SkyWest NASDAQ:SKYW shares fell more than 1.5% on Thursday after Goldman Sachs downgraded the regional airline to Neutral from Buy, citing growing concerns that slower aircraft utilization could weigh on earnings, according to a Thursday research note.
Goldman also reduced its price target on SkyWest to $108 from $126 after lowering its forecast for 2026 block-hour growth, a key measure of aircraft utilization under long-term agreements with partner airlines. The firm said SkyWest management previously indicated summer block hours would come in slightly below earlier expectations.
Despite the downgrade, Goldman turned more constructive on the broader airline industry, lifting its third- and fourth-quarter 2026 profit forecasts as travel demand remains resilient despite higher ticket prices linked to elevated fuel costs. The firm said tighter industry capacity and a more favorable competitive environment have supported revenue trends.