WESTJET AIRLINES $21.66 - Toronto symbol WJA

WESTJET AIRLINES $21.66 (Toronto symbol WJA; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (1- 877-493-7853; www.westjet.com; Shares outstanding: 118.4 million; Market cap: $2.8 billion; Dividend yield: 1.9%) reports that its earnings rose 5.2% in the three months ended June 30, 2013, to a record $44.7 million from $42.5 million a year earlier.

Earnings per share rose 9.7%, to $0.34 from $0.31, on fewer shares outstanding. Revenue increased 4.3%, to $843.7 million from $809.3 million.

Demand for WestJet’s flights remains high, and it continues to enter into partnerships with other airlines. The launch of West- Jet Encore, its new regional airline, has also gone well. All of these strengths should keep WestJet’s revenue—and profits—growing.

WestJet is our #1 stock pick for 2013.

A professional investment analyst for more than 30 years, Pat has developed a stock-selection technique that has proven reliable in both bull and bear markets. His proprietary ValuVesting System™ focuses on stocks that provide exceptional quality at relatively low prices. Many savvy investors and industry leaders consider it the most powerful stock-picking method ever created.