Air Canada Secures Government Aid: What Does This Mean for AC Stock Investors?

Air Canada (TSX:AC) recently announced terms of its new aid deal with the government. AC stock investors initially reacted positively to the news, but conditions in the agreement warrant a closer look before you buy. Here’s why.

| More on:

Air Canada (TSX:AC) finally reached a financial aid agreement with the Canadian government. Investors want to know if this is a good time to buy Air Canada stock or bail out now that the details of the deal have emerged.

Air Canada aid deal

Air Canada began aid negotiations with the government back in November. The long process finally came to an end with the announcement of a massive $5.9 billion deal.

Under the agreement, Air Canada has access to $5.879 billion in liquidity provided under the government’s Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF).

Air Canada’s press release says the package includes a $500 million share sale to the government at roughly $23.18 per share. The stock’s closing price before the announcement was $27.

The agreement also provides the federal government with warrants for 14,576,564 shares at approximately $27.27 per share over 10 years. If Canada exercises all its warrants the federal government would control a 14.1% stake in Air Canada.

Air Canada receives $1.5 billion in a secured revolving credit facility at a 1.5% interest premium to the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (CDOR). This is the rate at which banks are willing to lend to companies. It is a good deal for Air Canada, as it provides cheap financing. For example, the CDOR for a three-month loan on April 12 was 0.435%.

Air Canada also gets access to $2.475 billion composed of three unsecured non-revolving credit facilities of $825 million. The first one is for five years at a 1.75% premium to CDOR. The second is a six-year tranche at 6.5% per year that jumps to 7.5% in the sixth year. The third is a seven-year tranche at 8.5% increasing to 9.5% after five years.

A final $1.4 billion is being made available, as an unsecured credit facility tranche for seven years at 1.211%. This is designed to cover costs of refunding non-refundable tickets for flights cancelled during the pandemic.

Is the deal good for Air Canada investors?

If the government aid was just composed of loans with flexible terms, investors would generally be happy, but the deal gets more complicated.

The airline is required to resume service to nearly all of the Canadian regional communities that saw flights suspended due to COVID-19. This could get expensive if bookings don’t rebound fast enough to make the flights profitable.

Air Canada has to maintain its employee level as of April 1, 2021. The airline trimmed staff by more than 50% since the start of the pandemic. The job-protection measure could have a negative impact on restructuring efforts needed to meet the new realities of the airline sector.

Finally, Air Canada must complete its original agreement to purchase 33 A220 planes. The deal was made before the pandemic when Air Canada was much larger and capacity growth warranted the addition of the new jets. The planes are made by Airbus in Quebec. Airbus bought the A220 business (formerly CSeries) from Bombardier.

Air Canada will also complete its existing order for 40 Boeing 737 Max aircraft.

Air Canada might not see capacity rebound to 2019 levels for several years. Being forced to follow through on the large plane orders could add substantial costs.

Restrictions on dividend payments, share buybacks, and executive pay are also included in the terms.

Given the conditions surrounding the deal, investors might want to wait to see how things pan out over the coming months before buying Air Canada stock. Access to ample liquidity is positive, but the road to profitability remains unclear.

The share price initially jumped to $28.40 on the aid news and then dropped to $25.20 as the market digested the details. At the time of writing, the shares trade near $26. This still appears expensive.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stock mentioned.

More on Investing

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Tech Stocks

Trump Trade: Canadian Stocks to Watch

With Trump returning to the presidency, there are some sectors that could boom in Canada, and others to watch. But…

Read more »

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Investing

Is Canadian National Railway Worth Buying for its 2.2% Dividend Yield?

Let's dive into whether Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is a top buy for long-term investors at this point in the…

Read more »

nuclear power plant
Energy Stocks

Is Cameco Stock Still a Buy?

Cameco stock recently reported earnings that showed the Westinghouse investment is creating some major costs. But that could change.

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Insurance Showdown: Better Buy, Great-West Life or Manulife Stock?

GWO stock and MFC stock are two of the top names in insurance, but which holds the better outlook?

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why the Average TFSA for Canadians Aged 41 Isn’t Enough

The average TFSA simply isn't enough for most Canadians in their early 40s. Here's how to catch up.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

New dividend-growth investors should consider CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock and another top play if they're looking to build wealth over…

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn a TFSA Paycheque Every Month and Pay No Taxes on It

Canadian REITs can turn your TFSA into a monthly paycheque machine for life. Here's how Morguard North American Residential REIT…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Investing

2 No-Brainer Growth Stocks to Buy Now With $5,000 and Hold Long Term

Market conditions today are ideal for growth investing, and two rising stocks are no-brainer buys in November.

Read more »