WallStSmart

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

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

United Airlines Holdings Inc generates 1477% more annual revenue ($62.90B vs $3.99B). CPA leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 5.6%. CPA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.95. 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

UAL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.16
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CPAFair Value (-0.2%)

Margin of Safety

-0.2%

Fair Value

$150.27

Current Price

$129.90

$20.37 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.27Overvalued
UALSignificantly Overvalued (-41.9%)

Margin of Safety

-41.9%

Fair Value

$69.01

Current Price

$103.43

$34.42 premium

UndervaluedFair: $69.01Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

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
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.7%8/10

Revenue surging 25.7% year-over-year

UAL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
20.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.0%8/10

16.0% revenue growth

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

UAL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
5.6%3/10

5.6% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.933/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
6.502/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-17.2%2/10

Earnings declined 17.2%

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 : UAL

The strongest argument for UAL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 16.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CPA

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

Bear Case : UAL

The primary concerns for UAL are Profit Margin, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.93 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

UAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — 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 57/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 25.7% revenue growth. 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.

Copa Holdings SA

INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA

Copa Holdings, SA, provides airline passenger and cargo services. The company is headquartered in Panama City, Panama.

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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.

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