3rd Quarter Results & Placing

Ryanair Holdings PLC 5 February 2002 RYANAIR DELIVERS RECORD Q.3 PROFITS DESPITE EFFECTS OF 11TH SEPTEMBER TRAFFIC GROWS BY 30%, PROFITS RISE BY 35% (PROPOSES TO RAISE UP TO €170M BY PLACING ORDINARY SHARES) Ryanair, Europe's largest low fares airlines today (5 Feb'02) announced record traffic and profit figures for Q.3 (end 31 Dec'01). This quarter covers trading in the immediate aftermath of Sept 11 and the weaker winter months. Despite these adverse conditions passenger traffic (incl. no shows) grew by 30% to 2.7 million and load factors rose to 79%. Average yields declined by 10% due in large measure to the low fare promotions which Ryanair launched immediately following Sept 11. As a result total revenue grew by 18%. Thanks to continued tight control, operating costs rose by 15%, a slower rate than revenue growth. Unlike many other airlines in the world following Sept 11, Ryanair's margins rose from 19% to 21% for the quarter and net profit increased by 35% to €28.8m. Summary Table of Results (Irish GAAP) - in Euro Quarter Ended Dec 31, 2000 Dec 31, 2001 % Increase Passengers (incl. no shows) 2.1m 2.7m + 30% Load Factor (incl. no shows) 77% 79% + 3% Revenue €114.9m €135.5m + 18% Profit after tax €21.3m €28.8m + 35% Basic EPS (Euro Cent) 3.04 3.98 + 31% Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary said: 'These are a very strong set of results which underline the resilience of Ryanair's unique low fares model. Ryanair led the fight back following Sept 11 by slashing fares and offering one million seats for sale at just £9.99. It was important to respond to terrorism by stimulating air travel and promoting consumer confidence. The travelling public responded to the lower fares in huge numbers with the result that we carried more than 10 million passengers in a calendar year for the first time in our history. 'As a result of Ryanair's vigorous response, passenger volumes in Q.3 grew by 30% when many of our high fare competitors were grounding planes and making staff redundant. Although average fares fell by 10% our continuing focus on costs meant that they rose at a slower rate than sales, with the result that - during one of the worst quarters in commercial airline history - both Ryanair's margins and net profits increased to record levels. No other airline has been able to match Ryanair's 30% growth in traffic and 35% increase in profits in the last three months of 2001. 'There can be little doubt that now is a time of immense opportunity in Europe. Much of our cost base was declining (relative to revenue growth) prior to Sept 11 last. Our internet penetration is over 90% which has reduced Marketing and Distribution costs by 55%. 'Depreciation in the quarter fell by 6% as almost all of our 21 x Boeing 737-200's went ex depreciation. Our fuel hedging policy again delivered during a very volatile quarter and we have eliminated almost any exposure to further increases in fuel over the next 15 months. 'As high fare European airlines cut routes and trim services, more and more growth opportunities are open to us. The list of new airports who want to share in the high growth 'Ryanair effect' becomes ever longer. We start flying 7 new routes from our second Continental base in Frankfurt Hahn in 9 days time. Already we have strong advance bookings and expect to run ahead of our traffic projections from day one. Lufthansa are unable to match Ryanair's low fares, as German consumers flock to the first really low fares airline in Germany. 'Our traffic growth will not be confined to the German market. Last week we announced a further 11 new routes for Summer 2002, with low fare links from London Stansted to Milan and Rome in Italy, Eindhoven in Holland, Friedrichshafen in Germany, Graz and Klagenfurt in Austria, Montpellier in the South of France and Newquay in Cornwall. Our successful Brussels Charleroi base will benefit from a capacity increase to three new Boeing 737-800 aircraft with new routes to Rome and Liverpool as well as frequency increases. What this disciplined expansion underlines is the almost insatiable demand that exists across Europe for Ryanair's low fares. 'These new routes highlight the long-term strength of Ryanair's growth prospects. Growth will continue to come from new routes, additional frequencies on existing routes and by entering existing markets ceded by high fare incumbents. Our new aircraft order guarantees eight years of phased deliveries of exceptionally priced aircraft with even lower seat operating costs. This means that Ryanair can continue to drive down air fares and still deliver industry leading margins, not just in the busy Summer months, but in all four quarters. 'Our recent order of up to 150 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft (100 firm and 50 options) will enable Ryanair to grow to 40 million passengers p.a. over the next 8 years and will increase the fleet to at least 128 aircraft, whilst retiring the 21 x 737-200's thereby making Ryanair's the youngest fleet in Europe. We selected the 737-800 after an intense bidding competition between Boeing and Airbus which resulted in an outstanding long-term partnership agreement with Boeing, the objective of which is to see Ryanair grow to become Europe's largest airline. 'The 737-800 aircraft has more seats (189) than the A320 (180) or the 737-700 (149). It gives us more revenue opportunities and lower per seat operating costs. Its fuel consumption and maintenance cost performance is outstanding, and since we already operate 20 of them, this growth in fleet will not disrupt our 25 minute turnarounds, but will continue to yield economies of scale in operations, maintenance and training. 'Ryanair's conservative balance sheet and strong cash flow meant that we were well placed to take advantage of the downturn in the market and we moved quickly to secure long-term lower aircraft costs. We have promised shareholders for some time that we would use resources when the right time and the right opportunities came along and we believe that we have now delivered on that promise. 'These strong results from Ryanair during a disastrous quarter for the airline industry testify to the outstanding job that our 1,500 people do every day, on every flight, on behalf of our customers and shareholders. With our new routes and new aircraft we intend to continue to compete aggressively with Europe's major flag carriers in their home markets. 'We will continue to offer Europe's consumers choice, lower fares and better punctuality. Over the past twelve months our 10 million passengers saved an estimated £1.5 billion compared to the average fares charged by British Airways. We are determined to quadruple this traffic to 40 million passengers over the next 8 years, and if we do, we estimate that Europe's consumers will be saving over £6 billion pounds a year by flying on Ryanair's fleet of brand new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. 'We at Ryanair believe this is a cause that's really worth fighting for.' Ryanair is actively seeking to increase the percentage of its share capital held by EU nationals. Accordingly, on 26 June 2001, the company suspended all deposits of ordinary shares in exchange for American Depositary Shares ('ADSs'). As part of its continuing efforts in this regard, Ryanair has now determined that all Ryanair Ordinary Shares acquired by parties who do not certify that they are EU nationals will be designated as 'Restricted Shares' in accordance with Ryanair's Articles of Association. The procedures will not apply to transactions in Ryanair's existing ADSs, although the suspension of the issuance of new ADSs in exchange for Ordinary Shares remains in effect. Accordingly, all Ryanair Ordinary Shares which are acquired, in trades occurring after midnight on 7 February 2002, by parties who do not certify that they are EU nationals at the time of settlement will be designated as Restricted Shares, and the relevant holder will be required to dispose of such shares to an acquirer who is an EU national within 21 days. Consequently, any party acquiring the Ryanair Ordinary Shares which are issued as part of the share placing referred to in this announcement who does not certify that they are an EU national will be required to dispose of such shares to an acquirer who is an EU national within 21 days. Should any holder of Restricted Shares not comply with the requirement to dispose of such shares within 21 days, the company is entitled to use the powers given to it under its Articles of Association and at law to dispose of such shares itself on behalf of such holder. These procedures will remain in effect until the Directors of Ryanair shall determine that they will no longer apply. ENDS. Ryanair is Europe's largest low fares airline with 75 low fare routes across 13 countries. Ryanair will operate with a fleet of 44 Boeing 737's this Summer, and has placed firm orders for up to a further 100 new 737-800's and 50 option aircraft which will be delivered over the next 8 years. Ryanair currently employs a team of 1,500 people and will carry over 12 million scheduled passengers in the current calendar year. www.RYANAIR.COM was launched in January 2000 and is already Europe's largest travel website. Certain of the information included in this release is forward looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. It is not reasonably possible to itemise all of the many factors and specific events that could affect the outlook and results of an airline operating in the European economy. Among the factors that are subject to change and could significantly impact Ryanair's expected results are the airline pricing environment, fuel costs, competition from new and existing carriers, market prices for replacement aircraft, costs associated with environmental, safety and security measures, actions of the Irish, U.K., European Union ('EU') and other governments and their respective regulatory agencies, fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates, airport access and charges, labour relations, the economic environment of the airline industry, the general economic environment in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe, the general willingness of passengers to travel and other economics, social and political factors. For Results and further information please contact: Howard Millar, Ryanair, Tel. 353-1-8121212 www.Ryanair.com Pauline McAlester, Murray Consultants, Tel. 353-1-6633332 Proposed Share Placement Ryanair announces today that it intends to place up to 26 million new ordinary shares in the company ('the new ordinary shares'), representing approximately 3.6% of the existing share capital of the company. Ryanair also expect to offer the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 4 million ordinary shares each to cover over allotments. The net proceeds from the placing will be used to finance the acquisition of up to 100 new Boeing 737-800 series aircraft, which will be delivered between December 2002 and December 2008. The funds may also be used under the terms of the Boeing agreement to exercise options to acquire up to 50 further Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The offering will be directed at both existing and new institutional investors in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe, with the intention of continuing to broaden the company's European shareholder base. The shares to be sold in the placing, have not been, and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, and no offers or sales of such shares may be made in the U.S. or to U.S. persons. The placing shares are being offered and sold outside the United States in reliance under Regulation S under the Securities Act. Morgan Stanley Securities Ltd, and Davy Stockbrokers, will act as joint lead managers of the proposed placing and Goldman Sachs will act as a co-lead manager. Details of the number of new ordinary shares to be issued and the price at which the placing shares will be sold are expected to be determined and announced on Friday 8th February, following a series of roadshow presentations of the company in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe. Application will be made to the Irish Stock Exchange and to the UK Listing Authority for up to 30 million ordinary shares in the capital of Ryanair to be admitted to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to the Official List of the Irish Stock Exchange and application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for such shares to be admitted to trading. This announcement has been issued by and is the sole responsibility of Ryanair Holdings plc (the 'Company ') and has been approved solely for the purposes of section 57 of the Financial Services Act 1986 by Morgan Stanley and Co. International Limited ( ' Morgan Stanley'), which is regulated in the United Kingdom by The Securities and Futures Authority Limited. Morgan Stanley is advising the Company in relation to the proposed offering and no one else and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protection afforded to customers of Morgan Stanley nor for providing advice in relation to the proposed offering. Stabilisation/FSA. This announcement has been prepared by and is the sole responsibility of Ryanair Holdings plc (the 'Company ') and has been approved by Morgan Stanley and Co. International Limited ( ' Morgan Stanley') solely for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom. Morgan Stanley is acting for the Company and no-one else and will not be responsible to for providing to any other person the protections afforded to clients of Morgan Stanley or for providing advice in relation to the proposed offering. Morgan Stanley can be contacted at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QA, United Kingdom. Stabilisation/FSA. This announcement is not for publication or distribution or release in the United States of America (including its territories and possessions, any State of the United States and the District of Columbia). This announcement does not constitute or form part of an offer or solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the benefit of U.S. persons, except pursuant to an available exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP(unaudited) Nine Nine months Quarter Quarter months ended ended ended ended Dec 31, Dec 31, Dec 31, Dec 31, 2001 2000 2001 2000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 Operating Revenues Scheduled revenues 117,142 100,256 423,634 338,130 Ancillary revenues 18,407 14,648 56,142 42,693 Total operating revenues -continuing operations 135,549 114,904 479,776 380,823 Operating expenses Staff 18,974 15,147 57,347 45,689 costs Depreciation and amortisation 14,541 15,505 44,691 42,299 Other operating expenses Fuel & 25,222 16,524 79,466 46,792 Oil Maintenance, materials and repairs 5,439 4,588 19,548 15,346 Marketing and distribution costs 1,115 2,472 10,525 18,153 Aircraft rentals 101 2,192 3,980 7,270 Route charges 11,092 8,770 35,548 27,252 Airport and Handling charges 20,343 16,829 65,190 50,491 Other 10,581 11,218 34,322 30,664 Total operating expenses 107,408 93,245 350,617 283,956 Operating profit - continuing operations 28,141 21,659 129,159 96,867 Other income/(expenses) Interest receivable and similar income 8,205 5,255 20,828 13,647 Interest payable and similar (4,625) (3,154) (13,776) (7,535) charges Foreign exchange (losses)/gains 1,228 677 (1,353) 323 Gains on disposal of fixed assets 1 53 527 53 Total other income/(expenses) 4,809 2,831 6,226 6,488 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 32,950 24,490 135,385 103,355 Tax on profit on ordinary (4,114) (3,145) (18,511) (18,651) activities Profit for the 28,836 21,345 116,874 84,704 period Earnings per ordinary share -Basic(Euro 3.98 3.04 16.13 12.08 cent) -Diluted(Euro cent) 3.92 3.00 15.91 11.94 Number of ordinary shares(in 000's)* -Basic 724,613 701,570 724,356 701,072 -Diluted 734,989 710,557 734,510 709,539 *The Company implemented a 2:1 share split on December 7th, 2001. Share capital and earnings per share figures have been restated to give effect to the share split. Page 1 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP December 31, March 31, 2001 2001 €'000 €'000 (unaudited) Fixed assets Tangible assets 735,442 613,591 Financial assets - 36 Total fixed assets 735,442 613,627 Current Assets Cash and liquid resources 725,883 626,720 Accounts receivable 13,740 8,695 Other assets 9,172 12,235 Inventories 16,340 15,975 Total current assets 765,135 663,625 Total assets 1,500,577 1,277,252 Current liabilities Accounts payable 41,996 29,998 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 147,778 139,406 Current maturities of long term debt 35,068 27,994 Short term borrowings 253 5,078 Total current liabilities 225,095 202,476 Other liabilities Provisions for liabilities and charges 44,332 30,122 Long term debt 444,019 374,756 488,351 404,878 Shareholders' funds - equity Called - up share capital 9,202 9,194 Share premium account 372,200 371,849 Profit and loss account 405,729 288,855 Shareholders' funds - equity 787,131 669,898 Total liabilities and shareholders' funds 1,500,577 1,277,252 Page 2 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Cashflow Statements in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP (unaudited) Period Period ended ended December 31, December 31, 2001 2000 €'000 €'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 191,782 151,374 Returns on investments and servicing of finance 6,022 759 Taxation (4,533) (12,451) Capital expenditure(including aircraft deposits) (165,978) (250,805) Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing and use of liquid resources 27,293 (111,123) Financing 76,695 191,624 (Increase) in liquid resources (117,574) (63,930) (Decrease)/increase in cash (13,586) 16,571 Analysis of movement in liquid resources Liquid resources at beginning of year 564,782 334,149 Increase in period 117,574 63,930 Liquid resources at end of period 682,356 398,079 Analysis of movement in cash At beginning of year 56,860 17,319 Net cash (outflow)/inflow (13,586) 16,571 Net cash at end of period 43,274 33,890 Page 3 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Funds - Equity in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP(unaudited) Share Profit Ordinary premium and loss shares account account Total €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 Balance at April 1, 2001 9,194 371,849 288,855 669,898 Issue of ordinary equity shares 8 351 - 359 Profit for the period - - 116,874 116,874 Balance at December 31, 2001 9,202 372,200 405,729 787,131 Page 4 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts in accordance with US GAAP (unaudited) Nine Nine months Quarter Quarter months ended ended ended ended Dec 31, Dec 31, Dec 31, Dec 31, 2001 2000 2001 2000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 Scheduled revenues 117,142 100,256 423,634 338,130 Ancillary revenues 18,407 14,648 56,142 42,693 Total operating revenues -continuing operations 135,549 114,904 479,776 380,823 Operating expenses Staff 18,773 14,997 56,744 45,190 costs Depreciation and amortisation 14,541 15,378 44,691 41,686 Other operating expenses Fuel & Oil 25,222 16,524 79,466 46,792 Maintenance, materials and repairs 5,439 4,588 19,548 15,346 Marketing and distribution costs 1,115 2,472 10,525 18,153 Aircraft rentals 101 2,192 3,980 7,270 Route charges 11,092 8,770 35,548 27,252 Airport and Handling charges 20,343 16,829 65,190 50,491 Other 10,559 11,196 34,256 30,598 Total operating expenses 107,185 92,946 349,948 282,778 Operating profit - continuing operations 28,364 21,958 129,828 98,045 Other income/(expenses) Interest receivable and similar income 8,205 5,255 20,828 13,647 Interest payable and similar charges (4,625) (3,154) (13,776) (7,535) Foreign exchange (losses)/gains 1,228 2,803 (1,353) 3,988 Gains on disposal of fixed assets 1 53 527 53 Total other income/(expenses) 4,809 4,957 6,226 10,153 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 33,173 26,915 136,054 108,198 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (4,131) (3,650) (18,562) (19,641) Net Income 29,042 23,265 117,492 88,557 Net Income per ADS * -Basic(Euro cent) 20.04 16.58 81.10 63.16 -Diluted(Euro cent) 19.76 16.37 79.98 62.40 Weighted Average number of shares* -Basic 724,613 701,570 724,356 701,072 -Diluted 734,989 710,557 734,510 709,539 *The Company implemented a 2:1 share split on December 7th, 2001. Share capital and earnings per share figures have been restated to give effect to the share split.( Each ADS represents five ordinary shares) Page 5 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Summary of significant differences between UK, Irish and US generally accepted accounting principles (unaudited) (A) Net income under US GAAP <---Quarter ended----> <-----Period ended-------> Dec 31, Dec 31, Dec 31, Dec 31, 2001 2000 2001 2000 €000 €000 €'000 €'000 Profit as reported in the consolidated profit and loss accounts in accordance with UK and Irish GAAP 28,836 21,345 116,874 84,704 Adjustments Pension 85 70 255 198 Unrealised gains on forward exchange - 2,126 - 3,665 contracts Employment grants 116 80 348 301 Basis of accounting for August 1996 - 127 - 434 transaction Basis of accounting for aircraft acquired from - - - 179 Northill Limited Darley Investments Limited 22 22 66 66 Tax effect of adjustments (17) (505) (51) (990) Net income under US GAAP 29,042 23,265 117,492 88,557 (B) Consolidated Cashflow Statements in accordance with US GAAP <-----Period ended-------> Dec 31, Dec 31, 2001 2000 €'000 €'000 Cash inflow from operating activities 193,271 139,681 Cash (outflow) from investing activities (112,455) (233,964) Cash inflow from financial activities 71,870 188,065 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 152,686 93,782 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 389,059 121,430 year Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 541,745 215,212 Cash and cash equivalents under US GAAP 541,745 215,212 Deposits with a maturity of between three and 184,138 216,978 six months Cash and liquid resources under UK and Irish 725,883 432,190 GAAP Page 6 Ryanair Holdings plc and Subsidiaries Summary of significant differences between UK, Irish and US generally accepted accounting principles (unaudited) (C) Shareholders' funds - equity Dec 31, Dec 31, 2001 2000 €'000 €'000 Shareholders' equity as reported in the consolidated balance sheets (UK and Irish GAAP) 787,131 526,904 Adjustments: Pension 1,918 1,121 Unrealised gains on forward 4,189 1,051 exchange contracts Employment (585) (1,033) grants Basis of accounting for August 1996 - (1,097) transactions Darley Investments (349) (437) Limited Investments - 593 Unrealised gains on derivative financial 1,832 - instruments Tax effect of (655) 243 adjustments Shareholders' equity as adjusted to accord with US 793,481 527,345 GAAP Opening shareholders' equity under 674,386 439,340 US GAAP Comprehensive Income adjustments Investments (588) (1,395) Unrealised gains on derivative financial 1,832 - instruments 1,244 (1,395) Net income in accordance with US 117,492 88,557 GAAP Stock issued for cash 359 843 Closing shareholders' equity under 793,481 527,345 US GAAP Page 7 Ryanair Holdings plc Management Discussion and Analysis of Results Summary Quarter Ended December 31, 2001 Profit after tax has increased by 35% to €28.8m from €21.3m in the previous quarter ended December 31, 2000. Passenger volumes, including no shows grew by 30% to 2.7m (28% excluding no shows), stimulated by fare promotions in the aftermath of September 11th. Total Operating Revenues consequently grew at a slower rate of 18% to €135.5m. Ancillary Revenue grew by 26%, less than the growth in passengers, primarily due to a reduction in the level of seat capacity allocated to the Charter programme compared to last year. Total Operating Expenses increased by 15% to €107.4m, due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs, primarily staff, fuel, route charges and airport & handling costs, associated with the growth of the airline. These cost increases were partly offset by savings in Depreciation and amortisation, and Marketing & Distribution costs which declined by 55% to €1.1m due to the significant increase in internet bookings on Ryanair.com. Operating margins have as a result increased by 2% to 21% over the corresponding quarter last year and Operating Profit has increased by 30% to €28.1m. Profit before Tax has increased by 35% to €33.0m, higher than the growth in Operating profit due to increased net interest income and foreign exchange gains in the quarter. For the reasons outlined Net Margin has increased by 2% to 21% Earnings per share has risen by 31% to €3.98 cent per share in the quarter, less than the growth in profit after tax due to an increased number of shares in issue post the share offering of February 2001. Nine months ended December 31, 2001 Profit after tax has increased by 38% to €116.9m, compared to €84.7m in the previous nine months ended December 31, 2000.Total Operating Revenues grew by 26% to €479.8m driven by passenger volume growth of 36%including no shows (34% excluding no shows), reflecting the successful launch of 13 routes and growth on our existing route network. Total Operating Expenses increased by 23% to €350.6m due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs, primarily staff, fuel, route charges and airport & handing costs associated with the growth of the airline. The level of direct bookings has continued to increase giving rise to further reductions in Marketing & Distribution costs. Further savings were achieved by a decline in the level of Aircraft rentals reflecting the increased size of the fleet and the reduced need to rent additional seat capacity. Operating margins have, as a result of the above, increased from 25% to 27%, whilst Operating Profits increased by 33% to €129.2m in the period. Profit before Tax has increased by 31% to €135.4m, less than the growth in Operating profit due to a foreign exchange loss in the period. The effective Corporation Tax rate for the period was 14% compared to 18% for the previous nine months and primarily reflects the decline in the headline rate of Corporation Tax in Ireland. For the reasons outlined above Net Margins have improved by 2% to 24%. Balance Sheet Cash and Liquid Resources have increased from €626.7m at March 31, 2001 to €725.9m at December 31, 2001, reflecting the increased cash flows arising from the continued profitable trading performance. The Company incurred capital expenditure of €166.8m as it took delivery of an additional three aircraft and made additional advance payments on future aircraft deliveries. The level of long term debt increased by €76.3m net of debt repayments. Shareholder's Funds at December 31, 2001 have increased to €787.1m, compared to €669.9m at March 31, 2001. Detailed Discussion and Analysis - Quarter Ended December 31, 2001 Profit after tax has increased by 35% to €28.8m driven by strong growth in passenger volumes and continued tight cost control. As a result Operating margins have increased by 2% to 21%. Operating Profit increased by 30% to €28.1m compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2000. Scheduled Passenger Revenues increased by 17% to €117.1m, lower than the growth in passenger volumes of 30% to 2.7m including no shows, due to our successful strategy of stimulating passenger growth by reducing fares in the aftermath of September 11th. Ancillary Revenues increased by 26% to €18.4m, which is slightly lower than the growth in passenger volumes primarily due to a decline in the level of seat capacity available for our Charter programme. Total Operating Expenses increased by 15% to €107.4m due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs primarily staff, fuel, route charges and airport & handling costs associated with the growth of the airline offset by savings in marketing & distribution costs, aircraft rentals and a decline in the depreciation and amortisation charge. Staff costs have increased by 25% to €19.0m. This increase reflects a 6% increase in average employee numbers to 1,555. Pilots, who earn higher than the average salary, accounted for 54% of the increase in employment. The increase in the level of activity has also resulted in an increase in the level of productivity based pay for both pilots and Inflight crew. Furthermore staff costs also rose due to the impact of pay increases granted which were between 3% and 7.5%. Depreciation and Amortisation declined by 6% to €14.5m due to an increase in the number of aircraft owned from 33 to 39, three of which were delivered in December 2001, offset by savings arising from the increase in the number of aircraft fully depreciated. Fuel costs rose by 53% to €25.2m due to a 24% increase in the number of hours flown, an increase in the average US$ cost per gallon of fuel and the adverse impact of the strengthening of the US dollar to the Euro, offset by, an improvement in fuel burn due to the increase in 737-800 fleet (more efficient engines) as a percentage of the total fleet. Maintenance costs increased by 19% to €5.4m reflecting an increase in the size of the fleet operated, an increase in the number of flight hours, and the increased line maintenance costs due to the continued expansion of our Stansted base. Marketing and Distribution Costs decreased by 55% to €1.1m due primarily to increase in internet bookings. These savings were partly offset by higher marketing costs associated with the promotion of Ryanair.com and the launch of thirteen new routes. Aircraft Rental Costs decreased by €2.0m to €0.1m reflecting the reduced requirement to rent additional seat capacity arising from the delivery of the new 737-800 aircraft. Route Charges increased by 26% to €11.1m due to an increase in the basic unit rate in some countries, an increase in the number of sectors flown, and an increase in the average sector length. Airport and Handling Charges increased by 21% to €20.3m due to an increase in the number of passengers flown, and the impact of increased airport and handling charges at some existing airports offset by lower charges on our new European routes. Other Expenses declined by 6% to €10.6m primarily reflecting a reduction in ancillary product costs and the impact of cost reductions on other indirect costs. Operating Profits have increased by 30% to €28.1m due to the reasons outlined above. Interest Receivable increased by €2.9m to €8.2m reflecting the strong growth in cash resources arising from the profitable trading performance during the quarter. Interest Payable increased by €1.5m to €4.6m due to the increased level of debt arising from the acquisition of six new aircraft. Taxation increased in the quarter by €1.0m to €4.1m reflecting the increased profitability in the quarter. Detailed Discussion and Analysis - Nine months ended December 31, 2001 Profit after tax, has increased by 38% to €116.9m driven by strong growth in passenger volumes and continued tight cost control. Operating Profit increased by 33% to €129.2m compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2000. Profit before tax increased by 31% to €135.4m, which is lower than the percentage increase in Operating Profit due to a foreign exchange loss in the period. Total Operating Revenues increased by 26% to €479.8m whilst passenger volumes including no shows increased by 36% to 8.4m, 34% excluding no shows. Scheduled Passenger Revenues increased by 25% to €423.6m due to strong growth in passenger numbers offset by a reduction, as expected, in average fares. Ancillary Revenues increased by 32% to €56.1m, which is slightly lower than the growth in passenger volumes, primarily due to a reduction in the seat capacity available for the Charter programme. Total Operating Expenses increased by 23% to €350.6m due to the increased level of activity, and the increased costs primarily staff, fuel, route charges and airport & handling costs associated with the growth of the airline. These were partly offset by reductions in Marketing & Distribution costs and Aircraft Rental costs Staff costs have increased by 26% to €57.3m. This increase reflects a 6% increase in average employee numbers to 1,553. Pilots, who earn higher than the average salary, accounted for 60% of the increase in employment. The increase in the level of activity has also resulted in an increase in the level of productivity based pay for both pilots and Inflight crew. Staff costs also rose due to the impact of pay increases granted which were between 3% and 7.5%. Depreciation and Amortisation increased by 6% to €44.7m due to the delivery of an additional six next generation 737-800 aircraft, three of which were delivered in December 2001, and the amortisation of capitalised maintenance costs, offset by savings due to an increase in the number of aircraft fully depreciated. Fuel costs rose by 70% to €79.5m due to a 28% increase in the number of hours flown, an increase in the average US$ cost per gallon of fuel and the adverse impact of the strengthening of the US dollar to the Euro. Maintenance costs increased by 27% to €19.5m reflecting an increase in the size of the fleet operated, an increase in the number of flight hours, and the increased line maintenance costs due to the continued expansion of our Stansted base. This was partly offset by a reduction in the level of unscheduled engine maintenance. Marketing and Distribution Costs decreased by 42% to €10.5m due to a combination of an increase in the level of internet bookings, and savings in commissions due to the cessation of all travel agent bookings; this was partly offset by higher marketing costs associated with the promotion of Ryanair.com and the launch of thirteen new routes. Aircraft Rental Costs declined by €3.3m to €4.0m reflecting the decline in the need to rent additional seat capacity during the period due to the delivery of new aircraft and a reduction in the Charter programme. Route Charges increased by 30% to €35.5m due to an increase in the number sectors flown, an increase in the average sector length and an increase in the basic unit cost in some countries. Airport and Handling Charges increased by 29% to €65.2m due to an increase in the number of passengers flown, the impact of increased airport and handling charges on some existing routes, offset by lower charges on our new European routes. Other Expenses increased by 12% to €34.3m, which is less than the growth in ancillary revenues reflecting improved margins on some new and existing products, and the impact of cost reductions on indirect costs. Operating Profits have increased by 33% to €129.2m due to the reasons outlined above. Interest Receivable increased by €7.2m to €20.8m reflecting the strong growth in cash resources arising from the profitable trading performance during the period. Interest Payable rose by €6.2m to €13.8m due to the increased level of debt arising from the acquisition of six new aircraft. Taxation declined by €0.1m despite the increased profitability, due principally to the decline in the headline rate of Corporation Tax in Ireland. The Company's Balance Sheet continues to strengthen due to the strong growth in profits. Capital expenditure during the period amounted to €166.8m mainly reflecting the cost of new aircraft and additional aircraft deposit payments. New aircraft were partly financed by the drawdown of additional long term debt amounting to €97.3m with the remainder funded from internal cash reserves. At December 31, 2001 the Company had €725.9m in Cash and Liquid resources, an increase of €99.2m compared to March 31, 2001 whilst Total Debt increased by €76.3m after debt repayments of €21.0m. Shareholder's Funds at December 31, 2001 have increased to €787.1m compared to €669.9m at March 31, 2001. Notes to the Financial Statements 1. Accounting Policies The accounting policies followed in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2001 are consistent with those followed in the financial year ended March 31, 2001. 2. Approval of the Financial Statements The Audit Committee approved the consolidated financial statements for the Quarter and Nine months ended December 31, 2001 on February 1, 2002. 3. Generally Accepted Accounting Policies The Management Discussion and Analysis of Results for the Quarter and Nine months ended December 31, 2001 are based on the results reported under Irish and UK GAAP. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings