JBLU is completely unhedged against fuel costs, and recent geopolitical events have caused jet fuel prices and crack spreads to spike to multi-year highs. This price spike will turn JBLU's guided breakeven operating margin for 2026 into a projected loss of ~$1.7 billion, completely wiping out its liquidity and likely triggering credit card processor holdbacks that starve the company of cash. The author believes this liquidity crisis will force JBLU into Chapter 11 bankruptcy as soon as this year, making its equity worthless. The author explicitly states they own puts. A sudden and sharp reversal in oil prices and crack spreads could alleviate the cost pressure. The company could also secure additional financing (though this may be difficult) or successfully raise prices to offset fuel costs.
JBLU is completely unhedged against fuel costs, and recent geopolitical events have caused jet fuel prices and crack spreads to spike to multi-year highs. This price spike will turn JBLU's guided breakeven operating margin for 2026 into a projected loss of ~$1.7 billion, completely wiping out its liquidity and likely triggering credit card processor holdbacks that starve the company of cash. The author believes this liquidity crisis will force JBLU into Chapter 11 bankruptcy as soon as this year, making its equity worthless. The author explicitly states they own puts. A sudden and sharp reversal in oil prices and crack spreads could alleviate the cost pressure. The company could also secure additional financing (though this may be difficult) or successfully raise prices to offset fuel costs.