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JBLU vs UAL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? JetBlue Airways (JBLU) vs. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Profitability gap: UAL is generating solid, positive earnings, while JBLU remains loss-making and is targeting a return to operating profitability only by 2027.
- Balance-sheet risk: JBLU carries roughly $8.4 billion in total debt and faces creditor scrutiny, whereas UAL operates with a far stronger financial profile.
- Momentum contrast: UAL has held up far better in recent market activity, while JBLU has been among the most volatile airline names of the past month.
- Business model difference: UAL's premium, hub-and-spoke network and loyalty revenue are compounding, while JBLU's low-cost model is more exposed to fuel-cost swings.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Between the two, UAL is the favored ticker based on trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning.
- Explore more details on these companies with JBLU Major News, JBLU Today's Price Move, UAL Major News, and UAL Today's Price Move.
- Discover which automated strategies are currently outperforming by exploring Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
JetBlue Airways (JBLU) and United Airlines Holdings (UAL) sit at opposite ends of the U.S. airline industry's risk spectrum. JBLU is a low-cost carrier navigating elevated fuel prices, persistent losses, and questions about its balance sheet, while UAL is a global network carrier translating premium and loyalty demand into record revenue. This stock comparison is relevant for investors weighing turnaround risk against established profitability, and for traders monitoring relative performance and market positioning within the airline sector during a period of sharp fuel-cost swings and shifting sentiment.
JBLU Overview and Recent Performance
JBLU, New York's low-cost "hometown airline," has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks. In its latest quarterly report, the company posted a wider net loss of roughly $257 million, while revenue rose about 21% year over year to approximately $2.81 billion. Unit revenue, measured as revenue per available seat mile (RASM, or what the airline earns flying one seat one mile), climbed 18.4%, signaling resilient demand and pricing power.
That demand strength has been offset by a roughly 57% jump in average fuel costs. The airline also carries about $8.4 billion in total debt, and reports that senior creditors had engaged restructuring advisers briefly rattled markets. Management has publicly denied any debt-restructuring talks, and the stock rebounded sharply on those reassurances and on guidance pointing to further margin improvement. Still, JBLU has been one of the sector's weakest performers on a year-to-date basis, and it is targeting operating profitability in 2027 with positive free cash flow (FCF) and at least $1 of earnings per share (EPS, or profit divided by shares outstanding) in 2028.
UAL Overview and Recent Performance
UAL, a Chicago-based global network carrier, has delivered a comparatively steadier operating story. The company reported record quarterly operating revenue of about $17.88 billion, up roughly 17% year over year, supported by strength across premium cabins, loyalty, cargo, and contracted business travel. Passenger revenue and cargo revenue both grew solidly, and total revenue per available seat mile (TRASM) rose about 15.9%.
Like JBLU, UAL has contended with sharply higher fuel costs, which rose roughly 60% on a per-gallon basis and pressured margins. Adjusted diluted EPS came in slightly below consensus expectations, reflecting that cost drag. However, the company remains profitable, maintains a market capitalization in the mid-to-high $30 billion range, and carries a "Strong Buy" consensus rating from sell-side analysts. In recent weeks the stock has outperformed many airline peers, aided by premium demand and by falling crude prices tied to easing geopolitical tensions.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between JBLU and UAL is one of business model and financial resilience. UAL's hub-and-spoke network emphasizes international and premium travel, which has driven faster revenue growth per seat and a richer loyalty ecosystem. JBLU's low-cost, point-to-point model competes more directly on price, leaving it more exposed to fuel costs and fare competition. Growth drivers differ accordingly: UAL leans on premium demand and loyalty monetization, while JBLU is betting on a turnaround plan centered on its Fort Lauderdale expansion, cost discipline, and ancillary platforms.
Risk factors also diverge. JBLU's elevated debt load, ongoing cash burn, and creditor concerns represent structural risks, while UAL's primary headwinds are more cyclical — fuel prices, labor costs, and operational disruptions. In terms of market sentiment, UAL enjoys broad analyst support and steadier relative performance, whereas JBLU has exhibited much higher volatility, swinging sharply on news flow about its balance sheet. Sector exposure is shared, but the two names occupy different positions within it.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors — trend consistency, balance-sheet stability, earnings quality, and relative positioning — Tickeron's AI would likely favor UAL over JBLU in the current environment. UAL combines positive, albeit pressured, profitability with more consistent momentum and a stronger consensus, while JBLU carries higher tail risk tied to leverage and cash burn even as its revenue performance shows genuine improvement. That said, JBLU's sharp rebound on reassuring management commentary demonstrates the potential for outsized moves if its turnaround gains traction. The probabilistic edge, however, rests with UAL's steadier trend and more resilient financial profile.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is JBLU is a Buy and UAL is a Buy.
JBLU in +12.30% Uptrend, rising for three consecutive days on November 04, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where JBLU advanced for three days, in 208 of 265 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where JBLU's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 23 of 35 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 66%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on JBLU as a result. In 70 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for JBLU just turned positive on October 29, 2026. Looking at past instances where JBLU's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where JBLU declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
JBLU broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for JBLU entered a downward trend on November 04, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 15 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.846) is normal, around the industry mean (2.211). P/E Ratio (-1.496) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.252). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.140) is also within normal values, averaging (2.252). JBLU has a moderately low Dividend Yield (0.000) as compared to the industry average of (0.026). P/S Ratio (0.168) is also within normal values, averaging (0.529).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 15 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 84 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly worse than average price growth. JBLU’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 98 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. JBLU’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock worse than average.
UAL's RSI Oscillator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for UAL moved out of oversold territory on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 28 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 24 of the 28 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 86%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on UAL as a result. In 61 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for UAL just turned positive on October 27, 2026. Looking at past instances where UAL's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
UAL moved above its 50-day moving average on November 04, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +6.92% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UAL advanced for three days, in 235 of 314 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for UAL moved below the 200-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where UAL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
UAL broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for UAL entered a downward trend on October 29, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 73, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 42 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. UAL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 65 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.250) is normal, around the industry mean (2.211). P/E Ratio (10.728) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.252). UAL's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (6.503) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.252). UAL's Dividend Yield (0.074) is considerably higher than the industry average of (0.026). P/S Ratio (0.552) is also within normal values, averaging (0.529).
JBLU | UAL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 10 | 28 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 15 Undervalued | 65 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 37 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 98 | 42 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 84 | 58 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 15 | 25 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
JBLU's Valuation (15) in the Airlines industry is somewhat better than the same rating for UAL (65). This means that JBLU’s stock grew somewhat faster than UAL’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's Profit vs Risk Rating (37) in the Airlines industry is somewhat better than the same rating for JBLU (100). This means that UAL’s stock grew somewhat faster than JBLU’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's SMR Rating (42) in the Airlines industry is somewhat better than the same rating for JBLU (98). This means that UAL’s stock grew somewhat faster than JBLU’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's Price Growth Rating (58) in the Airlines industry is in the same range as JBLU (84). This means that UAL’s stock grew similarly to JBLU’s over the last 12 months.
JBLU's P/E Growth Rating (15) in the Airlines industry is in the same range as UAL (25). This means that JBLU’s stock grew similarly to UAL’s over the last 12 months.
| JBLU | UAL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 86% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 77% | 1 day ago 74% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 70% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 80% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 81% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 9 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 81% | 17 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 78% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 81% | 1 day ago 78% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
JBLU’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while UAL’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- JBLU’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- UAL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
JBLU’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UAL’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- JBLU’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- UAL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
JBLU (@Airlines) experienced а +24.91% price change this week, while UAL (@Airlines) price change was +11.92% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Airlines industry was +9.29%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.46%, and the average quarterly price growth was -6.23%.
Reported Earning Dates
JBLU is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
UAL is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Airlines (+9.29% weekly)Airlines industry comprises passenger air transportation, including scheduled and non-scheduled routes. This can include charter airlines, as well as regular commuter ones. Discount pricing and the rise of low-cost carriers over recent decades have expanded the industry by making its services accessible to a much larger global population, compared to the older days when airline travel was a relative luxury for many people in the world. Delta Air Lines Inc., Southwest Airlines Co and United Continental Holdings, Inc. are some of the airlines with the largest stock market capitalizations in the U.S.
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JBLU and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, JBLU has been closely correlated with AAL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if JBLU jumps, then AAL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To JBLU | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBLU | 100% | +11.95% | ||
| AAL - JBLU | 68% Closely correlated | +6.32% | ||
| ALGT - JBLU | 68% Closely correlated | +9.50% | ||
| UAL - JBLU | 67% Closely correlated | +7.98% | ||
| ULCC - JBLU | 67% Closely correlated | +9.58% | ||
| SKYW - JBLU | 62% Loosely correlated | +6.06% | ||
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