Business Aviation
Bombardier Strategic Debt Redemption and Financial Restructuring
Bombardier redeems $500M in high-interest debt, aiming to enhance financial flexibility and credit profile through strategic refinancing.
On May 14, 2025, Bombardier Inc. announced a conditional partial redemption of US$500 million of its 7.875% Senior Notes due 2027. This move is part of the company’s ongoing financial restructuring strategy aimed at reducing debt and improving overall financial flexibility. The redemption is contingent on the successful issuance of at least US$500 million in new debt securities, a condition that reflects Bombardier’s cautious yet proactive approach to liability management.
This announcement is not occurring in isolation. It follows a series of similar actions by the Canadian business jet manufacturer over the past several years. Since exiting the commercial aviation and rail sectors, Bombardier has focused on optimizing its capital structure. The partial redemption of these high-interest notes is a continuation of that strategy and signals to investors and stakeholders that the company is committed to long-term financial health.
In this article, we examine the historical context of Bombardier’s debt strategy, the mechanics of the 2025 conditional redemption, and the broader implications for the aerospace industry. We also explore expert opinions and potential risks that could impact the success of this financial maneuver.
Bombardier’s current financial strategy is rooted in a series of transformative decisions made between 2018 and 2021. During this period, the company divested from its commercial aviation and rail businesses, including the sale of the CSeries program (now Airbus A220) and Bombardier Transportation. These moves allowed Bombardier to focus exclusively on its business jet division but left it with a substantial debt burden.
By the end of 2020, Bombardier reported US$9.3 billion in long-term debt. Recognizing the need to address its financial liabilities, the company initiated a comprehensive deleveraging plan. The strategy involved redeeming high-interest debt and replacing it with lower-cost, longer-maturity alternatives to improve liquidity and reduce interest expenses.
This financial repositioning has proven effective. As of May 2025, Bombardier has reduced its adjusted net debt to US$3.9 billion—a significant improvement from its 2020 levels. The company has also extended its average debt maturity from 4.1 years in 2023 to 6.7 years in 2025, creating a more manageable debt profile.
Since 2022, Bombardier has executed more than a dozen partial redemptions. These include the April 2024 redemption of US$200 million in 2027 Notes, financed by a US$750 million Senior Notes offering due in 2031. These transactions are part of a broader strategy to retire high-interest obligations using proceeds from new, lower-coupon debt issuances.
The results have been tangible. For every US$1 billion refinanced, Bombardier has reduced its annual interest expense by approximately US$47 million. These savings not only improve the company’s bottom line but also enhance its creditworthiness in the eyes of investors and rating agencies. By maintaining this disciplined approach, Bombardier has positioned itself as a leader in corporate debt management within the aerospace sector. Its actions serve as a blueprint for other capital-intensive companies navigating post-pandemic financial recovery.
“Bombardier’s liability management exercises are pricing near B+ levels, signaling market confidence in their trajectory toward investment-grade metrics,” Matt Woodruff, CreditSights Analyst
The May 2025 partial redemption targets US$500 million, or roughly 29% of the outstanding US$1.733 billion principal of the 7.875% Senior Notes due 2027. The redemption price is set at 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which is estimated to total around US$512.5 million.
This redemption is conditional upon Bombardier successfully issuing at least US$500 million in new debt securities before June 13, 2025. However, the company retains the discretion to waive this condition, providing flexibility in the face of changing market conditions.
Similar to previous transactions, Bombardier has already launched a concurrent offering of US$500 million in Senior Notes due 2033. Early investor feedback has been positive, with pricing expected to be 75–100 basis points tighter than the 2027 Notes, indicating improved credit perception.
Assuming the redemption proceeds as planned, Bombardier’s outstanding 2027 Notes will be reduced to US$1.233 billion. The new 2033 Notes are expected to carry a coupon rate between 7.00% and 7.25%, compared to the 7.875% rate of the existing notes. This would result in annual interest savings of approximately US$4.4 million.
Combined with the 2024 issuance of US$750 million in 7.25% Notes due 2031, the new offering will further extend the company’s average debt maturity. This extension provides Bombardier with greater financial flexibility and reduces near-term refinancing risks.
These changes are part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable and resilient capital structure, enabling the company to invest in growth initiatives while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Bombardier’s actions reflect a broader trend within the aerospace industry, where companies are actively managing liabilities amid a post-pandemic recovery. Competitors like Textron Aviation and Gulfstream Aerospace have also engaged in refinancing activities to capitalize on favorable market conditions. In 2024, business jet deliveries increased by 12% year-over-year, driven by a resurgence in corporate travel and demand from high-net-worth individuals. This growth has improved cash flows across the industry, enabling firms to reduce debt and strengthen balance sheets.
Bombardier’s adjusted EBITDA reached US$1.2 billion in 2024, supporting a net leverage ratio of 2.9x—a 93% improvement from 2020. These metrics have contributed to a more favorable credit outlook, further validating the company’s strategic direction.
Rating agencies have responded positively to Bombardier’s deleveraging efforts. In May 2024, Moody’s upgraded the company’s credit rating to B1 with a stable outlook, citing “sustained progress in debt reduction and operational efficiency.”
S&P followed suit in June 2024, upgrading Bombardier to B+ and projecting a net leverage ratio below 2.5x by 2026. The successful execution of the 2025 redemption could lead to further upgrades, potentially lowering future borrowing costs by 50–75 basis points.
These upgrades not only enhance investor confidence but also improve Bombardier’s access to capital markets, providing additional resources for strategic investments and operational expansion.
Bombardier’s conditional partial redemption of US$500 million in 2027 Notes is a calculated step in its ongoing financial transformation. By leveraging favorable market conditions and investor sentiment, the company aims to reduce interest expenses, extend debt maturities, and improve its credit profile—all while maintaining operational momentum in the business jet market.
Looking ahead, Bombardier’s ability to sustain this trajectory will depend on several factors, including future earnings performance, market demand for business jets, and macroeconomic conditions. Nevertheless, the company’s disciplined approach to debt management positions it well for long-term success in a capital-intensive industry.
What is the purpose of Bombardier’s partial redemption? Is the redemption guaranteed to happen? What impact will this have on Bombardier’s credit rating?
Bombardier’s Strategic Debt Management: A Closer Look at the Conditional Partial Redemption of 2027 Notes
Historical Context: From Crisis to Strategic Realignment
Post-Pandemic Financial Repositioning
Evolution of Redemption Strategies
Mechanics of the 2025 Conditional Redemption
Transaction Structure and Conditions
Impact on Debt Profile
Industry and Market Implications
Aerospace Sector Debt Trends
Credit Rating Trajectory
Conclusion
FAQ
The goal is to reduce high-interest debt and replace it with lower-cost, longer-term obligations to improve financial flexibility.
No, it is conditional upon Bombardier completing a new debt offering of at least US$500 million. However, the company may waive this condition at its discretion.
If successful, the redemption could lead to further credit rating upgrades, reducing borrowing costs and enhancing investor confidence.
Sources
Photo Credit: BBC