AvtoVAZ shareholders decide on company development
AvtoVAZ
Capitalization 687 694 111,28 $ Common shares Price 0,46 $ Price changing week month year 4,5% 0,9% 28,6% Preferred shares Price 0,11 $ Price changing week month year 10,0% 7,7% 35,8%
Based on the stated parameters of AvtoVAZ’s additional share issue, it is to be floated on favorable terms for the minority shareholders: the target placement price is nearly 3x higher than the current market price, which could act as a speculative driver for company shares. Plans to trigger an option program could also have a positive impact on AvtoVAZ stock valuations.
On July 15, AvtoVAZ (RTS: AVAZ) shareholders signed an agreement concerning an increase in the auto-maker’s share capital over the coming few years. In the first phase (November 2010 – November 2011), Renault should contribute about EUR 114 mn to the plant’s share capital in the form of technology and equipment, while a portion of AvtoVAZ’s debt to Russian Technologies, worth EUR 330 mn, is to be converted to the auto-maker’s shares. We note that Renault’s interest in AvtoVAZ will stay the same as a result (25%), at a time when Russian Technologies will get control of 29% of the share capital, or 36% of common stock. In the second phase (December 2012 – December 2016), AvtoVAZ should receive more technology and know-how from Renault worth EUR 126 mn and convert another EUR 400 mn of debt to Russian Technologies into equities. In addition, shareholders plan to buy back shares with a view to arrange for an option program for company management.
In line with our estimates, based on the stated volume of Renault’s contributions to the company and the projected size of Russian Technologies’ interest after the first phase, the placement price for AvtoVAZ additional share issue could be set at EUR 1.12, or RUB 44 per share. Therefore, the additional issue is to be held on favorable terms for AvtoVAZ minority holders, as the placement price promises to be 3.1x higher that the current market price of RUB 14. This news could act as a speculative upside driver for AvtoVAZ stock. Another potential upside driver is the possible launch of an option program, as in order to implement it, the company will have to buy back shares from the market.
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