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On Wednesday, Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) received a rating upgrade from Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James, with analyst Savanthi Syth raising the airline’s stock from Outperform to Strong Buy. However, the firm concurrently reduced the price target for Allegiant shares to $90 from the previous target of $125.
The upgrade comes as part of Raymond James’ U.S. airlines earnings preview, which also saw United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) downgraded from Outperform to Market Perform. The stock has fallen over 12% in the past week, with InvestingPro data showing 12 analysts revising earnings expectations downward. Currently trading at a P/E ratio of 7.08, UAL maintains a "GREAT" financial health score of 3.02, with its next earnings report due in 20 days. The revisions in target prices across the board reflect lowered earnings expectations and the application of lower valuation multiples due to heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.
Raymond James expressed a preference for airline stocks with unique earnings drivers that could help them withstand macroeconomic challenges. Allegiant, along with American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) and Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV), which both retain an Outperform rating, are seen as companies that fit this criterion. For deeper insights into airline stocks’ valuations and financial health metrics, investors can access comprehensive analysis through InvestingPro, which offers exclusive ProTips and detailed financial metrics for over 1,400 US stocks.
Allegiant’s new Strong Buy rating indicates a higher conviction in the company’s potential to outperform the broader market. In contrast, Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE:ALK), although attractively valued and fitting the profile for idiosyncratic earnings drivers, is perceived to carry higher relative risk due to its very favorable sentiment among both buy-side and sell-side analysts.
Furthermore, Raymond James highlighted SkyWest , Inc. (NASDAQ:SKYW) with an Outperform rating, noting that it should experience lower volatility in earnings due to fluctuations in fuel costs and airfares. The updates to airline stock ratings and price targets by Raymond James provide investors with a reshaped outlook on the sector amid the current economic landscape.
In other recent news, United Airlines has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its first Starlink-equipped aircraft, the Embraer 175, with plans to launch its inaugural flight in May. The company aims to equip approximately 40 regional jets per month with Starlink technology, targeting completion for all 300 Embraer 175 planes by the end of the year. Meanwhile, UBS has adjusted its outlook on United Continental Holdings, reducing the price target to $107 from $140, citing weaker first-quarter trends and ongoing consumer softness, though it maintains a Buy rating on the stock. Fitch Ratings has upgraded United Airlines’ Issuer Default Rating from ’BB-’ to ’BB’, with a positive outlook, driven by the company’s reduction of its adjusted debt balance and strong financial performance. United Airlines’ efforts to enhance in-flight connectivity continue with plans to obtain FAA approval for installing Starlink on more than 16 different aircraft models. The company is also conducting beta tests to ensure the technology meets their standards for an exceptional passenger experience. The recent developments come amid a backdrop of broader airline industry challenges, as Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL)’ revised revenue and profit forecasts have raised concerns about reduced demand and profitability across the sector. Despite these challenges, Fitch projects United’s ongoing debt repayment and investments in its network and loyalty program offerings will strengthen its market position and profitability.
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