WallStSmart

Copa Holdings SA (CPA)vsSouthwest Airlines Company (LUV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southwest Airlines Company generates 654% more annual revenue ($30.07B vs $3.99B). CPA leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 2.8%. LUV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.19. CPA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

CPA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.09

LUV

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CPAFair Value (-0.3%)

Margin of Safety

-0.3%

Fair Value

$150.21

Current Price

$129.15

$21.06 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.21Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LUV.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CPA6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
24.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.958/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.7%8/10

Revenue surging 25.7% year-over-year

LUV4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.4%8/10

16.4% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

CPA3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-53.8%2/10

Earnings declined 53.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-49.47M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.4%3/10

Operating margin of 3.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-454.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CPA

The strongest argument for CPA centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 8.7%. Revenue growth of 25.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : LUV

The strongest argument for LUV centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CPA

The primary concerns for CPA are Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : LUV

The primary concerns for LUV are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LUV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.

CPA is growing revenue faster at 25.7% — sustainability is the question.

CPA generates stronger free cash flow (-49M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

CPA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 25.7% revenue growth. 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 →

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?