On the back of the successful completion of its convertible preferred shares stock rights offering (the “Offer”), leading low-cost-carrier Cebu Air, Inc. (“CEB”, “Cebu Pacific”, or the “Company”) announces that 328,947,368 of convertible preferred shares with a par value of PHP 1.00 per share were listed and ready to be traded on the Main Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange .
CEB President and CEO Lance Gokongwei said, “The success of this activity is a testament to Cebu Pacific’s fortitude and its steadfast commitment as the Philippine national flag carrier which reminded me of something that my father once said, ‘Success is not necessarily about connections, or cutting corners, or chamba. Success can be achieved through hard work, frugality, integrity, responsiveness to change, and most of all, boldness to dream.’ We would like to recognize and convey our gratitude to our shareholders for supporting us in this endeavor. The hard work our team puts in every day – despite all challenges, the strategies we have put into play long before this pandemic started, and the changes we have implemented in our company, will enable us to continue our dream – for everyJuan to fly.”
Despite the numerous challenges that airlines are currently facing, Cebu Pacific was able to raise approximately PHP 12.49 billion (USD 256 million) from existing shareholders reflective of the belief that shareholders have, not only in the long-term prospects of Cebu Pacific, but also its vital role in the economic recovery of the Philippines. The funds raised from the Offer will go towards strengthening the balance sheet of the Company and ensuring it has sufficient runway to thrive in the new normal.
Cebu Pacific was in a unique situation among its airline peers in that it entered into the COVID pandemic with a historically strong ability to generate free cash flow. It achieved a strong liquidity position as of 31 December 2019 having ended 2019 with a conservative net debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26x. While it sustained severe revenue decline and losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its net debt-to-equity ratio was still at a strong 2.34x as of 30 September 2020. The strong balance sheet and liquidity, with which the company entered 2020, has supported it in this challenging environment.
BPI Capital Corporation acted as the Sole Global Arranger, Bookrunner and Underwriter for the Offer.
