==============================================================================
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2007
==============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
|_| REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended: March 31, 2007
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
|_| SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report:___________
For the transition period from _________ to _________
0-29304
(Commission file number)
Ryanair Holdings plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ryanair Holdings plc
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
Republic of Ireland
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
c/o Ryanair Limited
Corporate Head Office
Dublin Airport
County Dublin, Ireland
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each national market
on which registered
American Depositary Shares, each
representing five Ordinary Shares Nasdaq National Market
Ordinary Shares, par value
0.635 euro cents per Share Nasdaq National Market*
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of
capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual
report.
1,547,028,730 Ordinary Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes |X| No |_|
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the
registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes |_| No |_|
Note-Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes |X| No |_|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check
one):
Large accelerated filer |X| Accelerated filed |_| Non-accelerated filer |_|
Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has
elected to follow.
Item 17 |_| Item 18 |X|
If this an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a
shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes |_| No |X|
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST
FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court.
Yes |_| No |_|
_____________________
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American
Depositary Shares.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information..........................................................iv
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information........................................................v
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers...................................................1
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable.................................................................1
Item 3. Key Information.........................................................................................1
THE COMPANY........................................................................................1
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA............................................................................1
EXCHANGE RATES.....................................................................................4
SELECTED OPERATING AND OTHER DATA..................................................................6
RISK FACTORS.......................................................................................7
Item 4. Information on the Company.............................................................................20
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................20
STRATEGY..........................................................................................21
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW.................................................................................24
European Airline Market.......................................................................24
Ireland, U.K. and Continental European Markets................................................25
The Acquisition of Buzz.......................................................................26
ROUTE SYSTEM, SCHEDULING AND FARES................................................................27
Route System and Scheduling...................................................................27
Low and Widely Available Fares................................................................28
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING.........................................................................29
RESERVATIONS/RYANAIR.COM..........................................................................29
AIRCRAFT..........................................................................................30
Aircraft......................................................................................30
Training and Regulatory Compliance............................................................31
ANCILLARY SERVICES................................................................................32
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS...........................................................................33
General.......................................................................................33
Heavy Maintenance.............................................................................33
SAFETY RECORD.....................................................................................34
AIRPORT OPERATIONS................................................................................34
Airport Handling Services.....................................................................34
Airport Charges...............................................................................35
FUEL..............................................................................................36
INSURANCE.........................................................................................37
FACILITIES........................................................................................39
TRADEMARKS........................................................................................39
GOVERNMENT REGULATION.............................................................................39
Liberalization of the EU Air Transportation Market............................................39
Regulatory Authorities........................................................................40
Registration of Aircraft......................................................................42
Regulation of Competition.....................................................................43
Environmental Regulation......................................................................43
Slots.........................................................................................45
Other.........................................................................................46
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY...........................................................................46
i
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects...........................................................46
HISTORY...........................................................................................46
BUSINESS OVERVIEW.................................................................................47
RECENT OPERATING RESULTS..........................................................................48
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES......................................................................49
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.............................................................................51
FISCAL YEAR 2007 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2006...................................................51
FISCAL YEAR 2006 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2005...................................................55
SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS.............................................................................59
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION..........................................................................59
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS..............................................................60
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES...................................................................60
OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS....................................................................67
TREND INFORMATION.................................................................................67
INFLATION.........................................................................................67
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.............................................................68
DIRECTORS.........................................................................................68
Powers and Action by the Board of Directors...................................................70
Composition and Term of Office................................................................70
Exemptions from Nasdaq Corporate Governance Rules.............................................70
SENIOR MANAGEMENT.................................................................................72
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT...................................................73
Compensation..................................................................................73
Employment Agreements.........................................................................74
EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS.....................................................................74
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions......................................................76
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS................................................................................76
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS........................................................................76
Item 8. Financial Information..................................................................................76
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.................................................................76
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................................................76
Legal Proceedings.............................................................................76
Dividend Policy...............................................................................80
Share Buy-back................................................................................80
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES...............................................................................80
Item 9. The Offer and Listing..................................................................................80
TRADING MARKETS AND SHARE PRICES..................................................................80
Item 10. Additional Information................................................................................84
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK......................................................................84
OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES....................................84
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION............................................................85
MATERIAL CONTRACTS................................................................................87
EXCHANGE CONTROLS.................................................................................87
LIMITATIONS ON SHARE OWNERSHIP BY NON-EU NATIONALS................................................87
TAXATION..........................................................................................89
United States Tax Considerations..............................................................93
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY..............................................................................94
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk..............................................
GENERAL...........................................................................................94
FUEL PRICE EXPOSURE AND HEDGING...................................................................95
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXPOSURE AND HEDGING.............................................................96
INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE AND HEDGING................................................................97
ii
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities................................................98
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.......................................................98
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds..........................98
Item 15. Controls and Procedures...............................................................................98
Item 15A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures...................................................................98
Item 15B. Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting..............................98
Item 15C. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm..........................................99
Item 15D. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting................................................101
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert....................................................................101
Item 16B. Code of Ethics......................................................................................101
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services..............................................................101
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees..........................................102
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers..............................102
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements.................................................................................102
Item 18. Financial Statements.................................................................................103
Item 19. Exhibits.............................................................................................103
</TABLE>
iii
Presentation of Financial and Certain Other Information
As used herein, the term "Ryanair Holdings" refers to Ryanair Holdings plc.
The term the "Company" refers to Ryanair Holdings together with its consolidated
subsidiaries. The terms "Ryanair Limited" and "Ryanair" refer to Ryanair
Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ryanair Holdings, together with its
consolidated subsidiaries. The term "fiscal year" refers to the twelve-month
period ended on March 31 of such year. All references to "Ireland" herein are
references to the Republic of Ireland. All references to the "U.K." herein are
references to the United Kingdom and all references to the "United States" or
"U.S." herein are references to the United States of America. References to
"U.S. dollars," "dollars," "$" or "U.S. cents" are to the currency of the United
States, references to "U.K. pounds sterling," "sterling," "U.K.GBP" and "U.K.
pence" are to the currency of the U.K. and references to "EUR," "euro" and "euro
cents" are to the euro, the common currency of thirteen Member States of the
European Union (the "EU"), including Ireland. Various amounts and percentages
set out in this annual report on Form 20-F have been rounded and accordingly may
not total.
The Company owns or otherwise has rights to the trademark RYANAIR(R) in
certain jurisdictions. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-Trademarks." This
report also makes reference to trade names and trademarks of companies other
than the Company.
Until March 31, 2005, the Company published its annual and interim
Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Ireland ("Irish GAAP"), which differ in certain respects
from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S.
GAAP"). Since April 1, 2005, Ryanair Holdings has been required to prepare its
annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted for use in the EU ("IFRS"), in
accordance with applicable EU law. For a detailed discussion of the differences
between IFRS and U.S. GAAP that affect the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements, see Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 18.
The Company publishes its Consolidated Financial Statements in euro. Solely
for the convenience of the reader, this report contains translations of certain
euro amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates. These translations should not
be construed as representations that the converted amounts actually represent
such U.S. dollar amounts or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the rates
indicated or at any other rate. Unless otherwise indicated, such U.S. dollar
amounts have been translated from euro at a rate of EUR1.00=$1.3374, or
$1.00=EUR0.7477, the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers of
foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York (the "Noon Buying Rate") on March 31, 2007. The Noon Buying Rate for
euro on September 19, 2007 was EUR1.00=$1.3950 or $1.00=EUR0.7168. See "Item 3.
Key Information-Exchange Rates" for information regarding historical rates of
exchange relevant to the Company, and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects" and "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About
Market Risk" for a discussion of the effects of changes in exchange rates on the
Company.
iv
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Except for the historical statements and discussions contained herein,
statements contained in this report constitute "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements may include
words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "anticipate," "should," "intend"
and similar expressions or variations on such expressions. Any filing of the
Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") may include
forward-looking statements. In addition, other written or oral statements which
constitute forward-looking statements have been made and may in the future be
made by or on behalf of the Company, including statements concerning its future
operating and financial performance, the Company's share of new and existing
markets, general industry and economic trends and the Company's performance
relative thereto and the Company's expectation as to requirements for capital
expenditures and regulatory matters. The Company's business is to provide a
low-fares airline service in Europe, and its outlook is predominately based on
its interpretation of what it considers to be the key economic factors affecting
that business and the European economy. Forward looking statements with regard
to the Company's business rely on a number of assumptions concerning future
events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of
which are outside the Company's control, that could cause actual results to
differ materially from such statements. It is not reasonably possible to itemize
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 and aircraft
maintenance services, aircraft availability, costs associated with
environmental, safety and security measures, terrorist attacks, actions of the
Irish, U.K., EU and other governments and their respective regulatory agencies,
fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates, airport handling and
access charges, litigation, labor relations, the economic environment of the
airline industry, the general economic environment in Ireland, the U.K. and
elsewhere in Europe, the general willingness of passengers to travel and other
factors discussed herein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
v
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
THE COMPANY
Ryanair operates a low fares scheduled passenger airline serving
short-haul, point-to-point routes in Europe and Morocco from its bases at
Dublin, London (Stansted and Luton), Glasgow (Prestwick), Brussels (Charleroi),
Frankfurt (Hahn), Milan (Bergamo), Stockholm (Skvasta), Rome (Ciampino),
Barcelona (Girona), Nottingham East Midlands, Liverpool, Shannon, Pisa, Cork,
Marseille, Madrid, Bremen and Dusseldorf (Weeze) airports, which together are
referred to as "Ryanair's bases of operations" or "Ryanair's bases." Ryanair
plans to open bases at Bristol, Alicante, Valencia and Belfast in the Fall of
2007. In operation since 1985, Ryanair pioneered the low-fares operating model
in Europe under a new management team in the early 1990s. As of August 31, 2007,
the Company offered over 920 scheduled short-haul flights per day serving 125
locations throughout Europe and Morocco, including 24 locations in the U.K. and
Ireland, with an operating fleet of 137 aircraft flying approximately 440
routes. As of September 20, 2007, the Company also holds a 29.4% interest in Aer
Lingus, the Irish national flag carrier, which it acquired through market
purchases following Aer Lingus' partial privatization in 2006. The European
Commission has prevented Ryanair from acquiring a majority stake in Aer Lingus
pursuant to a decision that the Company is in the process of appealing. For
additional information, see "Item 8. Financial Information-Other Financial
Information-Legal Proceedings-Aer Lingus Merger Decision."
A detailed description of the Company's business can be found in "Item 4.
Information on the Company."
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth certain of the Company's selected
consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated and
should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Company and related notes thereto included in Item 18 and with "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects." Note that the following tables do
not contain financial information presented in IFRS for the fiscal years ended
March 31, 2003 and 2004. Prior to April 1, 2005, the Company published its
financial information in Irish GAAP. The Company's financial information for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 presented below has been restated in IFRS. The
Company has not restated its 2003 and 2004 financial information in IFRS.
However, U.S. GAAP financial information for the 2003 and 2004 fiscal years is
presented below. This information represents the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP of
the Company's previously reported Irish GAAP financial information for those
years.
1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Profit and Loss Account Data:
Fiscal year ended
March 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IFRS 2007(a) 2007 2006 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per Ordinary Share and per ADS data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total operating revenues............ $2,991,623 EUR2,236,895 EUR1,692,530 EUR1,319,037
Total operating expenses............ (2,360,712) (1,765,150) (1,317,484) (978,299)
Operating income.................... 630,911 471,745 375,046 340,738
Net interest (expense) income....... (26,605) (19,893) (35,739) (29,287)
Other non-operating (expense) income (1,090) (815) (419) (2,255)
Profit before taxation.............. 603,216 451,037 338,888 309,196
Taxation............................ (20,645) (15,437) (32,176) (29,153)
Profit after taxation............... $582,571 EUR435,600 EUR306,712 EUR280,043
Ryanair Holdings basic earnings per
Ordinary Share
(U.S. cents)/(euro cents)(b)..... 37.71 28.20 20.00 18.43
Ryanair Holdings diluted earnings per Ordinary
Share
(U.S. cents)/(euro cents)(b)..... 37.41 27.97 19.87 18.33
Ryanair Holdings basic earnings per ADS (U.S.
cents)/(euro cents)(b)(c)........ 188.57 141.00 100.00 92.13
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal year ended
March 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GAAP 2007(a) 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
(in thousands, except per Ordinary Share and per ADS data)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total operating revenues......... $2,991,623 EUR2,236,895 EUR1,692,530 EUR1,319,037 EUR1,074,224 EUR842,508
Total operating expenses......... (2,363,075) (1,766,917) (1,316,401) (980,365) (822,769) (577,809)
Operating income................. 628,549 469,978 376,129 338,672 251,455 264,699
Net interest (expense) income.... (27,790) (20,779) (27,767) (21,442) (16,460) 5,739
Other non-operating (expense)
income........................ (1,090) (815) (419) (2,255) 3,217 (3,561)
Income before taxation........... 599,669 448,384 347,943 314,975 238,212 266,877
Taxation......................... (20,201) (15,105) (33,111) (31,561) (22,782) (25,067)
Net income....................... $579,468 EUR433,279 EUR314,832 EUR283,414 EUR215,430 EUR241,810
Basic earnings per Ordinary
Share (U.S. cents)/(euro
cents)(b) .................... 37.51 28.05 20.53 18.65 14.22 16.02
Diluted earnings per Ordinary
Share (U.S. cents)/(euro
cents)(b)..................... 37.21 27.82 20.40 18.55 14.08 15.78
Basic earnings per ADS (U.S.
cents)/
(euro cents)(b)(c)........... 187.60 140.27 102.64 93.25 71.4 80.10
</TABLE>
2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance Sheet Data:
As of March 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
IFRS 2007(a) 2007 2006 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents............ $1,800,701 EUR1,346,419 EUR1,439,004 EUR872,258
Total assets..................... 7,611,471 5,691,245 4,634,219 3,818,153
Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations 2,490,327 1,862,066 1,677,728 1,414,857
Shareholders' equity................. 3,396,692 2,539,773 1,991,985 1,734,503
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of March 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GAAP 2007(a) 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents......... $1,800,701 EUR1,346,419 EUR1,439,004 EUR872,258 EUR744,605 EUR537,476
Total assets...................... 7,653,884 5,731,567 4,672,907 3,870,392 2,961,891 2,479,868
Long-term debt, including capital lease
obligations..................... 2,490,327 1,862,066 1,677,728 1,414,857 952,981 837,225
Shareholders' equity.............. 3,433,804 2,567,522 2,020,447 1,629,819 1,356,281 1,177,187
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cash Flow Statement Data:
Fiscal year ended
March 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IFRS 2007(a) 2007 2006 2005
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net cash inflow from operating
activities.......................... $1,163,341 EUR869,853 EUR610,570 EUR511,203
Net cash (outflow) from investing
activities.......................... 1,548,721 (1,158,009) (337,285) (850,462)
Net cash inflow from financing
activities.......................... 261,557 195,571 293,461 467,257
Increase (decrease) in cash............ $(123,823) EUR(92,585) EUR566,746 EUR127,998
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal year ended
March 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GAAP 2007(a) 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(in thousands)
Net cash inflow from
---------------------------------------
operating activities............... $1,177,884 EUR880,727 EUR617,071 EUR516,648 EUR447,177 EUR353,462
Net cash (outflow) from investing
activities......................... (1,563,264) (1,168,883) (343,786) (855,907) (361,512) (581,068)
Net cash inflow from financing
activities......................... 261,557 195,571 293,461 467,257 121,734 282,590
Increase in cash and cash equivalents (123,823) (92,585) 566,746 127,998 207,129 54,984
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year.................. 1,924,524 1,439,004 872,258 744,260 537,476 482,492
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year............................... $1,800,701 EUR1,346,419 EUR1,439,004 EUR872,258 EUR744,605 EUR537,476
</TABLE>
__________________________
(a) Dollar amounts are translated from euro solely for convenience at the Noon
Buying Rate on March 31, 2007, of EUR1.00=$1.3374 or $1.00=EUR0.7477.
(b) All per-Ordinary Share and per-ADS amounts have been adjusted to reflect the
2-for-1 split of Ordinary Shares (and ADRs) that occurred on February 26, 2007.
For additional information, see "Item 10. Additional Information-Description of
Capital Stock."
(c) Represents basic earnings per Ordinary Share or net income per Ordinary
Share multiplied by five.
3
EXCHANGE RATES
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
information concerning the exchange rate between (i) the U.S. dollar and the
euro, (ii) the U.K. pound sterling and the euro, and (iii) the U.K. pound
sterling and the U.S. dollar. Such rates are provided solely for the convenience
of the reader and are not necessarily the rates used by the Company in the
preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18. No
representation is made that any of such currencies could have been, or could be,
converted into any of the other such currencies at such rates or at any other
rate.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. dollars per EUR1.00(1)
End of
Year ended December 31, period Average(2) Low High
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2002................................................................ 1.050 0.946 - -
2003................................................................ 1.260 1.141 - -
2004................................................................ 1.354 1.248 - -
2005................................................................ 1.184 1.239 - -
2006................................................................ 1.319 1.256 - -
Month ended
March 31, 2007..................................................... - - 1.309 1.337
April 30, 2007..................................................... - - 1.334 1.367
May 31, 2007....................................................... - - 1.342 1.362
June 30, 2007...................................................... - - 1.329 1.354
July 31, 2007...................................................... - - 1.360 1.382
August 31, 2007.................................................... - - 1.340 1.381
Period ended September 19, 2007.................................... - - 1.361 1.396
U.K. pounds sterling per EUR1.00(3)
End of
Year ended December 31, period Average(2) Low High
2002................................................................ 0.652 0.629 - -
2003................................................................ 0.706 0.694 - -
2004................................................................ 0.708 0.679
2005................................................................ 0.689 0.682 - -
2006................................................................ 0.674 0.682 - -
Month ended
March 31, 2007..................................................... - - 0.673 0.686
April 30, 2007..................................................... - - 0.676 0.683
May 31, 2007....................................................... - - 0.677 0.685
June 30, 2007...................................................... - - 0.672 0.680
July 31, 2007...................................................... - - 0.668 0.679
August 31, 2007.................................................... - - 0.673 0.681
Period ended September 19, 2007.................................... - - 0.675 0.698
4
U.K. pounds sterling per U.S.$1.00(4)
Year ended December 31, End of period Average(2) Low High
2002............................................................... 0.621 0.666 - -
2003............................................................... 0.560 0.608 - -
2004............................................................... 0.522 0.545 - -
2005............................................................... 0.581 0.551 - -
2006............................................................... 0.511 0.543 - -
Month ended
March 31, 2007..................................................... - - 0.508 0.520
April 30, 2007..................................................... - - 0.499 0.510
May 31, 2007....................................................... - - 0.500 0.508
June 30, 2007...................................................... - - 0.498 0.509
July 31, 2007...................................................... - - 0.485 0.520
August 31, 2007.................................................... - - 0.485 0.519
Period ended September 19, 2007.................................... - - 0.492 0.501
</TABLE>
__________________
(1) Based on the Noon Buying Rate for euro.
(2) The average of the relevant exchange rates on the last business day of
each month during the relevant period.
(3) Based on the composite exchange rate as quoted at 5 p.m. New York time by
Bloomberg.
(4) Based on the Noon Buying Rate for U.K. pounds sterling.
As of September 19, 2007, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the
euro was EUR1.00=$1.3950, or $1.00=EUR0.7168; the exchange rate between the U.K.
pound sterling and the euro was U.K.GBP1.00=EUR1.4331, or EUR1.00=U.K.GBP0.6798;
and the exchange rate between the U.K. pound sterling and the U.S. dollar was
U.K.GBP1.00=$1.9983, or $1.00=U.K.GBP0.5004. For a discussion of the impact of
exchange rate fluctuations on the Company's results of operations, see "Item 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
5
SELECTED OPERATING AND OTHER DATA
The following tables set forth certain operating data of Ryanair for each
of the fiscal years shown. Such data are derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS (except as otherwise indicated) and
certain other data and are not audited. For definitions of the terms used in
this table, see the Glossary in Appendix A. See the notes following the table
for explanatory material and Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Item 18 for a detailed discussion of the principal differences
between IFRS and U.S. GAAP.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year ended March 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Data (IFRS): 2007 2006 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Average Yield per RPM (EUR)............... 0.075 0.076 0.081
Average Yield per ASM (EUR)............... 0.059 0.058 0.063
Average Fuel Cost per U.S. Gallon (EUR)... 1.826 1.479 1.060
Cost per ASM (CASM) (EUR)(a).............. 0.054 0.052 0.053
Flown Passenger Load Factor............. 76% 77% 78%
Break-even Load Factor.................. 72% 68% 65%
Operating Margin........................ 21% 22% 25%
Total Break-even Load Factor(b)......... 61% 61% 59%
Average Flown Passenger Fare (EUR)........ 47.67 44.53 43.95
Average Booked Passenger Fare (EUR)....... 44.10 41.23 40.85
Ancillary revenue per Booked Passenger (EUR) 8.52 7.45 6.92
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year ended March 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Data: 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue Passengers Booked............... 42,509,112 34,768,813 27,593,923 23,132,936 15,736,936
Revenue Passengers Flown................ 39,328,812 32,188,184 25,641,508 21,244,130 14,427,329
Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs).......... 24,927,909,300 18,832,515,231 13,862,254,136 10,425,878,625 6,781,128,672
Available Seat Miles (ASMs)............. 32,043,022,051 24,282,100,345 17,812,432,791 13,996,127,688 8,744,373,118
Booked Passenger Load Factor............ 82% 83% 84% 81% 85%
Average Length of Passenger Haul (miles) 621 585 541 491 473
Sectors Flown........................... 272,889 227,316 187,470 171,726 115,325
Number of Airports Served at Period End. 123 111 95 84 62
Average Daily Flight Hour Utilization (hours) 9.77 9.60 9.32 8.37 8.02
Employees at Period End................. 4,462 3,453 2,717 2,302 1,897
Employees per Aircraft at Period End ... 34 35 31 32 35
Booked Passengers per Employee at Period End 9,527 10,069 10,156 10,049 8,296
Operating Data: (U.S. GAAP)
Average Yield per RPM (EUR)............... 0.075 0.076 0.081 0.089 0.108
Average Yield per ASM (EUR)............... 0.059 0.058 0.063 0.066 0.084
Average Fuel Cost per U.S. Gallon (EUR)... 1.826 1.479 1.060 0.816 0.930
Cost per ASM (CASM) (EUR)(a).............. 0.054 0.052 0.053 0.055 0.061
Flown Passenger Load Factor............. 76% 77% 78% 74% 78%
Break-even Load Factor.................. 72% 68% 65% 62% 57%
Operating Margin........................ 21% 22% 25% 23% 31%
</TABLE>
______________________
(a) For the purposes of calculating Cost per ASM, costs for fiscal 2002 through
fiscal 2004 include the costs of Ryanair's charter operations, but not the
revenues or seat miles of such charter operations. The costs and revenues of all
other ancillary services are also excluded in calculating these measures.
Ryanair ceased its charter operations in April 2003.
(b) Total Break-even Load Factor is calculated on the basis of total costs and
revenues, including the costs and revenues from all ancillary services.
6
RISK FACTORS
Risks Related to the Company
Changes in Fuel Costs and Fuel Availability Affect the Company's Results
Jet fuel costs are subject to wide fluctuations as a result of many
economic and political factors and events occurring throughout the world that
Ryanair can neither control nor accurately predict, including increases in
demand, sudden disruptions in and other concerns about global supply, as well as
market speculation. Fuel prices increased substantially in fiscal years 2007 and
2006 and are currently close to historically high levels, which has had a
significant impact on Ryanair's costs, and in turn, on its operating results. As
international prices for jet fuel are denominated in U.S. dollars, Ryanair's
fuel costs are also subject to certain exchange rate risks. Substantial price
increases, adverse exchange rates or the unavailability of adequate supplies,
including, without limitation, any such events resulting from prolonged
hostilities in the Middle East or other oil-producing regions, or the suspension
of production by any significant producer, could have a material adverse effect
on Ryanair's profitability. A fuel shortage resulting from a disruption of oil
imports or otherwise could result additional increases in fuel prices or a
curtailment of scheduled services.
While Ryanair had historically entered into arrangements providing for
substantial protection against fluctuations in fuel prices, generally through
forward contracts covering 12-18 months of anticipated jet fuel requirements, in
light of the significant increases in oil prices in recent years, Ryanair now
enters into any such hedging arrangements on a more selective basis. At August
31, 2007, Ryanair had entered into forward jet fuel (jet kerosene) contracts
covering approximately 90% of its estimated requirements for the period from
September 2007 through March 2008 at prices equivalent to approximately $65 per
barrel of Brent crude oil. Ryanair has not otherwise entered into material
agreements to seek to fix the price of a material quantity of fuel. As a result
of Ryanair's decision to be more selective in entering into new hedging
arrangements, the Company may be more exposed to risks arising from fluctuations
in the price of fuel, especially in light of recent significant increases. There
can be no assurance that Ryanair's current or any future such arrangements will
be adequate to protect Ryanair from further increases in the price of fuel, or
that fuel prices will decline from their current historically high levels any
time in the near future. See "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk-Fuel Price Exposure and Hedging."
Based upon Ryanair's fuel consumption for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007, a change of one U.S. cent in the average annual price per gallon of
aviation fuel would have caused a change of approximately EUR3 million in the
Company's annual fuel costs. Ryanair's fuel costs in the fiscal year ended March
31, 2007, after giving effect to the Company's fuel hedging activities,
increased by 49.9% over the comparable period ended March 31, 2006, to EUR693.3
million, primarily due to the increase in the average price of fuel, an increase
in the number of sectors flown and the average sector length as a result of the
expansion of Ryanair's fleet and route network, offset in part by improvements
in fuel burn per hour due to the increasing use of wingleted aircraft and the
positive impact on fuel costs of the strengthening of the euro against the
dollar. Ryanair estimates that its fuel cost would have been approximately
EUR639.6 million in fiscal year 2007, compared to EUR456.4 million in fiscal
2006 (excluding de-icing costs of EUR4.7 million in 2007 and EUR6.1 million in
2006) had Ryanair not had any hedging arrangements in place. Because of
Ryanair's low-fares policy, its ability to pass on increased fuel costs to
passengers through increased fares or otherwise is somewhat limited. Moreover,
the anticipated substantial expansion of Ryanair's fleet will result in a
substantial increase, in absolute terms, in Ryanair's aggregate fuel costs.
7
Terrorism in the United Kingdom or Elsewhere in Europe Could Have a Material
Detrimental Effect on the Company
On August 10, 2006, U.K. security authorities arrested and subsequently
charged eight individuals in connection with a plot to attack aircraft operating
on transatlantic routes. As a result of these arrests, U.K. authorities
introduced increased security measures which resulted in all passengers being
body searched, and banned the transportation in carry-on baggage of certain
liquids and gels. The introduction of these measures led to passengers suffering
severe delays while passing through these airport security checks. As a result,
Ryanair cancelled 279 flights in the days following the incident and refunded a
total of EUR2.7 million in fares to approximately 40,000 passengers. In the days
following the arrests, Ryanair also suffered reductions in bookings estimated to
have resulted in a loss of an additional approximately EUR1.9 million in
revenue. As in the past, the Company reacted to these adverse events by
initiating system-wide fare sales to stimulate demand for air travel.
On September 1, 2006, Ryanair filed a claim for EUR4.6 million in
compensation against the U.K. Department of Transport under section 93 of the
U.K. Transport Act 2000. Section 93 of the act provides for compensation for
airlines in cases in which the department has issued directions under the act
that have lead to financial damages to the airlines. The case is to be heard in
the London High Court. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in its legal action or in obtaining any compensation in connection
with its claims.
On August 14, 2006, the U.K. security authorities reduced the level of
security searches and at the same time introduced additional baggage
restrictions in relation to the size of baggage that can be stowed in aircraft
cabins. Passengers have suffered delays on an ongoing basis as a result of
increased security measures and carry-on baggage restrictions.
In addition, reservations on Ryanair's flights to London dropped materially
for a number of days in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks in
London on July 7, 2005. Although the terrorist attack in Glasgow on June 30,
2007 (in which a car filled with explosives was driven into the doorway of
Glasgow airport) and the failed terrorist attacks in London on July 21, 2005 and
June 29, 2007 had no material impact on bookings, there can be no assurance that
future such attacks will not affect our passenger traffic. In fiscal 2007,
flights into and out of London accounted for 18.9 million, or approximately 44%,
of passengers traveling on the Company's network. In fiscal 2006 and 2005,
flights into and out of London accounted for 17.5 million passengers and 15.4
million passengers, respectively, or approximately 50% and 56%, respectively, of
passengers traveling on the Company's network.
Future acts of terrorism or significant terrorist threats, particularly in
London or other markets that are significant to Ryanair, could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's profitability or financial condition should the
public's willingness to travel to and from those markets be reduced as a result.
See also "Risks Related to the Airline Industry-The 2001 Terrorist Attacks on
the United States Had a Severe Negative Impact on the International Airline
Industry."
The Company is Subject to Legal Proceedings Alleging Unlawful State Aid at
Certain Airports
In December 2002, the European Commission announced the launch of an
investigation into the April 2001 agreement between Ryanair and Brussels
(Charleroi) airport and the airport's owner, the government of the Walloon
Region of Belgium which enabled the Company to launch new routes and base up to
four aircraft at Brussels (Charleroi).
In February 2004, the European Commission found that a portion of the
arrangements between Ryanair, the airport and the region constituted illegal
state aid, and therefore ordered Ryanair to repay the amount of the benefit
received in connection with those arrangements. In May 2004, Ryanair appealed
the decision of the European Commission to the European Court of First Instance,
requesting that the decision be annulled. Ryanair is still waiting for the court
to schedule a hearing.
8
In addition, in April 2004, the Walloon Region wrote to Ryanair requesting
repayment of all amounts that had been deemed illegal, although it acknowledged
Ryanair's right to offset against these amounts certain costs incurred in
relation to the establishment of the base, in accordance with the European
Commission's decision. In September 2004, the Walloon Region issued a formal
demand that Ryanair repay a total of approximately EUR4 million, excluding any
interest that may be due. Ryanair believes that no repayment is due when such
offsets are taken into account, although it has placed this amount in escrow
pending the outcome of its appeal.
In May 2005, the Walloon Region initiated a new proceeding currently
pending before the Irish High Court to recover a further EUR2.3 million in
start-up costs that had been reimbursed to Ryanair in connection with its
establishment of the base. Ryanair does not believe any such payment is due and
is currently defending the action. For additional details on this matter, please
see "Item 8. Financial Information--Other Financial Information--Legal
Proceedings."
On September 6, 2005, the European Commission announced new guidelines on
the financing of airports and provision of start-up aid to airlines by certain
publicly owned airports based on the European Commission's finding in the
Charleroi case. See "Item 8. Financial Information-Consolidated Financial
Information-Legal Proceedings."
In an unrelated, though similar, matter, in July 2003, a Strasbourg court
ruled (on the basis of a complaint by the Air France Group ("Air France")) that
marketing support granted by the Strasbourg Chamber of Commerce to Ryanair in
connection with its launch of services from Strasbourg to London (Stansted)
constituted unlawful state aid. The judgment took effect on September 24, 2003
and was upheld on the initial appeal. Ryanair appealed this decision to the
French Administrative Supreme Court (Conseil d'Etat) on the basis that the
marketing support granted was not state aid. In February 2006, the Conseil
d'Etat rejected this appeal and no further appeal can be filed. As a result of
the initial decision of the Strasbourg court to annul Ryanair's contract with
Strasbourg Airport, Ryanair decided to close the Strasbourg route and instead
opened a route from Baden-Karlsruhe in Germany to London (Stansted) (Baden
airport is located some 40 kilometers from Strasbourg).
Ryanair is facing similar legal challenges by third parties with respect to
agreements with certain other airports. In July 2006, a local court in Germany
required the City of Lubeck to disclose to a competing German airline operating
out of the main airport in Hamburg details of an agreement between Hamburg
Lubeck Airport and Ryanair. However, the ruling does not affect Ryanair's costs
at Lubeck Airport, as the airport was subsequently acquired by a private owner
who is offering the same arrangements to Ryanair and all other airlines. There
have also been complaints by competitors regarding Ryanair's arrangements with
Shannon Airport, Alghero Airport and Frankfurt Hahn Airport. In July 2007, the
European Commission announced that it had started investigations of airport
agreements at the Lubeck, Tampere, Berlin (Schonefeld) and Dortmund airports.
Ryanair has relatively limited operations to and from the first three airports
and does not operate flights to or from Dortmund.
Adverse rulings in these or similar cases could be used as precedents by
other competitors to challenge Ryanair's agreements with other publicly owned
airports and could cause Ryanair to strongly reconsider its growth strategy in
relation to public or state-owned airports across Europe. This could in turn
lead to a scaling-back of Ryanair's growth strategy due to the smaller number of
privately-owned airports available for development. No assurance can be given as
to the outcome of these proceedings, nor as to whether any unfavorable outcomes
may, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
results of operation or financial condition of the Company.
The Company Faces Significant Price and Other Pressures in a Highly Competitive
Environment
Ryanair operates in a highly competitive marketplace, with a large number
of new entrants, traditional airlines and charter airlines competing throughout
the route network.
9
Airlines compete primarily with respect to fare levels, frequency and
dependability of service, name recognition, passenger amenities (such as access
to frequent flyer programs) and the availability and convenience of other
passenger services. Unlike Ryanair, certain of Ryanair's competitors are
state-owned or controlled flag carriers and in some cases may have greater name
recognition and resources and may have received or may receive in the future
significant amounts of subsidies and other state aid from their respective
governments. In addition, negotiations between the EU and the United States on a
comprehensive "open skies" agreement could result in the removal of current
barriers to the entry of U.S. carriers into the intra-EU market. See "Item 4.
Information on the Company-Government Regulation-Liberalization of the EU Air
Transportation Market."
The airline industry is highly susceptible to price discounting, in part
because airlines incur very low marginal costs for providing service to
passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats. The number of new-entrant low-fares
airlines and traditional carriers offering lower, more competitive fares in
direct competition with Ryanair across its route network has increased
significantly as a result of the liberalization of the EU air transport market
and greater public acceptance of the low-fares model. Increasing price
competition and the resulting lower fares, combined with the continuing
increases in the Company's capacity in recent years (including an increase of
approximately 23% during fiscal 2007) have combined to put downward pressure on
the Company's yields. Ryanair's yield per ASM decreased by 8.6% in fiscal year
2006 and increased by 1.7% in fiscal year 2007.
Although Ryanair intends to compete vigorously and to assert its rights
against any predatory pricing or other conduct, price competition among airlines
could reduce the level of fares or passenger traffic on the Company's routes to
the point where profitable levels of operations may not be achieved.
In addition to traditional competition among airline companies and charter
operators who have entered the "low fares" market, the industry also faces
competition from ground (including high speed rail systems such as the "TGV" in
France) and sea transportation alternatives as businesses and recreational
travelers seek lower-cost substitutes for air travel.
The Company Will Incur Significant Costs Acquiring New Aircraft
Ryanair's continued growth is dependent upon its ability to acquire
additional aircraft to meet additional capacity needs and to replace aging
aircraft.
Ryanair expects to have at least 163 aircraft (assuming that the planned
disposal of six such aircraft is completed on schedule) in its fleet by March
31, 2008. With the Company's current orders for aircraft it is obligated to buy
(or "firm" orders) under its contracts with The Boeing Company ("Boeing"), the
Company expects to increase the size of its fleet to consist of 262 Boeing
737-800 "next generation" aircraft by December 2012 (assuming that the planned
disposal of 46 such aircraft is completed on schedule), and may elect to enlarge
its fleet further by exercising any of the 110 options to purchase new aircraft
it currently has for periods through fiscal 2014 under its agreements with
Boeing. For additional information on the Company's aircraft fleet and expansion
plans, see "Item 4. Information on the Company-Aircraft" and "Item 5. Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects--Liquidity and Capital Resources." There can
be no assurance that this planned expansion will not outpace the growth of
passenger traffic on Ryanair's routes, or that traffic growth will not prove to
be greater than the expanded fleet can accommodate; in either case, such
developments could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition.
Ryanair plans to finance its existing firm-order aircraft through a
combination of new bank loan facilities supported by a guarantee from the
Export-Import Bank of the United States and similar to those already in place,
bank debt provided by commercial bankers, operating and finance leases via
sale-and-leaseback transactions, Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates and cash
flow generated from the Company's operations.
10
However, no assurance can be given that such financing will be available to
Ryanair, or that the terms of any such financing will be favorable. Any
inability of the Company to obtain financing for the new aircraft on
advantageous terms could have a material adverse effect on its business, results
of operations and financial condition. In addition, the financing of new and
existing Boeing 737-800 aircraft has already and will continue to significantly
increase the total amount of the Company's outstanding debt and the payments it
is obliged to make to service such debt. Furthermore, Ryanair's ability to draw
down funds under its existing bank loan facilities to pay for aircraft as they
are delivered is subject to various conditions imposed by the counterparties to
the bank loan facilities and related loan guarantees, and any future financing
is expected to be subject to similar conditions. The Company currently has a
preliminary commitment from the Export Import Bank of the United States to
provide a loan guarantee covering 45 of the 171 firm-order aircraft and a final
commitment covering 15 aircraft. The company is currently assessing proposals
for financing aircraft due for delivery in the medium term through various
structures including sale-and-leaseback transactions, financial leases and
commercial debt. For additional details on Ryanair's financings, see "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Liquidity and Capital Resources."
In addition, Ryanair is dependent on its contracts with Boeing for the
acquisition of the additional aircraft needed to implement its expansion plans.
A strike by Boeing machinists halted Boeing's aircraft assembly operations for
most of the month of September 2005, resulting in the delay of certain aircraft
deliveries to the Company and minor modifications to the Company's operating
schedule in September and October 2005. See "Item 4. Information on the
Company-Aircraft" for additional information. As a result of the strike, which
terminated on September 29, 2005, scheduled aircraft deliveries for the period
through April 2007 were affected, the retirement of some of the Company's Boeing
737-200s and the launch of certain routes were delayed and the Company was
required to lease additional aircraft capacity between January and April 2006 at
a cost of EUR5.6 million. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-Aircraft."
The Company's Rapid Growth May Expose it to Risks
Ryanair's operations have grown rapidly since it pioneered the low-fares
operating model in Europe in the early 1990s. See "Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects--History." During fiscal year 2007, Ryanair
announced 149 new routes and extended its operations to five new countries,
adding destinations in Croatia, Hungary, Malta, Morocco and Slovenia from
airports in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. Ryanair intends
to continue to expand its fleet and add new destinations and additional flights
to its schedule, which are expected to increase Ryanair's scheduled passenger
volumes in fiscal year 2008 to approximately 50 million passengers, an increase
of approximately 19% over fiscal year 2007 level of approximately 42 million
passengers, although no assurance can be given that these targets will in fact
be met. If growth in passenger traffic and Ryanair's revenues do not keep pace
with the planned expansion of its fleet, Ryanair could suffer from overcapacity
and its results of operations and financial condition (including its ability to
fund scheduled aircraft purchases and related debt) could be materially
adversely affected. Ryanair has also entered into significant derivative
transactions intended to hedge its current aircraft acquisition-related debt
obligations. These derivative transactions expose Ryanair to certain risks that
could have an adverse effect on its results of operations and financial
condition. See "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk."
The expansion of Ryanair's fleet and operations, in addition to other
factors, may also strain existing management resources and related operational,
financial, management information and information technology systems, including
its internet-based reservation system, to the point that they may no longer be
adequate to support Ryanair's operations. This would require Ryanair to make
significant additional expenditures. This expansion will also require additional
skilled personnel, equipment facilities and systems. An inability to hire
skilled personnel or to secure the required equipment and facilities efficiently
and in a cost-effective manner may adversely affect Ryanair's ability to achieve
growth plans and sustain or increase its profitability.
11
Ryanair's New Routes and Expanded Operations may have an Adverse Financial
Impact on its Results
Currently, a substantial number of low-fares carriers operate routes that
compete with the Company's and Ryanair expects to face further intense
competition. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-Industry Overview--European
Market."
When Ryanair commences new routes, its load factors initially tend to be
lower than those on its established routes and its advertising and other
promotional costs tend to be higher, which may result in initial losses that
could have a material negative impact on the Company's results of operations as
well as require a substantial amount of cash to fund. In addition, there can be
no assurance that Ryanair's low-fares service will be accepted on new routes.
Ryanair also periodically runs special promotional fare campaigns, in particular
in connection with the opening of new routes. Promotional fares may have the
effect of increasing load factors and reducing Ryanair's yield and passenger
revenues on such routes during the period that they are in effect. See "Item 4.
Information on the Company-Route System, Scheduling and Fares." Ryanair expects
to have other substantial cash needs as it expands, including cash required to
fund aircraft purchases or aircraft deposits related to the acquisition of
additional Boeing 737-800s. There can be no assurance that the Company will have
sufficient cash to fund such projects, and to the extent Ryanair may be unable
to expand its route system successfully, its future revenue and earnings growth
would in turn be limited.
Ryanair's Continued Growth is Dependent on Access to Suitable Airports; Charges
for Airport Access are Subject to Increase
Airline traffic at certain European airports is regulated by a system of
"grandfather" rights in relation to "slot" allocations. Each slot represents
authorization to take-off and land at the particular airport during a specified
time period. Although the majority of Ryanair's bases of operations currently
have no slot allocations, traffic at 33 of the airports Ryanair serves,
including its bases at Dublin, London (Stansted), Milan (Bergamo), Barcelona
(Girona), Rome (Ciampino) and Madrid, is currently regulated through slot
allocations. In addition, the airports in Bristol, Alicante and Valencia that
Ryanair plans to use as new bases of operations beginning in the Fall of 2007
are regulated through slot allocations. Applicable EU regulations currently
prohibit the buying or selling of slots for cash, and there is no assurance that
Ryanair will be able to obtain a sufficient number of slots at slot-controlled
airports that it may wish to serve in the future at the time it needs them or on
acceptable terms. There can also be no assurance that its non-slot bases or the
other airports Ryanair serves will continue to operate without slot allocations
in the future. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-Government
Regulation-Slots." Airports may impose other operating restrictions such as
curfews, limits on aircraft noise levels, mandatory flight paths, runway
restrictions and limits on the number of average daily departures. Such
restrictions may limit the ability of Ryanair to provide service to or increase
service at such airports.
Ryanair's future growth is also materially dependent on its ability to
access suitable airports located in its targeted geographic markets at costs
that are consistent with Ryanair's low-fares strategy. Any condition that
denies, limits or delays Ryanair's access to airports it serves or seeks to
serve in the future would constrain Ryanair's ability to grow. A change in the
terms of Ryanair's access to these facilities or any increase in the relevant
charges paid by Ryanair as a result of the expiration or termination of such
arrangements and Ryanair's failure to renegotiate comparable terms or rates
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and
results of operations. For example, in March 2007 the discount arrangement
formerly in place at London Stansted airport terminated, subjecting Ryanair to
an average increase in charges of approximately 100%. The increase in this
charge will be passed on in the form of a higher cost of travel and Ryanair
expects it to have a negative impact on yields and passenger volumes. In
addition, in September 2006, the Dublin Airport Authority ("DAA") announced that
it was planning to build a new terminal (Terminal 2) at Dublin airport at a cost
of approximately EUR400 million and spend approximately another EUR400 mllion on
upgrading the existing Terminal 1. This capital expenditure will mean that
charges at Dublin Airport will increase significantly, possibly doubling from
their current level. Ryanair plans to seek a judicial review of the planning
approval for the new approval. However there can be no assurance that this
appeal will be successful. The doubling of airport charges, in the event of the
failure of a judicial review, could have an adverse impact on yields and
passenger volumes at Dublin Airport. See "Item 4. Information on the
Company-Airport Operations-Airport Charges See also "-The Company Is Subject to
Legal Proceedings Alleging Unlawful State Aid at Certain Airports."
12
The Company's Acquisition of 29.4% of Aer Lingus and Subsequent Failure to
Conclude a Complete Acquisition of Aer Lingus Could Expose the Company to Risk
During the year ended March 31, 2007, Ryanair acquired 25.2% of Aer Lingus,
and subsequent to the year end Ryanair increased its stake by a further 4.2%,
taking Ryanair's shareholding to 29.4% at September 20, 2007, at a total cost of
EUR396.5 million. Following the approval of Ryanair shareholders, Ryanair made
an offer to acquire the entire share capital of Aer Lingus. This acquisition
proposal was, however, blocked by the European Commission on alleged competition
grounds. Notwithstanding the appeal filed by Ryanair in the European Court of
First Instance in relation to this EU decision, there can be no assurance that
the European Commission will not, at some future date, supplement its existing
decision and, in fact, oblige Ryanair to sell its existing 29.4% stake in Aer
Lingus. The EU Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes, said on June 27, 2007
that, as Ryanair did not exert de facto control over Aer Lingus, the European
Commission was not at the current time in a position to require Ryanair to
divest its minority shareholding, the policy of the European Commission may
change in the future so as to require such a forced disposition. If forced to
dispose of its stake in Aer Lingus, Ryanair could suffer significant losses due
to the negative share price impact of the sale of such a significant portion of
Aer Lingus' shares.
Labor Relations Could Expose the Company to Risk
A variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the Company's recent
profitability, may make it more difficult to maintain its current base salary
levels and current employee productivity and compensation arrangements.
Consequently, there can be no assurance that Ryanair's existing employee
compensation arrangements may not be subject to change or modification at any
time.
In line with Ryanair's fleet replacement program, the Company completed the
retirement of all of its Boeing 737-200A aircraft based in Dublin from the fleet
in December 2005 and replaced them with Boeing 737-800 aircraft. As a result of
the retirement of the Boeing 737-200A aircraft, Ryanair has required its pilots
who lacked the necessary training to undergo a conversion training process to
enable them to fly the new Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Starting in the Fall of
2004, Ryanair made a number of written offers to its Dublin-based pilots to
enable them to participate in a re-training process in order to obtain the
correct type-rating for flying the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. After rejecting a
series of offers, all of these pilots have now been trained on the Boeing
737-800 aircraft, either by paying in advance the EUR15,000 cost of the
conversion training, or by executing a five-year bond, under which the training
is provided free of charge unless the pilots do not maintain their employment
with Ryanair for a period of at least five years, in which case they are
obligated to reimburse Ryanair for the training costs. However, some of these
pilots are at the same time challenging the terms of these bonds before the
Irish Labour Relations Commission and the Irish Labour Court. The initial Labour
Court decision was successfully overturned in a Supreme Court decision on
February 1, 2007, the case has now been referred back to the Labour Court for a
rehearing. In separate proceedings, 64 of these pilots (only 26 of whom remain
in the Company's employment) have also initiated proceedings before the Irish
High Court, claiming that the terms of the bond infringed their freedom of
association rights and their right to allow trade unions to negotiate on their
behalf.
While Ryanair believes these court proceedings to be without merit and is
contesting the pilots' claims, Ryanair could face potential sanctions in an
amount up to a maximum of twice the annual salary of the pilots involved if the
Labour Relations Commission ruled in favor of the pilots. With respect to the
Irish High Court proceedings, Ryanair estimates that damages up to a total of
EUR100,000 could be awarded to each pilot. The pilots involved in these
proceedings and currently employed by Ryanair represent 1.8% of the total
Ryanair pilot workforce. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in defending against these claims.
13
Ryanair currently negotiates with groups of employees, including its
pilots, through "Employee Representation Committees," regarding pay, work
practices and conditions of employment, including conducting formal binding
negotiations with these internally elected collective bargaining units. Ryanair
considers its relationship with its employees to be good, although the Company
has once in the past (in 1998) experienced work stoppages by a small group of
its Dublin based baggage handlers. In addition, in the United Kingdom, the
British Airline Pilots Association ("BALPA") in 2001 unsuccessfully sought to
represent Ryanair's U.K.-based pilots in their negotiations with the Company.
BALPA may request that a new ballot on representation be undertaken among
Ryanair's U.K. pilot body, which, if successful, would allow the U.K. pilots to
be represented by BALPA in negotiations over pilot salaries and working
conditions. For additional details, see "Item 6. Directors, Senior
Management and Employees-Employees and Labor Relations."
If any future occurrence of such events were to alter Ryanair's historical
experience of flexibility in dealing with employees or were to alter the
public's perception of Ryanair generally, it could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company is Dependent on the Ireland-U.K. Market
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, passengers on Ryanair's
routes between Ireland and the U.K. accounted for 15.4% and 18.0%, respectively,
of total passenger revenues, with routes between Dublin and London accounting
for 4.9% and 9.3%, respectively, of total passenger revenues in fiscal 2007 and
2006, and the Dublin-London (Stansted) route alone accounting for 2.4% and 3.4%
of such totals, respectively. Ryanair's business would be adversely affected by
any circumstance causing a reduction in general demand for air transportation
services in Ireland or the U.K., including, but not limited to, adverse changes
in local economic conditions, political disruptions or violence (including
terrorism) or significant price increases linked to increases in airport access
costs or taxes imposed on air passengers. See "-Risks Related to the Airline
Industry-The 2001 Terrorist Attacks on the United States Had a Severe Negative
Impact on the International Airline Industry" below. In addition, so long as the
Company's operations remain dependent on routes between Ireland and the U.K.,
the Company's future operations will be adversely affected if there is increased
competition in this market. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-Industry
Overview-Ireland-U.K. and Continental European Market."
The Company is Dependent on Third-Party Service Providers
Ryanair currently contracts some of its heavy airframe maintenance
overhauls, and all of its engine overhauls and "rotable" repairs to outside
contractors approved under the terms of Part 145, the European airline industry
standard for maintenance. The Company also contracts its passenger and aircraft
handling and ground handling services at airports other than Dublin and those
served by Ryanair in Spain to established third-party providers. See "Item 4.
Information on the Company-Maintenance and Repairs-Heavy Maintenance" and "Item
4. Information on the Company-Airport Operations--Airport Handling Services."
The loss or expiration of any of Ryanair's third-party service contracts or
any inability to renew them or negotiate replacement contracts with other
service providers at comparable rates could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations. Ryanair will need to enter into airport
services agreements in any new markets it enters, and there can be no assurance
that it will be able to obtain the necessary facilities and services at
competitive rates in new markets. In addition, although Ryanair seeks to monitor
the performance of third parties that provide passenger and aircraft handling
services, the efficiency, timeliness and quality of contract performance by
third-party providers are largely beyond Ryanair's direct control. Ryanair
expects to be dependent on such third-party arrangements for the foreseeable
future.
14
The Company is Dependent on Key Personnel
The Company's success depends to a significant extent upon the efforts and
abilities of its senior management team, including Michael O'Leary, the Chief
Executive of Ryanair, and key financial, commercial, operating and maintenance
personnel. Mr. O'Leary's current contract may be terminated by either party upon
12 months' notice. See "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and
Employees-Compensation of Directors and Senior Management-Employment
Agreements." The Company's success also depends on the ability of its executive
officers and other members of senior management to operate and manage
effectively both independently and as a group. Although the Company's employment
agreements with Mr. O'Leary and its other senior executives contain
non-competition and non-disclosure provisions, there can be no assurance that
these provisions will be enforceable in whole or in part. Competition for highly
qualified personnel is intense, and the loss of any executive officer, senior
manager or other key employee without adequate replacement or the inability to
attract new qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect upon the
Company's business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company Faces Risks Related to its Internet Reservations Operations
As of September 20, 2007, approximately 99% of Ryanair's daily flight
reservations were made through its website. Although the Company has established
a contingency program whereby the website is hosted in three separate locations,
each of these locations accesses the same booking engine, located at the single
center, in order to make reservations.
Ryanair has installed a stand-alone booking engine to support its existing
platform in the event of a breakdown in this facility. However, there can be no
assurance that Ryanair would not suffer a significant loss of reservations in
the event of a major breakdown of these systems, which, in turn, could have a
material adverse affect on the Company's operating results or financial
condition.
In addition, in March 2006, Ryanair also commenced its Check'N'Go web-based
check-in service, giving passengers with an EU passport traveling with hand
luggage only the opportunity to check-in online across its entire route network,
as part of a package of measures intended to improve service by reducing air
fares and check-in and boarding gate lines. See "Item 4. Information on the
Company-Reservations/Ryanair.Com." The Company has rolled this new system out
across its network, although passengers departing from Italy to the U.K. cannot
make use of the system because of a general prohibition by the Italian aviation
authority on such facilities for carriers flying to the U.K. Any disruptions to
the web check-in service as a result of a breakdown in the relevant computer
systems or otherwise could have a material adverse impact on these service
improvement efforts and make passengers less likely to use these services, and,
as a result, negatively affect the Company's operating results.
Risks Related to the Airline Industry
EU Regulation on Passenger Compensation Could Significantly Increase Related
Costs
The EU has passed legislation for compensating airline passengers who have
been denied boarding on a flight for which they hold a valid ticket (Regulation
(EC) No. 261/2004). This legislation, which came into force on February 17,
2005, imposes fixed levels of compensation to passengers for cancelled flights,
except when the airline can prove that such a cancellation is caused by
extraordinary circumstances, such as weather, air-traffic control delays or
safety issues. The regulation calls for compensation of either EUR250, EUR400 or
EUR600 per passenger, depending on the length of the flight. As Ryanair's
average flight length is less than 1,500 km-the upper limit for short-haul
flights-the amount payable is generally EUR250 per passenger, per occurrence.
15
Passengers subject to long delays (in excess of two hours for short-haul
flights) are also entitled to "assistance" including meals, drinks and telephone
calls, as well as hotel accommodation if the delay extends overnight. For delays
of over five hours, the airline is also required to reimburse the cost of the
ticket or provide alternative transport to the passenger's final destination.
This legislation has had no material impact on the Company to date; however,
there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur a significant increase
in costs in the future, due to the impact of this legislation, if Ryanair
experiences an increase in cancelled flights, which could occur as a result of
factors beyond its control.
Implementation of the Montreal Convention for Lost, Damaged or Delayed Luggage
Could Also Increase Costs
The Montreal Convention on the Unification of Certain Rules for
International Air Carriage was adopted in Montreal in May 1999. The Convention
consolidated, updated and has replaced all previous agreements on air carrier
liability, including the 1929 Warsaw Convention. The Convention came into force
in all EU countries on June 28, 2004. Passengers can now claim up to 1,000
Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) (currently approximately EUR1,167) for lost,
damaged or delayed luggage. Passengers submitting baggage claims will have to
provide evidence to back up these claims. This compares to the previous
weight-based compensation system under the 1929 Warsaw Convention, which limited
liability for lost, damaged or delayed luggage to 17 SDRs (currently
approximately EUR20) per kilogram of checked hold baggage.
Although Ryanair has a record for losing fewer bags than many other major
European carriers, and the Convention's coming into force has had no material
impact on the Company to date, there can be no assurance that the Company will
not incur a significant increase in costs in connection with lost baggage, which
could have an adverse effect on the Company's operating costs and in turn reduce
its profitability
The Company is Dependent on the Continued Acceptance of Low-fares Airlines
In past years, accidents or other safety-related incidents involving
certain low-fares airlines have had a negative impact on the public's acceptance
of those airlines. Any adverse event potentially relating to the safety or
reliability of low-fares airlines (including accidents or negative reports from
regulatory authorities) could adversely impact the public's perception of, and
confidence in, airlines like Ryanair and could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
The 2001 Terrorist Attacks on the United States Had a Severe Negative Impact on
the International Airline Industry
The terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, in which
four commercial aircraft were hijacked, had a severe negative impact on the
international airline industry, particularly on U.S. carriers and carriers
operating international service to and from the U.S. Although carriers such as
Ryanair that operate exclusively in Europe have generally been spared from such
material adverse impacts on their businesses to date, the cost to all commercial
airlines of insurance coverage for certain third-party liabilities arising from
"acts of war" or terrorism has increased dramatically since these attacks. See
"Item 4. Information on the Company-Insurance." In addition, Ryanair's insurers
have indicated that the scope of the Company's current act-of-war-related
insurance may exclude certain types of catastrophic incidents, such as
biological, chemical or "dirty bomb" attacks. This could result in the Company's
seeking alternative coverage, including government insurance or self-insurance,
which could lead to further increases in costs. Although Ryanair, to date, has
passed on the increased insurance costs to passengers by means of a special
"insurance levy" on each ticket, there can be no assurance that it will continue
to be successful in doing so. In response to the dramatic drop in revenue and
expected increases in costs, airlines in the U.S. and certain European carriers
with significant U.S. operations have sought, and in certain cases, already
received, governmental assistance in the form of financial aid, although Ryanair
has not sought or received any such aid. Ryanair does not fly to the United
States, and although it experienced a decline of approximately 10% in
reservations in the week following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the
number of flight bookings had returned to normal levels by the end of September
2001.
16
Because a substantial portion of airline travel (both business and
personal) is discretionary and because Ryanair is substantially dependent on
discretionary air travel, any prolonged general reduction in airline passenger
traffic may adversely affect the Company. Similarly, any significant increase in
expenses related to security, insurance or related costs could have a material
adverse effect on the Company. Any further terrorist attacks in the U.S. or in
Europe, particularly in London or other markets that are significant to Ryanair,
any significant new military actions by the U.S. and any allies (such as the
current war in Iraq) or any related economic downturn would be likely to have a
material adverse effect on demand for air travel and thus on Ryanair's business,
operating results and financial condition. See also "-Risks Related to the
Company-Further Terrorist Attacks in London and Other Destinations Could Have a
Detrimental Effect on the Company."
The Company Faces the Risk of Loss and Liability
Ryanair is exposed to potential catastrophic losses that may be incurred in
the event of an aircraft accident or terrorist incident. Any such accident or
incident could involve not only repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft and
its consequent temporary or permanent loss from service, but also significant
potential claims of injured passengers and others. Ryanair currently maintains
passenger liability insurance, employer liability insurance, aircraft insurance
for aircraft loss or damage and other business insurance in amounts per
occurrence that are consistent with industry standards. Although Ryanair
currently believes its insurance coverage is adequate, there can be no assurance
that the amount of such coverage will not need to be increased, that insurance
premiums will not increase significantly or that Ryanair will not be forced to
bear substantial losses from any accidents. Airline insurance costs increased
dramatically following the September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United
States. See "-The 2001 Terrorist Attacks on the United States Had a Severe
Negative Impact on the International Airline Industry" above. Substantial claims
resulting from an accident in excess of related insurance coverage could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition. Moreover, any aircraft accident, even if fully insured, could cause a
public perception that Ryanair's aircraft are less safe or reliable than those
operated by other airlines, which could have a material adverse effect on
Ryanair's business.
EU Regulation No. 2027/97, as amended by Regulation No. 889/2002, governs
air carrier liability. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-Insurance" for
details of this regulation. This regulation increased the potential exposure of
air carriers, such as Ryanair, and although Ryanair has extended its liability
insurance accordingly to meet the requirements of the regulation, no assurance
can be given that other laws, regulations or policies will not be applied,
modified or amended in a manner that has a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations.
Airline Industry Margins are Subject to Significant Uncertainty
The airline industry is characterized by high fixed costs and revenues that
generally exhibit substantially greater elasticity than costs. The operating
costs of each flight do not vary significantly with the number of passengers
flown and, therefore, a relatively small change in the number of passengers or
in fare pricing or traffic mix could have a disproportionate effect on operating
and financial results. Accordingly, a relatively minor shortfall from expected
revenue levels could have a material adverse effect on the Company's growth or
financial performance. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects." The very low marginal costs incurred for providing services to
passengers occupying otherwise unsold seats are also a factor in the industry's
high susceptibility to price discounting. See "-The Company Faces Significant
Price and Other Pressures in a Highly Competitive Environment" above.
17
Safety-Related Undertakings Could Affect the Company's Results
Aviation authorities in Europe and the United States periodically require
or suggest that airlines implement certain safety-related procedures on their
aircraft. In recent years, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (the "FAA")
has required a number of such procedures with regard to Boeing 737 aircraft,
including checks of rear pressure bulkheads and flight control modules, redesign
of the rudder control system and limitations on certain operating procedures.
Most recently the FAA and EASA required an inspection of all 737NG aircraft
following a fire on a China Air aircraft. Ryanair's policy is to implement any
such required procedures in accordance with FAA guidance, and to perform such
procedures in close collaboration with Boeing. To date, all such procedures have
been conducted as part of Ryanair's standard maintenance program and have not
interrupted flight schedules or required any material increases in Ryanair's
maintenance expenses. However, there can be no assurance that the FAA or other
regulatory authorities will not recommend or require other safety-related
undertakings or that such undertakings would not adversely impact the Company's
results of operations or financial condition.
There also can be no assurance that new regulations will not be implemented
in the future that would apply to Ryanair's aircraft and result in an increase
in Ryanair's cost of maintenance or other costs beyond management's current
estimates. In addition, should Ryanair's aircraft cease to be sufficiently
reliable or should any public perception develop that Ryanair's aircraft are
less than completely reliable, the Company's business could be materially
adversely affected.
Currency Fluctuations Affect the Company's Results
Although the Company is headquartered in Ireland, a significant portion of
its operations is conducted in the U.K. Consequently, the Company has operating
revenues and operating expenses, as well as assets and liabilities, denominated
in currencies other than the euro; for example, fuel, aircraft, insurance and
some maintenance obligations are denominated in U.S. dollars, and U.K.-related
revenues and expenses are denominated in U.K. pounds sterling. The Company's
results of operations and financial condition can therefore be significantly
affected by fluctuations in the respective values of those currencies. Ryanair's
operations are also subject to significant direct exchange rate risks between
the euro and the U.S. dollar because of the significant portion of its operating
costs incurred in U.S. dollars, as none of its revenues are denominated in U.S.
dollars. Although the Company engages in foreign currency hedging transactions
between the euro and the U.S. dollar, between the euro and sterling, and between
sterling and the U.S. dollar, hedging activities cannot be expected to eliminate
currency risks. See "Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Discussion About
Market Risk."
The Introduction of Carbon Taxes and Emissions Trading could have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company's Results
Ryanair is committed to reducing emissions and noise through investments in
"next generation" aircraft and engine technologies and the implementation of
certain operational and commercial decisions to minimize the environmental
impact of its operations.
However, the European Commission has forwarded proposals to the European
Parliament and the Council of Ministers to include air transportation in the
European Emissions Trading Scheme ("ETS") . The current proposals are to include
aviation in the ETS by 2011. Any such inclusion in the ETS is likely to result
in the imposition of an "emission levy" on airlines. Ryanair believes that any
such levy is likely to have a particularly disproportionate and unwarranted
impact on airlines such as Ryanair that have already heavily invested in cleaner
aircraft technology and more efficient operations, as they will have much less
ability to further reduce emissions in a cost effective manner. Ryanair believes
that any such additional costs imposed on airlines will increase fares and
damage the competitiveness of the industry.
Ryanair and the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) have called
on the European Commission to conduct a proper cost/benefit analysis before
proceeding with any legislative proposals that could impose significant costs on
the airline industry.
18
Furthermore, in February 2007 the United Kingdom doubled Air Passenger Duty
from GBP5 to GBP10 and announced that the increase was to pay for environmental
projects to reduce carbon emissions to prevent climate change. In
September 2007, the Dutch government announced the introduction of a EUR11.25
per passenger environmental tax on short haul flights and EUR45.00 on long haul
flights, effective from July 2008
Notwithstanding the fact that the "Stern Report" commissioned by the UK
government concluded that aviation is only responsible for 1.8% of Greenhouse
Gas Emissions ("GHG"), within the European Union, the European media continues
to feature sustained and repeated comments that the aviation industry is one of
the primary causes of GHG and climate change. There is also considerable media
commentary urging consumers to reduce the emissions that they generate by flying
by either not flying at all or, alternatively, by taking a lesser number of
flights per annum.
No assurance can be given that the application of the ETS to aviation, the
introduction of environmental or other similar taxes or charges by governments
within the European Union, or the impact of media campaigns to encourage
consumers either not to fly or to fly less frequently, either individually or in
the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of
operation or the financial condition of the Company.
Risks Related to Ownership of the Company's Ordinary Shares or ADRs
EU Rules Impose Restrictions on the Ownership of Ryanair Holdings' Ordinary
Shares by Non-EU Nationals, and the Company has Instituted a Ban on the Purchase
of Ordinary Shares by Non-EU Nationals
EU Regulation No. 2407/92 requires that, in order to obtain and retain an
operating license, an EU air carrier must be majority-owned and effectively
controlled by EU nationals. The regulation does not specify what level of share
ownership will confer effective control on a holder or holders of shares. The
board of directors of Ryanair Holdings is given certain powers under Ryanair
Holdings' articles of association (the "Articles") to take action to ensure that
the number of shares held in Ryanair Holdings by non-EU nationals ("Affected
Shares") does not reach a level that could jeopardize the Company's entitlement
to continue to hold or enjoy the benefit of any license, permit, consent or
privilege which it holds or enjoys and which enables it to carry on business as
an air carrier. The directors will, from time to time, set a "Permitted Maximum"
on the number of the Company's Ordinary Shares that may be owned by non-EU
nationals at such level as they believe will comply with EU law. The Permitted
Maximum is currently set at 49.9%.
In addition, under certain circumstances, the directors can take action to
safeguard the Company's ability to operate that include identifying those
shares, American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") or Affected Shares which give rise
to the need to take action and treat such shares, ADRs, or Affected Shares as
"Restricted Shares." The Board of Directors may, under certain circumstance,
deprive holders of Restricted Shares of their rights to attend, vote and speak
at general meetings, and/or require such holders to dispose of their Restricted
Shares to an EU national within as little as 21 days. The directors are also
given the power to transfer such shares themselves if the holder fails to
comply. In 2002, the Company also implemented measures to restrict the ability
of non-EU nationals to purchase Ordinary Shares, and non-EU nationals are
currently effectively barred from purchasing Ordinary Shares, and will remain so
for as long as these restrictions remain in place. There can be no assurance
that these restrictions will ever be lifted. See "Item 10. Additional
Information-Limitations on Share Ownership by Non-EU Nationals" for a detailed
discussion of the restrictions on share ownership and the current ban on share
purchases by non-EU nationals.
As of June 30, 2007, EU nationals owned at least 56.3% of Ryanair Holdings'
Ordinary Shares (assuming conversion of all outstanding ADRs into Ordinary
Shares).
19
Holders of Ordinary Shares are Currently Unable to Convert those Shares into
American Depository Shares
In an effort to increase the percentage of its share capital held by EU
nationals, on June 26, 2001, Ryanair Holdings instructed The Bank of New York,
the depositary for its American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") program, to suspend
the issuance of new ADSs in exchange for the deposit of Ordinary Shares until
further notice to its shareholders. Holders of Ordinary Shares cannot convert
their Ordinary Shares into ADRs during this suspension, and there can be no
assurance that the suspension will ever be lifted. See also "-EU Rules Impose
Restrictions on the Ownership of Ryanair Holdings' Ordinary Shares by Non-EU
nationals and the Company has Instituted a Ban on the Purchase of Ordinary
Shares by Non-EU Nationals" above.
The Company's Results of Operations May Fluctuate Significantly
The Company's results of operations have varied significantly from quarter
to quarter, and management expects these variations to continue. See "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Quarterly Fluctuations." Among the
factors causing these variations are the airline industry's sensitivity to
general economic conditions and the seasonal nature of air travel. Because a
substantial portion of airline travel (both business and personal) is
discretionary, the industry tends to experience adverse financial results during
general economic downturns. The Company is substantially dependent on
discretionary air travel.
The trading price of Ryanair Holdings' Ordinary Shares and ADRs may be
subject to wide fluctuations in response to quarterly variations in the
Company's operating results and operating results of other airlines. In
addition, the global stock markets from time to time experience extreme price
and volume fluctuations that affect the market prices of many airline company
stocks. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of
the Ordinary Shares and ADRs.
Ryanair Holdings Does Not Intend to Pay Dividends
Since its organization as the holding company for Ryanair in 1996, Ryanair
Holdings has not declared or paid dividends on its Ordinary Shares, and does not
anticipate paying any cash or share dividends on its Ordinary Shares in the
foreseeable future. See "Item 8. Financial Information-Other Financial
Information-Dividend Policy." As a holding company, Ryanair Holdings does not
have any material assets other than interests in the shares of Ryanair.
Item 4. Information on the Company
INTRODUCTION
The Company operates a low-fares scheduled passenger airline serving
short-haul, point-to-point routes between Ireland, the U.K., Continental Europe
and Morocco. In operation since 1985, the Company began to introduce a low-fares
operating model under a new management team in the early 1990s. See "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects--History." At August 31, 2007, with
its operating fleet of 137 new Boeing 737-800 "next generation" aircraft, the
Company offered more than 920 scheduled short-haul flights per day serving 125
locations throughout Europe and Morocco, including 24 in the U.K. and Ireland.
See "--Route System, Scheduling and Fares--Route System and Scheduling" for more
details of Ryanair's route network.
Offering widely-available low fares, Ryanair carried more than 37.5 million
passengers during calendar year 2006. On the basis of the U.K. Airports Annual
Statement of Movements, Passengers and Cargo (the "CAA Statistics") published by
the CAA in calendar year 2006, Ryanair had the leading market share (in terms of
passenger volume) on most of its scheduled routes between Ireland and provincial
cities in the U.K. and carried approximately 46% of all scheduled passenger
traffic between Dublin and London, a share favorably comparable to the
approximately 33% share of Aer Lingus, its primary competitor on its
U.K./Ireland routes. According to the CAA Statistics, Ryanair has also achieved
competitive market share results on the routes it launched from the U.K. to
continental Europe from the dates it began service on these routes.
20
By generating an average scheduled flown passenger load factor of
approximately 76% and average scheduled passenger yield of EUR0.059 per
available seat mile ("ASM") and focusing on maintaining low operating costs
(EUR0.054 per ASM), Ryanair achieved a net margin of 17.9% on operating revenues
of EUR2,236.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. See "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and the Glossary in Appendix A.
The market's acceptance of Ryanair's low fares service is reflected in the
"Ryanair Effect" - Ryanair's history of stimulating significant growth in annual
passenger traffic on the new routes it has entered since 1991. On the basis of
the CAA Statistics and statistics released by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (the "ICAO"), the number of scheduled airline passengers traveling
between Dublin and London increased from 1.7 million passengers in 1991 to 4.3
million passengers in calender 2006. Most international routes Ryanair has
entered since 1991 have recorded significant traffic growth in the period
following Ryanair's commencement of service, with Ryanair capturing the largest
portion of such growth on each such route. Although a variety of factors
contributed to this increase in air passenger traffic, including the relative
strength of the Irish, U.K. and European economies, management believes that the
most significant factor driving such growth across all its European routes has
been Ryanair's low fares policy and its delivery of better on-time flight
punctuality, lower levels of lost bags and fewer cancellations when compared to
its competitors.
The address of Ryanair Holdings' registered office is: c/o Ryanair Limited,
Corporate Head Office, Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland. The general
telephone number is +353-1-812-1212. Under its current Articles of Association,
Ryanair Holdings has an unlimited corporate duration.
STRATEGY
Ryanair's objective is to firmly establish itself as Europe's leading
scheduled passenger airline through continued improvements and expanded
offerings of its low-fares service. Ryanair aims to offer low fares that
generate increased passenger traffic while maintaining a continuous focus on
cost-containment and operating efficiencies. The key elements of Ryanair's
strategy are:
Low Fares. Ryanair's low fares are designed to stimulate demand,
particularly from fare-conscious leisure and business travelers who might
otherwise have used alternative forms of transportation or would not have
traveled at all. Ryanair sells seats on a one-way basis, thus eliminating
minimum stay requirements from all travel on Ryanair scheduled services,
regardless of fare. Ryanair sets fares on the basis of the demand for particular
flights and by reference to the period remaining to the date of departure of the
flight, with higher fares charged on flights with higher levels of demand for
bookings made nearer to the date of departure. Ryanair also periodically runs
special promotional fare campaigns. See "-Route System, Scheduling and Fares-Low
and Widely Available Fares" below.
Customer Service. Ryanair's strategy is to deliver the best customer service
performance in Europe. Customer service is defined by Ryanair as lowest fares,
best punctuality, fewest cancellations and least lost bags. According to reports
by the Association of European Airlines and the airlines' own published
statistics, Ryanair has achieved better punctuality, fewer lost bags and fewer
cancellations than all of the rest of its peer group in Europe. Ryanair achieves
this by focusing strongly on the execution of these services and by operating
from uncongested airports.
Frequent Point-to-Point Flights on Short-Haul Routes. Ryanair provides frequent
point-to-point service on short-haul routes to secondary and regional airports
in and around major population centers and travel destinations. In the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007, Ryanair flew an average route length of 621
kilometers and average flight duration of approximately 1.49 hours. Short-haul
routes allow Ryanair to offer frequent service, while eliminating the necessity
to provide "frill" services otherwise expected by customers on longer flights.
Point-to-point flying (as opposed to hub-and-spoke service) allows Ryanair to
offer direct, non-stop routes and avoid the costs of providing "through service"
for connecting passengers, including baggage transfer and transit passenger
assistance costs.
21
In choosing its routes, Ryanair favors uncongested airports with convenient
transportation to major population centers and regional airports. Secondary and
regional airports are generally less congested than major airports and, as a
result, can be expected to provide better rates of on-time departures, faster
turnaround times (the time an aircraft spends at a gate loading and unloading
passengers), fewer terminal delays and more competitive airport access and
handling costs. Ryanair's "on time" performance record (arrivals within 15
minutes of schedule) for calendar year 2006 was 85%, exceeding that of its
principal competitors, including Aer Lingus (approximately 79%), Air France
(approximately 80%), British Airways (approximately 70%), easyJet (approximately
73%), Lufthansa (approximately 81%), and SAS (approximately 79%), according to
Ryanair, Aer Lingus, easyJet and AEA published statistics for 2006. Faster
turnaround times are a key element in Ryanair's efforts to maximize aircraft
utilization. Ryanair's average scheduled turnaround time for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 was approximately 25 minutes. Secondary and regional
airports also generally do not maintain slot requirements or other operating
restrictions that can increase operating expenses and limit the number of
allowed take-offs and landings.
Low Operating Costs. Management believes that Ryanair's operating costs are
among the lowest of any European scheduled passenger airline. Ryanair strives to
reduce or control four of the primary expenses involved in running a major
scheduled airline: (i) aircraft equipment costs; (ii) personnel productivity;
(iii) customer service costs; and (iv) airport access and handling costs:
Aircraft Equipment Costs. Ryanair's primary strategy for controlling
aircraft acquisition costs is to narrow its fleet of aircraft to a single
type. Ryanair completed the retirement of its Boeing 737-200As in December
2005 and currently operates a single fleet type of "next generation" Boeing
737-800s. Although Ryanair's acquisition of the 737-800s has already and
will continue to significantly increase the size of its fleet and thus
significantly increase its aircraft equipment and related costs (both on an
aggregate and per-aircraft basis), the purchase of aircraft from a single
manufacturer enables it to limit the costs associated with personnel
training, maintenance and the purchase and storage of spare parts, as well
as affording greater flexibility in the scheduling of crews and equipment.
Management also believes that the terms of its Boeing contracts are very
favorable to Ryanair. See "--Aircraft" below for additional information on
Ryanair's fleet.
Personnel Productivity. Ryanair endeavors to control its labor costs by
seeking to continually improve the productivity of its already
highly-productive work force. Compensation for employees emphasizes
productivity-based pay incentives, including commissions for on-board sales
of products for flight attendants and payments based on the number of hours
or sectors flown by pilots and flight attendants within limits set by
industry standards or regulations fixing maximum working hours, as well as
participation in Ryanair's stock option programs.
Customer Service Costs. Ryanair has entered into agreements on competitive
terms with third-party contractors at certain airports for passenger and
aircraft handling, ticketing and other services that management believes
can be more cost-efficiently provided by third parties. Management attempts
to obtain competitive rates for such services by negotiating fixed-price
multi-year contracts. The development of its own internet booking facility
and reservations center has allowed Ryanair to eliminate travel agent
commissions. Ryanair generates virtually all of its scheduled passenger
revenues through direct sales over its website and direct telephone
reservations.
22
Airport Access and Handling Costs. Ryanair attempts to control airport
access and service charges by focusing on airports that offer competitive
cost terms. Management believes that Ryanair's record of delivering a
consistently high volume of passenger traffic growth at many of these
airports has allowed it to negotiate favorable contracts with such airports
for access to their facilities. Ryanair further endeavors to reduce its
airport charges by opting, when practicable, for less expensive gate
locations as well as outdoor boarding stairs rather than more expensive
jetways.
Taking Advantage of the Internet. In 2000, Ryanair converted its host
reservation system to a new system called Flightspeed, which it operates under a
10-year hosting agreement with Accenture Open Skies ("Open Skies"). As part of
the implementation of the new reservation system, Open Skies developed an
internet booking facility called Skylights. The Skylights system allows internet
users to access Ryanair's host reservation system and to make and pay for
confirmed reservations in real time through Ryanair's Ryanair.com website. Since
the launch of the Skylights system, Ryanair has heavily promoted its website
through newspaper, radio and television advertising. As a result, internet
bookings have grown rapidly, accounting for approximately 99% of all
reservations on a daily basis as of September 2007. In addition, in March 2006,
Ryanair also commenced its Check'N'Go web-based check-in service, giving
passengers with an EU passport traveling with hand luggage only the opportunity
to check in online across most of its route network.
Commitment to Safety and Quality Maintenance. Ryanair's commitment to
safety is the primary priority of the Company and its management. This
commitment begins with the hiring and training of Ryanair's pilots, flight
attendants and maintenance personnel and includes a policy of maintaining its
aircraft in accordance with the highest European airline industry standards.
Ryanair has not had a single incident involving major injury to passengers or
flight crew in its 22-year operating history. Although Ryanair seeks to maintain
its fleet in a cost-effective manner, management does not seek to extend
Ryanair's low-cost operating strategy to the areas of safety, maintenance,
training or quality assurance. Routine aircraft maintenance and repair services
are performed at Dublin, London (Stansted and Luton), Barcelona (Girona),
Madrid, Pisa, Bremen, Dusseldorf (Weeze), East Midlands Nottingham, Shannon and
Cork by Ryanair and, at other airports, by maintenance contractors approved
under the terms of Part 145, the European airline industry standard for
maintenance. Ryanair currently contracts with third parties who perform heavy
airframe maintenance, engine overhaul services and rotable repairs. These
contractors also provide similar services to a number of other airlines,
including British Airways and Aer Lingus. Ryanair assigns a Part 145 certified
mechanic to oversee heavy maintenance and authorize engine overhauls performed
by third parties.
Enhancement of Operating Results through Ancillary Services. Ryanair
provides various ancillary services and engages in other activities connected
with its core air passenger service, including non-flight scheduled services,
the in-flight sale of beverages, food and merchandise and internet-related
services. As part of its non-flight and internet-related services, Ryanair
distributes accommodation services and travel insurance as well as car rentals
principally through its website. Management believes that providing these
services through the internet allows Ryanair to increase sales, while at the
same time reducing costs on a per-unit basis.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, ancillary services accounted for
16.2% of Ryanair's total operating revenues, as compared to 15.3% of such
revenues in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. See "-Ancillary Services"
below and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Results of
Operations-Fiscal Year 2007 Compared with Fiscal Year 2006-Ancillary Revenues"
for additional information.
Focused Criteria for Growth. Building on its success in the Ireland-U.K.
market and its expansion of service to continental Europe and Morocco, Ryanair
intends to follow a manageable growth plan targeting specific markets. Ryanair
believes it will have opportunities for continued growth by: (i) initiating
additional routes in the EU and in countries party to a European Common Aviation
Agreement with the EU that are currently served by higher-cost, higher-fare
carriers; (ii) increasing the frequency of service on its existing routes; (iii)
starting new domestic routes within EU countries; (iv) considering acquisition
opportunities that may become available in the future; (v) connecting airports
within its existing route network ("triangulation"); (vi) establishing more new
bases in continental Europe; and (vii) initiating new routes not currently
served by any carrier.
23
During the year ended March 31, 2007, Ryanair shareholders approved the decision
to purchase the entire share capital of Aer Lingus and, as a result, at
September 20, 2007 Ryanair had acquired a 29.4% interest at a cost of EUR396.5
million. Our tender offer for the remaining shares of Aer Lingus was blocked by
the European Commission on alleged competition grounds. Ryanair has filed an
appeal of the European Commission's decision with the European Court of First
Instance. See "Item 8. Financial Information-Other Financial Information-Legal
Proceedings-Aer Lingus Merger Decision."
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
European Airline Market
The Western European air transport market has historically been subject to
significant governmental regulation, encompassing both domestic regulations
imposed by individual countries and rules enacted by the EU that apply
throughout its territory. The EU commenced a program to reduce the level of
regulation during the 1980s, followed by a package of liberalization measures
substantially reducing the ability of individual EU Member States to restrict
access to routes for air travel that were originally adopted in 1992. Since
April 1997, EU carriers have been able to provide passenger service on domestic
routes within individual EU Member States outside their home country of
operation without restriction.
Partially as a result of this progressive movement towards deregulation,
there has been a significant increase in the number of airlines providing
scheduled passenger service in the EU over the course of the past decade. The
prospects for additional market liberalization measures provided further impetus
for new entrants, including the conversion of some charter airlines into
operators of both scheduled and charter flights. Management expects that other
new carriers may be formed to capitalize on these opportunities. Notwithstanding
the overall increase in the number of carriers, a large majority of the new
entrants are quite small, although this may change, and the overall market has
been volatile, with several of the new entrants ceasing operations. Among the
major causes of their failure were the competitive responses from major airlines
and other low-cost carriers (including Ryanair) serving the same routes,
including a number of sustained price wars, rapid, unmanageable expansion at a
higher cost base than existing carriers, and the impact of increased costs of
operating aircraft arising from higher interest rates and fuel prices.
Air carriers operating in the intra-EU market have traditionally fallen
into one of four principal categories: flag carriers, independent airlines,
franchises of major airlines and charter operators. The flag carriers, which fly
inter-continental routes as well as those within Western Europe, are now largely
"commercial" flag carriers, such as British Airways, Air France, KLM,
Scandinavian Airline System ("SAS") and Lufthansa, which operate with little or
no state aid, although some flag carriers (such as Alitalia) continue to be
heavily dependent on aid from their respective governments. The independent
carriers include low-fares carriers, such as Ryanair and easyJet, and carriers
providing "frills" services more comparable to those of the flag carriers but at
slightly lower fares than the flag carriers, such as British Midland Airways
Ltd. ("British Midland"). Certain small carriers have become franchises of major
airlines, sharing some ticketing and other distribution systems with the flag
carriers. These franchises serve mainly regional routes on which flag carriers
cannot operate profitably due to their high overhead costs, and they serve to
feed regional passengers to their flag carrier-partners for interline service.
For the flag carriers, franchises represent a possible means of competing with
low-fares start-up carriers, although in Germany, Lufthansa has chosen to
compete with the low-fares carriers by acquiring Germanwings, a low-fares
24
carrier based in Germany. Charter flight operators are significantly more
established and more competitive in Europe than in the United States, with many
charter operations being owned by major travel groups or commercial airlines. A
number of charter operators have established their own low-fares subsidiaries,
including Monarch Scheduled in the U.K. (a subsidiary of Monarch Airlines).
Charter operators currently account for a significant portion of total intra-EU
annual passenger traffic and operate primarily on routes between northern and
southern Europe, targeting mainly price-conscious leisure travelers. A large
number of start-up airlines were established throughout Europe in the first half
of the current decade. Such start-ups benefited from the increased availability
of aircraft that resulted from capacity reductions by larger airlines
post-September 11, 2001 and a low interest rate environment. While the number of
start-up airlines commencing operations has recently declined due to higher
aircraft prices, the lack of availability of aircraft and higher interest rates,
which have driven up both finance and operating lease costs, there can be no
guarantee that future declines in aircraft prices, future low interest rates or
other favorable circumstances will not lead to a new uptick in the number of
start-up carriers.
Although the liberalization measures adopted by the EU were expected to
reduce air fares and increase competition significantly, the European market
continues to be characterized by higher operating costs per ASM than the
scheduled-passenger-service market in the United States. While active
competition has increased with the launch of the low-fares carriers, fares for
scheduled passenger services on intra-EU routes continue to be generally higher
than those on domestic U.S. routes of comparable distances. Ryanair believes
that the higher fares are the result of carriers passing on their higher costs
to passengers and the lack of significant competition on some intra-EU routes.
In addition, EU Member States may intervene to stop further fare reductions on a
route or group of routes where market forces have led to a sustained downward
movement in fares deviating from seasonal norms and resulting in widespread
losses among all carriers on the routes concerned.
At the same time, there is also a trend in Europe towards re-regulation of
air transport. The European Commission has enacted certain legislation aimed
exclusively at the air transport sector, while ignoring competing sectors such
as railroads and ferry transportation. These modes of transport have
traditionally been heavily subsidized by national governments and Ryanair
believes that the continuing protection of these sectors is having a negative
effect on the competitiveness of the air transport sector. The Company believes
that these measures, which include legislation for compensating or otherwise
providing assistance to airline passengers in cases of denied boarding,
cancelled flights or long delays (Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004) and the European
Commission's guidelines on the financing of airports and start-up aid to
airlines by certain regional airports; as well as proposals on extending the
European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to airlines, will all have the effect of
increasing costs of air transport, without adding any significant benefits for
consumers. See "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors-Risks Related to the
Company-EU Regulation on Passenger Compensation Could Significantly Increase
Related Costs," "Item 4. Information on the Company--Government Regulation--
Regulatory Authorities and "-- Environmental Regulation."
Ireland, U.K. and Continental European Markets
The market for scheduled passenger air travel between Ireland and the U.K.
can be divided into two principal segments, the Dublin-London route and the
routes between Ireland and other locations in the U.K. outside of London.
Dublin-London Route. The Dublin-London route (including service from Dublin
to each of Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City airports) is
currently served by five carriers. Ryanair serves three London airports
(Stansted, Gatwick and Luton), Aer Lingus serves one airport (Heathrow) and has
announced services to a second (Gatwick) and British Midland, British Airways
and Air France's subsidiary, CityJet, each serve one airport (Heathrow, Gatwick,
and London City, respectively).
25
Before Ryanair entered the Dublin-London route in 1986, it was serviced
only by British Airways and Aer Lingus. Management believes that Ryanair's
introduction of competition based on low fares contributed to the significant
growth in passenger volume and the heightened competition between airlines that
has characterized the Dublin-London route since Ryanair first commenced service.
British Midland entered the route in 1989 and British Airways withdrew in 1991,
then re-entered in 1992, while CityJet entered the route in 1994, then
temporarily withdrew from the route from January 2001 through October 2003. As a
result of increased competition, the lowest available fares have declined while
the route has experienced substantial annual traffic growth. By calendar year
2006, according to the CAA Statistics, annual traffic had risen to more than
4.25 million passengers.
Ireland-U.K. Routes. Prior to 1993, the market for air travel between
Ireland and other locations in the U.K. was dominated by Aer Lingus. As with the
London-Dublin route prior to Ryanair's entry, routes to provincial cities in the
U.K. were generally characterized by high fares, service on small-capacity
turboprop aircraft and slow traffic growth. Ryanair entered this market by
launching low-fares service using jet aircraft between Dublin and Birmingham in
1993 and has since expanded its service between Ireland and the U.K. to include
31 routes. Since Ryanair's entry into these routes with jet aircraft service and
low fares, each of the routes has experienced a significant reduction in fares
and, according to the CAA Statistics, a significant increase in traffic growth.
In each of these cases, Ryanair has captured a majority of this incremental
growth, and, as a result, Ryanair is currently the market leader in terms of
passenger volume on most of its routes between Ireland and provincial cities in
the U.K.
Continental Europe. In 1997, Ryanair began service on new routes to four
locations in continental Europe (Dublin to Paris (Beauvais) and Brussels
(Charleroi), and London (Stansted) to Stockholm (Skvasta) and Oslo (Torp)).
Since that time Ryanair has substantially expanded its continental European
service and now serves more than 136 locations in 26 European countries
(including England, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Ryanair has established
continental European bases at Brussels (Charleroi), Frankfurt (Hahn), Milan
(Bergamo), Stockholm (Skvasta), Barcelona (Girona), Rome (Ciampino), Pisa,
Marseille, Bremen and Dusseldorf (Weeze). Additional bases (each of which will
host two aircraft) at Bristol, Alicante, Valencia and Belfast airports are due
to commence operations during the Fall of 2007. Management also expects that
additional non-EU destinations will be added to the network in the future as new
states sign and ratify the European Common Aviation Area Agreement (ECAA), an EU
initiative designed to liberalize air transport among ECAA member states, or
sign bilateral "open skies" treaties with the EU. Ryanair currently competes
with a number of flag carriers, including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air
France, KLM, Iberia and Alitalia, and a larger number of smaller carriers,
including low-fares airlines such as easyJet, BMI Baby and Fly Be in the United
Kingdom and Hapag Lloyd Express, Germanwings and easyJet in Germany, with the
number and identity of its competitors varying according to the route flown.
Other Routes. In May 2006, Ryanair announced the execution of a five-year
agreement with the Government of Morocco to develop low-cost air access and
tourism in Morocco from Ryanair's bases throughout Europe. The agreement covers
most of the regional airports in Morocco and involves a commitment by Ryanair to
develop up to 20 routes, and to carry nearly 1 million passengers per year by
the end of the five-year period. Ryanair has begun services on a number of these
routes and does not anticipate any difficulty in satisfying its obligations
under the agreement.
The Acquisition of Buzz
On April 10, 2003, Buzz Stansted Limited ("Buzz Stansted" or "Buzz"), a
newly-formed subsidiary of Ryanair, purchased certain assets of Buzz, KLM's
former low-fares subsidiary, from KLM U.K. Limited for EUR20.8 million. These
assets were primarily composed of trademarks, domain names, computer equipment,
ticket desk equipment and certain aircraft documents, records and manuals. As
part of the transaction, KLM U.K. Limited agreed to transfer certain landing and
takeoff slots at London (Stansted) Airport to Ryanair. In addition, Buzz
Stansted agreed to take over leases with International Lease Finance Corporation
("ILFC") on six Boeing 737-300s, which were novated by KLM U.K. Limited to Buzz
Stansted, as well as to sub-lease four BAe146 aircraft from KLM during the
period from April 10, 2003 to March 31, 2004, at which time the BAe146s were
returned to KLM.
26
The leases with ILFC for the six Boeing 737-300 aircraft, which had a
formal term of approximately eight years, ending between October 2010 and
February 2011, had monthly lease payments that were substantially higher than
market rates. However, in August 2004, Buzz Stansted finalized an agreement with
ILFC for the early return of these aircraft, in October 2004. Following the
return of the aircraft to ILFC, Buzz Stansted ceased operations on October 30,
2004, and Ryanair now uses aircraft from its existing fleet and those acquired
under its fleet delivery program to service the routes previously operated by
Buzz Stansted.
Buzz Stansted's results for periods in which it operated have been fully
consolidated with those of Ryanair and are included in the financial and
operating data included in this annual report.
Ryanair recorded goodwill in the amount of EUR46.8 million in connection
with the Buzz acquisition. This figure is comprised of the purchase price of
EUR20.8 million and excess lease costs in the amount of EUR26.0 million, which
latter amount was calculated on the basis of a report from Avitas, independent
aircraft valuers. This independent valuation highlighted that the monthly
payments on the leases novated to Buzz Stansted were substantially higher than
existing market rates for leases on similar aircraft. The Company calculated the
amount of these excess lease costs over the remaining term of the leases at
EUR26.0 million, based on a calculation of the difference between the
contractual rates and these estimates of then-current market rates. All of the
purchase price in excess of the value of the net assets acquired was assigned to
the slot take-off and landing rights at Stansted Airport that Ryanair acquired
as part of the transaction. The slots do not have a limited life, and therefore
these rights are not amortized. As noted above, Buzz Stansted in 2004 returned
certain leased aircraft to ILFC. Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the timeframe
for making such adjustments is limited to 12 months post-acquisition, and
therefore the reversal against goodwill of the EUR11.9 million onerous lease
provision was taken as a credit to Ryanair's IFRS and U.S. GAAP income
statements. See Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 18 for additional information.
ROUTE SYSTEM, SCHEDULING AND FARES
Route System and Scheduling
As of September 20, 2007, the Company offers over 920 scheduled short-haul
flights per day serving 125 locations throughout Europe and Morocco, including
24 locations in the U.K. and Ireland, flying approximately 440 routes.
The following table lists Ryanair's top ten routes during fiscal 2007 by
number of passengers, including the date service commenced on each such route
and how many round-trip flights are scheduled on each such route per day. These
routes in the aggregate accounted for 12.6% of the Company's scheduled passenger
volume in fiscal 2007.
27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Round trip flights
Route Served Date service commenced scheduled per day
<S> <C> <C>
Between Dublin and London (Stansted) Nov-88 10
Between Dublin and London (Gatwick) Nov-94 6
Between London (Stansted) and Rome (Ciampino) Apr-02 5
Between Glasgow (Prestwick) and London (Stansted) Oct-95 5
Between London (Stansted) and Frankfurt (Hahn) Apr-99 4
Between London (Stansted) and Milan (Bergamo) Apr-02 4
Between London (Stansted) and Barcelona (Girona) Feb-03 5
Between Dublin and Manchester May-94 4
Between Dublin and London (Luton) Jan-86 4
Between London (Stansted) and Stockholm (Skvasta) Jun-97 3
</TABLE>
Management's objective is to schedule a sufficient number of flights per
day on each of Ryanair's routes to satisfy demand for Ryanair's low-fares
service. Ryanair schedules departures on its most popular routes at frequent
intervals, normally between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Management
regularly reviews the need for adjustments in the number of flights on all of
its routes.
During fiscal 2007, the Company announced 149 new routes and extended its
operations to five new countries, adding destinations in Croatia, Hungary,
Malta, Morocco and Slovenia from airports in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Spain,
France and Italy. Since the fiscal year end in March 2007, Ryanair has announced
a significant expansions plans for the 2007-2008 winter season. In April 2007,
the Company announced the expansion of the Bremen base to three aircraft
beginning in September 2007. In May 2007, the Company announced the doubling of
aircraft at its Dusseldorf (Weeze) base from two to four and the addition of
eight new routes commencing in September 2007. Also in May 2007, Ryanair
announced the growth of the Barcelona (Girona) base from seven to nine aircraft
in October 2007, adding nine further routes and the growth of the Milan
(Bergamo) base from four to six aircraft beginning in December 2007, and the
addition of nine new routes. Ryanair's new Bristol two-aircraft base was
announced in May 2007 and will commence operations in November 2007. Ryanair's
21st and 22nd bases in Valencia and Alicante were announced in August 2007 and
are scheduled to commence operations in October and November 2007, respectively.
Ryanair's 23rd base, in Belfast, was announced in September 2007 and is
scheduled to commence operations in October 2007.
Low and Widely Available Fares
Ryanair offers low, multi-tier fare pricing, with prices generally varying
depending on advance booking, seat availability and demand. Ryanair sells seats
on a one-way basis, thus removing minimum stay requirements from all travel on
Ryanair scheduled services, regardless of fare. All tickets can be changed
subject to certain conditions, including payment of a fee and applicable upgrade
charge, but are non-cancelable and non-refundable and must be paid for when the
reservation is made.
Ryanair's discounted fares are "capacity controlled" in that Ryanair
allocates a specific number of seats on each flight to each fare category to
accommodate projected demand for seats at each fare level leading up to flight
time. Ryanair generally makes its lowest fares widely available by endeavoring
to allocate a majority of its seat inventory to its lowest fare categories.
Management believes that its unrestricted fares as well as its advance purchase
fares are attractive to both the business and the leisure traveler.
When launching a new route, Ryanair's policy is to price its lowest fare so
that it will be significantly lower than other carriers' lowest fares, but still
provide a satisfactory operating margin.
28
Ryanair also periodically runs special promotional fare campaigns, in
particular in connection with the opening of new routes, and endeavors to
under-price attempts by its competitors to lower their fares on a particular
route. Ryanair offers weekday one-way fares starting at EUR0.99 on many of its
routes, and offers lower-fare trips on certain routes from time to time. Ryanair
promotions are made during a limited period of time and are only available for
travel during a specific period. Other promotional fares generally are available
only for mid-week travel, for a limited period and for a limited number of seats
per flight, and also require reservations in advance. Promotional fares may have
the effect of increasing load factors and reducing Ryanair's yield and passenger
revenues on the relevant routes during the period they are in effect. Ryanair
expects to continue to offer significant fare promotions to stimulate demand in
periods of lower activity or during off-peak times for the foreseeable future.
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING
Ryanair's primary marketing strategy is to emphasize its widely-available
low fares. In doing so, Ryanair primarily advertises its services in national
and regional newspapers in Ireland and the U.K. In continental Europe, Ryanair
advertises primarily through regional and national newspapers, as well as
through controversial and topical advertising, press conferences, publicity
stunts, and on billboards and other local media. Currently, the slogan
"Ryanair.com, Fly Cheaper" is prominently featured in all of the airline's
marketing to build its brand identity. Other marketing activities include the
distribution of advertising and promotional material and cooperative advertising
campaigns with other travel-related entities, including local tourist boards.
Ryanair generally runs special promotions in coordination with the
inauguration of service into new markets. Starting approximately four to six
weeks before the launch of a new route, Ryanair undertakes a major advertising
campaign in the target market and local media and editorial attention frequently
focuses on the introduction of Ryanair's low fares. Ryanair's sales teams also
visit each area and target pubs, clubs, shopping malls, factories, offices and
universities with a view to increasing consumer awareness of the new service.
RESERVATIONS/RYANAIR.COM
Passenger airlines generally rely on travel agents for a significant
portion of their ticket sales and pay travel agents a commission for their
services. Following the introduction of its internet-based reservations and
ticketing service, which now allows passengers to make reservations and purchase
tickets directly through the Company's website, Ryanair's reliance on travel
agents has been eliminated. See "-Strategy-Taking Advantage of the Internet"
above for additional information.
Ryanair currently uses Flightspeed from Open Skies to provide its core seat
inventory and booking system. In return for access to these systems, Ryanair
pays transaction fees that are generally based on the number of passenger seat
journeys booked through such systems. In September 2005, Ryanair completed the
installation of a stand-alone booking engine to support its Open Skies platform
in the event of a breakdown in this facility.
In addition, in March 2006, Ryanair commenced its Check'N'Go web-based
check-in service, giving passengers with an EU passport traveling with hand
luggage only the opportunity to check-in online across its route network (with
the exception of passengers traveling from Italy to the U.K. as a result of a
general prohibition by the Italian aviation authority on such facilities for
carriers flying to the U.K.) as part of a package of measures intended to
improve service by reducing air fares and check-in and boarding gate queues. At
the same time, Ryanair imposed new per-bag fees on passengers traveling with
checked luggage. The Company also announced that, with effect from September 20,
2007, passengers using web check-in/priority boarding would be able to avail of
this service for free whilst passengers using desk check-in facilities will be
required to pay a charge of EUR3/GBP2 per flight.
29
Ryanair also plans to replace its "Open Skies" system supplied by Navitare
in November 2007 with an upgraded version of the system "Newskies" to facilitate
the continued growth of the airline.
AIRCRAFT
As of August 31, 2007, Ryanair's operating fleet was composed of 137 Boeing
737-800 "next generation" aircraft, each having 189 seats.
During fiscal 2005, Ryanair also leased six Boeing 737-300 aircraft, each
having 148 seats, through its subsidiary Buzz Stansted. These leases were
terminated in October 2004. See "-Industry Overview-The Acquisition of Buzz."
Ryanair's fleet totaled 133 Boeing 737-800s at March 31, 2007. The Company
expects to have an operating fleet comprising 163 Boeing 737-800s at March 31,
2008 (assuming that the planned disposal of six such aircraft is completed on
schedule).
Aircraft
Boeing 737-800s: Between March 1999 and August 31, 2007, Ryanair took
delivery of 137 new Boeing 737-800 "next generation" aircraft under its
contracts with Boeing. The new Boeing 737-800s share certain basic
characteristics with Ryanair's prior fleet of Boeing 737-200A aircraft, all of
which were retired by December 2005, but are larger (seating up to 189
passengers, as compared to 130 in the Boeing 727-200As), capable of longer
flights without refueling and incorporate more advanced aviation technology. The
Boeing 737-800s also comply with Chapter 3 noise reduction requirements
established by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which took effect
in the EU in 2002.
Ryanair entered into a series of agreements with Boeing for 737-800 "next
generation" aircraft starting in 1998, entering into a subsequent contract in
2002 and a supplemental agreement in 2003. As of January 2005, 89 firm aircraft
remained to be delivered under those agreements, and the Company had options to
purchase an additional 123 aircraft. On February 24, 2005, the Company announced
that it had entered into a new agreement with Boeing for the purchase of a
further 70 new Boeing 737-800s, as well as purchase options for an additional 70
such aircraft.
Under the terms of the 2005 Boeing contract, while the basic price per
aircraft that was applicable under the prior contracts will continue to apply to
the firm aircraft that remained to be delivered and purchase options outstanding
thereunder, these firm and option aircraft became subject to the commercial and
other terms applicable to the firm aircraft under the 2005 Boeing contract,
including benefiting from more favorable price concessions.
In addition, as part of the 2005 contract with Boeing, the Company ensured
that "winglets," or wing-tip extensions, manufactured by Aviation Partners
Boeing ("APB") would be incorporated on all aircraft to be delivered to the
Company under its contracts with Boeing from January 2006 onwards. The cost of
these winglets is included in the aircraft net price. With regard to the fleet
of Boeing 737-800s aircraft delivered prior to January 2006, APB agreed to
supply the winglets to the Company at a discounted rate. Ryanair has completed
the process of installing winglets on all of its existing aircraft and all
future aircraft will also be fitted with winglets. The cost of retrofitting
these winglets has been borne by the Company and has been carried out during
routine maintenance at the Company's facility at Glasgow (Prestwick). The
winglets supplied by APB are attached to the existing wing and improve the
aerodynamics of the aircraft; as a result, the aircraft consumes less fuel per
flight-hour. The winglet modification program has proved effective, with better
aircraft performance and a reduction of approximately 4% in each aircraft's
consumption of fuel per hour flown.
30
In October 2005, the Company exercised nine purchase options, for aircraft
to be delivered from September 2007 to November 2007. The Company also exercised
10 purchase options in June 2006, for aircraft scheduled to be delivered from
March 2008 through June 2008, 32 purchase options in September 2006 for aircraft
scheduled to be delivered from September 2008 through June 2009 and 27 purchase
options in May 2007 for aircraft scheduled to be delivered from September 2009
through March 2010. Ryanair currently expects to take delivery of an additional
171 aircraft under its contracts with Boeing. These deliveries will increase the
size of Ryanair's fleet to 262 by December 2012 (assuming that the planned
disposal of 46 such aircraft is completed on schedule), or more should Ryanair
choose to exercise any of the additional 110 options to purchase aircraft
remaining under its existing purchase contracts with Boeing.
In May 2007, Ryanair entered into an agreement to sell 5 Boeing 737-800s
(acquired in 1999) in the period from September 2007 through November 2007. In
July 2007, Ryanair entered into a subsequent agreement with another party to
sell a further 15 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the period from March 2008 through
April 2010. These 20 aircraft were delivered to Ryanair in the period from
December 1999 through March 2001. Depending on market conditions and various
other considerations, Ryanair plan to dispose of 26 further aircraft during the
period to March 2013.
For additional details on the Boeing contracts, scheduled aircraft
deliveries and related expenditures and their financing, see "Item 5. Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects-Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Management believes that the purchase of the additional new Boeing 737-800
aircraft will allow Ryanair to continue to grow over the next five years and
that the significant size of its orders allowed Ryanair to obtain favorable
purchase terms, guaranteed deliveries and a standard configuration for all of
the aircraft.
The Boeing 737 is the world's most widely-used commercial aircraft and
exists in a number of generations, of which the 737-800s represent the latest.
Management believes that spare parts and cockpit crews qualified to fly these
aircraft are likely to be more widely available on favorable terms than similar
resources for other types of aircraft, and that its strategy of generally
reducing its fleet to one aircraft type enables Ryanair to limit the costs
associated with personnel training, maintenance and the purchase and storage of
spare parts, as well as affording greater flexibility in the scheduling of crews
and equipment. The Boeing 737-800s are fitted with CFM 56-7B26 and CFM 56-7B27
engines and have advanced CAT III Autoland capability, advanced traffic
collision avoidance systems, and enhanced ground proximity warning systems.
At March 31, 2007, the average aircraft age of the Company's Boeing 737-800
fleet was 2.7 years, and no aircraft was more than 8 years old.
Training and Regulatory Compliance
Ryanair currently owns and operates two 737-800 flight simulators for pilot
training and contracted to purchase three additional 737-800 flight simulators
from CAE Electronics Ltd. of Quebec, Canada (CAE) in 2002. The first of these
simulators was delivered in January 2004 and the second and third simulators are
expected to be delivered in fiscal 2009. In September 2006, Ryanair entered into
a new contract with CAE to purchase five B737NG Level B flight simulators. The
first two of these simulators are expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2009.
This contract also provides Ryanair with an option to purchase another five such
simulators. The gross price of each simulator is approximately U.S. $8 million,
not taking into account certain price concessions provided by the seller in the
form of credit memoranda and discounts.
Management believes that Ryanair is currently in compliance with all
applicable directives concerning its fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will
comply with any regulations or directives that may come into effect in the
future. However, there can be no assurance that the FAA or other regulatory
authorities will not recommend or require other safety-related undertakings or
that such undertakings would not adversely impact the Company's results of
operations or financial condition. See "Item 3. Key Information-Risk
Factors-Safety-Related Undertakings Could Affect the Company's Results."
31
ANCILLARY SERVICES
Ryanair provides various ancillary services and engages in other activities
connected with its core air passenger service, including non-flight scheduled
services, the in-flight sale of beverages, food and merchandise, and
internet-related services.
As part of its non-flight scheduled and internet-related services, Ryanair
distributes accommodation services and travel insurance through both its website
and its traditional telephone reservation offices. Ryanair sells bus and rail
tickets on-board its aircraft and through its website. Ryanair incentivizes
ground service providers at all of the airports it serves to collect established
excess baggage charges on any baggage that exceeds Ryanair's published baggage
allowances. The Company also charges customers a fixed fee to defray the
administrative costs incurred in processing debit and credit card transactions.
Excess baggage charges, these processing fees and Ryanair's new per-bag fee for
checked baggage are recorded as components of non-flight scheduled revenue. The
Company also announced that with affect from September 20, 2007 all passengers
using desk check-in facilities will be required to pay a charge of EUR3/GBP2 per
flight.
For car rental services, Ryanair has a contract with the Hertz Corporation
("Hertz"), pursuant to which Hertz handles all automobile-related aspects of
such services and pays a per-rental fee to Ryanair.com (or other relevant
reservations agent) as well as a set amount to Ryanair for marketing support.
Ryanair also receives a commission on all Hertz car rentals booked through the
Ryanair.com website.
For hotel services, Ryanair entered into a five-year contract in March 2007
with Expedia Private Label ("Expedia"), pursuant to which Expedia handles all
aspects of such services and pays a commission fee to Ryanair.
Management believes that providing these services through the internet
allows Ryanair to increase sales, while at the same time reducing costs on a
per-unit basis. Ryanair also acts as an agent for MBNA and Barclaycard, both
issuers of Visa credit cards. As part of its agreements with MBNA and
Barclaycard, Ryanair promotes a Ryanair-branded credit card supplied by MBNA and
Barclaycard on board the aircraft, on Ryanair's internet site, and via direct
marketing at the airports served by Ryanair in the U.K. and Ireland. Ryanair
generates revenues from MBNA and Barclaycard on the basis of the number of cards
issued and the revenues generated through use of the credit cards.
In August 2006, Ryanair entered into a letter of intent with On Air, a
provider of mobile voice and data solutions for aircraft, for the provision of
an in-flight communications service that will allow Ryanair passengers to use
mobile phone and electronic communication devices such as Blackberries whilst on
board Ryanair aircraft. Ryanair will pay a fee for the equipment and bear the
cost of its installation on Ryanair aircraft and will receive commissions on
mobile calls (as well as on text and email messages) made using the service,
which will be billed to customers based on international roaming rates. Subject
to regulatory approval, Ryanair expects to launch a six-month trial of the
system by March 31, 2008. If the trial is successful, Ryanair plans to install
this equipment on all of its aircraft.
See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Results of
Operations-Fiscal Year 2007 Compared with Fiscal Year 2006-Ancillary Revenues"
for additional information.
32
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
General
As part of its commitment to safety, Ryanair endeavors to hire qualified
maintenance personnel, provide proper training to such personnel and maintain
its aircraft in accordance with European industry standards. While Ryanair seeks
to maintain its fleet in a cost-effective manner, management does not seek to
extend Ryanair's low-cost operating strategy to the area of maintenance,
training or quality control.
Ryanair's quality assurance department deals with the overall oversight of
all maintenance activities in accordance with Part 145, the European regulatory
standard for aircraft maintenance and standards established by the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA came into being on September 28, 2003,
through the adoption of Regulation (EC) No. 1592/2002 of the European
parliament, and its standards superseded the previous Joint Aviation Authority
(JAA) requirements (or "JARs," which were developed and adopted by the JAA, an
associated body of the European Civil Aviation Conference, formed to enhance
co-operation between the national civil aviation authorities of participating
European countries, including Ireland). See "--Government Regulation--Regulatory
Authorities."
Ryanair is itself an EASA Part 145-approved maintenance contractor and
provides its own routine aircraft maintenance and repair services on its
aircraft other than scheduled heavy maintenance. Ryanair also performs certain
checks on its aircraft, including pre-flight, daily and transit checks at some
of its bases, as well as A-checks at its Dublin facility. Since December 2003,
Ryanair has operated a new two-bay hangar facility at its base at Glasgow
(Prestwick) in Scotland, where it carries out A-checks and C-checks on the fleet
of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The facility is capable of performing two C-checks
per week, enabling Ryanair to perform the majority of the maintenance required
on its Boeing 737-800 fleet in-house.
Maintenance and repair services that may become necessary while an aircraft
is located at one of the other airports served by Ryanair are provided by other
Part 145-approved contract maintenance providers. Aircraft return each evening
to Ryanair's bases, where they are examined by Ryanair's approved engineers (or,
in the case of Brussels (Charleroi), Stockholm (Skvasta), Rome (Ciampino),
Frankfurt (Hahn), Milan (Bergamo), Marseille and Liverpool, by local Part
145-approved companies).
Heavy Maintenance
As noted above, while Ryanair is now able to carry out the majority of the
maintenance work required on its Boeing 737-800 fleet itself, Ryanair contracts
with outside maintenance providers for some heavy maintenance services that it
cannot accommodate in house. Ryanair currently has short-term, ad hoc contracts
with reputable Part 145-approved suppliers of heavy maintenance in the U.K. and
Europe, such as ATC Lasham, for the carrying-out of the heavy maintenance
overhauls currently required on its relatively new fleet. Ryanair is now looking
to replicate the maintenance facility at Glasgow Prestwick to provide additional
heavy maintenance capacity and is looking at a number of potential sites in
Eastern Europe.
Ryanair contracts out engine overhaul service for the Boeing 737-800 aircraft to
GE Engine Services of Cardiff, Wales, a Part 145-approved contractor, pursuant
to a 10-year agreement, with an option for a 10-year extension, signed in 2004.
This comprehensive maintenance contract provides for the repair and overhaul of
the CFM56-7 series engines fitted to the first 155 of Ryanair's Boeing 737-800
aircraft, the provision of spare parts and general technical support for the
fleet of engines. By the end of the third quarter of 2007, the Company expects
to finalize a contract for a similar level of coverage and support for the
engines on all of its aircraft that are scheduled to be delivered as well as any
option aircraft delivered pursuant to the Company's current contracts with
Boeing over the period through December 2011. By contracting with Part
145-approved maintenance providers, management believes it is better able to
control the quality of its aircraft and engine maintenance. Ryanair assigns a
Part 145-certified mechanic to oversee all heavy maintenance and to authorize
all engine overhauls performed by third parties. Maintenance providers are also
monitored closely by the national authorities under EASA and national
regulations.
33
Ryanair expects to be dependent on third-party service contracts,
particularly for engine and component maintenance, for the foreseeable future,
notwithstanding the additional capabilities provided by its maintenance facility
at Glasgow (Prestwick). See "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors-Risks Related
to the Company-The Company Is Dependent on Third Party Service Providers."
SAFETY RECORD
During its 22-year operating history, Ryanair has not had a single incident
involving major injury to passengers or flight crew. Ryanair's commitment to
safe operations is manifested by its safety training procedures, its investment
in safety-related equipment and the adoption of an internal confidential
reporting system for safety issues. The Company's board of directors also has an
air safety committee to review and discuss air safety and related issues.
Ryanair's flight training is oriented towards accident prevention and
covers all aspects of flight operations. Ryanair maintains full control of the
content and delivery of all of its flight crew training, both initial and
recurrent. All training programs are approved by the Irish Aviation Authority
(the "IAA"), which regularly audits both operation control standards (JAR-OPS)
and flight crew training standards (JAR-FCL).
All of the Boeing 737-800s which Ryanair has bought or committed to buy are
certified for Category IIIA landings (automatic landings with minimum horizontal
visibility of 200 meters and no vertical visibility).
Ryanair has a comprehensive and documented safety management system.
Management encourages flight crews to report any safety-related issues through
the SAIR (Safety Alert Initial Report) reporting program or to use the
confidential reporting system (RCRS) which is available through Ryanair's Flight
Safety Offices. The confidential reporting system affords flight crews the
opportunity to report directly to senior management any event, error or
discrepancy in flight operations that they do not wish to report through
standard reporting channels. The confidential reporting system is designed to
increase management's awareness of problems that may be encountered by flight
crews in their day-to-day operations. Management uses the information reported
through all reporting systems to modify operating procedures and improve flight
operation standards.
Ryanair has installed an OFDM (Operational Flight Data Monitoring) system on
each of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which automatically provides a confidential
report on the procedures followed by pilots. The purpose of this program is to
monitor operational trends and inform Ryanair of any instance of an operational
limit being exceeded. Based on an analysis of these reports, Ryanair is able to
identify potential areas of risk and take steps to rectify any deviations from
normal operating procedures, thereby ensuring adherence to our flight safety
standards.
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airport Handling Services
Ryanair provides its own aircraft and passenger handling and ticketing services
at Dublin Airport. Third parties provide these services to Ryanair at the other
airports it serves. Servisair plc provides Ryanair's ticketing, passenger and
aircraft handling and ground handling services at many of these airports in
Ireland and the U.K., excluding London (Stansted) (where these services are
34
provided primarily by Swissport Ltd.), while similar services in continental
Europe are generally provided by the local airport authority, either directly or
through sub-contractors. Management attempts to obtain competitive rates for
such services by negotiating multi-year contracts at fixed prices, although some
may have periodic increases linked to inflation. These contracts are generally
scheduled to expire in one to five years, unless renewed, and certain of them
may be terminated by either party before their fixed term upon prior notice.
Ryanair will need to enter into similar agreements in any new markets it may
enter. See "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors-Risks Related to the
Company-The Company Is Dependent on Third Party Service Providers."
Airport Charges
As with other airlines, Ryanair is assessed airport charges each time it
lands and accesses facilities at the airports it serves. Depending on the policy
of the individual airport, such charges can include landing fees, passenger
loading fees, security fees and parking fees. Noise surcharges have also been
imposed by a limited number of European airports in response to concerns
expressed by local residents. Ryanair attempts to negotiate advantageous terms
for such fees by delivering annual increases in passenger traffic, and opts,
when practicable, for less expensive facilities, such as less convenient gates,
as well as the use of outdoor boarding stairs rather than more expensive
jetways. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the airports Ryanair uses
will not impose higher airport charges in the future and that any such increases
would not adversely affect the Company's operations.
The Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation (the "CAR") is currently
responsible for regulating charges at Dublin Airport. In August 2001, the CAR
issued a determination in relation to charges which were to remain in effect for
five years, beginning September 24, 2001. The base charges for 2002 were
approximately 5% lower than the charges previously in effect, and an efficiency
factor (RPI-X) provides that the charges will decrease by the efficiency factor
minus the level of inflation in Ireland. The maximum charges permitted to be
levied at Dublin Airport remained essentially unchanged from calendar 2003 to
2005. However, in late September 2005, the CAR approved an increase in airport
charges of more than 22%, to take effect on January 1, 2006. On March 30, 2006,
following an appeal by the DAA, charges at Dublin Airport were increased by an
additional 3%. On September 5, 2006, the CAR announced the launch of a public
consultation to review and obtain feedback on the levels of airport charges at
Dublin Airport. Ryanair is vigorously opposed to these increases in charges;
however, as a result of these increases, the Company increased the amount of
airport charges added to its base fares and, accordingly, does not anticipate
any material adverse impact on the Company's financial results. In July, 2007,
the CAR made its decision on its review of airport charges and held that there
would be no further increase until the next review in 2009. In March 2007 the
discount arrangement formerly in place at London Stansted airport terminated,
subjecting Ryanair to an average increase in charges of approximately 100%.
Ryanair believes that the increase in these charges, which will be passed on in
the form of a higher cost of travel, will have a negative impact on yields and
passenger volumes. Ryanair has responded to the increases by complaining to the
U.K. Office of Fair Trading and the U.K. Competition Commission, calling for the
break-up of the British Airports Authority plc ("BAA") airports monopoly and the
introduction of competition in the London airports market.
In July 2004, the Irish government enacted the State Airports Act 2004 (the
"State Airports Act"), which contemplates the break up of Aer Rianta, the former
Irish Airport Authority, into three competing airports at Dublin, Cork, and
Shannon managed by independent airport authorities under state ownership. Under
the State Airports Act, Aer Rianta was re-named as the DAA as of October 1,
2004.
On February 12, 2004, the European Commission ruled that certain
concessions granted to Ryanair by the Walloon Government in connection with its
operations in Brussels (Charleroi) constituted illegal state aid. Ryanair is
still waiting for a hearing of its appeal of this decision to the European Court
of First Instance. The Walloon Region also initiated proceedings in 2005 to
35
recover start-up costs that had been reimbursed to Ryanair in connection with
its establishment of the Charleroi base. This case is pending before the Irish
High Court. Several competing airlines have challenged other agreements between
Ryanair and publicly owned airports. Air France challenged Ryanair's agreement
with Strasbourg Airport, leading to the cancellation of the London to Strasbourg
route. In July 2006, Air France announced that it was challenging Ryanair's
arrangement with Marseille Airport for the use of a low-cost facility. A
competing airline in Germany has challenged Ryanair's agreement with Hamburg
Lubeck Airport, even though this airport is now privately owned and offering the
same arrangements to Ryanair and all other airlines. There have also been
complaints by competitors regarding Ryanair's arrangements with Shannon Airport,
Alghero Airport and Frankfurt (Hahn) Airport. In July 2007, the European
Commission announced that it had started investigations of agreements at the
Lubeck, Tampere, Berlin (Schonefeld) and Dortmund airports. Ryanair has
relatively limited operations to and from the first three airports and does not
operate flights to or from Dortmund. See "Item 3. Risk Factors--Risks Related to
the Company--The Company Is Subject to Legal Proceedings Alleging Unlawful State
Aid at Certain Airports" and "Item 8. Financial Information--Other Financial
Information--Legal Proceedings."
Following the December 2003 publication of the U.K. government's White
Paper on Airport Capacity in the Southeast of England, BAA in 2004 announced
plans to spend up to U.K. GBP4 billion on a multi-year project to construct a
second runway and additional terminal facilities at London Stansted Airport,
with a target opening date of 2013. The project is subject to regulatory
approvals and pending legal challenges, and remains in the planning stage.
Ryanair and other airlines using Stansted support the principle of a second
runway at Stansted but are opposed to this profligate development because they
believe that the financing of what they consider to be an overblown project will
lead to airport costs approximately tripling from the current level. Any such
increase could mean that low-fares airlines will not be able to grow at Stansted
and their existing operations could be at risk. BAA has failed to consult with
users of Stansted on the project, and Ryanair intends to oppose these attempts
by BAA to proceed with a U.K.GBP4 billion project when, in Ryanair's opinion, a
second runway and a terminal extension should not cost more than U.K.GBP1
billion. The U.K. Office of Fair Trading announced in July 2006 that it would
investigate BAA's dominant position in London and other markets in the U.K. The
U.K. Office of Fair Trading has recognized flaws in relevant regulatory
processes and has referred the matter to the U.K. Competition Commission. As
part of its submissions to the U.K. Office of Fair Trading and the Competition
Commission, Ryanair has called for the break-up of BAA.
In September 2006, the DAA announced that it was planning to build a new
terminal (Terminal 2) at Dublin airport at a cost of approximately EUR400
million and spend approximately another EUR400 million upgrading the existing
Terminal 1. million. On August 29, 2007 the planning authority approved a
planning application from the DAA for the building of Terminal 2 and other
facilities subject to a capacity restriction of 32 million passengers and the
building of a second runway subject to certain limits to its hours of operation.
The approval will mean that charges at Dublin Airport will increase
significantly, possibly doubling from their current level. Ryanair plans to seek
a judicial review of the planning approval. However there can be no assurance
that this appeal will be successful. The doubling of airport charges, in the
event of the failure of a judicial review, could have an adverse impact on
yields and passenger volumes at Dublin Airport. 35
FUEL
The cost of jet fuel accounted for 39.3% and 34.5% of Ryanair's total
operating expenses in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, in each case after giving effect to the Company's fuel hedging
activities but excluding de-icing costs. Jet fuel costs increased substantially
in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and are currently near
historically high levels. The future availability and cost of jet fuel cannot be
predicted with any degree of certainty, and because of Ryanair's low-fares
policy, its ability to pass on increased fuel costs to passengers through
increased fares or otherwise may be limited.
Ryanair has historically entered into arrangements providing for
substantial protection against fluctuations in fuel prices, generally through
forward contracts covering 12-18 months of anticipated jet fuel requirements. In
light of the recent significant and unpredictable increases in oil prices, the
Company now enters into any such hedging arrangements on a more selective basis.
See "Item 3. Risk Factors-Risks Related to the Company-Changes in Fuel Costs and
Fuel Availability Affect the Company's Results" and "Item 11. Quantitative and
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Fuel Price Exposure and Hedging" for
additional information on recent trends in fuel costs and the Company's related
hedging activities, as well as certain associated risks. See also "Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Fiscal Year 2007 Compared with
Fiscal Year 2006-Fuel and Oil."
The following table details Ryanair's fuel consumption and costs for
scheduled operations (thus excluding fuel costs related to now-discontinued
charter operations and de-icing costs), after giving effect to the Company's
fuel hedging activities, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005. The excluded de-icing costs amounted to EUR4,667,362, EUR6,090,400 and
EUR4,726,830, respectively, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and
2005. De-icing costs, which are costs incurred for the labor and anti-freeze
used to de-ice aircraft, have increased significantly in recent years as the
Company's route network, types of aircraft operated and number of sectors flown
have increased; the Company therefore believes including these costs would
distort the year-to-year cost comparison.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year ended March 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
Scheduled fuel consumption ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(U.S. gallons)..................................... 377,185,934 308,742,674 245,817,605
Available seat miles (ASM)......................... 32,043,022,051 24,282,100,345 17,812,432,791
Scheduled fuel consumption (U.S. gallons)
per ASM........................................ 0.012 0.013 0.014
Total scheduled fuel costs......................... EUR688,663,715 EUR456,375,897 EUR260,549,213
Cost per gallon.................................... EUR1.826 EUR1.478 EUR1.060
Total scheduled fuel costs as a percentage
of total operating costs....................... 39.3% 34.5% 26.3%
</TABLE>
36
INSURANCE
Ryanair is exposed to potential catastrophic losses that may be incurred in
the event of an aircraft accident or terrorist incident. Any such accident or
incident could involve not only repair or replacement of a damaged aircraft and
its consequent temporary or permanent loss from service, but also significant
potential claims of injured passengers and others. Ryanair currently maintains
passenger liability insurance, employer liability insurance, aircraft insurance
for aircraft loss or damage, insurance for pilots' loss of license and other
business insurance in amounts per occurrence that is consistent with industry
standards. Although Ryanair currently believes its insurance coverage is
adequate, there can be no assurance that the amount of such coverage will not
need to be increased, that insurance premiums will not increase significantly or
that Ryanair will not be forced to bear substantial losses from accidents.
The cost of insurance coverage for certain third party liabilities arising
from "acts of war" or terrorism increased dramatically as a result of the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In the immediate aftermath, aircraft hull
war-liability indemnities for amounts above $50 million were, in the absence of
any alternative coverage, provided by the Irish Government at pre-September 11,
2001 levels of coverage on the basis of a per-passenger surcharge. In March
2002, once such coverage was again commercially available, Ryanair arranged
coverage to replace that provided by the Government indemnity on the basis of a
per-passenger surcharge and an additional surcharge based on hull values.
Ryanair's insurers have indicated that the scope of the Company's current
war-related insurance coverage may exclude certain types of catastrophic
incidents, which may result in the Company seeking alternative coverage. Ryanair
to date has passed increased insurance costs on to passengers by means of a
special "insurance levy" on each ticket.
37
During fiscal year 2006, Ryanair established Aviation Insurance (IOM), Ltd
("AIL"), a wholly owned insurance company subsidiary, to provide the Company
with self-insurance as part of its ongoing risk-management strategy. AIL's
activities are currently limited to underwriting a portion of the Company's
aviation insurance program, which covers not only the Company's aircraft but
also its liability to passengers and to third parties. AIL reinsures virtually
all of the risk it underwrites with recognized third parties in the aviation
reinsurance market, with the amount of AIL's maximum aggregate exposure not
currently subject to such reinsurance agreements being equal to approximately
U.S.$9.5 million.
Council Regulation (EC) No. 2027/97, as amended by Council Regulation (EC)
No. 889/2002, governs air carrier liability. This legislation provides for
unlimited liability of an air carrier in the event of death or bodily injuries
suffered by passengers, implementing the Warsaw Convention of 1929 for the
Unification of Certain Rules Relating to Transportation by Air, as amended by
the Montreal Convention of 1999. This legislation also limits the ability of an
air carrier to rely on certain defenses in an action for damages, which would
otherwise have been available to it at law, and provides for uniform liability
limits for loss of, damage to or destruction of baggage and for damage
occasioned by delay. Ryanair has extended its liability insurance accordingly to
meet the requirements of the legislation.
You should read "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors- Risks Related to the
Airline Industry-The Company Faces the Risk of Loss and Liability" for
information on the Company's risks of loss and liability.
38
FACILITIES
The following are the principal properties owned or leased by the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Site Area Floor Space
Location (Sq. Meters) (Sq. Meters) Tenure Activity
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dublin Airport 1,116 1,395 Leasehold Corporate Headquarters
Phoenix House,
Conyngham Road,
Dublin 2,566 3,899 Freehold Reservations Center
Satellite 3, 605 605 Leasehold Sales Office and Operations Center
Stansted Airport
Dublin Airport (Hangar) 2,993 2,175 Leasehold Aircraft Maintenance
East Midlands Airport 3,647 3,647 Freehold Simulator and training center
Skvasta Airport (Hangar) 1,936 1,936 Leasehold Aircraft Maintenance
Prestwick Airport (Hangar) 4,052 4,052 Leasehold Aircraft Maintenance
Stansted Storage Facilities 378 531 Leasehold Aircraft Maintenance
</TABLE>
Ryanair has agreements with the DAA, the Irish government authority charged
with operating Dublin airport, to lease ticket counters and other space at the
passenger and cargo terminal facilities at Dublin Airport. The airport office
facilities used by Ryanair at London Stansted are leased from the airport
authority; similar facilities at each of the other airports Ryanair serves are
provided by Servisair plc or other service providers.
TRADEMARKS
Ryanair's logo and the slogans "Ryanair.com The Low Fares Website" and
"Ryanair The Low Fares Airline" have been registered as Community Trade Marks
("CTM"). A CTM allows a trademark owner to obtain a single registration of its
trademark, which registration affords uniform protection for that trademark in
all EU member states. The registration gives Ryanair an exclusive monopoly over
the use of its trade name with regard to similar services and the right to sue
for trademark infringement should a third party use an identical or confusingly
similar trade mark in relation to identical, or similar services.
Ryanair has also registered the CTM for the word "Ryanair",
"Ryanairexpress.com", "Ryanairinns.com" and for "Ryanairhotels.com." Ryanair has
not registered either its name or its logo as a trademark in Ireland, as CTM
registration provides all of the protection available from an Irish
registration, and management believes there are therefore no advantages in
making a separate Irish application.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
Liberalization of the EU Air Transportation Market
Ryanair began its flight operations in 1985, during a decade in which the
governments of Ireland and the U.K. liberalized the bilateral arrangements for
the operation of air services between the two countries. In 1992, the Council of
Ministers of the EU adopted a package of measures intended to liberalize the
internal market for air transportation in the EU, including measures allowing EU
air carriers substantial freedom to set air fares, allowing EU air carriers
greatly enhanced access to routes within the EU and introducing a licensing
procedure for EU air carriers. Beginning in April 1997, EU air carriers have
generally been able to provide passenger services on domestic routes within any
EU Member State outside their home country of operations without restriction.
See also "--Industry Overview--European Airline Market."
39
The European Court of Justice in November 2002 ruled that bilateral
agreements between certain member states and the United States fell within the
exclusive competence of the EU and should not therefore have been entered into
by the member states individually. As a result of these rulings, the European
Commission was granted a mandate to negotiate with the United States to replace
the existing bilateral agreements between individual member states and the
United States with a single comprehensive EU-U.S. agreement establishing an open
aviation area between the two territories. In April 2007, the United State and
the EU concluded the Open Skies Agreement between them. This Agreement allows
any US airline and any EU airline to operate between any city in the US and any
city in the EU. This Agreement also allows these airlines to operate without
restriction in terms of the number of flights, aircraft, etc., and to set their
fares based on market demand.
Regulatory Authorities
As an Irish air carrier with routes to the U.K. and other EU countries,
Ryanair is subject to Irish and EU regulation, which is implemented primarily by
the Department of Transport, the IAA, the JAA and EASA. Management believes that
the present regulatory environment in Ireland and the EU is characterized by an
increased sensitivity to safety and security issues and an increased intensity
of review of safety-related procedures, training and equipment by the national
and EU regulatory authorities.
Commission for Aviation Regulation. The CAR is currently primarily
responsible for deciding maximum airport charges only at Dublin Airport. See
"--Airport Operations--Airport Charges" above.
The CAR also has responsibility for licensing Irish airlines, subject to
the requirements of EU law. It issues operating licenses under the provisions of
Council Regulation 2407/92. An operating license is an authorization permitting
the holder to carry out carriage by air of passengers, mail and/or cargo. The
criteria for granting an operating license include, inter alia, an air carrier's
financial fitness, the adequacy of its insurance, and the fitness of the persons
who will manage the air carrier. In addition, in order to obtain and maintain an
operating license, Irish and EU regulations require that (i) the air carrier
must be owned and continue to be owned directly or through majority ownership by
EU Member States and/or nationals of EU Member States and (ii) the air carrier
must at all times be effectively controlled by such EU Member States or EU
nationals. The CAR has broad authority to revoke an operating license. See "Item
10. Additional Information--Limitations on Share Ownership by Non-EU Nationals."
Ryanair's current operating license was awarded effective December 1, 1993,
was reviewed on November 30, 1999, and is subject to review and renewal each
year.
The CAR is also responsible for deciding whether a regulated airport should
be coordinated or fully coordinated under Council Regulation No. 95/93 on slots,
and authorizing ground handling operations under Council Directive 96/67/EC and
its implementing legislation. In April 2005, the CAR announced that Dublin
Airport would be fully slot-coordinated beginning in March 2006. Ryanair
successfully challenged this decision in the Irish High Court and the decision
was overturned in July 2006. In February 2007, the CAR re-imposed full
coordination at Dublin Airport and Ryanair has again challenged this decision in
the Irish High Court. See "-Slots" below for additional information.
Irish Aviation Authority. The IAA is primarily responsible for the
operational and regulatory function and services relating to the safety and
technical aspects of aviation in Ireland. To operate in Ireland and the EU, an
Irish air carrier is required to hold an operator's certificate granted by the
IAA attesting to the air carrier's operational and technical competence to
conduct an air service with specified types of aircraft. The IAA has broad
authority to amend or revoke an operator's certificate, with Ryanair's ability
to continue to hold its operator's certificate being subject to on-going
compliance with applicable statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to the
airline industry, including any new rules and regulations that may be adopted in
the future.
40
The IAA is responsible for overseeing and regulating the operations of
Irish air carriers. Matters within the scope of the IAA's regulatory authority
include air safety, aircraft certification, personnel licensing and training,
maintenance, manufacture, repair, airworthiness and operation of aircraft,
implementation of JARs, aircraft noise and ground services. Each of the
Company's aircraft has received an airworthiness certificate issued by the IAA
and any additional aircraft the Company adds to the fleet will be required to
obtain an airworthiness certificate. These airworthiness certificates are issued
for a period of 12 months, after which application for a further certificate
must be made. The Company's flight personnel, flight and emergency procedures,
aircraft and maintenance facilities are subject to periodic inspections and
tests by the IAA. The IAA has broad and powerful regulatory and enforcement
authority, including the authority to require reports, inspect the books,
records, premises and aircraft of a carrier and investigate and institute
enforcement proceedings. Failure to comply with IAA Regulations can result in
revocation of operating certification.
In July 1999, the IAA awarded Ryanair an air operator's certificate, which
is subject to routine audit and review, in recognition of Ryanair's satisfaction
of the relevant JAR OPS 1 regulatory requirements.
Department of Transport. The Department of Transport is responsible for
implementation of EU and Irish legislation and international standards relating
to air transport, e.g., noise levels, aviation security, etc.
In June 2005, the Minister for Transport enacted legislation strengthening
rights for air passengers following the EU's passage of legislation requiring
compensation of airline passengers who have been denied boarding on a flight for
which they hold a valid ticket (Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004), which came into
force on February 17, 2005. See "Item 3. Risk Factors-Risks Related to the
Airline Industry-EU Regulation on Passenger Compensation Could Significantly
Increase Related Costs."
Joint Aviation Authorities. The JAA is an associated body of the European
Civil Aviation Conference representing civil aviation authorities of
participating European states who have agreed to co-operate in developing and
implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures. The purpose is
to provide high and consistent standards of safety. The aim of the JAA is to
ensure that each individual Joint Aviation Requirement (JAR) becomes a uniform
code for all JAA member states without any national regulatory differences. EU
regulations provide for the harmonization of technical requirements and
administrative procedures on the basis of the JAR codes of the JAA and for the
acceptance of certification in accordance with common technical requirements and
administrative procedures.
The European Aviation Safety Agency. EASA is an agency of the EU which has
been given specific regulatory and executive tasks in the field of aviation
safety. EASA was established through Regulation (EC) No. 1592/2002 of the
European Parliament and the Council of July 15, 2002, on common rules in the
field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency. The
purpose of EASA is to draw-up common standards to ensure the highest levels of
safety, oversee their uniform application across Europe and promote them at the
global level. EASA formally started its work on September 28, 2003, taking over
the responsibility for regulating airworthiness and maintenance issues within
the EU Member States.
In order to achieve continuity in the mutual acceptance and recognition of
certificates and approvals between EASA and non-EASA states, a framework has
been developed under which the JAA retains its functions and responsibilities in
operations and licensing, while acting as a service provider to EASA in
certification and maintenance.
41
Eurocontrol. The European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation
("Eurocontrol") is an autonomous European organization established under the
Eurocontrol Convention of December 13, 1960. Eurocontrol is responsible for,
inter alia, the safety of air navigation and the collection of route charges for
en route air navigation facilities and services throughout Europe. Ireland is a
party to several international agreements concerning Eurocontrol. These
agreements have been implemented in Irish law, which provides for the payment of
charges to Eurocontrol in respect of air navigation services provided for
aircraft in airspace under the control of Eurocontrol. The relevant legislation
imposes liability for the payment of any charges upon the operators of the
aircraft in respect of which services are provided, upon the owners of such
aircraft or the managers of airports used by such aircraft. Ryanair, as an
aircraft operator, is primarily responsible for the payment to Eurocontrol of
charges incurred in relation to its aircraft.
The legislation authorizes the detention of aircraft in the case of default
in the payment of any charge for air navigation services by the aircraft
operator or the aircraft owner, as the case may be. This power of detention
extends to any equipment, stores or documents, which may be on board the
aircraft when it is detained, and may result in the possible sale of the
aircraft.
The European Commission is in the process of introducing a "single European
sky policy," which would bring changes to air traffic management and control
within the EU. The "single European sky policy" currently consists of the
Framework Regulation (Reg. (EC) No. 549/2004) plus three technical regulations
on the provision of air navigation services, organization and the use of the
airspace and the interoperability of the European air traffic management
network. The objective of the policy is to enhance safety standards and the
overall efficiency for general air traffic in Europe.
On September 6, 2005, the European Commission announced new guidelines on
the financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines by certain regional
airports, based on the European Commission's finding in the Charleroi case,
which Ryanair has appealed (and which appeal is currently pending in the
European Court of First Instance). The guidelines apply only to publicly owned
regional airports and place restrictions on the incentives these airports can
offer airlines to deliver traffic. The guidelines, however, apply only in cases
where the terms offered by a public airport are in excess of what a private
airport would have offered in a similar situation. Ryanair deals with airports,
both public and private, on an equal basis and receives the same cost deals from
both. Ryanair therefore considers that the guidelines will have no impact on its
business. In January 2007, the Commission announced a draft Airports Charging
Directive which seeks to regulate airport charges at all European airports with
over 1 million passengers. Ryanair and other airlines are opposed to this
legislation, which they believe should focus on monopoly airports where strong
regulations are needed.
The European Commission has proposed legislation calling for the
transparency of airline fares, which would require the inclusion of all taxes,
fees and charges in the advertised price. Ryanair currently includes this
information in its advertised fares in all markets where it operates.
Registration of Aircraft
Pursuant to the Irish Aviation Authority (Nationality and Registration of
Aircraft) Order 2002 (the "Order"), the IAA regulates the registration of
aircraft in Ireland. In order to be registered or continue to be registered in
Ireland, an aircraft must be wholly owned by either (i) a citizen of Ireland or
a citizen of another Member State of the EU having a place of residence or
business in Ireland or (ii) a company registered in and having a place of
business in Ireland and having its principal place of business in Ireland or
another Member State of the EU and not less than two-thirds of the directors of
which are citizens of Ireland or of another Member State of the EU. As of the
date of this report, eight of the nine directors of Ryanair Holdings are
citizens of Ireland or of another Member State of the EU. An aircraft will also
fulfill these conditions if it is wholly owned by such citizen or company in
combination.
42
Notwithstanding the fact that these particular conditions may not be met,
the IAA retains discretion to register an aircraft in Ireland so long as it is
in compliance with the other conditions for registration under the Order. Any
such registration may, however, be made subject to certain conditions. In order
to be registered, an aircraft must also continue to comply with any applicable
provisions of Irish law. The registration of any aircraft can be cancelled if it
is found that it is not in compliance with the requirements for registration
under the Order and, in particular, (i) if the ownership requirements are not
met, (ii) if the aircraft has failed to comply with any applicable safety
requirements specified by the IAA in relation to the aircraft or aircraft of a
similar type or (iii) if the IAA decides in any case that it is satisfied that
it is inexpedient in the public interest for the aircraft to remain registered
in Ireland.
Regulation of Competition
Competition/Antitrust Law. It is a general principle of EU competition law
that no agreement may be concluded between two or more separate economic
undertakings that prevents, restricts or distorts competition in the common
market or any part of the common market. Such an arrangement may nevertheless be
exempted by the European Commission, on either an individual or category basis.
The second general principle of EU competition law is that any business or
businesses having a dominant position in the common market or any substantial
part of the common market may not abuse such a dominant position. Ryanair is
subject to the application of the general rules of EU competition law as well as
specific rules on competition in the airline sector (principally, Council
Regulation (EEC) 3975/87, as amended).
An aggrieved person may sue for breach of EU competition law in the courts
of the Member States and/or complain to the European Commission for an order to
terminate the breach of competition law. The European Commission also may impose
fines and daily penalties on businesses and the courts of the Member States may
award damages and other remedies (such as an injunction) in appropriate
circumstances.
Competition law in Ireland is primarily embodied in the Competition Act
2002. This Act is modeled on the EU competition law system. The Irish rules
generally prohibit anti-competitive arrangements among businesses and prohibit
the abuse of a dominant position. These rules are enforced either by public
enforcement (primarily by the Competition Authority) through both criminal and
civil sanctions or by private action in the courts. These rules apply to the
airline sector, but are subject to EU rules that override any contrary provision
of Irish competition law.
State Aid. The EU rules control aid granted by Member States to businesses
on a selective or discriminatory basis. The EU Treaty prevents Member States
granting such aid unless approved in advance by the EU. Any such grant of state
aid to an airline is subject to challenge before the EU or, in certain
circumstances, national courts. If aid is held to have been unlawfully granted
it may have to be repaid by the airline to the granting Member State, together
with interest thereon. See "Item 3. Key Information--Risk Factors--Risks Related
to the Company-The Company Is Subject to Legal Proceedings Alleging Unlawful
State Aid at Certain Airports" and "Item 8. Financial Information--Other
Financial Information--Legal Proceedings."
Environmental Regulation
Aircraft Noise Regulations. Ryanair is subject to international, national
and, in some cases, local noise regulation standards. EU and Irish regulations
have required that all aircraft operated by Ryanair comply with Stage 3 noise
requirements since April 1, 2002. All of Ryanair's aircraft currently comply
with these regulations. Certain airports in the U.K. (including London
(Stansted) and London (Gatwick)) and continental Europe have established local
noise restrictions, including limits on the number of hourly or daily operations
or the time of such operations.
43
Company Facilities. Environmental controls are generally imposed under
Irish law through property planning legislation, specifically the Local
Government (Planning and Development) Acts of 1963 to 1999, the Planning and
Development Act 2000 and regulations made thereunder. At Dublin Airport, Ryanair
operates on land controlled by the DAA. Planning permission for its facilities
has been granted in accordance with both the zoning, and planning requirements
of Dublin Airport. There is also specific Irish environmental legislation
implementing applicable EU Directives and Regulations, which Ryanair adheres to.
From time to time, noxious or potentially toxic substances are held on a
temporary basis within Ryanair's engineering facilities at Dublin Airport and
Glasgow (Prestwick). However, at all times Ryanair's storage and handling of
these substances complies with the relevant regulatory requirements. In our
Glasgow (Prestwick) maintenance facility, all normal waste is removed in
accordance with the Environmental Protection Act of 1996 and Duty of Care Waste
Regulations. For special waste removal, Ryanair operates under the Special Waste
Regulations 1998 (contaminated waste). At all other facilities Ryanair adheres
to all local and EU regulations.
Ryanair's Policy on Noise and Emissions. Ryanair is committed to reducing
emissions and noise through investments in "next generation" aircraft and engine
technologies and the implementation of certain operational and commercial
decisions to minimize the environmental impact of its operations. Ryanair is
currently the industry leader in terms of environmental efficiency and is
constantly working towards improving its performance.
In December 2005, Ryanair completed the fleet replacement program it
commenced in 1999. All of Ryanair's older Boeing 737-200A aircraft have been
replaced with Boeing 737-800 "next generation" aircraft and as of August 31,
2007, Ryanair operates a single aircraft type fleet of Boeing 737-800 "next
generation" aircraft with an average age of only 2.7 years. The design of the
new aircraft is aimed at minimizing drag, thereby further reducing the rate of
fuel burn and noise levels. The engines are also quieter and more
fuel-efficient. Ryanair has a further 171 aircraft of this type on order from
Boeing and options on another 110. See "-Aircraft" above for details on
Ryanair's fleet plan.
Ryanair has completed the process of installing winglets on all of its
existing aircraft and all future aircraft will also be fitted with winglets.
Winglets reduce both the rate of fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions by
approximately 4% and also reduce noise emissions.
Furthermore, by moving to an all Boeing 737-800 "next generation" fleet,
Ryanair has reduced the unit emissions per passenger due to the inherent
capacity increase in the Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The Boeing 737-800 "next
generation" aircraft have a significantly superior fuel burn to
passenger-kilometer ratio than Ryanair's former fleet of 737-200A aircraft.
In addition, Ryanair has distinctive operational characteristics that
management believes are helpful to the general environment; it:
o operates with a high-seat density of 189 seats and an all-economy
configuration, as opposed to the 162 seats and two-class configuration of
the Boeing 737-800 aircraft used by traditional network airlines, reducing
fuel burn and emissions per seat-kilometer flown;
o has reduced per-passenger emissions through higher load factors;
o better utilizes existing infrastructure by operating out of underutilized
secondary and regional airports throughout Europe, which limits the use of
holding patterns and taxiing times, thus reducing fuel burn and emissions
and reducing the need for new airport infrastructure;
o provides direct services as opposed to connecting flights, in order to
limit the need for passengers to transfer at main hubs and thus reduce the
number of take-offs and landings per journey from four to two, reducing
fuel burn and emissions per journey; and
44
o has no late night departures of aircraft, reducing the impact of noise
emissions.
Emissions Trading. The European Commission has forwarded proposals to
include air transportation in the European Emissions Trading Scheme ("ETS") to
the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The ETS is likely to
result in the imposition of an "emission levy" on airlines, particularly on
those that have already heavily invested in cleaner aircraft technology and more
efficient operations, as they will have much less ability to further reduce
emissions in a cost effective manner. Ryanair believes that this additional cost
imposed on airlines will increase fares and damage the competitiveness of the
industry.
Ryanair and the European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) have called
on the European Commission to conduct a proper cost/benefit analysis before
proceeding with any legislative proposals that could impose significant costs on
the airline industry.
Ryanair takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and intends to
continue to improve its environmental efficiency and to minimize emissions.
Ryanair believes that the application of the ETS will only increase airline
costs without having any material benefit to the environment.
Fuel Taxes/Emissions Levies. Ryanair is fundamentally opposed to the
introduction of any fuel tax or emissions levy. Ryanair has and continues to
offer the lowest fares in Europe, to make passenger air travel affordable and
accessible to European consumers. Ryanair believes that the imposition on
airlines of a tax on fuel or emissions will not only increase airfares, but will
discourage new entrants into the market, resulting in less choice for consumers.
Ryanair believes this would ultimately have adverse effects on the European
economy in general. The UK government's doubling of the Air Passenger Duty (APD)
in February 2007, which purports to be an environmental tax, further
demonstrates that these taxes have no environmental benefits and only increase
costs to passengers.
As a company, Ryanair believes in free market competition and that the
imposition of any of the above measures would favor the flag carriers - which
generally have smaller and older aircraft, lower load factors, a much higher
fuel burn per passenger, and operate primarily into congested airports - and
reduce competition. Furthermore, the introduction of a fuel tax or emissions
levy at a European level only would distort competition between airlines
operating solely within Europe and those operating also outside of Europe.
Slots
Currently, 33 of the airports served by Ryanair, including its bases at
Dublin, London (Stansted), Milan (Bergamo), Rome (Ciampino), Barcelona (Girona)
and Madrid, are regulated by means of "slot" allocations, which represent
authorizations to take off or land at a particular airport within a specified
time period. In addition, the airports in Bristol, Alicante and Valencia that
Ryanair plans to use as new bases of operations beginning in the Fall of 2007
are regulated through slot allocations. In April 2005, the CAR announced that
Dublin Airport would be fully slot coordinated, beginning in March 2006. Ryanair
challenged this decision in the Irish High Court on grounds that the CAR failed
to apply the criteria in Regulation 95/93, which require a thorough capacity
analysis at the airport and consultation with the airlines and airport on ways
to avoid the need for full coordination, prior to taking its decision. The Irish
High Court overturned the decision of the CAR and Dublin Airport reverted to a
"schedules facilitated" scheme. In February 2007, the CAR re-imposed full
coordination at Dublin Airport and Ryanair has again challenged this decision in
the Irish High Court. EU law currently regulates the acquisition, transfer and
loss of slots. Applicable EU regulations currently prohibit the buying or
selling of slots for cash. The European Commission adopted a regulation in April
2004 (Regulation (EC) No. 793/2004) that made some minor amendments to the
current allocation system. It allows for limited transfers of, but not trading
in, slots. Slots may be transferred from one route to another by the same
carrier, transferred within a group or as part of a change of control of a
carrier, or swapped between carriers.
45
The European Commission is now conducting a consultation that will allow it
to propose further measures to introduce a market mechanism for the allocation
of slots which will allow more flexibility and mobility in the use of slots and
will further enhance possibilities for market entry. Any future proposals that
might create a secondary market for the auction of slots or allow trading of
slots among airlines could create a potential source of revenue for certain of
Ryanair's current and potential competitors, many of which have many more slots
allocated at present than Ryanair. Slot values depend on several factors,
including the airport, time of day covered, the availability of slots and the
class of aircraft. Ryanair's ability to gain access to and develop its
operations at slot-controlled airports will be affected by the availability of
slots for takeoffs and landings at these specific airports. New entrants to an
airport are currently given certain privileges in terms of obtaining slots, but
such privileges are subject to the "grandfather rights" of existing operators
that are utilizing their slots. While Ryanair generally seeks to avoid
slot-controlled airports, there is no assurance that Ryanair will be able to
obtain a sufficient number of slots at the slot-controlled airports that it
desires to serve in the future at the time it needs them or on acceptable terms.
Other
Health and occupational safety issues relating to the Company are largely
controlled in Ireland by compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
Act, 1989, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)
Regulations, 1993, and other regulations under that act. Although licenses or
permits are not issued under such legislation, compliance is monitored by the
Health and Safety Authority (the "Authority"), which is the regulating body in
this area. The Authority periodically reviews Ryanair's health and safety record
and where appropriate, issues improvement notices or prohibition notices.
Ryanair has responded to all such notices to the satisfaction of the Authority.
Other safety issues are covered by the Irish Aviation Orders, which may vary
from time to time.
The Company's operations are subject to the general laws of Ireland and,
insofar as they are applicable in Ireland, the laws of the EU. The Company may
also become subject to additional regulatory requirements in the future. The
Company is also subject to local laws and regulations at locations where it
operates and the regulations of various local authorities that operate the
airports it serves.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
For certain information about each of the Company's key facilities, see
"-Facilities" above. Management believes that the Company's facilities are
suitable for its needs and are well maintained.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the notes thereto included
in Item 18. Those financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
IFRS. For a detailed discussion of differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, see
Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18.
HISTORY
Ryanair's current business strategy dates to the early 1990s, when a new
management team, including the current chief executive, commenced the
restructuring of Ryanair's operations to become a low-fares airline based on the
low-cost operating model pioneered by Southwest Airlines Co. in the United
States. During the period between 1992 and 1994, Ryanair expanded its route
network to include scheduled passenger service between Dublin and Birmingham,
Manchester and Glasgow (Prestwick). In 1994, Ryanair began standardizing its
fleet by purchasing used Boeing 737-200A aircraft to replace substantially all
of its leased aircraft. Beginning in 1996, Ryanair continued to expand its
service from Dublin to new provincial destinations in the U.K. In August 1996,
Irish Air, L.P., an investment vehicle led by David Bonderman and certain of his
associates at the Texas Pacific Group, acquired a minority interest in the
Company. Ryanair Holdings completed its initial public offering in June 1997.
46
From 1997 through September 2007, Ryanair launched service on approximately
550 routes throughout Europe, and also increased the frequency of service on a
number of its principal routes. During that period, in addition to Dublin,
Ryanair established, London (Stansted and Luton), Glasgow (Prestwick), Brussels
(Charleroi), Frankfurt (Hahn), Milan (Bergamo), Stockholm (Skvasta), Rome
(Ciampino), Barcelona (Girona), Nottingham East Midlands, Liverpool, Shannon,
Pisa, Cork, Marseille, Madrid, Bremen, Dusseldorf (Weeze) , Bristol, Alicante,
Valencia and Belfast airports as bases of operations. Ryanair has increased the
number of passengers flown from 4.9 million in 1999 to approximately 39.3
million in fiscal 2007, has taken delivery of 137 Boeing 737-800 aircraft as of
August 31, 2007, and now serves 125 airports while employing over 4,900 people.
Ryanair expects to have 163 aircraft in its operating fleet by March 31,
2008 (assuming that the planned disposal of six older aircraft is completed on
schedule). During the period through December 2012, the Company expects to take
delivery of additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft that, net of further scheduled
retirements and lease terminations, are expected to increase the size of the
Company's fleet to 262 aircraft by that date (assuming that the planned disposal
of 46 such aircraft is completed on schedule), with that number increasing
should Ryanair choose to exercise any of the 110 options remaining under its
current contracts with Boeing. See "--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Item
4. Information on the Company--Aircraft" for additional details.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Since Ryanair pioneered its low fares operating model in Europe in the
early 1990s, its passenger volumes and scheduled passenger revenues have
increased significantly as Ryanair has substantially increased capacity.
Ryanair's annual scheduled flown passenger volume has grown from approximately
945,000 passengers in the calendar year 1992 to 39.3 million passengers in
fiscal year 2007.
Ryanair's revenue passenger miles (RPMs) increased 32.4% from 18,832.5
million in fiscal year 2006 to 24,927.9 million in fiscal year 2007, due
primarily to a 32.0% increase in scheduled available seat miles (ASMs) from
24,282.1 million in fiscal year 2006 to 32,043.0 million in fiscal year 2007.
Scheduled passenger revenues increased 30.8% from EUR1,433.3 million in fiscal
year 2006 to EUR1,874.8 million in fiscal year 2007. During this period, flown
passenger load factors were 77% in fiscal year 2006 and 76% in fiscal year 2007.
Average yield per RPM was EUR0.076 in fiscal year 2006 and EUR0.075 in fiscal
year 2007. The decrease in average yield per RPM in fiscal years 2006 and 2007
was principally attributable to an increase in seat capacity, increased
competition in the market and an increase in average sector length without a
corresponding increase in average yield per passenger, or the amount of
scheduled revenues per passenger flown. The Company expects average yields to be
soft during fiscal year 2008 (with declines of up to 5% being possible), largely
as a result of a general softening of market conditions that has been reflected
in lower load factors and yields for April, May and June 2007.
The combination of expanding passenger volumes and capacity, high load
factors and aggressive cost containment has enabled Ryanair to continue to
generate operating profits and profits after taxation despite increasing price
competition and increases in certain costs, particularly fuel costs. Ryanair's
break-even load factor was 68% in fiscal year 2006 and 72% in fiscal year 2007.
Cost per ASM was EUR0.052 in fiscal year 2006 and EUR0.054 in fiscal year 2007,
reflecting increased costs, particularly fuel costs and an increase in the
number of pilot crews per aircraft from four to five. Ryanair recorded an
operating profit of EUR375.0 million in fiscal year 2006 and EUR471.7 million in
fiscal year 2007, and profit after taxation of EUR306.7 million in fiscal year
2006 and EUR435.6 million in fiscal year 2007. Ryanair recorded seat capacity
growth of approximately 23% in fiscal 2007, compared to approximately 27% in
fiscal 2006, and expects capacity to increase by approximately 21% in fiscal
2008, reflecting the current aircraft delivery timetable under the Company's
contracts with Boeing.
47
At September 20, 2007 Ryanair had acquired 29.4% of Aer Lingus at a cost of
EUR396.5 million. Following the approval of Ryanair's shareholders, the Company
proposed to effect a tender offer to acquire the entire share capital of Aer
Lingus. This acquisition proposal was, however, blocked by the European
Commission on competition grounds. Ryanair views the acquisition of Aer Lingus
in the context of the overall trend of consolidation among airlines in Europe
(the combined European market share of Ryanair/Aer Lingus would be less than 5%)
and believes that the acquisition would lead to the formation of one strong
Irish airline group able to compete with large carriers such as Lufthansa/Swiss
and Air France/KLM. During the EU competition review of the proposed
acquisition, Ryanair made a commitment to eliminate Aer Lingus' fuel surcharges
and reduce its fares, thus saving Aer Lingus passengers approximately EUR100
million per annum. This decision was the first adverse decision taken in respect
of any EU airline merger, and the first ever adverse decision in respect of a
proposed merger of two companies with less than 5% of the EU market for their
services. On September 10, 2007 Ryanair filed an appeal of this decision with
the European Court of First Instance.
At March 31, 2007, the Company had acquired a 25.2% stake in Aer Lingus at
a cost of EUR344.9 million. In accordance with the Company's accounting policy,
this asset is held at fair value with a corresponding adjustment to equity
following initial acquisition. The balance sheet amount of EUR406.1 million
reflects the market value of the Company's stake in Aer Lingus as at March 31,
2007. This investment is classified as available-for-sale because the Group does
not have the power to exercise a significant influence over Aer Lingus.
The historical results of operations discussed herein may not be indicative
of Ryanair's future operating performance. Ryanair's future results of
operations will be affected by, among other things, overall passenger traffic
volume, the availability of new airports for expansion, fuel prices, the airline
pricing environment in a period of increased competition, the ability to finance
its planned acquisition of aircraft and to discharge the resulting debt service
obligations, economic and political conditions in Ireland, the U.K. and the EU,
terrorist threats or attacks within the EU, seasonal variations in travel,
developments in government regulations, litigation and labor relations, foreign
currency fluctuations, competition and the public's perception regarding the
safety of low-fares airlines and changes in aircraft acquisition, leasing, and
other operating costs, as well as the rates of income taxes paid. Ryanair
expects its depreciation, staff and fuel charges to continue to increase as
additional aircraft and related flight equipment are acquired. Future fuel costs
may also increase as a result of the current shortage of fuel production
capacity and/or production restrictions imposed by fuel oil producers, as well
as the Company's decision to enter into fuel hedging arrangements on a more
selective basis. Maintenance expenses may also increase as a result of Ryanair's
fleet expansion and replacement program. In addition, the financing of new and
existing Boeing 737-800 aircraft will significantly increase the total amount of
the Company's outstanding debt and the payments it is obliged to make to service
such debt. The cost of insurance coverage for certain third-party liabilities
arising from "acts of war" or terrorism increased dramatically following the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Although Ryanair currently passes on
increased insurance costs to passengers by means of a special "insurance levy"
on each ticket, there can be no assurance that it will continue to be successful
in doing so. See "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors-The 2001 Terrorist
Attacks on the United States Had a Severe Negative Impact on the International
Airline Industry."
RECENT OPERATING RESULTS
As of April 1, 2005, the Company prepared its consolidated financial
statements, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union instead of
Irish GAAP, which the Company previously used for the presentation of its
financial information. The Company has restated its fiscal year 2005 financial
statements in IFRS.
48
For the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (the first quarter of the Company's
fiscal year 2008), Ryanair recorded an increase in operating profit of 15.2%,
from EUR136.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 to EUR157.4 million in
the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Total operating revenues increased 22.3%, from
EUR566.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 to EUR693.0 million in
the first quarter of fiscal 2008, primarily as a result of an increase of 17.5%
in scheduled passenger revenues, which totaled EUR575.9 million for the quarter,
as well as a 52.8% increase in ancillary revenues to EUR117.1 million. Operating
expenses increased at a higher rate, rising by 24.6%, from EUR429.9 million in
the three months ended June 30, 2006 to EUR535.6 million in the three months
ended June 30, 2007, as fuel costs increased by 13.7%, totaling EUR190.4
million, and other costs related to the growth of Ryanair's fleet and route
network and the general level of activity (particularly staff costs and airport
and handling costs) also increased. The Company's cash and cash equivalents,
restricted cash and financial assets with terms of less than three month summed
to EUR2,289.3 million at June 30, 2007, as compared with EUR2,198.0 million at
March 31, 2007. The Company had cash and cash equivalents of EUR1,345.1 million
at June 30, 2007, as compared with EUR1,346.4 million at March 31, 2007. Capital
expenditures for the quarter, primarily relating to deposit payments for future
aircraft deliveries, totaled EUR96.6 million, as compared with EUR21.3 million
in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following discussion and analysis of Ryanair's financial condition and
results of operations is based on its Consolidated Financial Statements, which
are included in Item 18 and prepared in accordance with IFRS. IFRS differs in
certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP. For additional information
regarding differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP, please refer to Note 28 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18.
The preparation of the Company's financial statements requires the use of
estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results may differ
from these estimates under different conditions or assumptions.
The Company believes that its critical accounting policies, which are those
that require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are
those described in this section. These critical accounting policies, the
judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of these policies and
the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are
factors to be considered in reviewing the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Item 18 and the discussion and analysis below. For additional detail
on these policies, see Note 1, "Basis of preparation and significant accounting
policies," to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18.
Long-lived assets
As of March 31, 2007, Ryanair had EUR2.9 billion of long-lived assets,
virtually all of which were aircraft. In accounting for long-lived assets,
Ryanair must make estimates about the expected useful lives of the assets, the
expected residual values of the assets and the potential for impairment based on
the fair value of the assets and the cash flows they generate.
In estimating the lives and expected residual values of its aircraft,
Ryanair has primarily relied on its own and industry experience, recommendations
from Boeing, the manufacturer of all of the Company's owned aircraft, and other
available marketplace information. Subsequent revisions to these estimates,
which can be significant, could be caused by changes to Ryanair's maintenance
program, changes in utilization of the aircraft, governmental regulations on
aging of aircraft and changing market prices for new and used aircraft of the
same or similar types. Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each
reporting period, and, when warranted, adjusts these assumptions. Generally,
these adjustments are accounted for on a prospective basis, through depreciation
expense.
49
Ryanair periodically evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment.
Factors that would indicate potential impairment would include, but are not
limited to, significant decreases in the market value of aircraft, a significant
change in an aircraft's physical condition, and operating or cash-flow losses
associated with the use of the aircraft. While the airline industry as a whole
has experienced many of these factors from time to time, Ryanair has not yet
been seriously impacted and continues to record positive cash flows from these
long-lived assets. Consequently, Ryanair has not yet identified any impairments
related to its existing aircraft fleet. The Company will continue to monitor its
long-lived assets and the general airline operating environment.
Heavy maintenance
An element of the cost of an acquired aircraft is attributed, on
acquisition, to its service potential, reflecting the maintenance condition of
the engines and airframe. Additionally, when Ryanair has a lease commitment to
perform aircraft maintenance, a provision is made during the lease term for this
obligation. Both of these accounting policies involve the use of estimates in
determining the quantum of both the initial maintenance asset and/or the amount
of provision to be set aside and the respective periods over which such amounts
are charged to income. In making such estimates, Ryanair has primarily relied on
industry experience, industry regulations and recommendations from Boeing;
however, these estimates can be subject to revision, depending on a number of
factors, such as the timing of the planned maintenance, the ultimate utilization
of the aircraft, changes to government regulations and increases and decreases
in the estimated costs. Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each
reporting period and, when warranted, adjusts these assumptions, which generally
impact on maintenance and depreciation expense in the income statement, on a
prospective basis.
50
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain income statement data (calculated
under IFRS) for Ryanair expressed as a percentage of Ryanair's total revenues
for each of the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year ended March 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Total Revenues........................................ 100% 100% 100%
Scheduled Revenues.................................. 83.8 84.7 85.5
Ancillary Revenues.................................. 16.2 15.3 14.5
Total Operating Expenses.............................. 78.9 77.8 74.2
Staff Costs......................................... 10.1 10.1 10.7
Depreciation and Amortization....................... 6.4 7.4 8.4
Fuel and Oil........................................ 31.0 27.3 20.1
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs.................. 1.9 2.2 2.0
Marketing and Distribution Costs.................... 1.1 0.8 1.5
Aircraft Rentals.................................... 2.6 2.8 2.5
Route Charges....................................... 8.9 9.7 10.3
Airport and Handling Charges........................ 12.2 12.8 13.6
Other............................................... 4.7 5.1 6.0
Purchase Accounting Adjustment(a)................... - - (0.9)
Aircraft Insurance Claim(b)......................... - (0.4) -
-----------------------------------------------------------
Operating Profit...................................... 21.1 22.2 25.8
Net interest (expense) income......................... (0.9) (2.1) (2.2)
Other Income (Expenses)............................... (0.0) (0.1) (0.2)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Profit before Taxation................................ 20.2 20.0 23.4
Taxation (c).......................................... 0.7 1.9 2.2
-----------------------------------------------------------
Profit after Taxation ................................ 19.5 18.1 21.2
-----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Subsequent to the acquisition of Buzz Stansted Ltd. in April 2003, Ryanair
renegotiated the terms and conditions of certain onerous leases and agreed to
return the aircraft to the lessors in late 2004, thereby releasing Ryanair from
any remaining lease obligations at that time. IFRS 3 provides that such an
adjustment must be made only in the 12-month period following the acquisition,
and, accordingly, as the event occurred more than 12 months after the
acquisition date, this adjustment resulted in a one-off, non-cash credit to the
income statement for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 of EUR11.9 million.
(b) Operating expenses in fiscal 2006 included a credit of EUR5.2 million (net
of tax) arising from the settlement of an insurance claim for the scratches on
six Boeing 737-200 aircraft.
(c) Taxation in fiscal 2007 included the release of a tax contingency reserve of
EUR34.2 million, principally from deferred tax. This relates to the recognition
of certain previously unrecognized tax benefits. The resulting benefit to the
Company's effective tax rate, is not reasonably expected to recur.
FISCAL YEAR 2007 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2006
Profit after Taxation. Ryanair's profit on ordinary activities after
taxation increased by 42.0%, from EUR306.7 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006, to EUR435.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007,
primarily reflecting a 32.2% increase in total operating revenues from
EUR1,692.5 million to EUR2,236.9 million, together with the EUR34.2 million
benefit to the effective tax rate discussed at note (c) in the above table. The
increase in revenues reflected an increase of 30.8% in scheduled revenues and of
39.7% in ancillary revenues, each as described in more detail below. Total
revenue per passenger increased by 8.1%, primarily due to a 7.0% increase in
average fares and the growth in ancillary revenues. Ryanair's profit on ordinary
activities before taxation increased 33.1%, from EUR338.9 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006 to EUR451.0 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007.
51
Scheduled Revenues. Ryanair's scheduled passenger revenues increased 30.8%,
from EUR1,433.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, to EUR1,874.8
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, as overall passengers booked
increased 22.2%, from 34.8 million to 42.5 million, reflecting increased
scheduled passenger volumes on existing passenger routes and the successful
launch of new bases at Marseille, Madrid, Bremen and Dusseldorf (Weeze) in
fiscal 2007. The higher scheduled revenues also reflected an increase of 7.0% in
average fares. Booked passenger load factors decreased from 83% to 82%.
Passenger capacity (as measured in ASMs) during fiscal 2007 increased by
32.0% due to the addition of 30 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, as well as an 6.1%
increase in the average length of passenger haul and a 20.1% increase in sectors
flown. Scheduled passenger revenues accounted for 83.8% of Ryanair's total
revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, compared with 84.7% of total
revenues in fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
The following tables set forth the components of ancillary revenues earned
by Ryanair and each component expressed as a percentage of total ancillary
revenues for each of the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year ended March 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 2006
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of euro, except percentage data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Non-flight Scheduled.............. EUR241,990 66.8% EUR166,796 64.4%
Car Rental........................ EUR22,972 6.4% EUR19,752 7.6%
In-flight Sales................... EUR60,079 16.6% EUR45,306 17.5%
Internet-Related.................. EUR37,063 10.2% EUR27,299 10.5%
Total............................. EUR362,104 100.0% EUR259,153 100.0%
</TABLE>
Ancillary Revenues. Ryanair's ancillary revenues, which comprise revenues
from non-flight scheduled operations, car rentals, in-flight sales and
internet-related services, increased 39.8%, from EUR259.2 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006 to EUR362.1 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007, while ancillary revenue per booked passenger increased to EUR8.52 from
EUR7.45. The overall increase reflected higher revenues in each of the
components. Revenues from non-flight scheduled operations, including revenues
from excess baggage charges, debit and credit card transactions, sales of rail
and bus tickets, hotel accommodation and travel insurance, increased 45.1% to
EUR242.0 million from EUR166.8 million in fiscal 2006, while car rental revenues
increased by 16.3%, to EUR23.0 million from EUR19.8 million. Growth in the
number of car hire bookings was ahead of that in passenger numbers, however the
average amount of revenue generated by each booking was down, reflecting
increased competition in the market. Revenues from in-flight sales increased
32.6%, to EUR60.1 million from EUR45.3 million in fiscal year 2006 Revenues from
internet-related services, primarily commissions received from products sold on
websites linked to the Ryanair.com website, increased 35.8%, from EUR27.3
million in fiscal year 2006 to EUR37.1 million in fiscal year 2007.
Operating Expenses. As a percentage of total revenues, Ryanair's operating
expenses increased from 77.8% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 to 78.9%
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, reflecting the fact that operating
expenses grew at a faster rate than revenues. In absolute terms, total operating
expenses increased 34.0%, from EUR1,317.5 million in the fiscal year ended March
31, 2006, to EUR1,765.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007,
principally as a result of the increase in scheduled passenger volume and the
20.0% increase in number of sectors flown, which were reflected in increases in
fuel expenses, route charges, staff costs and airport and handling charges. The
increase in operating expenses also reflected the adverse impact of an increase
of 6.1% in average sector length and higher jet fuel prices in U.S. dollars that
were only partially offset by the strength of the euro against the U.S currency.
Total operating expenses per ASM increased by 1.5%, reflecting higher fuel costs
and higher marketing and distribution costs.
52
The following table sets forth the amounts in euro cents and percentage
changes of Ryanair's operating expenses (on a per ASM basis) for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 under IFRS. These data are
calculated by dividing the relevant expense amount (as shown in the Consolidated
Financial Statements) by the number of ASMs in the relevant year as shown in the
table of "Selected Operating and Other Data" in Item 3 and rounding to the
nearest euro cent; the percentage change is calculated on the basis of the
relevant figures before rounding.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Ended
March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006 % Change
-----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Staff Costs................................................. 0.71 0.71 0.2%
Depreciation and Amortization............................... 0.45 0.51 -12.6%
Fuel and Oil................................................ 2.16 1.90 13.6%
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs.......................... 0.13 0.15 -14.8%
Marketing and Distribution.................................. 0.07 0.06 29.6%
Aircraft Rentals............................................ 0.18 0.20 -6.9%
Route Charges............................................... 0.62 0.68 -8.3%
Airport and Handling Charges................................ 0.85 0.89 -4.1%
Other Operating Expenses.................................... 0.33 0.35 -7.1%
Aircraft Insurance Claim (a)................................ - -0.02 -
Total Operating Expenses.................................... 5.51 5.43 1.5%
</TABLE>
(a) Operating expenses in fiscal 2006 included a credit of EUR5.9 million
arising from the settlement of an insurance claim for the scribing of six Boeing
737-200 aircraft.
Staff Costs. Ryanair's staff costs, which consist primarily of salaries,
wages and benefits, increased 0.2% on a per-ASM basis, while in absolute terms,
these costs increased 32.2%, from EUR171.4 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006, to EUR226.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007,
primarily reflecting an increase in pilot crewing ratios, primarily as a result
of continued increases in sector length, a 30.2% increase in average employee
numbers to 3,991 (reflecting an increase in the number of pilot crews per
aircraft from four to five) and the impact of pay increases granted during the
year
Depreciation and Amortization. Ryanair's depreciation and amortization per
ASM decreased by 12.6%, while in absolute terms these costs increased 15.4% from
EUR124.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, to EUR143.5 million in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, primarily reflecting higher depreciation
as a result of the net increase in the size of Ryanair's "owned" fleet from 86
to 101 aircraft due to the retirement of nine Boeing 737-200A aircraft. in
fiscal 2006 and a decline in the cost of amortization of capitalized maintenance
of Boeing 737-800 aircraft as a result of more favorable terms in Ryanair's new
engine maintenance agreement with GE; charges for fiscal year 2006 had been
reduced due to the retirement of nine Boeing 737-200A aircraft. The increase was
also offset in part by the effect of the strength of the euro against the U.S.
dollar on the depreciation and amortization charges relating to new aircraft
deliveries when expressed in euro.
Fuel and Oil. Ryanair's fuel and oil costs increased by 13.6% per ASM, and
by 50.0% in absolute terms to EUR693.3 million from EUR462.5 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, in each case after giving effect to the
Company's fuel hedging activities. The increase reflected a 20.0% increase in
the number of sectors flown, an increase of 6.1% in the average sector length
and the significant increase in the average dollar-denominated fuel price
discussed below, offset in part by the positive impact of the strengthening of
the euro against the U.S. dollar during the period. Fuel and oil costs include
the direct cost of fuel, the cost of delivering fuel to the aircraft and
aircraft de-icing costs. The average fuel price paid by Ryanair (calculated by
dividing total scheduled fuel costs by the number of U.S. gallons of fuel
consumed) increased 23.6% from EUR1.48 per U.S. gallon in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006 to EUR1.83 per U.S. gallon in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007, in each case after giving effect to the Company's fuel hedging activities.
53
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs. Ryanair's maintenance, materials and
repair expenses, which consist primarily of the cost of routine maintenance and
the overhaul of spare parts, decreased 14.8% on a per-ASM basis, while in
absolute terms these expenses increased by 12.4%, from EUR37.4 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, to EUR42.0 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. The absolute increase during the year reflected the higher
number of leased Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which grew to 32 from 17 during the
year, offset in part by a lower level of maintenance costs incurred due to the
improved reliability of the Boeing 737-800s operated and the positive impact of
the strengthening of the euro against the U.S. dollar during the period.
Marketing and Distribution Costs. Ryanair's marketing and distribution
costs (including baggage commissions) per ASM increased 29.6%, while in absolute
terms these costs increased by 71.0%, from EUR13.9 million in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2006 to EUR23.8 million fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. The
increase in absolute terms was primarily the result of an increase in the level
of marketing activity related to an increase of approximately 67% in the number
of routes in operation (to 428 at year end) , the addition of three more bases
(bringing the total to 18) and increases in baggage commissions paid to airports
arising from the growth in ancillary revenues.
Aircraft Rentals. Ryanair recorded EUR58.2 million in aircraft rental
expense during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, a 22.8% increase from the
EUR47.4 million reported in fiscal year 2006, reflecting the additional 15
Boeing 737-800 aircraft on lease during the year. An additional expenditure of
US$5.5 million was incurred on short-term leases during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2006, due to a combination of a delay in aircraft deliveries due to a
strike of Boeing machinists in September 2005 and the impact of the delayed
conversion training of some Dublin pilots to enable them to fly the new Boeing
737-800 aircraft.
Route and Airport and Handling Charges. Ryanair's route charges per ASM
decreased 8.3% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, while airport and
handling charges per ASM decreased 4.1%. In absolute terms, route charges
increased 21.1%, from EUR164.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006,
to EUR199.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, primarily as a
result of the 20.0% increase in sectors flown and the increase of 6.1% in
average sector length, as well as an increase in route charges based on aircraft
weight, as the average weight of the fleet increased due to the higher
proportion of Boeing 737-800s in the fleet (as Ryanair still operated some
Boeing 737-200A aircraft in fiscal year 2006), offset in part by a reduction in
en route charges in certain EU countries. In absolute terms, airport and
handling charges increased 26.5%, from EUR216.3 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006, to EUR273.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007,
reflecting the overall growth in passenger volumes as well as increased costs at
certain airports already served by Ryanair, particularly our Dublin base, which
grew significantly in fiscal year 2007 and has much higher average costs per
passenger than our other airports, the effects of which were offset in part by
lower average costs at new airports and bases.
Other Expenses. Ryanair's other operating expenses, including those
applicable to the generation of ancillary revenues, decreased 7.1% on a per-ASM
basis in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, although in absolute terms these
costs increased 22.6%, from EUR79.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006 to EUR104.9 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 due to
increased passenger numbers. This increase in passenger numbers was offset by
improved margins on some existing ancillary products and a reduction is some
indirect costs. Other expenses recorded in fiscal year 2006 reflected an
exceptional credit of EUR5.9 million, arising from the settlement of an
insurance claim relating to scratches on six Boeing 737-200A aircraft that were
retired early during 2003. The decline on a per-ASM basis reflected improved
margins on some new and existing products, as well as cost reductions realized
in relation to certain indirect overhead costs, while the increase in absolute
terms was primarily attributable to the increased passenger volumes.
54
Operating Profit. As a result of the factors outlined above, operating
profit decreased 4.7% on a per-ASM basis in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007, but increased 25.8% in absolute terms, from EUR375.0 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006, to EUR471.7 million in the fiscal year ended March
31, 2007.
Finance Income. Ryanair's interest receivable and similar income increased
64.8%, from EUR38.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 to EUR63.0
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, primarily reflecting higher
average cash balances on hand due to Ryanair's continuing profitability, as well
as higher average interest rates received on our deposits during the year.
Finance Expense. Ryanair's interest payable and similar charges increased
12.1%, from EUR74.0 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, to EUR82.9
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, reflecting the increase in debt
related to the acquisition of additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These costs
are expected to continue to increase as Ryanair further expands its fleet.
Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses). Ryanair's foreign exchange losses
decreased to EUR0.9 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, from EUR1.2
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, primarily due to the positive
impact of changes in the sterling and U.S. dollar exchange rates against the
euro.
Taxation. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
was 3.4%, compared to 9.5% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. The
effective tax rate reflects the statutory rate of Irish corporation tax of
12.5%; a release of a tax contingency reserve, principally from deferred tax, of
EUR34.2 million (which relates to the recognition of certain previously
unrecognized tax benefits, and which resulted in a benefit to the Company's
effective tax rate that is not reasonably expected to recur); the positive
impact of Ryanair.com (which benefits from a reduced corporation tax rate); and
the continued benefit of Ryanair's international leasing and internet-related
businesses. Profits from qualifying activities at Ryanair.com are currently
levied at an effective 10% tax rate in Ireland. Ryanair.com will continue to be
eligible for the 10% preferential tax treatment until the scheduled expiration
of its license in 2010.
FISCAL YEAR 2006 COMPARED WITH FISCAL YEAR 2005
Profit after Taxation. Ryanair's profit on ordinary activities after
taxation increased by 9.5%, from EUR280.0 million in the fiscal year ended March
31, 2005, to EUR306.7 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, primarily
reflecting a 28.3% increase in total operating revenues from EUR1,319.0 million
to EUR1,692.5 million. The increase in revenues reflected an increase of 27.1%
in scheduled revenues and of 35.7% in ancillary revenues, each as described in
more detail below. Total revenue per passenger increased by approximately 2%,
primarily due to an approximately 1% increase in average fares and the growth in
ancillary revenues. Ryanair's profit on ordinary activities before taxation
increased 9.6%, from EUR309.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 to
EUR338.9 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
Scheduled Revenues. Ryanair's scheduled passenger revenues increased 27.1%,
from EUR1,128.1 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, to EUR1,433.4
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, as overall passengers booked
increased 26.1%, from 27.6 million to 34.8 million, reflecting increased
scheduled passenger volumes on existing passenger routes, the successful launch
of new bases at Liverpool, Shannon and Pisa and in Cork and Nottingham East
Midlands in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively. The
higher scheduled revenues also reflected an increase of approximately 1% in
average fares. Booked passenger load factors decreased from 84% to 83%.
Passenger capacity (as measured in ASMs) during fiscal 2006 increased by
approximately 36% due to the addition of 21 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offset in
part by the retirement of nine Boeing 737-200A aircraft, as well as an 8.1%
increase in the average length of passenger haul and a 21.2% increase in sectors
flown. Scheduled passenger revenues accounted for 84.7% of Ryanair's total
revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, compared with 85.5% of total
revenues in fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.
55
The following tables set forth the components of ancillary revenues earned
by Ryanair and each component expressed as a percentage of total ancillary
revenues for each of the periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year ended March 31,
2006 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of euro, except percentage data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Non-flight Scheduled.............. EUR166,796 64.4% EUR115,916 60.7%
Car Rental........................ EUR19,752 7.6% EUR15,706 8.2%
In-flight Sales................... EUR45,306 17.5% EUR34,939 18.3%
Internet-Related.................. EUR27,299 10.5% EUR24,360 12.8%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total............................. EUR259,153 100.0% EUR190,921 100.0%
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>
Ancillary Revenues. Ryanair's ancillary revenues, which comprise revenues
from non-flight scheduled operations, car rentals, in-flight sales and
internet-related services, increased 35.7%, from EUR190.9 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2005 to EUR259.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006, while ancillary revenue per booked passenger increased to EUR7.45 from
EUR6.92. The overall increase reflected higher revenues in each of the
components. Revenues from non-flight scheduled operations, including revenues
from excess baggage charges, debit and credit card transactions, sales of rail
and bus tickets, hotel accommodation and travel insurance, increased 43.9% to
EUR166.8 million from EUR115.9 million in fiscal 2005, while car rental revenues
increased by 25.8%, to EUR19.8 million from EUR15.7 million. Revenues from
in-flight sales increased 29.7%, to EUR45.3 million from EUR34.9 million in
fiscal year 2005. Revenues from internet-related services, primarily commissions
received from products sold on websites linked to the Ryanair.com website,
increased 12.1%, from EUR24.4 million in fiscal year 2005 to EUR27.3 million in
fiscal year 2006.
Operating Expenses. As a percentage of total revenues, Ryanair's operating
expenses increased from 74.1% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 to 77.8%
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, reflecting the fact that operating
expenses grew at a faster rate than our revenues. In absolute terms, total
operating expenses increased 34.7%, from EUR978.3 million in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2005, to EUR1,317.5 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006, principally as a result of the increase in scheduled passenger volume and
the 21.2% increase in number of sectors flown, which were reflected in increases
in fuel expenses, route charges, staff costs and airport and handling charges.
The increase in operating expenses also reflected the adverse impact of an
increase of approximately 8% in average sector length and higher jet kerosene
prices in U.S. dollars that were only partially offset by the strength of the
euro against the U.S currency. Nonetheless, total operating expenses per ASM
declined by 1.2%, reflecting declines on a per ASM basis in all components other
than fuel and oil costs and aircraft rentals.
The following table sets forth the amounts in euro cents and percentage
changes of Ryanair's operating expenses (on a per ASM basis) for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005 under IFRS. These data are
calculated by dividing the relevant expense amount (as shown in the Consolidated
Financial Statements) by the number of ASMs in the relevant year as shown in the
table of "Selected Operating and Other Data" in Item 3 and rounding to the
nearest euro cent; the percentage change is calculated on the basis of the
relevant figures before rounding.
56
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Ended
March 31, 2006 March 31, 2005 % Change
------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Staff Costs................................................. 0.71 0.80 -11.2%
Depreciation and Amortization............................... 0.51 0.62 -17.3%
Fuel and Oil................................................ 1.90 1.49 27.9%
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs.......................... 0.15 0.15 4.4%
Marketing and Distribution.................................. 0.06 0.11 -48.0%
Aircraft Rentals............................................ 0.20 0.19 3.8%
Route Charges............................................... 0.68 0.76 -11.0%
Airport and Handling Charges................................ 0.89 1.00 -11.1%
Other Operating Expenses.................................... 0.35 0.45 -21.0%
Purchase Accounting Adjustment (a).......................... - -0.07 -%
Aircraft Insurance Claim (b)................................ -0.02 - -%
------------------------------------------------------------
Total Operating Expenses.................................... 5.43 5.50 -1.2%
============================================================
</TABLE>
(a) Subsequent to the acquisition of Buzz Stansted Ltd. in April 2003, Ryanair
renegotiated the terms and conditions of certain onerous leases and agreed to
return the aircraft to the lessors in late 2004, thereby releasing Ryanair from
any remaining lease obligations at that time. IFRS 3 provides that such an
adjustment must be made only in the 12-month period following the acquisition,
and, accordingly, as the event occurred more than 12 months after the
acquisition date, this adjustment resulted in a one-off, non-cash credit to the
income statement for the year to March 31, 2005 of EUR11.9 million.
(b) Operating expenses in fiscal 2006 included a credit of EUR5.9 million
arising from the settlement of an insurance claim for the scribing of six Boeing
737-200 aircraft.
Staff Costs. Ryanair's staff costs, which consist primarily of salaries,
wages and benefits, decreased 11.2% on a per ASM basis, while in absolute terms,
these costs increased 21.0%, from EUR141.7 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2005, to EUR171.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006,
primarily reflecting an 17.6% increase in average employee numbers to 3,063 and
the impact of pay increases of 3% granted during the year.
Depreciation and Amortization. Ryanair's depreciation and amortization per
ASM decreased by 17.3%, while in absolute terms these costs increased 12.7% from
EUR110.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, to EUR124.4 million in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, primarily reflecting higher depreciation
as a result of the net increase in the size of Ryanair's "owned" fleet from 74
to 86, offset by lower amortization charges due to the retirement of nine Boeing
737-200A aircraft and a decline in the cost of amortization of capitalized
maintenance of Boeing 737-800 aircraft as a result of more favorable terms in
Ryanair's new engine maintenance agreement with GE. The increase was also offset
in part by the effect of the strength of the euro against the U.S. dollar on the
depreciation and amortization charges relating to new aircraft deliveries when
expressed in euro.
Fuel and Oil. Ryanair's fuel and oil costs increased by 27.9% per ASM, and
by 74.3% in absolute terms to EUR462.5 million from EUR265.3 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, in each case after giving effect to the
Company's fuel hedging activities. The increase reflected a 21.2% increase in
the number of sectors flown, an increase of approximately 8% in the average
sector length and the significant increase in the average dollar-denominated
fuel price, offset in part by the positive impact of the strengthening of the
euro against the U.S. dollar during the period. Fuel and oil costs include the
direct cost of fuel, the cost of delivering fuel to the aircraft and aircraft
de-icing costs. The average fuel price paid by Ryanair (calculated by dividing
total scheduled fuel costs by the number of U.S. gallons of fuel consumed)
increased nearly 39.6% from EUR1.06 per U.S. gallon in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2005 to EUR1.48 per U.S. gallon in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006, in each case after giving effect to the Company's fuel hedging activities.
57
Maintenance, Materials and Repairs. Ryanair's maintenance, materials and
repair expenses, which consist primarily of the cost of routine maintenance and
the overhaul of spare parts, increased 4.4% on a per ASM basis, while in
absolute terms these expenses increased by 42.2%, from EUR26.3 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, to EUR37.4 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. The absolute increase reflected the higher number of leased
Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which grew to 17 from 13 during the year, offset in
part by a lower level of maintenance costs incurred due to the improved
reliability of the Boeing 737-800s operated, the release of maintenance overhaul
provisions of EUR5.9 million pre-tax during the year associated with the
earlier-than-scheduled return of six leased Boeing 737-300s, the retirement of
the remaining nine Boeing 737-200As and the positive impact of the strengthening
of the euro against the U.S. dollar during the period. Under IFRS, the
accounting treatment for these costs with respect to leased aircraft differs
from that for aircraft owned by the Company, for which such costs are
capitalized and amortized.
Marketing and Distribution Costs. Ryanair's marketing and distribution
costs per ASM decreased 48.0%, while in absolute terms these costs decreased by
29.1%, from EUR19.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 to EUR13.9
million fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. The decrease in absolute terms was
primarily the result of a reduction in the level of marketing activity and
related expenditures.
Aircraft Rentals. Ryanair recorded EUR47.4 million in aircraft rental
expense during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, a 119.8% increase from the
EUR21.5 million reported in fiscal year 2005, reflecting the additional four
Boeing 737-800 aircraft on lease during the year. This EUR21.5 million amount
for fiscal year 2005 included an EUR11.9 million credit due to a change in the
accounting treatment of business combinations following the adoption of IFRS,
relating to the reversal of certain aircraft lease provisions arising on the
acquisition of Buzz and reflected as a reduction to aircraft rentals in the
income statement for fiscal year 2005. An additional expenditure of U.S.$5.5
million was incurred on short-term leases during the fourth quarter of fiscal
2006, due to a combination of a delay in aircraft deliveries due to a strike of
Boeing machinists in September 2005 and the impact of the delayed conversion
training of some Dublin pilots to enable them to fly the new Boeing 737-800
aircraft, was largely offset by the decrease in costs resulting from the early
return of six leased Boeing 737-300 aircraft to ILFC.
Route and Airport and Handling Charges. Ryanair's route charges per ASM
decreased 11.0% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, while airport and
handling charges per ASM decreased 11.1%. In absolute terms, route charges
increased 21.3%, from EUR135.7 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005,
to EUR164.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, primarily as a
result of the 21.2% increase in sectors flown and the increase of approximately
8% in average sector length, as well as an increase in route charges based on
aircraft weight, as the average weight of the fleet increased due to the higher
proportion of Boeing 737-800s, offset in part by a reduction in en route charges
in certain EU countries. In absolute terms, airport and handling charges
increased 21.3%, from EUR178.4 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005,
to EUR216.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, reflecting the
overall growth in passenger volumes as well as increased costs at certain
airports already served by Ryanair, the effects of which were offset in part by
lower average costs at new airports and bases.
Other Expenses. Ryanair's other operating expenses, including those
applicable to the generation of ancillary revenues, decreased 21.0% on a per ASM
basis in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, although in absolute terms these
costs remained virtually unchanged, from EUR79.5 million in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2005 to EUR79.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
Other expenses recorded in fiscal year 2006 reflected an exceptional credit of
EUR5.9 million, arising from the settlement of an insurance claim relating to
scratches on six Boeing 737-200A aircraft that were retired early during 2003.
The decline on a per ASM basis reflected improved margins on some new and
existing products, as well as cost reductions realized in relation to certain
indirect overhead costs, while the increase in absolute terms was primarily
attributable to the increased passenger volumes.
58
Operating Profit. As a result of the factors outlined above, operating
profit decreased 19.3% on a per ASM basis in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006, but increased 10.1% in absolute terms, from EUR340.7 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2005, to EUR375.0 million in the fiscal year ended March
31, 2006.
Finance Income. Ryanair's interest receivable and similar income increased
34.8%, from EUR28.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 to EUR38.2
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, primarily reflecting higher
average cash balances on hand due to Ryanair's continuing profitability, as well
as higher average interest rates on deposit during the year.
Finance Expense. Ryanair's interest payable and similar charges increased
28.3%, from EUR57.6 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, to EUR74.0
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, reflecting the increase in debt
related to the acquisition of additional Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These costs
are expected to continue to increase as Ryanair further expands its fleet.
Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses). Ryanair's foreign exchange losses
decreased to EUR1.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, from EUR2.3
million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, primarily due to the positive
impact of changes in the sterling and U.S. dollar exchange rates against the
euro.
Taxation. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
was 9.5%, compared to 9.4% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. The
effective tax rate reflects the statutory rate of Irish corporation tax of
12.5%, the positive impact of Ryanair.com (which benefits from a reduced
corporation tax rate) and the continued benefit of Ryanair's international
leasing and internet-related businesses. Profits from qualifying activities at
Ryanair.com are currently levied at an effective 10% tax rate in Ireland.
Ryanair.com will continue to be eligible for the 10% preferential tax treatment
until the scheduled expiration of its license in 2010. Ryanair recorded an
income tax provision of EUR32.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006, compared to an income tax provision of EUR29.2 million for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2005.
SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS
The Company's results of operations have varied significantly from quarter
to quarter, and management expects these variations to continue. Among the
factors causing these variations are the airline industry's sensitivity to
general economic conditions and the seasonal nature of air travel. Ryanair
typically records higher revenues and income in the first half of each fiscal
year ended March 31 than the second half of such year.
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION
The Company's consolidated net income determined in accordance with U.S.
GAAP was EUR433.3 million, EUR314.8 million and EUR283.4 million for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as compared with net
income of EUR435.6 million, EUR306.7 million and EUR280.0 million, respectively,
for the same periods, as determined under IFRS.
The Company's total assets determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP were
EUR5,731.6 million and EUR4,672.9 million at March 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively, as compared with EUR5,691.2 million and EUR4,634.2 million,
respectively, under IFRS. Shareholders' equity determined in accordance with
U.S. GAAP was EUR2,567.5 million, EUR2,020.4 million and EUR1,629.8 million at
March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as compared with EUR2,539.8 million
EUR1,992.0 million and EUR1,734.5 million, respectively, under IFRS. The main
differences affecting the determination of shareholders' equity at March 31,
2007 include the different treatment of pension costs, unrealized losses on
derivative financial instruments and capitalized interest on aircraft
acquisitions. For a discussion of the principal differences between IFRS and
U.S. GAAP as they relate to the Company's consolidated net income and
shareholders' equity, see Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in Item 18.
59
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Please see Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 18 for information on recently issued accounting standards that are
material to the Company.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity. The Company finances its working capital requirements through a
combination of cash generated from operations and bank loans for the acquisition
of aircraft. The Company had cash and liquid resources under IFRS at March 31,
2006 and 2007 of EUR1,972.0 million and EUR2,198.0 million, respectively, with
the increase at March 31, 2007 primarily reflecting the growth in profits,
offset in part by cash used to fund the purchase of tangible assets, primarily
the new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and the acquisition of 25.2% of Aer Lingus at a
cost of EUR344.9 million During the year, the Company funded its EUR495.0
million in purchases of tangible assets with EUR339.4 million in loans and
EUR155.6 million in cash generated from operations. Cash and liquid resources
included EUR200.0 million and EUR254.9 million in "restricted cash" held on
deposit as collateral for certain derivative financial instruments entered into
by the Company with respect to its aircraft financing obligations and other
banking arrangements at March 31, 2006 and 2007, as well as EUR4.0 million held
in escrow relating to ongoing legal proceedings at both March 31, 2006 and 2007.
See "Item 8. Financial Information--Other Financial Information--Legal
Proceedings."
The Company's net cash inflow from operating activities in fiscal years
2006 and 2007 totaled EUR610.6 million and EUR869.9 million, respectively,
reflecting the strong growth in the Company's profitability and increases in
cash received for ticket purchases during these periods. During the last two
fiscal years, Ryanair's primary cash requirements have been for operating
expenses, additional aircraft, including advance payments in respect of the new
fleet of Boeing 737-800s and related flight equipment, payments on related
indebtedness and payments of corporation tax (as well as payments for our stake
in Aer Lingus in fiscal year 2007). Cash generated from operations has been the
principal source for these cash requirements, supplemented primarily by
aircraft-related bank loans.
The Company's net cash used in investing activities in fiscal years 2006
and 2007 totaled EUR337.3 million and EUR1,158.0 million, respectively,
primarily reflecting the Company's capital expenditures, as described in more
detail below, and the acquisition of 25.2% of Aer Lingus at a cost of EUR344.9
million in fiscal year 2007.
The Company's net cash provided by financing activities totaled EUR293.5
million in fiscal 2006 and EUR195.6 million in fiscal 2007, largely reflecting
the proceeds from long-term borrowings of EUR386.8 million and EUR339.4 million
in fiscal years 2006 and 2007, respectively, offset in part by repayments of
long-term borrowings of EUR123.9 million and EUR155.1 million in fiscal years
2006 and 2007, respectively.
Capital Expenditures. The Company's net cash outflows for capital
expenditures in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 were EUR546.2 million and EUR495.0
million, respectively. Ryanair has funded a significant portion of its
acquisition of new Boeing 737-800 aircraft and related equipment through
borrowings under facilities provided by international financial institutions on
the basis of guarantees issued by the Export-Import Bank of the United States
("ExIm Bank"), as described in more detail below.
At March 31, 2007, Ryanair had taken delivery of 133 Boeing 737-800
aircraft, the majority of which were funded by ExIm Bank guaranteed financing
(91 aircraft). Other sources of on-balance-sheet finance utilized by Ryanair are
Japanese operating lease with call options ("JOLCOs"), which are treated as
finance leases (8 aircraft), and commercial debt finance (2 aircraft). The
remaining 32 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in Ryanair's fleet at March 31, 2007 were
financed through operating lease arrangements.
60
Ryanair has generally been able to generate sufficient funds from
operations to meet its non-aircraft acquisition related working capital
requirements. Management believes that the working capital available to the
Company is sufficient for its present requirements and will be sufficient to
meet its anticipated requirements for capital expenditures and other cash
requirements for fiscal year 2008.
The following table summarizes the delivery schedule for each of the Boeing
737-800 aircraft Ryanair has purchased, or is required to purchase, under its
past and current contracts with Boeing, including through the exercise of
purchase options. These Boeing 737-800s are identical in all significant
respects, having 189 seats and the same cockpit and engine configuration. The
table also provides details of the "Basic Price" (equivalent to a standard list
price for an aircraft of this type) for each of these aircraft. The Basic Price
for each of the firm aircraft to be delivered pursuant to the 2005 Boeing
contract, as well as for each of the firm aircraft that remained to be delivered
and purchase options outstanding under the prior contracts at January 1, 2005,
will be increased by (a) an estimated U.S.$900,000 per aircraft for certain
"buyer furnished" equipment the company has asked Boeing to purchase and install
on each of the aircraft, and (b) an "Escalation Factor" designed to increase the
Basic Price of any individual aircraft to reflect increases in the published
U.S. Employment Cost and Producer Price indices from the time the Basic Price
was set through the period of six months prior to the delivery of such aircraft.
The Basic Price is also subject to decrease to take into account certain
concessions granted to the Company by Boeing pursuant to the terms of the
contracts. These concessions take the form of credit memoranda, which the
Company may apply towards the purchase of goods and services from Boeing or
towards certain payments in respect of the purchase of the aircraft. Boeing and
CFM International S.A. (the manufacturer of the CFM56-7B engines that power the
Boeing 737-800 aircraft) have also agreed to give the Company certain allowances
for promotional and other activities, as well as provide other goods and
services to the Company on concessionary terms.
These credit memoranda and allowances will effectively reduce the price of
each aircraft to the Company. As a result, the Company expects the effective
price of each aircraft will be significantly below the unadjusted Basic Price in
the following table.
61
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aircraft Delivery Schedule
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2003 Boeing Total
Deliveries and 1998 Boeing 2002 Boeing Contract 2005 Boeing Post-2006 No. of
Scheduled Contract Contract (Incl. Contract Contract 737-800
Deliveries in the (Incl. Options) (Incl. Options) Options) (Incl. Options) Option Aircraft Planned Disposal Aircraft
Fiscal Year
ending March 31,
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
1999................... 1 - - - - - 1
2000................... 4 - - - - - 4
2001................... 10 - - - - - 10
2002................... 5 - - - - - 5
2003................... 8 5 - - - - 13
2004................... - 18 - - - - 18
2005................... - 13 14 - - - 27
2006................... - 16 9 - - - 25
2007................... - 27 1 2 - - 30
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total as of
March 31, 2007....... 28 79 24 2 - - 133
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
2008................... - 21 - 12 3 (6) 30
2009................... - 3 - 17 29 (8) 41
2010................... - - - 20 37 (22) 35
2011................... - - - 20 - (10) 10
2012................... - - - 13 - - 13
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Expected Total as of
March 31, 2012....... 28 103 24 84 69 (46) 262(a)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Basic Price per
aircraft (unadjusted)
(in millions)........... U.S.$46.6 U.S.$50.9 U.S.$50.9 U.S.$50.9 U.S.$51.0
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(a) The company has sold 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft due for delivery in
the period September 2007 through to April 2010. The company expects to
dispose of a further 26 aircraft in this period either through sale or
non-extension of operating leases (14 of which are due to expire in 2010 and
2011.)
The following table summarizes the aggregate purchase options available to
the Company under its contracts with Boeing at the start and end of fiscal 2007
and at September 20, 2007, broken down by periods in which the relevant option
aircraft are deliverable.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
For Deliveries in For Deliveries in Total
fiscal 2007 - 2011 fiscal 2012 - 2014 737-800 Options
Options available as of April 1, 2006................... 109 70 179
Options granted in the period........................ - - -
Options exercised in the period...................... 42 - 42
Options cancelled in the period...................... - - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Total options available as of March 31, 2007............ 67 70 137
Options granted after March 31, 2007................. - - -
Options exercised after March 31, 2007............... 27 - 27
Options cancelled after March 31, 2007............... - - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Total options available as of September 20, 2007........ 40 70 110
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
As can be seen from the delivery schedule table above, delivery of the
Boeing 737-800s already ordered will enable the Company to increase the size of
its summer schedule fleet by between 13 and 41 additional aircraft (net of
planned disposals) each fiscal year during the period from fiscal 2008 to fiscal
2012, significantly increasing the size of the fleet, which is expected to total
262 at the end of that period (assuming that the planned disposal of 46 such
aircraft is completed on schedule). If traffic growth proves to be greater than
can be satisfied by these new aircraft, the Company may exercise its rights to
acquire some of the 110 option aircraft to cater to this demand.
62
Capital Resources. Ryanair's long-term debt (including current maturities)
totaled EUR1,677.7 million at March 31, 2006 and EUR1,862.1 million at March 31,
2007, with the increase being primarily attributable to the financing of new
aircraft. Please see the table "Obligations Due by Period" in "-Contractual
Obligations" below for more information on Ryanair's long-term debt (including
current maturities) and finance leases as of March 31, 2007. See also Note 11 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 for further
information on the maturity profile, interest rate structure and other
information on the Company's borrowings.
The Company's purchase of the 133 Boeing 737-800 aircraft delivered as of
March 31, 2007, has been funded by a combination of structures including bank
loans supported by ExIm Bank guarantees (91 aircraft), JOLCOs (8 aircraft),
commercial debt (2 aircraft) and sale-and-leaseback structures (32 aircraft). At
March 31, 2007, the majority of aircraft had been financed through loan
facilities with various financial institutions active in the structured export
finance sector and supported by a loan guarantee from ExIm Bank. Each of these
facilities takes essentially the same form and is based on the documentation
developed by Ryanair and ExIm Bank, which follows standard market forms for this
type of financing. On the basis of an ExIm Bank guarantee with regard to the
financing of up to 85% of the eligible U.S. and foreign content represented in
the net purchase price of the relevant aircraft, the financial institution
enters into a commitment letter with the Company to provide financing for a
specified number of aircraft benefiting from such a guarantee; loans are then
drawn down as the aircraft are delivered and payments to Boeing become due. Each
of the loans under the facilities is on substantially similar terms, having a
maturity of twelve years from the drawdown date and being secured by a first
priority mortgage in favor of a security trustee on behalf of ExIm Bank.
Through the use of interest rate swaps, Ryanair has effectively converted a
significant portion of its floating-rate debt under its financing facilities
into fixed-rate debt. Loans for approximately 41% of aircraft acquired under the
above facilities are not covered by such swaps and have therefore remained at
floating rates linked to EURIBOR; the interest rate exposure from these loans is
hedged by placing a similar amount of cash on deposit at floating interest
rates. The net result is that Ryanair has effectively drawn down fixed-rate
euro-denominated debt with a maturity of 12 years in respect of more than
approximately 59% of its outstanding debt financing at March 31, 2007.
The table below illustrates the effect of swap transactions (each of which
is with an established international financial counterparty) on the profile of
Ryanair's total outstanding debt at March 31, 2007. See "Item 11. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk-Interest Rate Exposure and
Hedging" for additional details on the Company's hedging transactions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
At March 31, 2007 EUR EUR
Fixed Floating
------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000
Euro borrowing profile before swap transactions................... 464,378 1,397,688
Interest rate swaps............................................... 635,041 (635,041)
------------ ------------
Borrowing profile after swap transactions......................... EUR1,099,419 EUR762,647
============ ===========
</TABLE>
The weighted-average interest rate on the cumulative borrowings under these
facilities of EUR1,862.1 million at March 31, 2007 was 4.87%. Ryanair's ability
to obtain additional loans pursuant to each of the facilities in order to
finance a portion of the purchase price of Boeing 737-800 aircraft to be
delivered in the future is subject to the issuance of further commitments by the
banks and satisfaction of various conditions contained in the documentation for
the facilities. These conditions include, among other things, the execution of
satisfactory documentation, the requirement that Ryanair perform all of its
obligations under the Boeing agreements and provide satisfactory security
interests in the aircraft (and related assets) in favor of the lenders and ExIm
Bank, and that Ryanair does not suffer a material adverse change in its
conditions or prospects (financial or otherwise).
63
ExIm Bank's policy on facilities of this type is to issue a binding final
commitment approximately six months prior to delivery of each aircraft being
financed. ExIm Bank has already issued final binding commitments and related
guarantees with respect to the 91 ExIm Bank-financed Boeing 737-800 aircraft
delivered between 1999 and March 2007. ExIm Bank's final binding commitment is
also subject to certain conditions set forth in the documentation for facilities
and the ExIm Bank guarantee. These conditions include, among other things, the
execution of satisfactory documentation, the creation and maintenance of the
lease and related arrangements described below, that Ryanair provide
satisfactory security interests in the aircraft (and related assets) in favor of
ExIm Bank and the lenders, and that the subject aircraft be registered in
Ireland, be covered by adequate insurance and maintained in a manner acceptable
to ExIm Bank. Ryanair expects that any future commitments or guarantees issued
by ExIm Bank will contain similar conditions. The terms of the facilities and
the ExIm Bank guarantee require that Ryanair pay certain fees in connection with
such financings. In particular, these fees include arrangement fees paid to the
facility arranger, and a commitment fee based on the unutilized and
non-cancelled portion of the guarantee commencing 60 days from date of issuance
of the guarantee and payable semi-annually in arrears. An exposure fee for the
issuance of the guarantee on the date of delivery is also payable to ExIm Bank
(based on the amount of the guarantee). Ryanair's payment of the 3% exposure fee
to ExIm Bank of the amount of the loan provided is eligible for financing under
the facilities. Ryanair anticipates that similar fees will be incurred as
additional aircraft are delivered and financed.
As part of its ExIm Bank guarantee-based financing of the Boeing 737-800's,
Ryanair has entered into certain lease agreements and related arrangements.
Pursuant to these arrangements, legal title to 91 aircraft delivered at August
31, 2007 rests with a number of United States special purpose vehicles (the
"SPVs") in which Ryanair has no equity or other interest. The SPVs are the
borrower of record under the loans made or to be made under the facilities, with
all of its obligations under the loans being guaranteed by Ryanair Holdings plc.
The shares of the SPVs (which are owned by an unrelated charitable association)
are in turn pledged to a security trustee in favor of ExIm Bank and the lenders.
Ryanair Limited operates each of the aircraft pursuant to a finance lease it has
entered into with the SPVs, the terms of which mirror those of the relevant loan
under the facilities. Ryanair has the right to purchase the aircraft upon
termination of the lease for a nominal amount. Pursuant to this arrangement,
Ryanair is considered to own the aircraft for accounting purposes under both
IFRS and U.S. GAAP. Ryanair does not engage in the use of special purpose
entities for off-balance sheet financing or any other purpose which results in
assets or liabilities not being reflected in Ryanair's Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Ryanair has mandated two lenders to provide financing for up to 23 of its
firm order Boeing 737-800 aircraft under ExIm Bank guaranteed financing
structures (although guarantees in respect of eight of such aircraft remain
subject to the receipt of ExIm Bank's final commitment). The company expects to
finance the remaining 148 Boeing 737-800 aircraft it is obligated to purchase
under its contracts with Boeing by December 2011 and any option aircraft it
acquires under those agreements (including the 27 options exercised in May 2007)
through the use of similar financing arrangements based on an ExIm Bank
guarantee, bank debt provided by commercial banks, and finance and operating
leases via sale and leaseback transactions such as those described below,
Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificates and cash flow generated from the Company's
operations. At August 31, 2007, the Company had received preliminary and final
commitments from ExIm Bank in relation to 45 and 15 aircraft, respectively,
which are to be delivered over the period from September 2007 to September 2008.
The terms of these preliminary and final commitments are the same as those
outlined above in relation to the guarantees already issued. It is expected that
any future ExIm Bank guarantee-based financing will also be subject to terms and
conditions similar to those described above. However, no assurance can be given
that such financing will be available to Ryanair, or that the terms of any such
financing will be as advantageous to the Company as those available at the time
of the facilities. Any inability of the Company to obtain financing for the new
aircraft on advantageous terms could have a material adverse effect on its
business, results of operation and financial condition.
64
The Company financed 32 of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft delivered between
December 2003 and March 2007 under seven-year sale-and-leaseback arrangements
with a number of international leasing companies pursuant to which each lessor
purchased an aircraft and leased it to Ryanair under an operating lease. As a
result, Ryanair operates, but does not own, these aircraft, which were leased to
provide flexibility to the aircraft delivery program. It has no right or
obligation to acquire these aircraft at the end of the relevant lease terms.
Fifteen of these leases are denominated in euro and require Ryanair to make
variable rental payments that are linked to EURIBOR. Through the use of interest
rate swaps, Ryanair has effectively converted the floating rate rental payments
due under eleven of these leases into fixed-rate rental payments. Twelve of
these leases are denominated in euro and require Ryanair to make fixed rental
payments over the term of the lease. Five operating leases are U.S.
dollar-denominated and two require Ryanair to make variable rental payments that
are linked to U.S. dollar LIBOR, while a further two require Ryanair to make
fixed rental payments. The Company has an option to extend the initial period of
seven years on 78% the operating lease aircraft on pre-determined terms. Ryanair
financed an additional three aircraft, delivered in April and May 2007, through
similar sale-and-leaseback arrangements with international leasing companies.
Two of these operating leases are euro-denominated while the others are
denominated in dollars; each requires Ryanair to make fixed rental payments. In
fiscal year 2007, the Company also financed four Boeing 737-800 aircraft under
13-year euro-denominated "Japanese operating lease" structures. The Company
previously financed four aircraft under similar "Japanese operating lease"
structures in fiscal year 2005. These structures are accounted for as finance
leases and recorded at fair value in the Company's balance sheet. Under each of
these contracts, Ryanair has a call option to purchase these aircraft at a
predetermined price after a period of ten years, which it intends to exercise.
Since under each of the Company's operating leases, the Company has a
commitment to maintain the relevant aircraft, an accounting provision is made
during the lease term for this obligation based on estimated future costs of
major airframe and certain engine maintenance checks by making appropriate
charges to the income statement calculated by reference to the number of hours
or cycles operated during the year. Under IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the accounting
treatment for these costs with respect to leased aircraft differs from that for
aircraft owned by the Company, for which such costs are capitalized and
amortized.
In 2000, Ryanair purchased a Boeing 737-800 flight simulator from CAE
Electronics Limited of Quebec, Canada ("CAE"). The simulator is being used for
pilot training purposes. The gross purchase price of the simulator and the
necessary software was approximately U.S.$10 million, not taking into account
certain price concessions provided by the seller in the form of credit
memoranda. The Company financed this expenditure with a 10-year euro-denominated
loan provided by the Export Development Corporation of Canada for up to 85% of
the net purchase price, with the remainder provided by cash flows from
operations.
In 2002, Ryanair entered into a contract to purchase three additional
Boeing 737-800 flight simulators from CAE. The first of these simulators was
delivered in January 2004 and the second and third simulators are expected to be
delivered in fiscal year 2008. The gross price of each simulator was
approximately U.S.$10.3 million, not taking into account certain price
concessions provided by the seller in the form of credit memoranda. In
September, 2006 Ryanair entered into a new contract with CAE to purchase five
B737NG Level B flight simulators. The first two of these simulators are expected
to be delivered in fiscal year 2009. This contract also provides Ryanair with an
option to purchase another five simulators. The gross price of each simulator is
approximately U.S.$8 million, not taking into account certain price concessions
provided by the seller in the form of credit memoranda and discounts.
Contractual Obligations. The following table sets forth the contractual
obligations and commercial commitments of the Company with definitive payment
terms which will require significant cash outlays in the future, as of March 31,
2007. These obligations primarily relate to Ryanair's aircraft purchase and
related financing obligations, which are described in more detail above. For
additional information on the Company's contractual obligations and commercial
commitments, see Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Item 18.
65
The amounts listed under "Finance Lease Obligations" reflect the Company's
obligations under its Japanese operating leases. See "Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects-- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
The amounts listed under "Purchase Obligations" in the table reflect
obligations for aircraft purchases and are calculated by multiplying the number
of aircraft the Company is obligated to purchase under its current agreements
with Boeing during the relevant period by the Basic Price for each aircraft
pursuant to the relevant contract, with the dollar-denominated Basic Price being
converted into euro at an exchange rate of U.S.$1.332=EUR1.00. The relevant
amounts therefore exclude the effect of the price concessions granted to Ryanair
by Boeing and CFM, as well as any application of the Escalation Factor. As a
result, Ryanair's actual expenditures for aircraft during the relevant periods
will be lower than the amounts listed under "Purchase Obligations" in the table.
With respect to purchase obligations under the terms of the 2005 Boeing
contract, the Company was required to pay Boeing 1% of the Basic Price of each
of the 70 firm order Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the time the contract was signed
in February 2005, and will be required to make periodic advance payments of the
purchase price for each aircraft it has agreed to purchase during the course of
the two year period preceding the delivery of each aircraft. These payments
terms also apply for the 89 aircraft that remained to be delivered under the
2002 and 2003 Boeing contracts as of January 2005. As a result of these required
advance payments, the Company will have paid up to 30% of the Basic Price of
each aircraft prior to its delivery (including the addition of an estimated
"Escalation Factor" but before deduction of any credit memoranda and other
concessions); the balance of the net price is due at the time of delivery.
The amounts listed under "Operating Lease Obligations" reflect the
Company's obligations under its aircraft operating lease arrangements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Obligations Due by Period
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Contractual Obligations Total Less than 1 year 1-2 years 2-5 years After 5 years
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(EUR000)
Long-term Debt*...................... 1,620,780 166,456 173,057 553,053 728,214
Finance Lease Obligations............ 241,287 12,463 13,012 42,585 173,227
Purchase Obligations................. 5,704,910 1,390,855 1,881,106 2,432,949 -
Operating Lease Obligations ......... 384,033 75,322 75,322 188,918 44,471
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Contractual Obligations........ 7,951,010 1,645,096 2,142,497 3,217,505 945,912
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
*Amounts presented include the related interest expense that will be paid when
due. For additional information on our long-term debt obligations, see Note 11
to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18.
66
OFF-BALANCE SHEET TRANSACTIONS
Ryanair uses certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course
of business, including financial guarantees and operating lease commitments.
Details of each of these arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have
a current or future material effect on the Company's financial condition,
results of operations, liquidity or capital resources are discussed below.
Operating Lease Commitments. The Company has entered into a number of
sale-and- leaseback transactions in connection with the financing of a number of
aircraft in its fleet. See "-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Capital Resources"
above for additional information on these transactions.
Guarantees. Ryanair Holdings has provided an aggregate of EUR9.8 million in
letters of guarantee to secure obligations of certain of its subsidiaries in
respect of loans and bank advances, including those relating to aircraft
financing and related hedging transactions. All of these guarantees are
eliminated in the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
TREND INFORMATION
For information on Ryanair's results of operations in the quarter ended
June 30, 2007, see "-Recent Operating Results" above. For information on the
principal trends and uncertainties affecting the Company's results of operations
and financial condition, see "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors" and
"-Business Overview," "-Results of Operations" and "-Liquidity and Capital
Resources" above.
INFLATION
Inflation has not had a significant effect on the Company's results of
operations and financial condition during the three fiscal years ended March 31,
2007.
67
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Ryanair Holdings was established in 1996 as a holding company for Ryanair.
The management of Ryanair Holdings and Ryanair are integrated, with the two
companies having the same directors and executive officers.
DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the directors
of Ryanair Holdings as of September 20, 2007:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Name Age Positions
------------------------------------------------- ------ ----------------------------------
David Bonderman(a)(b)............................ 65 Chairman of the Board and Director
Emmanuel Faber(c)................................ 43 Director
Michael Horgan(d)................................ 71 Director
Klaus Kirchberger(e)............................. 49 Director
Kyran McLaughlin(c).............................. 63 Director
Michael O'Leary(a)(b)(f)......................... 46 Director and Chief Executive
James R. Osborne(c)(e)........................... 58 Director
Paolo Pietrogrande(e)............................ 50 Director
T. Anthony Ryan(a)(b)............................ 71 Director
____________________
</TABLE>
(a) Member of the Executive Committee.
(b) Member of the Nomination Committee.
(c) Member of the Audit Committee.
(d) Member of the Air Safety Committee.
(e) Member of the Remuneration Committee.
(f) Mr. O'Leary is also the chief executive officer of Ryanair Holdings and
Ryanair Limited. None of the other directors are executive officers of
Ryanair Holdings or Ryanair Limited.
David Bonderman (Chairman). David Bonderman has served as a director of Ryanair
Holdings since August 1996 and has served as the chairman of the board since
December 1996. He also serves on the boards of directors of the following public
companies: CoStar Group, Inc.; Gemalto S.A.; and Burger King Holdings Inc. He
serves as a principal and general partner of Texas Pacific Group. Mr. Bonderman
is a U.S. citizen.
Emmanuel Faber (Director). Emmanuel Faber has served as a director of Ryanair
Holdings since September 2002. He holds the title of Executive Vice President,
Asia-Pacific for Group Danone and also serves as a director of a number of
French public companies. Mr. Faber is a French citizen.
Michael Horgan (Director). Michael Horgan has served as a director of Ryanair
Holdings since January 12, 2001. A former Chief Pilot of Aer Lingus, he
sometimes acts as a consultant to a number of international airlines and civil
aviation authorities, the European Commission and the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development. Mr. Horgan is an Irish citizen.
Klaus Kirchberger (Director). Klaus Kirchberger has served as a director of
Ryanair Holdings since September 2002 and is also the Chief Operating Officer of
Bayer Bau and Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG. He also serves as a director of a number
of German listed corporations. Mr. Kirchberger is a German citizen.
Kyran McLaughlin (Director). Kyran McLaughlin has served as a director of
Ryanair Holdings since January 2001, and is Deputy Chairman and Head of Capital
Markets at Davy Stockbrokers. Mr. McLaughlin also advised Ryanair during its
initial flotation on the Dublin and Nasdaq stock markets in 1997. He is also the
chairman of the board of directors of Elan Corporation plc, and he serves as a
director of a number of other Irish private companies. Mr. McLaughlin is an
Irish citizen.
68
Michael O'Leary (Director). Michael O'Leary has served as a director of Ryanair
since 1988 and a director of Ryanair Holdings since July 1996. Mr. O'Leary was
appointed chief executive officer of Ryanair on January 1, 1994. Mr. O'Leary is
an Irish citizen.
James R. Osborne (Director). Mr. Osborne has served as a director of Ryanair
Holdings since August 1996, and has been a director of Ryanair since April 1995.
Mr. Osborne is a former managing partner of A & L Goodbody Solicitors. He also
serves as a director of a number of Irish private companies. Mr. Osborne is an
Irish citizen.
Paolo Pietrogrande (Director). Paolo Pietrogrande has served as a director of
Ryanair Holdings since January 2001. Mr. Pietrogrande is the president and
scientific director of Netplan Management Consulting, LLC. He is a former CEO of
Enel Green Power S.p.A. Mr. Pietrogrande is an Italian citizen.
T. Anthony Ryan (Director). Dr. Ryan has been a director of Ryanair since April
1995. Dr. Ryan served as chairman of the board of directors of Ryanair in 1996
and he has been a director of Ryanair Holdings since that year. Dr. Ryan served
as chairman of GPA Group plc from 1983 to 1996. Dr. Ryan is an Irish citizen.
The Board of Directors has established a number of committees, including the
following:
Executive Committee. The board of directors established the Executive
Committee in August 1996. The Executive Committee can exercise the powers
exercisable by the full board of directors in circumstances in which action by
the board of directors is required but it is impracticable to convene a meeting
of the full board of directors. Messrs. Bonderman, O'Leary and Ryan are the
members of the Executive Committee.
Remuneration Committee. The board of directors established the Remuneration
Committee in September 1996. This committee has authority to determine the
remuneration of senior executives of Ryanair Holdings and to administer the
Ryanair Holdings Stock Option Plan. The board of directors as a whole determines
the remuneration and bonuses of the chief executive officer, who is the only
executive director. Messrs. Osborne, Pietrogrande and Kirchberger are the
members of the Remuneration Committee.
Audit Committee. The board of directors established the Audit Committee in
September 1996 to make recommendations concerning the engagement of independent
chartered accountants; to review with the accountants the plans for and scope of
each annual audit, the audit procedures to be utilized and the results of the
audit; to approve the professional services provided by the accountants; to
review the independence of the accountants; and to review the adequacy and
effectiveness of the Company's internal accounting controls and treasury
policies & procedures. Messrs. McLaughlin, Faber and, since September 21,
2006, Mr. Osborne are the members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Osborne was
appointed to the Audit Committee to replace Mr. Raymond MacSharry, who
retired from the board of directors and thus from the Audit Committee on
September 21, 2006. See "-Composition and Term of Office." In accordance with
the recommendations of the Irish Combined Code of Corporate Governance (the
"Combined Code"), a senior independent non-executive director, Kyran
McLaughlin, is the chairman of the Audit Committee. All members of the Audit
Committee are independent for purposes of the listing rules of the Nasdaq
National Market ("Nasdaq") and the U.S. federal securities laws.
Nomination Committee. The board of directors established the Nomination
Committee in May 1999 to make recommendations and proposals to the full board of
directors concerning the selection of individuals to serve as executive and
non-executive directors. The board of directors as a whole then makes
appropriate determinations regarding such matters after considering such
recommendations and proposals. Messrs. Bonderman, O'Leary and Ryan are the
members of the Nomination Committee.
69
Air Safety Committee. The board of directors established the Air Safety
Committee in March 1997 to review and discuss air safety and related issues. The
Air Safety Committee reports to the full board of directors each quarter. The
Air Safety Committee is composed of Mr. Horgan (who acts as the chairman), as
well as the following executive officers of Ryanair: Messrs. Conway, Hickey,
O'Brien and Wilson.
Powers of, and Action by, the Board of Directors
The board of directors is empowered by the Articles of Association of
Ryanair Holdings to carry on the business of Ryanair Holdings, subject to the
Articles of Association, provisions of general law and the right of stockholders
to give directions to the directors by way of ordinary resolution. Every
director of Ryanair Holdings who is present at a meeting of the board of
directors has one vote. In the case of a tie on a vote, the chairman of the
board of directors has a second or tie-breaking vote. A director may designate
an alternate to attend any board of directors meeting, and such alternate shall
have all the rights of a director at such meeting.
The quorum for a meeting of the board of directors, unless another number
is fixed by the directors, consists of three directors, a majority of whom must
be EU nationals. The Articles of Association of Ryanair Holdings require the
vote of a majority of the directors (or alternates) present at a duly convened
meeting for the approval of any action by the board of directors.
Composition and Term of Office
The Articles of Association of Ryanair Holdings provide that the board of
directors shall consist of no fewer than three and no more than 15 directors,
unless otherwise determined by the stockholders. There is no maximum age for a
director and no director is required to own any shares of Ryanair Holdings.
Directors are elected (or have their appointment by the directors
confirmed) at the annual general meetings of stockholders. Save in certain
circumstances, at every annual general meeting, one-third (rounded down to the
next whole number if it is a fractional number) of the directors (being the
directors who have been longest in office) must stand for re-election.
[Accordingly, the terms of office of Mr. Faber, Mr. Kirchberger and Dr. Ryan
will end at the annual general meeting to be held on September 20, 2007. They
each stood for re-election at that meeting and were each re-elected][Confirm].
Exemptions from Nasdaq Corporate Governance Rules
At the time of the listing of Ryanair's ADSs on the Nasdaq in 1997, the
Company received certain exemptions from the Nasdaq corporate governance rules.
These exemptions, and the practices the Company adheres to, are as follows:
- The Company is exempt from the Nasdaq's quorum requirements applicable to
meetings of shareholders, which require a minimum quorum of 33% for any
meeting of the holders of common stock, which in the Company's case are its
Ordinary Shares. In keeping with Irish generally accepted business
practice, the Articles of Association provide for a quorum for general
meetings of shareholders of three shareholders, regardless of the level of
their aggregate share ownership.
- The Company is exempt from the Nasdaq's requirement with respect to audit
committee approval of related-party transactions, as well as its
requirement that shareholders approve certain stock or asset purchases when
a director, officer or substantial shareholder has an interest. The Company
is subject to extensive provisions under the Listing Rules of the Irish
Stock Exchange (the "Irish Listing Rules") governing transactions with
related parties, as defined therein, and the Irish Companies Act also
restricts the extent to which Irish companies may enter into related-party
transactions. In addition, the Company's Articles of Association contain
provisions regarding disclosure of interests by the directors and
restrictions on their votes in circumstances involving a conflict of
interest. The concept of a related party for purposes of each of the
Nasdaq's audit committee and shareholder approval rules differs in certain
respects from the definition of a transaction with a related party under
the Irish Listing Rules.
70
- The Nasdaq requires shareholder approval for certain transactions involving
the sale or issuance by a listed company of common stock other than in a
public offering. Under the Nasdaq rules, whether shareholder approval is
required for such transactions depends, among other things, on the number
of shares to be issued or sold in connection with a transaction, while the
Irish Listing Rules require shareholder approval when the size of a
transaction exceeds a certain percentage of the size of the listed company
undertaking the transaction.
The Company also follows certain other practices under the Combined Code in
lieu of those set forth in the Nasdaq corporate governance rules, as expressly
permitted thereby. Most significantly:
- Independence. The Nasdaq requires that a majority of an issuer's board of
directors be "independent" under the standards set forth in the Nasdaq
rules and that directors deemed independent be identified in the Company's
annual report on Form 20-F. The board of directors has determined that each
of the Company's eight non-executive directors is "independent" under the
standards set forth in the Combined Code. Under the Combined Code, there is
no bright-line test establishing set criteria for independence, as there is
under Nasdaq Rule 4200(a)(15). Instead, the board of directors determines
whether the director is "independent in character and judgment," and
whether there are relationships or circumstances which are likely to
affect, or could appear to affect, the director's judgment. Under the
Combined Code, the board of directors may determine that a director is
independent notwithstanding the existence of relationships or circumstances
which may appear relevant to its determination, but it should state its
reasons if it makes such a determination. The Combined Code specifies that
relationships or circumstances that may be relevant include whether the
director (i) has been an employee of the relevant company or group within
the last five years, (ii) has had within the last three years a direct or
indirect material business relationship with such company; (iii) has
received payments from such company, subject to certain exceptions, (iv)
has close family ties with any of the company's advisers, directors or
senior employees; (v) holds cross-directorships or other significant links
with other directors; (vi) represents a significant shareholder; or (vii)
has served on the board of directors for more than nine years. In
determining that each of the eight non-executive directors is independent
under the Combined Code standard, the Ryanair Holdings board of directors
identified such relevant factors with respect to Messrs. Bonderman,
McLaughlin, Osborne and Ryan. The Nasdaq independence criteria specifically
state that an individual may not be considered independent if, within the
last three years, such individual or a member of his or her immediate
family has had certain specified relationships with the company, its
parent, any consolidated subsidiary, its internal or external auditors, or
any company that has significant business relationships with the company,
its parent or any consolidated subsidiary. Neither ownership of a
significant amount of stock nor length of service on the board is a per se
bar to independence under the Nasdaq rules.
- CEO compensation. The Nasdaq rules require that an issuer's chief executive
officer not be present during voting or deliberations by the board of
directors on his or her compensation. There is no such requirement under
the Combined Code
71
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the executive
officers of Ryanair Holdings and Ryanair Limited at September 20, 2007:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Name Age Position
---------------------------------------------- ------ ---------------------------------------------------
Jim Callaghan................................ 39 Head of Regulatory Affairs and Company Secretary
Michael Cawley............................... 53 Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer
Ray Conway................................... 52 Chief Pilot
Caroline Green............................... 44 Head of Customer Service
Michael Hickey............................... 44 Director of Engineering
Howard Millar................................ 46 Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer
David O'Brien................................ 43 Director of Flight Operations and Ground Operations
Michael O'Leary.............................. 46 Chief Executive Officer
Edward Wilson................................ 44 Director of Personnel and In-flight
</TABLE>
Jim Callaghan was appointed Company Secretary in June 2002 and has also
served as Head of Regulatory Affairs of Ryanair since May 2000. Prior to joining
Ryanair, Jim practiced as a competition lawyer for the Brussels office of
Linklaters & Alliance. Jim is a U.S.-trained lawyer and completed a dual degree
in Law and Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh in
Pennsylvania.
Michael Cawley was appointed Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating
Officer on January 1, 2003, having served as Chief Financial Officer and
Commercial Director since February 1997. From 1993 to 1997, Michael served as
Group Finance Director of Gowan Group Limited, one of Ireland's largest private
companies and the main distributor for Peugeot and Citroen automobiles in
Ireland.
Captain Ray Conway was appointed as Chief Pilot in June 2002, having joined
Ryanair in 1987. He has held a number of senior management positions within the
Flight Operations Department over the last 17 years, including Fleet Captain of
the BAC1-11 and Boeing 737-200 fleets. Ray was Head of Training between 1998 and
June 2002. Prior to joining Ryanair, Ray served as an officer with the Irish Air
Corps for 14 years where he was attached to the Training and Transport Squadron,
which was responsible for the government jet.
Caroline Green was appointed Head of Customer Service in February 2003.
Prior to this, Caroline served as Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair.com between
November 1996 and January 2003. Before joining Ryanair, Caroline worked in
senior positions at a number of airline computerized reservations system
providers, including Sabre.
Michael Hickey has served as Director of Engineering since January 2000.
Michael has held a wide range of senior positions within the Ryanair engineering
department since 1988 and was Deputy Director of Engineering between 1992 and
January 2000. Prior to joining Ryanair in 1988, Michael worked as an aircraft
engineer with Fields Aircraft Services and McAlpine Aviation, working primarily
on executive aircraft.
Howard Millar was appointed Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial
Officer on January 1, 2003, having served as Director of Finance of Ryanair
since March 1993. Between April 1992 and March 1993 he served as Financial
Controller of Ryanair. Howard was the Group Finance Manager for the Almarai
Group, an international food processing company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from
1988 to 1992.
72
David O'Brien was appointed Director of Flight Operations and Ground
Operations in December 2002; previously, he served as Director of Flight
Operations of Ryanair from May 2002, having served as Director of U.K.
Operations since April 1998. Prior to that, David served as Regional General
Manager-Europe and CIS for Aer Rianta International. Between 1992 and 1996,
David served as Director of Ground Operations and In-flight with Ryanair.
Michael O'Leary has served as a director of Ryanair since November 1988 and
was appointed Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 1994.
Edward Wilson was appointed Director of Personnel and In-flight in December
2002, prior to which he served as Head of Personnel since joining Ryanair in
December 1997. Prior to joining Ryanair he served as Human Resources Manager for
Gateway 2000 and held a number of other human resources related positions in the
Irish financial services sector.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Compensation
The aggregate amount of compensation paid by Ryanair Holdings and its
subsidiaries to the nine directors and nine executive officers named above in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 was EUR5.0 million. For details of Mr.
O'Leary's compensation in such fiscal year, see "-Employment
Agreements-Employment and Bonus Agreement with Mr. O'Leary" below. For details
of stock options that have been granted to the Company's employees, including
the executive officers named above, see "Item 10. Additional Information-Options
to Purchase Securities from Registrant or Subsidiaries."
Each of Ryanair Holdings' eight non-executive directors is entitled to
receive EUR32,000 plus expenses per annum, as remuneration for his services to
Ryanair Holdings. Each of Messrs. Bonderman and Ryan executed an agreement with
Ryanair Holdings waiving his respective entitlement to receive this remuneration
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. The additional remuneration paid to
Audit Committee members for service on that committee is EUR15,000 per annum.
Mr. Horgan receives EUR40,000 in connection with his additional duties in
relation to the Air Safety Committee.
Each of the 11 non-executive directors then in office were issued 50,000
share options after the 2-for-1 share split in December 2001 in respect of an
equivalent number of Ordinary Shares having a strike price of EUR3.70 under
Ryanair's Share Option Plan 2000 See "Item 10. Additional Information-Options to
Purchase Securities from Registrant or Subsidiaries." Following the 2:1 stock
split that occurred on February 26, 2007, the number of options was adjusted to
100,000 and the strike price was adjusted to EUR1.85.
Emmanuel Faber and Klaus Kirchberger were appointed to the board of
directors as non-executive directors on September 25, 2002, and the appointments
were approved by the Company's shareholders at the annual general meeting held
on September 24, 2003. In connection with such appointments, each of Messrs.
Faber and Kirchberger was granted 25,000 share options, exercisable between June
2008 and June 2010, at a strike price of EUR5.65. Following the 2:1 stock split
that occurred on February 26, 2007, the number of options was adjusted to 50,000
and the strike price was adjusted to EUR2.83.
Under the Option Plan 2000 the seven non-executive directors were granted
25,000 options, for a total of 155,000 options, at a strike price of EUR4.96 on
June 11, 2007. These options can be exercised between June 12, 2012 and June 11,
2014.
As of August 1, 2007, the directors and executive officers of Ryanair
Holdings as a group owned 87,515,290 Ordinary Shares, representing 5.8% of
Ryanair Holdings' outstanding Ordinary Shares as of such date. See Note 20(d) to
the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 18. See also "Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions-Major Shareholders
73
Employment Agreements
Employment and Bonus Agreement with Mr. O'Leary. Mr. O'Leary's current
employment agreement with Ryanair Limited is dated July 1, 2002 and can be
terminated by either party upon twelve months' notice. Pursuant to the
agreement, Mr. O'Leary serves as Chief Executive Officer at a current annual
gross salary of EUR565,000, subject to any increases that may be agreed between
Ryanair Limited and Mr. O'Leary. Mr. O'Leary also is eligible for annual bonuses
as determined by the Board of Directors of Ryanair Limited; the amount of such
bonuses paid to Mr. O'Leary in fiscal year 2007 totaled EUR365,000. Mr. O'Leary
is subject to a covenant not to compete with Ryanair within the EU for a period
of two years after the termination of his employment with Ryanair. Mr. O'Leary's
employment agreement does not contain provisions providing for compensation on
its termination.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EMPLOYEES AND LABOR RELATIONS
The following table sets forth the number of Ryanair's employees at each of March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Number of Employees at Number of Employees at Number of Employees at
Classification March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006 March 31, 2005
------------------------------------------ ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Management................................ 99 93 87
Administrative............................ 206 163 156
Reservations.............................. 75 83 95
Maintenance............................... 177 150 145
Ground Operations......................... 482 410 284
Pilots.................................... 1,497 1,116 798
Flight Attendants......................... 1,926 1,438 1,152
---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Total..................................... 4,462 3,453 2,717
====================== ======================= ======================
</TABLE>
Ryanair's pilots, flight attendants and maintenance and ground operations
personnel undergo training, both initial and recurrent. A substantial portion of
the initial training for Ryanair's flight attendants is devoted to safety
procedures, and cabin crews are required to undergo annual evacuation and fire
drill training during their tenure with the airline. Ryanair utilizes its own
Boeing 737-800 aircraft simulators for pilot training. Ryanair has established
an in-house apprenticeship program to train maintenance engineers that currently
produces between four and six qualified engineers at Dublin and eight at
Prestwick per year. Ryanair also provides salary increases to its engineers who
complete advanced training in certain fields of aircraft maintenance.
IAA regulations require pilots to be licensed as commercial pilots with
specific ratings for each aircraft to be flown and to be medically certified as
physically fit. At March 31, 2007, the average age of Ryanair's pilots was 36
years and their average period of employment with Ryanair was 2.7 years.
Licenses and medical certification are subject to periodic re-evaluation
requirements, including recurrent training and recent flying experience.
Maintenance engineers must be licensed and qualified for specific aircraft.
Flight attendants must have initial and periodic competency fitness training.
Training programs are subject to approval and monitoring by the IAA. In
addition, the appointment of senior management personnel directly involved in
the supervision of flight operations, training, maintenance and aircraft
inspection must be satisfactory to the IAA.
Based on its experience in managing the airline's growth to date,
management believes that there is a sufficient pool of qualified and licensed
pilots, engineers and mechanics in Ireland, in the U.K. and within the EU to
satisfy Ryanair's anticipated future needs in the areas of flight operations,
maintenance and quality control and that Ryanair will not face significant
difficulty in hiring and continuing to employ the required personnel. Ryanair
has also been able to satisfy its short-term needs for additional pilots by
contracting with certain employment agencies that represent experienced flight
personnel and, as of March 31, 2007, Ryanair had 369 such pilots under contract.
These contract pilots are included in the table above.
74
Ryanair has licensed a number of IAA-approved organizations in Sweden and
the Netherlands to operate pilot training courses using Ryanair's syllabus to
grant Boeing 737 type-ratings. Each trainee pilot must pay for his or her own
training and, based on his or her performance, he or she may be offered position
within Ryanair. This program enables Ryanair to secure a continuous stream of
type-rated co-pilots.
Ryanair's employees earn productivity-based incentive payments, including
commissions on in-flight sales for flight attendants and payments based on the
number of hours or sectors flown by pilots and flight attendants within limits
set by industry standards or regulations fixing maximum working hours. During
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, such productivity-based incentive payments
accounted for approximately 39% of an average flight attendant's total pay
package and approximately 48% of the typical pilot's compensation. Reservations
personnel also receive incentive payments based on the number of bookings made
and sales of ancillary services such as car rentals and travel insurance. In
November 2000, Ryanair's pilots approved a five-year pay arrangement which
expired in the first quarter of calendar 2006 and which, in return for certain
productivity enhancements, provided for annual increases in base salary of 3%
and increases in daily allowances of between 3% and 20% (depending on the number
of hours flown). In April 2007, negotiations on new pilot pay arrangements
successfully concluded at all of Ryanair's bases. Pilots at 12 of these bases
approved a one-year deal with a basic pay increase of 2% while pilots at six
other bases voted in favor of a four-year deal. Included in this latter group
are the pilots at Luton, who voted for an amendment to the five-year deal,
agreed in 2006. In September 2007, negotiations with the Dublin pilots
successfully concluded, resulting in a four year pay agreement to March 31,
2012, which will be implemented with effect from November 1, 2007.
Ryanair's pilots are currently subject to IAA-approved limits of 100
flight-hours per 28-day cycle, 300 flight-hours every three months and 900
flight-hours per fiscal year. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the
average flight-hours for each of Ryanair's pilots were approximately 62 hours
per full working month and approximately 744 hours for the complete year. Were
more stringent regulations on flight hours to be adopted, Ryanair's flight
personnel could experience a reduction in their total pay due to lower
compensation for the number of hours or sectors flown and Ryanair could be
required to hire additional flight personnel.
An EU Working Time Directive, which became effective in January 2007, has
limited our flight attendants' duty hours to 2,000 hours per fiscal year and
their flight hours to 900 flying hours per fiscal year. Prior to the
introduction of this EU directive, there were no cumulative duty-time or
flight-hour limits. As a result of the directive, Ryanair estimates that its
ratio of flight attendants per aircraft will increase from approximately four
crews per aircraft (or 16 flight attendants per aircraft) in fiscal 2007 to
approximately five crews per aircraft (or 20 flight attendants per aircraft) by
the end of fiscal 2008.
Ryanair considers its relationship with its employees to be good. Ryanair
currently negotiates with groups of employees, including its pilots, through
"Employee Representation Committees" ("ERCs") regarding pay, work practices and
conditions of employment, including conducting formal binding negotiations with
these internal collective bargaining units. Ryanair's senior management has
quarterly meetings with the different ERCs to discuss all aspects of the
business and those issues that specifically relate to the relevant employee
group.
In 2001, BALPA sought to obtain a formal recognition agreement under
schedule A1 of Trade Union & Labour Relations (consolidation) Act 1992, but a
secret ballot resulted in more than 82% of eligible Ryanair Pilots opting not to
have BALPA recognized for collective bargaining purposes. The result of this
ballot precluded BALPA from seeking a recognition agreement with Ryanair for a
period of three years (until October 2004). Since October 2004, BALPA has again
been authorized to seek a formal recognition agreement for collective bargaining
purposes.
75
Ryanair Holdings' shareholders have approved a number of share option plans
for employees and directors. Ryanair Holdings has also issued share options to
certain of its senior managers. For details of all outstanding share options,
see "Item 10. Additional Information--Options to Purchase Securities from
Registrant or Subsidiaries."
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
As of September 1, 2007, 1,547,028,770 Ordinary Shares were outstanding. At
that date, 118,335,860 ADRs, representing 591,679,300 Ordinary Shares, were held
of record in the United States by 38 holders, and represented in the aggregate
38.2% of the number of Ordinary Shares then outstanding.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
Based on information available to Ryanair Holdings, the following table
summarizes the holdings of those shareholders holding 3% or more of the Ordinary
Shares as of July 31 2007, 2006 and 2005, the latest practicable date prior to
the Company's publication of its statutory annual report in each of the relevant
years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
As of July 31,
2007 2006 2005
No. of Shares % of Class % of Class No. of Shares % of Class
No. of Shares
Capital Group Companies Inc............. 180,029,994 11.9% 108,080,926 7.0% 91,035,466 6.0%
Gilder Gagnon Howe & Co LLC............. 93,749,190 6.2% 105,164,488 6.8% 136,701,880 9.0%
Wellington Investment Management........ 91,442,743 6.0% 121,033,440 7.7% 133,477,654 8.8%
Fidelity Investments.................... 90,452,075 5.9% 222,645,612 14.4% 212,656,750 13.9%
Michael O'Leary (1)..................... 65,000,016 4.3% 70,000,016 4.5% 70,000,016 4.6%
Bank of Ireland Asset Management Ltd. 61,970,409 4.1% - - - -
Chieftain Capital Management Inc........ 54,743,575 3.6% - - - -
</TABLE>
(1) On June 7, 2005, Michael O'Leary sold 6 million Ordinary Shares at EUR6.50
per share in a private sale conducted outside the United States in
accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has not entered into any "related party transactions" as
defined in Item 7.B. of Form 20-F in the three fiscal years ending March 31,
2007 or in the period from March 31, 2007 to the date hereof.
Item 8. Financial Information
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Please refer to "Item 18. Financial Statements."
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
The Company is engaged in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its
business. Although no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these
proceedings, except as otherwise described below, management does not believe
that any of these proceedings will, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of
the Company.
76
EU State Aid-Related Proceedings
On December 11, 2002, the European Commission announced the launch of an
investigation into the April 2001 agreement among Ryanair, the Brussels
(Charleroi) airport and the government of the Walloon Region of Belgium, the
owner of the airport, which enabled the Company to launch new routes and base up
to four aircraft at Brussels (Charleroi). The European Commission's
investigation was based on an anonymous complaint alleging that Ryanair's
arrangements with Brussels (Charleroi) constituted illegal state aid.
The European Commission issued its decision on February 12, 2004. As
regards the majority of the arrangements between Ryanair, the airport and the
region, the European Commission found that although they constituted state aid,
they were nevertheless compatible with the EC Treaty provisions and therefore
did not require repayment. However, the European Commission also found that
certain other arrangements did constitute illegal state aid and therefore
ordered Ryanair to repay the amount of the benefit received in connection with
those arrangements. On April 20, 2004, the Walloon Region wrote to Ryanair
requesting repayment of all deemed illegal state aid, although it acknowledged
that Ryanair could offset against these amounts certain costs incurred in
relation to the of establishment of the base, in accordance with the European
Commission's decision.
On May 25, 2004, Ryanair appealed the decision of the European Commission
to the European Court of First Instance, requesting the Court to annul the
decision on the bases that:
- The European Commission infringed Article 253 of the EC Treaty by failing
to provide adequate reasons for its decision; and
- The European Commission misapplied Article 87 of the Treaty by failing to
properly apply the Market Economy Investor Principle ("MEIP"), which
generally holds that an investment made by a public entity that would have
been made on the same basis by a private entity does not constitute state
aid.
Ryanair is still awaiting a hearing in its appeal before the European Court
of First Instance.
In September 2004, the Walloon Region issued a formal demand that Ryanair
repay a total of approximately EUR4 million, excluding any interest that may be
due. Ryanair has informed the Walloon authorities that it does not believe it is
obliged to make any repayment as Ryanair's costs of establishing the base far
exceeded the concessions granted by the Walloon region. However, Ryanair agreed
with the Walloon Region to place this amount into an escrow account pending the
outcome of the appeal to the European Court of First Instance. In addition, in
May 2005, the Walloon Region initiated a new proceeding currently pending before
the Irish High Court to recover a further EUR2.3 million in start-up costs that
were reimbursed to Ryanair in connection with its establishment of the base.
Ryanair does not believe any such payment is due and is currently defending this
action before the Irish Supreme Court.
In an unrelated, though similar, matter, in July 2003, a Strasbourg court
ruled (on the basis of a complaint by Air France) that marketing support granted
by the Strasbourg Chamber of Commerce to Ryanair in connection with its launch
of services from Strasbourg to London (Stansted) constituted unlawful state aid.
The judgment took effect on September 24, 2003 and was upheld on appeal. Ryanair
appealed this decision to the Conseil d'Etat on the basis that the marketing
support granted was not state aid. In February 2006, the Conseil d'Etat rejected
this appeal and no further appeal can be filed. As a result of the initial
decision of the Strasbourg Court to annul Ryanair's contract with Strasbourg
Airport, Ryanair decided to close the Strasbourg route and instead opened a
route from Baden-Karlsruhe in Germany to London (Stansted) (Baden airport is
located some 40 kilometers from Strasbourg).
77
Ryanair is facing similar legal challenges by third parties with respect to
agreements with certain other airports. In July 2006, a local court in Germany
required the City of Lubeck to disclose to a competing German airline operating
out of the main airport in Hamburg details of an agreement between Hamburg
Lubeck Airport and Ryanair. This competing airline is seeking to have Ryanair's
agreement with the airport annulled on the basis of it constituting illegal
state aid. However, the ruling of the Lubeck court does not affect Ryanair's
costs at Lubeck Airport, as the airport was subsequently acquired by a private
owner who is offering the same arrangements to all airlines as were offered to
Ryanair. There have also been complaints by competitors regarding Ryanair's
arrangements with Shannon Airport, Alghero Airport and Frankfurt (Hahn) Airport.
In July 2007, the European Commission announced that it had started
investigations of agreements at the Lubeck, Tampere, Berlin (Schonefeld) and
Dortmund airports. Ryanair has relatively limited operations to and from the
first three airports and does not operate flights to or from Dortmund.
Adverse rulings in these or similar cases could be used as precedents by
other competitors to challenge Ryanair's agreements with other publicly-owned
airports and could cause Ryanair to strongly reconsider its growth strategy in
relation to public or state-owned airports across Europe. This could in turn
lead to a scaling back of Ryanair's growth strategy due to the smaller number of
privately-owned airports available for development. No assurance can be given as
to the outcome of these proceedings, nor as to whether any unfavorable outcomes
may, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the
results of operations or financial condition of the Company.
On September 6, 2005, the European Commission announced new guidelines on
the financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines by certain regional
airports, based on the European Commission's finding in the Charleroi case,
which Ryanair has appealed. The guidelines apply only to publicly-owned regional
airports, and place restrictions on the incentives these airports can offer
airlines to deliver traffic. The guidelines, however, apply only in cases in
which the terms offered by a public airport are in excess of what a similar
private airport would have offered. Ryanair deals with airports, both public and
private, on an equal basis and receives the same cost agreements from both.
Ryanair therefore considers that the guidelines will have no impact on its
business. In January 2007, the Commission announced a draft Airports Charging
Directive which seeks to regulate airport charges at all European airports with
over 1 million passengers. Ryanair and other airlines are opposed to this
legislation, which they believe should focus on monopoly airports where strong
regulations are needed.
Challenge to U.K. Security Measures
On August 10, 2006, U.K. security authorities arrested and subsequently
charged eight individuals in connection with an alleged plot to attack aircraft
operating on transatlantic routes. As a result of these arrests, U.K.
authorities introduced increased security measures, which resulted in all
passengers being body-searched, and banned the transportation in carry-on
baggage of certain liquids and gels. The introduction of these measures led to
passengers suffering severe delays while passing through these airport security
checks. As a result, Ryanair cancelled 279 flights in the days following the
incident and refunded fares to 40,000 passengers for a total of EUR2.7 million.
In the days following the arrests, Ryanair also suffered reductions in bookings
estimated to have resulted in a further loss of revenue of approximately EUR1.9
million. As in the past, the Company reacted to these adverse events by
initiating system-wide fare sales to stimulate demand for air travel.
On September 1, 2006, Ryanair filed a claim for EUR4.6 million in
compensation against the U.K. Department of Transport under section 93 of the
U.K. Transport Act 2000. Section 93 of the act provides for compensation for
airlines in cases in which the Department has issued directions under the Act
that have lead to damages to the airlines. The case is to be heard in the London
High Court. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its
legal action or in obtaining any compensation in connection with its claims.
78
On August 14, 2006, the U.K. security authorities reduced the level of
security searches and at the same time introduced additional baggage
restrictions in relation to the size of baggage that can be stowed in aircraft
cabins. Passengers have suffered significant delays as a result of increased
security measures and carry-on baggage restrictions. See also "Risk
Factors-Risks Related to the Company-Terrorism in the United Kingdom or
Elsewhere in Europe Could Have a Material Detrimental Effect on the Company."
Aer Lingus Merger Decision
The European Commission has acted to block Ryanair's proposed acquisition
of Aer Lingus, which Ryanair announced following the partial floatation of the
Irish flag carrier. In October 2006, Ryanair notified the European Commission
that it had acquired 19.2% of the ordinary share capital in Aer Lingus (this was
subsequently increased to 29.4%). Ryanair offered remedies to the Commission in
the first phase of the Commission's merger investigation but the Commission
opened a second phase investigation, something that it has done in no other
previous airline merger, including Air France/KLM. Despite demonstrating that
the merger of the two airlines would have significant consumer benefits and
efficiencies, and despite offering substantial remedies -- including guaranteed
fare and fuel levy reductions or eliminations, which would save consumers
approximately EUR100 million per annum, and large numbers of slot surrenders --
the Commission nevertheless prohibited the merger in June 2007. Ryanair
submitted its appeal of the decision to the European Court of First Instance on
September 10, 2007.
Legal Actions Against Monopoly Airports
Ryanair is involved in a number of legal and regulatory actions against
Dublin and London Stansted airports for what Ryanair considers to be ongoing
abuses of their dominant positions in the Dublin and London Stansted markets.
Management believes that both of these airports have been engaged in "regulatory
gaming" in order to achieve inflated airport charges under the regulatory
processes in the U.K. and Ireland. By inflating its so-called "regulated asset
base" (RAB - essentially the value of its airport facilities), a regulated
airport can achieve higher returns on its assets through inflated airport
charges. The U.K. Office of Fair Trading, following complaints from Ryanair and
other airlines, has recognized that the regulatory process is flawed and
provides perverse incentives to regulated airports to spend excessively on
infrastructure in order to inflate their airport charges. The U.K. Office of
Fair Trading has referred the matter to the U.K. Competition Commission, which
is investigating the competitive structure of the London airports market and is
considering a possible break-up of BAA.
Ryanair has also been trying to prevent both the BAA in Stansted and the
DAA in Dublin from engaging in further wasteful capital expenditure. In the case
of Stansted Airport, the BAA is planning to spend GBP4 billion on a second
runway and terminal, which Ryanair believes should only cost approximately GBP1
billion. Similarly, in the case of Dublin, the DAA is proceeding with plans to
build a second terminal, which will cost over four times its initial estimate.
In September 2006, the DAA announced that it was planning to build a new
terminal (Terminal 2) at Dublin airport at a cost of approximately EUR400
million and spend approximately another EUR400 million on upgrading the existing
Terminal 1. On August 29, 2007 the planning authority approved a planning
application from the DAA for the building of Terminal 2 and other facilities
subject to a capacity restriction of 32 million passengers and the building of a
second runway subject to certain limits to its hours of operation. The approval
will mean that charges at Dublin Airport will increase significantly, possibly
doubling from their current level. Ryanair plans to seek a judicial review of
the planning approval. However there can be no assurance that this appeal will
be successful. The doubling of airport charges, in the event of the failure of a
judicial review, could have an adverse impact on yields and passenger volumes at
Dublin Airport.
79
Dividend Policy
Since its organization as the holding company for Ryanair in 1996, Ryanair
Holdings has not declared or paid dividends on its Ordinary Shares. Ryanair
Holdings anticipates, for the foreseeable future, that it will retain any
earnings in order to fund the business operations of the Company, including the
acquisition of additional aircraft needed for Ryanair's planned entry into new
markets and the expansion of its existing service, as well as to replace its
current fleet. Ryanair Holdings does not, therefore, anticipate paying any cash
or share dividends on its Ordinary Shares in the foreseeable future. Any cash
dividends or other distributions, if made, are expected to be made in euro,
although Ryanair Holdings' Articles of Association provide that dividends may be
declared and paid in U.S. dollars. In the case of ADRs, The Bank of New York, as
depositary will convert all cash dividends and other distributions payable to
owners of ADRs into U.S. dollars to the extent that in its judgment it can do so
on a reasonable basis and will distribute the resulting U.S. dollar amounts (net
of conversion expenses) to the owners of ADRs.
Share Buy-back
A share buy-back, which was approved at the 2006 annual general meeting of
shareholders, was formally announced on June 5, 2007. With effect from June 7,
2007 and until the 2007 annual general meeting of shareholders on September 20,
2007, the Company planned to repurchase up to a maximum of EUR300m worth of
shares, or a total maximum of 77.2 million shares. At September 20, 2007 the
Company had repurchased 46.1 million shares at a total cost of EUR229.1
million.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
No significant change in the Company's financial condition has occurred
since the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual
report.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
TRADING MARKETS AND SHARE PRICES
The primary market for Ryanair Holdings' Ordinary Shares is the Irish Stock
Exchange Limited (the "Irish Stock Exchange" or "ISE"); Ordinary Shares are also
traded on the London Stock Exchange. The Ordinary Shares were first listed for
trading on the Official List of the Irish Stock Exchange on June 5, 1997 and
were first admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on July
16, 1998.
ADRs, each representing five Ordinary Shares, are traded on the Nasdaq. The
Bank of New York is Ryanair Holdings' depositary for purposes of issuing ADRs
evidencing the ADSs. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated,
the reported high and low closing sales prices of the ADRs on Nasdaq and for the
Ordinary Shares on the Irish Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, and
have been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one splits of the Ordinary Shares and
ADRs effected on February 26, 2000, December 7, 2001 and February 26, 2007:
80
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADRs
(in U.S. dollars)
High Low
<S> <C> <C>
2001.................................................................. 16.025 8.7475
2002.................................................................. 24.000 14.000
2003.................................................................. 26.025 17.190
2004.................................................................. 28.940 13.080
2005
First Quarter...................................................... 21.475 20.395
Second Quarter..................................................... 23.237 20.414
Third Quarter...................................................... 24.321 22.635
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 28.461 22.736
2006
First Quarter...................................................... 28.339 26.167
Second Quarter..................................................... 27.855 23.365
Third Quarter...................................................... 31.645 25.760
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 40.750 31.110
2007
First Quarter...................................................... 49.215 41.950
Month ending:
March 31, 2007..................................................... 47.790 41.950
April 30, 2007..................................................... 49.560 44.870
May 31, 2007....................................................... 47.400 40.000
June 30, 2007...................................................... 41.000 37.750
July 31, 2007...................................................... 41.490 36.210
August 31, 2007.................................................... 42.970 36.940
Period ending September 19, 2007..................................... 42.540 38.680
</TABLE>
81
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ordinary Shares
--------------------------------------------
(Irish Stock Exchange)
(in euro)
High Low
<S> <C> <C>
2001.................................................................. 3.55 1.88
2002.................................................................. 4.10 2.48
2003.................................................................. 3.65 2.55
2004.................................................................. 3.80 1.81
2005
First Quarter...................................................... 3.35 2.72
Second Quarter..................................................... 3.33 2.80
Third Quarter...................................................... 3.47 3.16
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 4.15 3.31
2006
First Quarter...................................................... 4.05 3.76
Second Quarter..................................................... 3.88 3.25
Third Quarter...................................................... 4.23 3.54
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 5.24 4.20
2007
First Quarter...................................................... 6.30 5.22
Month ending:
March 31, 2007..................................................... 6.16 5.38
April 30, 2007..................................................... 6.33 5.89
May 31, 2007....................................................... 6.12 5.21
June 30, 2007...................................................... 5.42 4.86
July 31, 2007...................................................... 5.30 4.71
August 31, 2007.................................................... 5.60 4.93
Period ending September 19, 2007...................................... 5.41 4.94
</TABLE>
82
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ordinary Shares
------------------------------------------
(London Stock Exchange)
(in euro)
High Low
<S> <C> <C>
2001.................................................................. 3.45 1.89
2002.................................................................. 4.10 2.50
2003.................................................................. 3.63 2.59
2004.................................................................. 3.78 1.83
2005
First Quarter...................................................... 3.35 2.73
Second Quarter..................................................... 3.33 2.79
Third Quarter...................................................... 3.46 3.16
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 4.15 3.32
2006
First Quarter...................................................... 4.05 3.77
Second Quarter..................................................... 3.89 3.24
Third Quarter...................................................... 4.23 3.53
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 5.21 4.19
2007
First Quarter...................................................... 6.30 5.28
Month ending:
March 31, 2007..................................................... 6.09 5.42
April 30, 2007..................................................... 6.27 5.82
May 31, 2007....................................................... 6.12 5.24
June 30, 2007...................................................... 5.42 4.88
July 31, 2007...................................................... 5.30 4.75
August 31, 2007.................................................... 5.61 4.97
Period ending September 19, 2007...................................... 5.41 4.90
</TABLE>
Since certain of the Ordinary Shares are held by brokers or other nominees,
the number of direct record holders in the United States may not be fully
indicative of the number of direct beneficial owners in the United States or of
where the direct beneficial owners of such shares are resident.
In order to increase the percentage of its share capital held by EU
nationals, beginning June 26, 2001, Ryanair Holdings instructed The Bank of New
York to suspend the issuance of new ADRs in exchange for the deposit of Ordinary
Shares until further notice. Holders of Ordinary Shares cannot convert their
Ordinary Shares into ADRs. The Bank of New York will continue to convert
existing ADRs into Ordinary Shares at the request of the holders of such ADRs.
The Company in 2002 implemented additional measures to restrict the ability of
non-EU nationals to purchase Ordinary Shares, and non-EU nationals are currently
effectively barred from purchasing Ordinary Shares. See "Item 10. Additional
Information-Limitations on Share Ownership by Non-EU Nationals" for additional
information.
At the annual general meeting of the shareholders held on September 21,
2006, the Board of Directors of Ryanair received shareholder approval for a
share buy-back plan allowing a maximum repurchase of 77,171,868 Ordinary Shares,
representing 5% of the Company's currently outstanding share capital. The
maximum price at which the Company may repurchase Ordinary Shares will, in
accordance with the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange and of the
Financial Services Authority, be the higher of 5% above the average market value
of the Company's Ordinary Shares for the five business days prior to the day of
the repurchase and the price stipulated by Article 5(1) of Commission Regulation
(EC) of 22 December 2003 (No. 2273/2003) (which is the higher of the last
independent trade and the highest current independent bid on the Irish Stock
Exchange). The minimum price at which the Company may repurchase Ordinary Shares
is their nominal value, currently EUR0.635. Any Ordinary Shares repurchased will
be cancelled. Authorization for the repurchases will be valid for fifteen months
from the date of the annual general meeting at which the resolution approving
the buy-back plan was approved or, if earlier, until the day following the
Company's next annual general meeting.
83
A share buy-back, which was approved at the 2006 annual general meeting of
shareholders, was formally announced on June 5, 2007. With effect from June 7,
2007 and until the 2007 annual general meeting of shareholders on September 20,
2007, the Company planned to repurchase up to a maximum of EUR300m worth of
shares, or a total maximum of 77.2 million shares. At September 20, 2007 the
Company had repurchased 46.1 million shares at a total cost of EUR229.1
million.
As of July 1, 2007, the total number of options over Ordinary Shares
outstanding under all of the Company's share option plans was 37,492,113
representing 2.4% of the Company's issued share capital at that date. The number
of outstanding options could potentially represent 2.5% of the issued share
capital of the Company if the Company were to purchase all of the Ordinary
Shares it is authorized to repurchase under the share buy-back plan authorized
by the Company's stockholders at the annual general meeting on September 21,
2006.
Item 10. Additional Information
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Ryanair Holdings' capital stock consists of Ordinary Shares, par value
0.635 euro cents. As of March 31, 2007, a total of 1,547,028,730 Ordinary Shares
were outstanding. On February 26, 2007, Ryanair effected a 2-for-1 share split
by which each of its then existing Ordinary Shares, par value 1.27 euro cents,
was split into two new Ordinary Shares, par value 0.635 euro cents. Each
Ordinary Share entitles the holder thereof to one vote in respect of any matter
voted upon by Ryanair Holdings' shareholders.
OPTIONS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES FROM REGISTRANT OR SUBSIDIARIES
In April 1998, the Board of Directors of Ryanair Holdings adopted an
employee share option plan (the "Option Plan 1998"), with all employees of the
Company being eligible to participate. The Option Plan 1998 was approved by
Ryanair Holdings' shareholders at the annual general meeting held on September
29, 1998. Options under this plan were granted over a five-year period beginning
in 1998.
Ryanair Holdings' shareholders approved subsequent share option plans in
2000 (the "Option Plan 2000") and 2002 (the "Option Plan 2002").
All employees and directors are eligible to participate in Option Plan
2000, and grants of options may be made in any of the ten years beginning with
fiscal year 2000 only if the Company's net profit after tax for the relevant
fiscal year has exceeded its net profit after tax for the preceding fiscal year
by at least 20%, or if an increase of 1% in net profit after tax for any
relevant year would have resulted in such criterion being met. Under the terms
of the plan, options will become exercisable five years from the time of the
first grant under the program, provided that the grantee is still employed by
the Company. If the grantee has ceased to be a full-time employee before this
vesting date, the grantee will generally lose his or her complete option
entitlement automatically.
The Option Plan 2002 was established in accordance with a tax-favorable
approved share option scheme available in Ireland so that employees will not be
taxed on the exercise of options (subject to certain conditions). The Option
Plan 2002 was approved by the Revenue Commissioners on July 4, 2003 for the
purposes of Chapter 4, Part 17, of the Irish Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 and
Schedule 12C of that act. All employees and full-time directors are eligible to
participate in the plan, under which grants of options may be made in any of the
ten years beginning with fiscal year 2002 only if the Company's net profit after
tax for the relevant fiscal year has exceeded its net profit after tax for the
preceding fiscal year by at least 25%, or if an increase of 1% in net profit
after tax for any relevant year would have resulted in such criterion being met.
Under the terms of the plan, options will become exercisable five years from the
time of the first grant under the program.
84
As of March 31, 2007, 14 separate grants of an aggregate total of
87,326,328 options in respect of an equivalent number of Ordinary Shares had
been made to eligible employees under the Company's various option plans, and an
aggregate of 35,107,978 options to purchase an equal number of Ordinary Shares
were outstanding.
Under Option Plan 1998, 10,400,000 options were granted to 15 key senior
executives and managers at a strike price equal to the closing price of the
Ordinary Shares on the date of the grant. These options became exercisable in
June 2003 and were exercisable through June 2005, but only for managers who were
still employed by the Company in June 2002. Under the Option Plan 2000, 23
senior managers were granted 9,116,000 share options at a strike price of
EUR2.83 on June 30, 2002. These options become exercisable between June 1, 2007
and June 1, 2009, but only for managers who continue to be employed by the
Company through June 1, 2007. Under the Option Plan 2002, 47 senior managers
were granted 5,550,000 share options at a strike price of EUR2.35 on November 3,
2004. These options will become exercisable between November 3, 2009 and
November 3, 2011, but only for managers who continue to be employed by the
Company through November 3, 2009. The aggregate of 35,107,978 Ordinary Shares
that would be issuable upon exercise in full of the options described in this
section that were outstanding as of March 31, 2007 would represent 2.3% of the
current issued share capital of Ryanair Holdings. Of such total, options in
respect of an aggregate of 14,907,196 Ordinary Shares are held by the directors
and executive officers of Ryanair Holdings.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Memorandum and
Articles of Association of Ryanair Holdings. This summary does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to complete text of the
Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are filed as an exhibit to this
Report.
Objects. The Company's objects, which are detailed in its Memorandum of
Association, are broad and include carrying on business as an investment and
holding company. The Company's registered number is 249885.
Directors. Subject to certain exceptions, directors may not vote on matters
in which they have a material interest. The ordinary remuneration of the
directors is determined from time to time by ordinary resolution of the Company.
Any director who holds any executive office, serves on any committee or
otherwise performs services which, in the opinion of the directors, are outside
the scope of the ordinary duties of a director may be paid such extra
remuneration as the directors may determine. The directors may exercise all the
powers of the Company to borrow money. These powers may be amended by special
resolution of the shareholders. The directors are not required to retire at a
particular age. There is no requirement for directors to hold shares. One third
of the directors retire and offer themselves for re-election at each annual
general meeting of the Company. The directors to retire by rotation are those
who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment.
As between persons who became or were appointed directors on the same date,
those to retire are determined by agreement between them or, otherwise, by lot.
All of the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the annual general
meeting of the company may vote on the re-election of directors.
Annual and General Meetings. Annual and extraordinary meetings at which
special resolutions are to be voted upon are called by 21 days clear notice.
Extraordinary general meetings at which ordinary resolutions are to be voted
upon are called by 14 days clear notice. All holders of ordinary shares are
entitled to attend, speak and vote at general meetings of the Company, subject
to limitations described below under "Limitations on the Right to Own Shares."
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Rights, Preferences and Dividends Attaching to Shares. The Company has only
one class of shares, being ordinary shares of EUR0.00635 par value each. All
such shares rank equally with respect to payment of dividends and on any
winding-up of the Company. Any dividend, interest or other sum payable to a
shareholder which remains unclaimed for one year after having been declared may
be invested by the directors for the benefit of the Company until claimed. If
the directors so resolve, any dividend which has remained unclaimed for 12 years
from the date of its declaration shall be forfeited and cease to remain owing by
the Company. The Company is permitted under its Articles of Association to issue
redeemable shares on such terms and in such manner as the Company may, by
special resolution, determine. The ordinary shares currently in issue are not
redeemable. The liability of shareholders to invest additional capital is
limited to the amounts remaining unpaid on the shares held by them. There are no
sinking fund provisions in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the
Company.
Action Necessary to Change the Rights of Shareholders. The rights attaching
to shares in the Company may be varied by special resolution passed at a meeting
of the shareholders of the Company.
Limitations on the Rights to Own Shares. The Articles of Association
contain detailed provisions enabling the directors of the Company to limit the
number of shares in which non-EU nationals have an interest or the exercise by
non-EU nationals of rights attaching to shares. See "Item 10. Additional
Information-Limitations on Share Ownership by Non-EU Nationals." Such powers may
be exercised by the directors if they are of the view that any license, consent,
permit or privilege of the Company or any of its subsidiaries that enables it to
operate an air service may be refused, withheld, suspended or revoked or have
conditions attached to it that inhibit its exercise and exercise of the powers
referred to above could prevent such an occurrence. The exercise of such powers
could result in non-EU national holders of shares being prevented from
attending, speaking or voting at general meetings of the Company and/or being
required to dispose of shares held by them to EU nationals.
Disclosure of Share Ownership. Under Irish law, the Company can require
parties to disclose their interests in shares. The Articles of Association of
the Company entitle the directors to require parties to complete declarations
indicating their nationality and the nature and extent of any interest, which
such party holds in shares before allowing such parties to transfer shares in
the Company. See "Item 10. Additional Information-Limitations on Share Ownership
by non-EU nationals." Under Irish law, if a party acquires or disposes of shares
in the Company bringing his interest above or below 5% of the total issued share
capital of the Company or changing his percentage interest above 5% (once his
interest has been rounded down to the nearest percentage), he must notify the
Company of that. The Irish Stock Exchange must also be notified of any
acquisition or disposal of shares which bring the shareholding of a party above
or below certain specified percentages i.e., 10, 25, 50 and 70%.
Other Provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. There are
no provisions in the Memorandum and Articles of Association:
o delaying or prohibiting a change in the control of the Company, but
which operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate
restructuring;
o discriminating against any existing or prospective holder of shares as
a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of shares; or
o governing changes in capital,
in each case, where such provisions are more stringent than those required by
law.
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MATERIAL CONTRACTS
In February 2005, the Company and Boeing entered into a new series of
agreements for the purchase by the Company of new Boeing 737-800 aircraft for
delivery during the period from April 2008 through December 2011, as well as for
options to purchase additional aircraft. See "Item 4. Information on the
Company-Aircraft" and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects-Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a detailed discussion of the 2005
Boeing contract.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Except as indicated below, there are no restrictions on non-residents of
Ireland dealing in Irish securities (including shares or depositary receipts of
Irish companies such as the Company), and dividends and redemption proceeds also
continue to be freely transferable to non-resident holders of such securities.
Under the Financial Transfers Act 1992 (the "1992 Act"), the Minister for
Finance of Ireland may make provision for the restriction of financial transfers
between Ireland and other countries. Financial transfers are broadly defined,
and the acquisition or disposal of the ADRs, which represent shares issued by an
Irish incorporated company, the acquisition or the disposal of Ordinary Shares
and associated payments may fall within this definition. Dividends or payments
on the redemption or purchase of shares and payments on a liquidation of an
Irish-incorporated company would fall within this definition. Orders made by the
Minister for Finance pursuant to the 1992 Act prohibit certain financial
transfers to (or in respect of funds held by the government of) the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic and associated persons, Zimbabwe
(including senior members of the Zimbabwean government), Iraq, Liberia,
Burma/Myanmar, the Republic of Serbia, Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban
of Afghanistan.
The Company does not anticipate that Irish exchange controls or orders
under the 1992 Act will have a material effect on its business.
LIMITATIONS ON SHARE OWNERSHIP BY NON-EU NATIONALS
The board of directors of Ryanair Holdings is given certain powers under
Ryanair Holdings' Articles to take action to ensure that the number of shares
held in Ryanair Holdings by non-EU nationals does not reach a level which could
jeopardize the Company's entitlement to continue to hold or enjoy the benefit of
any license, permit, consent or privilege which it holds or enjoys and which
enables it to carry on business as an air carrier (a "License"). In particular,
EU Regulation 2407/92 requires that, in order to obtain and retain an operating
license, an EU air carrier must be majority- owned and effectively controlled by
EU nationals. The regulation does not specify what level of share ownership will
confer effective control on a holder or holders of shares. As described below,
the directors will, from time to time, set a "Permitted Maximum" on the number
of Ordinary Shares that may be owned by non-EU nationals at such level as they
believe will comply with EU law. The Permitted Maximum is currently set at
49.9%.
Ryanair Holdings maintains a separate register (the "Separate Register") of
shares in which non-EU nationals, whether individuals, bodies corporate or other
entities, have an interest (such shares are referred to as "Affected Shares" in
the Articles). Interest in this context is widely defined and includes an
interest held through ADRs in the shares underlying the relevant ADRs. The
directors can require relevant parties to provide them with information to
enable a determination to be made by them as to whether shares are, or are to be
treated as, Affected Shares. If such information is not available or forthcoming
or is unsatisfactory then the directors can, at their discretion, determine that
shares are to be treated as Affected Shares. Registered holders of shares are
also obliged to notify the Company if they are aware that any share which they
hold ought to be treated as an Affected Share for this purpose. With regard to
ADRs, the directors can treat all of the relevant underlying shares as Affected
Shares unless satisfactory evidence as to why they should not be so treated is
forthcoming.
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In the event that, inter alia, (i) the refusal, withholding, suspension or
revocation of any License or the imposition of any condition which materially
inhibits the exercise of any License (an "Intervening Act") has taken place,
(ii) the Company receives a notice or direction from any governmental body or
any other body which regulates the provision of air transport services to the
effect that an Intervening Act is imminent, threatened or intended or (iii) an
Intervening Act may occur as a consequence of the level of non-EU ownership of
shares or an Intervening Act is imminent, threatened or intended because of the
manner of share ownership or control of Ryanair Holdings generally, the
directors can take action pursuant to the Articles to deal with the situation.
They can, inter alia, (i) remove any directors or change the chairman of the
board, (ii) identify those shares, ADRs or Affected Shares which give rise to
the need to take action and treat such shares, ADRs, or Affected Shares as
Restricted Shares (see below) or (iii) set a "Permitted Maximum" on the number
of Affected Shares which may subsist at any time (which may not, save in the
circumstances referred to below, be lower than 40% of the total number of issued
shares) and treat any Affected Shares (or ADRs representing such Affected
Shares) in excess of this Permitted Maximum as Restricted Shares (see below).
Also, if as a consequence of a change of law or a direction, notice or
requirement of any state, authority or person it is necessary to reduce the
total number of Affected Shares below 40% or reduce the number of Affected
Shares held by any particular stockholder or stockholders in order to overcome,
prevent or avoid an Intervening Act, the directors may resolve to (i) set the
Permitted Maximum at such level below 40% as they consider necessary in order to
overcome, prevent or avoid such Intervening Act, or (ii) treat such number of
Affected Shares (or ADRs representing Affected Shares) held by any particular
stockholder or stockholders as they consider necessary (which could include all
of such Affected Shares or ADRs) as Restricted Shares (see below). The directors
may serve a Restricted Share Notice in respect of any Affected Share, or any ADR
representing any ADS, which is to be treated as a Restricted Share. Such Notices
can have the effect of depriving the recipients of the rights to attend, vote
and speak at general meetings, which they would otherwise have had as a
consequence of holding such shares or ADRs. Such Notices can also require the
recipients to dispose of the shares or ADRs concerned to an EU national (so that
the relevant shares (or shares underlying the relevant ADRs) will then cease to
be Affected Shares) within 21 days or such longer period as the directors may
determine. The directors are also given the power to transfer such shares
themselves where there is non-compliance with the Restricted Share Notice.
To enable the directors to identify Affected Shares, transferees of
Ordinary Shares generally will be required to provide a declaration as to the
nationality of persons having interests in those shares and each stockholder is
obliged to notify Ryanair Holdings if any of his, her or its Ordinary Shares
become Affected Shares. Purchasers or transferees of ADRs need not complete a
nationality declaration because the directors expect to treat all of the
Ordinary Shares held by the Depositary as Affected Shares. An ADS holder must
open an ADR account directly with the Depositary if he, she or it wishes to
provide to Ryanair Holdings a nationality declaration or such other evidence as
the directors may require in order to establish to the directors' satisfaction
that the Ordinary Shares underlying such holder's ADRs are not Affected Shares.
In deciding which Affected Shares are to be selected as Restricted Shares,
the directors can take into account which Affected Shares have given rise to the
necessity to take action. Subject to that they will, insofar as practicable,
firstly view as Restricted Shares those Affected Shares in respect of which no
declaration as to whether or not such shares are Affected Shares has been made
by the holder thereof and where information which has been requested by the
directors in accordance with the Articles has not been provided within specified
time periods and, secondly, have regard to the chronological order in which
details of Affected Shares have been entered in the Separate Register and,
accordingly, treat the most recently registered Affected Shares as Restricted
Shares to the extent necessary. Transfers of Affected Shares to Affiliates (as
that expression is defined in the Articles) will not affect the chronological
order of entry in the Separate Register for this purpose. The directors do
however have the discretion to apply another basis of selection if, in their
sole opinion, that would be more equitable. Where the directors have resolved to
treat Affected Shares held by any particular stockholder or stockholders as
Restricted Shares (i) because such Affected Shares have given rise to the need
to take such action or (ii) because of a change of law or a requirement or
direction of a regulatory authority necessitating such action (see above), such
powers may be exercised irrespective of the date upon which such Affected Shares
were entered in the Separate Register.
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After having initially resolved to set the maximum level at 49.0%, the
directors increased the maximum level to 49.9% on May 26, 1999, after the number
of Affected Shares exceeded the initial limit. This maximum level could be
reduced if it becomes necessary for the directors to exercise these powers in
the circumstances described above. The decision to make any such reduction or to
change the Permitted Maximum from time to time will be published in at least one
national newspaper in Ireland and in any country in which the Ordinary Shares or
ADRs are listed. The relevant notice will specify the provisions of the relevant
Article which can apply to Restricted Shares and the name of the person or
persons who will answer queries relating to Restricted Shares on behalf of
Ryanair Holdings. The directors shall publish information as to the number of
shares held by EU nationals annually.
As of June 30, 2007, EU nationals owned at least 56.3% of Ryanair Holdings'
Ordinary Shares (assuming conversion of all outstanding ADRs into Ordinary
Shares). Ryanair continues to monitor the EU national ownership status of its
Ordinary Shares, which changes on a daily basis.
In an effort to increase the percentage of its share capital held by EU
nationals, on June 26, 2001, Ryanair Holdings instructed The Bank of New York,
the depositary for its ADR program, to suspend the issuance of new ADSs in
exchange for the deposit of Ordinary Shares until further notice to its
shareholders. Holders of Ordinary Shares cannot convert their Ordinary Shares
into ADRs during such suspension, and there can be no assurance that the
suspension will ever be lifted.
As a further measure to increase the percentage of shares held by EU
nationals, on February 7, 2002, the Company issued a notice to shareholders to
the effect that any purchase of Ordinary Shares by a non-EU national after such
date will immediately result in the issue of a Restricted Share Notice to such
non-EU national Purchaser. The Restricted Share Notice compels the non-EU
national purchaser to sell the affected shares to an EU national within 21 days
of the date of issuance. In the event that any such non-EU national shareholder
does not sell its shares to an EU national within the specified time period, the
Company can then take legal action to compel such a sale. As a result, non-EU
nationals are effectively barred from purchasing Ordinary Shares for as long as
these restrictions remain in place. There can be no assurance that these
restrictions will ever be lifted.
TAXATION
Irish Tax Considerations
The following is a discussion of certain Irish tax consequences of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADSs. This discussion
is based upon tax laws and practice of Ireland at the date of this document
which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Particular rules
may apply to certain classes of taxpayers (such as dealers in securities) and
this discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences of purchase,
ownership or disposition of owning the relevant securities for all categories of
investors.
The discussion is intended only as a general guide based on current Irish
law and practice and is not intended to be, nor should it be considered to be,
legal or tax advice to any particular investor or stockholder. Accordingly,
current stockholders or potential investors should satisfy themselves as to the
overall tax consequences by consulting their own tax advisers.
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Dividends. As discussed herein, it is not currently anticipated that
Ryanair Holdings will pay dividends. However, if it does pay dividends or makes
other relevant distributions, the following is relevant:
Withholding Tax. Unless exempted, a withholding at the standard rate of
income tax (currently 20%) will apply to dividends or other relevant
distributions paid by an Irish resident company. The withholding tax requirement
will not apply to distributions paid to certain categories of Irish resident
stockholders nor to distributions paid to certain categories of non-resident
stockholders.
The following Irish resident stockholders are exempt from withholding if
they make to the Company, in advance of payment of any relevant distribution, an
appropriate declaration of entitlement to exemption:
o An Irish resident company;
o An Irish Revenue approved pension scheme;
o A qualifying fund manager or qualifying savings manager;
o A Personal Retirement Savings Account ("PRSA") administrator who is
receiving the relevant distribution as income arising in respect of PRSA
assets;
o A qualifying employee share ownership trust;
o A collective investment undertaking;
o A tax exempt charity;
o A designated broker receiving the distribution for a special portfolio
investment account;
o A person who is entitled to exemption from income tax under Schedule F on
dividends in respect of an investment in whole or in part of payments
received in respect of a civil action or from the Personal Injuries
Assessment Board for damages in respect of mental or physical infirmity;
o Certain qualifying trusts established for the benefit of an incapacitated
individual and/or persons in receipt of income from such a qualifying
trust;
o A person entitled to exemption to income tax under Schedule F by virtue of
Section 192(2) Taxes Consolidation Act ("TCA") 1997;
o A unit trust to which Section 731(5)(a) TCA 1997 applies; and
o Certain Irish Revenue-approved amateur and athletic sport bodies.
The following non-resident stockholders are exempt from withholding if they
make to the Company, in advance of payment of any dividend, an appropriate
declaration of entitlement to exemption:
o Persons (other than a company) who (i) are neither resident nor ordinarily
resident in Ireland and (ii) are resident for tax purposes in (a) a country
which has in force a tax treaty with Ireland (a "tax treaty country") or
(b) an EU Member State other than Ireland;
90
o Companies not resident in Ireland which are resident in an EU Member State
or a tax treaty country, by virtue of the law of a tax treaty partner
country or an EU Member State, and are not controlled, directly or
indirectly, by Irish residents;
o Companies not resident in Ireland which are directly or indirectly
controlled by a person or persons who are, by virtue of the law of a tax
treaty partner country or an EU Member State, resident for tax purposes in
a tax treaty country or an EU Member State other than Ireland and who are
not controlled directly or indirectly by persons who are not resident for
tax purposes in a tax treaty country or EU Member State;
o Companies not resident in Ireland the principal class of shares of which is
substantially and regularly traded on a recognized stock exchange in a tax
treaty country or an EU Member State including Ireland or on an approved
stock exchange; or
o Companies not resident in Ireland that are 75% subsidiaries of a single
company, or are wholly-owned by two or more companies, in either case the
principal class(es) of shares of which is/are substantially and regularly
traded on a recognized stock exchange in a tax treaty country or an EU
Member State including Ireland or on an approved stock exchange.
In the case of a non-resident stockholder resident in an EU Member State or
tax treaty country, the declaration must be accompanied by a current certificate
of tax residence from the tax authorities in the stockholder's country of
residence. In addition, in the case of non-resident companies that are tax
residents of an EU Member State other than Ireland or a tax treaty country or
non-resident companies controlled by residents of an EU Member State including
Ireland or of a tax treaty country or whose shares are substantially and
regularly traded on a stock exchange in an EU Member State other than Ireland or
a tax treaty country, certain certification by their auditors is required. The
declaration also must contain an undertaking by the non-resident or
non-ordinarily resident person that he or she will advise the relevant person
accordingly if he or she ceases to be non-resident or non-ordinary resident. No
declaration is required where the stockholder is a 5% parent company in another
EU Member State pursuant to the Parent/Subsidiary directive. Neither is a
declaration required on the payment by a company resident in Ireland to another
company so resident where the company making the dividend is a 51% subsidiary of
that other company.
American Depository Receipts. Special arrangements with regard to the
dividend withholding tax obligation apply in the case of Irish companies using
ADRs through U.S. depositary banks which have been authorized by the Irish
Revenue Commissioners. Such banks, which receive dividends from the company and
pass them on to the U.S. ADS holders beneficially entitled to such dividends,
will be allowed to receive and pass on the gross dividends (i.e., before
withholding) based on an "address system" where the recorded address of such
holder, as listed in the depository bank's register of depository receipts, is
in the U.S.
Taxation on Dividends. Companies resident in Ireland other than those
taxable on receipt of dividends as trading income are exempt from corporation
tax on distributions received on ordinary shares from other Irish resident
companies. Stockholders which are "close" companies for Irish taxation purposes
may, however, be subject to a 20% corporation tax surcharge on undistributed
investment income.
Individual stockholders who are resident or ordinarily resident in Ireland
are taxable on the gross dividend at their marginal tax rate, but are entitled
to a credit for the tax withheld by the company paying the dividend. An
individual stockholder who is not liable or not fully liable to income tax by
reason of exemption or otherwise may be entitled to receive an appropriate
refund of tax withheld. A charge to Irish social security taxes/levies can also
arise for such individuals on the amount of any dividend received from the
Company.
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Except in certain circumstances, a person who is neither resident nor
ordinarily resident in Ireland and is entitled to receive dividends without
deductions is not chargeable to Irish tax on the dividend. Where a person who is
neither resident nor ordinarily resident in Ireland is subject to withholding
tax on the dividend received due to not benefiting from any exemption from such
withholding, generally the amount of that withholding will generally satisfy
such person's liability for Irish tax.
Capital Gains Tax. A person who is either resident or ordinarily resident
in Ireland will generally be liable for Irish capital gains tax on any gain
realized on the disposal of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs. The current capital
gains tax rate is 20%. A person who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident
in Ireland and who does not carry on a trade in Ireland through a branch or
agency will not be subject to Irish capital gains tax on the disposal of the
Ordinary Shares or ADSs.
Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax. A gift or inheritance of the Ordinary
Shares or ADSs will be within the charge to Irish Capital Acquisitions Tax
("CAT") notwithstanding that the disposer (e.g., a donor) or the donee/successor
in relation to such gift or inheritance is resident outside Ireland. CAT is
charged at a rate of 20% above a tax-free threshold. This tax-free threshold is
determined by the amount of the current benefit and of previous benefits taken
since December 5, 1991, as relevant, within the charge to CAT and the
relationship between the donor and the successor or donee. Gifts and
inheritances between spouses (and in certain cases former spouses) are not
subject to CAT.
In a case where an inheritance or gift of the Ordinary Shares or ADSs is
subject to both Irish CAT and foreign tax of a similar character, the foreign
tax paid may in certain circumstances be credited in whole or in part against
the Irish tax. Irish Stamp Duty. It is assumed for the purposes of this
paragraph that ADSs are dealt in on a recognized stock exchange in the United
States (the Nasdaq National Market is a recognized stock exchange in the United
States for this purpose). Under current Irish law, no stamp duty will be payable
on the acquisition of ADSs by persons purchasing such ADSs or on any subsequent
transfer of ADSs. A transfer of Ordinary Shares (including transfers effected
through CREST) wherever executed and whether on sale, in contemplation of a sale
or by way of a gift, will attract duty at the rate of 1% of the consideration
given or, in the case of a gift or where the purchase price is inadequate or
unascertainable, on the market value of the Ordinary Shares. Transfers of
Ordinary Shares which are not liable to duty at the rate of 1% (e.g., transfers
under which there is no change in beneficial ownership) may attract a fixed duty
of EUR12.50.
The Irish Revenue Commissioners (the "Irish Revenue") treat a conversion of
Ordinary Shares to ADSs made in contemplation of a sale or a change in
beneficial ownership (under Irish law) as an event chargeable to stamp duty at a
rate of 1%. The Irish Revenue has indicated that a re-conversion of ADSs to
Ordinary Shares made in contemplation of a sale or a change in beneficial
ownership (under Irish law) will not be treated as a stampable event. However,
the subsequent sale of the re-converted Ordinary Shares will give rise to a
charge to Irish stamp duty at the 1% rate. If the transfer of the Ordinary
Shares is a transfer under which there is no change in the beneficial ownership
(under Irish law) of the Ordinary Shares being transferred, nominal stamp duty
only will be payable on the transfer. Under Irish law, it is not free from doubt
that the mere deposit of Ordinary Shares for ADSs or ADSs for Ordinary Shares
would not be deemed to constitute a change in beneficial ownership. Accordingly,
it is not certain that holders would not be subject to stamp duty at the 1% rate
when merely depositing Ordinary Shares for ADSs or ADSs for Ordinary Shares and,
consequently, the Depositary reserves the right in such circumstances to require
payment of stamp duty at the rate of 1% from the holders.
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The person accountable for payment of stamp duty is the transferee or, in
the case of a transfer by way of a gift or for a consideration less than the
market value, all parties to the transfer. Stamp duty is normally payable within
30 days after the date of execution of the transfer. Late or inadequate payment
of stamp duty will result in a liability to interest, penalties and fines.
United States Tax Considerations
Except as described below under the heading "Non-U.S. Holders," the
following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations
relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADRs
by a holder that is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic
corporation or that is otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net
income basis in respect of the Ordinary Shares or the ADRs ("U.S. Holders").
This summary does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the
tax considerations that may be relevant to a decision to purchase the Ordinary
Shares or the ADRs. In particular, the summary deals only with U.S. Holders that
will hold Ordinary Shares or ADRs as capital assets and generally does not
address the tax treatment of U.S. Holders that may be subject to special tax
rules such as banks, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies,
traders in securities electing to mark-to-market, persons that own 10% or more
of the stock of the Company, U.S. Holders whose "functional currency" is not
U.S. dollars or persons that hold the Ordinary Shares or the ADRs as part of an
integrated investment (including a "straddle") consisting of the Ordinary Shares
or the ADRs and one or more other positions.
Holders of the Ordinary Shares or the ADRs should consult their own tax
advisors as to the U.S. or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership,
and disposition of the Ordinary Shares or the ADRs in light of their particular
circumstances, including, in particular, the effect of any foreign, state or
local tax laws.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders of the ADRs will be treated
as the owners of the Ordinary Shares represented by those ADRs.
Taxation of Dividends. Dividends, if any, paid with respect to the Ordinary
Shares, including Ordinary Shares represented by ADRs, will be included in the
gross income of a U.S. Holder when the dividends are received by the holder or
the Depositary, as the case may be. Such dividends will not be eligible for the
dividends received deduction allowed to U.S. corporations in respect of
dividends from a domestic corporation. Dividends paid in euro will be includible
in the income of a U.S. Holder in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference
to the exchange rate in effect on the day they are received by the holder or the
Depositary, as the case may be. U.S. Holders generally should not be required to
recognize any foreign currency gain or loss to the extent such dividends paid in
euro are converted into U.S. dollars immediately upon receipt.
Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedged positions, the U.S.
dollar amount of dividends received by an individual prior to January 1, 2011
with respect to the Ordinary Shares or ADRs will be subject to taxation at a
maximum rate of 15% if the dividends are "qualified dividends." Dividends paid
during or after the 2005 taxable year on the Ordinary Shares or ADRs will be
treated as qualified dividends if (i) the issuer is eligible for the benefits of
a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States that the IRS has
approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules and (ii) the Company
was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is
not, in the year in which the dividend is paid a passive foreign investment
company (a "PFIC"). The income tax treaty between Ireland and the United States
has been approved for the purposes of the qualified dividend rules. Based on the
Company's audited financial statements and relevant market data, the Company
believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes
with respect to its 2006/7 taxable year. In addition, based on the Company's
audited financial statements and its current expectations regarding the value
and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant
market data, the Company does not anticipate becoming a PFIC for its 2007/8
taxable year.
Under the U.S.-Ireland Income Tax Treaty currently in effect, in the event
the Company were to pay any dividend, the tax credit attaching to the dividend
(as used herein the "Tax Credit"; see "-Irish Tax Considerations") generally
will be treated as a foreign income tax eligible for credit against such U.S.
Holder's United States federal income tax liability, subject to generally
applicable limitations and conditions. Any such dividend paid by the Company to
such U.S. Holder will constitute income from sources without the United States
for foreign tax credit purposes, and generally will constitute "passive income"
for such purposes.
93
Foreign tax credits may not be allowed for withholding taxes imposed in
respect of certain short-term or hedged positions in securities.
U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the
implications of these rules in light of their particular circumstances.
Distributions of Ordinary Shares that are made as part of a pro rata
distribution to all stockholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal
income tax.
Sale or Disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADRs. Gains or losses realized by
a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of ADRs generally will be treated
for U.S. federal income tax purposes as capital gains or losses, which generally
will be long-term capital gains or losses if the ADRs have been held for more
than one year. The net amount of long-term capital gain recognized by an
individual holder after May 5, 2003 and before January 1, 2009 generally is
subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15%. The net long-term capital gain
recognized by an individual holder before May 6, 2003 or after December 31, 2008
generally is subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 20%.
Deposits and withdrawals of Ordinary Shares by U.S. Holders in exchange for
ADRs will not result in the realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income
tax purposes.
Non-U.S. Holders. A holder of Ordinary Shares or ADRs that is, with respect
to the United States, a foreign corporation or a nonresident alien individual (a
"Non-U.S. Holder") generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or
withholding tax on dividends received on such Ordinary Shares or ADRs unless
such income is effectively connected with the conduct by such holder of a trade
or business in the United States. A Non-U.S. Holder of ADRs or Ordinary Shares
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax in respect of
gain realized on the sale or other disposition of Ordinary Shares or ADRs,
unless (i) such gain is effectively connected with the conduct by such holder of
a trade or business in the United States or (ii) in the case of gain realized by
an individual Non-U.S. Holder, such Non-U.S. Holder is present in the United
States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and certain other
conditions are met.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
Copies of Ryanair Holdings' Articles of Association may be examined at its
registered office and principal place of business at its Corporate Head Office,
Dublin Airport, County Dublin, Ireland.
Ryanair Holdings also files reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F,
periodic reports on Form 6-K and other information, with the SEC pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers. You may
read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at
100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
GENERAL
Ryanair is exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in commodity
prices, interest rates and currency exchange rates. The objective of financial
risk management at Ryanair is to minimize the negative impact of commodity
price, interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the Company's
earnings, cash flows and equity.
94
To manage these risks, Ryanair uses various derivative financial
instruments, including interest rate swaps, foreign currency forward contracts
and commodity forwards. These derivative financial instruments are generally
held to maturity and are not actively traded. The Company enters into these
arrangements with the goal of hedging its operational and balance sheet risk.
However, Ryanair's exposure to commodity price, interest rate and currency
exchange rate fluctuations cannot be neutralized completely.
In executing its risk management strategy, Ryanair selectively enters into
forward contracts for the purchase of aviation fuel. It also uses foreign
currency forward contracts intended to reduce its exposure to certain
currencies, principally the U.S. dollar. It also enters into interest rate
contracts with the objective of fixing certain borrowing costs and hedging
principal repayments, particularly those associated with the purchase of new
aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800s. Ryanair is also exposed to the risk that
the counterparties to its derivative financial instruments may not be
creditworthy. Were a counterparty to default on its obligations under any of the
instruments described below, Ryanair's economic expectations when entering into
these arrangements might not be achieved and its financial condition could be
adversely affected. Transactions involving derivative financial instruments are
also relatively illiquid as compared with those involving other kinds of
financial instruments. It is Ryanair's policy not to enter into transactions
involving financial derivatives for speculative purposes.
The following paragraphs describe Ryanair's fuel hedging, foreign currency
and interest rate swap arrangements and analyze the sensitivity of the market
value, earnings and cash flows of the financial instruments to hypothetical
changes in commodity prices, interest rates and exchange rates as if these
changes had occurred at March 31, 2007. The range of changes selected for this
sensitivity analysis reflects Ryanair's view of changes which are reasonably
possible over a one-year period.
FUEL PRICE EXPOSURE AND HEDGING
Fuel costs constitute a substantial portion of Ryanair's operating expenses
(approximately 39.3% and 34.9% of such expenses in fiscal years 2007 and 2006,
respectively, after taking into account Ryanair's fuel hedging activities).
Ryanair engages in fuel price hedging transactions from time to time, pursuant
to which Ryanair and a counterparty agree to exchange payments equal to the
difference between a fixed price for a given quantity of jet fuel and the market
price for such quantity of jet fuel at a given date in the future, with Ryanair
receiving the amount of any excess of such market price over such fixed price
and paying to the counterparty the amount of any excess of such fixed price over
such market price.
Ryanair has historically entered into arrangements providing for
substantial protection against fluctuations in fuel prices, generally through
forward contracts covering 12-18 months of anticipated jet fuel requirements. In
light of the significant increases in oil prices in recent years and their
volatility, the Company, starting in fiscal 2004, has entered into such
arrangements on a more selective basis. While these hedging strategies can
cushion the impact on Ryanair of fuel price increases in the short term, in the
medium to longer-term, such strategies cannot be expected to eliminate the
impact on the Company of an increase in the market price of aviation fuel. The
unrealized gains on the outstanding forward agreements at March 31, 2007 and
March 31, 2006, based on their fair values, amounted to EUR52.7 million and nil,
respectively. Based on Ryanair's fuel consumption for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007, a change of one U.S. cent in the average annual price per U.S.
gallon of aviation fuel would have caused a change of approximately EUR3 million
in Ryanair's fuel costs. See "Item 3. Key Information-Risk Factors-Risks Related
to the Company-Changes in Fuel Costs and Fuel Availability Affect the Company's
Results."
Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the Company's fuel forward contracts are
routinely treated as cash-flow hedges of forecasted fuel purchases for risks
arising from the commodity price of fuel. The contracts are recorded at fair
value in the balance sheet and are re-measured to fair value at the end of each
fiscal period through equity to the extent effective, with ineffectiveness
recorded through the income statement. The Company has considered these hedges
to be highly effective in offsetting variability in future cash flows arising
from fluctuations in the market price of fuel because the fuel forward contracts
typically relate to the same quantity and time and location of delivery as the
forecasted fuel purchase being hedged and the duration of the contracts is
typically short. Accordingly, the quantification of the change in expected cash
flows of the forecasted fuel purchase is based on the fuel forward price, and in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Company recorded no material hedge
ineffectiveness within earnings. The Company has recorded no material level of
ineffectiveness on its fuel hedges in its income statements to date.
95
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the Company recorded a positive
fair value adjustment of EUR46.1 million (net of tax) within accumulated other
comprehensive income in respect of jet fuel forward contracts. The Company was
unhedged at March 31, 2006.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXPOSURE AND HEDGING
In recent years, Ryanair's revenues have been denominated primarily in two
currencies, the euro and U.K. pound sterling. The U.K. pound sterling accounted
for approximately 44% of Ryanair's total revenues in fiscal year 2007, as
compared to approximately 48% in fiscal year 2006, with the euro accounting for
a large portion of the balance in each period. As Ryanair reports its results in
euro, the Company is not exposed to any material currency risk as a result of
its euro-denominated activities. Ryanair's operating expenses are primarily
denominated in euro, U.K. pounds sterling and U.S. dollars. Ryanair's operations
can be subject to significant direct exchange rate risks between the euro and
the U.S. dollar because a significant portion of its operating costs
(particularly those related to fuel purchases) is incurred in U.S. dollars,
while none of its revenues is denominated in U.S. dollars. Appreciation of the
euro against the U.S. dollar positively impacts Ryanair's operating income
because the euro equivalent of its U.S. dollar operating costs decreases, while
depreciation of the euro against the U.S. dollar negatively impacts operating
income. It is Ryanair's policy to hedge against a certain portion of its
exposure to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the
U.K. pound sterling at the time Ryanair enters into U.S. dollar-denominated
purchases. In general, Ryanair does not hedge its operating surpluses and
shortfalls in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and the U.K. pound sterling.
Hedging associated with operating expenses. In fiscal year 2007 and fiscal
year 2006, the Company entered into a series of forward contracts, principally
U.S. dollar/euro forward contracts to hedge against variability in cash flows
arising from market fluctuations in foreign exchange rates associated with its
forecasted fuel, maintenance and insurance costs. At March 31, 2007, the total
unrealized loss relating to these contracts amounted to EUR24.9 million,
compared to a EUR12.3 million gain at March 31, 2006. In the fiscal years ended
March 31, 2006, the Company also entered into a series of U.K. pound
sterling/euro forward contracts to hedge against variability in cash flows
arising from market fluctuations in foreign exchange rates associated with its
forecasted U.K. pound sterling expenses. At March 31, 2007, the total unrealized
gain or loss relating to these contracts amounted to nil compared to a EUR0.2
million unrealized loss at March 31, 2006.
Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, these foreign currency forward contracts are
treated as cash flow hedges of forecasted U.S. dollar and U.K. pound sterling
purchases to address the risks arising from U.S. dollar and U.K. pound sterling
exchange rates. The derivatives are recorded at fair value in the balance sheet
and are re-measured to fair value at the end of each fiscal period through
equity to the extent effective, with ineffectiveness recorded through the income
statement. Ryanair considers these hedges to be highly effective in offsetting
variability in future cash flows arising from fluctuations in exchange rates,
because the forward contracts are timed so as to match exactly the amount,
currency and maturity date of the forecasted foreign currency-denominated
expense being hedged. Under IFRS, in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, the
Company recorded a negative fair value adjustment of EUR21.8 million (net of
tax) within accumulated other comprehensive income in respect of these contracts
(2006: EUR10.8 million gain). Under U.S. GAAP certain of these derivatives do
not qualify for hedge accounting, with the result that a loss of EUR13.3m was
recorded in the U.S. GAAP income statement in respect of these. See Note 28 to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 for additional
information.
96
Hedging associated with capital expenditures. During fiscal years 2007 and
2006, the Company also entered into a series of U.S. dollar/U.K. pound sterling
and U.S. dollar/euro contracts to hedge against changes in the fair value of
aircraft purchase commitments under the Boeing contracts which arise from
fluctuations in the U.S. dollar/U.K. pound sterling and U.S. dollar/euro
exchange rates. At March 31, 2007, the total unrealized losses relating to these
contracts amounted to EUR17.5 million, while at March 31, 2006, unrealized gains
amounted to EUR7.5 million. Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the Company generally
accounts for these contracts as fair value hedges and accordingly, such
financial instruments are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value. Any gains
or losses arising on these instruments, as well as the related gain or loss on
the underlying aircraft purchase commitment, are recorded in the income
statement. Any related ineffectiveness is measured by the amount by which these
adjustments to earnings do not match. The Company expects these hedges to be
highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the aircraft
purchase commitments arising from fluctuations in exchange rates because the
forward exchange contracts are always for the same amount, currency and maturity
dates as the corresponding aircraft purchase commitments.
Holding other variables constant, if there were an adverse change of ten
percent in relevant foreign currency exchange rates, the market value of
Ryanair's foreign currency contracts outstanding at March 31, 2007 would
decrease by approximately EUR112 million, all of which would ultimately impact
earnings when such contracts mature.
INTEREST RATE EXPOSURE AND HEDGING
The Company's purchase of 91 of the 133 Boeing 737-800 aircraft delivered
as of March 31, 2007 has been funded by bank financing in the form of loans
supported by a loan guarantee from ExIm Bank. A further 10 aircraft were
financed with finance lease and commercial debt structures. With respect to
these 101 aircraft, at March 31, 2007, the Company had outstanding cumulative
borrowings under these facilities of EUR1,862 million with a weighted average
interest rate of 4.87%. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Capital Resources" for additional
information on these facilities and the related swaps, including a tabular
summary of the "Effective Borrowing Profile" illustrating the effect of the swap
transactions (each of which is with an established international financial
counterparty) on the profile of Ryanair's aircraft-related debt at March 31,
2007. At March 31, 2007, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements
relating to this floating rate debt was represented by a loss of EUR49.0
million, as compared with a loss of EUR75.1 million at March 31, 2006. See Note
11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 for additional
information.
The Company also enters into interest rate swaps to hedge against floating
rental payments associated with certain aircraft financed through operating
lease arrangements. Through the use of interest rate swaps, Ryanair has
effectively converted the floating rental payments due under 12 of these leases
into fixed rate payments. At March 31, 2007, the fair value of the interest rate
swap agreements relating to leases on a mark-to-market basis was equivalent to a
loss of EUR23.4 million, as compared with a loss of EUR34.2 million at March 31,
2006. These financial instruments are, accordingly, recorded at fair value in
the balance sheet and are subsequently re-measured to fair value through equity
to the extent effective, with ineffectiveness recorded through the income
statement. The Company has recorded no material level of ineffectiveness on
these swaps as they have the same critical terms as the underlying item being
hedged. Under both IFRS and U.S. GAAP, the Company accounts for all of its swaps
as cash-flow hedges of variable rental payments or variable rate debt payments.
At March 31, 2007, the Company recorded a total negative fair value adjustment
of EUR63.3 million (net of tax) relating to these arrangements (of which EUR14.4
million is the current year impact), which was included within accumulated other
comprehensive income, as compared with a EUR95.6 million negative fair value
adjustment at March 31, 2006. This loss will be realized within earnings over
the period from the expected drawdown of the related financing (i.e., over a
period of up to 12 years from March 31, 2007), with an increase in the related
interest expense.
97
If Ryanair had not entered into such derivative agreements, a plus or minus
one percentage point movement in interest rates would impact the fair value of
this liability by approximately EUR39 million. The earnings and cash flow impact
of any such change in interest rates would have been approximately plus or minus
EUR10 million per year.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
None.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of
Proceeds
None.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Item 15A.Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company has carried out an evaluation, as of March 31, 2007, under the
supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including
the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of
the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). There are
inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls
and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention
or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective
disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of
achieving their control objectives. Based upon the Company's evaluation, the
chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of
March 31, 2007, the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports
the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported as and when required, within the time periods specified
in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated
to the Company's management, including the chief executive officer and chief
financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Item 15B.Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial
Reporting
The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting, (as defined in Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). The Company's internal control
over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with applicable generally
accepted accounting principles. The Company's internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the
assets of the Company;
98
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors; and
(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection
of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
The Company's management evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's
internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, based on the
criteria established in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework," issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based
on the evaluation, management has concluded that the Company maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007.
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, has issued an
auditors' report on management's assessment of our internal control over
financial reporting. This report on the audit of our assessment of internal
control over financial reporting is included below.
Item 15C. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ryanair Holdings plc:
We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying
Management's Annual Report on Internal control over Financial Reporting that
Ryanair Holdings plc maintained effective internal control over financial
reporting as of March 31, 2007 based on criteria established in Internal Control
- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission (COSO). Ryanair Holdings plc's management is responsible
for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an
opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of
Ryanair Holdings plc based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to
permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
99
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, management's assessment that Ryanair Holdings plc maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, is
fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO. Also, in our opinion,
Ryanair Holdings plc maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007, based on criteria
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated
balance sheets of Ryanair Holdings plc and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007 and
2006, and the related consolidated income statements, cash flow statements and
statements of recognized income and expense for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 2007 and our report dated September 20, 2007
expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
KPMG
Chartered Accountants
Dublin, Ireland
September 20, 2007
100
Item 15D. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial
reporting during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal
control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Company's Board of Directors has determined that Emmanuel Faber
qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" within the meaning of this
Item 16A. Mr. Faber is "independent" for purposes of the listing rules of the
Nasdaq.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a broad Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that
meets the requirements for a "code of ethics" as defined in Item 16B of Form
20-F. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to the Company's chief
executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, controller
and persons performing similar functions, as well as to all of the Company's
other officers, directors and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
is available on Ryanair's website at http://www.ryanair.com. (Information
appearing on the website is not incorporated by reference into this annual
report.) The Company has not made any amendment to, or granted any waiver from,
the provisions of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to its
chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer,
controller or persons performing similar functions during its most recently
completed fiscal year.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company by its
independent auditors, KPMG, during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007 and
2006:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended March 31,
-------------------------------
2007 2006
EUR'000 EUR'000
<S> <C> <C>
Audit fees........................................................................ 931 213
Audit-related fees................................................................ 18 67
Tax fees.......................................................................... 243 188
------------- -----------
Total fees................................................................. 1,192 468
------------- -----------
</TABLE>
Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by KPMG in
connection with the audit of the Company's annual financial statements, as well
as work that generally only the independent auditor can reasonably be expected
to provide, including the provision of comfort letters, statutory audits,
discussions surrounding the proper application of financial accounting and
reporting standards and services provided in connection with certain regulatory
requirements including those under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Audit-related fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by KPMG
for assurance and related services that are traditionally performed by the
independent auditor, including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions
and employee benefit audit plans.
101
Tax fees include all services, except those services specifically related
to the audit of financial statements, performed by the independent auditor's tax
personnel, including tax analysis, work performed in support of other
tax-related regulatory requirements and tax compliance reporting.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The audit committee expressly pre-approves any engagement of Ryanair's
independent auditors for all audit and non-audit services provided to the
Company.
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Neither the Company nor any affiliated purchaser purchased any of the
Company's Ordinary Shares or ADRs during fiscal year 2007. See "Item 9. The
Offer and Listing-Trading Markets and Share Prices" for information regarding
recent share buy-backs.
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
Not applicable.
102
Item 18. Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RYANAIR HOLDINGS PLC
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm................................................ F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets of Ryanair Holdings plc at March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006............... F-2
Consolidated Income Statements of Ryanair Holdings plc for the Years ended March 31, 2007, March 31
2006 and March 31, 2005................................................................................ F-3
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements of Ryanair Holdings plc for the Years Ended March 31, 2007, March 31,
2006 and March 31, 2005................................................................................ F-4
Consolidated Statements of Recognized Income and Expense of Ryanair Holdings plc for the Years
ended March 31, 2007, March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005................................................ F-5
Notes forming part of the Financial Information........................................................ F-6
</TABLE>
Item 19. Exhibits
1.1 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Ryanair Holdings in effect
as of the date of this Report (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1.1 of Ryanair Holdings' Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on
September 27, 2006 (Commission file No. 000-29304)).
1.2 The total amount of long-term debt securities of Ryanair Holdings
authorized under any instrument does not exceed 10.0% of the total
assets of the Company on a consolidated basis. Ryanair Holdings hereby
agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of
long-term debt of the registrant or of its subsidiaries for which
consolidated or unconsolidated financial statements are required to be
filed.
4.1 Purchase Agreement No. 2403 between The Boeing Company and Ryanair
Holdings plc relating to Model 737-800 aircraft, together with
ancillary documents (subject to a request for confidential treatment
that has been granted) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
4.1 of Ryanair Holdings' Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September
30, 2002 (Commission file No. 000-29304)).
4.2 Supplemental Agreement No. 6 to Purchase Agreement 2403 between The
Boeing Company and Ryanair Holdings plc relating to Model 737-800
aircraft, dated as of February 28, 2005, together with ancillary
documents (subject to a request for confidential treatment that has
been granted) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of
Ryanair Holdings' Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on September 30,
2005 (Commission file No. 000-29304)).
8.1 List of principal subsidiaries of the registrant
12.1 Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
13.1 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
103
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for
filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned
to sign this annual report on its behalf.
RYANAIR HOLDINGS PLC
/s/ Michael O' Leary
Name: Michael O'Leary
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: September 20, 2007
104
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ryanair Holdings plc:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ryanair Holdings
plc and subsidiaries (collectively, 'the Company') as of March 31, 2007 and
2006, and the related consolidated income statements, cash flow statements and
statements of recognized income and expense, for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 2007. These consolidated financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ryanair Holdings plc
and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of years in the three-year period ended
March 31, 2007, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union (EU).
IFRSs as adopted by the EU vary in certain significant respects from U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. Information relating to the nature and
effect of such differences is presented in Note 28 to the consolidated financial
statements.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Ryanair
Holdings plc's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2007,
based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO),
and our report dated September 20, 2007 expressed an unqualified opinion on
management's assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control
over financial reporting.
KPMG
Chartered Accountants
Dublin, Ireland
September 20, 2007
F-1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Consolidated Balance Sheet
At March 31, At March 31
2007 2006
------------ ------------
Note EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Non-current asset
Property, plant and equipment..................................... 2 2,884,053 2,532,988
Intangible assets................................................. 3 46,841 46,841
Available for sale financial assets............................... 4 406,075 -
Derivative financial instruments.................................. 5 - 763
------------ ------------
Total non-current assets............................................. 3,336,969 2,580,592
------------ ------------
Current assets
Inventories ...................................................... 6 2,420 3,422
Other assets ..................................................... 7 77,707 29,453
Trade receivables................................................. 8 23,412 29,909
Derivative financial instruments.................................. 5 52,736 18,872
Restricted cash................................................... 9 258,808 204,040
Financial assets: cash > 3 months................................. 592,774 328,927
Cash and cash equivalents......................................... 1,346,419 1,439,004
------------ ------------
Total current assets................................................. 2,354,276 2,053,627
------------ ------------
Total assets......................................................... 5,691,245 4,634,219
============ ============
Current liabilitie
Trade payables.................................................... 54,801 79,283
Accrued expenses and other liabilities............................ 10 807,136 570,614
Current maturities of debt........................................ 11 178,918 153,311
Derivative financial instruments.................................. 5 56,053 27,417
Current tax....................................................... 12 20,822 15,247
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities............................................ 1,117,730 845,872
------------ ------------
Non-current liabilities
Provisions........................................................ 13 28,719 16,722
Derivative financial instruments.................................. 5 58,666 81,897
Deferred income tax liability..................................... 12 151,032 127,260
Other creditors................................................... 14 112,177 46,066
Non-current maturities of debt.................................... 11 1,683,148 1,524,417
------------ ------------
Total non-current liabilities........................................ 2,033,742 1,796,362
------------ ------------
Shareholders' equity
Issued share capital.............................................. 15 9,822 9,790
Share premium account............................................. 15 607,433 596,231
Retained earnings................................................. 16 1,905,211 1,467,623
Other reserves.................................................... 16 17,307 (81,659)
------------ ------------
Shareholders' equity................................................. 2,539,773 1,991,985
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........................... 5,691,245 4,634,219
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information.
</TABLE>
F-2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Consolidated Income Statement
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ----------
Note EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating revenues
Scheduled revenues....................................... 1,874,791 1,433,377 1,128,116
Ancillary revenues....................................... 17 362,104 259,153 190,921
---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating revenues-continuing operations.............. 17 2,236,895 1,692,530 1,319,037
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating expenses
Staff costs.............................................. 18 (226,580) (171,412) (141,673)
Depreciation............................................. 2 (143,503) (124,405) (110,357)
Fuel & oil............................................... (693,331) (462,466) (265,276)
Maintenance, materials & repairs......................... (42,046) (37,417) (26,280)
Marketing & distribution costs........................... (23,795) (13,912) (19,622)
Aircraft rentals......................................... (58,183) (47,376) (21,546)
Route charges............................................ (199,240) (164,577) (135,672)
Airport & handling charges............................... (273,613) (216,301) (178,384)
Other.................................................... 19 (104,859) (79,618) (79,489)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating expenses.................................... (1,765,150) (1,317,484) (978,299)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit - continuing operations.................... 471,745 375,046 340,738
Other income/(expenses)
Finance income........................................... 62,983 38,219 28,342
Finance expense.......................................... 21 (82,876) (73,958) (57,629)
Foreign exchange (losses)................................ (906) (1,234) (2,302)
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment........ 91 815 47
---------- ---------- ----------
Total other income/(expenses)............................... (20,708) (36,158) (31,542)
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before tax........................................... 451,037 338,888 309,196
Tax on profit on ordinary activities..................... 12 (15,437) (32,176) (29,153)
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the year - all attributable to equity holders of parent.... 435,600 306,712 280,043
========== ========== ==========
Basic earnings per ordinary share (in euro cents)........ 23 28.20 20.00 18.43
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (in euro cents)...... 23 27.97 19.87 18.33
Number of ordinary shares (in 000's)..................... 23 1,544,457 1,533,666 1,519,822
Number of diluted shares (in 000's)...................... 23 1,557,503 1,543,562 1,528,006
========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information.
</TABLE>
F-3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31
2007 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ----------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Profit before tax................................. 451,037 338,888 309,196
Adjustments to reconcile profits before tax to net cash provided by
operating activities
Depreciation...................................... 143,503 124,405 110,357
Decrease/(increase) in inventories................ 1,002 (962) (424)
Decrease/(increase) in trade receivables.......... 6,497 (9,265) (5,712)
(Increase) in other current assets................ (30,849) (882) (4,855)
(Decrease)/increase in trade payables............. (24,482) (12,835) 24,182
Increase in accrued expenses...................... 233,839 150,083 89,406
(Decrease)/increase in other creditors............ 75,351 11,403 (10,986)
Increase in maintenance provisions................ 11,997 9,486 714
(Gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment (91) (815) (47)
Decrease/(increase) in interest receivable........ 48 (3,959) (505)
Decrease in interest payable...................... 2,671 1,159 3,420
Retirement costs.................................. 589 507 167
Share based payments.............................. 3,935 2,921 488
Income tax........................................ (5,194) 436 (4,198)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities............ 869,853 610,570 511,203
---------- ---------- ----------
Investing activities
Capital expenditure (purchase of property, plant and equipment) (494,972) (546,225) (631,994)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 495 8,460 2,234
Purchase of equities classified as available for sale (344,917) - -
Investment in restricted cash..................... (54,768) - (4,040)
(Investment)/reduction in financial assets: cash > 3 months (263,847) 200,480 (216,662)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities................ (1,158,009) (337,285) (850,462)
---------- ---------- ----------
Financing activities
Net proceeds from shares issued................... 11,233 30,590 5,382
Proceeds from long term borrowings................ 339,409 386,809 550,021
Repayments of long term borrowings................ (155,071) (123,938) (88,146)
---------- ---------- ----------
Net cash provided by financing activities............ 195,571 293,461 467,257
---------- ---------- ----------
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents..... (92,585) 566,746 127,998
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.... 1,439,004 872,258 744,260
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............ 1,346,419 1,439,004 872,258
========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information.
</TABLE>
F-4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Consolidated Statement of Recognized Income and Expense
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31
2007 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ----------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net actuarial gains/(losses) from retirement benefit plans 1,988 2,327 (4,733)
Cash flow hedge reserve-effective portion of fair value changes to derivatives
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash
flow hedges ......................................... 79,025 65,966 -
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to profit and loss (32,920) (22,960) -
---------- ---------- ----------
Net movements into cash flow hedge reserve.............. 46,105 43,006 -
Net increase in fair value of available for sale
asset................................................ 48,926 - -
---------- ---------- ----------
Income and expenditure recognized directly in
equity............................................... 97,019 45,333 (4,733)
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Profit for the year..................................... 435,600 306,712 280,043
---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ----------
Total recognized income and expense..................... 532,619 352,045 275,310
---------- ---------- ----------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial information.
</TABLE>
F-5
Notes forming part of the Financial Information
1. Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies
Business activity
Ryanair Limited and subsidiaries ("Ryanair Limited") has operated as an
international airline since it commenced operations in 1985. On August 23, 1996,
Ryanair Holdings Limited, a newly formed holding company, acquired the entire
issued share capital of Ryanair Limited. On May 16, 1997, Ryanair Holdings
Limited re-registered as a public limited company, Ryanair Holdings plc. Ryanair
Holdings plc and subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to as "Ryanair Holdings
plc," "we," "our," "us," "Ryanair," "the Company" or "the Group." The Company
currently operates a low fares airline headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. All
trading activity continues to be undertaken by the Group of companies headed by
Ryanair Limited. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the
European Union (EU) as more particularly detailed below. The following
accounting policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented
except as otherwise set out below.
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
IFRSs as adopted by the EU that are effective for the year ended March 31, 2007.
IFRSs as adopted by the EU differ in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). However, none of these
differences are relevant in the context of Ryanair and the consolidated
financial statements for the periods presented would be no different had IFRS as
issued by the IASB been applied. Ryanair's financial statements are therefore,
also prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.
These consolidated financial statements are presented in euro rounded to
the nearest thousand, the euro being the functional currency of the parent
entity and the majority of the group companies. They are prepared on the
historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and available
for sale securities which are stated at fair value, and share based payments
which are based on fair value determined as at the grant date of the relevant
share options. Any non-current assets classified as held for sale are stated at
the lower of cost and fair value less costs to sell.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies
and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These
estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and
various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the
results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.
Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. These underlying
assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates
are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision
affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if
these are also affected. Principal sources of estimation uncertainty have been
set out in the critical accounting policy section within this note.
Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
IFRSs as adopted by the EU as were effective for the year ended March 31, 2007
further to the IAS Regulation (EC 1606/2002).
The IFRSs as adopted by the EU and applied by us in the preparation of
these financial statements are those that were effective for the year ended
March 31, 2007. The following provides a brief outline of the likely impact on
future financial statements of relevant IFRSs adopted by the EU which are not
yet effective and have not been early adopted in these financial statements:
F-6
o Amendment to IAS 1 - Capital Disclosures (effective for annual periods
beginning on or after January 1, 2007): this amendment will require
additional disclosure about our capital structure;
o IFRS 7 - Financial Instruments: Disclosures (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007). This will require the
Company to make further disclosures relating to our financial
instruments than are currently required under IAS 32.
o IFRIC 9 - Reassessment of Embedded Derivatives (effective for annual
periods beginning on or after June 1, 2006) deals with the requirement
of an entity to re-assess embedded derivatives during the life of the
underlying contract. This interpretation is not expected to have any
material effect on the Company's future financial statements.
o IFRIC 10 - Interim Financial Reporting and Impairment (effective for
annual periods beginning on or after November 1, 2006). This provides
certain guidance to entities in accounting for impairments within
interim period financial statements. This is not expected to have any
material impact on the Company's financial statements when adopted.
o IFRIC 11 - IFRS 2 Group and Treasury Share Transactions (effective for
annual periods beginning on or after March 1, 2007) addresses how
share based payment arrangements that affect more than one company in
a group are accounted for in each company's financial statements. This
is not expected to result in any material change in the way that share
based payment transactions are accounted for by the Group.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of
Ryanair Holdings plc and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2007. Subsidiaries are
entities controlled by us. Control exists when we have the power either directly
or indirectly to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as
to obtain benefit from its activities.
All intercompany account balances have been eliminated in preparing the
consolidated financial statements.
The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of in the period are
included in the consolidated income statement from the date of acquisition or up
to the date of disposal. Upon the acquisition of a business, fair values are
attributed to the separable net assets acquired.
Business combinations
The purchase method of accounting is employed in accounting for the
acquisition of businesses. In accordance with IFRS 3, the cost of a business
combination is measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of
exchange of assets given and liabilities incurred or assumed in exchange for
control, together with any directly attributable expenses. The assets and
liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired entity are measured at
their fair values at the date of acquisition. When the initial accounting for a
business combination is determined provisionally, any adjustments to the
provisional values allocated are made within 12 months of the acquisition date
and are effected prospectively from that date.
F-7
Foreign currency translation
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities
are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the
entity operates (the "functional currency"). The consolidated financial
statements are presented in euro, which is the functional currency of the
Group's entities.
Transactions arising in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates of
exchange in effect at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate of
exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date and all related exchange gains or
losses are accounted for through the income statement. Non-monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to euro at foreign
exchange rates in effect at the dates the transactions were effected.
Property, plant & equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less
accumulated depreciation and provisions for impairments, if any. Depreciation is
calculated so as to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of assets
on a straight line basis over their expected useful lives at the following
annual rates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Rate of
Depreciation
<S> <C>
Plant and equipment................................................................... 20-33.3%
Fixtures and fittings................................................................. 20%
Motor vehicles........................................................................ 33.3%
Buildings............................................................................. 5%
</TABLE>
Aircraft are depreciated on a straight line basis over their estimated
useful lives to estimated residual values. The current estimates of useful lives
and residual values are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Aircraft
at March 31,
Aircraft Type 2007 Useful Life Residual Value
------------------ --------------- --------------------------------- ---------------------
Boeing 737-800s 101 23 years from date of manufacture 15% of original cost
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
An element of the cost of an acquired aircraft is attributed on acquisition
to its service potential reflecting the maintenance condition of its engines and
airframe. This cost, which can equate to a substantial element of the total
aircraft cost, is amortized over the shorter of the period to the next check
(usually between 8 and 12 years for Boeing 737-800 aircraft) or the remaining
life of the aircraft. The costs of subsequent major airframe and engine
maintenance checks are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of the period
to the next check or the remaining life of the aircraft.
Advance and option payments made in respect of aircraft purchase
commitments and options to acquire aircraft are recorded at cost and separately
disclosed within property, plant and equipment. On acquisition of the related
aircraft, these payments are included as part of the cost of aircraft and are
depreciated from that date.
Rotable spare parts held by the Group are classified as property, plant and
equipment if they are expected to be used over more than one period and are
accounted for and depreciated in the same manner as the related aircraft.
F-8
Aircraft maintenance costs
The accounting for the cost of providing major airframe and certain engine
maintenance checks for owned aircraft is described in the accounting policy for
property, plant and equipment.
With respect to the Group's operating lease agreements, where the Group has
a commitment to maintain the aircraft, provision is made during the lease term
for the obligation based on estimated future costs of major airframe and certain
engine maintenance checks by making appropriate charges to the income statement
calculated by reference to the number of hours or cycles operated during the
year.
All other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Intangible assets - landing rights
Intangible assets acquired are recognized to the extent it is considered
probable that expected future benefits will flow to the Group and the associated
costs can be measured reliably. Landing rights acquired as part of a business
combination are capitalized at fair value at that date and are not amortized,
where those rights are considered to be indefinite. The carrying value of those
rights are reviewed for impairment at each reporting date and are subject to
impairment testing when events or changes in circumstances indicate that
carrying values may not be recoverable. No impairment to the carrying values of
the Group's intangible assets has been recorded to date.
Available for sale securities - equities
The Group holds certain equity securities which are classified as available
for sale, and are measured at fair value, less incremental direct costs, on
initial recognition. Subsequent to initial recognition they are measured at fair
value, and changes therein, other than impairment losses, are recognized
directly in equity. The fair values of available for sale securities are
determined by reference to quoted prices at each reporting date. When an
investment is de-recognized, the cumulative gain or loss in equity is
transferred to the income statement.
Such securities are considered to be impaired if there is objective
evidence which indicates that there may be a negative influence on future cash
flows of that asset. This includes where there is a significant or prolonged
decline in the fair value below its cost. All impairment losses are recognized
in the income statement and any cumulative loss in respect of an available for
sale asset recognized previously in equity is transferred to the income
statement.
Other financial assets
Other financial assets comprise cash deposits of greater than 3 months
maturity. All are classified as held to maturity as there is a significant
financial disincentive from redeeming such amounts at an earlier stage. All such
amounts are carried initially at fair value and then subsequently at amortized
cost in the balance sheet.
Derivative financial instruments
Ryanair is exposed to market risks relating to fluctuations in commodity
prices, interest rates and currency exchange rates. The objective of financial
risk management at Ryanair is to minimise the impact of commodity price,
interest rate and foreign exchange rate fluctuations on the Group's earnings,
cash flows and equity.
To manage these risks, Ryanair uses various derivative financial
instruments, including interest rate swaps, foreign currency forward contracts
and commodity contracts. These derivative financial instruments are generally
held to maturity. The Group enters into these arrangements with the goal of
hedging its operational and balance sheet risk. However, Ryanair's exposure to
commodity price, interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations cannot be
neutralised completely.
F-9
Derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value.
Subsequent to initial recognition, derivative financial instruments continue to
be restated to fair value.
The fair value of interest rate swaps is computed by discounting the
projected cash-flows on the company's swap arrangements to present value. The
fair value of forward exchange contracts and commodity contracts is their quoted
market price at the balance sheet date, being the present value of the quoted
forward price. Recognition of any resultant gain or loss depends on the nature
of the item being hedged.
Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the
variability in cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a highly
probable forecasted transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on the
derivative financial instrument is recognized directly in equity (in the cash
flow hedging reserve). When the hedged forecasted transaction results in the
recognition of a non financial asset or liability, the cumulative gain or loss
is removed from equity and included in the initial measurement of that asset or
liability. Otherwise the cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and
recognized in the income statement at the same time as the hedged transaction.
The ineffective part of any hedging transaction and the gain or loss thereon is
recognized in the income statement immediately.
When a hedging instrument or hedge relationship is terminated but the
underlying hedged transaction still is expected to occur, the cumulative gain or
loss at that point remains in equity and is recognized in accordance with the
above policy when the transaction occurs. If the hedged transaction is no longer
expected to take place, the cumulative unrealized gain or loss recognized in
equity is recognized in the income statement immediately.
Where a derivative financial instrument hedges the changes in fair value of
a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, any gain or
loss on the hedging instrument is recognized in the income statement. The hedged
item also is stated at fair value in respect of the risk being hedged, with any
gain or loss also being recognized in the income statement.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost
is based on invoiced price on an average basis for all stock categories. Net
realisable value is calculated as estimated selling price net of estimated
selling costs.
Trade and other receivables and payables
Trade and other receivables and payables are stated at cost less impairment
losses, which approximate to fair value given the short-dated nature of these
assets and liabilities.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash represents cash held at banks and available on demand.
Cash equivalents are current asset investments (other than cash) that are
readily convertible into known amounts of cash. Cash equivalents include
investments in commercial paper, certificates of deposit and cash deposits of
more than one day, but less than 3 months. Deposits with a maturity of greater
than 3 months are recognized as short term investments.
F-10
Interest bearing loans & borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recorded at the fair value of the
consideration received, net of attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to
initial recognition, non-current interest bearing loans are measured at
amortized cost, using the effective interest yield methodology.
Leases
Assets held under finance leases are capitalized in the balance sheet and
are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The present values of the
future lease payments are recorded as obligations under finance leases and the
interest element of the lease obligation is charged to the income statement over
the period of the lease in proportion to the balances outstanding.
Expenditure arising under operating leases is charged to the income
statement as incurred. The Group also enters into sale and leaseback
transactions whereby it sells the rights to acquire an aircraft to a third party
and subsequently leases the aircraft back, by way of an operating lease. Any
profit or loss on the disposal, where the price achieved is not considered to be
at fair value, is spread over the period the asset is expected to be used. The
profit or loss amount deferred is included within other creditors and analyzed
into its components of greater or less than one year.
Provisions and contingencies
A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when we have a present legal
or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that
an outflow of economic benefit will be required to settle the obligation. If the
effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future
outflow at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time
value of money and, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.
We assess the likelihood of any adverse outcomes to contingencies,
including legal matters, as well as probable losses. We record provisions for
such contingencies when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the
amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. A contingent liability is
disclosed where the existence of the obligation will only be confirmed by future
events, or where the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with reasonable
reliability. Provisions are remeasured at each balance sheet date based on the
best estimate of the settlement amount.
In relation to legal matters, we develop estimates in consultation with
outside counsel handling our defence in these matters using the current facts
and circumstances known to us. The factors that we consider in developing our
legal provisions include the merits and jurisdiction of the litigation, the
nature and number of other similar current and past litigation cases, the nature
of the subject to the litigation, and the likelihood of settlement and current
state of settlement discussions, if any.
Segment reporting
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Group that is engaged
either in providing products or services (business segment), or in providing
products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical
segment), which is subject to risks and returns different to those of other
segments.
The Group's primary reporting segments comprise geographic segments
relating to the origin of its turnover, as the Group only operates in one
business segment, the provision of a low fares scheduled airline service across
a European route network.
F-11
Revenues
Scheduled revenues comprise the invoiced value of airline and other
services, net of government taxes. Revenue from the sale of flight seats is
recognized in the period in which the service is provided. Unearned revenue
represents flight seats sold but not yet flown and is included in accrued
expenses and other liabilities. It is released to the income statement as
passengers fly. Unused tickets are recognized as revenue on a systematic basis.
Miscellaneous fees charged for any changes to flight tickets are recognized in
revenue immediately.
Ancillary revenues are recognized in the income statement in the period the
ancillary services are provided.
Share-based payments
The Group engages in equity-settled share-based payment transactions in
respect of services received from certain of its employees. The fair value of
the services received is measured by reference to the fair value of the share
options granted on the date of the grant. The cost of the employee services
received in respect of the share options granted is recognized in the income
statement over the period that the services are received, which is the vesting
period, with a corresponding credit to equity. The fair value of the options
granted is determined using a Binomial Lattice option pricing model, which takes
into account the exercise price of the option, the current share price, the risk
free interest rate, the expected volatility of the Ryanair Holdings plc share
price over the life of the option and other relevant factors. Non market vesting
conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of shares or share
options included in the measurement of the cost of employee services so that
ultimately, the amount recognized in the income statement reflects the number of
vested shares or share options.
On transitioning to IFRS for the first time in the year ended March 31,
2006 the Group also availed itself of the transition provisions in IFRS 1 for
share based payments by only applying the fair value calculation to share option
grants that were made after November 7, 2002, but which had not vested by
January 1, 2005.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The Group provides employees with post retirement benefits in the form of
pensions. The Group operates a number of defined contribution and defined
benefit pension schemes.
Costs arising in respect of the Group's defined contribution pension
schemes are charged to the income statement in the period in which they are
incurred. Any contributions unpaid at the balance sheet date are included as a
liability.
The liabilities and costs associated with the Group's defined benefit
pension schemes are assessed on the basis of the projected unit credit method by
professionally qualified actuaries and are arrived at using actuarial
assumptions based on market expectations at the balance sheet date. The discount
rates employed in determining the present value of each scheme's liabilities are
determined by reference to market yields at the balance sheet date of high
quality corporate bonds in the same currency and with terms consistent with
those of the associated pension obligations. The net surplus or deficit arising
on the Group's defined benefit schemes is shown within non-current assets or
liabilities on the balance sheet. The deferred tax impact of any such amount is
disclosed separately within deferred tax.
The Group separately recognises the operating and financing costs of
defined benefit pensions in the income statement. The standard permits a number
of options for the recognition of actuarial gains and losses. The Group has
opted to recognise all actuarial gains and losses within equity as permitted
under IFRS.
F-12
Income taxes including deferred income taxes
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and
deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the
extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity (such as certain
derivative financial instruments, available for sale assets, pensions and other
post retirement obligations), in which case it is recognized in equity. Current
tax payable on taxable profits is recognised as an expense in the period in
which the profits arise using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the
balance sheet date.
Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on
temporary differences arising from the tax bases of assets and liabilities and
their carrying accounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred
income tax is determined using tax rates and legislation enacted or
substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and expected to apply when the
temporary differences reverse.
The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial
recognition of assets and liabilities that effect neither accounting nor taxable
profit and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent
that it is probable they will not reverse in the future.
A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that
future tax profits will be available against which temporary differences can be
utilized. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance
sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that a
sufficient taxable profit would be available to allow all or part of the
deferred tax asset to be realized.
Critical accounting policies
The Group believes that its critical accounting policies, which are those
that require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are
those described in this section. These critical accounting policies, the
judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and
the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are
factors to be considered in reviewing the consolidated financial statements.
In accounting for long lived assets (principally aircraft and related
parts), Ryanair must make estimates about the expected useful lives of the
assets, the expected residual values of the assets and the potential for
impairment based on the fair value of the assets and the cash flows they
generate. In estimating the lives and expected residual values of its aircraft,
Ryanair has primarily relied on its own and industry experience, recommendations
from Boeing, the manufacturer of all of the Company's owned aircraft, and other
available marketplace information. Subsequent revisions to these estimates,
which can be significant, could be caused by changes to Ryanair's maintenance
program, changes in utilisation of the aircraft, governmental regulations on
ageing of aircraft and changing market prices for new and used aircraft of the
same or similar types.
Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each reporting period
and when warranted adjusts these assumptions. Generally, these adjustments are
accounted for on a prospective basis, through depreciation expense.
Ryanair periodically evaluates its long lived assets for impairment.
Factors that would indicate potential impairment would include, but are not
limited to, significant decreases in the market value of aircraft, a significant
change in an aircraft's physical condition and operating or cash-flow losses
associated with the use of the aircraft. While the airline industry as a whole
has experienced many of these factors from time to time, Ryanair has not yet
been seriously impacted and continues to record positive cash flows from these
long lived assets. Consequently, Ryanair has not yet identified any impairments
related to its existing aircraft fleet. The company will continue to monitor its
aircraft and the general airline operating environment.
F-13
An element of the cost of an acquired aircraft is attributed on acquisition
to its service potential, reflecting the maintenance condition of the engines
and airframe. Additionally, where Ryanair has a lease commitment to perform
aircraft maintenance, a provision is made during the lease term for this
obligation. Both of these accounting policies involve the use of estimates in
determining the quantum of both the initial maintenance asset and/or the amount
of provision to be set aside and the respective periods over which such amounts
are charged to income. In making such estimates, Ryanair has primarily relied on
industry experience, industry regulations and recommendations from Boeing;
however, these estimates can be subject to revision, depending on a number of
factors, such as the timing of the planned maintenance, the ultimate utilisation
of the aircraft, changes to government regulations and increases and decreases
in the estimated costs. Ryanair evaluates its estimates and assumptions in each
reporting period and, when warranted, adjusts these assumptions, which generally
impact on maintenance and depreciation expense in the income statement, on a
prospective basis.
F-14
2. Property, plant and equipment
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Hangar & Plant & Fixtures & Motor
Aircraft Buildings Equipment Fittings Vehicles Total
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(i) Year ended March 31, 2007
Cost
At March 31, 2006............. 2,870,085 13,265 6,540 11,773 981 2,902,644
Additions in year............. 478,996 9,772 4,101 1,474 628 494,971
Disposals in year............. (4,173) - (687) - - (4,860)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At March 31, 2007............. 3,344,908 23,037 9,954 13,247 1,609 3,392,755
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation
At March 31, 2006............. 350,577 3,674 4,876 9,923 606 369,656
Charge for year............... 140,130 685 1,402 987 299 143,503
Eliminated on disposals....... (4,025) - (432) - - (4,457)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At March 31, 2007............. 486,682 4,359 5,846 10,910 905 508,702
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net book value
At March 31, 2007............. 2,858,226 18,678 4,108 2,337 704 2,884,053
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
(ii) Year ended March 31, 2006
Cost
At March 31, 2005............. 2,544,771 13,129 5,357 10,685 640 2,574,582
Additions in year............. 542,518 136 1,183 1,136 341 545,314
Disposals in year............. (217,204) - - (48) - (217,252)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At March 31, 2006............. 2,870,085 13,265 6,540 11,773 981 2,902,644
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation
At March 31, 2005............. 440,374 2,934 3,938 8,933 512 456,691
Charge for year............... 121,611 740 938 1,022 94 124,405
Eliminated on disposals....... (211,408) - - (32) - (211,440)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At March 31, 2006............. 350,577 3,674 4,876 9,923 606 369,656
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net book value
At March 31, 2006............. 2,519,508 9,591 1,664 1,850 375 2,532,988
========== ========= ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
At March 31, 2007, aircraft with a net book value of EUR2,504.1m (March 31,
2006: EUR2,124.4m) were mortgaged to lenders as security for loans. Under the
security arrangements for the Group's new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the Group
does not hold legal title to those aircraft while these loan amounts remain
outstanding.
At March 31, 2007, the cost and net book value of aircraft includes
EUR392.6m (March 31, 2006: EUR301.5m) in respect of advance payments and options
on aircraft. This amount is not depreciated. The cost and net book value also
includes capitalized aircraft maintenance, aircraft simulators and the stock of
rotable spare parts.
The net book value of assets held under finance leases at March 31, 2007
and 2006 was EUR183.1m and EUR91.6m respectively.
F-15
3. Intangible assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------
2007 2006
--------------- ---------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Landing rights....................................................... 46,841 46,841
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
Landing slots were acquired with the acquisition of Buzz Stansted Limited
in April 2003. As these landing slots have no expiry date and are expected to be
used in perpetuity, they are considered to be of indefinite life and accordingly
are not amortized. The directors also consider that there has been no impairment
of the value of these rights to date. The recoverable amount of these rights has
been determined on a value-in-use basis, using discounted cash flow projections
for a twenty-year period for each route which has an individual landing right.
The calculation of value in use is most sensitive to the operating margin and
discount rate assumptions. Operating margins are based on the existing margins
generated from these routes and adjusted for any known trading conditions. The
trading environment is subject to both regulatory and competitive pressures that
can have a material affect on the operating performance of the business.
Foreseeable events, however, are unlikely to result in a change of projections
of a significant nature so as to result in the landing rights carrying amounts
exceeding their recoverable amounts. These projections have been discounted
using a rate that reflects management's estimate of the long-term pre-tax return
on capital employed for its scheduled airline business, estimated to be 5.0% for
2007 and 4.7% for 2006.
4. Available for sale financial assets
During the year the Company acquired a 25.2% stake in Aer Lingus plc. an
Irish airline, at a cost of EUR344.9m. The balance sheet value of EUR406.1m
reflects its market value as at March 31, 2007. In accordance with the Company's
accounting policy, these assets are held at fair value with a corresponding
adjustment to equity following initial acquisition. This investment is
classified as available for sale because the Group does not have the power to
exercise a significant influence over the entity.
5. Derivative financial instruments
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has responsibility for
setting the treasury policies and objectives of the Group, which include
controls over the procedures used to manage the main financial risks arising
from the Group's operations. Such risks comprise commodity price, foreign
exchange and interest rate risks. The Group uses financial instruments to manage
exposures arising from these risks. These instruments include borrowings, cash
deposits and derivatives (principally jet fuel derivatives, interest rate swaps
and forward foreign exchange contracts). It is the Group's policy that no
speculative trading in financial instruments takes place.
The Group's historical fuel risk management policy has been to hedge between 70%
and 90% of the forecasted rolling annual volumes required to ensure that the
future cost per gallon of fuel is locked in. This policy was adopted to prevent
the Group being exposed, in the short term, to adverse movements in world jet
fuel prices. However, when deemed to be in the best interests of the Group, it
may deviate from this policy. In more recent times, due to fundamental changes
in the world energy markets, the Group has adopted a more selective approach to
fuel hedging. At March 31, 2007, the Group had hedged approximately 73% of its
fuel exposure for the year ended March 31, 2008. (March 31, 2006: Nil).
Foreign currency risk in relation to the Group's trading operations largely
arises in relation to non-euro currencies. These currencies are primarily
Sterling pounds and U.S. dollar. The Group manages this risk by matching
Sterling revenues against Sterling costs. Surplus Sterling revenues are used to
fund forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge U.S. dollar currency exposures
that arise in relation to fuel, maintenance, aviation insurance, and capital
expenditure costs in addition to euro currency on hand, or converted into euro.
The Group's objective for interest rate risk management is to reduce interest
risk through a combination of financial instruments which lock in interest rates
on debt and by matching a proportion of floating rate assets with floating rate
liabilities. In addition, the Group aims to achieve the best available return on
investments of surplus cash - subject to credit risk and liquidity constraints.
Credit risk is managed by limiting the aggregate amount and duration of exposure
to any one counterparty based on third party market based ratings. In line with
the above interest rate risk management strategy the Group has entered into a
series of interest rate swaps to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates
for certain floating rate financial arrangements and certain other obligations.
The Group has also entered into floating rate financing for certain aircraft
which is matched with floating rate deposits. Additionally, certain cash
deposits have been set aside as collateral to mitigate certain counterparty risk
of fluctuations on certain derivative and other financing arrangements
("restricted cash"). At March 31, 2007, such restricted cash amounted to EUR255m
(2006: EUR200.0m). Additional numerical information on these swaps and on other
derivatives held by the Group is set out below and in note 11.
F-16
The Group utilizes a range of derivatives designed to mitigate these risks.
All of the above derivatives have been accounted for at fair value in the
Group's balance sheet and have been utilized to hedge against these particular
risks arising in the normal course of the Group's business. All have been
designated as hedges for the purposes of IAS 39 and are fully set out below.
Derivative financial instruments, all of which have been recognized at fair
value in the Group's balance sheet, are analyzed as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2007 2006
----------- -----------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Non-current assets
Gains on cash flow hedging instruments - maturing after one year.................... - 763
---------- ----------
- 763
---------- ----------
Current assets
Gains on fair value hedging instruments - maturing within one year.................. - 7,543
Gains on cash flow hedging instruments - maturing after one year.................... 52,736 11,329
---------- ----------
52,736 18,872
---------- ----------
Total derivative assets............................................................. 52,736 19,635
---------- ----------
Current liabilities
Losses on fair value hedging instruments - maturing within one year................. (17,217) -
Losses on cash flow hedging instruments - maturing within one year.................. (38,836) (27,417)
---------- ----------
(56,053) (27,417)
---------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Losses on fair value hedging instruments - maturing after one year.................. (236) -
Losses on cash flow hedging instruments - maturing after one year................... (58,430) (81,897)
---------- ----------
(58,666) (81,897)
---------- ----------
Total derivative liabilities........................................................ (114,719) (109,314)
---------- ----------
Net derivative financial instrument position at year end ........................... (61,983) (89,679)
========== ==========
All of the above gains and losses were unrealized at the period end.
</TABLE>
F-17
The table above includes the following derivative arrangements:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fair value Fair value
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Interest rate swaps
Less than one year....................................................... (16,546) (27,417)
More than one year....................................................... (55,812) (81,897)
---------- ----------
(72,358) (109,314)
---------- ----------
Foreign currency forward contracts
Less than one year....................................................... (39,507) 18,872
More than one year....................................................... (2,854) 763
---------- ----------
(42,361) 19,635
---------- ----------
Commodity forward contracts
Less than one year....................................................... 52,736 -
---------- ----------
52,736 -
---------- ----------
Net derivative position at year end...................................... (61,983) (89,679)
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Additional information in relation to the above interest rate swaps and
forward currency contracts (i.e. notional value and weighted average
interest rates) can be found in note 11.
Interest rate swaps are primarily used to convert a portion of the Group's
floating rate exposures on borrowings and operating leases into fixed rate
exposures and are set so as to match exactly the critical terms of the
underlying debt or lease being hedged (i.e. notional principal, interest rate
settings, repricing dates). These are all classified as cash flow hedges of the
forecasted variable interest payments and rentals due on the Group's underlying
debt and operating leases and have been determined to be highly effective in
achieving offsetting cash flows. Accordingly no material level of
ineffectiveness has been recorded in the income statement relating to these
hedges in the current year. Unrealized losses on the Group's interest rate swaps
of EUR72.4m (2006: EUR109.3m) will be amortized to the income statement from
equity over the period in which forecasted interest and lease payments will be
made (typically 1-10 years from the year end), as an offset to the related
interest and rental expense.
Foreign currency forward contracts are utilized in a number of ways:
Forecast Sterling pounds and euro revenue receipts are converted into U.S.
dollars to hedge against forecasted U.S. dollar payments principally for jet
fuel, insurance and other aircraft related costs. These are classified as either
cash flow or fair value hedges of forecasted and committed U.S. dollar payments
and have been determined to be highly effective in offsetting variability in
future cash flows and fair values arising from the fluctuation in the U.S.
dollar to Sterling pounds and euro exchange rates for the forecasted and
committed U.S. dollar purchases. No material level of ineffectiveness has been
recorded for these foreign currency forward contracts in the current year as the
underlying hedged items and hedging instruments have been consistently closely
matched.
The Group also utilizes jet fuel forward contracts to manage exposure to
jet fuel prices. These are used to hedge the Group's forecasted fuel purchases,
and are arranged so as to match against forecasted fuel delivery and payment
requirements. These are classified as cash flow hedges of forecast fuel payments
and have been determined to be highly effective in offsetting variability in
future cash flows arising from fluctuations in jet fuel prices. No material
level of ineffectiveness has been recorded on these arrangements in the current
or prior year.
F-18
6. Inventories
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Consumables............................................................ 2,420 3,422
========= =========
In the view of the Directors, there are no material differences between the
replacement cost of inventories and the balance sheet amounts.
7. Other assets
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
Prepayments............................................................. 39,253 14,643
Interest receivable..................................................... 9,028 9,076
Refundable deposits..................................................... 24,088 -
Value Added Tax recoverable............................................. 5,338 5,734
77,707 29,453
All amounts fall due within one year.
8. Trade receivables
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
Trade receivables...................................................... 23,600 30,362
Provision for impairment............................................... (188) (453)
23,412 29,909
All amounts fall due within one year.
The movement in the provision for trade receivable impairments is as follows:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Additions
beginning charged to Balance at
of year expenses Write-offs end of year
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year ended March 31, 2007............. 453 - (265) 188
Year ended March 31, 2006............. 405 48 - 453
Year ended March 31, 2005............. 352 53 - 405
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
9. Restricted cash
Restricted cash consists of EUR255m (2006: EUR200m) placed on deposit as
collateral for certain derivative financial instruments and other financing
arrangements entered into by the Group, and a further EUR4m (2006: EUR4m) held
in escrow relating to ongoing legal proceedings.
F-19
10. Accrued expenses and other liabilities
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Accruals.............................................................. 207,311 109,681
Taxation.............................................................. 193,887 111,291
Unearned revenue...................................................... 405,938 349,642
---------- ----------
807,136 570,614
========== ==========
Taxation above comprises:
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
PAYE (payroll taxes).................................................. 4,969 4,012
Other tax (principally air passenger duty)............................ 188,918 107,279
---------- ----------
193,887 111,291
========== ==========
</TABLE>
11. Financial instruments including current and non-current debt
The Group utilizes financial instruments to reduce exposures to market
risks throughout its business. Borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and liquid
investments are used to finance the Group's operations. Derivative financial
instruments are contractual agreements with a value which reflects price
movements in an underlying asset. The Group uses derivative financial
instruments, principally jet fuel derivatives, interest rate swaps and forward
foreign exchange contracts to manage commodity risks, interest rate risks,
currency exposures and achieve the desired profile of borrowings and leases. It
is the Group's policy that no speculative trading in financial instruments shall
take place.
The main risks attaching to the Group's financial instruments and the
details of the derivatives employed to hedge against these risks have been given
in note 5.
(a) Commodity risk
The Group's exposure to price risk in this regard is primarily for jet fuel
used in the normal course of operations.
At the year end, the Group had the following jet fuel arrangements in
place;
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Jet fuel forward contracts- fair value............................... 52,736 -
========== ==========
</TABLE>
All of the above commodity contracts mature within the year and are matched
against highly probable forecast fuel purchases.
(b) Maturity and interest rate risk profile of financial assets and financial
liabilities
At March 31, 2007, the Group had total borrowings of EUR1,862.1m (2006:
EUR1,677.7m) from various financial institutions provided primarily on the basis
of guarantees granted by the Export-Import Bank of the United States to finance
the acquisition of 91 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The guarantees are secured with a
first fixed mortgage on the delivered aircraft. The remaining long term debt
relates to 8 aircraft held under finance leases, 3 aircraft financed under
commercial debt and aircraft simulators.
F-20
The maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities at March 31, 2007
was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended March 31,
Weighted
average fixed 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter Total
rate (%) EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed rate
Secured long term debt..... 5.17% 57,363 60,758 64,379 68,240 139,662 390,402
Debt swapped from floating to fixed 5.92% 64,492 66,072 67,719 69,391 367,367 635,041
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Secured long term debt after swaps 5.63% 121,855 126,830 132,098 137,631 507,029 1,025,443
Finance leases............. 2.70% - - - - 73,976 73,976
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed rate debt...... 121,855 126,830 132,098 137,631 581,005 1,099,419
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Floating rate
Secured long term debt..... 109,092 112,299 114,659 120,033 774,295 1,230,378
Debt swapped from floating to fixed (64,492) (66,072) (67,719) (69,391) (367,367) (635,041)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Secured long term debt after swaps 44,600 46,227 46,940 50,642 406,928 595,337
Finance leases............. 12,463 13,012 13,587 14,186 114,062 167,310
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total floating rate debt... 57,063 59,239 60,527 64,828 520,990 762,647
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial liabilities 178,918 186,069 192,625 202,459 1,101,995 1,862,066
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
All of the above debt which matures after 2011 will mature over each of the periods between 2012 and 2019.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities at March 31, 2006 was as follows:
Weighted
average fixed 2007 2008 2009 2010 Thereafter Total
rate (%) EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Secured long term debt..... 5.17% 54,174 57,363 60,758 64,379 207,902 444,576
Debt swapped from floating to fixed 5.91% 63,091 64,612 66,166 67,786 436,809 698,464
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Secured long term debt after swaps 5.62% 117,265 121,975 126,924 132,165 644,711 1,143,040
Finance leases............. 2.70% - - - - 34,395 34,395
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total fixed rate debt...... 117,265 121,975 126,924 132,165 679,106 1,177,435
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Floating rate
Secured long term debt..... 93,198 95,655 98,280 100,977 729,267 1,117,377
Debt swapped from floating to fixed (63,091) (64,612) (66,166) (67,786) (436,809) (698,464)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Secured long term debt after swaps 30,107 31,043 32,114 33,191 292,458 418,913
Finance leases............. 5,939 6,195 6,462 6,740 56,044 81,380
Total floating rate debt... 36,046 37,238 38,576 39,931 348,502 500,293
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial liabilities 153,311 159,213 165,500 172,096 1,027,608 1,677,728
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-21
Analysis of changes in borrowings during the year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at start of year...................................... 1,677,728 1,414,857
Loans raised to finance aircraft/simulator purchases.......... 339,409 386,809
Repayments of amounts borrowed................................ (155,071) (123,938)
---------- ----------
Balance at end of year..................................... 1,862,066 1,677,728
========== ==========
Less than one year............................................ 178,918 153,311
More than one year............................................ 1,683,148 1,524,417
---------- ----------
1,862,066 1,677,728
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Interest rate repricing:
Floating interest rates on financial liabilities are generally referenced
to European inter-bank interest rates (EURIBOR). Secured long term debt and
interest rate swaps typically reprice on a quarterly basis with finance leases
repricing on a semi-annual basis.
Fixed interest rates on financial liabilities are fixed for the duration of
the underlying structures (typically between 10 and 12 years).
The Group holds significant cash balances that are invested on a short-term
basis. At March 31, 2007, all of the Group's cash and liquid resources had a
maturity of one year or less and attracted a weighted average interest rate of
3.85% (2006: 2.71%). The Group also holds an equity investment of EUR406.1m,
which was classified as an available for sale security (2006: nil). This has no
fixed maturity and is non interest bearing.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Within 2007 Within 2006
Financial assets: 1 year Total 1 year Total
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents.............. 1,346,419 1,346,419 1,439,004 1,439,004
Cash > 3 months........................ 592,774 592,774 328,927 328,927
Restricted cash........................ 258,808 258,808 204,040 204,040
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total financial assets................. 2,198,001 2,198,001 1,971,971 1,971,971
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
Interest rates on cash and liquid resources are generally based on the
appropriate EURIBOR, LIBOR or bank rates dependant on the principal amounts on
deposit.
(c) Foreign currency risk
The Group has exposure to various foreign currencies (principally Sterling
pounds and U.S. dollars) due to the international nature of its operations. The
Group manages this risk by matching Sterling pound revenues against Sterling
pound costs. Any unmatched Sterling pound revenues are used to fund U.S. dollar
currency exposures that arise in relation to fuel, maintenance, aviation
insurance and capital expenditure costs or are sold for euro. Further details of
the hedging activity carried out by the Group are given in note 5.
F-22
The following table shows the net amount of monetary assets of the Group that
are not denominated in euro at March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 and have been
translated using the following year end foreign currency rates: 2007 EUR to GBP
0.6798, EUR to USD 1.3318 (2006: EUR to GBP 0.6964, EUR to USD 1.2104):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006
------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
euro euro
GBP U.S.$ equiv GBP U.S.$ equiv
--------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Monetary assets GBP000 $000 EUR000 GBP000 $000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
GBP cash and liquid resources......... 68,114 - 100,197 79,424 - 114,049
USD cash and liquid resources......... - 15,877 11,921 - 54,839 45,307
--------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
68,114 15,877 112,118 79,424 54,839 159,356
========= ========= ========== ========= ========== ==========
</TABLE>
All of the Group's equity securities held as available for sale assets are
denominated in euro currency. All of the Group's financial liabilities are
denominated in euro.
The Group also enters into U.S. dollar and Sterling pound currency forward
contracts in order to manage currency risk which arises on its forecasted
aircraft payments, fuel, maintenance and aviation insurance costs, which are
primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, and certain of its revenue income streams
which arise in Sterling pounds. See further details in note 5.
The following table gives details of the notional amounts of the Group's
currency forward contracts as at March 31, 2007 and at March 31, 2006:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 2007 March 31, 2006
------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
euro euro
GBP U.S.$ equiv GBP U.S.$ equiv
--------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Monetary assets GBP000 $000 EUR000 GBP000 $000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. dollar currency forward contracts
- for aircraft purchases.......... - 870,000 668,915 - 480,000 384,268
- for fuel and other purchases..... - 989,000 762,228 - 592,923 470,775
GBP currency forward contracts
- sterling revenues................ - - - 37,039 - 53,044
- 1,859,000 1,431,143 37,039 1,072,923 908,087
</TABLE>
(d) Fair values
Fair value is the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged
in an arm's length transaction between informed and willing parties, other than
as part of a forced liquidation sale. The following methods and assumptions were
used to estimate the fair value of each material class of the Group's financial
instruments:
o Cash and liquid resources: carrying amount approximates to fair value
due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
o Fixed-rate long-term debt: the repayments which Ryanair is committed
to make have been discounted at the relevant rates of interest
applicable at March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, which would be
payable to a third party to assume the obligation.
o Derivative - interest rate swaps: discounted cash flow analyses have
been used to determine the estimated amount Ryanair would receive or
pay to terminate the contracts. Discounted cash flow analyses are
based on estimated future interest rates.
o Derivative - currency forward and aircraft fuel: a comparison of the
contracted rate to the market rate for contracts providing a similar
risk management profile at March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006 has been
made.
F-23
The fair value of the Group's financial instruments at March 31, 2007 and
March 31, 2006 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2007 2007 2006 2006
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
amount value amount value
Financial assets EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
406,075 406,075 - -
Available for sale assets.......................
Cash and liquid resources
Cash on cash equivalents..................... 1,346,419 1,346,419 1,439,004 1,439,004
Cash > 3 months.............................. 592,774 592,774 328,927 328,927
Restricted cash.............................. 258,808 258,808 204,040 204,040
Debt instruments
Long term debt............................... (1,862,066) (1,877,033) (1,677,728) (1,703,431)
Derivative instruments
Interest rate swaps (loss)................... (72,358) (72,358) (109,314) (109,314)
U.S. dollar currency forward contracts gain.. (42,361) (42,361) 19,837 19,837
Sterling currency forward contracts gain/....
(loss)........................................ - - (202) (202)
Aircraft fuel price contracts gain........... 52,736 52,736 - -
</TABLE>
(e) Credit risk
The Group holds significant cash balances which are invested on a
short-term basis and are classified as either cash equivalents or liquid
investments. These deposits and other financial instruments (principally certain
derivatives and loans as identified above) give rise to credit risk on amounts
due from counterparties. Credit risk is managed by limiting the aggregate amount
and duration of exposure to any one counterparty primarily depending on its
third party market based ratings and by regular review of these ratings. The
Group typically enters into deposits and derivative contracts with parties that
have at least an "A" or equivalent credit rating. The maximum exposure arising
in the event of default on the part of the counterparty is the carrying value of
the relevant financial instrument.
The Group's revenues derive principally from airline travel on scheduled
services, car hire, in-flight and related sales. Revenue is wholly derived from
European routes. No individual customer accounts for a significant portion of
total revenue.
(f) Guarantees
Details of the Group's guarantees and the related accounting have been
given in note 24.
(g) Sensitivity analysis
Interest rate risk: If the Group had not entered into its interest rate
derivative agreements, a plus or minus one percentage point movement in interest
rates would impact the fair value of its liability at March 31, 2007 by
approximately EUR39m. The earnings and cash flow impact of such a change in
interest rates would have been approximately plus or minus EUR10m per year.
Foreign currency risk: If the Group had not entered into its foreign
currency forward contracts, holding other variables constant, if there was an
adverse change of 10% in relevant foreign currency change rates, the market
value of the Group's foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at March 31,
2007 would decrease by approximately EUR112m.
F-24
12. Deferred and current taxation
The components of the deferred and current taxation in the balance sheet
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
Current income tax liabilities EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Corporation tax provision............................................. 20,822 15,247
------------ ------------
Total current tax..................................................... 20,822 15,247
============ ============
Deferred income tax liabilities (non-current)
Origination and reversal of temporary differences on property, plant
and equipment, derivatives,...........................................
pensions, and available for sale securities........................... 151,032 127,260
------------ ------------
Total non current..................................................... 151,032 127,260
============ ============
Total tax liabilities (net)........................................... 171,854 142,507
============ ============
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
Reconciliation of current tax EUR000 EUR000
At beginning of year.................................................. 15,247 17,534
Corporation tax charge in year........................................ 22,310 1,950
Adjustment in respect of prior year under/(over) provision............ 578 (4,673)
Release of tax contingency reserve.................................... (12,119) -
Tax (paid)/refund..................................................... (5,194) 436
------------ ------------
At end of year........................................................ 20,822 15,247
============ ============
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
Reconciliation of deferred tax EUR000 EUR000
At beginning of year.................................................. 127,260 104,180
Release of tax contingency reserve.................................... (22,078) -
New temporary differences on property, plant and equipment,
derivatives, pensions and other items................................ 45,850 23,080
------------ ------------
At end of year........................................................ 151,032 127,260
============ ============
</TABLE>
The release of the tax contingency reserve included above relates to the
recognition of certain previously unrecognized tax benefits, resulting in a
benefit to the Group's effective tax rate which is not reasonably expected to
recur. New temporary differences arising in the year to March 31, 2007
principally consisted of EUR26.7m for property, plant and equipment recognized
within the income statement, EUR0.2m for pensions, EUR6.9m for derivatives and
EUR12.2m in respect of available for sale assets, all recognized in equity. The
charge to March 31, 2006 consisted of temporary differences of EUR34.9m for
property, plant and equipment recognized in the income statement, EUR0.3m for
pensions and a deferred tax credit of EUR12.1m for derivatives recognized in
equity.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
The components of the tax expense in the income statement were as follows: EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax charge for year.............................. 22,310 1,950 11,967
Adjustment in respect of prior year under/(over) provisions 578 (4,673) -
Release of tax contingency reserve....................... (12,119) - -
Deferred tax charge relating to origination and reversal of temporary
differences........................................... 26,746 34,899 17,186
---------- ---------- ----------
15,437 32,176 29,153
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
F-25
The following table reconciles the statutory rate of Irish corporation tax
to the Group's effective corporation tax rate:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
% % %
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory rate of Irish corporation tax.................................. 12.5 12.5 12.5
Adjustments for earnings taxed at higher rates........................... 1.2 1.1 0.9
Adjustments for earnings taxed at lower rates............................ (3.2) (4.5) (4.2)
Other differences........................................................ 0.5 0.4 0.2
Release of tax contingency reserve....................................... (7.6) - -
---------- ---------- ----------
Total effective rate of taxation......................................... 3.4 9.5 9.4
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
Deferred tax applicable to items charged or credited directly to equity
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Defined benefit pension obligations....................................... 284 332
Derivative financial instruments.......................................... 6,588 (12,151)
Available for sale securities............................................. 12,231 -
------------ ------------
Total tax charge/(credit) in equity....................................... 19,103 (11,819)
============ ============
</TABLE>
At March 31, 2007, the Group had no unused net operating losses carried
forward (2006: EUR20.3m). The majority of current and deferred tax recorded in
each of fiscal 2007 and 2006 relates to domestic tax charges and there is no
expiry date associated with these temporary differences. In fiscal 2007, the
Irish headline corporation tax rate remained at 12.5%.
Ryanair.com Limited is engaged in international data processing and
reservation services. In these circumstances, Ryanair.com Limited is entitled to
claim 10% corporation tax rate on profits derived from qualifying activities in
accordance with Section 448 of the Taxes Consolidated Act, 1997. This
legislation provides for the continuation of the 10% effective corporation tax
rate until 2010.
The principal components of deferred tax at each year end were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Arising on capital allowances and other temporary differences............. 145,164 143,032
Arising on unused net operating losses carried forward.................... - (2,537)
Arising on derivatives.................................................... (5,563) (12,151)
Arising on pensions....................................................... (800) (1,084)
Arising on available for sale securities.................................. 12,231 -
------------ ------------
Total..................................................................... 151,032 127,260
============ ============
</TABLE>
At March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Group had fully provided for all required
deferred tax assets and liabilities. No deferred tax has however, been provided
on the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries because there is no
intention to remit these to Ireland.
F-26
13. Provisions
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Provision for aircraft maintenance on operating leased aircraft:
At beginning of year.............................................. 16,722 7,236
Charge for the year............................................... 11,997 9,486
------------ ------------
At end of year.................................................... 28,719 16,722
============ ============
</TABLE>
14. Other creditors
This consists of:
o Deferred gains arising from the sale and leaseback of aircraft.
During fiscal year 2007, Ryanair entered into a sale and leaseback
arrangement for 15 new Boeing 737-800 (2006: 4) aircraft in addition
to a further 17 in previous years.
o The present value of the net pension obligation before tax of
EUR7.0m (2006: EUR8.7m) in Ryanair Limited. See note 22 for further
details.
o Loss on fair value movement in firm commitments to acquire aircraft
- maturing within the year of EURNil (2006: EUR7.5m), (forming part of
the Group's fair value hedge accounting - see note 5).
15. Issued share capital, share premium account and share options
(a) Share capital
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Authorized: EUR000 EUR000
1,680,000,000 ordinary equity shares of 0.635 euro cent each...... 10,668 10,668
============ ============
Allotted, called up and fully paid:
1,547,028,730 ordinary equity shares of 0.0635 euro cent each..... 9,822 -
1,542,033,246 ordinary equity shares of 0.0635 euro cent each...... - 9,790
============ ============
</TABLE>
On February 26, 2007 the Company implemented a sub-division of the
Company's ordinary shares of EUR1.27 cent into ordinary shares of EUR0.635
cent (the "stock split") both the share capital and earnings per share
figures have been restated to give effect to the stock split. The movement
in the share capital balance year on year principally relates to 5.0m
(2006: 18.1m) in new shares issued due to the exercise of share options.
(b) Share premium account
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
----------------- --------------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year....................................... 596,231 565,756
Share premium arising from the exercise of 4,995,486 options in
fiscal 2007 and 18,107,030 in fiscal 2006........................ 11,202 30,475
------------ ------------
Balance at end of year............................................. 607,433 596,231
============ ============
</TABLE>
F-27
(c) Share options and share purchase arrangements
The Group has adopted a number of share option plans, which allow current
or future employees or executive directors to purchase shares in the Company up
to an aggregate of approximately 5% (when aggregated with other ordinary shares
over which options are granted and which have not yet been exercised) of the
outstanding ordinary shares of Ryanair Holdings plc, subject to certain
conditions. These are exercisable at a price equal to the market price of the
ordinary shares at the time options are granted.
The key terms of these option plans include:
o Certain non-market performance conditions to be met;
o Approval of the remuneration committee to be given; and
o Certain employees to remain in employment with the Group for a
specified period of time.
Details of the share options outstanding (as adjusted for the stock split
on February 26, 2007) are set out below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted Average
Share Options Exercise Price
--------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at March 31, 2005........................................ 51,912,988 EUR2.20
--------------- ----------------
Exercised............................................................ (18,107,030) EUR1.73
Granted.............................................................. 10,400,000 EUR3.21
Expired.............................................................. (314,848) EUR1.35
Forfeited............................................................ (1,257,108) EUR1.29
--------------- ----------------
Outstanding at March 31, 2006........................................ 42,634,002 EUR2.67
--------------- ----------------
Exercised............................................................ (4,995,486) EUR2.31
Granted.............................................................. 666,000 EUR3.77
Expired.............................................................. (200,542) EUR1.21
Forfeited............................................................ (2,995,996) EUR2.40
--------------- ----------------
Outstanding at March 31, 2007........................................ 35,107,978 EUR2.77
=============== ================
</TABLE>
The mid-market price of Ryanair Holdings plc's ordinary shares on the Irish
Stock Exchange at March 31, 2007 was EUR5.83 (2006: EUR3.92). The highest and
lowest prices at which the Company's shares traded on the Irish Stock Exchange
in the year ended March 31, 2007 were EUR6.30 and EUR3.25, respectively (2006:
EUR4.15 and EUR2.80 respectively). There were 1,939,190 options exercisable at
March 31, 2007 (2006: 3,510,847). The average share price for the year was
EUR4.43 (2006: EUR3.48).
The Group has accounted for its share option grants to employees at fair
value, in accordance with IFRS 2, using a binomial lattice model to value the
option grants. This has resulted in a charge of EUR3.9m (2006: EUR2.9m, 2005:
EUR0.5m) being recognized within the income statement in respect of employee
services rendered, which was based on 15.8m share options within the scope of
IFRS 2 (2006: 16.0m, 2005: 5.4m) as compared to the total share options
disclosed above.
F-28
The weighted average fair value of the individual options granted during
the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were estimated, using a binomial
lattice model, based on the following assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Granted
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005 2005
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Date granted...................................... Apr 7, 2006 Aug 10, 2005 Jul 4, 2004 Nov 9, 2004
Date of earliest exercise......................... Apr 7, 2011 Aug 10, 2010 Jul 5, 2009 Nov 9, 2009
Date of expiration................................ Apr 7, 2013 Aug 10, 2012 Jul 4, 2011 Nov 9, 2011
Fair value........................................ EUR1.51 EUR1.43 EUR1.93 EUR2.11
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate ....................... 3.7% 3.0% 3.7% 3.4%
Volatility*.................................... 40% 40% 40% 40%
Dividend yield................................. Nil Nil Nil Nil
Expected life (years).......................... 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5
</TABLE>
*historical daily volatility over a five and a half year average period
F-29
16. Retained earnings and other equity movements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ordinary Share premium Retained Other
shares account earnings Reserves Total
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at March 31, 2004.............................. 9,643 560,406 883,274 - 1,453,323
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Issue of ordinary equity shares (net of issue costs)... 32 5,350 - - 5,382
Profit for the financial year.......................... - - 280,043 - 280,043
Share-based payments................................... - - - 488 488
Retirement benefits.................................... - - (4,733) - (4,733)
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 2005.............................. 9,675 565,756 1,158,584 488 1,734,503
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Adjustment for impact of first time adoption of IAS 39. - - (128,074) (128,074)
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges - - - 65,966 65,966
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the
profit and loss...................................... - - - (22,960) (22,960)
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Net movements into cash flow hedge reserve............. - - - 43,006 43,006
Issue of ordinary equity shares (net of issue costs)... 115 30,475 - - 30,590
Profit for the financial year.......................... - - 306,712 - 306,712
Share-based payments................................... - - - 2,921 2,921
Retirement benefits.................................... - - 2,327 - 2,327
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 2006.............................. 9,790 596,231 1,467,623 (81,659) 1,991,985
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges - - - 79,025 79,025
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the
profit and loss...................................... - - - (32,920) (32,920)
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Net movements into cash flow hedge reserve............. - - - 46,105 46,105
Issue of ordinary equity shares (net of issue costs)... 32 11,202 - - 11,234
Net change in fair value of available for sale asset... - - - 48,926 48,926
Profit for the financial year.......................... - - 435,600 - 435,600
Share-based payments................................... - - - 3,935 3,935
Retirement benefits.................................... - - 1,988 - 1,988
-------- ------------ --------- -------- ---------
Balance at March 31, 2007.............................. 9,822 607,433 1,905,211 17,307 2,539,773
======== ============ ========= ======== =========
</TABLE>
The total share based payments reserve at March 31, 2007 was EUR7.3m
(2006: EUR3.4m) and the total cash flow hedge reserve amounted to EUR39.0m
(negative) at March 31, 2007 (2006: EUR85.1m negative). The total available for
sale reserve amounted to EUR48.9m at March 31, 2007 (2006: Nil). Further details
of the Group's derivatives are set out in notes 5 and 11. The accumulated
balance on retained earnings is stated after a write off of goodwill on a
previous Group reorganization of EUR4.1m which arose in the year ended March 31,
1997. The Group has elected not to restate this transaction in accordance with
the transitional provisions of IFRS 1.
F-30
17. Analysis of operating revenues and segmental analysis
All revenues derive from the Group's principal activity and business
segment as a low fares airline and includes scheduled services, car hire,
internet income and related sales to third parties.
Revenue is analyzed by geographical area (by country of origin) as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United Kingdom............................................ 984,010 809,706 645,537
Other European countries.................................. 1,252,885 882,824 673,500
------------ ------------ ------------
2,236,895 1,692,530 1,319,037
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
Ancillary revenues included in total revenue above comprise:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Non-flight scheduled...................................... 241,990 166,796 115,916
Car hire.................................................. 22,972 19,752 15,706
In-flight................................................. 60,079 45,306 34,939
Internet income........................................... 37,063 27,299 24,360
------------ ------------ ------------
362,104 259,153 190,921
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
All of the Group's operating profit arises from low fares airline-related
activities, its only business segment. The major revenue earning assets of the
Group are comprised of its aircraft fleet, which is registered in Ireland and
therefore principally all profits accrue in Ireland. Since the Group's aircraft
fleet is flexibly employed across its route network in Europe, there is no
suitable basis of allocating such assets and related liabilities to geographical
segments. Internet income comprises revenue generated from Ryanair.com,
excluding internet car hire revenue, which is included under the heading car
hire. Non-flight scheduled revenue arises from the sale of rail and bus tickets,
hotel reservations and other revenues generated, including excess baggage
charges, all directly attributable to the low fares business.
F-31
18. Staff numbers and costs
The average weekly number of employees, including the executive director,
during the year, analyzed by category, was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Flight and cabin crew.................................. 3,052 2,271 1,813
Sales, operations and administration................... 939 792 791
------------ ------------ ------------
3,991 3,063 2,604
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Salaries and related costs............................. 204,654 151,962 127,740
Social welfare costs................................... 15,547 13,338 10,512
Other pension costs(i)................................. 2,444 3,191 2,933
Share based payments .................................. 3,935 2,921 488
------------ ------------ ------------
226,580 171,412 141,673
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(i) Costs in respect of defined contribution benefit plans and other
pension arrangements were EUR0.7m (2006: EUR1.4m, 2005: EUR1.5m) while
costs associated with defined benefit plans included here were EUR1.7m
(2006: EUR1.8m, 2005: EUR1.4m) (See note 22).
19. Other expenses-insurance claim
Included in the income statement for the year to March 31, 2006 is a
credit of EUR5.2m (net of tax) arising from the settlement of an insurance claim
for the scribing of 6 Boeing 737-200 aircraft. This credit has been included as
a reduction to insurance costs included within operating expenses in the 2006
income statement. No such items arose in either fiscal 2007 or 2005.
F-32
20. Statutory and other information
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Directors' emoluments:
-Fees.................................................. 251 265 280
-Other emoluments, including bonus and pension
contributions...................................... 1,032 877 721
------------ ------------ ------------
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment............... 138,109 120,877 110,063
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment held under
finance leases............................................ 5,394 3,528 294
Auditors' remuneration
- audit(i)............................................. 281 213 196
- audit-related(ii).................................... 18 67 39
- tax services(iii).................................... 243 188 232
- integrated audit costs associated with Sarbanes-
Oxley(i).................................................... 650 - -
Operating lease charges, principally aircraft............... 58,183 47,376 33,471
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(i) Audit services include integrated audit work performed on the
consolidated financial statements, as well as work that generally
only the independent auditor can reasonably be expected to
provide, including comfort letters, statutory audits, and
discussions surrounding the proper application of financial
accounting and/or reporting standards.
(ii) Audit-related services are for assurance and related services
that are traditionally performed by the independent auditor,
including due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions,
employee benefit plan audits, and special procedures required to
meet certain regulatory requirements.
(iii) Tax services include all services, except those services
specifically related to the audit of financial statements,
performed by the independent auditor's tax personnel, including
tax analysis; supporting other tax-related regulatory
requirements; and tax compliance and reporting.
(a) Fees and emoluments - Executive Director
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Basic salary....................................... 565 550 505
Performance related bonus.......................... 365 200 127
Pension contributions.............................. 62 58 49
------------ ------------ ------------
992 808 681
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
During the years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 Michael O'Leary was
the only Executive Director.
F-33
(b) Fees and emoluments - Non-executive Director
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fees EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Emmanuel Faber..................................... 47 47 50
Michael Horgan..................................... 32 32 32
Klaus Kirchberger.................................. 32 32 32
Raymond MacSharry (retired September, 2006)........ 23 47 47
Kyran McLaughlin................................... 47 47 47
James R. Osborne................................... 38 28 40
Paolo Pietrogrande................................. 32 32 32
------------ ------------ ------------
251 265 280
------------ ------------ ------------
Emoluments
Michael Horgan..................................... 40 40 40
------------ ------------ ------------
291 305 320
============ ============ ============
(c) Pension benefits
Director - Michael O'Leary Fiscal 2007 Fiscal 2006 Fiscal 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR EUR EUR
Increase in accrued benefit........................ 9,535 8,885 6,128
============ ============ ============
Transfer value equivalent of increase in accrued benefit 56,735 49,549 33,735
============ ============ ============
Total accumulated accrued benefit.................. 116,907 104,244 93,139
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
There have been no changes in pension benefits provided to Directors during
the year. No pension benefits are provided for non-executive directors. The
Executive Director is a member of a defined benefit plan. The cost of the
death-in-service and disability benefits provided during the accounting year is
not included in the above figures. The pension benefits set out above have been
computed in accordance with Section 12.43(x) of the Listing Rules of the Irish
Stock Exchange. The increases in transfer values of the accrued benefits have
been calculated as at each year-end in accordance with Actuarial Guidance Note
GN11.
(d) Shares and share options
(i) Shares
Ryanair Holdings plc is listed on the Irish, London and Nasdaq Stock
Exchanges. The beneficial interests as at March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 of the
Directors and of their spouses and minor children in the share capital of the
Company are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
No. of Shares No. of Shares No. of Shares
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
David Bonderman......................................... 14,117,360 14,017,360 14,017,360
Michael O'Leary......................................... 65,000,016 70,000,016 82,000,016
James R. Osborne........................................ 1,410,256 1,410,256 1,410,256
T. Anthony Ryan......................................... 6,517,070 11,517,070 11,517,070
Kyran McLaughlin........................................ 150,000 50,000 50,000
Michael Horgan.......................................... 50,000 50,000 8,000
Raymond MacSharry....................................... - - 14,560
</TABLE>
All figures have been adjusted for 2:1 stock split on February 26, 2007
F-34
(ii) Share options
The number of share options held by directors in office at the end of
fiscal 2007 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
Number of Options Number of Options Number of Options
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
David Bonderman*........................................... - 100,000 100,000
Emmanuel Faber**........................................... 50,000 50,000 50,000
Michael Horgan*............................................ - - 100,000
Klaus Kirchberger**........................................ 50,000 50,000 50,000
Kyran McLaughlin*.......................................... - 100,000 100,000
Michael O'Leary***......................................... 81,240 81,240 81,240
James R. Osborne*.......................................... - 100,000 100,000
Paolo Pietrogrande*........................................ - 100,000 100,000
T. Anthony Ryan*........................................... - 100,000 100,000
Raymond MacSharry.......................................... - - 100,000
</TABLE>
All figures have been adjusted for 2:1 stock split on February 26, 2007
Directors not referred to above held no shares or share options.
* These options were granted to these Directors at EUR1.85 (the market
value at date of grant) during the year ended March 31, 2001 and were
exercisable between June 2005 and June 2007.
** These options were granted to these Directors at EUR2.83 each (the
market value at date of grant) during the year ended March 31, 2003
and are exercisable between June 2007 and June 2009.
*** These options were granted to Michael O'Leary as follows: 35,402 in
fiscal 2003 at EUR2.86 and 45,838 in fiscal 2004 at EUR2.21 (the
market value at date of grant), in either case under the 2003 share
option plan these are exercisable between 2009 and 2011.
21. Finance expense
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest payable on bank loans wholly repayable after
five years............................................ 82,891 73,758 57,499
Interest arising on pension liabilities, net
(see note 22).......................................... (15) 200 130
------------ ------------ ------------
82,876 73,958 57,629
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
F-35
22. Pensions
The Group accounts for pensions in accordance with IAS 19, "Employee
Benefits," (IAS 19).
The Company operates defined benefit and defined contribution schemes.
(i) Defined benefit schemes
The Group funds the pension entitlements of certain employees through
defined benefit plans. Two plans are operated for eligible Irish and UK
employees. In general, on retirement, a member is entitled to pension calculated
at 1/60th of final pensionable salary for each year of pensionable service,
subject to a maximum of 40 years. Theses plans are fully funded on a
discontinuance basis and the related pension costs and liabilities are assessed
in accordance with the advice of a professionally qualified actuary. The
investments of the plans at March 31, 2007 consisted of units held in
independently administered funds. The most recent full actuarial valuations of
the plans were carried out at December 31, 2003 in accordance with local
regulatory requirements using the projected unit credit method and the valuation
reports are not available for public inspection. A new 3 year actuarial
evaluation is currently underway.
The 2003 actuarial report showed that at the valuation date the market
value of the scheme's assets was EUR11.5m, which was sufficient to cover more
than 100% of the accrued liabilities, based on current earnings and 78% of the
accrued liabilities allowing for expected future increases in earnings. The
actuarial report recommends payment of contributions at 11.5% of staff and 17.8%
of pilots' pensionable salaries respectively, which is an increase from previous
contribution rates, intended to make good the shortfall on accrued liabilities
allowing for expected future increases in earnings. These rates may be revised
following the new actuarial valuation.
A separate annual actuarial valuation has been performed for the purposes
of preparing these financial statements. The principal actuarial assumptions
used for the purpose of this actuarial valuation were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
-----------------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
-----------------------------------------------------
% % %
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Discount rate used for Irish plan............... 4.75 4.75 4.50
Discount rate used for UK plan.................. 5.35 4.90 5.35
Return on plan assets for Irish plan............ 6.95 6.61 6.43
Return on plan assets for UK plan............... 7.38 6.93 6.61
Rate of Euro inflation.......................... 2.50 2.25 2.00
Rate of UK inflation............................ 2.75 2.75 2.75
Future pension increases in Irish plan.......... 0.00 2.75 2.75
Future pension increases in UK plan ............ 2.75 2.75 2.75
Future salary increases for Irish plan.......... 3.50 3.25 3.50
Future salary increases for UK plan............. 3.75 3.75 4.25
=====================================================
</TABLE>
F-36
The Group uses certain mortality rate assumptions when calculating scheme
obligations. Both the Irish and UK schemes use the PMA/PFA92 mortality tables
for calendar year 2020, for current employees, which include sufficient
allowance for future improvements in mortality rates. Retirement ages for scheme
members are 60 for pilots and 65 for staff. The current life expectancies
underlying the value of the scheme liabilities for the Irish and UK schemes are
the following.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
2007
------------
Years
Retiring at age 60:
<S> <C>
Male.......................................................................................... 24.4
Female........................................................................................ 27.4
Retiring at age 65:
Male.......................................................................................... 19.8
Female........................................................................................ 22.8
</TABLE>
The amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet in respect of our
defined benefit plans is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
--------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
---------- --------- ---------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Present value of benefit obligations...................... (35,596) (33,367) (29,213)
Fair value of plan assets................................. 28,616 24,690 18,585
---------- --------- ---------
Present value of net obligations.......................... (6,980) (8,677) (10,628)
Related deferred tax asset................................ 872 1,084 1,329
---------- --------- ---------
Net pension (liability)................................... (6,108) (7,593) (9,299)
========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
The amount recognized in the consolidated income statement in respect of
our defined benefit plans is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Included in payroll costs
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost................................................. 1,722 1,812 1,417
------------ ------------ ------------
Included in finance costs
Interest on pension scheme liabilities....................... 1,682 1,460 1,207
Expected return on plan assets............................... (1,697) (1,260) (1,077)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net finance costs............................................ (15) 200 130
------------ ------------ ------------
Net periodic pension cost.................................... 1,707 2,012 1,547
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
F-37
Analysis of amounts included in the Statements of Recognized Income and
Expense (SORIE);
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets. 748 3,531 932
Opening deficit on UK Scheme*............................... - - (1,982)
Experience gains on scheme liabilities...................... 1,586 62 (257)
Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of scheme liabilities (62) (934) (4,102)
------------ ------------ ------------
Actuarial gains recognized in the SORIE..................... 2,272 2,659 (5,409)
Related deferred tax (liability)/asset...................... (284) (332) 676
------------ ------------ ------------
Net actuarial gains/(losses) recognized in the SORIE........ 1,988 2,327 (4,733)
*Recognized for first time in 2005 ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation of the plans
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year........... 33,367 29,213 16,955
Opening present benefit obligation on UK scheme............. - - 4,930
Service cost................................................ 1,722 1,812 1,417
Interest cost............................................... 1,682 1,460 1,207
Plan participants' contributions............................ 642 681 707
Actuarial (gain)/loss....................................... (1,783) 978 4,378
Benefits paid............................................... (294) (672) (354)
Foreign exchange rate changes............................... 260 (105) (27)
------------ ------------ ------------
Projected benefit obligation at end of year................. 35,596 33,367 29,213
============ ============ ============
Changes in fair values of the plans' assets are as follows:
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.............. 24,690 18,585 12,033
Opening fair value of UK scheme assets...................... - - 2,911
Actual gain on plan assets.................................. 2,272 4,867 2,029
Employer contribution....................................... 1,133 1,305 1,279
Plan participants' contributions............................ 642 681 707
Benefits paid............................................... (294) (672) (354)
Foreign exchange rate changes............................... 173 (76) (20)
------------ ------------ ------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year.................... 28,616 24,690 18,585
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
F-38
The fair value of the plans' assets at March 31 is analyzed as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Equities.................................................................. 22,949 20,147 14,359
Bonds..................................................................... 3,173 2,469 2,498
Property.................................................................. 1,150 1,012 684
Other assets.............................................................. 1,344 1,062 1,044
------------ ------------ ------------
Total fair value of plan assets........................................... 28,616 24,690 18,585
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The plans' assets do not include any of our own financial instruments,
nor any property occupied by, or other assets used by us.
The expected long-term rate of return on assets of 6.95% for the Irish
Scheme was calculated based on the assumptions of the following returns for each
asset class: Equities 7.25%; Bonds 3.76%; Property 6.25%; and Cash 2.5%. The
expected long-term rate of return on assets of 7.38% for the UK Scheme was
calculated based on the assumptions of the following returns for each asset
class: Equities 7.75%; Corporate and Overseas Bonds 5.35%; UK Government Bonds
4.5%; and Other 4.75%.
Since there are no suitable euro-denominated AA rated corporate bonds, the
expected return is estimated by adding a suitable risk premium to the rate
available from Government bonds. The assumptions are based on long-term
expectations at the beginning of the reporting period and are expected to be
relatively stable.
The history of the plans for the current and prior period is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Difference between expected and actual return on assets..... 748 3,531 932
Expressed as a percentage of scheme assets 3% 14% 5%
------------ ------------ ------------
Experience gains/(losses) on scheme liabilities............. 1,586 62 (257)
Expressed as a percentage of scheme liabilities............. 4% - (1%)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total actuarial gains/(losses).............................. 2,272 2,659 (5,409)
Expressed as a percentage of scheme liabilities............. 6% 8% (18%)
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
We expect to contribute approximately EUR0.9m to our defined benefit
plans in 2008.
(ii) Defined contribution schemes.
The Group operates defined contribution retirement plans in Ireland and
the UK. The costs of these plans are charged to the consolidated income
statement in the period they are incurred. The pension cost of these defined
contribution plans was EUR0.7m in 2007 (2006: EUR1.4m, 2005: EUR1.5m)
23. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per ordinary share (EPS) for Ryanair Holdings plc for the
years ended March 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 has been computed by dividing the
profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share, which takes account solely of the potential
future exercise of share options granted under the Group's share option schemes,
is based on the weighted average number of shares in issue of 1,557,502,826
(2006: 1,543,562,546, 2005: 1,528,006,212) including weighted average share
options assumed to be converted of 13,045,390 (2006: 9,897,542, 2005:
8,184,832).
F-39
24. Commitments and contingencies
Commitments
In January 2002, the Group entered into a contract with The Boeing Company
("Boeing") (the "2002 Boeing contract"); whereby the Group agreed to purchase
100 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and received purchase rights to acquire a
further 50 such aircraft. The 2002 Boeing contract was superseded by a contract
entered into with Boeing in January 2003 (the "2003 Boeing contract") whereby
the Group agreed to purchase 125 new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, thus adding "firm"
orders for 22 aircraft to the existing "firm" orders (100 "firm" plus 3 options
exercised) under the 2002 Boeing contract. In addition, the Group acquired
purchase rights over a further 78 aircraft, bringing the number of option
aircraft to 125.
In February 2005, the Group entered into a contract with Boeing (the "2005
Boeing contract") whereby the Group agreed to purchase 70 new Boeing 737-800
aircraft and acquired additional purchase rights to acquire a further 70 such
aircraft over a 5 year period from 2006 to 2011. The aircraft to be delivered
after January 1, 2005, arising from the 2002 and 2003 Boeing contracts, benefit
from the discounts and concessions under the 2005 Boeing contract. In addition,
the orders for the 89 "firm" aircraft still to be delivered at January 1, 2005
and the remaining additional purchase rights in respect of 123 aircraft granted
under the 2002 and 2003 Boeing contracts are governed by the 2005 Boeing
contract from January 2005.
In June 2006 the Group exercised 10 options under the 2005 contract whereby
it will increase its firm aircraft deliveries by this amount during fiscal 2008
(3) and 2009 (7).
In August 2006 the Group exercised 32 options under the 2005 contract
whereby it will increase its firm aircraft deliveries by this amount during
fiscal 2009 (22) and 2010 (10).
The table below details the firm aircraft delivery schedule at March 31,
2007 and March 31, 2006 for the Group respectively:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Firm
Aircraft
Deliveries
Fiscal 2007-
Firm Aircraft Basic price 2012 at
Aircraft Delivered Deliveries Total "Firm" per aircraft March 31,
at March 31, 2007 Fiscal 2008-2012 Aircraft (U.S.$m) 2006
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2002 Contract....... 80 23 103 50.885 51
2003 Contract....... 24 - 24 50.889 1
2005 Contract....... 1 125 126 50.916 84
----------- ------------ --------- -------
Total............. 105 148 253 136
=========== ============ ========= =======
</TABLE>
The "Basic Price" (equivalent to a standard list price for an aircraft of
this type) for each aircraft governed by the 2005 Boeing contract will be
increased by (a) an estimated U.S.$900,000 per aircraft for certain "buyer
furnished" equipment the Group has asked Boeing to purchase and install on each
of the aircraft, and (b) an "Escalation Factor" designed to increase the Basic
Price of any individual aircraft by applying a formula which reflects increases
in the published U.S. Employment Cost and Producer Price indices between the
time the Basic Price was set and the period of 6 months prior to the delivery of
such aircraft.
F-40
Boeing has granted Ryanair certain price concessions with regard to the
Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These take the form of credit memoranda to the Group
for the amount of such concessions, which the Company may apply toward the
purchase of goods and services from Boeing or toward certain payments, in
respect of the purchase of the aircraft under the various Boeing contracts.
Boeing and CFMI (the manufacturer of the engines to be fitted on the
purchased aircraft) have also agreed to give the Group certain allowances in
addition to providing other goods and services to the Group on concessionary
terms. These credit memoranda and allowances will effectively reduce the price
of each aircraft to the Group. As a result, the effective price of each aircraft
will be significantly below the Basic Price mentioned above. At March 31, 2007,
the total potential commitment to acquire all 148 "firm" aircraft, not taking
such increases and decreases into account, will be up to U.S.$7.53 billion. (At
March 31, 2006 the potential commitment was U.S.$6.9 billion to acquire 136
"firm" aircraft).
(a) Total future minimum payments due under operating leases
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
-------------------------------
2007 2006
--------- ---------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Due within one year................................................... 75,322 45,097
Due between one and two years......................................... 75,322 45,097
Due between two and three years....................................... 75,322 45,097
Due between three and four years...................................... 69,320 45,097
Due between four and five years....................................... 44,277 39,314
Due after five years.................................................. 44,471 14,194
--------- ----------
Total................................................................. 384,034 233,896
========= ==========
</TABLE>
The above table sets out the committed future cost of leasing 32 (2006:17)
Boeing 737-800 aircraft at March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
(b) Commitments resulting from the use of derivative financial instruments by
the Group are described in notes 5 and 11.
Contingencies
(c) The Group is engaged in litigation arising in the ordinary course of its
business. Management does not believe that any such litigation will
individually or in aggregate have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition of the Group. Should the Group be unsuccessful in these
litigation actions, management believes the possible liabilities then
arising cannot be determined but are not expected to materially adversely
affect the Group's results of operations or financial position.
(d) The Group has also entered into a series of interest rate swaps to hedge
against fluctuations in interest rates for certain floating rate financing
arrangements. Cash deposits have been set aside as collateral to mitigate
certain counterparty risk of fluctuations on long-term derivative and other
financing arrangements ("restricted cash") (see note 11 for further
details). Additional numerical information on these swaps and on other
derivatives held by the Group is set out in notes 5 and 11 of the financial
statements.
(e) In February 2004, the European Commission ruled that Ryanair had received
illegal state aid from the Walloon regional government in connection with
its establishment of a low cost base at Brussels (Charleroi).
F-41
Subsequently Ryanair was requested by the regional government to repay all
deemed illegal state aid, but in accordance with the Commission ruling
Ryanair may deduct various costs incurred in establishing its base at
Brussels (Charleroi) from this amount. Ryanair has advised the regional
government that it believes no money is repayable as the cost of
establishing the base exceeded the amount determined to be illegal state
aid.
Ryanair is also appealing the decision of the European Commission to the
European Court of First Instance, requesting that the Court annul the
decision on the basis that Ryanair's agreement at Brussels (Charleroi) was
consistent with agreements at similar privately owned airports and
therefore did not constitute illegal state aid. The Company has placed
EUR4m in an escrow account pending the outcome of this appeal.
25. Note to cash flow statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net funds at beginning of year............................ 294,243 190,848 304,023
------------ ------------ ------------
Decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents in year (92,585) 566,746 127,998
Movement in financial assets > 3 months................... 263,847 (200,480) 216,662
Movement in restricted cash............................... 54,768 - 4,040
Net cash flow from (increase) in debt..................... (184,338) (262,871) (461,875)
------------ ------------ ------------
Movement in net funds resulting from cash flows.......... 41,692 103,395 (113,175)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net funds at end of year.................................. 335,935 294,243 190,848
Analyzed as: ============ ============ ============
Cash & restricted cash.................................... 2,198,001 1,971,971 1,605,705
Total borrowings.......................................... (1,862,066) (1,677,728) (1,414,857)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net funds................................................. 335,935 294,243 190,848
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
Net funds arise when cash and liquid resources exceed debt.
26. Post balance sheet events
A share buy-back, which was approved at the 2006 annual general meeting of
shareholders, was formally announced on June 5, 2007. With effect from June 7,
2007 and until the 2007 annual general meeting of shareholders on September 20,
2007, the Company planned to repurchase up to a maximum of EUR300m worth of
shares, or a total maximum of 77.2 million shares. At September 20, 2007 the
Company had repurchased 41.6 million shares at a total cost of EUR229.1 million.
Since the year end the Company has entered into sale agreements for the
disposal of 20 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in the period September 2007 to April
2010.
During the year ended March 31, 2007, the Company acquired 25.2% of Aer
Lingus, and subsequent to the year end it increased its stake by a further 4.2%,
taking its shareholding to 29.4% at September 20, 2007 Following the approval of
the Company's shareholders, the Company made an offer to acquire the entire
share capital of Aer Lingus. This acquisition proposal was, however, blocked by
the European Commission on competition grounds. The Company's management views
the acquisition of Aer Lingus in the context of the overall trend of
consolidation among airlines in Europe and believes that the acquisition would
lead to the formation of one strong Irish airline group able to compete with
large carriers such as Lufthansa/Swiss and Air France/KLM. During the EU
competition review of the proposed acquisition, the Company made a commitment to
eliminate Aer Lingus' fuel surcharges and reduce its fares, thus saving Aer
Lingus passengers approximately EUR100 million per year The Company was thus
surprised by the European Commission's decision to block the merger. On
September 10, 2007, the Company filed an appeal of this decision with the
European Court of First Instance.
F-42
In April 2007 the Group exercised 27 options under the 2005 contract with
the Boeing Company whereby it will increase its "firm" aircraft deliveries by
this amount during fiscal 2010.
27. Subsidiaries and related party transactions
The following are the principal subsidiaries of Ryanair Holdings plc:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Effective date of Registered Nature of
Name acquisition/incorporation Office Business
----------------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ryanair Limited.............. August 23, 1996 Corporate Headquarters Airline operator
(acquisition) Dublin Airport
Co Dublin
Darley Investments Limited*.. August 23, 1996 Corporate Headquarters Investment holding
(acquisition) Dublin Airport Company
Co Dublin
Ryanair.com Limited*......... August 23, 1996 Corporate Headquarters International data
(acquisition) Dublin Airport processing services
Co Dublin
Coinside Limited*............ August 8, 2006 Corporate Headquarters Investment holding
(incorporation) Dublin Airport Company
Co Dublin
</TABLE>
* These subsidiaries are wholly owned by Ryanair Limited, which is, in turn,
wholly owned by Ryanair Holdings plc.
All of the above subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Group. The shares
owned by the Group comprise one class (ordinary shares) in respect of each
subsidiary.
Information regarding all other subsidiaries will be filed with the
Company's next Annual Return as provided for by S.16 (3) (a) of Companies
(Amendment) Act, 1986.
In accordance with the basis of consolidation policy as described in note
1 of these financial statements, the subsidiaries referred to above have been
consolidated in the financial statements of Ryanair Holdings plc for the years
ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006.
The total amount of remuneration paid to senior key management (defined
as the executive team reporting to the Board) in the Group amounted to EUR3.4m
in the year (2006: EUR3.1m, 2005: EUR2.6m) the majority of which comprises short
term employee benefits.
28. Summary of differences between IFRS and United States generally accepted
accounting principles
(a) Summary of differences
The financial statements of Ryanair Holdings plc are prepared in accordance
with IFRSs as adopted by the EU which differs significantly in certain respects
from generally accepted accounting practices in the United States (U.S. GAAP).
The adjustments necessary to state net income and shareholders' equity under
U.S. GAAP are described below.
(i) Pensions
F-43
Under IFRS, the liabilities and costs associated with the Group's defined
benefit pension schemes are assessed on the basis of the projected unit credit
method by professionally qualified actuaries and are arrived at using actuarial
assumptions based on market expectations at the balance sheet date. The discount
rates employed in determining the present value of the schemes' liabilities are
determined by reference to market yields at the balance sheet date on
high-quality corporate bonds of a currency and term consistent with the currency
and term of the associated post-retirement benefit obligations. When the
benefits of a defined scheme are improved, the portion of increased benefit
relating to past service by employees is recognized as an expense in the income
statement on a straight line basis over the average period until the benefits
become vested. To the extent that the enhanced benefits vest immediately, the
related expense is recognized immediately in the income statement. The net
surplus or deficit arising on the Groups' defined benefit pension schemes,
together with the liabilities associated with the unfunded schemes, are shown
either within non-current assets or liabilities on the face of the Group balance
sheet. The deferred tax impact of pension scheme surpluses and deficits is
disclosed separately within deferred tax assets or liabilities, as appropriate.
The Group has elected to avail of the Amendment to IAS 19 "Actuarial Gains and
Losses, Group Plans and Disclosures" to recognize post transition date actuarial
gains and losses immediately in the statement of recognized income and expense.
Under IFRS, the defined benefit pension asset or liability in the Group
balance sheet comprises the total for each scheme of the present value of the
defined benefit obligation (using a discount rate based on high quality
corporate bonds) less any past service cost not yet recognized and less the fair
value of plan assets (measured at bid value) out of which the obligations are to
be settled directly.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158 "Employers'
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans -an
Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)," (SFAS 158), requires
the Group to recognize on its balance sheet the funded status of pension and
post retirement benefits as of March 31, 2007. The Company has accordingly
continued to recognize any gain or loss which exceeds 10% of the greater of the
actuarial value of the liabilities and the fair value of the schemes assets
within net income on a periodic basis over the average remaining working lives
of the active participants in the schemes, and all remaining amounts have been
fully recognized in the Group's statement of shareholders' equity in accordance
with U.S. GAAP.
SFAS 158 aligns IFRS and U.S.GAAP from a balance sheet perspective for both
total liabilities and equity. Initially, upon adoption of SFAS 158 an adjustment
to liabilities and shareholders' equity arises as at March 31, 2007. Consistent
with the application of SFAS No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R) in prior periods in
accordance with U.S. GAAP a difference will remain from an income statement
perspective as prior service costs, transition obligation and net actuarial loss
are recycled from other comprehensive income (OCI) to the income statement.
Consequently, the Company recognized incremental expense of EUR190,000 for the
year ended March 31, 2007 (2006: EUR430,000: 2005: EUR242,000) in the U.S. GAAP
income statement, representing the difference between the expense recorded under
IFRS and that recorded under U.S. GAAP.
The following disclosures, supplemental to those presented in note 22 to
the IFRS financial statements, are required by SFAS 158:
F-44
The funded status of the Group's retirement plans under SFAS 158 is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Accumulated benefit obligations....................... (33,135) (29,834) (24,290)
------------ ------------ ------------
Projected benefit obligations......................... (35,596) (33,367) (29,213)
Plan assets at fair value............................. 28,616 24,690 18,585
------------ ------------ ------------
Benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.......... (6,980) (8,677) (10,628)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss....................... - 9,122 11,850
Unrecognized net obligation on implementation......... - 118 148
Additional minimum pension liability recognized ...... - (4,908) (7,424)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net pension (liability)............................... (6,980) (4,345) (6,054)
============ ============ ============
Reconciliation to shareholders' equity IFRS to U.S. GAAP reconciliation:
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Pension (liability) recognized under IFRS............ (6,980) (8,677) (10,628)
Pension (liability) recognized under U.S. GAAP....... (6,980) (4,345) (6,054)
------------ ------------ ------------
Difference for U.S. GAAP purposes.................... - 4,332 4,574
============ ============ ============
Recognized within U.S. GAAP reconciliation as follows:
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Pension adjustment to total assets ................... - 9,240 11,998
Minimum pension liability (gross of tax of 2006:
EUR0.6m; 2005: EUR0.9m)............................ - (4,908) (7,424)
------------ ------------ ------------
- 4,332 4,574
============ ============ ===========
Prior to adoption of SFAS 158 and in accordance with its transition
provisions, the Group eliminated the previously recognized minimum pension
liability adjustment of EUR4.3m through Other Comprehensive Income in 2007. The
incremental effect of applying SFAS 158 at March 31, 2007 on the U.S. GAAP
reconciliation was a reduction in shareholders' equity by EUR2.7m.
The net periodic pension cost in accordance with SFAS 158 were as follows:
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Service cost - present value of benefits earned during the year........ 1,722 1,812 1,417
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations......................... 1,682 1,460 1,207
Return on assets....................................................... (1,697) (1,260) (1,077)
Deferrals and amortization............................................. 190 430 255
------------ ------------ ------------
Net periodic pension cost.............................................. 1,897 2,442 1,802
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
F-45
The plan assets are invested in a passively managed unit trust that is
invested primarily in a range of Eurozone and international equities, bonds,
property and cash. The asset allocation is normally within the following ranges:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
Irish scheme: % % %
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Equities......................................... 50-80 50-80 50-80
Bonds............................................ 10-40 10-40 10-40
Property/Other................................... 5-15 5-15 5-15
Cash............................................. 0-10 0-10 0-10
UK scheme:
Equity securities................................ 86 88 83
Debt securities.................................. 9 6 8
Real estate...................................... 1 1 1
Other............................................ 4 5 8
============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
(ii) Share based payments
IFRS requires that the fair value of share-based payments is expensed to
the income statement over the period the related services are received, together
with a corresponding increase in equity. Ryanair has implemented SFAS No. 123R,
"Share-Based Payment - An amendment of FASB Statements No. 123 and 95," (SFAS
123R), with effect from April 1, 2006, which applies similar fair value
recognition principles to the Group's share options as are required under IFRS.
The Group has elected to apply the modified prospective basis of accounting for
this new standard and did not restate its 2006 or 2005 results for this change.
Pursuant to the adoption of SFAS123R, during 2007 the Group recognized
total expense and a corresponding increase in equity of EUR3.9m in its U.S. GAAP
income statement and statement of shareholders' equity, relating to the fair
value of equity settled share-based compensation. SFAS 123R broadly aligns IFRS
and U.S. GAAP, consequently eliminating the adjustment required for share-based
payments in the current year U.S. GAAP reconciliation.
Previously, in fiscal 2006 and 2005, the Company applied Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No 25 (APB 25) in accounting for its stock option plans
and accordingly, except for a single grant in May 1997, no compensation cost was
recognized for the Group's share option awards. Had the revised standard been
applied to these fiscal years, however, an additional charge of EUR2.9m in 2006
(2005: EUR5.5m) would have been recorded within the U.S. GAAP income statement.
Stock options outstanding and exercisable, at March 31,2007, are summarized
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted-average Weighed-average Aggregate
exercise price remaining intrinsic value
At March 31, 2007 Number of options EUR contractual life EUR
------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding 35,107,978 2.77 3.73 107,261,127
Exerciseable 1,939,190 2.46 0.70 6,542,787
</TABLE>
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total
pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the closing stock price on the
last trading day of 2007 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of
in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had
all option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2007. This amount
changes based on the fair market value of Ryanair's shares. The total intrinsic
value of options exercised in 2007 was EUR17.6m. The total fair value of options
vested in 2007 was EURnil.
F-46
The total equity settled share based compensation expense related to
non-vested awards not yet recognized, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, is
EUR13.4m at March 31, 2007. This expense is expected to be recognized over a
weighted average period of 3.3 years.
At March 31, 2007 the range of exercise prices and weighted average
remaining contractual life of outstanding and exercisable options is set forth
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Options Outstanding Options exercisable
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Weighted- Weighted- Weighed-
average Weighed- average average
Range of remaining average remaining exercise
exercise price Number contractual exercise price Number contractual price
EUR outstanding life EUR exercisable life EUR
--------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ---------
<C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1.85-2.50 11,633,070 3.60 2.28 1,317,352 0.49 2.25
2.83-3.77 23,474,908 4.59 3.03 621,838 1.14 2.89
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.85-3.77 35,107,978 3.73 2.77 1,939,190 0.70 2.46
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The following information regarding net income per share was determined as
if the Group had accounted for its employee share options under the fair value
method prescribed by SFAS123 in the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. The
resulting effect on net income and earnings per share pursuant to SFAS123 may
not be representative of the effects in future periods, due to subsequent
additional option grants and periods of vesting.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31,
2006 2005
----------- -----------
EUR000 EUR000
<S> <C> <C>
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP (as reported)...................... 314,832 283,414
Total stock based employee compensation expense as determined under
fair-value method of SFAS 123............................................ (2,921) (5,515)
----------- -----------
Pro-forma net income....................................................... 311,911 277,899
----------- -----------
EUR cent EUR cent
Basic earnings per ADS (as reported)....................................... 102.64 93.24
Pro-forma basic earnings per ADS........................................... 101.68 91.35
Diluted earnings per ADS (as reported)..................................... 101.98 92.74
Pro-forma diluted earning per ADS.......................................... 101.02 90.85
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
(iii) Capitalized Interest
Under U.S. GAAP interest costs associated with the cost of acquiring
certain qualifying assets and making them ready for their intended use must be
capitalized as part of the acquisition cost of the asset. Ryanair pays deposits
in respect of its aircraft acquisition program and in accordance with U.S. GAAP
capitalizes interest costs which could have been avoided if the expenditure had
not been made. These cumulative amounts were EUR40.3m at 2007, (2006: EUR29.4m
and 2005: EUR22.9m). Under IFRS there is no requirement to capitalize interest
costs in such circumstances.
(iv) Darley Investments Limited
Under IFRS, the acquisition of Darley Investments Limited ("Darley") at
March 31, 1996 has been treated as an acquisition of a business and the acquired
assets and liabilities have been recorded upon adoption of IFRS at their fair
values. Under IFRS, the assets acquired were recorded at their fair values and a
fair value adjustment of EUR844,915 arose, which was subject to depreciation
over the expected useful life of the headquarter building and became fully
depreciated by March 31, 2006. Under U.S. GAAP, the assets are recorded at
historical cost which is fair value at acquisition date and are not subsequently
written up to fair value. Consequently, this additional depreciation which arose
under IFRS was not recorded for U.S. GAAP purposes.
F-47
(v) Derivative financial instruments
During the year the Company entered into a number of sterling to US
dollar currency forwards, to hedge both sterling revenues and fuel purchases.
These forwards were designated as hedges of multiple currency risks which arise
in the course of Ryanair's normal operations. In accordance with IFRS, this is
permitted under IAS 39 'Financial Instruments: Recognition and Disclosure' where
the various hedged risks can be identified clearly, their effectiveness can be
demonstrated and where possible to specifically designate the different risk
positions to the hedging instrument. U.S. GAAP, specifically SFAS 133,
'Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities' only permits
multiple risks to be hedged using a simple derivative instrument in certain
specific circumstances. Accordingly, Ryanair has not treated these derivatives
as qualifying for hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP and has recorded these
derivatives at fair value within net income.
(b) Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Net income in accordance with IFRS
435,600 306,712 280,043
Adjustments:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pensions....................................................... (190) (430) (242)
Share based payments........................................... - 2,921 488
Capitalized interest re aircraft acquisition program........... 10,874 6,501 5,445
Derivative financial instruments............................... (13,337) - -
Darley Investments Limited..................................... - 63 88
Taxation - effect of above adjustments......................... 332 (935) (2,408)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP........................... 433,279 314,832 283,414
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
F-48
(c) Shareholders' equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
---------------------------------------------
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ ------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Shareholders' equity as reported in the consolidated balance sheets and in
<S> <C> <C> <C>
accordance IFRS............................................... 2,539,773 1,991,985 1,734,503
Adjustments:
Pensions...................................................... - 9,240 11,998
Capitalized interest re aircraft acquisition program, net ... 40,322 29,448 22,947
Darley Investments Limited.................................... - - (63)
Minimum pension liability (net of tax) ....................... - (4,295) (6,496)
Unrealized (losses) on derivative financial instruments....... (8,609) - (128,074)
Tax effect of adjustments (excluding pension)................. (3,964) (5,931) (4,996)
------------ ------------ ------------
Shareholders' equity as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP 2,567,522 2,020,447 1,629,819
============ ============ ============
The movements in shareholders' equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP are
summarized as follows:
Opening shareholders' equity under U.S. GAAP..................... 2,020,447 1,629,819 1,356,281
------------ ------------ ------------
Comprehensive Income
Reserve movement in pension benefits (net of tax) (i)......... 2,178 2,201 (3,865)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on derivative financial
instruments (net of tax) (ii)................................. 50,241 43,005 (11,393)
Unrealized gain on available for sale financial assets (net of tax) (iii) 48,926 - -
Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP....................... 433,279 314,832 283,414
------------ ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive income.................................... 534,624 360,038 268,156
------------ ------------ ------------
Share based payments............................................. 3,935 - -
Stock issued for cash............................................ 11,234 30,590 5,382
Pension adjustment upon adoption of SFAS 158..................... (2,718) - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Closing shareholders' equity under U.S. GAAP..................... 2,567,522 2,020,447 1,629,819
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
(i) Within comprehensive income, pensions are stated net of tax of
EUR311,000 (2006: EUR314,000, 2005: EUR552,000).
(ii) Within comprehensive income, derivatives are stated net of tax of
EUR7.2m (2006: EUR6.1m, 2005: EUR1.6m)
(iii) Within comprehensive income, available for sale assets are stated
net of tax of EUR12.2m.
(d) Total assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At March 31,
----------------------------------
2007 2006
-------------- -------------
EUR000 EUR000
Total assets as reported in the Consolidated balance sheets and in accordance
<S> <C> <C>
with IFRS............................................................................. 5,691,245 4,634,219
Adjustments:
Pensions........................................................................... - 9,240
Capitalized interest re aircraft acquisition program .............................. 40,322 29,448
-------------- -------------
Total assets as adjusted in accordance with U.S. GAAP.............................. 5,731,567 4,672,907
============== =============
</TABLE>
F-49
(e) Income statement as presented under U.S. GAAP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
2007 2006 2005
------------ ------------ -------------
EUR000 EUR000 EUR000
Operating revenues
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Scheduled revenues.............................................. 1,874,791 1,433,377 1,128,116
Ancillary revenues.............................................. 362,104 259,153 190,921
------------ ------------ -------------
Total operating revenues-continuing operations..................... 2,236,895 1,692,530 1,319,037
------------ ------------ -------------
Operating expenses
Staff costs..................................................... (226,770) (168,921) (141,427)
Depreciation.................................................... (145,080) (125,876) (112,757)
Fuel & oil...................................................... (693,331) (462,466) (265,276)
Maintenance, material & repairs................................. (42,046) (37,417) (26,280)
Marketing & distribution costs.................................. (23,795) (13,912) (19,622)
Aircraft rentals................................................ (58,183) (47,376) (21,546)
Route charges................................................... (199,240) (164,577) (135,672)
Airport & handling charges...................................... (273,613) (216,301) (178,384)
Other........................................................... (104,859) (79,555) (79,401)
------------ ------------ -------------
Total operating expenses........................................... (1,766,917) (1,316,401) (980,365)
------------ ------------ -------------
Operating profit................................................... 469,978 376,129 338,672
------------ ------------ -------------
Other income/(expenses)
Foreign exchange (losses)....................................... (906) (1,234) (2,302)
Gain on disposal of fixed assets................................ 91 815 47
Derivative financial instruments................................ (13,337) - -
Finance income.................................................. 62,983 38,219 28,342
Finance expense................................................. (70,425) (65,986) (49,784)
------------ ------------ -------------
Total other income/(expenses)...................................... (21,594) (28,186) (23,697)
------------ ------------ -------------
Income before taxation............................................. 448,384 347,943 314,975
Tax on profit on ordinary activities............................ (15,105) (33,111) (31,561)
------------ ------------ -------------
Net income attributable to equity holders of parent................ 433,279 314,832 283,414
============ ============ =============
Basic earnings per ADS (Euro cent).............................. 140.27 102.64 93.24
Diluted earnings per ADS (Euro cent)............................ 139.09 101.98 92.74
No. of ordinary shares (in '000's)*............................. 1,544,457 1.533,666 1,519,822
Diluted no of ordinary shares (in '000's)....................... 1,557,503 1,543,562 1,528,006
============ ============ =============
* Five ordinary shares equal 1 ADS
</TABLE>
(f) Recently issued U.S. GAAP accounting pronouncements
IFRSs as adopted by the EU differ in certain respects from U.S. GAAP.
The following discussion considers the potential impact of recently issued U.S.
GAAP accounting pronouncements on the financial statements of the Company.
In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets or Financial
Liabilities," ("SFAS 159"), which provides companies with an option to report
selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective is to
reduce both complexity in accounting for financial instruments and the
volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities
differently. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements
designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different
measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is
effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year beginning after November
15, 2007. The Group is currently evaluating the effect of SFAS 159 and the
impact it will have on its financial statements.
F-50
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value
Measurements," ("SFAS 157"), which defines fair value, establishes guidelines
for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value
measurements. SFAS157 does not require any new fair value measurements but
rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting
pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November
15, 2007. The Group is currently evaluating the effect of SFAS 157 and the
impact it will have on its financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. AUG
AIR-1 "Accounting for Planned Major Maintenance Activities." This amends the
existing major maintenance accounting guidance contained within the AICPA
Industry Audit Guide "Audits of Airlines" and prohibits the use of the accrue in
advance method of accounting for planned major maintenance activities for owned
aircraft. The provisions of the announcement are applicable for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. The Group currently uses the built-in
overhaul method of accounting for planned major maintenance, an acceptable
method under U.S. GAAP. Therefore, the adoption of FSP No. AUG AIR-1 is not
expected to have any material impact on the Group's financial statements.
In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission released Staff
Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 108, "Considering the Effects of Prior Year
Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial
Statements," ("SAB 108"), which provides interpretive guidance on how the
effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be
considered in quantifying a current year misstatement. SAB 108 provides
transition guidance for correcting errors and requires registrants to quantify
misstatements using both the balance-sheet and income-statement approaches and
to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is
material in light of relevant quantitative factors. SAB 108 does not change the
requirements within SFAS No. 154, "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections" for
the correction of an error on financial statements. Further, SAB 108 does not
change the Staff's previous guidance in SAB No. 99, "Materiality," on evaluating
the qualitative materiality of misstatements. The Group was required to adopt
SAB 108 in the current fiscal year. The adoption of SAB 108 did not have a
material impact on its financial statements.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 ("FIN 48"),
"Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes." FIN 48 defines the threshold for
recognizing the benefits of tax return positions in the financial statements as
"more-likely-than-not" to be sustained by the taxing authority. The recently
issued literature also provides guidance on the recognition, measurement and
classification of income tax uncertainties, along with any related interest and
penalties. FIN 48 also increases the level of disclosures associated with any
recorded income tax uncertainties. The Group is required to adopt FIN 48 in the
first quarter of fiscal 2008. The adoption of FIN 48 is not expected to have a
material impact on the Group's financial statements.
In June 2006, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-3
("EITF 06-3"), "How Sales Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to
Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement." EITF 06-3
provides guidance on an entity's disclosure of its accounting policy regarding
the gross or net presentation of certain taxes and provides that if taxes
included in gross revenues are significant, a company should disclose the amount
of such taxes. Taxes within the scope of EITF 06-3 are those that are imposed on
and concurrent with a specific revenue producing transaction. The guidance is
effective for years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Group has evaluated
the effect of EITF 06-3, and believes the impact will be immaterial on its
financial statements.
F-51
APPENDIX A
GLOSSARY
Certain of the terms included in the section on Selected Operating and
Other Data and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F have the meanings
indicated below and refer only to Ryanair's scheduled passenger service.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Available Seat Miles ("ASMs") Represents the number of seats available for scheduled passengers multiplied
by the number of miles those seats were flown.
<S> <C>
Average Booked Passenger Fare Represents the average fare paid by a scheduled fare-paying passenger who has
booked a ticket.
Average Daily Flight Hour Utilization Represents the average number of flight hours flown in scheduled service per
day per aircraft for the total fleet of operated aircraft.
Average Flown Passenger Fare Represents the average fare paid by a scheduled fare-paying passenger who has flown.
Average Fuel Cost Per U.S. Gallon Represents the average cost per U.S. gallon of jet fuel for the fleet (including
fueling charges) after giving effect to fuel hedging arrangements.
Average Length of Passenger Haul Represents the average number of miles traveled by a scheduled fare-paying
passenger.
Ancillary Revenue per Booked Passenger Represents the average revenue earned per booked passenger flown from ancillary
services.
Average Yield per ASM Represents the average scheduled flown passenger fare revenue for each
available seat mile (ASM).
Average Yield per RPM Represents the average scheduled passenger fare revenue for each revenue
passenger mile (RPM), or each mile a scheduled revenue passenger is flown.
Baggage Commissions Represents the commissions payable to airports on the revenue collected at the
airports for excess baggage and airport baggage fees.
Booked Passenger Load Factor Represents the total number of seats sold as a percentage of total seat capacity
on all sectors flown.
Break-even Load Factor Represents the number of RPMs at which scheduled passenger revenues would have been equal
to operating expenses (excluding non-charter ancillary costs) divided by ASMs (based on
Average Yield per RPM). For the purposes of this calculation, the number of RPMs at
which scheduled passenger revenues would have been equal to operating expenses (excluding
non-charter ancillary costs) is calculated by dividing operating expenses (excluding
non-charter ancillary costs) by Average Yield per RPM.
Cost Per ASM (CASM) Represents operating expenses (excluding non-charter ancillary costs) divided by ASMs.
Flown Passenger Load Factor Represents RPMs divided by ASMs.
Net Margin Represents profit after taxation as a percentage of total revenues.
Number of Airports Served Represents the number of airports to/from which the carrier offered scheduled service at
the end of the period.
Number of Owned Aircraft Operated Represents the number of aircraft owned and operated at the end of the period.
Operating Margin Represents operating profit as a percentage of total revenues.
A-1
Revenue Passenger Miles ("RPMs") Represents the number of miles flown by scheduled fare-paying passengers.
Revenue Passengers Booked Represents the number of scheduled fare-paying passengers booked.
Revenue Passengers Flown Represents the number of scheduled fare-paying passengers flown.
Sectors Flown Represents the number of scheduled passenger flight sectors flown.
A-2
</TABLE>
EXHIBIT 8.1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
List of Subsidiaries of Ryanair Holdings plc:
Name Effective date of
acquisition/incorporation Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Ryanair Limited............... August 23, 1996 Ireland
(acquisition)
Darley Investments Limited*... August 23, 1996 Ireland
(acquisition)
Ryanair.com Limited*.......... August 23, 1996 Ireland
(acquisition)
Coinside Limited*............. August 8, 2006 Ireland
(incorporation)
* These subsidiaries are wholly owned by Ryanair Limited, which is, in turn,
wholly owned by Ryanair Holdings plc.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Exhibit 12.1
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
I, Michael O'Leary, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Ryanair Holdings plc;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report;
4. The company's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of
the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company's internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
company's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most
recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company's
auditors and the audit committee of the company's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely
to adversely affect the company's ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over
financial reporting.
/s/ Michael O'Leary___
Michael O'Leary
Chief Executive Officer
Date: September 20, 2007
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
I, Howard Millar, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Ryanair Holdings plc;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report;
4. The company's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing
and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and
have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such
disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure
that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of
the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company's internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
company's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most
recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company's
auditors and the audit committee of the company's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely
to adversely affect the company's ability to record, process, summarize and report
financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over
financial reporting.
/s/ Howard Millar___
Howard Millar
Chief Financial Officer
Date: September 20, 2007
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Exhibit 13.1
Certification
Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of
section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of
Ryanair Holdings plc (the "Company"), does hereby certify, to such officer's knowledge, that:
The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2007 (the "Form 20-F")
of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 20-F fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ Michael O'Leary___
Michael O'Leary
Chief Executive Officer
Date: September 20, 2007
/s/ Howard Millar___
Howard Millar
Chief Financial Officer
Date: September 20, 2007
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to
the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.
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