Air Canada (TSE:AC) Stock Analysis
Air Canada released its earnings on May 3rd, for its first-quarter 2024 earnings report, revealing a mix of financial results that have prompted a range of responses from analysts. Let’s delve into the key financial figures and the subsequent analyst reactions.
Key Financial Results:
- Revenue: CA$5.23 billion, marking a 6.9% increase from the first quarter of 2023. This growth indicates continued strength in the company’s top-line performance.
- Net Loss: Air Canada reported a net loss of CA$81.0 million for the quarter, a significant downturn from the CA$4.00 million profit recorded in the same period last year.
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): The company reported a loss of CA$0.22 per share, a notable decline from the CA$0.011 profit per share reported in the first quarter of 2023.
Earnings Analysis:
- While revenue aligned with analyst estimates, the earnings per share (EPS) figure fell short of expectations. This discrepancy suggests that despite robust revenue growth, Air Canada’s profitability did not meet market forecasts, indicating potential challenges in cost management or other operational aspects.
Analyst Responses:
- STA Research: Maintains a “Speculative Buy” rating on Air Canada with a target price of CAD 20. This indicates a bullish outlook on the stock, despite the recent earnings miss.
- ATB Capital Markets: Upgrades its rating to “Buy” and sets a target price of CAD 33. This upgrade suggests optimism about Air Canada’s future performance, possibly based on long-term growth prospects or strategic initiatives.
- TD Securities: Despite downgrading its target price to CAD 33, TD Securities maintains a “Buy” rating on Air Canada. This indicates confidence in the company’s ability to rebound from the earnings miss and achieve future growth.
- Morningstar: Downgrades Air Canada to “Underperform” with a target price of CAD 14.3. This more bearish stance suggests concerns about the company’s performance and outlook, potentially driven by the disappointing earnings results.
- CIBC World Markets: Despite lowering its target price to CAD 28, CIBC World Markets maintains an “Outperform” rating on Air Canada. This suggests that while the earnings miss may have dampened short-term prospects, the company’s long-term growth potential remains intact.
- Scotia Capital: Maintains an “Outperform” rating on Air Canada with a target price of CAD 29. This indicates a positive outlook on the stock’s performance, possibly reflecting confidence in the company’s ability to overcome current challenges.
- National Bank Financial: Downgrades its target price to CAD 30 but maintains an “Outperform” rating on Air Canada. This suggests a belief that while the recent earnings report may have been disappointing, the company still holds promise for investors.
Air Canada’s first-quarter 2024 earnings report presented a mixed picture of financial performance, with revenue growth offset by a significant net loss and lower earnings per share. Analyst reactions have varied, with some expressing confidence in the company’s long-term prospects despite the earnings miss, while others have adopted a more cautious stance. Investors should consider these divergent viewpoints along with their own risk tolerance and investment objectives when evaluating Air Canada’s stock.
