Meliá Hotels vs United Airlines (MEL vs UAL)
Meliá Hotels (MEL) vs United Airlines (UAL) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Meliá Hotels (MEL) and United Airlines (UAL) compete in travel, leisure and gaming. Here are Meliá Hotels and United Airlines side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Meliá Hotels or United Airlines.
Meliá Hotels vs United Airlines: the figures
| Figure | Meliá Hotels | United Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | €10.67 (November 4, 2026) | $115.76 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | €2.4 billion | $37.6 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 14.0x | 10.6x |
| Forward P/E | 13.1x | 9.8x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +8.7% | +17.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 4.1% | 5.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 4.1x | 2.8x |
| Dividend yield | 1.65% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 0.67 | 1.37 |
Meliá Hotels and United Airlines figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Meliá Hotels or United Airlines figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Meliá Hotels and United Airlines
- Volatility: United Airlines stock moves more (beta 1.37) than Meliá Hotels (beta 0.67); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Valuation: Meliá Hotels trades at 14.0x its annual earnings and United Airlines at 10.6x; the market pays more for each dollar of Meliá Hotels profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Dividend: Meliá Hotels pays a dividend yielding 1.65% and United Airlines pays none.
Meliá Hotels or United Airlines: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: United Airlines is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Meliá Hotels pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: United Airlines has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: United Airlines trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Meliá Hotels nor United Airlines wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Meliá Hotels and United Airlines make money
Meliá Hotels (MEL)
Meliá Hotels earns from hotels it owns or leases, keeping room and food revenue, and from third-party hotels it manages or franchises for fees. Its brands include Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, Paradisus, Meliá, INNSiDE and Sol, with Spain and the Caribbean as key regions. Full Meliá Hotels analysis.
United Airlines (UAL)
United Airlines flies passengers from hubs including Chicago, Newark, Houston, Denver and San Francisco, with a broad international network reaching Europe, Asia and Latin America. Ticket sales are the main source of revenue, supplemented by cargo and MileagePlus, which sells miles to Chase for its co-branded credit cards. Full United Airlines analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Meliá Hotels vs United Airlines
Is Meliá Hotels or United Airlines the better stock?
Choosing between Meliá Hotels and United Airlines depends on what you are looking for. United Airlines is growing faster right now, and United Airlines trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Meliá Hotels or United Airlines: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Meliá Hotels or United Airlines?
As of November 4, 2026, Meliá Hotels yields 1.65% and United Airlines pays none. Also check how much of their profit Meliá Hotels and United Airlines pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Meliá Hotels or United Airlines?
On P/E, Meliá Hotels (14.0x) is more expensive than United Airlines (10.6x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Meliá Hotels and United Airlines?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Meliá Hotels and United Airlines, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Meliá Hotels or United Airlines.
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More companies like Meliá Hotels and United Airlines: travel, leisure and gaming stocks. Educational content about Meliá Hotels and United Airlines, not investment advice.