On Wednesday, JPMorgan reaffirmed its Overweight rating on International Consolidated Airlines Group (LON:ICAG) SA stock (IAG:LN) (OTC: ICAGY) with a steady price target of EUR2.50. The financial institution placed IAG on a Positive Catalyst Watch in anticipation of the company's first-quarter results for 2024.
The analyst at JPMorgan noted that the first quarter is typically the smallest in terms of EBIT contribution for Network Carriers, but the current pricing environment could lead to EBIT upgrades for 2024.
The analyst expressed optimism for the quarter's outcome as a potential driver for consensus EBIT upgrades, citing positive pricing dynamics for both the first quarter and the upcoming summer season. JPMorgan forecasts a slight increase in Passenger unit revenue growth for 2024.
The firm does not expect any significant cost offsets, aside from unforeseen disruptions, with the first quarter likely to see the highest pressure on ex-fuel CASK within the already provided guidance range of +1-2% for 2024.
JPMorgan has projected an EBIT of €3.7 billion for IAG in 2024, which is approximately 8% above the Bloomberg median consensus. This forecast comes without any explicit guidance previously given during the 2023 results.
The price target set for December 2025 suggests a potential upside of around 40% from the last closing price. According to JPMorgan, IAG's stock is trading at 3.5 times the estimated 2025 earnings, which represents a discount of about 50% compared to its pre-pandemic median multiple. The positive outlook is based on the current valuation and the anticipated growth in revenue and earnings for the airline group.
InvestingPro Insights
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (OTC: OTC:ICAGY) presents a compelling case for investors, with real-time data from InvestingPro underscoring its potential. The company is currently trading at a low earnings multiple, with an adjusted P/E ratio of 3.55 as of the last twelve months ending Q4 2023, indicating that the stock may be undervalued relative to its earnings. This aligns with JPMorgan's analysis, suggesting a significant upside based on current valuations.
Moreover, ICAGY stands out as a prominent player in the Passenger Airlines industry. With a robust revenue growth of 27.69% during the same period, the company's financial health appears to be on a positive trajectory. This is further supported by a healthy gross profit margin of 26.86%, reflecting efficient operations and strong pricing power.
InvestingPro Tips also highlight that analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, a sentiment echoed by JPMorgan's optimistic outlook. For investors seeking additional insights, there are over 6 more InvestingPro Tips available for ICAGY, providing a deeper dive into the company's financials and market position. Utilize the coupon code PRONEWS24 to receive an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription and gain access to these valuable tips.
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