Thursday 09 May 2013 by FIIG Research Legacy

Qantas full research report available

Executive Summary

  • Qantas was founded in 1920 and has grown to be Australia’s largest domestic and international airline
  • Whilst the key business remains the transport of airline passengers, the group has grown to include a number of complimentary segments: Qantas domestic, Qantas international,Qantas freight, Jetstar and Qantas frequent flyer
  • Qantas retains a dominant position in the Australian domestic airline sector with a market share of circa 65% through its Qantas and Jetstar brands
  • The company has employed a successful duel branding strategy between Qantas, which offers a full cost service and Jetstar, its highly successful low cost carrier airline which has driven significant growth over recent years including its international expansion
  • The successful differentiation allows the Group to hold the largest market share in both the business and low cost ends of the Australian market simultaneously
  • The company has undertaken a significant transformation of its international business which has resulted in a $171m improvement to the underlying performance of the segment. Further improvements as part of this process will see the segment return to profitability
  • With over $3bn in cash and a further $400m in available facilities Qantas maintains a very strong liquidity position. Its ability to defer significant capital expenditure can also provide further capacity over the short term
  • The company has pursued a significant expansion program in Asia through its Jetstar brand and is now the largest low cost carrier in the Asia-Pacific region
  • The Jetstar Group remains well placed to continue to take advantage of this high growth area with its corporate structure and alliance through local shareholder partners providing a lower cost platform than is able to be achieved through the premium Qantas brand
  • The nature of the airline industry presents a risk for bond holders due to it being cyclical, competitive, capital intensive and exposed to the cost of jet fuel
  • Investors in Qantas bonds enjoy stronger returns than bonds from similarly rated corporates in the Australian market, whilst maintaining an investment grade exposure

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