Ferguson plc (FERG) vs United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL)

A side-by-side comparison of Ferguson plc and United Airlines Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFERG vs UAL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FERG +378.4% (+16.9%/yr)UAL +131.2% (+8.7%/yr)FERG compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$478$231
FERG UAL

FERG vs UAL: by the numbers

  • FERG is the larger company ($43.07B vs $35.25B market cap).
  • UAL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.14 vs 21.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FERG converts more revenue to profit (6.39% vs 5.56% net margin).
  • UAL grew revenue faster over the past five years (33.94% vs -17.70% CAGR).
  • FERG pays a dividend (1.98% yield), while UAL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFERGUAL
P/E ratio21.1710.14
Forward P/E19.4710.65
P/S ratio1.350.56
P/B ratio6.922.12
EV / EBITDA15.017.48
FCF yield2.94%7.19%

Profitability

MetricFERGUAL
Gross margin30.55%65.06%
Operating margin9.01%7.75%
Net margin6.39%5.56%
ROE32.88%20.94%
ROIC16.51%6.46%

Dividends

MetricFERGUAL
Dividend yield1.98%N/A
Payout ratio127.62%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricFERGUAL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-17.70%33.94%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.59%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-15.02%52.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.70%18.30%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FERG or UAL?
UAL has the lower trailing P/E: FERG trades at 21.17 and UAL at 10.14. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FERG or UAL?
Over the past five years, UAL grew revenue faster — FERG at a -17.70% CAGR versus UAL at 33.94%.
Does FERG or UAL pay a bigger dividend?
FERG pays a dividend (1.98% yield), while UAL is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is FERG or UAL more profitable?
FERG runs the higher net margin — FERG at 6.39% versus UAL at 5.56%.
How have FERG and UAL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FERG delivered 16.95% and UAL delivered 7.81% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 3, 2026.