Ryanair (RYAAY) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system.Since a ch ...

Ryanair (RYAAY) shares rallied 10.7% in the last trading session to close at $43.89. This move can be attributable to notable volume with a higher number of shares being traded than in a typical session. This compares to the stock's 15.5% loss over the past four weeks.The upside was owing to RYAAY's encouraging update on passenger volumes for fiscal 2025 (ended March 31). Ryanair reportedly carried 200.2 million passengers in its fiscal year ending March 2025, positioning itself as the first European airlin ...

Core Insights - Ryanair Holdings reported strong traffic numbers for March 2025, with 15 million passengers, a 10% year-over-year increase [1] - The airline's load factor for March 2025 was 93%, consistent with the previous year and higher than February and January 2025 [2] - Ryanair operated over 84,000 flights in March 2025, an increase from 71,360 flights in February 2025, despite earlier delays in Boeing deliveries [3] - The airline carried 200.2 million passengers in its fiscal year ending March 2025, becoming the first European airline to achieve this milestone [3] - Ryanair expects to reach nearly 200 million passengers in fiscal 2025, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year [4] - The airline continues to benefit from robust traffic growth following the end of the pandemic [5] Company Performance - Ryanair's Zacks Rank is currently 2 (Buy), indicating positive market sentiment [6] - Other stocks in the transportation sector include SkyWest and Frontier Group, both of which have strong growth prospects [7] Other Stocks to Consider - SkyWest has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) with an expected earnings growth rate of 16% for the current year and a 9.1% increase in shares over the past six months [8] - Frontier Group also holds a Zacks Rank of 1, with an expected earnings growth rate exceeding 300% for the current year and a 43% surge in shares over the past six months [9]

European carrier Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY) looks highly unattractive from a valuation standpoint. Considering the forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio (P/S-F12M), RYAAY has a forward 12-month P/S-F12M of 1.56X compared with 1.16X for the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research RYAAY P/S Ratio (Forward 12 Months) Vs. Industry RYAAY has a Value Score of C. Despite facing multiple Boeing delivery delays, RYAAY's traffic grew 9% year over year during the first nine months of fiscal 2025. Given this ba ...

Core Viewpoint - Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY) reported strong passenger traffic numbers for February 2025, driven by increased air-travel demand, with a year-over-year increase of 14% in passengers transported [1][3]. Traffic and Performance - In February 2025, Ryanair transported 12.6 million passengers, up from 12.4 million in January 2025 [1][2]. - The load factor for February 2025 was 92%, consistent year-over-year and an increase from 91% in January 2025 [2]. - Ryanair operated over 71,360 flights in February 2025, an improvement from the previous month, which faced delays due to 38 Boeing deliveries [2]. Growth Outlook - Following the pandemic, Ryanair has seen robust passenger volume growth, with a 9% increase in traffic for fiscal 2024 and a similar growth rate in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 despite Boeing delivery delays [3]. - Ryanair anticipates fiscal 2025 traffic to reach nearly 200 million passengers, a 9% increase, up from a previous estimate of 198-200 million passengers [4]. Stock Performance - Ryanair currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) and has seen its shares increase by 10.8% year-to-date, outperforming the airline transportation industry's growth of 9.1% [5].

Core Insights - The article introduces Arav Kacker as a new contributing analyst for Seeking Alpha, highlighting his background in finance and investment banking [2] - Kacker's experience includes internships in various sectors, particularly in Venture Capital and Asset Management, with a focus on the Industrials sector during his time at HSBC [2] - The analyst aims to combine academic knowledge with professional experience to provide original and insightful analysis on the platform [2] Company and Industry Focus - Kacker expresses a specific interest in covering the Airlines, Aerospace, and Defense sectors, indicating a targeted approach to industry analysis [2] - The article mentions Kacker's preparation for a career in long-only Asset Management or pursuing an MSc in Finance, suggesting a commitment to furthering expertise in financial analysis [2] - The analyst is preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam, which underscores a dedication to professional development in equity analysis [2]

Core Viewpoint - Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY) has experienced a significant decline in share price over the past year, underperforming compared to its industry and other airline operators [1][3] Group 1: Financial Performance and Expectations - RYAAY's passenger volume has increased by 9% year over year, with expectations to reach nearly 200 million passengers in fiscal 2025, an improvement from the previous estimate of 198-200 million [4] - The company ended the third quarter of fiscal 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $3.31 billion, significantly higher than its current debt of $905 million, indicating a strong balance sheet [6][7] - RYAAY plans to repay a maturing €850 million bond from internal cash resources in September 2025, reflecting its commitment to debt repayment [7] Group 2: Fleet Modernization and Growth Initiatives - RYAAY is modernizing its fleet to meet rising travel demand, with 172 of the 210 Boeing 737-8200 aircraft expected to be delivered by December 31, 2024, and additional orders for 300 Boeing 737-MAX-10 aircraft for delivery between 2027 and 2033 [5] - The company has initiated a share buyback program, having repurchased €700 million worth of shares by August 2024, and is on track to complete an €800 million buyback program by mid-2025 [12] Group 3: Valuation and Market Position - RYAAY is currently trading at a discount compared to the industry based on its enterprise value to total sales ratio, and it has a Value Score of B [13] Group 4: Challenges and Cost Pressures - Production delays at Boeing are impacting RYAAY's fleet expansion plans, leading to a reduction in fiscal 2026 traffic growth targets from 215 million to 206 million passengers [16] - Operating expenses have risen, with staff costs increasing by 18% year over year and total operating expenses up by 8% during the first nine months of fiscal 2025, putting pressure on profit margins [17]

Group 1: Ryanair's Performance - Ryanair reported 12.4 million passengers in January 2025, a 2% year-over-year increase, with a load factor of 91%, up from 89% a year ago [1] - The company faced challenges due to 38 delayed Boeing deliveries, impacting its growth plans [2] - For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Ryanair's earnings per share were 29 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents, while revenues reached $3.15 billion, surpassing the estimate of $2.94 billion [3] Group 2: Traffic and Future Expectations - Traffic grew 9% year-over-year despite Boeing delivery delays, with average fares increasing by 1% [4] - Ryanair anticipates fiscal 2025 traffic to reach nearly 200 million passengers, a 9% increase, up from a previous estimate of 198-200 million passengers [4] Group 3: Market Position and Comparisons - Ryanair holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with shares gaining 16% over the past year, compared to a 26.7% growth in the Zacks Airline industry [5] - Other airline stocks of interest include United Airlines and SkyWest, both holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), with United Airlines showing an expected earnings growth rate of 21.11% for the current year [7]

Group 1 - The article provides an analysis of Ryanair's recent Q3 2025 performance, indicating a focus on the company's financial results and market position [1] - The analysis follows previous evaluations of International Airlines Group and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, both of which are rated as "buy" [1] - The commentary is aimed at buy-side hedge professionals who are interested in fundamental, income-oriented, long-term analysis across global developed markets [1] Group 2 - The author has a beneficial long position in Ryanair shares, indicating a personal investment interest in the company [2] - The article expresses the author's own opinions and is not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [2] - There is no business relationship disclosed between the author and any company whose stock is mentioned in the article [2]

Core Insights - Ryanair Holdings plc reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results with earnings per share (EPS) of 29 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents, and showing year-over-year improvement [1] - Revenues reached $3.15 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.94 billion, driven by strong Christmas/New Year bookings [2] - Profit after tax increased significantly to €149 million from €15 million in the same quarter last year [2] Financial Performance - Traffic grew by 9% year over year, despite Boeing delivery delays, with average fares increasing by 1% [2][3] - Load factor remained stable at 92%, indicating consistent passenger demand [3] - Operating costs rose by 8% year over year to €2.93 billion, attributed to higher staff and other costs, partially offset by fuel hedge savings [3] Shareholder Returns - Ryanair has completed over 50% of its €800 million buyback program, expected to be completed by mid-2025, returning nearly €9 billion to shareholders since 2008 [4] - An interim dividend of €0.223 per share is scheduled for payment on February 26, 2025 [4] Future Outlook - The company anticipates fiscal 2025 traffic to reach nearly 200 million passengers, an increase from the previous estimate of 198-200 million passengers [5] Market Position - Ryanair currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) and has seen a 16% increase in share price over the past six months, compared to the industry’s 26.7% rise [6]