Alaska Air posts Q3 loss despite 14% revenue rise and warns of larger Q4 loss

Alaska Air Group reported a GAAP loss of $1.32 per share for the third quarter, while adjusted earnings were $0.36 per share. Revenue grew 14% year‑over‑year to $4.3 billion, driven by international expansion and premium‑revenue growth. The airline forecast a fourth‑quarter loss of $2.00‑$2.50 per share, citing a $1.8 billion fuel cost headwind. It also announced plans to join the oneworld alliance’s Atlantic and Pacific joint international businesses.

The company’s guidance signals a deeper near‑term earnings decline, which may pressure the stock and affect investors’ valuation models. The fuel‑cost headwind and lower earnings outlook also reduce the likelihood of meeting prior earnings targets.

  • 1GAAP loss was ($1.32) per share in Q3 2026.
  • 2Adjusted earnings per share were $0.36 in Q3 2026.
  • 3Revenue increased 14% year‑over‑year to $4.3 billion.
  • 4Fourth‑quarter loss is projected at $2.00‑$2.50 per share.
  • 5Full‑year adjusted loss is expected between ($5.50) and ($5.00) per share.
  • 6Fuel costs created a $1.8 billion headwind for the year.

Sources