2 Cheap Airline Stocks to Buy in February 2024

Undervalued TSX stocks such as Air Canada can help you generate outsized gains in 2024.

| More on:

In the last four years, airline stocks have been wrestling with multiple headwinds. First, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the travel sector to a screeching halt for two years. Several countries relaxed lockdown measures in 2022, resulting in pent-up travel demand. However, the reopening of economies and COVID-19-related subsidies drove oil prices and inflation significantly higher.

Despite an uptick in sales growth, airline companies were struggling to improve profit margins. Further, to combat inflation, several central banks raised interest rates at an accelerated pace in the last 24 months. The airline sector is capital-intensive, resulting in a further erosion of the bottom line.

Lastly, the ongoing wars between Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine, as well as the fiasco with Boeing’s lineup of 737 Max planes, might impact the airline industry in the near term.

Alternatively, the possibility of multiple interest rate cuts in 2024, a resilient global economy, and cooling inflation on the back of lower oil prices might drive airline stocks higher, given they trade at a cheap valuation.

Here are two undervalued airline stocks you can buy in February 2024.

Southwest Airlines stock

Valued at US$18 billion by market cap, Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) stock is down 54% below all-time highs. Southwest Airlines reported adjusted net income of US$233 million or US$0.37 per share in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023. It ended 2023 with a net income of US$986 million or US$1.57 per share.

Southwest Airlines reported record revenue of US$6.8 billion in Q4, while sales stood at US$26.1 billion in 2023. After accounting for its balance sheet debt of US$8 billion, Southwest Airlines ended the year with US$12.5 billion in liquidity, providing it with the flexibility to navigate an uncertain macro environment.

In 2024, the company aims to optimize its route network to new demand patterns, which should contribute roughly US$1.5 billion in pre-tax profits in Q1. Due to this initiative, Southwest expects double-digit year-over-year revenue growth and operating margin expansion in 2024.

Analysts expect Southwest Airlines to increase sales by 6.5% to US$28 billion with adjusted earnings of US$1.51 per share. So, priced at 0.7 times forward sales and 20 times forward earnings, LUV stock is reasonably valued.

Air Canada stock

Air Canada (TSX:AC) was among the hottest stocks in the last decade, surging over 3,000% in the 10 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, down 64% below all-time highs, Air Canada stock is valued at a market cap of $6.5 billion.

Similar to other airline companies, Air Canada reported a strong operational performance in the holiday season, transporting close to 2.6 million passengers and completing 98% of scheduled flights.

In Q3 of 2023, Air Canada reported operating revenue of $6.34 billion, an increase of 19% year over year. Its operating income stood at $1.41 billion, indicating a margin of 22.3%, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization stood at $1.83 billion.

Air Canada ended Q3 with an operating cash flow of $408 million and free cash flow of $135 million, suggesting it allocated over $270 million towards capital expenditures.

Priced at 5.5 times forward earnings, Air Canada stock is really cheap and trades at a discount of 50% to consensus price target estimates.

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 Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

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

Can CNR stock continue its long-term outperformance into 2025 and beyond? Let's explore whether now is a good time to…

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Stock Market

It’s Not Too Late: Invest in These TSX Growth Stocks Now

Solid fundamentals of these top TSX growth stocks could help them maintain strong upward momentum in the years to come.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

These top dividend stocks both offer attractive yields and trade off their highs, making them two of the best to…

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Stocks for Beginners

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Don't ignore stocks just because they look like they're at a high price. Instead, see exactly why they've driven so…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Bank Stocks

Is TD Bank Stock a Buy for Its 5.2% Dividend Yield?

TD Bank stock offers a rare 5.2% dividend yield—can it rebound from challenges and reward contrarian investors? Here's what to…

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Investing

How Should a Beginner Invest in Stocks? Start With This Index Fund

This Vanguard index fund is the perfect way to start a Canadian investment portfolio.

Read more »

analyze data
Bank Stocks

Is BMO Stock a Buy for its 4.7% Dividend Yield?

Bank of Montreal is up 20% since late August. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »