TSE:AC

Air Canada (AC.TO)

24.84
-0.53 (2.09%)
as of Jul 8, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
757 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 8, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 20 opinions in the last 12 months.

Air Canada (AC-T) has garnered mixed reviews from experts, reflecting the volatility and unpredictability of the airline industry. Several analysts emphasize its potential for long-term gains, citing a strong recovery in passenger demand and strategic international routes as positive indicators. However, concerns persist regarding the impact of high fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and labor disputes. While some see significant upside potential due to its current valuation being lower than historical norms and its U.S. counterparts, others express skepticism about its operational efficiency and competitive standing. The recent announcements of direct international routes and a growing cash reserve position contribute to a cautiously optimistic outlook, yet analysts urge vigilance due to the cyclical nature and inherent risks within the airline sector.

consensus icon
Consensus
Cautious
valuation icon
Valuation
Undervalued
review icon
Similar
UAL
BUY ON WEAKNESS
An opportunity to buy during the coronavirus scare? AC is trading near 52-week highs, trading at 4x EBITDA vs. American peers at 6x--that's a valuation discount. AC is bringing down costs and streamlining, which are the right things to do that will benefit the stock for years. So, buy on any weakness like now.
BUY
It has been hitting record highs. It is among their top 5 holdings They upgraded their fleet. Their purchase of Aeroplan will be very accretive. There is room for them to grow nicely.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
Has done very well, but she avoids airline stocks because of cyclicality and heavy capital investments. Doesn't know if it will pullback. Airlines didn't pass the savings in jet fuel (oil) to passengers. AC is well-positioned in Canada; there's little choice in Canada. The rise of immigration helps AC, because they immigrants will travel to their home countries to visit. Wait for a pullback.
BUY
His model price is $56.49. He would buy it here and sees great support at current levels. It would be fully valued at $66.
BUY

One of his best stocks last year. Cheap, trades at only 10x earnings. Airlines have seen consolidation which has benefited all companies, making them more efficient. AC offers good growth and has signed a labour agreement that reduces cost structure. Fuel costs are stable, another plus. AC has nearly $3 billion in excess cash to grow their business or buyback shares. AC carries little debt. Also, AC has execution risk buying Westjet. Overall, AC is well-run. Airlines now remind him of when the rails were consolidating after many bad years then became more efficient and profitable.

COMMENT

Aeroplan is making changes to this points program which is upsetting cardholders. Trades at 10x earnings, cheaper than American peers. They've done a great job executing well. The airlines have consolidated a lot. Loyalty plans will continue to change; they're so pervasive that the plans have the power to change them. TD now has access to this plan.

BUY
Great company. The whole airline space has changed drastically. They're quite profitable, given strong travel demand. AC has good routes and airports. They will continue to do well. Generates solid free cash flow. But this space is more competitive than before.
TOP PICK
He likes industrials and consumer stocks. They have done a great job reducing debts, adding new routes and it trades at a discount to the peer group. The earnings multiple has room to expand as the business has become de-risked. Aeroplan will add to their cash flow as well. Yield 0% (Analysts’ price target is $56.75)
DON'T BUY
It's done an excellent job of building its flight base. It's still an airline and the business is very fragile if there's an economic pullback. Wouldn't add to positions right now. The multiple is quite low but would sit on the side lines.
DON'T BUY
The airline sector is a very high beta space -- it does well when the economy does well. You really want to buy when the market has corrected -- like after a crash or terrorist event. He would not be a buyer here. Those who have held them long term have not tended to do well.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Aug 17/18, Up 85%) He sold and rotated his shares elsewhere. AC has done a remarkable job of turning around their business: re-did their fleet, grew internationally, re-did their loyalty program, paid down debt. Fantastic managers. But it'll be tough for airlines with the Max 8 issue and a slowdown will hurt airline demand--that's why he exited.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 24/18, Up 107%) The global airline space has been transforming such that those airlines still surviving are doing quite well. This company was particularly levered to the space improving. They bought back Aeroplan and that will add to their profitability.
PARTIAL SELL
Airlines have not been a choice for him for years, due to high capital requirements, involvement with unions and commodity price exposure. He would take profits at these levels as it looks expensive here.
BUY
For RRSP It's up 101% in 12 months. On fire. It's been a long time coming. Sadly, he doesn't own it. It's still reasonably valued and has price momentum. He's watching it closely. US airlines are doing well. In Canada in recent months, the competition has declined with M&A. All this is positive for AC-T. AC checks off all the boxes. The middle class is flying more and driving business.
PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Feb 05/19, Up 42%) Integrating Aeroplan went smoothly and low oil prices helped. Taking out Air Transat would really be accretive to AC. But the grounding of the Boeing 737 could impact AC by creating tighter capacity and higher plane tickets. The biggest concern is the overall economy, though he expects the economy to remain positive.

Showing 241 to 255 of 575 entries