Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Stock Upgraded (RJET)

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Republic Airways Holdings (Nasdaq:RJET) has been upgraded by TheStreet Ratings from sell to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, increase in net income and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including generally higher debt management risk, disappointing return on equity and poor profit margins.

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Highlights from the ratings report include:

• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Airlines industry. The net income increased by 186.7% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $9.00 million to $25.80 million.
• Powered by its strong earnings growth of 183.33% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 107.15% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, our hold rating indicates that we do not recommend additional investment in this stock despite its gains in the past year.
• REPUBLIC AIRWAYS HLDGS INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, REPUBLIC AIRWAYS HLDGS INC reported poor results of -$3.14 versus -$0.43 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($1.14 versus -$3.14).
• The debt-to-equity ratio is very high at 4.39 and currently higher than the industry average, implying increased risk associated with the management of debt levels within the company. To add to this, RJET has a quick ratio of 0.61, this demonstrates the lack of ability of the company to cover short-term liquidity needs.
• Return on equity has greatly decreased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of major weakness within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Airlines industry and the overall market, REPUBLIC AIRWAYS HLDGS INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.

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Republic Airways Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides scheduled passenger services. Republic Airways has a market cap of $413.6 million and is part of the services sector and transportation industry. Shares are up 50% year to date as of the close of trading on Thursday.

You can view the full Republic Airways Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model.

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For more information on Republic Airways Holdings Inc. click any of the following:

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• Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Growth Rates

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• Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Income Statement