In 2006, the major airline carriers, with the principal exception of Southwest Airlines (LUV), continued to be in dire finan-cial condition following the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.

a. Given the following data for Southwest Airlines and three other airlines (for August 1, 2014), estimate the unlevered equity beta for Southwest Airlines.

b. Based on your estimate of Southwest Airliness unlevered equity beta, relever the beta to get an estimate of the firms levered beta.

Company Name American Airlines (AAL Delta Airlines (DAL) Jet Blue (JBLU) Southwest Airlines (LUV) Levered Equity Beta 1.01 96 97 Debt/Equity Capitalization .26 06 Assumed Debt Beta 0.30 0.40 0.30 0.20 Company Name American Airlines (AAL Delta Airlines (DAL) Jet Blue (JBLU) Southwest Airlines (LUV) Levered Equity Beta 1.01 96 97 Debt/Equity Capitalization .26 06 Assumed Debt Beta 0.30 0.40 0.30 0.20