Westjet Airlines Ratio Analysis
How would you assess WestJet’s performance to date?
We measure the performance by the Du Pont Analysis, by looking at operating efficiency, Asset Management Efficiency and use of leverage.
Profit margin – By comparing the income earned with sales generated, we look at the margin of profit on a dollar of sales. WestJet, in terms of profitability was more profitable than most peers in the United States. Out of International competitors, Singapore Airlines was the most profitable.
Total Asset Turnover – The Asset Turnover shows the efficiency with which assets are used to generate sales. A company with a higher asset turnover ratio can operate with fewer assets. The Average Asset turnover of the five competitors is 0.8x in 2007 and 0.9x in 2008. WestJet’s ratio is lower than the average. This means that the company is not utilizing its assets as efficiently as other players.
Equity Multiplier – Measures the portion of the asset financing done through debt. Southwest’s and Singapore Airlines’ multiplier is lower than WestJet’s. A low ratio is desirable as the ratio is an indication of company risk to its creditors. For both years, the company’s ratio is lower than the average of competitors (~400% in 2007 and ~2870% in 2008) Individually, Southwest’s and Singapore’s ratio is better than WestJet.
However, in the DuPont Analysis, a higher ratio tends to deliver higher returns on equity.
Return on Equity – Measures the Income earned on Equity investment. WestJet’s return on equity is higher than the average of its competitors. In the year 2008, the company has performed significantly better than the other players we are comparing it to.
However, the higher return on equity could be a result of high leverage.
Profitability – DuPont Analysis
WestJet
Southwest
Continental
Lufthansa
Singapore
Air Canada
Net Profit Margin
12.8%
-3.8%
-10.0%
Asset Turnover
Equity Multiplier
314.1%
241.6%
781.0%
323.5%
169.7%
484.5%
301.9%
288.9%
12081.9%
323.9%
171.3%
1491.3%
Return on Equity
20.3%
29.6%
24.0%
13.1%
17.6%
16.4%
-557.1%
-134.5%