Tag Archives: Delta Airlines

Delta dipping, Twitter sliding, Tesla breaking down

Time for your daily dose of trending tickers, the stocks that you’re tracking as measured by Yahoo Finance ticker searches. Making the list today:

Delta Airlines (DAL): The country’s second largest airline is down more than five percent today on news that it will follow in American Airlines (AAL) footsteps and curtail flights between the United States and Venezuela. Delta, like American, is locked in a dispute with the Venezuelan government over revenue trapped in the South American country. Delta will cut flights by 85% effective August 1st.

Twitter (TWTR): We warned you about the link between the fortunes of Twitter’s stock and the U.S. Men’s soccer team but that doesn’t make the drop any less painful. Twitter shares getting whacked by as much as 8% today as social media and momentum names get taken to the woodshed. After ramping 30% during the first three weeks of the Cup, Twitter topped out at $42.95 last Tuesday with millions of Americans live-Tweeting their hearts out as the U.S. lost to Belgium. It’s been downhill ever since for both soccer driven traffic and Twitter shares. Investors know Twitter does big events like the World Cup well, but the jury is still out on how the company can get users engaged day to day.

Tesla Motors (TSLA): Elon Musk’s electric car company down close to three percent today after a similar decline yesterday. First there was a firey crash of a stolen Tesla over the weekend raising safety concerns. This morning comes word that company is being sued in China for, of all things, trademark infringement. Chinese businessman Zhan Baosheng claims he registered the Tesla name before Musk and company came to China. Despite reports earlier this year that the issue had been resolved today, Baosheng was back in court trying to stop all Tesla Motors sales and marketing in the country.

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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines Group, United Continental …

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 03, 2014 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV–Free Report), Delta Airlines Inc. (DAL–Free Report), American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL–Free Report), United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL–Free Report) and AGCO Corporation (AGCO–Free Report).

Today, Zacks is promoting its ”Buy” stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

Southwest Debuts in International Skies

After operating for several decades within the U.S. domestic market, Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV–Free Report) is finally flying into international territory, with flights to the Caribbean. The share price gained altitude on the news as the stock closed 3.24% higher on Tuesday trade on Nasdaq.

As announced in Jan 2014, Southwest Airlines inaugurated services from Atlanta, Baltimore and Orlando to Oranjestad, Aruba and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Another flight will fly from the Baltimore-Washington D.C. area to Nassau and Paradise Island, thus extending the carrier’s international service to the Bahamas.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced that after the initial round of flights, it will expand its international service to Cancun and Los Cabos in Mexico starting next month. Flights to Mexico City and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic will thereafter be added from Nov 2.

Southwest Airlines already operates flights to Mexico and Dominican Republic through its wholly owned subsidiary, AirTran. The airline plans to integrate AirTran with itself by the end of this year.

Southwest Airlines has come a long way since it started operations four decades ago. Having established itself as a top carrier with an expanded national footprint, the company now plans to flag off international flights from nine U.S. cities by the end of this year.

However, the international service will currently have only a modest contribution in Southwest Airlines’ overall performance. In this regard, the carrier will naturally lag way behind its larger rivals like Delta Airlines Inc. (DAL–Free Report), American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL–Free Report) and United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL–Free Report), which boast strong international operations.

Moreover, Southwest Airlines will face considerable completion from JetBlue, Delta Airlines and American Airlines, who already fly to the Caribbean. However, we believe the carrier should gain from its relatively low fares as compared to its traditional rivals.

Though an apparent international expansion, Southwest Airlines is technically taking over the operations of its subsidiary AirTran, which flies to the Caribbean. However, Southwest Airlines’ international service is here to stay for good as the carrier plans to add 50 international routes going forward.

Southwest Airlines currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

AGCO Upped to Strong Buy on Inorganic Growth

On Jul 2, 2014, Zacks Investment Research upgraded the manufacturer of agricultural equipment AGCO Corporation (AGCO–Free Report) to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) based on potential acquisition benefits, a strong cash position and growth in GSI sales in 2014.

Why the Upgrade?

AGCO remains committed to its plan of strategic investments in production facilities and higher technology products. Based on this, the company has agreed to acquire Intersystems Holdings Inc on May 23. This will expand the company’s material handling capabilities.

The buyout will help AGCO to expand its grain handling and storage business in the fast growing off-farm segment. The acquisition is in sync with AGCO’s acquisition, expansion and modernization plans and matches perfectly with its GSI brand.

In the first quarter of 2014, GSI sales were up about 10% which aided North America segment sales to rise 3.7% year over year to $647.5 million in the quarter. However, AGCO’s total sales decreased 2.9% year over year to $2.33 billion in the quarter.

AGCO exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $193.9 million as of Mar 31, 2014. AGCO expanded its share repurchase program to $500 million, which is likely to be completed by mid 2015.

At the earnings call, AGCO reiterated its full-year 2014 earnings per share outlook of approximately $6.00. Net sales guidance has also been maintained in the range of $10.8–$11.0 billion. Second-quarter 2014 earnings per share will be in the range of $1.65 to $1.70.

The company projected GSI sales to be up approximately 10% for full-year 2014 compared with 2013, with most of the growth occurring outside the U.S. In addition, global population growth and changing trends in diet are generating demand for additional grain storage and protein production capacity facilitating growth in the longer term.

These bullish factors led to an upward estimate revision. Over the last 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2014 increased 0.5% to $5.52 per share and for 2015, the same increased 3.8% to $5.24 per share.

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Airline Sector Faces Turbulence

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Major airline stocks traded lower on Wednesday after Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL) released results and guidance for the month of June.

In a press release Wednesday, Delta reported a three percent change in aircraft fuel and related taxes, stating volatile fuel prices impacts the comparability of non-fuel financial performance year-over-year. Unit revenues increased by six percent in June, coming in line with guidance given in late April; unit revenues for the month of June increased 4.5 percent year-over-year.

Guidance given by Delta included average fuel price per gallon, including taxes, settled hedges and refinery impact between $2.93 to $2.98, a $0.07 to $0.12 improvement from the $3.05 reported in December for the company’s Q1. June operating margins expected to be 14 to 16 percent, with operating cash flows projected to be $2 billion, $3 billion lower than the $5 billion reported in 2014 Q1.

Delta is trading lower 5.06 percent.

United Continental (NYSE: UAL) is down 5.99 percent.

American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) is down 4.01 percent

Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE) is down 1.23 percent.

Cowen analyst Helane Becker mentioned in a note Delta reports lower than anticipated international yields and a decrease in business demand in Latin America (especially in Brazil) for June because of the World Cup.

Despite Becker’s concern, the Cowen note reiterated a Buy rating on Delta based on the firms positive outlook for Delta’s long-term growth.

View more ratings on DAL

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Delta jet returns to Jamaica after fluid leak

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KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — A Delta Airlines jet was forced to return to the airport in Jamaica shortly after takeoff Monday because of an apparent mechanical problem in one of its engines, the company said.

The MD-88 experienced a pneumatic leak in its No. 2 engine and returned safely to the airport in Kingston, spokesman Morgan Durrant said.

The Atlanta-bound flight had 149 passengers and a crew of five.

Jamaica Fire Brigade spokesman Emilio Ebanks told RJR News in Jamaica that the plane was airborne when smoke was seen coming from it. Durrant says there was no fire.

Delta planned to re-route a new aircraft to Jamaica for the flight to Atlanta.

Atlanta-bound Delta Airlines jet returns to Jamaica shortly after takeoff because of leak

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KINGSTON, Jamaica – Delta Airlines is reporting that an Atlanta-bound flight had to return to Jamaica shortly after takeoff because of an apparent mechanical problem.

Delta spokesman Morgan Durrant says the MD-88 experienced a pneumatic fluid leak but gave no further details on the problem.

Jamaica Fire Brigade spokesman Emilio Ebanks told RJR News in Jamaica that the plane was airborne when smoke was seen coming from it. Durrant says there was no fire.

The jet landed safely Monday in Kingston with 149 passengers and a crew of five. Delta planned to re-route a new aircraft to Jamaica for the flight to Atlanta.

Delta Airlines to Reinstate Barbados Operations

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Delta Air Lines Inc.

(
DAL

) is consolidating itself in the Caribbean market with its recently
announced non stop services connecting Barbados with both Atlanta
and New York. Notably, Delta Airlines is resuming its operation in
Barbados after a gap of 3 years. The flights will be operational
effective Dec 4, 2014.

Delta Airlines will be operating twice weekly between its New
York and Atlanta hubs, connecting Barbados. Scheduled for Thursdays
and Saturdays, the flights will start simultaneously from New York
and Atlanta. The first one will fly to Barbados and then on to
Atlanta while the one from Atlanta will initially land at Barbados
before flying to New York.

The Atlanta-based premier carrier will use
The Boeing Co.

‘s (
BA

) 737 narrow bodied jets on the route which boast 16 seats in the
business class and 144 seats in United Economy, of which 18 are
economy comfort seats with additional legroom. Passengers can enjoy
television programs from
DISH Network Corp.

(
DISH

) aboard the flight.

Notably, Delta Airlines had started flying to Barbados from
Atlanta in 2006. Eventually, it discontinued its services therein
in 2011 owing to low demand. This time Delta has strategically
connected Barbados with New York and Atlanta to provide passengers
access to various cities across the U.S. and around the world from
these two major hubs. The Barbados flights add to Delta’s extensive
presence within the Caribbean community, where it already flies to
Aruba, Bermuda, Haiti, St Maarten and Grand Cayman Island.

The Caribbean remains a strong point for Delta’s rival
JetBlue Airways Corporation

(
JBLU

), where the carrier offers non stop service to 25 destinations. Of
late, Southwest Airlines also flagged off services to the
Caribbeans in a bid to grab market share from JetBlue.

We believe with the U.S. economy improving, the recommencement
of service at the island country from two of the most well
connected U.S. destinations will increase scope for Barbados-bound
traffic, thus boosting Delta Airlines’ performance.

Delta Airlines currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong
Buy).

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BOEING CO (BA): Free Stock Analysis Report

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Report

DELTA AIR LINES (DAL): Free Stock Analysis
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Continental Holdings, JetBlue Airways …

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Airline stocks remained low-keyed over the past 5 trading sessions due to almost muted market activity. While U.S. oil prices slipped last week on supply data that was relatively stronger than expected, Brent crude – the global price benchmark – continued to trade higher, close to its nine-month high, given intensifying turmoil in Iraq. Consequently, airline stocks felt the pressure. Further, FOMC’s downward revisions in GDP growth estimate likely added to the market woes for these stocks.

The past week’s major events include expansion plans undertaken by United Airlines and Delta Airlines Inc. (DAL–Free Report). The release of the annual integrated report on airline performance by Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV–Free Report) also remained in the limelight.

Recap of Last Week’s Most Important Stories

1. United Airlines – the wholly owned subsidiary of United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL–Free Report) announced its plans to introduce a daily service between Santiago, Chile and George Bush International Airport in Houston from Dec 7, 2014. The carrier also expects to begin services to Dominican Republic and Belize from Dec 20. All the new route launches are subject to regulatory approvals. (Read More: United Airlines to Extend Latin and Central American Network)

2. Delta Airlines further strengthened its Seattle hub by launching a non-stop service to Hong Kong on June 16. The Atlanta-based airline is operating flights on the Hong-Kong route all days of the week except Sunday. Delta will operate a 234 capacitor Airbus 330-200 aircraft for the route having both business and economy class cabins powered with in-flight Wi-Fi. (Read More: Delta’s Non Stop Seattle-Hong Kong Service Takes Off)

3. JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU–Free Report) flagged off Mint − its premium service offering, between New York’s John. F. Kennedy (:JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (:LAX) – at an attractive one way fare of $599. Mint includes 16 lie-flat first class seats including 4 private suits, which will be the widest and the longest seats available within the domestic market. The airline has also tied up with leading New-York city based restaurant Saxon + Parole to provide a specially designed menu for Mint passengers on board. (Read More: JetBlue’s Mint to Beef Up Comfort Travel)

4. Southwest Airlines released its fifth annual integrated report – 2013 One Report. The report, based on three fundamentals, namely performance, people and planet, highlights the productivity and efficiency in the company’s operations over the past one year. The 2013 One Report achieved a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) B+ level.

5. American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL–Free Report) announced the expansion of its domestic and international service from Los Angeles International Airport (:LAX). The latest expansion strategy offers increased access to customers across the carrier’s global network through one of its key hubs.

Performance

The following table shows the price movement of the major airline players over the past 5 trading days and during the last 6 months:

Over the trailing 5 trading sessions, all the airline stocks listed above exhibited price declines, except American Airlines, which gained 1.2%.

Biggest losers over the period were United Continental Holdings, GOL LinhasAereas SA (GOL–Free Report) and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc (HA–Free Report), with their stock prices declining 4.5%, 3.3% and 2.5%, respectively.

Over the past 6 months, most of the stocks have fared reasonably well with the exception of Copa Holdings, which has dropped 9.2% over the period. The biggest gainers in the 6-month span were American Airlines Group and Hawaiian Holdings, sporting growth of 64.5% and 50%, respectively.

What’s Cooking in the Airline Biz?

In the current week, we foresee no significant recovery in the global as well as the U.S. market that can uplift the price potential of airline stocks. As a result, we continue to expect sluggish trading for the remainder of this week.

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Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it’s your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros.

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The SP 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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Delta Airlines to Reinstate Barbados Operations

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Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) is consolidating itself in the Caribbean market with its recently announced non stop services connecting Barbados with both Atlanta and New York. Notably, Delta Airlines is resuming its operation in Barbados after a gap of 3 years. The flights will be operational effective Dec 4, 2014.

Delta Airlines will be operating twice weekly between its New York and Atlanta hubs, connecting Barbados. Scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays, the flights will start simultaneously from New York and Atlanta. The first one will fly to Barbados and then on to Atlanta while the one from Atlanta will initially land at Barbados before flying to New York.

The Atlanta-based premier carrier will use The Boeing Co.’s (BA) 737 narrow bodied jets on the route which boast 16 seats in the business class and 144 seats in United Economy, of which 18 are economy comfort seats with additional legroom. Passengers can enjoy television programs from DISH Network Corp. (DISH) aboard the flight.

Notably, Delta Airlines had started flying to Barbados from Atlanta in 2006. Eventually, it discontinued its services therein in 2011 owing to low demand. This time Delta has strategically connected Barbados with New York and Atlanta to provide passengers access to various cities across the U.S. and around the world from these two major hubs. The Barbados flights add to Delta’s extensive presence within the Caribbean community, where it already flies to Aruba, Bermuda, Haiti, St Maarten and Grand Cayman Island.

The Caribbean remains a strong point for Delta’s rival JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU), where the carrier offers non stop service to 25 destinations. Of late, Southwest Airlines also flagged off services to the Caribbeans in a bid to grab market share from JetBlue.

We believe with the U.S. economy improving, the recommencement of service at the island country from two of the most well connected U.S. destinations will increase scope for Barbados-bound traffic, thus boosting Delta Airlines’ performance.

Delta Airlines currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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Delta Air Lines Opens Delta Flight Museum On 85th Anniversary Of Passenger Service

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In Atlanta, Georgia this morning Delta Airlines is celebrating the grand re-opening of its flight museum. The facility, which is housed in two hangars on the campus of its headquarters, had its soft opening on May 19 and as of today will be officially open for general admission.

Earlier generations of the museum featured Delta’s first passenger-ferrying DC-3 aircraft, as well as an entire Boeing Boeing 767 donated to the museum by the company’s employees. With expansion and remodeling, the new museum now houses a spectrum of aircraft and ephemera from the company’s history as well as exhibits from its family airlines including Northwest, Chicago Southern and Pan Am. The redesigned museum also includes event space for up to 1,200 people underneath the wings of the 767, a venue that directly competes with Seattle’s museum of flight and its SR-71 Blackbird. Indeed, next year’s Freddie awards, the annual competition for best travel industry loyalty plan, are scheduled to take place at the Delta Flight Museum.

Hangar 2 crowds

The Main Floor of the Delta Flight Museum

Hangar 1 planes overhead

The Main Floor of the Delta Flight Museum

Delta Flight Museum Entrance Sign

Perhaps the best part about the museum, however, is the flight simulator. A full-fledged Boeing 737-200 simulator will be installed in the museum for general visitor bookings, the only of its kind and complexity open to the general public in the country. The experience provides a full hour of flight briefing and operation on a platform very similar to what Delta pilots use.

Admission to the museum will cost $6 for children, $9 for seniors and $12 for adults, while a session on the flight simulator will cost a whopping $395. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, however, many will justify the cost. Tickets can be booked in advance at deltamuseum.org.

The giraffe that sparked a World Cup racism row

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The photo selection was problematic because giraffes don’t actually live in Ghana. They are typically found further east, between Chad and South Africa, although some species were known to live in parts of Nigeria. While there is no guarantee that no giraffe has ever entered Ghana, even a travel website promoting the country admits: they don’t live there.

The post set off a flurry of condemnation from people who saw the Delta tweet as an insidious form of racism.

While some Twitter commenters promised to never fly with the airline again, others felt critics were being too sensitive.

“I hope you realise saying things are racist when they are not is not helpful to those who are actually victims of racism,” one user posted.

I’m guessing that when you book a flight to any of Nigeria or Kenya or the Ivory Coast or Ghana, @Delta tickets just say ‘Africa, whatever’

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) June 17, 2014

Can’t say I’m too surprised Delta doesn’t know where giraffes live. They think Atlanta is on the way to everywhere.

— Ian Actual (@iboudreau) June 17, 2014

my last @Delta flight pic.twitter.com/HUv1QVEzvA

— k8 (@rolling_2) June 17, 2014

Delta made a racist tweet about Africa; realized Ghana doesn’t have giraffes; then deleted it http://t.co/npLYgrGQA5 pic.twitter.com/SHBvjrAqkI

— Ben Norton (@HeartsMindsEars) June 17, 2014

But for Adelaide-based football writer Andy Cussen, the ‘giraffe-gate’ demonstrated classic ignorance.

“It’s racial stereotyping which is a form of racism. Sorry if people are offended by people being offended,” he wrote.

Delta Airlines later deleted and apologised for its “precious tweet”, before deleting that apologising instead for its “previous tweet”. All things considered: a day its social media manager will try to forget.

We’re sorry for our choice of photo in our previous tweet. Best of luck to all teams.

— Delta (@Delta) June 17, 2014

The incident comes only two months after rival airline US Airways caused a storm when it accidentally tweeted a graphic photo of a woman inserting a model plane into her vagina.