Why Air Canada Stock Could Go Parabolic From Here

Investors in Air Canada (TSX:AC) and Air Canada stock have seen significant appreciation from pandemic lows, but more may be on the horizon.

| More on:
calculate and analyze stock

Image source: Getty Images

One of the pandemic reopening plays investors are watching closely right now is Air Canada (TSX:AC). Indeed, this large Canadian airline is starting to see volume pick up. With the Trudeau government already working on reducing the onerous travel restrictions that have hit this sector hard, Air Canada stock is looking like an intriguing pick here.

Indeed, if Canadian travel booms as steeply as what we’ve seen in the U.S., all bets are off with respect to how high this stock could go. After all, Air Canada still trades around 50% below its all-time, pre-pandemic high.

Let’s take a look at why a parabolic swing to all-time highs may not be as unlikely as many investors think.

Outlook drastically improving for Air Canada stock

I think the stark contrast of what Air Canada will report in the coming quarters could potentially provide meaningful upside for investors in Air Canada stock.

Indeed, last year wasn’t pretty. Air Canada was burning approximately $14 million per day due to grounded flights. This cash burn wasn’t as high as some U.S. counterparts in an absolute sense. However, on a relative basis, it’s clear Air Canada has been under a lot of pressure.

However, the approach the company’s management team has taken in negotiations over bailout funding may have been the turning point investors were looking for. The $5.9 billion bailout package has changed the liquidity picture for Air Canada stock. And with flights resuming, cash flow may finally turn around to pre-pandemic levels.

Indeed, the outlook remains much brighter today for Air Canada stock than any time since the onset of the pandemic. A surge of pent-up travel demand domestically should drive capacity levels back to where they were in 2019. Some might argue we could be headed for a “goldilocks” period in the airline sector.

Canada is quickly approaching its 70% herd immunity vaccination target to fully reopen borders. When that happens, it’s full steam ahead for Air Canada stock. Accordingly, now may be a great entry point to consider this stock today.

Bottom line

Air Canada stock isn’t one without risk. Oil prices (and therefore jet fuel prices) remain elevated. And the timing of the border reopening and speed of the vaccination drive has been two factors no one has been able to anticipate thus far.

That said, it’s not a matter of if we’ll get back to normal, but when. Should travellers hit the skies at volumes we’ve never seen before, Air Canada stock should do very well. Indeed, this could be a coiled spring ready to pop here. Investors ought to have this stock on their watch list now.

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.

Fool contributor Chris MacDonald has no position in any stocks mentioned in this article.

More on Investing

Dividend Stocks

The 2 Best Canadian Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now

Blue-chip stocks can be some of the best stocks to have in any portfolio. But when they're trending upwards, investors…

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My Top 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

These top dividends stocks have consistently paid and increased their dividends. Further, this trend will continue.

Read more »

Lights glow in a cityscape at night.
Investing

Canadian Infrastructure Stocks to Buy Now

These two Canadian infrastructure stocks offer interesting investment opportunities whether you’re focused on income or price appreciation.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks Wall Street Might Be Sleeping on, But I’m Not

Don’t miss your chance to load up on these three beaten-down stocks.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, November 5

Updates related to the U.S. presidential election will remain on TSX investors’ radar today as the third-quarter corporate earnings season…

Read more »

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Canadian AI Stocks

Are you looking for one of the most solid Canadian AI stocks out there? This one is probably your best…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Why AI Stocks Should Be in Every Canadian Investor’s Portfolio

AI stocks continue to be one of the best options out there for long-term investing, especially when considering Canadian options.

Read more »