VLRS
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.
Airlines, Airports & Air Services
Market Cap$902M
5Y Perf.-51.8%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
VLRS vs ULCC
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
ULCC
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.
Airlines, Airports & Air Services
Market Cap$1.10B
5Y Perf.-77.3%
VLRS vs ULCC — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | VLRS | ULCC |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Airlines, Airports & Air Services | Airlines, Airports & Air Services |
| Market Cap | $902M | $1.10B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $3.04B | $3.80B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-104M | $-366M |
| Gross Margin | 11.8% | 31.2% |
| Operating Margin | 4.5% | -10.1% |
| Total Debt | $3.86B | $5.46B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $754M | $671M |
VLRS vs ULCC — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
VLRS
ULCC
| Stock | Apr 21 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controladora Vuela … (VLRS) | 100 | 48.2 | -51.8% |
| Frontier Group Hold… (ULCC) | 100 | 22.7 | -77.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: VLRS vs ULCC
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: VLRS leads in 4 of 6 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
VLRS
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V.
The Income Pick
VLRS carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- beta 1.64
- -61.3% 10Y total return vs ULCC's -74.6%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.64, current ratio 0.73x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
ULCC
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.
The Growth Play
ULCC is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure.
- Rev growth -1.4%, EPS growth -257.9%, 3Y rev CAGR 3.8%
- -1.4% revenue growth vs VLRS's -3.3%
Best for: growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | ULCC | -1.4% revenue growth vs VLRS's -3.3% |
| Quality / Margins | VLRS | -3.4% margin vs ULCC's -9.6% |
| Stability / Safety | VLRS | Beta 1.64 vs ULCC's 2.84 |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | VLRS | +91.9% vs ULCC's +39.4% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | VLRS | -1.8% ROA vs ULCC's -5.3%, ROIC 3.0% vs -2.3% |
VLRS vs ULCC — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
VLRS vs ULCC — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLVLRSLAGGINGULCC
ULCCFrontier Group Holdin…
1leads
VLRSControladora Vuela Co…
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs ULCCMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
VLRS4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
ULCC2/3
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
VLRS8/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
VLRS5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
VLRS2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
VLRS leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ULCC and VLRS operate at a comparable scale, with $3.8B and $3.0B in trailing revenue. VLRS is the more profitable business, keeping -3.4% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to ULCC's -9.6%. On growth, ULCC holds the edge at +8.8% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | VLRSControladora Vuel… | ULCCFrontier Group Ho… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $3.0B | $3.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $642M | -$253M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$104M | -$366M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $388M | -$509M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +11.8% | +31.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +4.5% | -10.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -3.4% | -9.6% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +12.8% | -13.4% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +5.6% | +8.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -91.0% | -5.2% |
VLRS leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
ULCC leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | VLRSControladora Vuel… | ULCCFrontier Group Ho… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $902M | $1.1B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4.0B | $5.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -8.72x | -7.97x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 5.06x | — |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.30x | 0.29x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.43x | 2.24x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 1.20x | — |
ULCC leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
VLRS leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
VLRS delivers a -38.0% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $-38 in annual profit, vs $-89 for ULCC. ULCC carries lower financial leverage with a 11.13x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to VLRS's 14.66x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), VLRS scores 3/9 vs ULCC's 0/9, reflecting mixed financial health.
| Metric | VLRSControladora Vuel… | ULCCFrontier Group Ho… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -38.0% | -88.6% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -1.8% | -5.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.0% | -2.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +3.5% | -3.2% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 0 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 14.66x | 11.13x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $3.1B | $4.8B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $754M | $671M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $3.9B | $5.5B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 0.50x | -40.00x |
VLRS leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
VLRS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in VLRS five years ago would be worth $4,559 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $2,385 for ULCC. Over the past 12 months, VLRS leads with a +91.9% total return vs ULCC's +39.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors VLRS at -13.1% vs ULCC's -16.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | VLRSControladora Vuel… | ULCCFrontier Group Ho… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -14.1% | +4.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +91.9% | +39.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -34.4% | -41.0% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -54.4% | -76.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -61.3% | -74.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -13.1% | -16.1% |
VLRS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VLRS leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VLRS is the less volatile stock with a 1.64 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ULCC's 2.84 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | VLRSControladora Vuel… | ULCCFrontier Group Ho… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.64x | 2.84x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $10.80 | $6.66 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.90 | $3.02 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +72.7% | +71.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 49.4 | 59.2 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 790K | 5.6M |
VLRS 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 VLRS as "Buy" and ULCC as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 45.6% upside for VLRS (target: $11) vs 39.5% for ULCC (target: $7).
| Metric | VLRSControladora Vuel… | ULCCFrontier Group Ho… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $11.43 | $6.67 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 17 | 13 |
| 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
VLRS leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). ULCC leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics).
Best OverallControladora Vuela Compañía… (VLRS)Leads 4 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
VLRS vs ULCC: Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is VLRS or ULCC a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.
(ULCC) is the stronger pick with -1. 4% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -3. 3% for Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. (VLRS). Analysts rate Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. (VLRS) a "Buy" — based on 17 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 — VLRS or ULCC?
Over the past 5 years, Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.
A. B. de C. V. (VLRS) delivered a total return of -54. 4%, compared to -76. 1% for Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (ULCC). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: VLRS returned -61. 3% versus ULCC's -74. 6%. 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 — VLRS or ULCC?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.
A. B. de C. V. (VLRS) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 64β versus Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. 's 2. 84β — meaning ULCC is approximately 74% more volatile than VLRS relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (ULCC) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 11% 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 — VLRS or ULCC?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.
(ULCC) is pulling ahead at -1. 4% 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: Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S. A. B. de C. V. grew EPS -181. 8% year-over-year, compared to -257. 9% for Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, ULCC leads at 3. 8% 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 — VLRS or ULCC?
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.
A. B. de C. V. (VLRS) is the more profitable company, earning -3. 4% net margin versus -3. 7% for Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. — meaning it keeps -3. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: VLRS leads at 4. 4% versus -4. 0% for ULCC. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ULCC leads at 35. 5%, 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.
06Which pays a better dividend — VLRS or ULCC?
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.
07Is VLRS or ULCC better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.
A. B. de C. V. (VLRS) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding. Frontier Group Holdings, Inc. (ULCC) carries a higher beta of 2. 84 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (VLRS: -61. 3%, ULCC: -74. 6%), 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.
08What are the main differences between VLRS and ULCC?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
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.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(VLRS: 5.6% · ULCC: 8.8%)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.