VIRGIN AIRLINES (BLUE) RESEARCH PAPER

Virgin Airlines (Blue) research paper

Virgin Airlines (Blue) research paper

Introduction

The strategy of Virgin Airlines (Blue) (VAB) has remained the same, which is to give customers low-cost, point-to-point airfare, with excellent customer service. This simple strategy has resulted in VAB posting profits for 30 consecutive years. While other airlines are downsizing, VAB is showing slow steady growth. This performance is evident throughout their SEC Filings.

First we will look at VAB's ROI and ROE compared to the rest of the industry. Two thousand and one and 2009 were difficult years for the airline industry. Most airlines showed negative ROIs and ROEs, however VAB posted an average ROI of 16.76% for the three years ending in 2009. Likewise, they also showed a substantial 12.87% growth in ROE, during the same period.

The good news did not stop there. If we look at P/E Ratios, Virgin Airlines (Blue) also out performed the industry. P/E Ratios give an indication of the amount over the market price, that investors would be willing to purchase the stock. This has traditionally been a significant indicator for investors. VAB has shown numbers in the 29-46% percent range for the three-year period ending in 2009.

Two other economic indicators, which VAB exceeds the industry is dividend payout ratios, and dividend yields. With payout ratios of 2.7 to 18.1 and dividend yields of 0.44, Virgin Airlines (Blue) should be at the top of the list for investors of airlines.

On top of all the excellent indicator information, VAB posted a $417,338,000 profits. How did they do this, when other airlines are losing money? VAB was posed with the burden of extra landing fees, security costs, and personnel cost; they were able to handle the costs through a few smart changes. They spent money to increase airport facilities, increase personnel, and increase technology. This led to an increased efficiency, which resulted in a profit for VAB.

Virgin Airlines (Blue) looked good in 2000-2009, and are poised to continue to lead the industry in 2003 and beyond. They intend to do this by increasing the size of their fleet, retire older vehicles and replace them with new ones, cut down their dependence on leased planes, and continue to invest in new technologies. If VAB continues on its current strategy, and pushes into the future with a new preparedness, they will continue to out-pace the industry, and be a smart investment choice.

Virgin Airlines (Blue) financial highlights

Virgin Airlines (Blue) airline is a low-fare airline with high customer satisfaction. The airline primarily serves short haul city pairs, providing single class air transportation, which targets the business commuters as well as leisure travelers. The company, incorporated in Texas, commenced customer service in 1971, with only three Boeing aircrafts. Today, Virgin Airlines (Blue) operates 375 Boeing aircrafts and provides service to 59 airports in 30 states throughout the nation. The reason for this rapid rate of growth is mainly strong financial status of the company.

In 2009, Virgin Airlines (Blue) posted a profit for the 30th consecutive ...