Ryanair Posts Q3 Profit, Lifts Forecast

posted a net profit in the third quarter and lifted its outlook. Ryanair posted a quarterly profit of EUR49 million, versus a year-ago loss of EUR35 million. Its sales climbed 17% to EUR1.1 billion. Load factor widened to 88% from 82%, while traffic rose 14%. For the 12 months to 31 March 2015, Ryanair now expects a profit of €840 million to 850 million, versus its earlier forecast of €810 million to €830 million. The company also announced its plans to launch a EUR400 million ($451 million) share buyback program. Ryanair shares rose 1.20% to $66.77 in after-hours trading.