Barclays upgrades Air France-KLM stock rating on strong results

Barclays upgraded Air France-KLM's stock rating to Overweight from Underweight and increased its price target to EUR18.00, reflecting the investment bank's positive outlook on the company's strong financial performance. The stock is currently trading at a low P/E ratio of 3.23 and a low PEG ratio of 0.23, indicating an attractive valuation on the basis of future growth potential.

Barclays' decision to upgrade the stock is based on the company's impressive third-quarter results, which surpassed both company and Bloomberg consensus expectations. Revenue from both passenger and cargo units was stronger than anticipated, suggesting a healthy premium demand. The recent events have shown that Air France-KLM is well-positioned to benefit from premium demand, with limited pressure from French social unrest.

The bank also highlighted the positive trends in KLM's profitability after the planned restructuring. The expected downsizing of aircraft will lessen exposure to short-haul connections, which should improve the airline's financial performance. Barclays forecasted a significant increase in EBIT estimates, raising fiscal 2026 EBIT by 46% and fiscal 2027 EBIT by 100%.

According to InvestingPro's analysis, the stock appears undervalued at its current price of $1.36, with a Fair Value of $1.70. The investment bank rates the company's overall financial health as GOOD and emphasizes the airline sector as an area with undervalued opportunities. Barclays cautioned that risks remain, including potential geopolitical tensions, industrial unrest from KLM's restructuring, competition policy impacts related to the SAS acquisition, and unstable industrial relations with SAS.