The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: United Continental Holdings, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways

Aug. 30, 2011
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: United Continental Holdings, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: United Continental Holdings, Delta Air Lines, US Airways, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways

PR Newswire

CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), US Airways (NYSE: LCC), American Airlines (NYSE: AMR) and JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:

Airlines Resume, Post-Irene

After tropical storm Irene hit the East coast, major airline companies were forced to cancel approximately 9500 flight, completely halting operations at the busiest airports in the U.S. including the New York Airport . However, airline companies are seeking to reschedule flights as the hurricane is expected to exit the region by Monday.

Consequently, carriers like United and Continental Airlines, subsidiaries of United Continental Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UAL) announced their plan of resuming flights at Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport on Monday, August 29.

Other airlines that conduct regular flights from these airports are Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), US Airways (NYSE: LCC), and American Airlines (NYSE: AMR) and JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU).

The catastrophic Irene created a huge dent in the airline industry, which is already struggling with mounting cost and fuel prices. The affected region, particularly the Northeast accounted for highest air traffic for the airlines, serving major airports like John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, New York and Newark airport, New Jersey. Cancellation of several flights to these destinations led to tremendous discord in other connecting regions, resulting in huge business losses.  Market sources project a loss of more than 1 billion for the airline industry as a result of shut down during the last weekend.

To combat losses, airlines like JetBlue have introduced reduced fares for customers rescheduling their travel date to affected areas.

Airlines industry remains highly dependant on weather conditions and historically suffered huge losses during the winters due to massive snowstorms. The cyclonic storms in December and February led to cancellations of over 10, 000 flight. Given these unavoidable circumstances, we believe the airline industry will continue to face operational challenges and struggle to manage rising costs. However, given the fair hikes in light of surging fuel prices and capacity cuts to accommodate full capacity will remain a crucial factor underpinning operational efficiency for this industry.

Currently, we have long-term Neutral recommendations on Delta Airlines, United Continental Holdings, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leon Zacks. As a PhD from MIT Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
[email protected]
http://www.zacks.com

SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.