The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights JetBlue, Southwest, Ryanair, American Airlines and Allegiant

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – February 3, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks 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: JetBlue Airways JBLU, Southwest Airlines LUV, Ryanair Holdings RYAAY, American Airlines AAL and Allegiant Travel Co. ALGT.Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:Airline Stock Roundup: Q4 Earnings EditionIn the past week, JetBlue Airways reported a narrower-than-expected fourth-quarter 2024 loss. Lower operating costs aided the bottom line. Southwest Airlines and Ryanair Holdings, meanwhile, reported better-than-expected earnings per share for the final quarter of 2024. Upbeat air travel demand during the holiday period aided results.For first-quarter 2025, LUV expects capacity (measured in available seat miles) to decline 2%-3% from the year-ago reported figure. The sharp reduction in airline seats in the U.S. market, which has driven up ticket prices, is serving U.S. carriers well. More earnings-related updates are available in the previous week’s airline roundup.American Airlines was in the news for a somber reason as an AAL flight collided with a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington, DC. Sadly, there were no survivors. Allegiant Travel Co. reported impressive traffic numbers for December, highlighting the upbeat air travel demand scenario.Recap of the Recent Most Important Stories1. JetBlue reported fourth-quarter 2024 loss (excluding 8 cents from non-recurring items) of 21 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 30 cents. In the year-ago quarter, JBLU had reported a loss of 19 cents per share.Operating revenues of $2.28 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.26 billion but decreased 2.1% year over year. Despite the narrower-than-expected loss, JBLU shares declined following the results as investors were disappointed by its cost outlook for 2025. JBLU expects non-fuel unit costs for the current year to increase in the 5-7% range from 2024 actuals.JBLU currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.2. Southwest Airlines reported fourth-quarter 2024 earnings of 56 cents per share, which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents and improved 51.5% from the year-ago reported quarter. Revenues of $6.93 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.95 billion. The top line, however, improved 1.6% year over year on the back of the successful execution of tactical actions. For 2025, operating margin, excluding special items, is expected to be up 3-5%.3. Ryanair reported encouraging third-quarter fiscal 2025 (ended Dec. 31, 2024) results wherein both earnings and revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Quarterly earnings per share of 29 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents and improved year over year. Revenues of $3.15 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.94 billion. The top line improved year over year on the back of solid close-in Christmas/New Year bookings.4. At Allegiant, scheduled traffic (measured in revenue passenger miles) improved 14.8% from December 2023. Capacity (measured in available seat miles) for scheduled service improved 16.4% year over year. As traffic increase was less than capacity expansion, the load factor in December 2024 declined to 81.4% from 82.5% a year ago.5. American Airlines CEO Robert Isom expressed “deep sorrow” after one of its aircraft with 64 people crashed following a collision with a military helicopter. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered following the deadly midair collision. The ill-fated plane was operated by an American Airlines subsidiary. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation for this deadly crash.PerformanceThe NYSE ARCA Airline Index increased 2.2% to $73.22, as most stocks in the table above traded in the green. Over the past six months, the NYSE ARCA Airline Index has increased by 34.5%.What’s Next in the Airline Space?Fourth-quarter 2024 results of carriers like Allegiant are expected in the coming days. Passenger volumes are likely to have been high, aiding their performance. However, high labor costs are likely to have been a headwind.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.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast 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.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 Ryanair Holdings PLC (RYAAY): 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 Report Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT): 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