RE: The only way is up!18 Oct 2021 09:16
Real facts...Trouble ahead.....Gunning knows.
While it looks as if IAG has the funds to see it through reduced capacity, debt — to state the obvious — needs paying back. To its credit, the bulk of the group’s debt is not due for repayment until 2026, although €626 million does mature in November next year. A refinancing of that debt looks likely.
But heavy debts do eventually put more demands on the earnings you generate. If you’re looking to boost profits, it also inhibits your ability to discount fares to win new business. And it leaves less cash for shareholder returns. Most analysts do not see IAG paying a dividend until 2024, in any case.
There’s also the question over whether another rights issue will materialise eventually. Given the level of cash and debt resources on the balance sheet, IAG has said that it doesn’t have any plans at present. Nevertheless, it may think it expedient to tap the market for cash at some point.