Our #1 stock pick for 2013

Article Excerpt

WESTJET AIRLINES $22.29 (Toronto symbol WJA; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (1-877-493-7853; www.westjet.com; Shares outstanding: 132.3 million; Market cap: $2.9 billion; Divd. yield: 1.8%) serves 81 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Its fleet of 100 modern Boeing 737s are 30% more fuel efficient than older jets. WestJet plans to take delivery of 35 more 737s through 2018. In the three months ended December 31, 2012, the company’s revenue rose 10.1%, to $860.6 million from $781.5 million a year earlier. Demand for its flights remains high. Earnings per share rose 76.9%, to $0.46 from $0.26. WestJet has also raised its quarterly dividend by 25%, to $0.10 from $0.08. The shares now yield 1.9%. WestJet continues to add ticketing and baggage-transfer alliances with other airlines, including Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Delta Airlines and American Airlines. This lets it reach new markets while limiting its risk. WestJet has also invested heavily in a state-of-the-art computer reservation system. Non-union workforce is…