Using the leading P/E multiple method of valuation is standard practice in the airline industry (Yale Schoolof Management, 2002). However, in our analysis (figure 1) the comparison sample size had to be reducedto include only low-cost airlines with positive
earnings which limited the scope of the relative values. Due tothe small sample size, the average P/E ratio was skewed high towards Frontier’s outlying performance.
Therefore we determined that the median P/E ratio of comparable companies provided a more accuratefigure. With predicted earnings per share in 2002
of $1.20, JetBlue’s price per share would be $34.12.
However, using trailing indicators we calculated the current share price to be substantially lower at $28.84.The wide variance is due to: 1) Increased price earnings ratios in 2002 for low-cost carriers; and 2)Increased earnings per share for JetBlue. The range is made wider when using the average P/E multiplefrom the sample group: $28.46 to $37.28.