WallStSmart

Copa Holdings SA (CPA)vsUnited Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

United Airlines Holdings Inc generates 1571% more annual revenue ($60.47B vs $3.62B). CPA leads profitability with a 18.6% profit margin vs 6.1%. CPA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. CPA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

CPA

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.09

UAL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.16
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CPAUndervalued (+15.5%)

Margin of Safety

+15.5%

Fair Value

$178.18

Current Price

$117.04

$61.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $178.18Overvalued
UALUndervalued (+14.6%)

Margin of Safety

+14.6%

Fair Value

$133.39

Current Price

$96.62

$36.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $133.39Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CPA5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
26.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.5%

UAL5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
84.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 84.5% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
25.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.13B8/10

Generating 3.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CPA1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

UAL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.1%3/10

6.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.3%3/10

Operating margin of 4.3%

PEG RatioValuation
6.502/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.162/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CPA

The strongest argument for CPA centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.6% and operating margin at 22.5%. PEG of 0.95 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : UAL

The primary concerns for UAL are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CPA profiles as a mature stock while UAL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

UAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

UAL is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.

UAL generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CPA scores higher overall (77/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 18.6% margins. Both earn "Strong 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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?