Air Canada’s positive momentum continues as it eyes sustainable ROIC targets

Air Canada reached a milestone in 3Q2013 as its return on invested capital (ROIC) as of 30-Sep-2013 was 10.8% compared with 7.7% at YE2012. The improvement is notable as the company broaches its stated objective of achieving an ROIC between 10% and 13% on a sustainable basis by 2015.

It is a laudable achievement given a couple of years ago the carrier was working feverishly to combat significant financial challenges and battled labour strife throughout much of 2012 in order to forge collective bargaining agreements that it believes will aid in its ultimate goal of sustainable profitability.

Obviously the carrier still has a long road ahead in proving its mettle in regular profitability, but for the moment it seems to be holding its own against increased competitive pressure from WestJet while getting its own new low-cost carrier Air Canada rouge off the ground.