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Investing.com - Bernstein has maintained its Outperform ratings on both International Consolidated Airlines Group (LON:ICAG) and Ryanair (NASDAQ:RYAAY), while highlighting IAG as the more attractive investment opportunity due to its valuation discount. InvestingPro data shows Ryanair maintains a "GREAT" financial health score of 3.29, supported by strong profitability and momentum metrics.
The research firm has set price targets of £4.50 for IAG and €27 for Ryanair, describing both airlines as "quality, investable names" that consistently deliver double-digit EBIT margins and return on invested capital in an industry where single-digit returns are more common. Ryanair’s current return on invested capital stands at 13%, with a robust gross profit margin of 26.2%. Get access to 10+ additional exclusive ProTips and comprehensive financial metrics with InvestingPro.
Bernstein’s analysis indicates IAG could return approximately 62% of its market capitalization in cash over the next five years, compared to 31% for Ryanair, while trading at a price-to-earnings ratio 40% lower despite projecting faster earnings per share growth (15% vs. 11% CAGR).
The firm characterizes IAG as "a rare thing: a network airline group that earns its cost of capital," noting it has significant exposure to favorable industry trends including slot constraints at London Heathrow and structural demand growth in Latin American traffic.
Ryanair remains attractive as "the most reliable airline stock in Europe for the last two decades" with its mastery of the low-cost model, net cash position, and ongoing cash returns during its current capital expenditure holiday. The airline has demonstrated impressive momentum with a 133.6% price return over the past six months and maintains strong cash flows that sufficiently cover its interest payments.
In other recent news, Ryanair has reported a notable increase in passenger numbers for April, achieving a growth rate of 5.8% and reaching a total of 18.3 million passengers. This growth was accompanied by a strong load factor of 93%, which measures the airline’s capacity utilization. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) has adjusted its price target for Ryanair, raising it from EUR25.50 to EUR27.00, while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. This adjustment reflects a positive outlook based on Ryanair’s financial performance and future projections. Deutsche Bank’s analysis noted that Ryanair’s fiscal year 2026 outlook surpassed initial predictions, with a revised forecast including a 7% increase in ticket pricing. Additionally, Ryanair’s guidance for fiscal year 2026 is set at 206 million passengers, aligning with consensus predictions. For the first quarter of the fiscal year, consensus estimates stand at 55.5 million passengers, indicating steady demand. These developments underscore Ryanair’s strategic financial management and its potential for a strong return to profitability.
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