0850 GMT - Ryanair faces a tough start to fiscal 2027 as flat ticket prices won't cover rising fuel and operational costs, UBS analyst Jarrod Castle says. Fares are expected to grow by less than 1% as higher fuel costs will pressure ticket prices upward through the year, he says. UBS downgrades EPS forecasts for FY 2027 and FY 2028 by 15% and 29%, respectively. Still, the budget carrier is much better protected against financial risks than peers, boasts an industry-leading balance sheet, and maintains a powerful cost advantage rivals can't match, Castle says. "We think the medium-term story around per passenger profitability--from around 11 euros to around 14 euros over the forecast period--makes for an attractive investment," UBS says. Shares are up 0.3% at 22.42 euros.(anthony.orunagoriainoff@dowjones.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 20, 2026 04:58 ET (08:58 GMT)

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