Boeing strike makes equity raise more likely, Wells Fargo says

Investing.com -- According to a note from Wells Fargo, Boeing’s ongoing labor disputes with its IAM 751 union have significantly increased the likelihood of the company raising equity soon.

"With union talks falling apart once again, we see more pressure on BA to raise cash in the near term," said Wells Fargo.

The bank explained that the latest round of union talks, which aimed to resolve issues over wages and benefits, ended without progress. This breakdown in negotiations comes after Boeing (NYSE:BA ) withdrew its prior offer of a 30% pay increase over four years.

The union remains firm on its demands for higher wage increases, the reinstatement of pension benefits, and other improvements.

Wells Fargo noted that Boeing may have one final opportunity to reach a deal before its earnings report on October 23.

"We believe BA would like to reach a deal before raising further cash through an equity offering," said Wells Fargo. However, they note that with talks breaking off once again, pressure is mounting for Boeing to secure additional funding.

The ongoing strike, which is expected to last through most of October, is projected to cost Boeing approximately $2 billion in cash, further straining its finances.

Wells Fargo also pointed out that the big working capital reversal anticipated for Q4 now appears unlikely. They explain that it has been compounded by recent moves from credit ratings agencies, with S&P placing Boeing's debt on watch for a potential downgrade.

Wells Fargo estimates that Boeing will need to raise between $10 billion and $15 billion in the near term to maintain its cash position above $10 billion through 2025.

The analysts warned that Boeing's cash balance had likely dropped to around $8 billion by the end of Q3, with limited options remaining. "This still leaves BA with $30-40B net debt (2.5-3x 2026E EBITDA)," the note concluded.

Source: Investing.com