Transportation

What to Watch For in the Major Airlines Reporting This Week

Kiefer / Wikimedia Commons

Even though the busy summer travel season is done, the holidays are right around the corner and airlines will be dealing with a horde of travelers. With this comes mounting reasons why the airlines need to be viewed with caution. The fluctuating price of oil could offer a rise in jet fuel prices, which is, of course, a major cost component for the industry. Toss in some other headwinds, and it makes sense for investors to be careful.

United Continental Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: UAL) reported positive earnings last week, which held up well considering the tumultuous markets. Now the rest of the airlines are reporting this week, and 24/7 Wall St. has put together a preview of what to expect from these companies.

For the other notable earnings this week, check out the Dow Jones industrials earnings and other major earnings previews.

Be advised that the earnings and revenue estimates may change ahead of the formal reports, and some companies may change reporting dates as well.

JetBlue Airways Corp. (NASDAQ: JBLU) is scheduled to reveal its third-quarter results on Tuesday. The analysts’ consensus estimates call for $0.42 in earnings per share (EPS), as well as $2.01 billion in revenue. Shares ended trading at $16.52 on Friday. The consensus analyst price target is $20.75. The stock has a 52-week trading range of $16.04 to $23.08.

Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) is set to report its third-quarter results on Thursday. The consensus estimates call for EPS of $1.81 and $2.2 billion in revenue. Shares were changing hands at $62.58 on Friday’s close. The consensus price target is $76.92, and the stock has a 52-week range of $57.53 to $80.17.

American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) is expected to report its most recent quarterly results on Thursday. The consensus analyst estimates call for $1.13 in EPS and revenue of $11.57 billion. Shares of American Airlines closed at $32.04 on Friday. The consensus price target is $48.63. The 52-week trading range is $30.75 to $59.08.

And Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) will report its third-quarter results on Thursday as well. The consensus estimates call for EPS of $1.07 and $5.57 billion in revenue. Shares were changing hands at $58.13 on Friday’s close. The consensus price target is $68.43, and the stock has a 52-week range of $49.93 to $66.99.

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