So far, no one seems to like the bailout. No one, that is, except the executives and employees of companies poised to lose the most if the bailout fails.
Airlines rank near the top of the list. They depend on credit for equipment financing, the derivatives and futures markets for fuel hedges, and equity to pay their people. An illiquid credit market would mean death for at least one of the major carriers.
Who would be first? Meet the five worst domestic airlines, in order, as determined by our 115,000-plus Motley Fool CAPS community:
Recent Price |
(out of 5) |
One-Year Return |
|
---|---|---|---|
US Airways |
$3.63 |
* |
(88.5%) |
AMR Corp. |
$6.67 |
* |
(73.5%) |
Northwest Airlines |
$6.56 |
* |
(67.6%) |
Delta Air Lines |
$5.66 |
* |
(71.1%) |
Continental Airlines |
$10.95 |
* |
(70.7%) |
Sources: CAPS, Yahoo! Finance.
Jim Cramer would probably tell you to sell them all. He may be right. But, for now, I want to focus on the one that our Foolish stock pickers say is the worst: US Airways.
"I just hate this airline! The employees are surly and if there is any other choice I take it. Plus, I'm in airports a LOT and hear this from most other travelers when the subject comes up. Not good in this time," wrote CAPS investor tweaks in August.
Charging $1 for coffee and $2 for Coke will do that. Look, I get that US Airways and every other carrier has to do what it must to make ends meet, but this nickel-and-dime approach to making a profit feels way too much like the street corner down-and-outer whose day is spent begging for spare change.
Customers would rather save money by staying home. "Decreased gas prices may help but nobody is going anywhere for a while. Vacations are going to be piling the kids in the car and heading out to beach with a couple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Good times," says CAPS All-Star TommyHopp.
And let's not forget labor problems. US Airways has had as many as its peers, although you might argue that United has it even worse. To be fair, though, UAL's
Neither carrier is flush, nor are any of their peers. What sets US Airways apart is its reputation as a cheapskate that provides subpar service. That's sustainable if you're Southwest
But that's my take. What's yours? Do you think US Airways will be the next airline to fail? Let us know by signing up for CAPS today. It's 100% free to participate.
Taxi toward related CAPS Foolishness:
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