HOME

FA Alpha Daily

This airline’s COVID recovery has stalled

Once a relatively stable industry, the airline industry struggled significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While some carriers show signs of recovery, others like Southwest Airlines continue to face challenges. In today’s FA Alpha Daily, we delve into the struggles of Southwest Airlines and the activist investor pushing for a turnaround.

FA Alpha Daily:
Tuesday Company Specific
Powered by Valens Research

The airline industry has faced immense turbulence over the past few years. What was once a relatively stable sector has now encountered headwinds threatening even the strongest carriers.

The COVID-19 pandemic delivered an unprecedented blow in early 2020. With international borders closing virtually overnight, global passenger demand plummeted by over 90%.

Airlines slashed routes and parked hundreds of planes as billions in revenue vanished. Carriers large and small burned through cash reserves just trying to stay aloft.

It was undoubtedly the industry’s worst crisis ever.

Major U.S. airlines like American (AAL), United (UAL), and Delta (DAL) scrambled to cut costs through layoffs and early retirements. Even with $38 billion in government aid, the six biggest U.S. airlines combined lost over $34 billion in 2020 alone.

Now, two years later, the recovery remains bumpy.

While international travel rebounds, business travel – a key revenue driver – lags behind pre-pandemic levels. Labor shortages and jet fuel prices over 40% higher than 2019 further squeeze margins.

One carrier facing particularly troubling conditions is Southwest Airlines (LUV).

The airline hit peak profitability with an 11.5% Uniform return on assets ‘ROA’ in 2017 as it dominated the U.S. low-cost market.

However, pressure was building from intensifying competition from rivals adopting the same business model. Rising fuel costs from volatile oil markets were also squeezing margins.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, creating a perfect storm. With lockdowns and travel bans, Southwest saw passenger demand evaporate overnight.

Revenues collapsed as the airline burned through cash. Vast cost-cutting measures and debt issuance were needed just to avoid bankruptcy.

While larger carriers like American (AAL) and Delta (DAL) started and continued their recovery throughout 2022 and 2023, reaching 5% – 8% ROA, Southwest struggled.

Its ROA only reached 2.6% in 2022, far below pre-pandemic levels. And in 2023, ROA declined further to 2.1%, showing its turnaround was stalling.

This multi-year slump has weighed on Southwest’s stock, falling 50% since the beginning of 2020.

With doubts around leadership’s strategy, activist investor Elliott Investment Management has accumulated an almost $2 billion stake in Southwest and plans to push for changes.

Elliott is likely pushing for strategic changes and cost cuts like renewing Southwest’s fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft, restructuring routes to focus on profitable markets, and negotiating better labor contracts.

Only time will tell if Elliott’s activist campaign can finally solve the company’s problems. Still, strong actions are needed to strengthen its competitive position amid ongoing industry headwinds.

EVENT ALERT:

Do you want to learn more about resource and commodities investing?

The Rick Rule Natural Resource Symposium will return to Boca Raton, Florida on July 7 to 11, 2024, where attendees will gain access to exclusive insights on resource and commodities investing.

In this one-of-a-kind event, you’ll have an up-close look at some of the most profitable resource and commodities strategies for your portfolio. These exclusive insider insights will be provided by the industry’s “living legends,” all of whom will share fresh recommendations on how to profit from the ongoing commodities rally.

This is your chance to learn new insights and profitable strategies that will help you enrich your portfolio for the year ahead.

Register now through this link to secure your spot at the symposium. You have an option to register as an onsite attendee or via livestream only.

We hope to see you there!

Best regards,

Joel Litman & Rob Spivey
Chief Investment Strategist &
Director of Research
at Valens Research

Today’s highlight, Southwest Airlines (LUV) is one of the top stock picks from FA Alpha 50 this month. To see more stock picks like this, become an FA Alpha and get access to FA Alpha 50.

Subscriptions & Services

Please fill out the fields below so that our client relations team can contact you

Or contact our Client Relationship Team at +1 630-841-0683