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Sun Country Airlines Holdings (SNCY)
NASDAQ:SNCY
US Market

Sun Country Airlines Holdings (SNCY) AI Stock Analysis

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SNCY

Sun Country Airlines Holdings

(NASDAQ:SNCY)

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Neutral 53 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 53 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 53 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:53Neutral
Price Target:
$16.00
▲(0.06% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/16/26
The score is held back primarily by weak and volatile cash flow trends (including a sharp 2025 step-down) and bearish technical momentum (below key moving averages with negative MACD). Offsetting factors include a reasonable P/E and positive M&A-related corporate events, including key antitrust clearance.
Positive Factors
Top-line momentum
Sun Country’s multi-year revenue expansion, including a pronounced uptick in 2025, indicates durable demand capture and network growth. Persistent top-line strength supports scale economies, route optimization and ancillary revenue development, underpinning long-term commercial viability despite margin pressure.
Improving leverage
Leverage reduction to about 0.95 signals improving balance-sheet discipline and greater financial flexibility versus earlier periods. A stronger equity base reduces refinancing strain, enhances creditor confidence, and better positions the company to execute strategic initiatives or withstand cyclical downturns over the medium term.
Acquisition cleared key antitrust step
Early termination of the HSR waiting period materially advances the Allegiant acquisition, a structural transaction that would combine networks, add scale, and target $140m in annual synergies by year three. Successful close would reshape competitive positioning and long-term operational stability.
Negative Factors
Cash-flow volatility
Sharp 2025 deterioration and a history of multi-year swings in operating and free cash flow point to inconsistent cash generation. This undermines capacity to self-fund fleet investment, pay down debt, or absorb shocks, increasing execution risk and reliance on external financing over the medium term.
Compressed profitability
Step-down in operating and net margins from prior peaks means less buffer against cost inflation or demand shocks. Modest 2025 margins limit reinvestment and free-cash-flow resilience, making earnings more susceptible to fuel, labor, or cyclical revenue swings in the coming quarters.
Meaningful remaining debt
Although leverage improved, overall debt remains sizable relative to equity, constraining liquidity and strategic flexibility. In a cyclical industry, persistent debt levels raise refinancing and interest-rate exposure and could limit the company’s ability to invest or absorb downside without dilutive or costly financing.

Sun Country Airlines Holdings (SNCY) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc., an air carrier company, provides scheduled passenger, air cargo, charter air transportation, and related services in the United States, Latin America, and internationally. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated a fleet of 48 aircraft, including 36 passenger and 12 cargo aircraft. Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How the Company Makes MoneySun Country Airlines Holdings makes money primarily by selling air transportation and related services across multiple lines of business. (1) Scheduled passenger revenue: The core model is selling tickets for scheduled flights, with pricing and load factors driving passenger fare revenue. The company also earns ancillary revenue associated with passenger travel (e.g., optional fees tied to the travel experience); specific fee categories and amounts are null. (2) Charter revenue: The company operates charter flights for third parties, generating revenue under charter arrangements where a customer contracts for aircraft capacity or specific flight services. (3) Cargo revenue: The company provides air cargo services; details on specific cargo customers, contract structures, or concentration are null. Overall earnings are influenced by factors typical to airlines—such as passenger demand, capacity utilization, route/network decisions, and operating costs (notably fuel and labor)—but company-specific quantitative sensitivities are null.

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 29, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong growth in the cargo and charter segments, maintaining profitability, and operational reliability. However, challenges were noted in the scheduled service segment decline and increased operating costs, particularly in maintenance and labor.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Cargo Revenue Growth
Third quarter cargo revenue increased by 60% year-on-year for September, with expectations to surpass 75% by December. All 20 cargo aircraft are now operational, marking the completion of the cargo expansion.
Record Charter Production
Achieved all-time high charter production with a 15.6% revenue growth and 11.1% increase in charter block hours year-on-year.
Strong Load Factor and Fare Increases
August total fare increased by 2.6% and load factor by 2.7 percentage points to 87%. September showed a 4.5% increase in fares and a 3.2 percentage point rise in load factor to 83%.
13 Consecutive Profitable Quarters
Reported 13 consecutive profitable quarters, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in business operations.
Safe and Reliable Operations
Achieved a controllable completion factor of 99.3% in operations, highlighting the commitment to safe and reliable service.
Negative Updates
Scheduled Service Decline
Scheduled service ASMs were down 10.2% in Q3 due to resource allocation to the cargo segment, with expected declines between 8% and 9% in Q4 2025.
Increased Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses grew by 3.6% in Q3, with CASM up 10.3% versus the same period in 2024, influenced by a 10.2% drop in scheduled service ASMs.
Higher Maintenance and Labor Costs
Maintenance costs increased by 13.5% due to unplanned events and salaries grew by 15%, driven by a 10.6% increase in employees and contractual rate increases.
Company Guidance
In the Sun Country Airlines Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company provided comprehensive guidance showcasing a strong financial outlook. The airline reported a 13th consecutive profitable quarter with a GAAP EPS of $0.03 and an adjusted EPS of $0.07. The third quarter total revenue increased by 2.4% to $255.5 million, supported by a 3.8% rise in total block hours. Cargo operations, a significant focus for 2025, saw a remarkable 60% year-on-year revenue growth in September, with expectations to exceed 75% by December. Meanwhile, charter revenue grew by 15.6%, and charter block hours increased by 11.1%. The airline's scheduled service TRASM rose by 1.6% in Q3 and over 7% in September, with a projected 6% increase for Q4. Sun Country anticipates a further advance in TRASM and aims to achieve a $300 million run rate EBITDA by mid-2027. The company also guided for Q4 total revenue between $270 million and $280 million, with an 8% to 11% increase in block hours and an operating margin of 5% to 8%. Despite cost pressures, including a 15% rise in salaries and a 13.5% increase in maintenance expenses, Sun Country remains poised for growth, planning to expand its passenger fleet to 50 aircraft by mid-2027.

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement trends are fair (strong revenue growth but compressed profitability), the balance sheet is improving but still meaningfully leveraged, and cash flow is a major weak spot due to sharp 2025 operating/free cash flow deterioration and multi-year volatility.
Income Statement
66
Positive
Revenue expanded strongly from 2020–2025, including a very large jump in 2025 versus 2024 (per the provided growth rate). Profitability, however, has become less consistent: net margin and operating margins stepped down from 2021 highs, and 2025 profitability remained positive but modest (net margin ~4.7%, EBITDA margin ~17.9%). Overall, the business shows solid top-line momentum, but margin durability looks pressured versus earlier years.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
Leverage has improved over time, with debt-to-equity falling to ~0.95 in 2025 from higher levels earlier in the period, supported by a larger equity base. That said, debt remains meaningful at roughly similar magnitude to equity, leaving less flexibility in a cyclical airline environment. Returns on equity are positive but have trended down from peak levels (about 8.4% in 2025 versus stronger results in 2021–2023).
Cash Flow
38
Negative
Cash generation weakened sharply in 2025: operating cash flow and free cash flow are far below prior years, and free cash flow growth is deeply negative versus 2024. While recent history (2024) showed strong positive free cash flow, the multi-year profile includes volatility with negative free cash flow in 2022–2023. Free cash flow relative to net income in 2025 is positive, but the absolute cash flow level and year-to-year swing raise execution and reinvestment risk.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.13B1.08B1.05B894.44M623.01M
Gross Profit754.17M748.96M269.17M177.74M133.17M
EBITDA201.34M210.58M226.24M122.64M200.21M
Net Income52.81M52.90M72.18M17.68M81.25M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.68B1.63B1.62B1.52B1.38B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments234.31M187.27M187.41M271.02M315.62M
Total Debt591.80M619.03M697.78M629.66M545.62M
Total Liabilities1.06B1.06B1.11B1.03B889.83M
Stockholders Equity625.20M570.37M514.40M492.71M490.59M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow84.00M117.53M-44.04M-60.48M35.70M
Operating Cash Flow157.10M164.86M174.12M127.44M152.00M
Investing Cash Flow-39.01M8.40M-171.23M-349.33M-117.00M
Financing Cash Flow-52.50M-136.47M-42.14M7.03M212.40M

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price15.99
Price Trends
50DMA
18.21
Negative
100DMA
15.74
Positive
200DMA
13.89
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.85
Positive
RSI
36.92
Neutral
STOCH
27.86
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SNCY, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 15.99 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.93, below the 50-day MA of 18.21, and above the 200-day MA of 13.89, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.85 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 36.92 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 27.86 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for SNCY.

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Risk Analysis

Sun Country Airlines Holdings disclosed 52 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Sun Country Airlines Holdings reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
54
Neutral
$19.75B50.615.33%1.73%0.65%
53
Neutral
$854.73M14.478.62%4.27%28.47%
48
Neutral
$1.42B-34.43-4.22%3.29%-983.31%
46
Neutral
$1.50B-2.79-26.05%-2.49%47.88%
45
Neutral
$838.12M-9.81-20.74%-6.55%-133.03%
45
Neutral
$711.79M-7.87-27.87%1.77%-1964.48%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SNCY
Sun Country Airlines Holdings
15.99
2.85
21.69%
ALGT
Allegiant Travel Company
77.19
21.22
37.91%
JBLU
JetBlue Airways
4.06
-1.60
-28.27%
LUV
Southwest Airlines
40.19
7.26
22.03%
VLRS
Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion SAB de CV
7.16
1.45
25.39%
ULCC
Frontier Group Holdings
3.10
-2.86
-47.99%

Sun Country Airlines Holdings Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Sun Country-Allegiant Merger Gains Key Antitrust Clearance
Positive
Mar 16, 2026

On January 11, 2026, Sun Country Airlines agreed to be acquired by Allegiant Travel Company through a two-step merger structure that will ultimately make Sun Country a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant. On March 16, 2026, the companies announced that U.S. antitrust authorities granted early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for the deal.

The clearance from the Department of Justice marked a key regulatory milestone, moving the leisure-focused airline combination closer to completion, with closing now expected in the second or third quarter of 2026. The transaction still requires U.S. Department of Transportation approvals and shareholder votes at both companies, and management touts the deal as creating a stronger, broader network and greater long-term value for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (SNCY) stock is a Hold with a $17.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Country Airlines Holdings stock, see the SNCY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesDelistings and Listing ChangesM&A Transactions
Sun Country to be acquired by Allegiant Travel
Positive
Jan 12, 2026

On January 11, 2026, Sun Country Airlines Holdings entered into a definitive cash-and-stock merger agreement to be acquired by Allegiant Travel Company, in a transaction valuing Sun Country at about $1.5 billion, including net debt, and implying $18.89 per share—a roughly 19% premium to its January 9 closing price—under which Sun Country shareholders will receive $4.10 in cash and 0.1557 Allegiant shares for each Sun Country share and will hold approximately 33% of the combined company. The deal, structured as a two-step merger that will ultimately make Sun Country a wholly owned Allegiant subsidiary and lead to the delisting of Sun Country’s Nasdaq-traded stock, includes conversion of Sun Country equity awards into Allegiant instruments, board expansion to add three Sun Country-designated directors including CEO Jude Bricker, and customary regulatory, shareholder and antitrust closing conditions, with an outside date of January 11, 2027 and a package of reverse and standard break fees and expense reimbursements. Strategically, Allegiant and Sun Country aim to create a leading U.S. leisure airline with complementary route networks, an enlarged fleet of 195 aircraft and more than 650 routes serving 22 million annual passengers, enhanced international reach across Mexico, Central America, Canada and the Caribbean, strengthened charter and cargo operations to smooth seasonality, and a combined loyalty base exceeding 23 million members, while management highlights expected $140 million in annual synergies by year three, EPS accretion in the first year post-closing and greater career opportunities and operational stability for employees under existing labor agreements.

The most recent analyst rating on (SNCY) stock is a Buy with a $18.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Country Airlines Holdings stock, see the SNCY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Sun Country Airlines Elevates Commercial and Operations Leadership
Positive
Jan 9, 2026

Effective January 6, 2026, Sun Country Airlines appointed Colton Snow, previously Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, formalizing the leadership of a long-tenured executive who has overseen key functions including ancillary revenue, marketing, loyalty, communications, digital experience, customer service, network planning, revenue management, and charters. On the same date, the board named Stephen Coley, formerly Senior Vice President and Head of Operations, as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, elevating an operations leader with more than 22 years of industry experience across technical operations, maintenance, safety, and security; together, these internal promotions consolidate commercial and operational leadership under experienced executives without related-party concerns, signaling a continued focus on disciplined growth and operational reliability for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (SNCY) stock is a Buy with a $20.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Sun Country Airlines Holdings stock, see the SNCY Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 16, 2026