Ryanair's EPS Estimates Northbound: Time to Buy the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY) is experiencing strong travel demand, leading to positive financial performance and stock sentiment, with upward revisions in earnings estimates for 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a growth of 77.9% in Q2 2025 earnings per share and 30.5% for the full year compared to 2024 [2]. - Ryanair ended Q4 fiscal 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of $4.28 billion, significantly higher than its current debt of $911 million, indicating strong financial health [8]. - Long-term debt decreased from $2.74 billion at the end of Q4 fiscal 2024 to $1.81 billion at the end of Q4 fiscal 2025, reflecting effective debt management [8][9]. Group 2: Operational Highlights - Ryanair's passenger traffic grew by 9% in fiscal 2024, with over 200.2 million passengers carried in fiscal 2025, marking a record for a European carrier [3]. - The company anticipates a 3% increase in traffic for fiscal 2026, projecting to carry 206 million passengers [3]. - Ryanair has modernized its fleet, taking delivery of 30 new Boeing 737-8200 aircraft in fiscal 2025, contributing to improved fuel efficiency [4][5]. Group 3: Shareholder Returns - Ryanair paid €0.40 in cumulative dividends per share during fiscal 2025, with a final dividend of €0.227 per share expected in September 2025 [13]. - The company repurchased and canceled 7% of its issued share capital during fiscal 2025, totaling over 77 million shares, and has initiated a new €750 million share buyback program [14]. Group 4: Market Performance - RYAAY shares have shown double-digit growth this year, outperforming the Zacks Airline industry and competitors like Alaska Air Group and Allegiant Travel [15].