Last September I was bearish on Delta Airlines (DAL), saying “How quickly we get from something that looks enticing to something that looks like it came out of bankruptcy five months ago. Which, of course, it did. Bottom line, if you want to take a flier on an airline, I’d stick with one of the short squeeze plays. The majors still look like they can cause a major league stomachache.”
Earlier this month, I noted that I should learn to take the money and run , as three of my previously correct bearish calls had been bolstered by takeover rumors. With Delta now solidly back in the column of not making me look stupid, it’s time to call it quits on this call.
U.S airlines plunge on recession worries | Markets | Markets News | Reuters
Shares in U.S. airlines plunged on Wednesday, with Northwest Airlines (NWA) and Alaska Air Group (ALK) dropping more than 10 percent, after JP Morgan cut its ratings on those carriers and several others due to recession concerns.
Since my original bearish article, Delta is now down 37.3%, compared to a 10.3% decline in the S&P 500 (SPY) over the same period. Although I didn’t take a financial position in the stock, I am figuratively closing the position. Before another greater fool comes along and tries to buy them out, I’m taking the money and running.
Disclosure: At the time of publication, William Trent has no financial position in the companies mentioned.
$8.981 (03/17/08)
