WallStSmart

Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL)vsUnited Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Delta Air Lines Inc generates 8% more annual revenue ($65.18B vs $60.47B). DAL leads profitability with a 6.9% profit margin vs 6.1%. UAL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 6.50. UAL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DAL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9

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

DALUndervalued (+19.6%)

Margin of Safety

+19.6%

Fair Value

$88.87

Current Price

$71.20

$17.67 discount

UndervaluedFair: $88.87Overvalued
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

DAL5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

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

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

DAL3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
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

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 : DAL

The strongest argument for DAL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : DAL

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

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

DAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

DAL is growing revenue faster at 12.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

DAL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 67/100) 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.

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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