JetBlue Airways Skyrockets on Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy RumorsShares of JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) soared by nearly 15% on Friday following a report that Spirit Airlines ( NYSE:SAVE ) is in discussions about a potential bankruptcy filing. The news triggered a wave of optimism among investors, boosting JetBlue and other major players like Frontier Group Holdings ( NASDAQ:ULCC ). Spirit’s struggles, amplified by failed mergers and mounting debt, have left it in a precarious financial situation, opening up significant opportunities for competitors like JetBlue.
Spirit Airlines' Financial Struggles: A Boon for JetBlue
Spirit Airlines, once a major contender in the budget airline market, has faced significant turbulence in recent years. After the collapse of a $3.8 billion merger deal with JetBlue earlier this year, Spirit’s financial health has deteriorated. The budget carrier reported steep Q2 losses of $192.9 million and is grappling with a staggering $3.3 billion debt load, with over $1.1 billion in secured bonds coming due within the next year. Discussions are now underway with bondholders for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
With Spirit struggling to navigate through its financial woes, JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) finds itself in a favorable position. JetBlue’s stock rallied in response to the news, reflecting investor confidence that the downfall of a major rival could clear a path for JetBlue to strengthen its foothold in the domestic airline industry. Notably, the potential removal of Spirit from the competitive landscape could help JetBlue reduce price pressure and solidify its market share among cost-conscious travelers.
Failed Merger Fallout
JetBlue’s bid to acquire Spirit earlier this year was blocked by U.S. regulators on antitrust grounds, leaving both companies in limbo. Spirit’s inability to finalize a merger left it in a vulnerable position, and the increasing competitive pressure from both low-cost and traditional carriers added to its challenges. While the failed merger was a setback for JetBlue, the company seems to be bouncing back quickly. Its stock has surged over 30% year-to-date, and the possibility of Spirit’s bankruptcy may further embolden JetBlue’s expansion strategy.
Outlook
JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) is showing signs of resilience. The company has consistently met earnings expectations and is poised to benefit from reduced competition in the budget airline space. Analysts project a strong outlook, with JetBlue’s focus on cost management and operational efficiency likely to bolster its market position.
Technically, JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) is enjoying a bullish run. The stock is currently trading 14.87% higher, pushing its price to $7.20 at the time of writing. The RSI (Relative Strength Index) stands at 75, indicating an overbought condition, though the current rally shows no immediate signs of cooling off. Key moving averages, including the 50-day and 200-day averages, signal continued upward momentum. Additionally, the MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) stands at 0.1037, affirming the stock’s bullish trend.
Immediate resistance for NASDAQ:JBLU is found at the $7 pivot, and if it breaks through, the stock could climb further. However, traders should watch for a potential pullback, with support at $6.80. A dip below this level could trigger short-term selling pressure, but the stock remains solid overall with strong fundamentals backing its ascent.
Broader Airline Market Sentiment
JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) isn’t the only airline seeing gains from the Spirit news. Frontier Group Holdings ( NASDAQ:ULCC ), another discount carrier, surged by 21%, as investors foresee a less competitive landscape in the budget sector. Shares of major airlines such as American Airlines ( NASDAQ:AAL ), Delta Air Lines ( NYSE:DAL ), Southwest Airlines ( NYSE:LUV ), and United Airlines ( NASDAQ:UAL ) also received a boost, reflecting broader investor sentiment that Spirit’s downfall could ease competitive pressures across the industry.
Looking Ahead
JetBlue’s performance in the coming weeks will depend on how the Spirit situation unfolds. A Chapter 11 filing could ultimately reshape the competitive dynamics of the low-cost airline market, giving JetBlue more room to maneuver. With its stock currently in a bullish trend and broader positive sentiment across the airline sector, JetBlue appears well-positioned to capitalize on Spirit’s misfortunes.
Investors should remain cautious of short-term volatility, but with strong technicals and positive industry fundamentals, JetBlue’s upward trajectory seems likely to continue.
JBLU
American Airlines AAL approaching an important level AAL is on a 30 minute chart. It had a big downtrend for the first week of the month and then
consolidated in a tight range and then a retracment trend up. Price has reached the top
of the high volume area of the volme profile. It is near to the standard Fibonacci retracement
zone tooled onto the chart. This zone from above rejected price on March 7 and 8.
AAL has had news of late about baggage problems but then came the news about an agreement
about expansion and remodeling at O'Hare in Chicago. I will watch AAL here, it make
break through the zone and then rise as much as 5%. However, it could be rejected and
5% into its support based out during the consolidation.
UAL Falling Wedge Pattern SHORT from the Resistance TrendlineUAL is looking to fall 10% from the upper resistance trendline as the summer travel season
comes to a close. Shorting UAL with a put option in the money expiring in one month. Current
trend shows traders are not impressed by earnings without corresponding revenue support.
Analysts will likely soon proclaim a downgrade.
JetBlue Stock's Debt, Downgrades, and Market ResponseJetBlue Airways Corp. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) is facing a challenging moment as its stock plummeted over 21% in Monday’s intraday trading, with further declines into Tuesday premarket. The dramatic drop comes in the wake of the company’s announcement to raise over $3 billion in debt and a series of credit downgrades from major rating agencies.
Debt Financing and Credit Downgrades
JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) is intensifying its financial strategies by offering $1.5 billion in senior secured notes, a $1.25 billion term loan backed by its TrueBlue loyalty program, and an additional $400 million through convertible notes. This massive debt issuance aims to bolster the airline’s financial stability but has triggered substantial concerns in the market.
Credit Rating Agencies have responded by downgrading JetBlue’s ratings:
- Moody’s lowered JetBlue’s rating to B3 from B2, citing the significant time required for the company to improve its operating profit and cash flow to justify an upgrade.
- S&P Global reduced its issuer credit rating to B- from B, anticipating persistent weakness due to factors like excess industry capacity and rising labor costs.
- Fitch Ratings affirmed its B rating for JetBlue but adjusted its senior secured debt ratings to BB-/RR2 from BB/RR1.
These downgrades reflect ongoing challenges for JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ), including heightened competition on the East Coast and constraints related to its operational capacity.
Market Reaction and Stock Performance
The market has reacted sharply, with JetBlue’s stock dropping over 14% year-to-date. The latest premarket trading saw a 4% decline, bringing the share price down to approximately $4.50. Despite JetBlue's efforts to secure financing and repurchase existing convertible notes, investor sentiment remains cautious.
It is noteworthy that JetBlue (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:JBLU ) stock concluded Monday's trading session with a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 36.44, signaling an oversold condition. Furthermore, there exists a substantial likelihood of a decline, given the 4% premarket trading decrease. The prevailing indicators converge towards a support threshold at $4.12.
Strategic Moves and Future Outlook
JetBlue’s strategy includes using the proceeds from the new debt offerings to address existing convertible notes and cover related expenses. The airline’s decision to issue more debt is a critical step in navigating its financial challenges but has spurred concern about the long-term impacts on its creditworthiness and operational stability.
Conclusion
JetBlue's recent financial maneuvers and subsequent credit downgrades highlight the turbulence the airline is navigating. As it seeks to raise capital and stabilize its position, the market will closely monitor how these strategies play out against the backdrop of industry challenges and competitive pressures.
Stay tuned for more updates on JetBlue’s performance and market reactions.
Can SAVE reverse from a lower low LONGSAVE missed out on a merger into Jet Blue. No other suitors have come along. It has sunk
in a falling wedge with episodic trends up in the wedge. At present price is at the longer
support trendline of that wedge. Relative strength reflects an oversold and undervalued
condition. The Fisher transform shows a curling up suggestive of the reversal. I will take a
long trade here as SAVE's trend down may be overdue for a correction. I am looking for a
swing trade of 20&% overall with the targets on the chart.
JetBlue Lowers Annual Revenue Forecast Stock Falls 16%JetBlue Airways ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) has revised its annual revenue forecast downwards, in light of its lackluster first-quarter revenue results. The company has attributed its disappointing revenue performance to an overabundance of capacity in the Latin American market, which has resulted in a more than 16% decline in its premarket stock value.
JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) remains committed to returning to profitability and has recently outlined measures to achieve this, including cutting unprofitable routes and markets such as Bogota in Colombia and Lima in Peru, and reallocating resources to better-performing regions.
While the airline has reported healthy demand during peak periods and noted successful performance of its premium seating options, it has warned that oversupply in the Latin American market will impede its business for the remainder of the year. According to a regulatory filing, the Caribbean and Latin American regions accounted for over a third of JetBlue's overall capacity in 2023.
JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) has adjusted its fiscal 2024 revenue forecast to a low-single-digit percentage decline, an update from its previous estimate of revenue being relatively stable. Analysts had previously expected full-year revenue to dip slightly to $9.61 billion, according to LSEG data.
The company has forecasted that second-quarter revenue will fall between 6.5% and 10.5%, compared to earlier estimates of a near 4% drop. Citi Research analyst Stephen Trent has commented that "the Q2 and full-year revenue guide looked a little worse than expected ... not nearly as strong as recently reported results from some of the carrier's full-service peers."
Despite upbeat current-quarter forecasts from United Airlines and Delta Air Lines in recent weeks, JetBlue's report has negatively impacted airline stocks on Tuesday. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines are expected to report quarterly earnings later this week and have already seen a 3% and 1% decline, respectively. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Air have also slipped by approximately 1%.
JetBlue's efforts to cut costs have shown positive signs. Its adjusted per-share loss of 43 cents in the quarter ended March 31 was smaller than the anticipated 52-cent loss. Its total operating revenue fell 5.1% to $2.21 billion, in line with expectations.
Icahn's Strategic Maneuver Sends JetBlue Soaring to New Highs Renowned activist investor Carl Icahn has shaken up the airline industry with his recent acquisition of a substantial stake in JetBlue Airways ( NASDAQ:JBLU ). The ripple effect of this acquisition has sent shockwaves through the market, propelling JetBlue's stock ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) price to new heights and igniting a flurry of speculation and analysis.
With a nearly 10% stake in the low-cost carrier, Icahn's entry into JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) signals a resounding vote of confidence in the airline's potential. Renowned for his astute eye for undervalued assets, Icahn's decision to invest in JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) underscores his belief in the company's intrinsic value and its capacity for growth.
JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ), under the leadership of its new CEO Joanna Geraghty, has been navigating through turbulent skies marked by soaring operating costs and erratic travel demand. However, Geraghty's commitment to aggressive action to restore profitability has resonated with investors, who see a beacon of hope in JetBlue's ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) strategic initiatives.
One such initiative involves the deferral of approximately $2.5 billion in planned aircraft capital expenditure, coupled with cost-cutting measures through employee buyouts across various functions. Moreover, JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) aims to bolster its ancillary revenue streams, targeting an additional $300 million in revenue this year—a move indicative of its proactive stance amid challenging market conditions.
However, JetBlue's ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) ambitious $3.8 billion deal to acquire Spirit Airlines hit a regulatory snag when a U.S. judge blocked the transaction. Despite this setback, both airlines remain undeterred, seeking an expedited appeal to revive the deal. The outcome of this appeal, slated for June, holds significant implications for JetBlue's future trajectory and its ability to navigate the competitive landscape.
The proposed merger, if realized, would substantially alter JetBlue's ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) financial landscape, with Moody's Investor Service projecting a notable increase in its debt-to-EBITDA ratio and annual interest burden. While acknowledging the potential ramifications of heightened indebtedness, JetBlue remains steadfast in its commitment to the merger agreement, affirming its strategic vision and long-term objectives.
In the wake of the merger ruling, JetBlue's ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) stock has witnessed an impressive surge, gaining 36% as investor optimism swells. This bullish momentum reflects a newfound confidence in JetBlue's resilience and capacity to weather industry headwinds, buoyed by strategic partnerships and a robust operational framework.
Carl Icahn's entry into JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) symbolizes more than just a financial investment—it heralds a new chapter in the airline industry, characterized by heightened scrutiny and strategic realignment. As a seasoned corporate raider and activist shareholder, Icahn's presence injects a sense of urgency and accountability into JetBlue's boardroom, catalyzing discussions around governance and value creation.
JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) stands poised to chart a course toward sustainable growth and profitability, guided by a shared commitment to innovation and resilience. With Carl Icahn at the helm of this transformative journey, the skies are brimming with possibilities for JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) and the broader aviation ecosystem. As stakeholders brace for what lies ahead, one thing remains certain: the winds of change are blowing, and JetBlue ( NASDAQ:JBLU ) is ready to soar to new heights under Icahn's strategic stewardship.
Spirit (SAVE) a distressed merger partner with Jet Blue LONGSAVE on the 50-minute chart reversed a trend down that started on January 23 which was a
continuation of a previous downtrend which corrected. SAVE is in critical condition. There is a
merger with JBLU which has been successfully challenged in court. The two airlines have a
narrow window in which to file a notice of appeal after which briefing and oral argument
will be calendared. This is a slow process. I cannot find a positive piece of news in this
current week. No matter, price crossed over both short and longer moving averages and had
little bit of more volume. Is this a fakeout? Is this a short squeeze without volume to keep
it going? Are shorts buying to cover? Could this turn into something or is it nothing ?
Who knows ! I think it is worth watching.
JBLU Bullish after JetBlue - Spirit merger was BlockedJetBlue's $3.8 billion buyout of Spirit Airlines was blocked by a judge, citing a threat to competition!
After the news, SAVE went down, while JBLU surged from $4.54 to $5.45! However, today it continued the 6 month downtrend and closed at $4.68.
This might seem like business as usual on Wall Street, except for the presence of some aggressive blocks of calls with strike prices of $6 and $7 on JetBlue's options chain, across multiple expiration dates!
The most commonly chosen expiration date was February 16, following the earnings release. This leads me to believe that we might witness excellent results from the upcoming earnings report.
JBLU was trading at $9.45 just 6 months ago. Its decline was not due to fundamentals but rather on the potential buyout of SAVE. Now that the deal is off the table, I expect JBLU to rise back up.
I'm extremely bullish on JBLU ahead of earnings!
$JBLU Double Bottom JBLU has formed a double bottom pattern on the weekly chart. This pattern is formed when price falls to a support level twice, but is unable to break through. The second bottom is typically higher than the first, indicating that buyers are becoming more aggressive.
A close below 3.40 on a weekly basis would be a stop-out for this pattern, as it would indicate that the bears are taking control and that the pattern has failed.
How to trade this pattern:
If you believe that the double bottom pattern is valid, you could buy JBLU above the neckline of the pattern (which is currently around 3.60). You would then place a stop-loss below the 3.40 level.
If JBLU breaks through the neckline of the pattern, it would be a bullish signal and could indicate the start of a new uptrend. You could then trail your stop-loss up above the previous swing high.
Widow Makers Airline Stocks Beat the Market by the New YearSince the beginning of the new year, airline stocks have performed exceptionally well despite the very chaotic condition of the US airspace and travel market. Here is the year-to-date performance of a few well-known airline stocks, along with the Boeing stock and the U.S. Global Jets ETF:
● U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS): +18.56%
● United Airlines (UAL): +37.53%. Zacks EPS estimation: 2.07. Earning release: 1/17/23.
● American Airlines (AAL): +33.62%. Zacks EPS estimation: 0.60. Earning release: 1/26/23.
● JetBlue Airways (JBLU): +26.40%. Zacks EPS estimation: 0.17. Earning release: 1/26/23.
● Alaska Air (ALK): +18.16%. Zacks EPS Est. 0.88. Earning release: 1/26/23.
● Delta Air Lines (DAL): +16.31%. Reported EPS: 1.48 vs 1.29 estimated.
● Southwest Airlines (LUV): +13.15%. Zacks EPS estimation: 0.25. Earning release: 1/17/23.
● Spirit Airlines (SAVE): +6.83%. Zacks EPS estimation: 0.04. Earning release: 2/6/23.
● Boeing (BA): +10.01%. Zacks EPS estimation: 0.29. Earning release: 1/25/23.
● S&P 500: +4.60%
Jet Fuel Takes OffWhen will jet fuel stop making all time highs? I think this speaks volumes about the continued pace of inflation combined with a post-2020 "get me outta here and fly me somewhere" mentality, in addition to other factors. So now people want to fly after not flying for a few years. Why do we have to pay mafia level prices now? I guess now it's time for the propaganda machine to shift the narrative to blaming people for their sudden surge flying habits, which still considerably falls short of pre-2020 levels. Rather than looking at the true source of price inflation: Yes, I mean the mafia overlords themselves at the Federal Reserve, their higher order of archdemon overlords will shift blame to something else. If our eating habits were to become an increasing result of centralized policy, for example, we'd all be forced to eat hot dogs and drink orange juice right about now - the only items in the CPI where it seems inflation is somewhat accurately portrayed.
I can imagine the posters already:
PLEASE refrain from your disgusting urges of flying, LOYAL citizens!
Take this delicious and nutritious diet of HOT DOGS and ORANGE JUICE instead.
Do Uncle Sam PROUD, FIGHT inflation TODAY!
Do your part for OUR NATION!
Oh my...
Seriously though, you gotta give some respect to orange juice , SO FAR:
Good luck and don't forget to hedge your bets! ;)
JBLU: Bullish Trade for the WeekGaps closed on the Daily Chart: This is purely a Weekly Trade on JBLU for a close above 11.82 by end of the week.
If using Options you can extend the expiration date out, use vertical spreads, etc. Trade Small and average in, as applicable to your trading plan.
Our back testing has a 5 out of 6 rating; therefore, 83% historical probability of closing above this lower DOM C parameter.
JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: $JBLU) Ready For Take Off! 🛫JetBlue Airways Corporation provides air passenger transportation services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated a fleet of 63 Airbus A321 aircraft, 8 Airbus A220 aircraft, 21 Airbus A321neo aircraft, 130 Airbus A320 aircraft, and 60 Embraer E190 aircraft. It also served 107 destinations in the 31 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 24 countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. JetBlue Airways Corporation has a strategic partnership with American Airlines Group Inc. to create connectivity for travelers in the Northeast. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is based in Long Island City, New York.
Potential Long on JetBLue JBLURecognizing multiple Technical confluences for a potential move long on JBLU
1. We see price following the trend that existed prior to Covid
2. The 100 EMA has dipped below the 200 EMA (sign price may be reversing current trend.)
3. Price has entered a significant Demand Zone
4. Price is respecting the trend lines since the Covid dip
5. The RSI is displaying possible divergence.
6. The MACD is below 30. (Sign price is oversold).
Negative Confluences:
1. OUR OBV line is showing a decline in buying volume.
2. Price is still outside the lower, longer (pre-Covid) trend zone.
Fundamental Analysis:
1. Earnings expected first week of August. (Price typically declines into earnings).
2. Earnings report for 2nd quarter includes months prior to economic opening. (Earnings may be lower.)
3. Operating Income negative year over year
4. Gross profit change from previous years same quarter show significant loss
5. Economic reports show record travel numbers from July 4th
6. Economy nearly fully opened since roughly June
7. JBLU to start flights from NY to UK in August.
JBLU $22 PTJBLU Current Price $17.10 Price Target $22
$17C 7/16 ($52,2% till breakeven)
My thesis for JBLU is similar to BA the numbers from travel this weekend are going to give a bump to the entire travel sector. The airliners JBLU especially is down from its 52-week highs and could see a move up on the backs of strong travel data. Savings rates are still very high, the consumer has money to spend I think the trend of increased travel continues which will benefit JBLU. Technically JBLU is hovering around $16.70 support, I think JBLU holds that support and moves up $18 in the short term and moves to test the top line of resistance on current trend at $22.
NEW POSITION $JBLU Target 22.55 for 18.37% $JBLU Target 22.55 for 18.37%
Or next add level is at 15.55
I'm looking at Airlines and Cruise Ships around here...
—
On the far right of the chart is my Average (Grey) Current Target (Green), and Next Level to add (Red) Percentage to target is from my average.
I start every position with 1% of my account and build from there as needed and as possible.
I am not your financial advisor. Watch my setups first before you jump in… My trade set ups work very well and they are for my personal reference and if you decide to trade them you do so at your own risk. I will gladly answer questions to the best of my knowledge but ultimately the risk is on you. I will update targets as needed.
GL and happy trading.