1st Quarter Results

Ryanair Holdings PLC 06 August 2002 RYANAIR ANNOUNCES RECORD Q1 PROFIT INCREASE TRAFFIC GROWS 38%, PROFITS RISE BY 68% Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airline today (Tuesday, 6 Aug 2002) announced its biggest increase in Q1 profits (end 30 Jun 02). Passenger traffic during the quarter rose by 38% to 3.54m (the first quarter in Ryanair's history when over 1m pax were carried each month) due in large measure to a further 7% reduction in average air fares. Total revenues grew by 29% to €194.3m, however operating expenses rose by only 22% to €148.9m with the result that profits rose significantly ahead of expectations by 68% to €39.0m. Summary Table of Results (Irish GAAP) - in Euro Quarter End 30 Jun 2001 30 Jun 2002 % Increase Passengers 2.56m 3.54m 38% Load Factor 77% 83% 7% Revenue €150.8m €194.3m 29% Profit After Tax €23.2m €39.0m 68% Basic EPS (Euro Cent) 3.21c 5.16c 61% Announcing these results Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary said: 'This record increase in Ryanair's quarterly profits is a direct result of the key elements of our unique low fares model. Firstly very strong traffic growth in all our new and existing markets, secondly extremely disciplined cost-management, and thirdly using these lower costs to drive down airfares for our customers. 'Our traffic growth during Q1 was outstanding, with high load factors on all 10 routes to/from our new German base at Frankfurt Hahn, and our 8 new routes to/from London Stansted. Existing markets have also grown strongly where we were able to allocate bigger aircraft or increase frequencies. Average load factors for the quarter rose from 77% to 83%. 'Despite this strong growth Ryanair continues to deliver impressive cost discipline. Operating expenses increased at a considerably lower rate (+22%) than revenues (+29%). The fact that marketing and distribution costs declined by 11% during a quarter when we were promoting our new German base and over 20 new routes, highlights the strength of Ryanair's unique low fares formula in Continental Europe. Despite the protestations of Lufthansa, (who continue to predict that low fares won't work in Germany), Ryanair enjoys load factors of over 80% on our 10 routes to/from Frankfurt Hahn. We will continue to expand in this market where Ryanair is now Germany's largest low fares airline. 'There is no doubt that the tumultuous events in the airline industry over the past 12 months have created huge new growth opportunities. Ryanair leads the low fares market in Europe by some considerable distance, as our average fares are over 50% lower than those of Easyjet/Go. Our strong organic growth continues and we enjoy a surplus of new route and new base opportunities. We expect to open at least one new base in Europe each year for the next 3 or 4 years, as we grow at a disciplined and controlled rate to the benefit of our customers, our shareholders and our staff. 'In view of these increased opportunities, Ryanair has agreed with Boeing to convert 3 of our rolling 50 option aircraft into firm deliveries during spring 2003 (making a total of 13 new aircraft to be delivered in advance of summer 2003). These additional firm orders will enable Ryanair to grow at the slightly faster rate of 30% for the next two years to just under 20m passengers in 03/04. With these new deliveries, Ryanair will start to retire our older Boeing 737-200 aircraft one year earlier than planned in 2003, and the balance will be retired over a four year period to 2006, at which date Ryanair will have the youngest fleet of aircraft in Europe. 'We welcome the initiative of the new Minister for Transport in Ireland to proceed with the construction of a temporary low cost terminal facility at Dublin whilst at the same time inviting proposals for a second (and hopefully more) competing terminals at Dublin Airport. This initiative, will finally introduce competition in the Irish Airport sector, and this will result in lower prices and better facilities for Irish consumers and visitors. If the Minister proceeds to introduce such competition, then Ryanair envisages launching a wide range of new, very low fare routes between Ireland and Continental Europe, an initiative that has the capacity to create thousands of new jobs as well as bring millions of new visitors to Ireland on a year-round basis. 'Ryanair's continuing success would not be possible without the outstanding performance and contribution of our 1,700 people. We are the most productive airline group in Europe, and we continue to deliver outstanding customer service in a friendly and efficient way, which is why we continue to enjoy such high levels of repeat business. I want to say a sincere thank you to each and every one of you for another outstanding performance over the past quarter. 'Finally, a note of caution. Whilst we have enjoyed a very strong first quarter, much of this exceptional profit growth is due to the impact of the launch costs of many new routes in the corresponding Q1 last year, whereas this year most of this launch activity was expended in the preceding quarter (Q4 Jan/Mar02). We will not repeat a 68% growth in net profits in Q2, and going forward we expect to see profit growth running in line with previous guidance for the remainder of the year. It is my policy, as always, to advise investors and analysts to remain sensible in their outlook for Ryanair as we ourselves will continue to be.' Ends. Tuesday, 6 August 2002 For further details contact: Ryanair Howard Millar Tel: + 353 1 8121212 Murray Consultants Pauline McAlester Tel: +353 1 6633332 www.Ryanair.com 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 76 low fare routes across 13 countries. Ryanair has a fleet of 44 Boeing 737's, and firm orders for up to a further 105 new 737-800's which will be delivered over the next 8 years. Ryanair currently employs a team of 1,700 people and will carry almost 15 million scheduled passengers in the current year. www.RYANAIR.COM was launched in January 2000 and is already Europe's largest travel website. Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts in accordance With UK and Irish GAAP(unaudited) Quarter Quarter ended ended June 30, June 30, 2002 2001 €'000 €'000 Operating Revenues Scheduled revenues 172,761 134,545 Ancillary revenues 21,501 16,299 Total operating revenues -continuing operations 194,262 150,844 Operating expenses Staff costs 23,425 18,831 Depreciation and amortisation 18,373 15,672 Other operating expenses Fuel & Oil 33,645 26,355 Maintenance, materials and repairs 9,449 7,300 Marketing and distribution costs 5,485 6,145 Aircraft rentals - 2,874 Route charges 16,491 11,510 Airport and Handling charges 28,163 21,677 Other 13,876 11,720 Total operating expenses 148,907 122,084 Operating profit - continuing operations 45,355 28,760 Other income/(expenses) Interest receivable and similar income 7,002 5,211 Interest payable and similar charges (6,394) (4,564) Foreign exchange losses (2,581) (1,939) (Loss)/gain on disposal of fixed assets (22) 7 Total other income/(expenses) (1,995) (1,285) Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 43,360 27,475 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (4,396) (4,259) Profit for the period 38,964 23,216 Earnings per ordinary share -Basic(Euro cent) 5.16 3.21 -Diluted(Euro cent) 5.09 3.16 Number of ordinary shares(in 000's)* -Basic 755,031 724,107 -Diluted 765,996 735,140 *The Company implemented a 2:1 share split on December 7th, 2001. Share capital and earnings per share figures have been restated to give effect to the share split. Page 1 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP June 30, March 31, 2002 2002 €'000 €'000 Unaudited Fixed assets Tangible assets 1,007,560 951,806 Current Assets Cash and liquid resources 986,635 899,275 Accounts receivable 15,067 10,331 Other assets 10,725 11,035 Inventories 17,553 17,125 Total current assets 1,029,980 937,766 Total assets 2,037,540 1,889,572 Current liabilities Accounts payable 46,434 46,779 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 278,834 217,108 Current maturities of long term debt 42,791 38,800 Short term borrowings 7,373 5,505 Total current liabilities 375,432 308,192 Other liabilities Provisions for liabilities and charges 51,892 49,317 Creditors > 1year 14,824 18,086 Long term debt 554,154 511,703 620,870 579,106 Shareholders' funds - equity Called - up share capital 9,587 9,587 Share premium account 553,457 553,457 Profit and loss account 478,194 439,230 Shareholders' funds - equity 1,041,238 1,002,274 Total liabilities and shareholders' funds 2,037,540 1,889,572 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, 2002 2001 €'000 €'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 113,570 76,814 Returns on investments and servicing of finance 220 1,716 Taxation (591) (112) Capital expenditure(including aircraft deposits) (74,149) (32,550) Net cash inflow before financing and use of liquid resources 39,050 45,868 Financing 46,442 (8,577) (Increase) in liquid resources (126,749) (40,479) (Decrease) in cash (41,257) (3,188) Analysis of movement in liquid resources Liquid resources at beginning of year 816,023 564,782 Increase in period 126,749 40,479 Liquid resources at end of period 942,772 605,261 Analysis of movement in cash At beginning of year 77,747 56,860 Net cash outflow (41,257) (3,188) Net cash at end of period 36,490 53,672 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 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 Balance at April 1, 2002 9,587 553,457 439,230 1,002,274 Profit for the quarter - - 38,964 38,964 Balance at June 30, 2002 9,587 553,457 478,194 1,041,238 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, 2002 2001 €'000 €'000 Operating Revenues Scheduled revenues 172,761 134,545 Ancillary revenues 21,501 16,299 Total operating revenues -continuing operations 194,262 150,844 Operating expenses Staff costs 23,186 18,630 Depreciation and amortisation 18,373 15,672 Other operating expenses Fuel & Oil 33,645 26,355 Maintenance, materials and repairs 9,449 7,300 Marketing and distribution costs 5,485 6,145 Aircraft rentals - 2,874 Route charges 16,491 11,510 Airport and Handling charges 28,163 21,677 Other 13,854 11,698 Total operating expenses 148,646 121,861 Operating profit - continuing operations 45,616 28,983 Other income/(expenses) Interest receivable and similar income 7,002 5,211 Interest payable and similar charges (5,387) (4,564) Foreign exchange losses (2,581) (1,939) (Loss)/gain on disposal of fixed assets (22) 7 Total other income/(expenses) (988) (1,285) Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 44,628 27,698 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (4,537) (4,276) Net Income 40,091 23,422 Net Income per ADS * -Basic(Euro cent) 26.55 16.17 -Diluted(Euro cent) 26.17 15.93 Weighted Average number of shares* -Basic 755,031 724,107 -Diluted 765,996 735,140 *The Company implemented a 2:1 share split on December 7th, 2001. Share capital and earnings per share figures have been restated to give effect to the share split.( 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, 2002 2001 €'000 €'000 Profit as reported in the consolidated profit and loss accounts in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP 38,964 23,216 Adjustments Pension 122 85 Employment grants 117 116 Capitalised interest re aircraft acquisition programme 1,007 - Darley Investments Limited 22 22 Tax effect of adjustments (141) (17) Net income under US GAAP 40,091 23,422 (B) Consolidated Cashflow Statements in accordance with US GAAP <------------Quarter ended------------> June 30, June 30, 2002 2001 €'000 €'000 Cash inflow from operating activities 113,199 78,418 Cash (outflow) from investing activities (241,106) (276,289) Cash inflow/(outflow) from financial activities 48,310 (4,203) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (79,597) (202,074) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 482,492 389,059 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 402,895 186,985 Cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP 402,895 186,985 Deposits with a maturity of between three and six months 583,740 481,400 Cash and liquid resources under UK and Irish GAAP 986,635 668,385 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, 2002 2001 €'000 €'000 Shareholders' equity as reported in the consolidated balance sheets (UK and Irish GAAP) 1,041,238 693,114 Adjustments: Pension 2,536 1,748 Unrealised gains on forward exchange contracts 4,189 4,189 Employment grants (352) (817) Capitalised interest re aircraft acquisition programme 6,034 - Darley Investments Limited (305) (393) Investments - 668 Unrealised (losses)/gains on derivative financial instruments(net (15,389) 4,760 of tax) Tax effect of adjustments (1,901) (621) Shareholders' equity as adjusted to accord with US GAAP 1,036,050 702,648 Opening shareholders' equity under US GAAP 1,019,607 674,386 Comprehensive Income adjustments Investments - 80 Unrealised (losses)/gains on derivative financial instruments(net (23,648) 4,760 of tax) (23,648) 4,840 Net income in accordance with US GAAP 40,091 23,422 Closing shareholders' equity under US GAAP 1,036,050 702,648 Page 7 Ryanair Holdings plc Management Discussion and Analysis of Results Summary Quarter Ended June 30, 2002 Consolidated Profit and Loss Profit after tax has increased by 68% to €39.0m, compared to €23.2m in the previous quarter ended June 30, 2001. These results were achieved by strong growth in passenger volumes and continued tight cost control. Total Operating Revenues increased by 29% to €194.3m, which is slower than the growth in passenger volumes of 38%, and highlights the company's continued objective of driving down average fares. The combination of lower fares and the successful launch of new routes resulted in the Passenger Load Factor increasing from 77% to 83% during the period. Total Operating Expenses increased by 22% to €148.9m, due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs, primarily fuel, staff, route charges and airport & handling costs associated with the growth of the airline. Marketing and Distribution costs have continued to decline due to the increased level of direct bookings on Ryanair.com that are currently on average in excess of 90% of total bookings. Operating Margin has as a result increased by 4% to 23% compared to last quarter whilst Operating Profit has increased by 58% to €45.4m. Profit after Tax has increased by 68% reflecting the strong trading performance and also the impact of the decline in the headline corporation tax rate in Ireland. For the reasons outlined Net Margin has increased from 15% to 20% in the quarter. Earnings per share has risen by 61% to 5.16 euro cent, lower than the growth in profit due to an increased number of shares in issue post the share offering in February 2002. Balance Sheet Cash and Liquid Resources have increased from €899.3m at March 31, 2002 to €986.6m at June 30, 2002 reflecting the increased cash flows from the strong trading performance during the period. An additional two aircraft were delivered in the quarter which in addition to aircraft deposits accounted for the bulk of the €74.1m incurred in capital expenditure. This was part funded by the draw down of long term debt which increased, net of repayments, by €46.5m during the period. Shareholders' Funds at June 30, 2002 have increased to €1,041.2m, compared to €1,002.3m at March 31, 2002. Detailed Discussion and Analysis Quarter Ended June 30, 2002 Profit after tax, increased by 68% to €39.0m driven by strong growth in passenger volumes and continued tight cost control. Operating margins have increased by 4% to 23% which has resulted in Operating Profit increasing by €16.6m to €45.3m compared to quarter ended June 30, 2001. Total Operating Revenues increased by 29% to €194.3m whilst passenger increased by 38% to 3.5m. Scheduled Passenger Revenues increased by 28% to €172.8m due to a combination of increased passenger numbers on existing routes, the successful launch of a new base at Frankfurt-Hahn, and the commencement of nineteen new routes since Spring, primarily offset by a reduction, as expected, in average fares. Ancillary Revenues increased by 32% to €21.5m, reflecting strong growth in internet related income, car rentals and other ancillary products whilst Charter income remained static due to an increased focus on the scheduled programme which in turn led to a reduction in seat capacity available for charter activity. Total Operating Expenses increased by 22% to €148.9m due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs primarily staff, fuel, route charges and airport and handling costs associated with the growth of the airline. These increases were partly offset by reductions in Marketing & Distribution costs and Aircraft Rental costs. Staff costs have increased by 24% to €23.4m. This increase reflects a 7% increase in average employee numbers to 1,651. Pilots, who earn significantly higher than the average salary, accounted for 39% of the increase in employment. The increase in the level of activity has also resulted in an increase in the level of productivity-based pay for both Pilots and Inflight crew. Staff costs also rose due to the impact of pay increases, which were between 3% and 5%. Depreciation and Amortization increased by 17% to €18.4m due to an increase in the number of aircraft owned from 36 to 42, and the amortisation of capitalised maintenance costs, partly offset by savings due to the increased number of fully depreciated aircraft. Fuel costs rose by 28% to €33.6m due to a 25% increase in the number of hours flown, and the adverse impact of the strengthening of the US dollar to the Euro offset by a decrease in the average US$ cost per gallon of fuel. Maintenance costs increased by 29% to €9.4m reflecting an increase in the size of the fleet operated and the number of hours flown. Marketing and Distribution Costs decreased by 11% to €5.5m due to an increase in the level of direct bookings via the internet, partly offset by a higher spend on the advertising of 20 new routes and the launch of a new base at Frankfurt-Hahn. Aircraft Rental Costs declined by €2.9m reflecting the decline in the need to rent additional seat capacity due to the delivery of new aircraft. Route Charges increased by 43% to €16.5m due to an increase in the number sectors flown, an increase in the weight of the fleet due to the increased proportion of 737-800 aircraft operated, and a rise in the basic unit cost in some countries. Airport and Handling Charges increased by 30% to €28.2m 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 and at our new bases. Other Expenses increased by 18% to €13.9m, which is less than the growth in ancillary revenues reflecting improved margins on some new and existing products, and cost reductions achieved on other indirect costs. Operating Margins have increased by 4% due to the reasons outlined above which has resulted in Operating Profits increasing by 58% to €45.3m during the quarter. Interest Receivable increased by €1.8m to €7.0m 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 2002. Interest Payable also increased by €1.8m due to the higher level of debt arising from the acquisition of new aircraft. Taxation decreased in the quarter by €0.9m to €3.5m due to a decline in the tax rate from 15% to 10% primarily reflecting the reduction in the headline rate of Corporation Tax in Ireland. The Company's Balance Sheet continues to strengthen due to the strong growth in profits during the period. The Company generated cash from operating activities of €113.6m, which part funded the acquisition of two 737-800 aircraft during the quarter, and advance payments for future aircraft deliveries. Total Capital expenditure amounted to €74.1m. Long term Debt, net of repayments, increased by €46.4m to €596.9m during the same period. Cash and liquid resources at June 30, 2002 were €986.6m compared to €899.3 at March 31, 2002. Shareholders' Funds at June 30, 2002 have increased to €1,041.2m compared to €1,002.3m at March 31, 2002. Notes to the Financial Statements 1. Accounting Policies The accounting policies followed in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2002 are consistent with those set out in the Annual Report for the year ended March 31, 2001. The Company adopted FRS 19 'Deferred Tax' in the period. This has no impact on the Company's results as it was already providing for deferred tax in full. 2. Approval of the Financial Statements The Audit Committee approved the consolidated financial statements for the Quarter ended June 30, 2002 on August 2nd, 2002. 3. Generally Accepted Accounting Policies The Management Discussion and Analysis of Results for the Quarter ended June 30, 2002 are based on the results reported under Irish and UK GAAP. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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