Copa Holdings SA (CPA)vsUnited Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL)
CPA
Copa Holdings SA
$157.19
+0.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $6.41B
UAL
United Airlines Holdings Inc
$136.11
+1.12%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $42.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
United Airlines Holdings Inc generates 1503% more annual revenue ($60.47B vs $3.77B). CPA leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 6.1%. CPA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. CPA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
CPA
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
UAL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-6.3%
Fair Value
$141.61
Current Price
$157.19
$15.58 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for UAL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%
17.0% revenue growth
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 84.5% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 3.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
6.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.3%
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CPA
The strongest argument for CPA centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 24.6%. Revenue growth of 17.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : UAL
The strongest argument for UAL centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CPA
The primary concerns for CPA are Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : UAL
The primary concerns for UAL are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CPA profiles as a growth stock while UAL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
CPA is growing revenue faster at 17.0% — sustainability is the question.
UAL generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CPA scores higher overall (80/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 18.8% margins and 17.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Copa Holdings SA
INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA
Copa Holdings, SA, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company is headquartered in Panama City, Panama.
Visit Website →United Airlines Holdings Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as United Continental Holdings, Inc., UAL Corporation, Allegis Corporation and founded originally as UAL, Inc.) is a publicly traded airline holding company headquartered in the Willis Tower in Chicago. UAH owns and operates United Airlines, Inc.
Visit Website →Compare with Other AIRLINES Stocks
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