Your Money Would Have Multiplied By 350% Had You Bought This Stock 4 Years Ago

It is worth investing in the Air Canada stock before the price becomes expensive in 2020. The company is on the cusp of achieving investment-grade status.

| More on:

Canada’s flagship carrier, Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) is one of top-performing stocks in 2019. Not only is the 172-year old airline company flying high, but it’s also exhibiting the characteristics of a growth stock.

How fortunate are the investors in Air Canada? Had you taken a position in 2015 and still holding the stock today, your money would have grown by 356%. A bigger surprise is in store. The stock is looking to post incredible new highs in 2020.

Chronological performance

Back in November 23, 2015, you could’ve purchase Air Canada for $10.90 per share. After a year, the gain was a modest 31%. The following year, the airline stock was trading for $24.93, or growth of 128.7% in two years. Investors were hoping for another magnificent leap in 2018.

Unfortunately, there were spikes and dips in the following months, which saw the price settle at $26.17 on November 23, 2018, or a gain of only 4.9%. Positive things began to unfold in 2019, the beginning of Air Canada’s impressive surge.

By the end of the first quarter, the price rose by 23% to 32.21. At the halfway mark of 2019, the stock has gone up to $39.69 or a 23.22% quarter to quarter increase.

In the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, Air Canada has risen higher to $43.21.As of this writing, the stock is trading at $49.75 and the gains thus far this year is 91.64%.

Analysts are recommending a “buy” rating for the stock. The potential upside ranges between 14% and 30%.

On September 26, 2019, the TSX released the inaugural list or first edition of the TSX30, which gives recognition to the 30 top-performing Canadian stocks — and rightly so. Air Canada is part of the latest recognition program after recording a three-year return of 346%, enough to place the company in seventh place.

Long runway for growth

The TSX30 introduces to regular investors the growth companies in various industries. Usually, you can find growth stocks in the technology sector only. Google parent Alphabet and Shopify are quintessential examples of growth companies.  

While Air Canada may be old in terms of corporate existence, it has a long runway for growth. This $13.49 billion company is still growing revenues, cash flows, and profits.

The grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX last March disrupted operations, but it did not result in losses. On the contrary, the company is on course to end the year with $18.81 billion revenue, with a corresponding net income of $1.13 billion.

Investment-grade status

According to Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer of Air Canada Michael Rousseau, the company’s financial profile is getting stronger. It is working to reduce leverage and strengthen flexibility through the ongoing transformation.

Standard & Poor and Moody’s Investors Service have upgraded Air Canada’s rating due to lower financial risk. The acknowledgment of Air Canada’s financial resiliency by these rating agencies advances the company to one level below its goal of attaining investment-grade status.

Don’t wait for the upgrade. Buy the stock before Air Canada becomes a pricey, premium stock.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Alphabet (A shares) and Alphabet (C shares). Tom Gardner owns shares of Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), Shopify, and Shopify. Shopify is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Tech Stocks

Trump Trade: Canadian Stocks to Watch

With Trump returning to the presidency, there are some sectors that could boom in Canada, and others to watch. But…

Read more »

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Investing

Is Canadian National Railway Worth Buying for its 2.2% Dividend Yield?

Let's dive into whether Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is a top buy for long-term investors at this point in the…

Read more »

nuclear power plant
Energy Stocks

Is Cameco Stock Still a Buy?

Cameco stock recently reported earnings that showed the Westinghouse investment is creating some major costs. But that could change.

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Insurance Showdown: Better Buy, Great-West Life or Manulife Stock?

GWO stock and MFC stock are two of the top names in insurance, but which holds the better outlook?

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why the Average TFSA for Canadians Aged 41 Isn’t Enough

The average TFSA simply isn't enough for most Canadians in their early 40s. Here's how to catch up.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

New dividend-growth investors should consider CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock and another top play if they're looking to build wealth over…

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn a TFSA Paycheque Every Month and Pay No Taxes on It

Canadian REITs can turn your TFSA into a monthly paycheque machine for life. Here's how Morguard North American Residential REIT…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Investing

2 No-Brainer Growth Stocks to Buy Now With $5,000 and Hold Long Term

Market conditions today are ideal for growth investing, and two rising stocks are no-brainer buys in November.

Read more »