The Zacks Analyst Blog American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Citigroup and RyanairHoldings

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 9, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and ETFs featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include including American Airlines AAL, Southwest Airlines LUV, JetBlue Airways JBLU Citigroup C and RyanairHoldings RYAAY.Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:Airline Stock Roundup: Holiday Travel EditionIn the past week, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways provided improved projections for the fourth quarter of 2024. Buoyant air travel demand and improved pricing led to healthy guidance. Lower capacity has also been boosting profitability.American Airlines was also in the news due to its credit card deal with Citigroup. European carrier RyanairHoldings reported strong traffic numbers for November, reflecting the buoyant air travel demand scenario.Read the Last Airline Roundup here.Recap of the Recent Most Important Stories1 American Airlines lifted its fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings per share guidance. The projection was lifted owing to favorable pricing and revenue environment. It expects fourth-quarter total revenues per available seat miles to be flat to up 1% from the same period in 2023 (earlier guidance was of a decline in the 1-3% band).The company presently expects fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share to be between approximately 55 cents and 75 cents (earlier guidance was in the 25-50 cents range). Management now expects non-fuel unit costs (adjusted) in the fourth quarter of 2024 to increase in the 5-6% band year over year (earlier projection was of a rise in the 4-6% band).American Airlines and Citigroup inked a 10-year agreement that extends their partnership. The deal makes Citi the sole issuer of the AAdvantage (AAL’s frequent flyer program) co-branded card in the United States starting in 2026.AAL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here2. JetBlue now anticipates fourth-quarter revenues to decline in the range of 2-5% on a year-over-year basis. This marks an improvement from the previous guidance of a 3%-7% decline. For 2024, total revenues are forecasted to decline in the range of 3.5-4.5% (prior view: down 4-5%).The upside in the revenue projection was owing to better-than-expected bookings for November and December after the U.S. presidential election. Additionally, improved close-in demand and solid operational performance over Thanksgiving week led to better revenues during the November holiday peak. JBLU witnessed December bookings surpass prior expectations in peak and off-peak travel periods. For fourth-quarter 2024, capacity (measured in available seat miles) is now anticipated to decline in the 4.5-6.5% band (prior view: down 4-7%).In a bid to push up fares and profits, JBLU is cutting many routes. The low-cost carrier is cutting service in New York, Miami, and more cities.3. Southwest Airlines now expects fourth-quarter 2024 total revenue per available seat miles (a measure of unit revenues) to increase in the range of 5.5 -7.0 % on a year-over-year basis (earlier forecast was for an increase in the 3.5-5.5% range). Available seat miles (a measure of capacity) in the December quarter are expected to be down approximately 4% from fourth-quarter 2023 actuals. Upbeat air travel demand and realization of benefits from LUV’s execution of tactical actions led to the improved TRASM view. Economic fuel cost per gallon is expected in the $2.35-$2.45 range.4. In November, the number of passengers transported on Ryanair flights was 13 million, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase. The November load factor (percentage of seats filled by passengers) of 92% remained flat on a year-over-year basis, reflecting consistent passenger demand for the airline's services. RYAAY operated more than 73,750 flights in November 2024.PerformanceThe NYSE ARCA Airline Index increased 4.3% $67.25, as most stocks in the table above traded in the green. Over the past six months, the NYSE ARCA Airline Index increased by 14.6%.What’s Next in the Airline Space?With the earnings season over, we expect updates from many carriers regarding their plans to meet the anticipated demand swell during the winter travel season.Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.0 average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +44.9%, +48.4% and +55.2% per year.Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.See Stocks Free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                     https://www.zacks.com                                                Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Free Today: Profiting from The Future’s Brightest Energy SourceThe demand for electricity is growing exponentially. At the same time, we’re working to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels like oil and natural gas. Nuclear energy is an ideal replacement.Leaders from the US and 21 other countries recently committed to TRIPLING the world’s nuclear energy capacities. This aggressive transition could mean tremendous profits for nuclear-related stocks – and investors who get in on the action early enough.Our urgent report, Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback, explores the key players and technologies driving this opportunity, including 3 standout stocks poised to benefit the most.Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today.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 Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYAAY): Free Stock Analysis Report Citigroup Inc. (C): Free Stock Analysis Report Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV): Free Stock Analysis Report JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU): Free Stock Analysis Report American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL): 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