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July 28, 2022

JetBlue buys Spirit Airlines

JetBlue to acquire Spirit at $33.50 per share in cash or $7.6B enterprise value

JetBlue Airways (JBLU) and Spirit Airlines (SAVE) announced that their boards of directors have approved a definitive merger agreement under which JetBlue will acquire Spirit for $33.50 per share in cash, including a prepayment of $2.50 per share in cash payable upon Spirit stockholders’ approval of the transaction and a ticking fee of $0.10 per month starting in January 2023 through closing, for an aggregate fully diluted equity value of $3.8B and an adjusted enterprise value of $7.6B.

The transaction consideration of $33.50 per share implies an aggregate fully diluted equity value of approximately $3.8 billion and an adjusted enterprise value of $7.6 billion.

JetBlue expects to achieve $600M-700M in net annual synergies once integration is complete, driven in large part by expanded customer offerings resulting from the greater breadth and depth of the combined network.

The combined company is projected to have annual revenues of approximately $11.9 billion based on 2019 revenues. JetBlue expects the transaction to be significantly accretive to earnings per share in the first full year following closing.

JetBlue expects to maintain balance sheet flexibility with post-transaction leverage of 3.0-3.5x, well inside historical levels, and to continue its deleveraging trajectory as it captures synergies.”

“The completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval of Spirit’s stockholders.

The companies expect to conclude the regulatory process and close the transaction no later than the first half of 2024.

The four largest carriers control more than 80% of the market. Creating a low-fare, customer-centric challenger with size and scale is the best opportunity to disrupt legacy carrier pricing in the current landscape.

Even as the fifth-largest carrier, JetBlue, with Spirit, would have only 9% market share, compared to 13% for the fourth-largest airline and 23% for the largest carrier.

After the combination and with its committed upfront divestitures, the largest seat share a combined JetBlue-Spirit will have in any of its largest metro areas is 40%, compared to the 57-91% share legacy carriers have in their largest metro areas.

The airlines will continue to operate independently until after the transaction closes and their respective loyalty programs remain unchanged and customer accounts will not be affected in any way.

Following completion of the acquisition, the combined airline will be based in New York and be led by Robin Hayes. As previously announced, Spirit has terminated its prior merger agreement with Frontier. JetBlue has terminated its previously announced all-cash tender offer to acquire Spirit common stock.”

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This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility.

February 25, 2022

Rig Counts Rise as Oil Tops Out!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 5 to 650 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 5 from last week to 650 with oil rigs up 2 to 522, gas up 3 to 127, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1.

U.S. Rig Count is up 248 rigs from last year’s count of 402 with oil rigs up 213 gas rigs up 35 and miscellaneous unchanged at 1.

https://stockwinners.com — Rig Counts Rise – See Stockwinners.com Market Radar to read more

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 12, down 5 year-over-year.

The Canada Rig Count is up 4 from last week to 224, with oil rigs up 3 to 138, gas rigs unchanged at 85 and miscellaneous up 1 to 1.

The Canada Rig Count is up 61 rigs from last year’s count of 163, with oil rigs up 46, gas rigs up 14 and miscellaneous up 1.

Oil Tops Out

WTI Crude oil rallied to above $105 per barrel on news of invasion of Ukraine. In a classical top out price behavior, shares hit a multi-year higher then reversed intraday and closed lower. Today, the decline is continuing as price gap between Brent and WTI is closing. Furthermore FOMC is going to raise interest rates which means a stronger dollar, and lower commodity prices as they are denominated in dollar. OPEC+ is meeting next week to consider production quotas.

The Baker Hughes rig counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the U.S., Canada and international markets.

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The Company has issued the rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of the U.S. and Canadian drilling activity. The monthly international rig count was initiated in 1975.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is down $1.45 to $91.35 per barrel. Brent crude is down $1.54 to $93.85 per barrel. Gasoline last traded at $2.870 per gallon down 5 cents on the day.

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February 7, 2022

Frontier buys Spirit Airlines

Frontier, Spirit to combine in deal that implies $25.83 per Spirit share

Spirit Airlines (SAVE) and Frontier Group Holdings (ULCC) announced a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will combine, creating America’s most competitive ultra-low fare airline.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Spirit equity holders will receive 1.9126 shares of Frontier plus $2.13 in cash for each existing Spirit share they own.

This implies a value of $25.83 per Spirit share at Frontier’s closing stock price of $12.39 on February 4, 2022, representing a premium of 19% over the February 4, 2022, closing price of Spirit, and a 26% premium based on the 30 trading-day volume-weighted average prices of Frontier and Spirit.

The transaction values Spirit at a fully diluted equity value of $2.9B, and a transaction value of $6.6B when accounting for the assumption of net debt and operating lease liabilities.

Upon closing of the transaction, existing Frontier equity holders will own approximately 51.5% and existing Spirit equity holders will own approximately 48.5% of the combined airline, on a fully diluted basis, providing both Frontier and Spirit equity holders with substantial upside potential.

The Board of Directors for the new airline will be comprised of 12 directors (including the CEO), seven of whom will be named by Frontier and five of whom will be named by Spirit.

Bill Franke, CEO of the Indigo Partners, will be Chairman of the Board of the combined company.

The merger is expected to close in the second half of 2022, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including completion of the regulatory review process and approval by Spirit stockholders.

Frontier’s controlling stockholder has approved the transaction and related issuance of shares of Frontier common stock upon signing of the merger agreement.

The combined company’s management team, branding and headquarters will be determined by a committee led by Franke prior to close.

Separately, Spirit reported Q4 revenue $987.56M, consensus $963.15M.

“Our fourth quarter 2021 results came in better-than-expected, despite the negative impact from Omicron-related flight disruptions, primarily due to very strong demand over the peak December holiday period. I want to thank the entire Spirit team for their professionalism and commitment to providing excellent service to our Guests,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s president and CEO.

Ted Christie, Spirit’s president and CEO

Spirit Airlines is up 15.9%, or $3.46 to $25.20. Frontier Group is up 14 cents to $12.81.

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June 23, 2021

Railroad Traffic Points to Growing Economy

North American rail traffic rose 10.6% in week ended June 19, AAR says

The Association of American Railroads, AAR, reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 19.

For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 514,112 carloads and intermodal units, up 12.5% compared with the same week last year.

Total carloads for the week ending June 19 were 232,144 carloads, up 15.1% compared with the same week in 2020, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 281,968 containers and trailers, up 10.4% compared to 2020.

For some rail traffic categories, percentage changes for the current week compared with the same week in 2020 are inflated because of the widespread shutdowns – and subsequent large reduction in rail volumes – that impacted many economic sectors last year at this time.

North American rail volume for the week ending June 19, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 329,907 carloads, up 11.3% compared with the same week last year, and 369,258 intermodal units, up 10% compared with last year.

Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 699,165 carloads and intermodal units, up 10.6%.

North American rail volume for the first 24 weeks of 2021 was 16,805,420 carloads and intermodal units, up 12.1% compared with 2020.

Publicly traded companies in the space include CSX (CSX), Canadian National (CNI), Canadian Pacific (CP), Genesee & Wyoming (GWR), Kansas City Southern (KSU), Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Union Pacific (UNP).

Dow Jones Transport Index is up 19 points to 14,959.

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April 23, 2021

Rig Counts Decline!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 1 to 438 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is down 1 from last week at 438 with oil rigs down 1 to 343, gas rigs unchanged at 94, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 27 rigs from last year’s count of 465, with oil rigs down 35, gas rigs up 9 and miscellaneous rigs down 1.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is down 1 to 11, down 6 year-over-year.

The international offshore rig count for April 2018 was 194. Stockwinners — The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is down 1 to 11, down 6 year-over-year.

The Canada Rig Count is down 1 from last week to 55, with oil rigs unchanged at 17, gas rigs down 1 to 38.

The Canada Rig Count is up 29 rigs from last year’s count of 26, with oil rigs up 9, gas rigs up 20.

The Baker Hughes rig counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the U.S., Canada and international markets.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is up $0.45 to $61.88 per barrel. Brent crude is up $0.44 to $65.850 per barrel. Gasoline last traded at $1.99 per gallon.

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March 29, 2021

Fly Leasing sold for $2.36B

Carlyle Aviation to acquire Fly Leasing for $17.05 per share

Fly Leasing (FLY) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Carlyle Aviation Partners, the commercial aviation investment and servicing arm within The Carlyle Group’s (CG) $56B Global Credit platform.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, FLY shareholders will receive $17.05 per share in cash, representing a total equity valuation of approximately $520M.

The total enterprise value of the transaction is approximately $2.36B.

FLY’s portfolio of 84 aircraft and seven engines is on lease to 37 airlines in 22 countries.

The per share cash consideration represents a premium of approximately 29% to FLY’s closing price on March 26, 2021 and a 43% premium to the volume-weighted average share price during the last 30 trading days.

The Board of Directors of FLY has approved the Merger Agreement, acting upon the recommendation of a special committee appointed by the Board of Directors and consisting solely of independent and disinterested directors, and has recommended that FLY shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory clearance and the approval of FLY’s shareholders.

Given the pending transaction, FLY will not host a first quarter earnings call.

FLY closed at $13.25.

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February 16, 2021February 15, 2021

Oil Prices Reach Pre-Pandemic Level

Front-month WTI oil futures rallied over 2% to a 13-month high at $60.95.

A flaring up in the Yemeni civil war boosted crude prices, in addition to reflation-trade positioning, which is being aided by the ongoing tumble in world-wide positive Covid test results (now one third the January peak), alongside optimism about vaccination programs and prospects of big stimulus spending in the U.S. and EU.

Taking step back, the question is how much higher can oil prices go in a sustained manner.

Crude markets are now well into pre-pandemic ranges, yet global demand is not likely be restored for a considerable time.

OPEC last week cut its 2021 oil demand projection by about 100 M barrels per day due to more severe than anticipated lockdowns in major economies in the first half of the year.

This forecast still assumes a global economic recovery in the latter half of the year on the back of successful vaccination programs. This puts the focus on supply, leaving aside the impact of a softening dollar, which is only a part of the story and is in any case a partial by-product of the demand for oil and other assets in the global reflation trade.

Higher oil prices justify shale production

The OPEC+ group are limiting quotas, which are being reviewed on a monthly basis.

Saudi Arabia unilaterally complemented this regime with an additional two-month output cut, which took effect this month and which has more than offset rising supply out of Libya and Iran.

Without talking numbers, this supply restraint is evidently proving effective given the oil price rise and the recent corresponding draw downs in global crude inventories.

But, U.S. shale oil production, which is viable again after the surge in oil prices, is rising and will have increasing impact — the rig count is already up 70% since the 2020 lows.

This is something the EIA forecasted in its February oil market report.

Then there is there question of continued OPEC discipline.

Saudi Arabia is unlikely to extend its unilateral supply reduction beyond March, as it won’t want to give up market share.

Discipline among the OPEC+ nations will be a factor going forward, and is more likely to weaken than strengthen.

The Saudi-Russian price war last year illustrated how quickly the dam of quota curtailment can burst, although a repetition of that episode seems highly unlikely.

Overall, market sentiment remains strongly bullish.

JPM in a recent note forecast an “epic systemic short squeeze” will unfold over the next month, and a GS note mooted $150.0 as an upside target.

Analysts are less optimistic, being skeptical of the bullish supply gap hypothesis.

The oil industrial is well positioned, in terms of known and unexploited reserves, to respond to any sustained demand increases, while demand-quelling factors, such as the new trend for working from home, and alternative electrical powered transport is increasingly available.

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February 5, 2021

Rig Counts Rise!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 8 to 392 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 8 from last week to 392 with oil rigs up 4 to 299, gas rigs up 4 to 92, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 1.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 398 rigs from last year’s count of 790, with oil rigs down 377, gas rigs down 19 and miscellaneous rigs down 2.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 16, down 7 year-over-year. The Canada Rig Count is down 3 from last week to 171, with oil rigs down 3 to 95, gas rigs unchanged at 76.

The Canada Rig Count is down 86 rigs from last year’s count of 257, with oil rigs down 72, gas rigs down 14.

The Baker Hughes rig counts are counts of the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for or developing oil or natural gas in the U.S., Canada and international markets. The Company has issued the rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of the U.S. and Canadian drilling activity. The monthly international rig count was initiated in 1975.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is up 73 cents to $56.95 per barrel. Brent crude is up 50 cents to $59.50 per barrel. Gasoline last traded at $1.65 per gallon.

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December 18, 2020

Rig counts rise!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 8 to 346 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 8 from last week to 346 with oil rigs up 5 to 263, gas rigs up 2 to 81, and miscellaneous rigs up 1 to 2.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 467 rigs from last year’s count of 813, with oil rigs down 422, gas rigs down 44 and miscellaneous rigs down 1.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is up 3 to 16, down 8 year-over-year.

The Canada Rig Count is down 9 from last week to 102, with oil rigs down 11 to 41, gas rigs up 2 to 61.

The Canada Rig Count is down 47 rigs from last year’s count of 149, with oil rigs down 47, gas rigs unchanged.

Baker Hughes has issued the rotary rig counts as a service to the petroleum industry since 1944, when Baker Hughes Tool Company began weekly counts of U.S. and Canadian drilling activity. Baker Hughes initiated the monthly international rig count in 1975. The North American rig count is released weekly at noon Central Time on the last day of the work week. The international rig count will be released on the last working day of the first week of the month.

The Baker Hughes Rig Counts are an important business barometer for the drilling industry and its suppliers. When drilling rigs are active they consume products and services produced by the oil service industry. The active rig count acts as a leading indicator of demand for products used in drilling, completing, producing and processing hydrocarbons.

Brent crude is up $0.69 to $52.19 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is up $0.69 to $49.05 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.40 per gallon, up one cent.

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November 20, 2020November 20, 2020

Rig Counts Decline!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count down 2 to 310 rigs, breaking the nine-week string of gains

Baker Hughes reports that the U.S. rig count is down 2 from last week to 310 with oil rigs down 5 to 231, gas rigs up 3 to 76, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.

*Baker Hughes has been reporting weekly rig counts for more than 50 years*

The U.S. Rig Count is down 493 rigs from last year’s count of 803, with oil rigs down 440, gas rigs down 53 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is down 1 to 12, down 10 year-over-year. The Canada Rig Count is up 12 from last week to 101, with oil rigs up 3 to 42, gas rigs up 9 to 59.

The Canada Rig Count is down 36 rigs from last year’s count of 137, with oil rigs down 44, gas rigs up 8.

Brent crude is up $0.50 to $44.70 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is up $0.29 to $42.18 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.17 per gallon, up one cent.

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October 23, 2020

Rig Counts Rise!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 5 to 287 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 5 from last week to 287 with oil rigs up 6 to 211, gas rigs down 1 to 73, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 543 rigs from last year’s count of 830, with oil rigs down 485, gas rigs down 60 and miscellaneous rigs up 2.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is down 1 to 13, down 8 year-over-year.

The Canada Rig Count is up 3 from last week to 83, with oil rigs up 2 to 42, gas rigs up 1 to 41.

The Canada Rig Count is down 64 rigs from last year’s count of 147, with oil rigs down 60, gas rigs down 4.

Brent crude is down $0.84 to $41.62 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down $0.93 to $39.70 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.13 per gallon down three cents.

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October 16, 2020

Rig Counts Rise!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 13 to 282 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 13 from last week to 282 with oil rigs up 12 to 205, gas rigs up 1 to 74, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 569 rigs from last year’s count of 851, with oil rigs down 508, gas rigs down 63 and miscellaneous rigs up 2.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 14 down 8 year-over-year.

The Canada Rig Count is unchanged from last week at 80, with oil rigs up 1 to 40, gas rigs down 1 to 40.

The Canada Rig Count is down 63 rigs from last year’s count of 143, with oil rigs down 58, gas rigs down 5.

Brent crude is down $0.23 to $42.94 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down $0.12 to $40.84 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.16 per gallon down two cents.

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October 9, 2020

Rig Counts Rise!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 3 to 269 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 3 from last week to 269. That is down 587 units from the 856 rigs working this time a year ago.

The number of rigs drilling on land was up 3 week-over-week with a total of 254 units. The number of rigs drilling in inland waters was unchanged at 1 unit for the week. The number of rigs drilling offshore was unchanged at 14.

US oil rigs increased by 4 from last week to reach 193 units compared to 712 a year ago. Rigs targeting gas decreased by one unit to reach 73 rigs, 70 fewer than were drilling for gas at this time a year ago.

Brent crude is down $0.52 to $42.82 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down $0.56 to $40.63 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.20 per gallon down three cents.

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October 2, 2020

Rig Counts Rise!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count up 5 to 266 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is up 5 from last week to 266 with oil rigs up 6 to 189, gas rigs down 1 to 74, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 3.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 589 rigs from last year’s count of 855, with oil rigs down 521, gas rigs down 70, and miscellaneous rigs up 2.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 14 down 10 year-over-year. The Canada Rig Count is up 4 from last week to 75, with oil rigs up 4 to 37, gas rigs unchanged at 38.

The Canada Rig Count is down 69 rigs from last year’s count of 144, with oil rigs down 68, gas rigs down 1.

Brent crude is down $1.48 to $39.45 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down $1.49 to $37.25 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.12 per gallon down three cents.

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August 28, 2020

Rig counts unchanged last week!

Baker Hughes reports U.S. rig count unchanged at 254 rigs

Baker Hughes (BKR) reports that the U.S. rig count is unchanged from last week at 254 with oil rigs down 3 to 180, gas rigs up 3 to 72, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2.

The U.S. Rig Count is down 650 rigs from last year’s count of 904, with oil rigs down 562, gas rigs down 90, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 2.

The U.S. Offshore Rig Count is unchanged at 13 and down 13 year-over-year.

The Canada Rig Count is down 2 rigs from last week to 54, with oil rigs down 1 to 19, gas rigs down 1 to 35, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.

The Canada Rig Count is down 96 rigs from last year’s count of 150, with oil rigs down 86, gas rigs down 10 and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0.

Brent crude is up 17 cents to $45.77 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is down 5 cents to $42.97 per barrel.

Gasoline last traded at $1.31 per gallon up three cents on the day.

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