Flying Under the Radar: Strategies for Creating a Private Equity Portfolio with Publicly Traded Stocks
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 25 2025
0mins
Should l Buy SNCY?
Source: Benzinga
Private Equity Myths: The allure of private equity is often overstated; successful investments rely on buying small, undervalued companies with debt, not on any magical strategy.
Key Traits for Success: High-performing companies in private equity share traits such as paying down debt, improving asset turnover, and strong profitability, which align with deep value investing principles.
Public Market Opportunities: Individual investors can replicate private equity strategies in public markets by targeting smaller companies with improving fundamentals and favorable valuations, without the associated fees and restrictions.
Candidate Companies: Five companies—Sun Country Airlines, Heritage Insurance, Malibu Boats, Core Molding Technologies, and John Wiley & Sons—exemplify the characteristics of private equity replication candidates, offering potential for significant returns through operational improvements and financial leverage.
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Analyst Views on SNCY
Wall Street analysts forecast SNCY stock price to rise
7 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 18.100
Low
18.00
Averages
19.43
High
21.00
Current: 18.100
Low
18.00
Averages
19.43
High
21.00
About SNCY
Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. is a hybrid low-cost air carrier that deploys shared resources across its scheduled service, charter, and cargo businesses. The Company focuses on serving leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) passengers, charter customers, and providing crew, maintenance, and insurance (CMI) service to Amazon.com Services, LLC (Amazon), with flights throughout the United States and to destinations in Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its Passenger segment consists of two businesses: Scheduled Service and Charter. These businesses both utilize the Company's passenger fleet. Its Cargo segment provides air cargo services. It flies a single-family fleet of midlife Boeing 737-NG aircraft. Its fleet consists of about 70 Boeing 737-NG aircraft. This includes 47 aircraft in the passenger fleet, 20 cargo aircraft operated through the A&R ATSA with Amazon, and six aircraft that are on lease to unaffiliated airlines.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Low-Cost Airlines Urge Tax Relief Amid Fuel Costs
- Rising Fuel Costs: Major low-cost airline CEOs are set to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday to urge Congress for temporary tax relief to alleviate financial pressures caused by soaring jet fuel prices due to the war with Iran.
- Legislative Request: A group representing Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country, and Avelo wrote to congressional leaders last week, asking for legislation to suspend the 7.5% federal excise tax on airline tickets and the $5.30 per segment tax.
- Cost Impact Analysis: The Association of Value Airlines stated that waiving these fees would offset about one-third of the incremental costs associated with higher jet fuel, assisting airlines in maintaining operations amid rising fuel prices.
- Industry Response Strategy: This meeting and legislative request reflect low-cost airlines' efforts to seek policy support in the face of escalating operational costs, ensuring their market competitiveness and sustainable growth.
See More
Investor Rights Law Firm Investigates Multiple Companies for Potential Violations
- Investigation Background: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Enhabit, Inc. (NYSE:EHAB) regarding its sale to Kinderhook Industries, LLC for $13.80 per share, which may infringe on shareholder rights, prompting shareholders to understand their rights and options.
- UniFirst Transaction Details: UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF) is being sold to Cintas Corporation for $155.00 in cash and 0.7720 shares of Cintas stock per UniFirst share, with Halper Sadeh LLC advising shareholders to be aware of potential legal rights and remedies.
- Airline Merger: Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNCY) is being sold to Allegiant Travel Company for 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash per Sun Country share, with Halper Sadeh LLC encouraging shareholders to consult to protect their rights.
- Merger Investigation: The merger of Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESQ) with Signature Bancorporation, Inc. is also under investigation, with Halper Sadeh LLC potentially seeking increased compensation and additional disclosures for shareholders.
See More
Allegiant Travel's Acquisition of Sun Country Approved by DOT
- Regulatory Approval Milestone: The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted an interim exemption allowing Allegiant Travel and Sun Country Airlines to operate separately under common ownership, marking a key regulatory milestone for Allegiant's acquisition of Sun Country and fulfilling the final regulatory condition tied to the deal.
- Transaction Timeline: The companies now expect the transaction to close as early as May 13, 2026, contingent upon shareholder approvals scheduled for May 8 and other customary conditions, thereby laying the groundwork for future integration.
- Positive Market Reaction: The approval has led to a surge in airline stocks, with the market optimistic about the potential synergies from the merger between Allegiant and Sun Country, which could enhance the competitive positioning of both companies.
- Shareholder Focus: Shareholders will vote on the transaction at the upcoming meeting, reflecting investor interest in the consolidation trend within the airline industry, which may influence future investment decisions.
See More
U.S. DOT Approves Airlines' Joint Exemption for Acquisition
- Regulatory Milestone: The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved the joint interim exemption application from Allegiant and Sun Country, allowing both airlines to operate independently post-acquisition, which marks a significant step in Allegiant's proposed acquisition of Sun Country while preserving their unique business models and customer experiences.
- Shareholder Meeting Scheduled: Allegiant and Sun Country have scheduled special shareholder meetings for May 8, 2026, to discuss the merger, with expectations to close the transaction as early as May 13, 2026, following shareholder approval, thereby advancing the integration process.
- Operational Continuity Assurance: The approval enables both companies to maintain operational independence during the merger, ensuring service continuity and safety, which enhances customer trust and strengthens market competitiveness.
- Long-term Growth Strategy: Both CEOs emphasized that the merger will lay the groundwork for future growth and resilience, with ongoing collaboration aimed at achieving a seamless transition that enhances overall business performance and customer satisfaction.
See More
U.S. DOT Approves Airlines' Joint Exemption for Acquisition
- Regulatory Milestone: The U.S. DOT's approval of the joint interim exemption application allows Allegiant and Sun Country to operate independently post-acquisition, preserving their unique business models and customer experiences, thereby laying the groundwork for the upcoming merger.
- Shareholder Meeting Schedule: Allegiant and Sun Country have scheduled special shareholder meetings for May 8, 2026, with expectations to close the transaction by May 13, 2026, subject to all conditions being met, providing further opportunities for integration.
- Operational Continuity Assurance: The exemption approval ensures that both airlines can continue serving customers without disruption during the merger process, enhancing customer trust and competitive positioning in the market.
- Long-Term Growth Strategy: Both CEOs emphasized that this approval reflects their shared vision, and they aim to leverage combined resources and strengths to drive sustainable growth and resilience for the merged entity.
See More
Investor Rights Law Firm Investigates Multiple Companies
- Legal Investigation Launched: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX) for potential breaches of fiduciary duties related to its merger with American Ocean Minerals Corporation, aiming to protect investor rights.
- Potential Financial Benefits: Penumbra, Inc. (NYSE:PEN) is being sold for $374 in cash or 3.8721 shares of Boston Scientific common stock, with Halper Sadeh LLC potentially seeking increased compensation for shareholders to ensure fair treatment.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNCY) is selling for 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC encourages shareholders to understand their rights and options to ensure transaction transparency.
- Commitment to Legal Support: Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWAN) is being sold for $24.55 per share in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC is committed to providing legal support to global investors, helping victims recover losses and pushing for corporate reforms.
See More
Low-Cost Airlines Urge Tax Relief Amid Fuel Costs
- Rising Fuel Costs: Major low-cost airline CEOs are set to meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday to urge Congress for temporary tax relief to alleviate financial pressures caused by soaring jet fuel prices due to the war with Iran.
- Legislative Request: A group representing Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country, and Avelo wrote to congressional leaders last week, asking for legislation to suspend the 7.5% federal excise tax on airline tickets and the $5.30 per segment tax.
- Cost Impact Analysis: The Association of Value Airlines stated that waiving these fees would offset about one-third of the incremental costs associated with higher jet fuel, assisting airlines in maintaining operations amid rising fuel prices.
- Industry Response Strategy: This meeting and legislative request reflect low-cost airlines' efforts to seek policy support in the face of escalating operational costs, ensuring their market competitiveness and sustainable growth.
See More
Investor Rights Law Firm Investigates Multiple Companies for Potential Violations
- Investigation Background: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Enhabit, Inc. (NYSE:EHAB) regarding its sale to Kinderhook Industries, LLC for $13.80 per share, which may infringe on shareholder rights, prompting shareholders to understand their rights and options.
- UniFirst Transaction Details: UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF) is being sold to Cintas Corporation for $155.00 in cash and 0.7720 shares of Cintas stock per UniFirst share, with Halper Sadeh LLC advising shareholders to be aware of potential legal rights and remedies.
- Airline Merger: Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNCY) is being sold to Allegiant Travel Company for 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash per Sun Country share, with Halper Sadeh LLC encouraging shareholders to consult to protect their rights.
- Merger Investigation: The merger of Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESQ) with Signature Bancorporation, Inc. is also under investigation, with Halper Sadeh LLC potentially seeking increased compensation and additional disclosures for shareholders.
See More
Allegiant Travel's Acquisition of Sun Country Approved by DOT
- Regulatory Approval Milestone: The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted an interim exemption allowing Allegiant Travel and Sun Country Airlines to operate separately under common ownership, marking a key regulatory milestone for Allegiant's acquisition of Sun Country and fulfilling the final regulatory condition tied to the deal.
- Transaction Timeline: The companies now expect the transaction to close as early as May 13, 2026, contingent upon shareholder approvals scheduled for May 8 and other customary conditions, thereby laying the groundwork for future integration.
- Positive Market Reaction: The approval has led to a surge in airline stocks, with the market optimistic about the potential synergies from the merger between Allegiant and Sun Country, which could enhance the competitive positioning of both companies.
- Shareholder Focus: Shareholders will vote on the transaction at the upcoming meeting, reflecting investor interest in the consolidation trend within the airline industry, which may influence future investment decisions.
See More
U.S. DOT Approves Airlines' Joint Exemption for Acquisition
- Regulatory Milestone: The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved the joint interim exemption application from Allegiant and Sun Country, allowing both airlines to operate independently post-acquisition, which marks a significant step in Allegiant's proposed acquisition of Sun Country while preserving their unique business models and customer experiences.
- Shareholder Meeting Scheduled: Allegiant and Sun Country have scheduled special shareholder meetings for May 8, 2026, to discuss the merger, with expectations to close the transaction as early as May 13, 2026, following shareholder approval, thereby advancing the integration process.
- Operational Continuity Assurance: The approval enables both companies to maintain operational independence during the merger, ensuring service continuity and safety, which enhances customer trust and strengthens market competitiveness.
- Long-term Growth Strategy: Both CEOs emphasized that the merger will lay the groundwork for future growth and resilience, with ongoing collaboration aimed at achieving a seamless transition that enhances overall business performance and customer satisfaction.
See More
U.S. DOT Approves Airlines' Joint Exemption for Acquisition
- Regulatory Milestone: The U.S. DOT's approval of the joint interim exemption application allows Allegiant and Sun Country to operate independently post-acquisition, preserving their unique business models and customer experiences, thereby laying the groundwork for the upcoming merger.
- Shareholder Meeting Schedule: Allegiant and Sun Country have scheduled special shareholder meetings for May 8, 2026, with expectations to close the transaction by May 13, 2026, subject to all conditions being met, providing further opportunities for integration.
- Operational Continuity Assurance: The exemption approval ensures that both airlines can continue serving customers without disruption during the merger process, enhancing customer trust and competitive positioning in the market.
- Long-Term Growth Strategy: Both CEOs emphasized that this approval reflects their shared vision, and they aim to leverage combined resources and strengths to drive sustainable growth and resilience for the merged entity.
See More
Investor Rights Law Firm Investigates Multiple Companies
- Legal Investigation Launched: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMEX) for potential breaches of fiduciary duties related to its merger with American Ocean Minerals Corporation, aiming to protect investor rights.
- Potential Financial Benefits: Penumbra, Inc. (NYSE:PEN) is being sold for $374 in cash or 3.8721 shares of Boston Scientific common stock, with Halper Sadeh LLC potentially seeking increased compensation for shareholders to ensure fair treatment.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SNCY) is selling for 0.1557 shares of Allegiant common stock and $4.10 in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC encourages shareholders to understand their rights and options to ensure transaction transparency.
- Commitment to Legal Support: Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWAN) is being sold for $24.55 per share in cash, and Halper Sadeh LLC is committed to providing legal support to global investors, helping victims recover losses and pushing for corporate reforms.
See More
