WallStSmart

Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL)vsSouthwest Airlines Company (LUV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Delta Air Lines Inc generates 126% more annual revenue ($65.18B vs $28.88B). DAL leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 2.8%. LUV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.35. DAL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DAL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 5.5Value: 4.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.20

LUV

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.84
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DALSignificantly Overvalued (-75.2%)

Margin of Safety

-75.2%

Fair Value

$52.59

Current Price

$92.57

$39.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $52.59Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LUV.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DAL6 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$59.56B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
44.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 44.6% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.23B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

LUV2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3510/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

DAL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

Operating margin of 3.2%

PEG RatioValuation
39.292/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.202/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LUV4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.844/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Profit MarginProfitability
2.8%3/10

2.8% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : LUV

The strongest argument for LUV centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DAL

The primary concerns for DAL are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : LUV

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

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 66/100) and 12.9% 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.

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.

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.

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