Southwest gains on improved 3Q2009 analyst forecast; Delta also up
The AMEX Airline Index was up 2.1% on Thursday (08-Oct-09), with the majority of North and South American carriers' stocks inching upwards.
Stocks were assist by gains in the broader market, with the Dow making a modest gain, up 0.6%. The rise in airline stocks came despite a 3.1% jump in oil prices, to USD71.69.
Southwest leads gainers following analyst's 3Q2009 forecast
Southwest (+5.7%) led the gains yesterday, after Jesup & Lamont raised its 3Q2009 forecast for the carrier from a loss of USD0.08 per share to a profit of USD0.02 per share. For the full year, its EPS estimate, excluding extraordinary items, is for a profit of USD0.12 per share.
For 2010, Jesup & Lamont's preliminary estimate is for EPS of USD0.42 per share. According to the analysts, even using a multiple on earnings that is a premium to the group, "the shares seem expensive at current prices", and it maintained a "sell" rating on Southwest's stock.
Delta up despite expected loss for 3Q2009
Delta Air Lines (+4.1%) was also up at the close of trade yesterday, despite a Dow Jones report noting analysts expect the carrier to post a USD0.07 per share loss on USD7.6 billion in revenue for 3Q2009. The consensus expectation comes after Delta stated in Sep-2009 that it does not expect to post a profit for FY2009. However, the carrier has built up solid capital reserves to weather the remainder of the year.
LAN gains on improved passenger traffic for Sep-2009
LAN (+1.0%) stock gained slightly, after the carrier reported a 1.8 ppts increase in load factor, to 78.8%, as passenger numbers rose 15.1%. The improved load factor came off an 11.9% increase in traffic (RPMs) and a 9.3% increase in capacity (ASMs).
North & South America selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 08-Oct-09
Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance