WallStSmart

Southwest Airlines Company (LUV)vsRyanair Holdings PLC ADR (RYAAY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southwest Airlines Company generates 83% more annual revenue ($28.06B vs $15.33B). RYAAY leads profitability with a 14.6% profit margin vs 1.6%. LUV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.20. LUV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

LUV

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.84

RYAAY

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.85
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LUVSignificantly Overvalued (-39.1%)

Margin of Safety

-39.1%

Fair Value

$36.97

Current Price

$39.41

$2.44 premium

UndervaluedFair: $36.97Overvalued
RYAAYSignificantly Overvalued (-96.1%)

Margin of Safety

-96.1%

Fair Value

$33.18

Current Price

$57.63

$24.45 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.18Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LUV3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.2010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.8% YoY

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

RYAAY4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.838/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

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

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
4.8%3/10

ROE of 4.8% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.6%3/10

1.6% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
50.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

RYAAY4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.854/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Operating MarginProfitability
3.2%3/10

Operating margin of 3.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-79.0%2/10

Earnings declined 79.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-392.53M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LUV

The strongest argument for LUV centers on PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Price/Book. PEG of 0.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : RYAAY

The strongest argument for RYAAY centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.83 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : LUV

The primary concerns for LUV are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 50.9x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : RYAAY

The primary concerns for RYAAY are Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LUV carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.

RYAAY is growing revenue faster at 8.6% — sustainability is the question.

RYAAY generates stronger free cash flow (-393M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

LUV scores higher overall (63/100 vs 55/100). Both earn "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.

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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Ryanair Holdings PLC ADR

INDUSTRIALS · AIRLINES · USA

Ryanair Holdings plc, offers regular passenger airline services in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Germany and other European countries. The company is headquartered in Swords, Ireland.

Visit Website →

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