Stockchase Opinions

The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research) Alaska Air Group ALK-N TOP PICK Jan 25, 2024

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

ALK has estimated the grounding by Boeing of its Max 9 fleet will likely hinder some of its capacity for a while.  For this the market clipped its share price by 20%, but now it is recovering following recently released earnings.  The company is reporting expanding margins in both passenger and cargo.  It trades at only 1.1x book and 13x earnings.  Quarterly cash reserves are growing as debt is retired and shares bought back.  We recommend setting a stop-loss at $31, looking to achieve $51 -- upside potential of 36%.  Yield 0%     

(Analysts’ price target is $51.50)
$37.505

Stock price when the opinion was issued

Transportation
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BUY
An inflation-protection trade: Energy is the obvious play. Kinder Morgan is a laggard in energy, though not directly tied to oil prices, but will benefit during this rally. Also likes Cleveland-Cliffs which reports tomorrow. Down from highs, but still very high and lifted by high steel prices. Upside here as the economy expands. Alaska Air. Costs are up, but airline are good at passing on costs to customers. People will come out of hibernation to fly, so demand is up.
BUY
All airlines are seeing tremendous demand and are raising prices to absorb higher fuel costs.
BUY
March was their best-ever month for cash sales and project Q2 revenue to be up 5-8% vs. 2019. They expect to return to profitability by year's end. Problem is everyone knows ALK is a strong performer, so it's hard to expect an upside surprise. It trades at a cheap 14x earnings.
DON'T BUY

Is leaving the S&P. Shares sank today after taking over Hawaiian Airlines. Not worth chasing this.

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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

We reiterate ALK as a TOP PICK.  The company expects its acquisition of Hawaiian to close in the next 18 months and they expect to see large cost-saving synergies.  Quarterly cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired and shares bought back.  It trades at 21x earnings and 1.2x book value.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $31) to $33, looking to achieve $51 -- upside potential of 31%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $51.10)
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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

We reiterate ALK as a TOP PICK.  Travel demand is strong and the company is performing well.  It trades at 23x earnings and under 2x book value.  Cash reserves are growing while debt is retired and shares bought back.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $33) to $38, looking to achieve $56 -- upside potential of 28%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $56.56)
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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

We again reiterate ALK as a TOP PICK.  Following a grounding of one-third of their fleet due to Boeing related issues, the company has since been compensated $160 million by the aircraft manufacturer.  Air travel is hitting all time record highs and ALK is well positioned.  It trades at 22x earnings and 1.3x book value.  We will continue to recommend a tight stop at $38, looking to achieve $56 -- upside potential of 34%.  Yield 0%

(Analysts’ price target is $56.40)
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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).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 18/24, Down 7.9%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with ALK has triggered its stop at $38.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment loss of 5%, when combined with our previous recommendations.