt is $18.29 billion. Analysts expect Southwest to earn $0.97 in 2025, trading at 43.6 times that estimate. TJX has a stronger business model, with a history of growth and customer loyalty. TJX reported strong Q3 2026 results, increasing guidance for the year.

TJX has a compound annual growth rate of 15.8% since going public in 1987. Analysts are more enthusiastic about TJX stock, with 18 out of 22 rating it a Buy. In fiscal 2026, analysts expect TJX to earn $4.68 per share, trading at 33.1 times 2026 EPS. TJX is considered a better long-term investment compared to Southwest Airlines.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Which Is More Likely to Fly Higher in 2026 and beyond?