IndustrialsMust-know: Factors that influenced JetBlue’s top line growthJetBlue Airways’ (JBLU) operating revenue has increased at a four-year compounded annual growth rate (or CAGR) of 13.4%, driven primarily by the growth in passenger revenue.
IndustrialsMust-know: JetBlue’s position in key target marketsJetBlue has almost equal share in Florida, Latin America, and the transcontinental region which together accounted for about 87% of JetBlue’s total capacity.
IndustrialsMust-know: JetBlue’s competitive airline positioningJetBlue (JBLU) operates a hybrid business model that caters to the niche market comprising customers that it defines as “underserved customers.”
IndustrialsAn operational and financial overview of JetBlue AirwaysJetBlue Airways Corporation is the fifth largest passenger carrier in the U.S. based on revenue passenger miles.
IndustrialsWhy low cost carriers influence the industry with low air faresOver the last decade, with increasing mergers and consolidation in the U.S. airline industry and reduced competition, air fares were expected to increase dramatically.
IndustrialsLow cost carrier strategies to maintain competitive advantageLCCs don’t offer all services provided by a legacy carriers like free meals and drinks.
IndustrialsMust-know: Airline business modelsSouthwest was instrumental in revolutionizing the industry with a differentiated business model.
IndustrialsOverview: Southwest AirlinesAs of December, 2013, the passenger segment comprised 94.5% of its revenues, cargo segment 0.9%, and ancillary revenues comprised 4.6%.
IndustrialsMust-know: Merger synergies in the US airline industryNetwork synergies accounted for almost 50%–85% of the total synergy benefits in the past airline mergers.
IndustrialsMust-know: U.S. airline industry consolidation and restructuringAmerican’s number one position, in terms of revenue share as shown in the following chart, was replaced by United.
IndustrialsWhy winglets reduce aircraft drag and improve fuel efficiencyUnited has partnered with Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) to launch the Split Scimitar winglet. The new winglet is expected to save more than 45,000 gallons of fuel per aircraft per year.
IndustrialsEvaluating United’s frequent-flyer program, MileagePlusUnder United’s MileagePlus program, members earn mileage credits for flights on United, United Express, airlines in Star Alliance, and other airlines that participate in the program.
IndustrialsWhy frequent-flyer programs are an effective marketing toolFrequent-flyer programs are incentives given to customers by airlines to increase customer loyalty by awarding free miles on tickets purchased.
IndustrialsImportant details of the United and Continental mergerAccording to ACI, benefits from synergy to the extent of $1 billion to $2 billion were expected, out of which $800 million to $900 million was to come from additional passengers gained from the merger.
IndustrialsDelta’s capacity: Current size and future purchase commitmentsA comparison of the fleet sizes of Delta Air Lines with its competitors reveals that American Airlines group (AAL) has overtaken Delta (DAL) and United (UAL).
IndustrialsWhy Delta Air Lines’ margins are the highest among its peersDelta (DAL) has outperformed its peers in terms of margins continuously for the past four years, followed by Southwest Airlines (LUV), American Airlines (AAL), and United Continental (UAL).
IndustrialsMeasuring Delta Air Lines’ performance with key operating metricsDelta’s Operating revenue grew at a five-year CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 6.1% from 2009 to 2013, mainly driven by a 6% growth in passenger mile yield, a 0.6% growth in RPM, and a load factor of more than 80%.
IndustrialsWhy Delta Air Lines scores highly on customer satisfaction surveysDelta leads in many corporate surveys for customer satisfaction. These surveys help companies track their performance and take corrective steps when required.
IndustrialsDelta’s unique strategy: Owning a refinery to contain fuel costsDelta manages its fuel costs (about 33% of the company’s total operating expense) through purchase agreements, fuel hedging, and operating a refinery.
IndustrialsPaulson & Co. buy a new stake in Verizon Communications in 1Q14Paulson took a new position in Verizon Communications (VZ) last quarter. The position accounts for 2.04% of Paulson’s $20 billion portfolio.
IndustrialsOverview: The four major components used for calculating the GDPWhile calculating the GDP estimate, the Bureau first takes into account the sum of an individual’s personal consumption expenditures, that is, durable goods, non-durable goods, and services.
IndustrialsThe ADP jobs report: A must-know guide for ETF investorsThe ADP National Employment Report (also popularly known as “the ADP Jobs Report” or “ADP Employment Report”) is a monthly report summarizing the employment situation.
IndustrialsMust-know: Do credit spreads only represent credit risk?While credit spreads do give you a good picture of the credit risk of one bond compared to another, it’s not the only factor they represent.
Energy & UtilitiesRenaissance Technologies’ 4Q13 positions in Disney and moreThe fund initiated positions in Pfizer Inc. (PFE), AT&T Inc. (T), and Valero Energy Corp. (VLO). It sold stakes in General Electric Co. (GE), The Walt Disney Co. (DIS), and Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN).
MaterialsMust know: Why Appaloosa opened a new position in HalliburtonAppaloosa Management initiated a 0.63% position in oilfield service company Halliburton (HAL) last quarter.
MaterialsWhy Third Point initiated a position in Williams CompaniesThird Point started a new 2.83% position in gas pipeline operator Williams Companies, Inc.
HealthcareWhy Israel is poised to soon lead medical device industry growthEspicom Business Intelligence forecasts the Israeli market to be valued at $1.096 billion in 2016—a 20% increase over five years. The country looks to the medical device industry for a significant amount of growth.