WestJet set to soar

Article Excerpt

WESTJET AIRLINES $17.61 (Toronto symbol WJA; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (1-877-493-7853; www.westjet.com; Shares o/s: 113.9 million; Market cap: $2.0 billion; Div. yield: 3.2%) continues to report higher revenue on strong demand for its flights. However, higher fuel prices have hurt its earnings. As well, start-up costs related to WestJet’s new ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop, have pushed up overall expenses. All in all, the company’s strong brand, along with its solid balance sheet, gives it a very positive outlook. As well, WestJet’s expansion internationally and the addition of Swoop further strengthen its growth prospects. WestJet is a buy. buy…