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Investor Insights

This summary was created by AI, based on 36 opinions in the last 12 months.

Air Canada (AC-T) is currently facing a challenging market environment with mixed analyst sentiments. Several experts point out that the airline sector remains highly cyclical and sensitive to economic fluctuations, making it a tough business, especially with high capital requirements and low margins. The company has a leveraged balance sheet and is undergoing stock buybacks, but there are concerns around travel demand, particularly business travel not returning to pre-pandemic levels. Despite these challenges, some analysts highlight the potential for valuation recovery, noting that the stock trades below historical averages and could rebound if economic conditions improve. There is a general consensus that while the stock is considered a trading opportunity rather than a long-term hold, there may be a short-term investment interest due to its low price relative to potential earnings.

Consensus
Hold
Valuation
Undervalued
RISKY

A high-risk opportunity. Traffic to US is down. In the US travel is down, but revenues are up because people are paying for executive class. AC can do the same thing. Tariff noise will soon abate.

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This is a Panic-proof Portfolio opinion which is available only for Premium members

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Canada's largest airline just announced resumption of service from the nation's capital to London UK -- signs of global schedule shuffles and adjusting to declining US bookings.  We like that debt is being aggressively retired and shares bought back.  It trades at 6x earnings, 2x book and supports a robust 108% ROE.  We recommend setting a stop at $9, looking to achieve $18 -- upside potential of 28%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $23.42)
DON'T BUY

One of the most economically sensitive names. To buy now, you need a rosy economic outlook but uncertainty is squashing that. Valuation's come down massively. High fixed costs. Not enough defense as we stare down a recession.

DON'T BUY
Fewer flights being booked to US.

Over last 5 years, hasn't generated much stock price appreciation. Trading stock, not buy and hold. New capacity coming to market, consumer being more cautious. Not great environment to buy. Cashflow will be under pressure.

DON'T BUY

Airline stocks are not long-term holds. Travel is discretionary, especially for pleasure. Most profitable part is business travel, which won't make a full recovery to pre-Covid levels. Air travel to US is suppressed. CAD at this low level doesn't bode well for overseas purchasing power. Massively leveraged balance sheet, plus looming tariffs.

TOP PICK

It has rebuilt its balance sheet and the valuation is well below the historical average. It has lagged the U.S. airline stocks even though it has initiated a 12 month share buyback program. It is at a lower price today than the price for share buybacks, recent option offerings and insider buying in February. Travel should come off a bit but not as much as the drop in its stock price.         Buy 13  Hold 4  Sell 0

(Analysts’ price target is $24.65)
TRADE

Airlines are economically sensitive stocks. Technically, the chart shows a base, which suggests a swing trade. If, and only if, AC arcs up with definite conviction off support of $15 or so, it could head close to $24 (though might not quite make it).

Don't do it until it breaks out. Plus, you'll need a fundamental reason (such as Trump backing off tariffs).

TRADE

Deferred capex, a positive. Flexibility with its fleet. Strong balance sheet. Under 6x PE, way cheaper than US peers. Softness this year due to tariff uncertainty, sees growth returning in next couple of years. If tariffs don't go on, a nice buy. Put it in a non-registered account as more of a trading stock.

DON'T BUY

Does not find business attractive. Airline business very hard - high capital requirements with low margins. Would look elsewhere in the markets. 

WATCH

Powerful brand, great loyalty program, flights seem full. Concerns around trade war and cancelling US trips. Hurt by weak CAD, so concerns around input costs and margins. Buying back stock. Low valuation, decent time to look at it.

DON'T BUY

Does not invest long term in airlines. Business very hard - capita requirements very high, with low margins. Few barriers to entry - lots of new competitors. Oil prices are volatile - which creates difficulty in costs. No dividend makes this company hard to invest in. Better options elsewhere. 

DON'T BUY
Reach $30 in 6-9 months?

No. At a level of support around $20, a pretty strong move. Weak technicals, definitely in a downtrend, messy no-man's land. If we were earlier in the cycle, he'd support its trying to find a base here. Late cycle is big for energy; for airlines that aren't unhedged, that's going to be a big headwind as input costs come under pressure.

His team likes EIF, so take a look at that name.

premium

This is a Panic-proof Portfolio opinion which is available only for Premium members

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Oct 10/24, Up 15.5%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with AC has triggered its stop at $20.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  Combined with our previous guidance, this will result in a net investment gain of 21%.

TOP PICK

Was $50 before pandemic, yet financials are virtually the same now as then. Massive upside. Being hit by sentiment left over from pandemic. Continues to tap into the US market. No dividend.

(Analysts’ price target is $27.50)
DON'T BUY

He never owns airlines. AC has failed to generate shareholder wealth creation historically. They take on too much debt, then buy back shares, then raise equity. Avoid. 

Showing 1 to 15 of 547 entries

Air Canada(AC-T) Rating

Ranking : 5 out of 5

Star iconStar iconStar iconStar iconStar icon

Bullish - Buy Signals / Votes : 15

Neutral - Hold Signals / Votes : 15

Bearish - Sell Signals / Votes : 10

Total Signals / Votes : 40

Stockchase rating for Air Canada is calculated according to the stock experts' signals. A high score means experts mostly recommend to buy the stock while a low score means experts mostly recommend to sell the stock.

Air Canada(AC-T) Frequently Asked Questions

What is Air Canada stock symbol?

Air Canada is a Canadian stock, trading under the symbol AC-T on the Toronto Stock Exchange (AC-CT). It is usually referred to as TSX:AC or AC-T

Is Air Canada a buy or a sell?

In the last year, 40 stock analysts published opinions about AC-T. 15 analysts recommended to BUY the stock. 10 analysts recommended to SELL the stock. The latest stock analyst recommendation is . Read the latest stock experts' ratings for Air Canada.

Is Air Canada a good investment or a top pick?

Air Canada was recommended as a Top Pick by on . Read the latest stock experts ratings for Air Canada.

Why is Air Canada stock dropping?

Earnings reports or recent company news can cause the stock price to drop. Read stock experts’ recommendations for help on deciding if you should buy, sell or hold the stock.

Is Air Canada worth watching?

40 stock analysts on Stockchase covered Air Canada In the last year. It is a trending stock that is worth watching.

What is Air Canada stock price?

On 2025-04-17, Air Canada (AC-T) stock closed at a price of $13.97.