Here’s our Pick of the Month for December

Article Excerpt

WESTJET AIRLINES $11.80 (Toronto symbol WJA; SI Rating: Extra Risk) (1-877-493-7853; www.westjet.com; Shares outstanding: 138.0 million; Market cap: $1.6 billion) serves 66 destinations in North America and the Caribbean. The company operates a fleet of 81 Boeing Next-Generation 737s. These planes feature more legroom, leather seats and television screens built into the back of each seat. But most important, the Next- Generation Boeing 737 is roughly 30% more fuel efficient than older planes. And WestJet is scheduled to receive 54 additional 737s through 2016. In the three months ended September 30, 2009, WestJet’s revenue fell 16.4%, to $600.6 million from $718.4 million. Earnings fell 45.7%, to $31.4 million, or $0.24 a share, from $57.9 million, or $0.45 a share. Cash flow fell just 5.5%, to $107.7 million, or $0.82 a share, from $113.9 million, or $0.89 a share. Although results suffered due to the recession, this marked the company’s 18th consecutive quarter of profitability. WestJet’s $1.1 billion of long-term debt is 68.8% of its $1.6-billion market cap. It holds cash of $961.6 million, or $6.79 a share. The slower…