Company Performance - Alaska Air Group (ALK) has returned approximately 17.3% year-to-date, outperforming the Transportation sector's average return of 5.3% [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALK's full-year earnings has increased by 10.6% over the past quarter, indicating a positive trend in analyst sentiment [3] Industry Context - Alaska Air Group is part of the Transportation - Airline industry, which consists of 28 individual stocks and currently ranks 37 in the Zacks Industry Rank [6] - The Transportation - Airline industry has gained an average of 15.3% so far this year, with ALK performing better than this average [6] Sector Ranking - The Transportation group, which includes Alaska Air Group, is currently ranked 16 within the Zacks Sector Rank, which evaluates 16 different groups based on the average Zacks Rank of individual stocks [2] - Alaska Air Group holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong potential for future performance [3]

Alaska Air Group (ALK) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.Over the past month, shares of this airline have returned +12.3%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.9% change. During this period, the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry, which Alaska Air falls in, has gained 12.8%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direct ...

Core Viewpoint - Alaska Air Group (ALK) reported strong fourth-quarter 2024 results, exceeding expectations and benefiting from increased air travel demand and the acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - ALK's Q4 2024 earnings per share reached 97 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 47 cents, marking a year-over-year increase of over 100% [3]. - The company experienced a 38.4% year-over-year revenue growth, driven by sustained leisure demand and a rise in corporate travel [4]. - Corporate revenues increased by 8% during the quarter, with First and Premium Class revenues up 10% and 11% year-over-year, respectively [4]. Guidance and Future Outlook - ALK's guidance for Q1 2025 indicates expected unit revenue growth in high single digits and capacity growth of 2.5-3.5% [5]. - The company anticipates earnings per share of over $5.75 in 2025, supported by a capacity growth of 2-3% and positive free cash flow generation [5]. Analyst Sentiment - Following the strong Q4 results and positive EPS outlook for 2025, analysts are optimistic and revising annual earnings estimates upward [6]. Fleet and Operational Efficiency - The acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings has expanded ALK's fleet to 365 aircraft, with plans to receive 14 737 MAX and three 787 aircraft from Boeing this year [8]. - The company is focusing on fleet upgrades, with new aircraft improving fuel efficiency by up to 30% compared to older models [7]. Shareholder Initiatives - ALK resumed share buybacks in 2023, repurchasing $248 million in Q4 2024 and $312 million for the full year, reducing the outstanding share count to 123 million [9][10]. - The company has initiated a new $1 billion share repurchase program, aiming to complete it within four years [10]. Valuation - ALK stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.65, which is below industry averages and competitor Delta Air Lines (DAL) at 0.69 [11]. - This attractive valuation, combined with strong earnings growth, positions ALK as a compelling option for value investors [12]. Investment Recommendation - Despite challenges from high labor costs, ALK is well-positioned for growth due to strong air travel demand and shareholder-friendly initiatives [13]. - The Wall Street average target price for ALK stock is $85.57, suggesting an upside of over 13% from current levels [13]. - ALK is considered a strong buy, reflecting a mix of value, growth potential, and resilience [14].

Have you been paying attention to shares of Alaska Air Group (ALK) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 14.5% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $74.7 in the previous session. Alaska Air Group has gained 13.1% since the start of the year compared to the 6% move for the Zacks Transportation sector and the 14.4% return for the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't mis ...

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK ), the parent company of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air, is one of the larger players in the North American airline industry. With an operational focus on the West Coast of America, the group caters to one ofMountain Valley Value Investments specializes in identifying undervalued companies with strong growth potential across various sectors. Focused on long-term value and buying at the right price, we leverage deep industry insights and rigorous analysis to u ...

The Q4 earnings season has remained strong with companies from various sectors standing out in this week’s lineup. Notably, as of yesterday, earnings from the S&P 500 members were up 19.2% from Q4 2023.Able to crush their bottom-line expectations on Thursday, here are two intriguing stocks to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Alaska Air Group – ALKZacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) Alaska Air Group (ALK)  stood out in the transportation sector as Q4 EPS of $0.97 blasted estimates of $0.47 a share by 106%. More im ...

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores. What are t ...

The Company has made reference in this presentation to financial metrics which are not in accordance with GAAP. Pursuant to Regulation G, we have provided reconcliliations of non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable financial measures reported on a GAAP basis within the Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Release filed concurrently with this presentation. Prior year non-GAAP financial metrics have been reconciled in previous SEC filings, and can be referenced therein. ALASKA AIR GROUP Q4 2024 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics - The company reported its fourth quarter 2024 earnings, with detailed results available in the earnings release and accompanying slides on the investor relations website [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - No specific data or metrics related to individual business lines were mentioned in the provided content [4] Market Data and Key Metrics - No specific data or metrics related to individual markets were mentioned in the provided content [4] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - No specific details on company strategy, development direction, or industry competition were mentioned in the provided content [4] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - No specific commentary from management on the operating environment or future outlook was mentioned in the provided content [4] Other Important Information - The earnings call included updates from Ben Minicucci (President and CEO), Andrew Harrison (Chief Revenue Officer and CCO), and Shane Tackett (Chief Financial Officer) [4] - Several other members of the management team were also available to answer questions during the Q&A portion of the call [4] Q&A Session Summary - No specific questions or answers from the Q&A session were mentioned in the provided content [4]

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) reported solid fourth-quarter 2024 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of 97 cents outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 47 cents and improved more than 100% on a year-over-year basis. The reported figure exceeded the guided range of 40-50 cents.The bottom line benefited from solid revenue growth, cost and operational performance throughout the quarter and holiday travel periods. ALK also benef ...