Here's Why Investors Should Bet on SkyWest Stock Right Now

Core Viewpoint - SkyWest (SKYW) is experiencing significant growth due to increased air travel demand and fleet expansion, leading to impressive share performance [1] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SKYW's earnings per share has been revised upward by 2.2% for the current year and for 2026, indicating broker confidence [2] - SKYW shares have risen 33.6% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Transportation – Airline industry's growth of 41.1% [3] - SkyWest has a positive earnings surprise history, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 16.7% [4] Industry Position - The airline industry has a Zacks Industry Rank of 80 out of 245, placing it in the top 33%, which is crucial for stock performance [5] - The company consistently meets the demands of major airline partners, reinforcing its long-term success and strong revenue generation from flying agreements [6] Growth Strategy - SkyWest operates around 500 aircraft across more than 240 destinations, focusing on regional connectivity and expansion [7] - The company plans to operate 278 E175 aircraft by the end of 2026 and has acquired a 25% stake in Contour Airlines, highlighting its growth and efficiency focus [7] - A multi-year contract extension with American Airlines for 74 CRJ700s and the delivery of four new E175 aircraft under an agreement with United further solidifies its industry position [7]