Update on 2nd Quarter

Ryanair Holdings PLC 27 October 2000 Ryanair Issues Second Quarter Performance Update Ryanair, Europe's Largest Low Fares Airline today (Friday 27th October) indicated that its trading performance for the second quarter (and half year) ended 30th September 2000 is expected to be somewhat stronger than the general range of market expectations. In a briefing to analysts at 14.00 hours today Ryanair explained that the trading performance in the second quarter had been stronger than anticipated. The factors giving rise to this include: - Passenger volumes and revenues are higher than expected due to the strong performance of the ten new routes, the continued strength of Sterling to the Euro, whilst the lower cost of distribution over the internet enabled Ryanair to offer even more lower fares, which has in turn stimulated passenger volumes. - The success of Ryanair.com has driven the percentage of direct bookings from 40% to 90% in just six months, and has resulted in higher than expected savings in travel agents commissions and computerised reservation system charges. - The successful introduction of a further five 737-800 aircraft (10 in total in service), which have 45% more seats and better operating efficiencies than our existing 737-200 fleet, combined with higher than targeted load factors have enabled us to further reduce our operating costs on a per seat basis. Speaking to analysts today Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary said 'The success of Ryanair.com, and in particular our ability to guarantee the lowest air fares on the internet in Europe, has meant that our traffic growth in the second quarter has run at 34% instead of our anticipated 27%. Our ten new routes have performed ahead of expectations and these too have been assisted by the success of Ryanair.com. As a result we now believe that the consensus range of analysts forecasts which are predicting 35% growth in after tax profits for the second quarter should be revised upwards. Whilst the results for Quarter 2 are still being finalised, based on preliminary results we now feel that analysts estimates of Profit after Tax growth should be in the mid to high 40% range for Quarter 2, and the mid to high 30% range for the half year. We would caution investors not to get too carried away about this upgrade. Our new routes are progressing well, Ryanair's low fares formula remains unmatched by any airline in Europe and in difficult market conditions we continue to deliver increased traffic growth and profitability. Nevertheless, our view is that Sterling remains artificially strong against the Euro, and that our fuel costs (whilst we are extensively hedged) will rise somewhat into the future. The results for quarter two will be stronger than expected average rate of 25% per annum and investors should continue to focus on this figure for future growth, rather than on what has been a particularly strong second quarter.' Final second quarter numbers will be released to the markets on Tuesday 07th November 2000.
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