Air Canada (TSX:AC) Stock: Has its Post-Pandemic Rally Started?

Air Canada’s (TSX:AC) shares are continuously rising in March, as they’ve gone up by about 9% in the first three days. Is it the post-pandemic rally that we all were waiting for? Let’s find out.

| More on:
Question marks in a pile

Image source: Getty Images

Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock is continuing to outperform the broader market. On Wednesday, the stock inched up by another 3.4%, even as the broader market traded on a negative note. The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell by 0.5% yesterday. In the last three days, Air Canada stock has surged by about 9% compared to only a 1.4% rise in the Canadian market benchmark. Let’s take a quick look at some key factors driving these gains before discussing whether it’s a good time to buy its stock.

Air Canada stock: Recent updates

On March 1, Air Canada amended its regional service-related agreement with Jazz Aviation — a Chorus Aviation subsidiary. The amended agreement allows Jazz Aviation to be the exclusive operator of Air Canada Express services. Notably, Sky Regional also has been operating Air Canada’s regional service called Air Canada Express for many years — apart from Jazz.

In the last year, the global pandemic-related restrictions and shutdowns have badly hurt the airline industry. The Canadian flag airline has been burning cash for the last four quarters in a row. The chances of it coming back profit in 2021 don’t look so bright either. The consolidation of its regional flight services would help Air Canada significantly reduce its operating cost. The airline expects its cost reduction to be around $400 million over the next 15-year period. Investors seemingly welcomed this news, as its stock is continuing to surge in March.

Hopes of government a big bailout

It’s the second consecutive month when Air Canada stock is showcasing strength. In February, the stock rose by 25.4% — outperforming the broader market by a wide margin. The TSX Index rose by 4.2% last month. Investors’ high expectations — that a big government bailout package for the aviation industry is coming — helped the stock soar.

During its Q4 earnings event, Air Canada’s then CEO Calin Rovinescu — who retired in February — showed optimism about the possibility of a government support package. On a conference call with analysts, he said, “while there is no assurance at this stage that we will arrive at a definitive agreement on sector support, I’m more optimistic on this front for the first time.”

Is it the post-pandemic rally?

While Air Canada stock has registered solid gains in the last month, it might not exactly be the post-pandemic rally that we all have been waiting for. The airline is continuing to face restrictions on its international services. In January, it had to suspend its international services and 15 routes to Mexico and the Caribbean for three months. The government asked the airline to do so with rising fears about the new coronavirus variants. Overall, the pandemic-related challenges are far from over for the aviation industry as of now. It might take at least a couple of years — if not more — for international air travel demand to come back to pre-pandemic levels, I believe.

That’s why the recent rally in Air Canada’s shares is primarily fueled by investors’ expectations of a government financial support package.

Foolish takeaway

As I’ve said in one of my recent articles, only significant and timely government aid can help Air Canada stock sustain its recent gains. If the government’s expected financial support comes too little or too late, its shares could fall again. That’s why I find its stock too risky to buy at current levels. I would rather invest the same money in other high-growth stocks that could give me far better returns in the long term.

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 owns shares of and recommends CHORUS AVIATION INC. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth Stock Is Rising But I’m Worried About This One Thing

Canopy Growth stock is soaring as the legalization effort makes real progress in both Germany and the United States.

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Investing

3 Roaring Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These top TSX stocks are excellent long-term buys, given their multi-year growth potential and solid underlying businesses.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

grow dividends
Investing

Here’s My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Even though the TSX has been rising, there are still some good bargains out there. Here are three top compounding…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Investing

Prediction: This Canadian Growth Stock Could Double by 2030

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) is a top growth stock that could do well over the next six or so years.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Stocks for Beginners

Have $500? 3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now

If you're looking for cheap stocks, these three have a huge future ahead of them, all while costing far less…

Read more »