Is Aston Martin Finally Ready for Public Trading?

Rumors that Aston Martin is destined for an initial public offering, either eventually or imminently, have persisted ever since former parent Ford offloaded the British luxury marque in 2007.

The brand has come a long way since Ford dropped it off at the orphanage by expanding into new segments, spawning a sub-brand, and entering the non-automotive realms of merchandise and luxury speedboats. As its trajectory increasingly mirrors that of recently spun-off Ferrari, sources claim an IPO is right around the corner.

According to Bloomberg, people familiar with the company’s plans say Aston could issue an IPO as early as next year. The company wants to lure investors, but it must wait to see how its finances fare for the entirety of 2017, they claim.

After sinking further into the red last year, the company hopes its diversification and a slew of new models will push it into profitability. The company will produce its DBX crossover at a new factory in Wales starting in 2019, with other models to follow. Anyone who follows the industry knows this: luxury utility vehicles equal instant cash.

Still, the lure of public investors looms large, especially after Ferrari’s success. Since its 2015 IPO, Ferrari’s stock prices have risen 62 percent. The company’s CEO, Andy Palmer, has mentioned the possibility in the past.

“As chief executive, it’s my job to give as many options as possible [to investors]. Perhaps the easiest one to image, particularly following on from the Ferrari adventure, is from an IPO,” he told Bloomberg in late 2015.

Whatever its intentions, the company is keeping its cards hidden.

Top brass “are 100-percent focused on the delivery of our seven-year business plan,” Aston Martin spokesman Simon Sproule said. “Any matters pertaining to the future structure or ownership of the company are a matter for our shareholders.” The automaker’s controlling companies have no light to shed, either.

While following in Ferrari’s footsteps seems like a sure bet, Aston Martin’s volume remains significantly lower than its Italian rival and, despite its appearance in so many Bond flicks, the prancing horse holds lots more clout.

[Image: Aston Martin]