Topic: Growth Stocks

WESTJET AIRLINES $32.05 – Toronto symbol WJA

WESTJET AIRLINES $32.05 (Toronto symbol WJA; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk)(1-877-493-7853; www.westjet.com; Shares outstanding: 127.8 million; Market cap: $4.1 billion; Dividend yield: 1.5%) serves 91 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Its fleet of 109 modern Boeing 737s are 30% more fuel efficient than older jets.

In June 2013, the company launched WestJet Encore, its Canadian regional airline. This business now operates 14 Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop planes, which seat 78 passengers.

In the three months ended September 30, 2014, WestJet’s earnings, excluding one-time items, jumped 30.9%, to a third-quarter record of $85.4 million from $65.1 million a year earlier. Earnings per share gained 32.0%, to $0.66 from $0.50, on fewer shares outstanding. This was WestJet’s 38th consecutive quarter of profitability. Revenue rose 9.2%, to $1.0 billion from $924.8 million.

WestJet has jumped to new all-time highs this year as jet fuel prices continue to drop along with oil prices. Fuel makes up around a third of an airline’s operating costs.

Meanwhile, the company has a great hidden asset in its workforce, which continues to refrain from unionizing in favour of co-operating directly with management. Many flyers find that WestJet provides friendlier service than they get from unionized airlines. The company also benefits from the fact that most of its employees are also shareholders.

WestJet is a buy.

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