Ryanair Posts Q3 Loss In Line With Its Guidance; Affirms FY14 Profit Guidance

(RTTNews) - Ryanair Holdings Plc (RYA.L, RYAAY) reported a third-quarter after tax loss to equity holders of parent of 35.2 million euros, compared to profit of 18.1 million euros, prior year. Basic loss per share was 2.50 euro cents, compared to profit of 1.25 euro cents, prior year. Loss before tax was 41.8 million euros, compared to profit of 19.3 million euros.

Total operating revenues from continuing operations were 964.4 million euros, compared to 968.8 million euros, previous year. Load factor for the quarter was 82%, compared to 81% prior year. Traffic grew 6% to 18 million passengers. Revenue per passenger declined 6%, as strong ancillary revenue growth offset a 9% fall in fares. Excluding fuel, sector length adjusted unit costs fell by 9%.

The Group attributed its third-quarter loss to a 9% decrease in average fares and a 6% increase in total operating expenses, offset by strong ancillary revenues and increased traffic.

Ryanair said its fiscal 2014 guidance for net profit remains unchanged in the range of 500 million euros to 520 million euros. The company expects its fiscal 2014 traffic to rise to 81.5 million passengers, slightly higher than previously guided.