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UAL vs. CPA: Which Airline Stock is a Stronger Play Now?
ZACKS· 2025-05-26 14:46
Core Viewpoint - The analysis compares United Airlines (UAL) and Copa Holdings (CPA), highlighting UAL's struggles due to domestic demand slowdown and CPA's growth driven by increased air travel demand post-pandemic. Given the current market conditions, CPA appears to be the more favorable investment option [18][19]. United Airlines (UAL) - UAL is experiencing a tariff-induced slowdown in domestic air travel demand, with soft domestic travel in Q1 2025, while international revenues remain strong, particularly in long-haul travel, with Atlantic unit revenues up 4.7% and Pacific revenues up 8.5% year-over-year [3]. - UAL has provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance for 2025, expecting adjusted EPS between $11.50 and $13.50 in a stable market, and between $7 and $9 in a recessionary environment [4]. - To address weak demand, UAL plans to reduce scheduled domestic capacity by 4 points starting Q3 2025. Labor costs increased by 12.8% in 2024, and delivery delays of Boeing 737 MAX jets have impacted fleet plans [5]. - UAL expects to receive multiple Boeing 737 MAX jets in 2025, with total capital expenditures projected to be less than $6.5 billion [6]. - A decline in fuel costs and a $1.5 billion share buyback plan announced in October 2024 are positive developments for UAL, which has repurchased shares worth $451 million through April 10 [7]. - UAL has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average beat of 10.3% over the past four quarters [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UAL's 2025 sales indicates a 3% year-over-year increase, while EPS is expected to drop by 5.9% [15]. Copa Holdings (CPA) - CPA is benefiting from improved air travel demand post-pandemic, with a projected capacity growth of 7-8% year-over-year for 2025 and an expected operating margin of 21-23% [9]. - The liquidity position of CPA is strong, ending Q1 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $916.3 million, significantly higher than its current debt of $232.4 million [10]. - CPA has also consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average beat of 5.5% over the past four quarters [11]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CPA's 2025 sales implies a 4.5% year-over-year increase, with EPS expected to rise by 14.3% [17]. - CPA's stock performance has outpaced UAL, gaining in double digits year-to-date, while UAL's stock has declined significantly due to domestic demand issues [12]. Conclusion - The analysis concludes that UAL is facing significant challenges due to market uncertainty and a slowdown in domestic air travel, while CPA is positioned for growth due to favorable market conditions and strategic initiatives. Therefore, CPA is considered a better investment choice compared to UAL at this time [18].
SkyWest (SKYW) is a Great Momentum Stock: Should You Buy?
ZACKS· 2025-05-23 18:58
Group 1: Momentum Investing Overview - Momentum investing involves following a stock's recent trend, with the aim of buying high and selling higher, capitalizing on established price movements [1] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps define momentum characteristics, with SkyWest (SKYW) currently holding a Momentum Style Score of B [2] - Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank, which has a strong track record of outperforming the market; SkyWest has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [3] Group 2: SkyWest Performance Metrics - SkyWest shares have increased by 3.14% over the past week, outperforming the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry, which rose by 2.62% [5] - Over the past quarter, SkyWest shares have risen by 0.72%, and over the last year, they are up 34.03%, while the S&P 500 has moved -2.55% and 11.45%, respectively [6] - The average 20-day trading volume for SkyWest is 325,085 shares, indicating a bullish sign if the stock is rising with above-average volume [7] Group 3: Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, three earnings estimates for SkyWest have increased, raising the consensus estimate from $9.01 to $9.28 [9] - For the next fiscal year, two estimates have moved upwards with no downward revisions during the same period [9] Group 4: Conclusion - Given the positive performance metrics and earnings outlook, SkyWest is positioned as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a potential pick for near-term gains [11]
Alaska Air (ALK) Up 20.7% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?
ZACKS· 2025-05-23 16:37
Core Viewpoint - Alaska Air Group (ALK) shares have increased by approximately 20.7% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, but estimates have trended downward, indicating potential challenges ahead [1][2]. Earnings Report Summary - The most recent earnings report for Alaska Air is crucial for understanding the stock's performance and future outlook [1]. Estimates Movement - Consensus estimates for Alaska Air have decreased by 37.86% over the past month, reflecting a negative trend in earnings expectations [2]. VGM Scores - Alaska Air holds a strong Growth Score of A and a Value Score of A, placing it in the top 20% for value investment strategy, while its Momentum Score is a B, leading to an overall aggregate VGM Score of A [3]. Outlook - The downward trend in estimates has resulted in Alaska Air receiving a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), suggesting expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [4]. Industry Performance - Within the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry, United Airlines (UAL) has seen a 10.1% increase in stock price over the past month, reporting revenues of $13.21 billion, a year-over-year increase of 5.4% [5]. - United Airlines is projected to report earnings of $3.71 per share for the current quarter, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 10.4%, with a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [6].
DAL vs. LUV: Which Airline Stock is a Stronger Play Now?
ZACKS· 2025-05-20 15:21
Core Viewpoint - Delta Air Lines (DAL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) are both significant players in the U.S. airline industry, facing challenges due to tariff-induced economic uncertainties and operational issues, with DAL currently appearing to be the more favorable investment option [1][10][16]. Summary by Sections Delta Air Lines (DAL) - DAL has withdrawn its full-year 2025 outlook due to economic uncertainties and is reducing costs by trimming capacity [3]. - Despite these challenges, DAL beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings, marking its second earnings beat in the last four quarters [4]. - Recent positive developments regarding tariffs, including a 90-day deal between the U.S. and China to reduce reciprocal tariffs, are beneficial for DAL, which has a global presence [5]. - The decline in oil prices is expected to positively impact DAL's bottom line, as fuel expenses are a significant cost for airlines [5]. - DAL resumed paying quarterly dividends in 2023, increasing its payout by 50% in June 2024, indicating confidence in its cash flow and prospects [6]. - The airline ended the first quarter of 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $3.7 billion, exceeding its current debt level of $2.9 billion, and has a times interest earned ratio of 7.7, which is favorable compared to industry levels [7]. Southwest Airlines (LUV) - LUV incurred a loss in the first quarter of 2025 due to high non-fuel costs, with cost per available seat mile (excluding fuel) increasing by 4.6% year over year [10]. - The airline did not reaffirm its earnings guidance for 2025 and 2026, facing operational challenges from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which has led to disruptions in flight schedules and customer service [11]. - LUV has decided to end its long-standing free baggage policy, marking a significant change in its customer service approach [12]. - The airline's fleet plans are hindered by delivery delays of the Boeing 737 MAX, which are expected to require substantial capital expenditures [13]. - LUV's dividend yield is higher, but the ongoing issues with Elliott and Boeing present unique challenges that may affect its growth prospects [12][16]. Conclusion - Both DAL and LUV are impacted by tariff-induced uncertainties, but DAL's financial stability and recent positive developments position it as a better investment choice compared to LUV, which faces additional operational challenges [15][16].
Why Is United (UAL) Up 17.9% Since Last Earnings Report?
ZACKS· 2025-05-15 16:31
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for United Airlines (UAL) . Shares have added about 17.9% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is United due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, ...
Is Most-Watched Stock SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) Worth Betting on Now?
ZACKS· 2025-05-14 14:01
Core Viewpoint - SkyWest (SKYW) has shown strong stock performance recently, with a +21.5% return over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500 composite's +9.9% and the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry's +21.8% [1] Earnings Estimate Revisions - SkyWest is expected to post earnings of $2.30 per share for the current quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +26.4% [4] - The consensus earnings estimate for the current fiscal year is $9.28, indicating a +19.4% change from the previous year [4] - For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate is $9.89, showing a +6.6% increase from the prior year [5] - The Zacks Rank for SkyWest is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on recent changes in earnings estimates [6] Projected Revenue Growth - The consensus sales estimate for the current quarter is $977.68 million, representing a year-over-year increase of +12.8% [10] - For the current fiscal year, the revenue estimate is $3.9 billion, indicating a +10.5% change, while the next fiscal year's estimate is $4.06 billion, reflecting a +4.2% change [10] Last Reported Results and Surprise History - SkyWest reported revenues of $948.46 million in the last quarter, a year-over-year increase of +18% [11] - The EPS for the same period was $2.42, compared to $1.45 a year ago, with a surprise of +18.63% over the consensus estimate [11][12] Valuation - SkyWest is graded A on the Zacks Value Style Score, indicating it is trading at a discount compared to its peers [16]
Joby Hits Major Milestone With First Dual-Aircraft Flight
ZACKS· 2025-05-13 15:45
Core Insights - Joby Aviation has achieved a significant milestone by successfully flying two electric air taxis simultaneously, marking a key advancement in its flight-testing program [1][2] - The company is preparing for commercial operations with plans to launch passenger services in Los Angeles and New York City, alongside international expansion efforts [3][4] Flight Testing and Certification - Joby has completed over 40,000 miles of test flights and is ramping up efforts to secure FAA certification [2][4] - The company has a growing test fleet of six aircraft, with ongoing collaborations with U.S. defense agencies [4] Market Performance - Joby shares have increased by 30.1% over the past year, outperforming the Transportation - Airline industry's growth of 5.6% [5] - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] Strategic Partnerships and Expansion - Joby has formed strategic partnerships with Virgin Atlantic and ANA Holdings, with plans to start operations in Dubai by early 2026 [3]
JOBY Shares Rise 5.6% Since Q1 Earnings Match Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-05-12 15:55
Company Performance - Joby Aviation reported a first-quarter 2025 loss of 18 cents per share, which met the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while the previous year's loss was 14 cents [3] - Quarterly revenues broke even and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.5 million, with no revenues reported in the year-ago quarter [3] - Total operating expenses increased by 10.6% year over year, driven by a 16% rise in research and development costs and a 4.2% increase in selling, general, and administrative costs [4] Financial Position - Joby exited the first quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaling $812.5 million, down from $932.9 million at the end of the previous quarter [5] - For 2025, Joby anticipates generating cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments in the range of $500-$540 million [6] Market Reaction - The stock has risen 5.6% since the release of results on May 7, outperforming the Transportation - Airline industry's 3% growth, primarily due to progress in receiving certification for commercial operations [2]
Copa Holdings (CPA) Q1 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-05-07 23:55
Copa Holdings (CPA) came out with quarterly earnings of $4.28 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.77 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.19 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 13.53%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this holding company for Panama's national airline would post earnings of $3.84 per share when it actually produced earnings of $3.99, delivering a surprise of 3.91%.Over th ...
Allegiant Travel (ALGT) Tops Q1 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-05-06 22:25
分组1 - Allegiant Travel reported quarterly earnings of $1.81 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.54 per share, and showing a significant increase from $0.57 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of 17.53% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $699.07 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.28% and increasing from $656.41 million year-over-year [2] - Allegiant Travel has outperformed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters and has topped consensus revenue estimates four times during the same period [2] 分组2 - The stock has underperformed the market, losing approximately 46.4% since the beginning of the year, compared to a decline of 3.9% for the S&P 500 [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $2.27 on revenues of $721.29 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.27 on revenues of $2.75 billion [7] - The Transportation - Airline industry, to which Allegiant Travel belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 39% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8]