CAAP
Corporación América Airports S.A.
Airlines, Airports & Air Services
Market Cap$4.12B
5Y Perf.+929.8%
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Stock Comparison
CAAP vs VLRS
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
VLRS
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.
Airlines, Airports & Air Services
Market Cap$883M
5Y Perf.+53.6%
CAAP vs VLRS — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CAAP | VLRS |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Airlines, Airports & Air Services | Airlines, Airports & Air Services |
| Market Cap | $4.12B | $883M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.93B | $3.04B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $183M | $-104M |
| Gross Margin | 34.1% | 11.8% |
| Operating Margin | 23.1% | 4.5% |
| Forward P/E | 11.8x | — |
| Total Debt | $1.17B | $3.86B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $440M | $754M |
CAAP vs VLRS — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CAAP
VLRS
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporación América… (CAAP) | 100 | 1029.8 | +929.8% |
| Controladora Vuela … (VLRS) | 100 | 153.6 | +53.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CAAP vs VLRS
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CAAP leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
CAAP
Corporación América Airports S.A.
The Income Pick
CAAP carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 1.29
- Rev growth 31.7%, EPS growth 18.1%, 3Y rev CAGR 37.6%
- 53.8% 10Y total return vs VLRS's -62.3%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
VLRS
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.
The Value Play
VLRS is the clearest fit if your priority is value and momentum.
- Better valuation composite
- +90.6% vs CAAP's +24.2%
Best for: value and momentum
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CAAP | 31.7% revenue growth vs VLRS's -3.3% |
| Value | VLRS | Better valuation composite |
| Quality / Margins | CAAP | 9.5% margin vs VLRS's -3.4% |
| Stability / Safety | CAAP | Beta 1.29 vs VLRS's 1.62, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | VLRS | +90.6% vs CAAP's +24.2% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CAAP | 4.3% ROA vs VLRS's -1.8%, ROIC 15.2% vs 3.0% |
CAAP vs VLRS — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCAAPLAGGINGVLRS
VLRSControladora Vuela Co…
1leads
CAAPCorporación América A…
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs VLRSMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CAAP6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
VLRS4/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CAAP9/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CAAP5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
CAAP2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
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Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAAP leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
VLRS is the larger business by revenue, generating $3.0B annually — 1.6x CAAP's $1.9B. CAAP is the more profitable business, keeping 9.5% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to VLRS's -3.4%. On growth, CAAP holds the edge at +14.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CAAPCorporación Améri… | VLRSControladora Vuel… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.9B | $3.0B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $686M | $642M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $183M | -$104M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $353M | $388M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +34.1% | +11.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +23.1% | +4.5% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +9.5% | -3.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +18.4% | +12.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +14.2% | +5.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +2.8% | -91.0% |
CAAP leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
VLRS leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, VLRS's 5.0x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than CAAP's 7.9x.
| Metric | CAAPCorporación Améri… | VLRSControladora Vuel… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $4.1B | $883M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4.8B | $4.0B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 14.34x | -8.53x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 11.83x | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 7.90x | 5.03x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.23x | 0.29x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.68x | 3.36x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 10.47x | 1.18x |
VLRS leads this category, winning 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAAP leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAAP delivers a 11.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $12 in annual profit, vs $-38 for VLRS. CAAP carries lower financial leverage with a 0.77x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to VLRS's 14.66x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CAAP scores 7/9 vs VLRS's 3/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | CAAPCorporación Améri… | VLRSControladora Vuel… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +11.9% | -38.0% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +4.3% | -1.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +15.2% | +3.0% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +12.7% | +3.5% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 3 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.77x | 14.66x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $729M | $3.1B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $440M | $754M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.2B | $3.9B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 4.34x | 0.50x |
CAAP leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CAAP leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CAAP five years ago would be worth $43,726 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $4,374 for VLRS. Over the past 12 months, VLRS leads with a +90.6% total return vs CAAP's +24.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CAAP at 30.6% vs VLRS's -13.8% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CAAPCorporación Améri… | VLRSControladora Vuel… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -5.0% | -16.0% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +24.2% | +90.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +122.7% | -35.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +337.3% | -56.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +53.8% | -62.3% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +30.6% | -13.8% |
CAAP leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CAAP leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CAAP is the less volatile stock with a 1.29 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than VLRS's 1.62 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. CAAP currently trades 82.7% from its 52-week high vs VLRS's 71.1% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CAAPCorporación Améri… | VLRSControladora Vuel… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.29x | 1.62x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $30.50 | $10.80 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $17.36 | $3.90 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +82.7% | +71.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 53.3 | 55.0 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 255K | 721K |
CAAP leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates CAAP as "Buy" and VLRS as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 38.5% upside for VLRS (target: $11) vs 22.9% for CAAP (target: $31).
| Metric | CAAPCorporación Améri… | VLRSControladora Vuel… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $31.00 | $10.64 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 6 | 18 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | — |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
CAAP leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). VLRS leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
Best OverallCorporación América Airport… (CAAP)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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CAAP vs VLRS: Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CAAP or VLRS a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Corporación América Airports S.
A. (CAAP) is the stronger pick with 31. 7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -3. 3% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. (VLRS). Corporación América Airports S. A. (CAAP) offers the better valuation at 14. 3x trailing P/E (11. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Corporación América Airports S. A. (CAAP) a "Buy" — based on 6 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which is the better long-term investment — CAAP or VLRS?
Over the past 5 years, Corporación América Airports S.
A. (CAAP) delivered a total return of +337. 3%, compared to -56. 3% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. (VLRS). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CAAP returned +53. 8% versus VLRS's -62. 3%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — CAAP or VLRS?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Corporación América Airports S.
A. (CAAP) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 29β versus Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. 's 1. 62β — meaning VLRS is approximately 26% more volatile than CAAP relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Corporación América Airports S. A. (CAAP) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 77% versus 15% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — CAAP or VLRS?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Corporación América Airports S.
A. (CAAP) is pulling ahead at 31. 7% versus -3. 3% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. (VLRS). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Corporación América Airports S. A. grew EPS 18. 1% year-over-year, compared to -181. 8% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CAAP leads at 37. 6% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
05Which has better profit margins — CAAP or VLRS?
Corporación América Airports S.
A. (CAAP) is the more profitable company, earning 15. 3% net margin versus -3. 4% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. — meaning it keeps 15. 3% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CAAP leads at 22. 1% versus 4. 4% for VLRS. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CAAP leads at 32. 7%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
06Is CAAP or VLRS more undervalued right now?
Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for VLRS: 38.
5% to $10. 64.
07Which pays a better dividend — CAAP or VLRS?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
08Is CAAP or VLRS better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Corporación América Airports S.
A. (CAAP) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 29)). Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. (VLRS) carries a higher beta of 1. 62 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (CAAP: +53. 8%, VLRS: -62. 3%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
09What are the main differences between CAAP and VLRS?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: CAAP is a small-cap high-growth stock; VLRS is a small-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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