Ryanair Growth Slows as Fuel Costs Rise

First quarter results aren't encouraging for the discount carrier.

Marisa E. Thompson | 29-07-08 | E-mail Article

Ryanair (link will open in a new window) announced fiscal first-quarter results that confirm our negative outlook. Overall revenue was up 19% thanks to double-digit increases in traffic and a 25% increase in ancillary revenue, partially offset by an 8% decline in yields. However, profit after tax plunged 85% as a result of a 60%-plus increase in fuel prices.

Ryanair indicated that the firm is committed to avoiding fuel surcharges and will continue to absorb higher oil costs in order to sustain its low fares. While the firm is reducing capacity during the winter as well as paring back traffic at high-cost airports, we continue to think that greater industrywide capacity reductions will be necessary to bring supply in line with demand as airlines grapple with passing along fuel costs to customers.

Ryanair maintains that it is willing to keep fares low and sustain losses, if necessary, in order to gain greater market share during this tumultuous period. Despite Ryanair's astronomic cash hoard, we don't think this strategy is indicative of a sustainable business model over the long run, considering a world of high oil prices.

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