JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) Shares Gap Up After Analyst Upgrade

JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:JBLU) gapped up before the market opened on Friday after Seaport Research Partners upgraded the stock from a neutral rating to a buy rating. The stock had previously closed at $5.51, but opened at $5.98. Seaport Research Partners now has a $8.00 price target on the stock. JetBlue Airways shares last traded at $5.9750, with a volume of 4,607,908 shares traded.

Several other equities research analysts have also commented on the stock. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of JetBlue Airways from $6.00 to $4.40 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, March 20th. Evercore boosted their target price on shares of JetBlue Airways from $5.00 to $6.00 and gave the stock an “in-line” rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price target on shares of JetBlue Airways from $4.00 to $3.50 and set a “sell” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 1st. Susquehanna lifted their price target on shares of JetBlue Airways from $4.55 to $5.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of JetBlue Airways in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Reduce” and an average target price of $4.88.

Trending Headlines about JetBlue Airways

Here are the key news stories impacting JetBlue Airways this week:

• Positive Sentiment: JetBlue secured a $500 million aircraft-backed financing facility, which should help near-term liquidity and aircraft funding needs. JetBlue Secures $500 Million Aircraft-Backed Financing Facility
• Positive Sentiment: An analyst upgrade to “Buy” from Seaport Research Partners likely lifted sentiment and demand for the shares. JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) Upgraded to “Buy” at Seaport Research Partners
• Positive Sentiment: Broader airline-sector tailwinds: oil prices eased after Iran signaled the Strait of Hormuz will remain open, reducing near-term fuel-disruption risk and boosting airline stocks generally. Airline stocks jump as oil eases, Strait of Hormuz reopening boosts sentiment
• Positive Sentiment: JetBlue launched seasonal transatlantic flights from Boston to Barcelona, expanding international capacity and revenue opportunities in a higher-yield market. JetBlue Expands Transatlantic Service from Boston with New Flights to Barcelona Starting Today
• Neutral Sentiment: Political/lawmaker pressure: lawmakers urged airlines to cut fares if fuel costs fall, which could limit upside to margins if carriers respond. This is a policy risk to monitor. Airline CEOs urged by lawmaker to lower fares if fuel prices come down
• Negative Sentiment: Founder David Neeleman warned the airline could face bankruptcy, a headline that raises investor concern about solvency and governance perception despite management statements. JetBlue founder Neeleman warns airline could face bankruptcy
• Negative Sentiment: Separate coverage highlights a potential jet-fuel shortage in Europe tied to Middle East tensions — a supply-side risk that could push fuel costs or constrain international operations. Jet fuel shortage could ground European airlines very soon

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. increased its position in shares of JetBlue Airways by 157.3% in the fourth quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 5,517 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 3,373 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its position in shares of JetBlue Airways by 639.1% in the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 5,839 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 5,049 shares during the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of JetBlue Airways in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Bogart Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of JetBlue Airways by 12,727.3% in the third quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 7,055 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 7,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Leonteq Securities AG acquired a new stake in shares of JetBlue Airways in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.71% of the company’s stock.

JetBlue Airways Stock Up 6.5%

The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $5.01 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.51 and a beta of 1.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.65, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.69.

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The transportation company reported ($0.49) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.45) by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $2.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.22 billion. JetBlue Airways had a negative net margin of 6.64% and a negative return on equity of 25.62%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.21) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts expect that JetBlue Airways Corporation will post -0.69 EPS for the current year.

About JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways Corporation is a low-cost scheduled passenger airline headquartered in Long Island City, New York. Since commencing service in 2000, the carrier has built a reputation for combining competitive fares with enhanced onboard amenities, including free in-flight entertainment, complimentary snacks and beverages, and onboard Wi-Fi. JetBlue operates a single fleet type of Airbus A320 family and Embraer 190 aircraft, which supports its focus on efficiency and operational consistency.

The airline’s core offerings include economy-class travel and a premium business-class product known as Mint, which features lie-flat seats, curated culinary options and elevated service on select transcontinental and international routes.