WallStSmart

American Airlines Group (AAL)vsSouthwest Airlines Company (LUV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Airlines Group generates 95% more annual revenue ($54.63B vs $28.06B). AAL leads profitability with a 20.0% profit margin vs 1.6%. AAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.09. LUV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AAL

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.59

LUV

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AALSignificantly Overvalued (-1076.2%)

Margin of Safety

-1076.2%

Fair Value

$1.22

Current Price

$10.43

$9.21 premium

UndervaluedFair: $1.22Overvalued
LUVSignificantly Overvalued (-39.1%)

Margin of Safety

-39.1%

Fair Value

$36.97

Current Price

$39.41

$2.44 premium

UndervaluedFair: $36.97Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAL2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.0910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Profit MarginProfitability
20.0%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

LUV3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.8% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AAL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Operating MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

Operating margin of 3.6%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

LUV4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.8%3/10

ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.6%3/10

1.6% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
50.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAL

The strongest argument for AAL centers on PEG Ratio, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.0% and operating margin at 3.6%. PEG of 0.09 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LUV

The strongest argument for LUV centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Price/Book. PEG of 0.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AAL

The primary concerns for AAL are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. A P/E of 60.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : LUV

The primary concerns for LUV are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 50.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

LUV is growing revenue faster at 7.4% — sustainability is the question.

LUV generates stronger free cash flow (-564M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor AIRLINES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

LUV scores higher overall (63/100 vs 44/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

American Airlines Group

INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA

American Airlines Group Inc. is an American publicly traded airline holding company headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.

Southwest Airlines Company

INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA

Southwest Airlines Co., typically referred to as Southwest, is one of the major airlines of the United States and the world's largest low-cost carrier airline. It is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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