United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) vs Xylem Inc. (XYL)

UAL leads on 12 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of United Airlines Holdings, Inc. and Xylem Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — UAL vs XYL

growth of $100 · last 15y
UAL +493.9%XYL +357.6%UAL compounded faster
200400600Start $10020142017202020232026$594$458
UAL XYL

UAL vs XYL: by the numbers

  • UAL is the larger company ($38.94B vs $26.80B market cap).
  • UAL trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.71 vs 27.60 P/E).
  • XYL converts more revenue to profit (10.70% vs 6.06% net margin).
  • UAL grew revenue faster over the past five years (41.67% vs 12.66% CAGR).
  • XYL pays a dividend (1.50% yield) while UAL does not currently pay one.

Which is better, UAL or XYL?

Metric tally: UAL 12 · XYL 3

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueUAL(lower P/E)
GrowthUAL(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityUAL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricUALXYL
P/E ratio10.7127.60
Forward P/E8.3220.05
P/S ratio0.652.97
P/B ratio2.472.46
PEG ratio1.664.89
EV / EBITDA7.1715.68
FCF yield8.18%3.58%

Profitability

MetricUALXYL
Gross margin64.24%38.61%
Operating margin8.44%13.60%
Net margin6.06%10.70%
ROE23.09%8.87%
ROIC6.63%6.37%

Dividends

MetricUALXYL
Dividend yield1.50%
Payout ratio42.24%

Growth (annualized)

MetricUALXYL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)41.67%12.66%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.15%22.76%
FCF CAGR (5Y)61.78%8.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.76%0.75%

Frequently asked

Which is better, UAL or XYL?
It depends on your goal. value: UAL (lower P/E); growth: UAL (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: UAL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, UAL leads 12 to 3.
Is UAL or XYL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, UAL is cheaper: UAL trades at a 10.71 P/E and XYL at 27.60.
Which has grown faster, UAL or XYL?
Over the past five years, UAL grew revenue faster — UAL at a 41.67% CAGR versus XYL at 12.66%.
Does UAL or XYL pay a bigger dividend?
XYL pays a dividend (1.50% yield) while UAL does not currently pay one.
Is UAL or XYL more profitable?
XYL runs the higher net margin — UAL at 6.06% versus XYL at 10.70%.

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 June 16, 2026.