1st Quarter Results

Ryanair Holdings PLC 7 August 2001 RYANAIR NET PROFITS INCREASE BY 28% DESPITE ADVERSE INDUSTRY CONDITIONS Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline today (7 August 2001) announced strong growth and record financial results for the Q.1 ended 30 June, 2001. Passenger traffic increased by 42% to 2.4m. and total revenues grew by 31% to Euro150.8m. reflecting a decline in average fares of 8% due to the launch of 13 new routes early in the quarter and the continued driving down of average air fares. Operating expenses increased (at a fractionally higher rate than revenues) by 32% to Euro122.1m. As a result after tax profits rose significantly ahead of target by 28% to Euro23.2m. Summary Table of Results (Irish GAAP) - in Euro Quarter Ended June 30, 2001 June 30, 2000 % Increase Passengers 2.4m 1.7m 42% Revenue Euro150.8m Euro115.0m 31% Profit after tax Euro23.2m Euro18.1m 28% Basic EPS (Euro Cents) 6.41 5.16 24% Commenting on these results in London this morning Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary said; 'Ryanair's strong growth in Q.1 reflects the successful roll out of our low fares formula on 13 new routes across Europe. We continue to grow traffic in both new and existing markets because Ryanair remains the only airline in Europe which guarantees that its fares will be the lowest. Due to the earlier launch of these new routes (compared to last year) our traffic growth at 42% has been artificially enhanced. We expect it to return to our target level of 25% by Q.2 when this timing difference will have been corrected. 'During the quarter we launched seven new routes from London Stansted to Gothenburg and Stockholm (Vasteras) in Sweden, Esbjerg in Denmark, Salzburg in Austria, Pescara and Trieste in Italy. We also successfully launched our first Continental European base with six new routes from Brussels (Charleroi). The load factor across these new routes has been ahead of expectations although the average air fares were lower than budgeted in their early months. 'Our successful entry on to these routes has been impressive when set against the challenging economic backdrop of high fuel prices, the economic downturn, and the continuing effects of foot and mouth disease. Whilst Ryanair's low fares formula continues to deliver strong growth and profits, most of our major European competitors are issuing profit warnings or increasing losses. 'We have recently announced our 14th new route from Dublin to Edinburgh which will start on 30th August next, with four daily return flights. Because we guarantee the lowest fares in every market, Ryanair has offered every seat on every flight for the first two months on the route at just £5 one way and we have already sold out almost all of these 100,000 seats for September and October. Our Winter Schedule will see additional capacity on Glasgow-London, Glasgow-Brussels and Glasgow-Dublin, with extra frequencies added on London-Frankfurt, London-Brussels and London-Venice. In addition, we are increasing our weekend ski market capacity with extra flights to Salzburg, Turin and St-Etienne. 'We have recently advised Boeing that we have cancelled options on five new 737-800 aircraft which were scheduled for delivery between March and May 2003. Despite continuing negotiations with Boeing we have been unable to agree acceptable prices for these deliveries. This decision does not affect the already agreed firm delivery of 13 more 800's between late 2001 and the end of 2002. We are continuing to negotiate with Boeing, but unless their pricing begins to reflect the current market realities we will be forced in due course to cancel our remaining twelve options for 2004 and 2005 deliveries as well. We are also continuing our active discussions to purchase up to 50 second hand 737's (300's and 400's), which will adequately meet our fleet expansion programme from 2003 onwards. We are seeing further weakening in lease rates and sale prices and we believe this trend will continue, which will enable Ryanair to meet our 25% passenger growth objectives for 2004 and beyond at very competitive prices. 'Yet another quarter has now passed with very strong growth for Ryanair, particularly at Stansted, Prestwick and Brussels, while Irish traffic, jobs and tourism continue to suffer. The damage done to Irish tourism by our inept Minister and her absurd policy of protecting a high cost airport monopoly at the expense of consumers continues. Increased costs at Dublin Airport have resulted in higher fares and a reduction in traffic volumes from the UK (our biggest market) on a year on year basis. It is no coincidence that this failed policy has resulted in one of the worst ever years for Irish tourism. So long as monopoly protectionism, higher costs and Ministerial incompetence continues to adversely impact Irish tourism, Ryanair will continue to expand rapidly in Europe by opening new routes, guaranteeing lowest air fares and creating up to 500 new jobs outside of Ireland. 'We remain cautious - as we have been during the last few quarters - in our outlook. However, we believe that the general economic sluggishness in Europe will be good for low fare traffic growth but may result in slightly lower than expected yields. Thus far we haven't seen this negative impact on air fares. Despite the adverse market conditions Ryanair continues to grow profitably at a time when many of Europe's flag carriers are suffering. We therefore remain pleased with our current performance and comfortable with the general range of analysts estimates for the coming year.' ENDS. For results and further information Howard Millar Pauline McAlester please contact: Ryanair Holdings Plc Murray Consultants www.Ryanair.com Tel: 353-1-8121212 Tel: 353-1-6633332 Certain of the information included in this release is forward looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could affect the outlook and results of an airline operating in the European economy. Among the factors that are subject to change and could significantly impact Ryanair's expected results are the airline pricing environment, fuel costs, competition from new and existing carriers, market prices for replacement aircraft, costs associated with environmental, safety and security measures, actions of the Irish, U.K., European Union ('EU') and other governments and their respective regulatory agencies, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates, airport access and charges, labour relations, the economic environment of the airline industry, the general economic environment in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe, the general willingness of passengers to travel and other economics, social and political factors. Ryanair is Europe's largest low fares airline with 55 low fare routes across 12 countries. Ryanair has a fleet of 36 Boeing 737's, and firm orders for up to a further 13 new 737-800's which will be delivered over the next 2 years. Ryanair currently employs a team of 1,500 people and will carry 9 million scheduled passengers in the current year. www.RYANAIR.COM was launched in January 2000 and is already Europe's largest travel website. This is the only internet site to guarantee the lowest fares on the web. Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP(unaudited) Quarter Quarter ended ended June June 30, 30, 2001 2000 Euro Euro '000 '000 Operating Revenues Scheduled revenues 134,545 103,268 Ancillary revenues 16,299 11,773 Total operating revenues -continuing operations 150,844 115,041 Operating expenses Staff costs 18,831 14,822 Depreciation and amortisation 15,672 13,290 Other operating expenses Fuel & Oil 26,355 13,370 Maintenance, materials and repairs 7,300 5,098 Marketing and distribution costs 6,145 11,037 Aircraft rentals 2,874 2,444 Route charges 11,510 8,196 Airport and Handling charges 21,677 15,206 Other 11,720 9,312 Total operating expenses 122,084 92,775 Operating profit - continuing operations 28,760 22,266 Other income/(expenses) Interest receivable and similar income 5,211 3,311 Interest payable and similar charges (4,564) (1,715) Foreign exchange losses (1,939) (1,141) Gains on disposal of fixed assets 7 0 Total other income/(expenses) (1,285) 455 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 27,475 22,721 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (4,259) (4,634) Profit for the period 23,216 18,087 Earnings per ordinary share -Basic(Euro cents) 6.41 5.16 -Diluted(Euro cents) 6.32 5.10 Number of ordinary shares(in 000's)* -Basic 362,053 350,253 -Diluted 367,570 354,459 Page 1 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP June March 30, 31, 2001 2001 Euro Euro '000 '000 (unaudited) Fixed assets Tangible assets 630,476 613,591 Financial 36 36 assets Total fixed 630,512 613,627 assets Current Assets Cash and liquid resources 668,385 626,720 Accounts receivable 10,375 8,695 Other assets 13,947 12,235 Inventories 16,374 15,975 Total current assets 709,081 663,625 Total assets 1,339,593 1,277,252 Current liabilities Accounts payable 33,549 29,998 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 175,515 139,406 Current maturities of long term debt 27,595 27,994 Short term borrowings 9,452 5,078 Total current liabilities 246,111 202,476 Other liabilities Provisions for liabilities and charges 33,790 30,122 Long term debt 366,578 374,756 400,368 404,878 Shareholders' funds - equity Called - up share capital 9,194 9,194 Share premium account 371,849 371,849 Profit and loss account 312,071 288,855 Shareholders' funds - equity 693,114 669,898 Total liabilities and shareholders' funds 1,339,593 1,277,252 Page 2 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Cashflow Statements in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP (unaudited) Quarter Quarter ended ended June 30, June 30, 2001 2000 Euro'000 Euro'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 76,814 63,637 Returns on investments and servicing of finance 1,716 1,140 Taxation (112) 0 Capital expenditure(including aircraft deposits) (32,550) (139,011) Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing and use of liquid resources 45,868 (74,234) Financing (8,577) 141,502 (Increase) in liquid resources (40,479) (68,200) (Decrease) in cash (3,188) (932) Analysis of movement in liquid resources Liquid resources at beginning of year 564,782 334,149 Increase in period 40,479 68,200 Liquid resources at end of period 605,261 402,349 Analysis of movement in cash At beginning of year 56,860 17,319 Net cash outflow (3,188) (932) Net cash at end of period 53,672 16,387 Page 3 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Funds - Equity in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP(unaudited) Share Profit Ordinary premium and loss shares account account Total Euro'000 Euro'000 Euro'000 Euro'000 Balance at April 1, 2001 9,194 371,849 288,855 669,898 Profit for the period - - 23,216 23,216 Balance at June 30, 2001 9,194 371,849 312,071 693,114 Page 4 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts in accordance with US GAAP (unaudited) Quarter Quarter ended ended June 30, June 30, 2001 2000 Euro'000 Euro '000 Scheduled revenues 134,545 103,268 Ancillary revenues 16,299 11,773 Total operating revenues -continuing operations 150,844 115,041 Operating expenses Staff costs 18,630 14,623 Depreciation and amortisation 15,672 13,000 Other operating expenses Fuel & Oil 26,355 13,370 Maintenance, materials and 7,300 5,098 repairs Marketing and distribution 6,145 11,037 costs Aircraft rentals 2,874 2,444 Route charges 11,510 8,196 Airport and Handling charges 21,677 15,206 Other 11,698 9,290 Total operating expenses 121,861 92,264 Operating profit - continuing operations 28,983 22,777 Other income/(expenses) Interest receivable and similar income 5,211 3,311 Interest payable and similar charges (4,564) (1,715) Foreign exchange (losses)/gains (1,939) 1,331 Gains on disposal of fixed assets 7 0 Total other income/(expenses) (1,285) 2,927 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 27,698 25,704 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (4,276) (5,317) Net Income 23,422 20,387 Net Income per ADS * -Basic(Euro cents) 32.35 29.10 -Diluted(Euro cents) 31.86 28.76 Weighted Average number of shares* -Basic 362,053 350,253 -Diluted 367,570 354,459 *Each ADS represents five ordinary shares Page 5 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Summary of significant differences between UK, Irish and US generally accepted accounting principles(unaudited) (A) Net income under US GAAP <-----Quarter ended-----> June 30, June 30, 2001 2000 Euro'000 Euro'000 Profit as reported in the consolidated profit and loss accounts and in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP 23,216 18,087 Adjustments Pension 85 58 Unrealised gains on forward exchange 0 2,472 contracts Employment grants 116 141 Basis of accounting for August 1996 0 180 transaction Basis of accounting for aircraft acquired 0 110 from Northill Limited Darley Investments Limited 22 22 Tax effect of adjustments (17) (683) Net income under US GAAP 23,422 20,387 (B) Consolidated Cashflow Statements in accordance with US GAAP Cash inflow from operating activities 78,418 64,776 Cash (outflow) from investing (276,289) (128,231) activities Cash (outflow)/ inflow from financial (4,203) 139,381 activities (Decrease)/ increase in cash and cash (202,074) 75,926 equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 389,059 121,430 of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of 186,985 197,356 period Cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP 186,985 197,356 Deposits with a maturity of between three 481,400 223,040 and six months Cash and liquid resources under UK and Irish 668,385 420,396 GAAP Page 6 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Summary of significant differences between UK, Irish and US generally accepted accounting principles(unaudited) (C) Shareholders' funds - equity June 30, June 30, 2001 2000 Euro'000 Euro'000 Shareholders' equity as reported in the consolidated balance sheets (UK and Irish GAAP) 693,114 459,900 Adjustments: Pension 1,748 981 Unrealised gains/(losses) on forward exchange 4,189 (142) contracts Employment grants (817) (1,193) Basis of accounting for August 1996 0 (1,351) transactions Basis of accounting for aircraft acquired 0 (69) from Northill Limited Darley Investments Limited (393) (481) Investments 668 988 Unrealised gains on derivative financial 4,760 0 instruments( net of tax) Tax effect of adjustments (621) 550 Shareholders' equity as adjusted to accord 702,648 459,183 with US GAAP Opening shareholders' equity under US 674,386 439,340 GAAP Comprehensive Income adjustments Investments 80 (1,000) Unrealised gains on derivative financial 4,760 0 instruments(net of tax) 4,840 (1,000) Net income in accordance with US GAAP 23,422 20,387 Stock issued for cash 0 456 Closing shareholders' equity under US 702,648 459,183 GAAP Page 7 Ryanair Holdings plc Management Discussion and Analysis of Results Summary Quarter Ended June 30, 2001 Consolidated Profit and Loss Profit after tax, for the quarter increased by 28% to Euro23.2m, compared to Euro18.1m in the previous quarter due to strong growth in passenger volumes and continued tight cost control. Passenger volumes increased by 42% to 2.4m whilst Total Operating Revenues grew by 31% to Euro150.8m. This was slower than the growth in passenger volume due to the impact of the company's objective of driving down average airfares, combined with the launch of 13 new routes. Total Operating Expenses increased by 32% to Euro122.1m, due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs, primarily, fuel, staff and airport & handling costs associated with the growth of the airline. These costs were partly offset by savings in Marketing and Distribution costs which declined by 44% due to the increase in the level of direct bookings on Ryanair.com, and the termination of the Galileo distribution contract. Profit before Tax has increased by 21%. The effective Corporation Tax rate was 16% compared to 20% for the previous quarter, and reflects the decline in the headline rate of corporation tax in Ireland. For the reasons outlined Net Margin has marginally declined from 15.7% to 15.4% in the quarter. Balance Sheet The balance sheet continues to strengthen and Cash and Liquid Resources have increased by Euro41.7m from Euro626.7m at March 31, 2001 to Euro668.4m at June 30, 2001, reflecting the increased cash flows from the profitable trading performance. The company incurred capital expenditure of Euro32.6m mainly on aircraft deposits, and Shareholder's Funds at June 30, 2001 have increased to Euro693.1m, compared to Euro669.9m at March 31, 2001. Detailed Discussion and Analysis Quarter Ended June 30, 2001 Profit after tax, increased by 28% to Euro23.2m driven by strong growth in passenger volumes. Operating margins have remained constant at 19% which has resulted in Operating Profit increasing by Euro6.5m to Euro28.8m compared to previous quarter. Total Operating Revenues increased by 31% to Euro150.8m whilst passenger volumes increased by 42% to 2.4m. Scheduled Passenger Revenues increased by 30% to Euro134.5m due to a combination of increased passenger numbers on existing routes and the successful launch of 13 new routes. Passenger volume growth in this quarter at 42% was ahead of the annualised target of 25% due mainly to the timing impact of the early launch of these new routes. Ancillary Revenues increased by 38% to Euro16.3m, which is lower than the growth in passenger volumes, and reflects the increase in the level of car hire rentals, other ancillary products, and internet-related revenues, offset by, a reduction in Charter revenues due to the continued focus on the scheduled operation. Total Operating Expenses increased by 32% to Euro122.1m, due to increased costs primarily, fuel, staff, airport & handling costs associated with the growth of the airline. Staff costs have increased by 27% to Euro18.8m. This increase reflects an 8% increase in average employee numbers to 1,539. Pilots, who earn higher than the average salary, accounted for 62% of the increase in employment. Staff costs also rose due to the impact of pay increases, which were between 3% and 5.5%. Depreciation and Amortization increased by 18% to Euro15.6m due to an increase in the number of aircraft operated from 29 to 36, and the amortisation of capitalised maintenance costs. Fuel costs rose by 97% to Euro26.4m due to a 42% increase in the number of hours flown, a 38% increase in the average US$ cost per gallon of fuel, and the adverse impact of the strengthening of the US dollar to the Euro. Maintenance costs increased by 43% to Euro7.3m due to the increase in the size of the fleet, and an increase in the number of flight hours. Marketing and Distribution Costs decreased by 44% to Euro6.1m due to a combination of an increase in the level of direct bookings via the internet, and the termination of the distribution agreement with Galileo in August 2000, offset by a higher spend on the advertising of the 13 new routes. Aircraft Rental Costs increased by Euro0.4m to Euro2.9m reflecting the need to rent additional seat capacity during the period. Route Charges increased by 40% to Euro11.5m due to an increase in the number sectors flown, and an increase in the average sector length. Airport and Handling Charges increased by 43% to Euro21.7m due to an increase in the number of passengers flown, the impact of increased airport and handling charges on some existing routes, offset by, lower charges on our new European routes. Other Expenses increased by 26% to Euro11.7m, which is less than the growth in ancillary revenues reflecting improved margins on some new and existing products. Operating Margins have remained constant due to the reasons outlined above and Operating Profits have increased by 29% to Euro28.8m during the year. Interest Receivable increased by Euro1.9m to Euro5.2m reflecting the strong growth in cash resources arising from the profitable trading performance during the quarter and the receipt of proceeds from a secondary offering in February 2001. Interest Payable increased by Euro2.8m due to the higher level of debt arising from the acquisition of new aircraft. Taxation decreased in the quarter by Euro0.4m to Euro4.3m due to a decline in the tax rate from 20% to 16% primarily reflecting the reduction in the headline rate of Corporation Tax in Ireland. The Company's Balance Sheet continues to strengthen due to the combined benefit of strong growth in profits and receipt of the net proceeds of the secondary offering of Euro124.1m during February 2001. The Company generated cash from operating activities of Euro76.8m, which funded additional capital expenditure (mainly aircraft deposits) of Euro32.6m during the quarter. Cash and liquid resources at June 30, 2001 were Euro668.4m compared to Euro626.7m at March 31, 2001. Shareholder's Funds at June 30, 2001 have increased to Euro693.1m compared to Euro669.9m at March 31, 2001. Notes to the Financial Statements 1. Accounting Policies With effect from April 1, 2001 Ryanair adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards no. 133, 'Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities'(SFAS no. 133), as amended. Ryanair has not recorded any cumulative adjustment to earnings as a result of the implementation of the SFAS no. 133. All other accounting policies followed in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 are consistent with those set out in the Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 2001. 2. Approval of the Financial Statements The consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 were approved by the Audit Committee on August 3rd, 2001. 3. Generally Accepted Accounting Policies The Management Discussion and Analysis of Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2001 are based on the results reported under Irish and UK GAAP.
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