Spirit Airlines stock continues to fall after blocked JetBlue merger, analysts downgrade

Spirit Airlines (NYSE:) stock is down a further 18.5% in early New York trading on Wednesday after a federal judge blocked JetBlue’s (JBLU) $3.8 billion acquisition, prompting concerns about the feasibility of other mergers in the airline industry.

The judge’s antitrust ruling contributes to SAVE’s challenges, leading to a reduced likelihood of successful mergers. The stock dropped as much as 61% on Tuesday following the court decision, signaling the significant impact on Spirit Airlines’ strategic plans and industry consolidation prospects.

JBLU shares closed 4.9% higher but are down 1.2% on Wednesday.

The court ruling blocking JetBlue’s acquisition of Spirit Airlines is viewed positively for JetBlue, freeing it from a costly deal. Spirit’s financial challenges and raised capital suggest a focus on survivability, with immediate financial improvement unlikely, according to analysts.

The negative impact on the sector raises questions about the Alaska-Hawaiian merger. Analysts question Frontier’s (ULCC) potential interest and doubt other airlines will pursue Spirit.

Analysts at Susquehanna lowered SAVE’s rating to Negative from Neutral following the court decision.

“With a US district court judge blocking the JBLU/ SAVE deal and (in our view) little likelihood of JBLU reworking the deal, SAVE’s fundamental challenges come into sharper focus, with another potential bidder having to contemplate what was a lengthy and arduous regulatory review as well as a challenging operating landscape for U.S. carriers into 2024,” analysts said.

Bank of America and Seaport Global Securities analysts also lowered their ratings on the stock.