Ryanair Posts Rise In Q2 Profit, Lifts Guidance

Ryanair Holdings PLC

reported a 15% rise in its second-quarter net profit and lifted its profit forecast for the full year. The company's after-tax-profit for the quarter climbed to EUR598.2 million ($749 million). Its sales climbed 6.75% to EUR2 billion in the period. Net profit for the first half rose 32% to 795 million euros from 602 million euros, while basic earnings per share gained 36% to 57.44 euro cents from 42.04 euro cents. Its total revenue in the first half climbed 9% to 3.537 billion euros versus 3.255 billion euros. Passenger traffic rose 4% to 51.3 million customers versus 49.2 million customers, while load factors in the first half surged 4 percent points to 89%. Ryanair now expects full-year profit of EUR750 million to EUR770 million, versus earlier forecast of EUR620 million to EUR650 million. Ryanair shares gained 1.95% to close at $55.54 on Friday.