ALASKA AIR GROUP

Alaska Air reported an adjusted loss of $0.92 per share for Q2 on revenues of $4.07 billion, slightly below expectations. The Q3 outlook calls for adjusted EPS of $0.00 to $1.00, well below the analyst consensus of about $1.38–$1.48. Fuel costs rose sharply and weighed on results; management forecasts slightly lower jet fuel prices in Q3 but warns of continued volatility. Strategically, Alaska plans to expand its cargo fleet, and Hawaiian Airlines is converting its 717 fleet to 737-800s, but this offers little near-term relief for investors. » More on de.investing.com

Alaska Air Group has appointed Mike Sievert, the former CEO of T-Mobile, to its board of directors. Sievert will serve on the innovation and safety committees; with his appointment the board has 10 independent members. The company has a market capitalization of $4.74 billion and is rated as currently undervalued in an analysis, but faces industry-specific challenges and relatively high leverage (debt ratio 1.79). » More on de.investing.com

Alaska Air Group signed a formal agreement with Boeing to integrate Boeing’s Virtual Airplane into its pilot training program, aiming to provide realistic and flexible training that complements traditional simulators. The deal was signed at the World Aviation Training Summit in Orlando. Separately, Alaska Airlines launched a daily seasonal nonstop between Hollywood Burbank and Honolulu operated by a Boeing 737–8 MAX through Aug. 18. » More on finance.yahoo.com