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SKYW vs UAL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) vs. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- SKYW (SkyWest, Inc.) is a regional airline operating under capacity agreements for major carriers, while UAL (United Airlines Holdings, Inc.) is a full-service global network carrier with hubs across the U.S. and extensive international routes.
- Both stocks face similar macro headwinds from elevated jet-fuel costs, but UAL recently showed stronger relative price momentum and broader analyst support.
- SKYW offers a more defensive, contract-based revenue model, yet it carries exposure to pro-rate flying where fuel swings hit margins directly.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on trend consistency, recent catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently favor UAL over SKYW.
- For more detail, explore SKYW Major News and SKYW Today's Price Move, along with UAL Major News and UAL Today's Price Move.
- To see which automated strategies are currently favored, explore the curated Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the airline sector often weigh the stability of a regional carrier against the scale of a global network airline. This stock comparison examines SKYW (SkyWest, Inc.) and UAL (United Airlines Holdings, Inc.), two companies that share exposure to travel demand, fuel prices, and labor dynamics but operate with very different business models. The comparison is relevant for traders assessing relative performance and market positioning, as well as longer-term investors comparing growth drivers, risk factors, and sector sensitivity across the airline industry.
SKYW Overview and Recent Performance
SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) is one of the largest regional airlines in the United States, operating primarily through capacity purchase agreements with major carriers such as United, Delta, and American. This contract-based model generally provides more predictable revenue than demand-driven fare models, though SkyWest also flies a portion of its fleet under "pro-rate" arrangements where it bears direct revenue and fuel-cost risk. The company has been expanding its fleet, ordering additional E175 aircraft and growing its charter operations.
In recent weeks, SKYW shares have pulled back notably from their 52-week high. The company reported higher year-over-year revenue and net income in its latest quarter, but management trimmed its full-year earnings outlook as elevated jet-fuel costs and maintenance-related pressures weighed on results. Several analysts lowered price targets while retaining broadly constructive ratings. Market sentiment has reflected a tension between SkyWest's defensive contract revenue and concerns over fuel sensitivity and near-term margin compression.
UAL Overview and Recent Performance
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) is a major U.S. network carrier with hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., and a route network focused heavily on international and long-haul travel. Its "United Next" strategy emphasizes fleet modernization and premium-seat growth to improve profitability.
United's latest quarterly results showed record operating revenue, up roughly 17% year over year, driven by strong passenger demand, higher fares, and growth across premium, loyalty, and cargo segments. However, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in slightly below consensus as fuel expenses rose sharply. In recent market activity, UAL shares gained momentum as declining crude-oil prices eased fuel-cost concerns and the company accelerated its in-flight connectivity rollout. The stock continues to trade below its 52-week high, and sell-side consensus remains broadly positive with an average price target well above recent levels.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron operates a large ecosystem of AI Trading Bots spanning hundreds of automated strategies that trade thousands of different tickers. Because market conditions change constantly, only the strategies best suited to the current environment earn a place in the curated Trending AI Robots section. These bots vary widely in trading style, timeframe, risk profile, performance statistics, and the set of tickers they trade, giving users a range of approaches to evaluate. The page highlights bots demonstrating notable relative strength and alignment with prevailing trends, rather than every available strategy. Traders and investors interested in systematic, data-driven approaches can review the current selection of Trending AI Robots to see which automated strategies are presently gaining traction.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast between SKYW and UAL is scale versus stability. SkyWest is a regional operator whose fee-per-departure agreements with major airlines reduce direct demand risk but leave it reliant on a concentrated set of customers and exposed to pro-rate fuel swings. United is a full-scale network carrier with far larger revenue, broader international diversification, and premium-product growth, but with greater sensitivity to global demand cycles, geopolitical disruption, and fuel-price volatility.
On recent momentum, UAL has shown firmer near-term price action, aided by falling oil prices and record revenue, while SKYW has traded lower amid a trimmed outlook and multiple price-target reductions. In terms of valuation, both stocks trade at relatively modest earnings multiples for the airline sector, but UAL carries a materially higher debt load relative to equity. Risk profiles differ accordingly: SkyWest offers a steadier contractual revenue base, while United offers greater upside leverage to a robust travel cycle but with higher financial and operational complexity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing observable factors such as trend consistency, recent catalysts, revenue momentum, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward UAL over SKYW. United's record revenue, broad analyst support, and improving near-term sentiment around fuel costs provide a more favorable catalyst set, whereas SkyWest's recent guidance reduction and price pullback suggest softer short-term trend consistency. This assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, and relative positioning can shift as fuel prices, demand trends, and earnings outlooks evolve.
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 SKYW is a Buy and UAL is a Buy.
SKYW in +2.26% Uptrend, advancing for three consecutive days on November 11, 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 SKYW advanced for three days, in 235 of 286 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SKYW's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 22 of 29 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 38 of 51 cases where SKYW's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
SKYW may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 30, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SKYW as a result. In 54 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 65%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SKYW turned negative on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 31 of the 47 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 66%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SKYW 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 70%.
The Aroon Indicator for SKYW entered a downward trend on November 10, 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 42 (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 (1.116) is normal, around the industry mean (2.379). P/E Ratio (7.737) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.762). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.420) is also within normal values, averaging (2.252). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.025) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.944) is also within normal values, averaging (0.529).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 55 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 63 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. SKYW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 67 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average 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.
UAL in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026
The 10-day moving average for UAL crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on November 06, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 13 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where UAL's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 22 of 28 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
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 70 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
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 34 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
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 +6.94% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UAL advanced for three days, in 232 of 310 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 10 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 09, 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 31 (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 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 42 (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 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 Valuation Rating of 66 (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 (2.192) is normal, around the industry mean (2.379). P/E Ratio (10.449) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.762). UAL's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (6.503) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.252). UAL's Dividend Yield (0.076) is considerably higher than the industry average of (0.025). P/S Ratio (0.552) is also within normal values, averaging (0.529).
SKYW | UAL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 71 | 35 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 42 Fair valued | 66 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 54 | 34 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 55 | 42 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 63 | 42 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 67 | 31 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
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.
SKYW's Valuation (42) in the Airlines industry is in the same range as UAL (66). This means that SKYW’s stock grew similarly to UAL’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's Profit vs Risk Rating (34) in the Airlines industry is in the same range as SKYW (54). This means that UAL’s stock grew similarly to SKYW’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's SMR Rating (42) in the Airlines industry is in the same range as SKYW (55). This means that UAL’s stock grew similarly to SKYW’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's Price Growth Rating (42) in the Airlines industry is in the same range as SKYW (63). This means that UAL’s stock grew similarly to SKYW’s over the last 12 months.
UAL's P/E Growth Rating (31) in the Airlines industry is somewhat better than the same rating for SKYW (67). This means that UAL’s stock grew somewhat faster than SKYW’s over the last 12 months.
| SKYW | UAL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 1 day ago 79% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 81% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 66% | 1 day ago 77% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 1 day ago 81% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 69% | 1 day ago 81% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 82% | 2 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 70% | 24 days ago 75% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 75% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 76% | 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).
SKYW’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while UAL’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- SKYW’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- UAL’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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.
SKYW’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UAL’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- SKYW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- UAL’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
SKYW (@Airlines) experienced а +7.80% price change this week, while UAL (@Airlines) price change was +12.45% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Airlines industry was +5.74%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +8.91%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.25%.
Reported Earning Dates
SKYW is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
UAL is expected to report earnings on Jan 20, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Airlines (+5.74% 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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SKYW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SKYW has been closely correlated with UAL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 69% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SKYW jumps, then UAL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To SKYW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKYW | 100% | +1.97% | ||
| UAL - SKYW | 69% Closely correlated | -1.82% | ||
| AAL - SKYW | 68% Closely correlated | -0.07% | ||
| ALGT - SKYW | 64% Loosely correlated | +1.65% | ||
| JBLU - SKYW | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.50% | ||
| ULCC - SKYW | 56% Loosely correlated | -0.12% | ||
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UAL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, UAL has been closely correlated with AAL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 85% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if UAL jumps, then AAL could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To UAL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAL | 100% | -1.82% | ||
| AAL - UAL | 85% Closely correlated | -0.07% | ||
| ALGT - UAL | 77% Closely correlated | +1.65% | ||
| SKYW - UAL | 74% Closely correlated | +1.97% | ||
| LUV - UAL | 73% Closely correlated | +0.35% | ||
| ULCC - UAL | 67% Closely correlated | -0.12% | ||
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