Is Cargojet Stock a Buy?

Cargojet is focusing on driving efficiency and preserving cash. Moreover, its long-term customer contracts add resiliency, making it a solid long-term bet.

| More on:

Air cargo company Cargojet (TSX:CJT) has delivered solid returns and made its investors rich in the past. Moreover, the company benefitted from unprecedented demand for its timely service during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, the stock has underperformed the broader markets over the past year and has given up significant value, as the normalization in demand and macro headwinds took a toll on consumer spending for products that travel on Cargojet’s air freight network.  

As the company is battling lower volumes and overcapacity amid a weak demand environment, it is focusing on preserving cash. Cargojet is reducing capital expenditures, lowering costs, and sustaining profitability, which is encouraging. 

For instance, as volumes fluctuate in an uncertain economic environment, the company is reducing the number of block hours in the domestic network. However, it still maintains an optimum service level. Moreover, its cost management efforts related to overtime, temporary employees, and training have also been adjusted, which will cushion its earnings. 

While the company focuses on driving efficiency and preserving cash, its long-term customer contracts add resiliency and position it well to easily navigate the short headwinds. 

With this backdrop, let’s consider why this Canadian stock is a buy near the current levels. 

Cargojet’s fundamentals remain strong 

Cargojet is facing near-term headwinds from lower volumes. However, its fundamentals remain strong. Its long-term customer relationships, supported by minimum volume guarantees and renewal options, add visibility over future revenues. Further, its cost pass-through provisions support its margins and safeguard it in an uncontrollable variable cost environment.

Investors should note that Cargojet is the leading air cargo company in Canada. Moreover, its next-day delivery capability to over 90% of Canadians provides a solid competitive advantage over its peers. Furthermore, its high customer retention rate adds stability. Also, its unique mix of customers and cargo allows for optimizing space and density, and its fuel-efficient fleet supports its margins and growth. 

Thanks to its well-established domestic network, the company remains the backbone of all time-sensitive deliveries across Canada, enabling it to maintain its e-commerce leadership. Moreover, Cargojet has diversified its revenue base and provides dedicated aircraft to customers on an ad-hoc and scheduled basis for cargo and passenger charters. 

Easing inflation, recovery in e-commerce demand, long-term contracts, focus on new cross-border and international opportunities, and cost-reduction measures will support its growth and led to a rally in its share price.

Cargojet’s strategic partnerships are earnings accretive

While Cargojet’s fundamentals remain strong, its strategic partnerships with the leading logistics brands ensure stability and are earnings accretive. In January 2023, the company extended its agreement with Canada Post and Purolator until September 30, 2029. These extended agreements have minimum guaranteed volumes, allowing Cargojet to continue investing in value-added and enhanced services to accelerate its growth rate.

Last November, Cargojet renewed and extended the agreement with United Parcel Service Canada until 2030. 

Investors should note that besides UPS, Canada Post, and Purolator, the company has strategic partnerships with DHL, AmazonAndlauer Healthcare Group, and TFI International. Moreover, during the fourth-quarter conference call, Cargojet’s management said that the company has extended its contracts with all strategic customers well before their termination date until 2027 and beyond. 

These partnerships are important for the company, as they drive revenue and earnings using its other offerings, including the charter, ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance), and aircraft dry lease services. 

Bottom line 

Cargojet’s 75% of the domestic revenue is under long-term contracts, adding stability to its business. Moreover, its extensive domestic network, next-day delivery capabilities, strategic partnerships, and international growth opportunities augur well for growth. Meanwhile, Cargojet is trading at a discounted valuation, presenting an excellent opportunity for buying and holding this 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.

Fool contributor Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Cargojet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

how to save money
Investing

The Best TSX Stock for Canadians to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (TSX:XIU) could be a great starter investment for new investors in Canada.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) stock could do well in the year ahead.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

Monthly Income: Top Dividend Stocks to Buy in November

Here are two of the best monthly dividend stocks in Canada you can buy in November 2024 and hold for…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Investing

A Top TSX Stock to Buy Now for Real Wealth Later

Intact Financial (TSX:IFC) stock is a fantastic dividend-growth play for the next 15 years and beyond.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, November 14

The U.S. wholesale inflation data and Fed chair Jerome Powell’s remarks about the economy will remain on TSX investors’ radar…

Read more »

Man data analyze
Tech Stocks

3 Reasons Celestica Stock Is a Screaming Buy Now

These three reasons make Celestica stock a screaming buy for long-term investors.

Read more »

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dow Stocks Are Set to Soar in 2025 and Beyond

Two Dow Jones stocks are screaming buys but Canadians must hold them in an RRSP or RRIF to avoid paying…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn Ultimate Passive Income

If you have a TFSA, then you have the key to creating ultimate passive income. All you need is a…

Read more »