Spirit Airlines came out swinging on Friday, aiming to reassure investors and highlight the actions it has taken to strengthen its financial position.
The company is currently examining options to refinance its 2025 debt maturities, a move prompted by credit ratings agency Fitch’s designation of these maturities as a “significant refinancing risk” earlier this week.
Shares of Spirit Airlines, a renowned ultra-low-cost carrier, have experienced a drastic 62% drop over the past three trading days following a federal judge’s decision to block the proposed $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue Airways. Although they made a slight recovery to $6.82 during premarket trading on Friday, they are still far below the $15 mark they were trading at just last week.
Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope amid the recent gloominess. Spirit’s investor update contained a wealth of information that provides a slightly more positive outlook for the airline.
The company disclosed that its fourth-quarter revenue is expected to be at the high end of its previous guidance, ranging from $1.28 billion to $1.32 billion. This positive adjustment is primarily due to a surge in bookings during the peak holiday period encompassing Christmas and New Year’s Day. Moreover, the operating margin guidance has been revised upward, now ranging from minus 12% to minus 13%, rather than the negative 15% to negative 19% range previously projected.
Notably, costs are anticipated to be lower than initially expected thanks to reduced fuel expenses, decreased airport costs, and enhanced operational reliability.
In an effort to secure its liquidity, Spirit Airlines also reiterated some recent initiatives it has taken. It proudly mentioned receiving $419 million from sale-leaseback transactions involving 25 jets in December and January. Additionally, the company expects compensation from Pratt & Whitney for engine availability issues, which will serve as a “significant source of liquidity over the next couple of years.”
Despite recent setbacks, Spirit Airlines remains steadfast in its pursuit of stability and growth. Time will tell how successful these measures will be, but for now, there is reason to believe that brighter days lie ahead.
