TSE:AC

Air Canada (AC.TO)

25.76
+1.51 (6.23%)
as of Jul 28, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
756 watching
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Investor Insights
star iconJul 28, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 18 opinions in the last 12 months.

Air Canada has garnered mixed opinions from experts, illustrating the inherent volatility of the airline industry. Some analysts express optimism about its growth potential, emphasizing its strategic market positioning and improvements in operational efficiency and cash reserves. There is recognition of its strong management team and its ability to navigate challenges, such as rising oil prices and geopolitical issues. Many believe that it trades at a discount relative to its historical valuation and its U.S. counterparts, creating potential upside. However, others caution against the unpredictability of airline stocks, citing high operating costs and labor challenges as significant risks for investors.

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Consensus
Mixed
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Valuation
Undervalued
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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

If you can wrap your head around buying at the time of a potential labour strike - we reiterate AC is a TOP PICK.  With strong demand for international and domestic travel, we don't expect this dispute to be long lasting.  It trades at 10x earnings, 3.3x book and supports a robust 99% ROE.  Cash reserves are growing, while the company has aggressively retired debt.  We continue to recommend a stop at $16, looking to achieve $26 -- upside potential over 30%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $25.74)
BUY
Hit by fewer flights to US.

Planes to Europe are full. US will come back at some point. Every time a recession ends, travel blossoms. He's followed it for a long time and sees substantial upside. But airline stocks are very volatile. Thinks $31 is doable in the next 2-3 years.

DON'T BUY

Has been poorly managed for many years. Have a BB credit rating. History says that when things go well, they buy back a lot of shares, but don't touch their debt. They need a better balance sheet, stop issuing shares, and totally change of management style. The industry is so competitive that there is no consumer loyalty; consumers buy the cheapest flights online.

SELL

Not compelling right now for transparently understanding where it could go to. With the tariffs, this business is something that could actually be on the table; the dynamics of the Canadian market might change dramatically. Makes most of its money off international flights.

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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 29/25, Up 29.8%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with AC is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $14.50) to $16.00 at this time.  

TRADE

It is a trading opportunity and not a long term hold. There is still upside and there has been insider buying. It has announced an issuer bid. 18% of shares have been bought and cancelled in a year so revenue per share is going up. It is trading at a discount to its American peers and to its historical valuation.

DON'T BUY

It is buying back shares and did some cost cutting which could increase cash flow, but it still carries a lot of debt. It is a cyclical business and is battling U.S. giants. She wants to see a turn-around. If you own it continue to hold.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Started to put in a bit of a bottom a couple of months ago, as did many other airlines. This name's had a big move higher. There are 2 ways to consolidate: in price (sharp pullback) or in time (move sideways). Thinks we'll see consolidation at least for a bit, perhaps with a slight downward bias. (In tech analysis it's called a "flag".) Once done, it should resume the uptrend and move higher.

Once we get into August, put on the brakes or at least assess the risk.

DON'T BUY

Notoriously terrible businesses. Tight margins, large capex. Travel slows down in tough economic times. Non-sustainable business model for long-term growth. Trying so hard to raise fees on everything. Avoid all airlines.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
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TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate AC as a TOP PICK.  The company is adjusting to uncertainty over North America air traffic, which is a result of their well diversified route portfolio.  Cash reserves continue to grow as debt is retired and shares bought back.  It trades at 10x earnings, 3x book and supports a ROE of 125%.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from$13.00) to $14.50, looking to achieve $24.00 -- upside potential of 20%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $23.74)
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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 Apr 17/25, Up 28.8%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with AC has achieved its target at $18.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering half the position at this time and trailing up the stop (from $9) to $13.

TOP PICK

It is trading near the levels seen at the early stages of the pandemic. Trade war fears have dragged down the airlines but this is overdone. Air Canada is at an 80% booking level which is normal. Its flights to the U.S. are down but international business is strong. It makes more money on international flights than domestic. The price is still OK.                             Buy 14  Hold 2  Sell 1

(Analysts’ price target is $23.09)
DON'T BUY

Airlines are a a very tough business to invest in. Highly volatile, highly levered. Not for him. He likes recurring revenue, visibility on revenue, and easy to play. You're flipping a coin.

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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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
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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)
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