Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Have you been paying attention to shares of Alaska Air Group (ALK)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 14.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $74.7 in the previous session. Alaska Air Group has gained 13.1% since the start of the year compared to the 6% move for the Zacks Transportation sector and the 14.4% 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 missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on January 22, 2025, Alaska Air reported EPS of $0.97 versus consensus estimate of $0.47 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 0.64%.For the current fiscal year, Alaska Air is expected to post earnings of $5.93 per share on $14.78 billion in revenues. This represents a 21.77% change in EPS on a 25.97% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $7.69 per share on $15.6 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 29.58% and 5.55%, respectively.Valuation MetricsAlaska Air may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as they provide investors with an additional way to sort through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.Alaska Air has a Value Score of A. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are C and C, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 12.4X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 9.6X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 7.7X versus its peer group's average of 6.1X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 0.67. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.Zacks RankWe also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Alaska Air currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Alaska Air meets the list of requirements. Thus, it seems as though Alaska Air shares could have a bit more room to run in the near term.How Does ALK Stack Up to the Competition?Shares of ALK have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL). DAL has a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy) and a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of B, and a Momentum Score of C.Earnings were strong last quarter. Delta Air Lines, Inc. beat our consensus estimate by 5.11%, and for the current fiscal year, DAL is expected to post earnings of $7.53 per share on revenue of $63.84 billion.Shares of Delta Air Lines, Inc. have gained 14% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 8.93X and a P/CF of 6.68X.The Transportation - Airline industry is in the top 27% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for ALK and DAL, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 228 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2023 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK): Free Stock Analysis Report Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks