Alaska Air Group Inc (ALK)vsDelta Air Lines Inc (DAL)
ALK
Alaska Air Group Inc
$42.82
+0.30%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $5.27B
DAL
Delta Air Lines Inc
$79.50
+2.35%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $54.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Delta Air Lines Inc generates 353% more annual revenue ($65.18B vs $14.40B). DAL leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 0.5%. ALK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. DAL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ALK
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
DAL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.2%
Fair Value
$125.55
Current Price
$42.82
$82.73 discount
Margin of Safety
-60.1%
Fair Value
$52.59
Current Price
$79.50
$26.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 44.6% YoY
Generating 1.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 2.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
6.9% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ALK
The strongest argument for ALK centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : DAL
The strongest argument for DAL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ALK
The primary concerns for ALK are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. A P/E of 96.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : DAL
The primary concerns for DAL are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
DAL is growing revenue faster at 12.9% — sustainability is the question.
DAL generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor AIRLINES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DAL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100) and 12.9% revenue growth. ALK offers better value entry with a 54.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.
Alaska Air Group Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA
Alaska Air Group is an airline holding company based in SeaTac, Washington, United States.
Delta Air Lines Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA
Delta Air Lines, Inc., typically referred to as Delta, is one of the major airlines of the United States and a legacy carrier. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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