Why is the Air New Zealand share price grounded on Wednesday?

What's going on with Air New Zealand shares today?

| More on:
A gloved hand holds a toy metal aeroplane against the backdrop of a snowy, ice landscape.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Air New Zealand shares are frozen at 79 cents
  • The company requested a trading halt pending the outcome regarding its shortfall bookbuild
  • Air New Zealand shares are expected to resume trading on or before 5 May

The Air New Zealand Limited (ASX: AIZ) share price won't be going anywhere on Wednesday.

This comes as the company requested that its shares be placed in a trading halt.

As such, the airline operator's shares are frozen at 79 cents apiece.

It's worth noting that Air New Zealand shares have lost more than 30% in value over the past month. You can find out about the details here.

Why is the Air New Zealand share price halted?

Prior to the market opening, the company requested the Air New Zealand share price be halted while it prepares an announcement.

According to the release, the company is planning to make an announcement regarding the outcome of its "shortfall bookbuild of ordinary shares attributable to unexercised rights in its renounceable rights offer".

Air New Zealand has requested the trading halt remains in place until Thursday 5 May or following the release of the announcement, whichever comes first.

Air New Zealand's shortfall bookbuild

While details remain unknown about the pending outcome, we take a look at Air New Zealand's shortfall bookbuild.

The company is conducting a bookbuild of approximately 274 million shares that were not taken up by eligible shareholders under the rights offer.

The price at which new shares will be issued under the shortfall bookbuild is the bookbuild price. This will be determined by Air New Zealand in consultation with the underwriters today. Although, management previously noted that it will be equal to or above the rights offer price of NZ$0.53 per new share.

Any shareholders who applied for additional new shares in the shortfall bookbuild will be allocated shares at the bookbuild price.

For those who did not take up their full entitlements in the rights offer, those shareholders will receive a pro-rata share of any premium between the bookbuild price and the rights offer price.

About the Air New Zealand share price

Since this time last year, Air New Zealand shares have fallen almost 50%.

This has mostly been attributed to its losses in the last couple of months following the company's recapitalisation package.

On valuation grounds, Air New Zealand has a market capitalisation of roughly $887.05 million, with approximately 1.12 billion shares outstanding.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Travel Shares

A woman on holiday stands with her arms outstretched joyously in an aeroplane cabin.
Travel Shares

How Qantas shares could catch a welcome uplift in 2026

I think now could be an opportune time to buy Qantas shares. Here’s why.

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Travel Shares

Are Qantas shares a buy, hold or sell for 2026?

What's ahead for the airline this year?

Read more »

A smiling boy holds a toy plane aloft while a girl watches on from a car near an airport runway.
Travel Shares

ASX travel shares to watch in 2026

Could these travel shares lift off this year?

Read more »

A woman reaches her arms to the sky as a plane flies overhead at sunset.
Travel Shares

Should you buy Qantas shares for its 5% dividend yield in 2026?

After a strong recovery, Qantas shares now offer a 5% yield. Should income investors consider the airline for 2026?

Read more »

Paper aeroplane rising on a graph, symbolising a rising Corporate Travel Management share price.
Travel Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2030 for Flight Centre shares

Is profit going to jump in the coming years?

Read more »

Happy woman trying to close suitcase.
Travel Shares

Why Flight Centre shares could return 22% in just one year

The broker thinks this travel stocks could be cheap at current levels.

Read more »

A family walks along the tarmac towards a plane representing more people travelling as ASX travel shares recover
Opinions

Virgin Australia versus Qantas shares: One I'd buy and one I'd sell

The two aviation heavyweights dominate Australia's domestic market.

Read more »

A group of four young kids run along a beach at sunset with the kid in front holding aloft a toy aeroplane that is zooming through the air.
Travel Shares

Has the Qantas share price flown too close to the sun?

A leading investment expert reveals his outlook for Qantas shares.

Read more »