WestJet Airlines Ltd. vs. Air Canada: 1 Stock to Buy (and 1 to Short Sell)

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) and Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) shares have been heading in opposite directions from one another. Will the trends reverse?

| More on:

plane

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) and Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) are two battered airline stocks that have fallen ~21% and ~6%, respectively, year to date. Both airlines appear to be severely undervalued stocks with their single-digit trailing P/E multiples of 8.66 and 3.48, respectively, at the time of writing.

Although such low P/E multiples may be indicative of a “cigar butt” stock that possesses a valuation that’s too good to be true, it looks to me that Air Canada is a real opportunity that could be ripe to soar in the second half of 2018. WestJet, however, is clearly troubled and may have a stock that’s about to encounter even more turbulence in the year ahead following management’s recent guidance downgrade.

Air Canada is ready to fly high. WestJet could be in for an abrupt landing

When it came to the first-quarter results for the year, it’s clear that Air Canada and WestJet are on different ends of the spectrum. Air Canada is in far better shape to capitalize on the strengthening Canadian economy over the medium term compared to WestJet, which may not be able to make the most of the opportunity that’s on the horizon.

It’s not just higher fuel prices that have been a drag on WestJet shares either, as all airlines had to deal with this headwind. WestJet’s company-specific issues (like implications from a strike) are to blame for the stock’s tumble, and with the recent guidance downgrade, I find it less likely that the company will hit its ROIC target, as the troubling downtrend in year-over-year ROIC continues.

Could WestJet shares miss out on air time once again?

WestJet has been one of the most underwhelming names to own in the airline space. The stock didn’t really participate in the last leg-up when Air Canada shares more than tripled over a two-year span. Given WestJet’s unique situation this time around, it looks like the company is set to miss out on a magnificent industry-wide rally, yet again.

Bottom line

Air Canada is not only cheaper than WestJet based on traditional valuation metrics but is poised to enjoy ample cost-savings over the medium term, as prior initiatives finally begin to pay off. Given Air Canada’s superior position at this point in time, and the existence of near-term catalysts that could send the stock flying, I think the discount on Air Canada shares versus the airline industry is unwarranted.

Moving forward, Air Canada looks very well equipped to return to growth. This, when combined with improved margins across the board, may cause shares to double within the next three years.

As for WestJet, I think shares are doomed to underperform over the medium term, so investors looking for a long/short strategy may find that going long Air Canada and shorting WestJet could end up being a very profitable endeavour over the next year or so.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

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 Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Business man on stock market financial trade indicator background.
Tech Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 50 Percent to Buy Right Now

There are plenty of growth stocks in the market worth considering, but Shopify (TSX:SHOP) looks like one of the best…

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

edit Sale sign, value, discount
Stocks for Beginners

These 3 Growth Stocks Are on Sale and Set to Surge

Some growth stocks are on sale right now that offer massive long-term potential for investors. Here's a trio to consider…

Read more »

Cannabis grows at a commercial farm.
Cannabis Stocks

Why Canopy Growth Stock Could Double in 2024

Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED) stock saw its share more than double in the last two weeks. So, can it do it…

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »