Top 5 Airline Companies To Invest In 2014

It’s been a bumpy few weeks for airline stocks after the Department of Justice challenged AMR Corp.’s�(AAMRQ) merger with U.S. Airways (LCC), calling into question not just the consolidation thesis that had boosted airlines recently but also AMR’s future.

for The Wall Street Journal (Kevin Hagen for The Wall Street Journal)

Today, however, the airline industry got some good news that had nothing to do with that litigation: Delta Air Lines�(DAL) is set to join the Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index. Now, we all know that an addition to the index is not meant to be a recommendation, but with index funds and index huggers, alike, being forced to buy its shares, Delta’s stock has surged today.

Delta is up 6.9% to $21.26 today–and giving the rest of the industry a boost. U.S. Airways has climbed 3% to $17.30,�United Airlines Continental�(UAL) has risen 3% to $30.62 and Alaska Air (ALK) has advanced 1.5% to $58.26.

Top China Companies For 2015: Energie Holdings Inc (ELED)

Energie Holdings Inc, formerly Alas Aviation Corporation, incorporated on June 10, 2013, is in the process of acquiring, assembling and operating passenger airlines, air cargo and related ground service operators. The Company's business model includes purchasing low-scale regional operators then assembles and integrates them as subsidiaries. Corporacion Ygnus Air, S.A. (Cygnus) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. It is engaged in acquisition discussions with several operators throughout Europe and around the world.

Cygnus is an aeronautical company is an integrated provider of air cargo transportation specializing in medium and long-range cargo routes. Cygnus operates a fleet of two Boeing 757-200PCF cargo jets to Europe and Africa. Cygnus has managed multi-plane operations, carrying both freight and passengers throughout Spain, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Wi-Fi Wireless Inc (OTCMKTS: WFWL), Energie Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: ELED) and Trend Exploration, Inc (OTCMKTS: TRDX) surged 47.06%, 25% and 12.50%, respectively, last Friday. However, none of these small cap stocks appear to be the subject of paid promotions or investor relations activities ��something that could be a good thing for investors who are not traders. Keeping that in mind, are these three small cap stocks going to be winners over the long term? Here is a closer look to help you decide on an investing or trading strategy:

Top 5 Airline Companies To Invest In 2014: United Continental Holdings Inc.(UAL)

United Continental Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of passenger and cargo air transportation services. As of February 24, 2011, it operated a total of approximately 5,675 flights a day to 372 airports on 6 continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo, as well as in Washington, D.C. The company was formerly known as UAL Corporation and changed its name to United Continental Holdings, Inc. on October 1, 2010. United Continental Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Alexander MacLennan]

  Dreaming of Dreamliners
  Those finding themselves at odds with Delta's strategy may be right at home with United Continental's (NYSE: UAL  ) aircraft acquisition plans. The cost reduction surrounding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has attracted the Chicago-based airline to become one of the largest operators of the aircraft.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Sure that gain is huge, both on its own terms and relative to its competitors. Delta has outgained nearly all its peers, as Southwest Airlines (LUV) has gained 82% in 2013, Alaska Air (ALK) has risen 68% and United Continental (UAL) is up 61%. Spirit Airlines (SAVE), with a 144% rise, was one of the few airlines to trump Delta.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  United Continental (UAL) has soared 4.8% to $42 after the airline offered surprisingly strong June revenue numbers.

  Potbelly (PBPB) has plunged 19% to $11.92 after the recently-IPO’ed sandwich maker offered a disappointing earnings forecast.

Top 5 Airline Companies To Invest In 2014: Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV (AEROMEX*)

Grupo Aeromexico SAB de CV is a Mexican holding company primarily engaged in the provision of passenger and cargo air transport services. It offers destinations in Mexico, the United States, Europe, Central and South America, Asia and Canada. It operates a fleet of over 110 aircrafts. The Company is primarily engaged in the passenger transportation segment, comprising regional, domestic and international routes, and package holidays; as well as in cargo transportation segment, handled mainly by its subsidiary Aeromexico Cargo. By its subsidiaries the Company is also engaged in real estate sector and in providing services to the aviation companies, including personnel training, management, and aircraft maintenance and modification. Its subsidiaries include Aerovias de Mexico SA de CV, Premier Loyalty & Marketing SAPI de CV, and Inmobiliaria Avenida Fuerza Aerea Mexicana 416 SA de CV, among others. In addition, it is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jonathan Levin]

  Volaris became Mexico�� second publicly traded carrier, after larger competitor Grupo Aeromexico SAB (AEROMEX*) sold stock in 2011. Airlines in Mexico have expanded into a void left when Cia. Mexicana de Aviacion, then largest based on passenger traffic, sought protection from creditors and ceased operations in 2010.

Top 5 Airline Companies To Invest In 2014: Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK)

Alaska Air Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc., operates as an airline company serving destinations in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company provides passenger air services; and freight and mail services primarily to and within the state of Alaska and on the West Coast. As of December 31, 2009, it operated a fleet of 110 jet aircraft; and Horizon Air Industries operated a fleet of 18 jets and 40 turboprop aircraft. The company was founded in 1932 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Will Ashworth]

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  Top Potential Buyouts: #3, Alaska Air Group (ALK)
  

  Alaska Air (ALK) might not be the largest airline in the U.S., but it�� certainly one of the most profitable.