Ryanair Holdings PLC (LSE:RYA) reported a strong set of first-half results and raised full-year traffic guidance, citing earlier-than-expected Boeing 737 Max-8 deliveries
Six-month revenues of €9.82 billion were generated, up 12%, while net income climbed 42% to €2.54 billion, broadly in line with expectations.
The airline’s second-quarter profit of €1.72 billion was slightly ahead of consensus, helped by lower operating costs and solid ancillary revenue growth.
Average fares rose 7% year-on-year, while unit costs increased by just 1%.
The low-cost carrier declared an interim dividend of €0.193 per share, with net cash at €1.5 billion after completing around a quarter of its previously launched €750 million buyback.
Full-year traffic guidance was raised to 207 million passengers due to earlier-than-expected Boeing 737 Max-8 deliveries.
Analysts were broadly positive.
Peel Hunt’s Alexander Paterson said results were “a little better than expected,” noting that lower fuel and marketing costs offset higher taxes.
Panmure Liberum’s Gerald Khoo called the update “solid,” highlighting Ryanair’s cautious guidance and resilient booking trends into the winter season.
Both brokers said consensus profit forecasts are likely to edge higher, underpinned by modest cost inflation, steady demand, and the group’s ability to recover last year’s 7% fare decline.