Kalkine Media - Air Canada (TSX:AC) (TSX:AC) stock has shown little movement since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the company's resurgence in profitability and growth. With its peak price in 2020 and subsequent decline, investors are left wondering if the stock could potentially double in the next five years.
While doubling in five years is theoretically possible, it's essential to assess the company's performance to gauge its likelihood. Air Canada has experienced robust revenue growth, with a 46% increase in the last 12 months and a 19% growth in its most recent quarter. This indicates positive momentum in the company's top-line performance. In the context of TSX industrial stocks, Air Canada's revenue growth underscores the potential for strong performance within the sector, providing valuable insights for investors evaluating industrial stock opportunities.
Moreover, Air Canada's earnings have also seen significant growth, with a 384% increase in EBITDA over the past year, doubling operating income, and transitioning from a negative net income to $1.25 billion in profit. These figures demonstrate the company's improving profitability, which is essential for sustainable stock price appreciation.
Analyzing Air Canada's margins further reinforces its positive outlook, with gross, operating, and net margins all showing strength. With gross margin at 33%, operating margin at 10%, and net margin at 10.6%, the company exhibits healthy profitability ratios.
Despite its strong financial performance, Air Canada's stock has not reflected its business achievements adequately. This disconnect suggests that factors beyond the company's fundamentals may be influencing its stock price. While potential risks such as fuel price spikes exist, they are considered extreme scenarios unlikely to derail the company's growth trajectory significantly.
In conclusion, while Air Canada's stock has underperformed relative to its business performance, there is reason to believe it could double in the next five years. With robust revenue and earnings growth, coupled with healthy profit margins, the company appears well-positioned for future success. However, investors should remain vigilant and monitor external factors that may impact the stock's performance.