Chorus Aviation Inc (CHR-T)

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. A very large deal. It could double the size of the company and diversify it with a growth profile. CHR will become large and more attractive to institutional investors. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

Has had it as a Top Pick in the past. Both their leasing business and Air Canada flights were very hard hit by the pandemic. Their collection rate for leases is at 60%. The Air Canada business gives them steady income though. Undervalued here. A riskier return to work play. 7x earnings, 7x EBITA. Scores well on value but price momentum has been bad until recent news of someone approaching them.

They are in a tough situation with the pandemic. They don't own them at this time. They are in a partnership with Air Canada that provides a block amount of flight time, which was creating great certainty. The other side of their business is the leasing side, which was being looked at fueling growth. It will probably trade up and down with the prognosis of the aviation space.

They're not exposed to oil prices or currencies. They have a take-or-pay contract with Air Canada, who pay CHR whether AC uses them or not. CHR is Jazz Airlines, an AC regional offset. The dividend is sustainable, above 8%. Input costs won't change much. This stock has sold off, the baby with the bathwater. CHR is like a bond on the health of AC. Their contract runs to 2035.

If coronavirus affects Air Canada, it might affect them to some extent, but not significantly. Dividend is OK. Yield is 6.2%. (Analysts’ price target is $9.38)

He trimmed at $8. They extended their Air Canada contract, but took a cut from total income they'd receive, thus reducing cash flow from that contract every year. That's the trade-off. CHR is offsetting that lost revenue with an aircraft leasing business which is a little riskier. Not his first choice in putting new new money.