easyJet expects headline pre-tax losses to be £405 - £425m in the first half, the midpoint of which would be a 24% improvement on last year. The losses partly reflect higher fuel and operational costs as the group restores capacity ahead of summer. The peak summer season is expected to see capacity back at around pre-pandemic levels following a large recruitment drive.
In the second quarter, easyJet passenger numbers increased from 11.5m to 15.6m, and planes were 88% full on average. Total group revenue for the first half is expected to be around £2.7bn, following "strong" pricing on tickets and revenue earned from add-on services.
easyJet expects full year pre-tax profits to be ahead of market expectations of £260m. This follows positive trading over Easter and continued booking momentum for summer travel.
The shares rose 3.8% following the announcement.
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Our view
easyJet's initial assessment of its first half has pleased the market. Ticket pricing held up, demand was strong and crucially, capacity was there to greet it. At the same time, planes that have flown have been pretty full. That means the important measure of revenue-per-passenger seat (RPS) has taken off. Overall, trading was better than expected and the group's clawing itself out of loss-making territory as costs-per-seat fall.
It's not just that travel is back on the agenda for easyJet's customers. That's a rising tide that lifts all ships. There are some easyJet specific elements to the success story. The group is particularly successful at selling extras to existing passengers. So-called ancillary revenues are things like extra baggage, legroom and food. This is a growing, and highly lucrative area, and the growth has been impressive.
easyJet's ability to sell these add-ons and encourage strong demand stems from its route strategy. It focuses on profitable Western European routes within major airports. It's also invested heavily in bolstering its presence at these major airports and improving its routes. It's an approach that sets easyJet apart from other low-cost carriers - who trim costs by flying in and out of smaller, less convenient airports.
There are things to consider. Fuel costs and unhelpful changes in exchange rates are making profit growth a challenge. These aren't expected to derail things at the full year mark, but with the geopolitical situation still uncertain, we can't rule out further shocks to fuel prices.
It's also worth considering that the cost-of-living crisis is still very much alive and kicking. While easyJet doesn't seem to be suffering from this at present, if the economic backdrop is worse than expected this year, then we could see a reduction in the number of bookings.
We've been impressed by easyJet's ability to ramp up capacity. Especially around recruitment. But we're mindful the risk of disruption can't be ruled out when operations have been dialed up quickly. That means we'll be keeping a close eye on Summer trends to make sure the group's successfully been able to service demand.
Dividends aren't a priority just yet. Some analysts are predicting a return in the current financial year, hence the 1.7% prospective yield. Current estimates suggest a dividend for the full year could be supported. But keep in mind this isn't guaranteed, and we think a return to paying dividends could take a bit longer.
We think easyJet is well-placed within its sector, and comes with growth opportunities. There are some risks, especially in the short-term, so be prepared for ups and downs.
easyJet key facts
All ratios are sourced from Refinitiv. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn't be looked at on their own - it's important to understand the big picture.
An independent Non-Executive director of Hargreaves Lansdown plc is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of easyJet plc.
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by Refinitiv. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
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