Ryanair Issues Impressive Traffic Numbers for December 2024

Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY) Performance - Ryanair reported 13 6 million passengers in December 2024, an 8% year-over-year increase and higher than November's 13 million [1] - The load factor improved to 92% in December 2024 from 91% in the same period last year, with 77,380 flights operated, up from 73,750 in November [2] - Traffic grew 9% year-over-year in fiscal 2024 and the first half of fiscal 2025, despite Boeing delivery delays [3] - Ryanair expects traffic to grow 8% year-over-year in fiscal 2025, assuming no worsening of Boeing delivery delays [4] Ryanair's Market Performance - Ryanair shares declined 12 5% over the past year, underperforming the Zacks Airline industry's 36 1% growth [5] Other Airline Picks - Southwest Airlines (LUV) has an expected earnings growth rate of 105% for 2025, with a 5 3% upward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings in the past 60 days [7][8] - SkyWest (SKYW) has a strong earnings surprise history, with an average surprise of 79 1% in the trailing four quarters and a 5 3% upward revision in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share in the past 60 days [9][10]