Airline Stock Under Rs 60 In Focus As Acuité Upgrades SpiceJet’s Credit Rating by Four Notches to B+ with Stable Outlook, Short-Term Rating Raised to A4
The stock is up by 67 per cent from its 52-week low of Rs 36.75 per share.
SpiceJet Ltd has received a significant boost with Acuité Ratings & Research Limited upgrading its long-term rating by four notches to B+ and its short-term rating to A4. The rating agency has also assigned a ‘Stable’ outlook to the airline. This remarkable four-notch upgrade highlights SpiceJet’s sustained efforts towards financial stability, operational resilience, and strategic growth initiatives.
The improved credit rating not only reflects SpiceJet’s strengthened financial position but also enhances its ability to secure assets through financial leases, a move that provides the airline with greater flexibility and cost advantages. This step is aligned with SpiceJet’s ongoing commitment to expanding its fleet, improving operational efficiency, and delivering enhanced travel experiences to its passengers.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet, said, “We are delighted with Acuité’s upgrade of our credit rating by four notches. This is a testament to our relentless efforts to strengthen our financial position and improve operational efficiency. The upgraded rating will provide us with greater financial flexibility, enabling us to invest in our fleet, network, and customer experience. We remain committed to providing affordable air travel to millions of Indians and contributing to the growth of the Indian aviation industry.”
“We are confident that this upgrade is just the beginning of a series of positive developments as we continue to stabilise operations and deliver on our commitments to investors.” Mr Singh added.
“The upgrade in the rating takes into account improved liquidity position with the infusion of funds through QIP. The company raised Rs 3000 Crore through QIP (Qualified Institutional Placement) in September 2024. The major investors include Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Nomura Singapore, etc.,” Acuité said in a note.
“The company has planned to utilize this fresh QIP proceeds to pay off the statutory dues, settlement with their lessors, employee salaries, general corporate expenses, ungrounding of the fleet, expansion by adding new aircraft, etc. as per their revival plan committed to the investors,” Acuité added.
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About the Company
Today, shares of SpiceJet Ltd plunged 3.94 per cent to Rs 59.15 per share from its previous closing of Rs 61.58 per share. The stock is up by 67 per cent from its 52-week low of Rs 36.75 per share.
SpiceJet is India's favourite airline that has made flying affordable for more Indians than ever before. SpiceJet is an IATA-IOSA certified airline that operates a fleet of Boeing 737s & Q-400s and is one of the country's largest regional players operating multiple daily flights under UDAN or the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The majority of the airline's fleet offers SpiceMax, the most spacious economy-class seating in India.
According to Quarterly Results, the company reported net sales of Rs 1,708 crore, operating profit of Rs 49 crore and net profit of Rs 158 crore in Q1FY25. In its annual results, the company reported net sales of Rs 7,085 crore, an operating loss of Rs 644 and a net loss of Rs 424 crore in FY24.
The company has a market cap of over Rs 7,500 crore. According to the shareholding pattern of September 2024, FIIs bought 26,99,23,000 shares or a 21.06 per cent stake and increased their stake to 22.87 per cent compared to 1.81 per cent in June 2024. Investors should keep an eye on this Small-Cap stock.
Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.