Company Expects 2026 Revenue to Benefit from Macroeconomic Recovery
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 22 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ALK?
The company states: "In the first three weeks of January, bookings have inflected positive relative to last year. We have seen several of the highest booking days in our history since January 1st with managed corporate revenues up 20% year-over-year for the first quarter. We expect first quarter unit revenues to be solidly positive and earnings per share to be approximately flat year-over-year which would mark another sequential improvement towards earnings expansion. Given the macroeconomic headwinds the industry experienced in 2025 and the positive emergent demand trends, our guidance for 2026 reflects a wide range of potential macroeconomic outcomes. We expect to continue to realize value from Alaska Accelerate initiatives and synergies from the Hawaiian integration, which remain on track or ahead of plan relative to our initial expectations. To hit the higher end of our guidance range we would require sustained macroeconomic recovery in 2026, at or improving on trends seen in the first three weeks of the year, and for fuel prices to stabilize. Given the inherent uncertainty of the macroeconomic environment, we remain as focused as ever on controlling what is within our control, including disciplined cost management, driving strong productivity and delivering on our initiatives."
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Analyst Views on ALK
Wall Street analysts forecast ALK stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ALK is 73.00 USD with a low forecast of 64.00 USD and a high forecast of 94.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
10 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 55.260
Low
64.00
Averages
73.00
High
94.00
Current: 55.260
Low
64.00
Averages
73.00
High
94.00
About ALK
Alaska Air Group, Inc. is engaged in operating airlines. The Company operates through its subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Inc., Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air Industries, Inc., and McGee Air Services. The Company's segments include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Regional. The Alaska Airlines segment includes scheduled air transportation on Alaska's Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo. The Hawaiian Airlines segment includes scheduled air transportation on Hawaiian's Boeing and Airbus jet aircraft for passengers and cargo. The Regional segment includes Horizon's and other third-party carriers’ scheduled air transportation on E175 jet aircraft for passengers under capacity purchase agreements (CPAs). The Company serves more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. The Company provides freight and mail services (cargo) using both freighter aircraft and the bellies of its passenger aircraft.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Long-Term Expansion Plans: Alaska Air advanced its fleet expansion strategy by ordering 53 additional 737-10 aircraft for delivery between 2032 and 2035, demonstrating its commitment to capacity and fleet growth well into the next decade.
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- Strategic Investment Plan: Alaska Air's three-year 'Alaska Accelerate' initiative aims to generate $1 billion in incremental profit by expanding international routes and upgrading premium offerings, targeting at least 12 widebody international destinations by 2030.
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