Southwest Airlines (LUV – Get Report) stock is gaining by 0.42% to $47.33 in late-morning trading on Wednesday, as the airline prepares to release its 2016 first quarter financial results before the market open on Thursday.

Analysts have forecast for a year-over-year increase in both earnings and revenue.

Southwest Airlines is projected to report earnings of 84 cents per share on revenue of $4.81 billion for the most recent quarter.

Last year, the company reported adjusted earnings of 66 cents per share on revenue of $4.41 billion for the 2015 first quarter.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a “buy” with a ratings score of A.

Southwest Airlines’ strengths such as its revenue growth, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, good cash flow from operations and expanding profit margins outweigh the fact that the company is trading at a premium valuation based on our review of its current price compared to such things as earnings and book value.

TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its “risk-adjusted” total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer’s view or that of this article’s author.