Air Canada Stock Pullback: Should You Buy Now?

Bargain hunters should be careful.

| More on:
An airplane on a runway

Image source: Getty Images.

Air Canada (TSX:AC) plunged as much as 10% on November 26 amid a broad market selloff triggered by news that a new COVID-19 variant with multiple mutations has emerged in South Africa.

Several countries have already suspended flights to South Africa and surrounding countries, but there are concerns that the effort might be too late. Cases of the variant have already been identified in Belgium, Hong Kong, and Israel.

New COVID-19 variant threat

Travel and energy stocks got hammered amid fears that new global travel restrictions will be put in place to try to stop the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

Air Canada and other airline stocks took a beating, while the price of WTI oil fell 12% on concerns jet fuel and gasoline demand will once again evaporate. At the time of writing, Air Canada trades near $21 per share compared to the previous close of $23.30 and a 2021 high of $31. The stock bottomed out around $12 per share during the worst part of the crash in March 2020.

Airlines are just starting to get back on their feet. Canada lifted its restrictions on international travelers in September, and the United States only started allowing visitors a few weeks ago. If health officials determine that the new variant is more transmissible and can evade the protections provided by current vaccines, new global travel restrictions could go in place. Depending on the risks, international travel might be halted for weeks or even months.

Government financing exited

Just one week ago, Air Canada announced it was withdrawing from additional support from the Canadian government, citing an improved balance sheet and a rebound in travel bookings.

In April, Air Canada signed up for financial aid of $5.375 billion in interest-bearing loans. The company said it is exiting the agreement with $3.975 billion in credit facilities unused.

In Q3 Air Canada completed $7.1 billion in financing in the markets to give it the liquidity it needs to continue its recovery. That was based on the assumption the trend of adding new routes would continue through 2022 and beyond.

If global travel restrictions go into place again in the coming weeks, the company might find itself in another challenging situation. Analysts will start crunching the numbers to figure out if Air Canada has the liquidity to get through another travel shutdown.

Should you buy Air Canada stock now?

Investors who think AC stock is undervalued might want to wait to see how governments react in the coming days.

High fuel prices, reduced business travel, and staff shortages are already making it harder for Air Canada to generate profits. The wave of new budget airlines hitting the Canadian market will also make it difficult for Air Canada to raise prices, even if the recovery stays on track.

If new restrictions go into place, the share price could quickly revisit the 2020 lows. As such, I would avoid Air Canada stock today. There are other opportunities in the market that appear oversold and pay great dividends while you wait for the rebound.

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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stock 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 »