Air Canada (TSX:AC) Stock: 3 Reasons Why it Could Start Q3 With a Bang

Here are three main reasons why I believe that Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock could start Q3 with a bang.

| More on:

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock turned slightly positive yesterday after falling in the previous 11 consecutive sessions. The stock rose 1.5% on Tuesday, but it’s still down by 5.9% on a month-to-date basis. While the ongoing tussle between bulls and bears might continue in July, some factors suggest that Air Canada’s shares might edge up in the coming months. Let’s take a closer look at some of these key positive factors.

Rising travel demand

Last year, coronavirus forced many countries across the globe to impose strict shutdowns or travel restrictions for months. Travel and hospitality arguably became two of the worst-affected industries by these restrictions. As airline companies — including Air Canada — weren’t allowed to operate for months, they started burning big piles of cash each day. These losses also forced airline companies to significantly cut their workforce to minimize their costs.

Nonetheless, the travel industry demand has started gradually rising again amid the reopening and vaccination rollout across North America. Earlier this month, the Chicago-based United Airlines told thousands of its employees that the airline might not have to cut jobs this fall — mainly due to increasing travel demand.

Travel demand recovery is one of the most important factors that could pave the way for Air Canada’s financial recovery. That’s why I expect the Canadian flag carrier’s cash-burn rate to significantly improve in the coming quarters.

Enough liquidity to implement a recovery plan

As travel demand gradually recovers, Air Canada needs to have enough liquidity to implement its financial recovery plan in a better manner. At the end of the March quarter, Air Canada had nearly $6.6 billion in liquidity. In addition, the airline company recently also got access to up to $5.9 billion more in liquidity after finalizing a financial package with the government.

Commenting on the company’s liquidity position in May, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau said, “beyond serving as a layer of insurance, this makes available, if required, the resources necessary to rebuild and compete in the post-pandemic world.”

Healthier cargo business

Air Canada tried to strengthen its cargo business during the pandemic phase maximize its revenues by shipping essential cargo. In the first quarter, the airline operated 2,362 all-cargo flights. On June 14, the company announced that it’s now converting many of its Boeing 767 aircraft into dedicated freighters. With this move, Air Canada aims to benefit from the global cargo commercial demand.

Overall, the company’s cargo business is in far better shape to compete in the international market right now than it was in 2019 — before the pandemic.

Final thoughts

The ongoing travel demand recovery and healthier cargo business are likely to accelerate Air Canada’s financial recovery in the coming quarters. These factors could raise the airline’s future sales growth estimates and help its stock inch up in the third quarter. That’s why you may want to add Air Canada stock to your portfolio right now before it starts flying high again.

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.

The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Manulife vs CIBC

Want the best stocks? These two are certainly the best options. But which is the better buy?

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn $2,000 in Passive Income in 2025 With Less Than $51,000 in Savings

You can invest in Canadian high yield stocks via the Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Yield Dividend ETF (TSX:VDY).

Read more »

Asset Management
Investing

Where Will Restaurant Brands International Stock Be in 1/3/5 Years?

Let's dive into where Restaurant Brands (TSX:QSR) could be headed over the near to medium term, shall we?

Read more »

profit rises over time
Tech Stocks

4 Reasons to Buy Constellation Software Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

Constellation Software stock continued its climb upwards after recent earnings, and this only adds to its appeal.

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Good Buy?

Enbridge provides a 6.5% dividend yield right now.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Bank Stocks

Is National Bank of Canada Stock a Buy for its 3.3% Dividend Yield?

While National Bank stock might seem to have a lower dividend yield, its upside could offer a valuable way to…

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Investing

4 Value Stocks That Are Must Buys for Canadians in November

Whether you want to add growth or defence to your portfolio, these four stocks are some of the best Canadian…

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Suncor stock looks undervalued as the company continues to increases cash flows, earnings, and shareholder returns.

Read more »