Alaska Air Group (ALK) shares have performed exceedingly well on the bourse in 2024. Shares of this Seattle, WA-based carrier have surged 65.8% in 2024, outperforming its industry’s 30.3% growth.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchGiven the impressive price performance, let's take a deeper dive to identify the factors driving this low-cost carrier’s growth, which currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and assess whether there is potential for continued gains.ALK's top line is benefiting from the ...

Core Viewpoint - Alaska Air Group (ALK) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on January 23, 2025, with expectations of strong revenue growth despite a downward revision in earnings per share estimates [1][2]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALK's fourth-quarter 2024 earnings per share has been revised downward by 26.6% to 47 cents, but this still represents a 56.7% increase from the previous year's actuals [2]. - The revenue estimate for the fourth quarter is projected at $3.51 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 37.6% [2]. - ALK has a history of earnings surprises, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters with an average beat of 23.2% [3]. Influencing Factors - The anticipated strong performance in the fourth quarter is expected to be driven by expanded global connectivity, leading to high passenger volumes, along with a dedicated loyalty program and cargo growth [4]. - The company plans to increase its capacity to meet high demand, with available seat miles expected to rise by 1.5-2.5% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 [5]. Guidance and Costs - ALK has issued bullish EPS guidance for the fourth quarter, expecting earnings between 20 cents and 40 cents, supported by low fuel costs projected at $2.55-$2.65 per gallon [6]. - Despite the positive outlook, the current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for ALK, with an Earnings ESP of -1.57% and a Zacks Rank of 1 [7]. Comparative Analysis - Other stocks in the transportation sector, such as American Airlines (AAL) and JetBlue Airways (JBLU), show promising earnings potential, with AAL having an Earnings ESP of +3.99% and JBLU at +7.73% [8][9].

The upcoming report from Alaska Air Group (ALK) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.47 per share, indicating an increase of 56.7% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $3.51 billion, representing an increase of 37.6% year over year.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has undergone a downward revision of 26.1% in the past 30 days, bringing it to its present level. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during t ...

Company Performance - Alaska Airlines has shown a strong return to profitability post-COVID, with a focus on improving winter profitability [1] - The company experienced a significant milestone on September 18, 2024, marking a key achievement in its recovery [1] Industry Context - The airline industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with companies like Alaska Airlines leading the way in profitability improvements [1] Analyst Perspective - The analysis provided is based on the author's independent research and opinions, without any financial interest in the mentioned companies [1]

Core Viewpoint - Alaska Airlines is expanding its connectivity for Oregon flyers by adding three new nonstop routes, effective May 15, 2025, which will enhance its competitive position in the airline industry [1][4]. Route Expansion - The new nonstop routes include: - Portland, OR to Houston, TX, addressing the largest unserved city from Portland, benefiting both business and leisure travelers [1]. - Portland to Eugene, OR, with two daily nonstop roundtrips [2]. - Medford, OR to San Diego, CA, marking the 41st destination from San Diego [2]. - Additionally, Alaska Airlines is increasing its service within Oregon with: - Portland to Medford route, now served four times a day instead of once [3]. - Portland to Redmond route, starting year-round with three daily flights [3]. Company Performance - Alaska Airlines has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has seen its shares gain 98.3% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Airline industry growth of 43.3% [5].

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Alaska Air Group (ALK) reports results for the quarter ended December 2024. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on Januar ...

We'll fly daily between Portland and Houston starting this spring along with two daily Portland-Eugene roundtrips and a new Medford-San Diego routeSEATTLE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Y'all, for the first time, Alaska Airlines is linking the Rose City to the largest city in Texas. We're adding a new daily, nonstop flight between Portland and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston starting May 15, 2025. We'll also resume twice-daily nonstop service between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, and of ...

Have you been paying attention to shares of Alaska Air Group (ALK) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 9% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $69.1 in the previous session. Alaska Air Group has gained 5.3% since the start of the year compared to the -3.7% move for the Zacks Transportation sector and the 35.7% return for the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't miss ...

Core Points - Alaska Air Group Inc. will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss the financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024 on January 23, 2025 [1] - The call will be accessible to the public via a webcast on the company's investor relations website [1] Company Overview - Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and includes subsidiaries such as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air, and McGee Air Services [2] - The recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines has expanded the company's service to over 140 destinations across North America, Central America, Asia, and the Pacific [2] - Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance, providing customers with more options for travel across 30 airlines and over 1,000 destinations worldwide [2] - The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "ALK" [2]

Wall Street is coming off its best back-to-back years since 1997 and 1998. The outlook for impressive earnings growth and more Fed rate cuts in 2025 offers another bullish backdrop for investors.Every S&P 500 sector is projected to post earnings growth in 2025 for the first time since 2018.The bulls held their ground to start January, with buyers stepping up at the Nasdaq’s 50-day moving average.Given this backdrop, investors likely want to add to their portfolios to start 2025.Today we explore a screen tha ...