For the first time in a long time, earnings are showing signs of breaking into positive territory ! Quarterly net loss now at $(23) million, down considerably from $(160) million last year. Passenger revenue is up (+$86m for 2q13, +$89m 1h13), First half operating profit was $174m up 176% from last year's $63m.
Lower fuel costs (-$57m quarter, -$76m half) not the main reason quarterly operating expenses are down (1.4)% (total increase in salaries + currency effects were +$60m) : this proves that the company is getting its act together !Despite currency effects weighing on results [1h13 $(114m) vs +$26m] and wages/salaries up bigtime (+9% quarter, +7% half), overall operating expenses declined (-1.4% quarter, -0.6% half). Also a positive sign: cash equivalents up 4.8% to $790m after declining (6.6)% in the second half of last year. Long term debt was lowered by $315m (half) vs $238m last year.
| Airline Stock October 30 2013 | 1-year | 3-months | 1-month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada (AC.B) | 209% | 150% | 52% |
| Westjet (WGA) | 54% | 34% | 8% |
Air Canada benefits from more international travel particularly to and from China; The last two census results show Canada's Chinese population is up 141,070 or +10.5% in five years; in 2010 Canada acquired Approved Destination Status which is key since it was one of the last major countries not to have it. At the time, it was estimated that by 2014 Chinese travel to Canada would increase 50%. Direct competitor Westjet (WGA) has also been reaping the benefits of increased air travel within Canada and to and from the country. First half revenue up +6.5% ($1,810.93 million), earnings up +22.6% ($135.8m).
Among The World's Largest Banks China's Phenomenal Revenue Growth; Earnings Dividends At Citigroup, HSBC Remain Healthy
- TD Bank reported 18% growth in average loans (3q2013).
- JPMorgan Chase - 3rd quarter earnings take a hit : down -$380m due to - $9.15 billion pretax expense; $7.20 billion after-tax (eps down 185c) for legal expense in Corporate, including reserves for litigation and regulatory proceeding. - $1.60 billion pretax benefit; $992 million after-tax (eps up 26c) from lower reserves in Consumer & Community.
- China Construction Bank - lending fee incomes climbed contributing to increased revenue. earnings increases lagged analyst expectations of CNY57.69 billion.
