easyJet Delivers Strong Q4 Performance; Lifts Shareholder Returns Amid Robust Mid-Year Recovery

British low-cost carrier easyJet Plc has demonstrated solid operational momentum heading into 2025, announcing elevated profitability metrics and revenue expansion for both its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025. The airline’s mid-year trajectory appears particularly encouraging, setting a foundation for management’s medium-term ambitions.

Financial Performance: Double-Digit Growth Across Key Metrics

The carrier’s Q4 results reflected strengthened market positioning. Headline profit before tax expanded to GBP 773 million from GBP 724 million in the prior-year quarter, while headline EBIT climbed to GBP 779 million versus GBP 702 million previously. EBITDA rose to GBP 960 million from GBP 929 million, demonstrating improved operational efficiency.

Revenue generation accelerated, reaching GBP 3.65 billion compared to GBP 3.41 billion year-over-year. The company executed 30.4 million seat flights during the quarter, representing a 1 percent increase, while passenger volume grew to 28.1 million from 27.7 million. Load factor—a critical efficiency indicator—improved to 92.4 percent, up 0.2 percentage points from 92.2 percent.

Full-Year Results: Sustained Momentum Throughout Fiscal 2025

Across the 12-month period, easyJet’s financial trajectory remained positive. Profit before tax surged to GBP 658 million from GBP 602 million, with headline profit before tax rising 9 percent to GBP 665 million. Earnings per share strengthened to 64.7 pence from 59.6 pence, while headline EPS improved to 66.4 pence from 61.3 pence.

Annual revenues climbed to GBP 10.11 billion from GBP 9.31 billion, supported by 93.4 million customers carried—up 4 percent year-on-year. Seat capacity expanded 4 percent to 104.0 million, with load factor improving to 89.8 percent from 89.3 percent.

Strategic Expansion: Mid-Year Goals and Long-Term Profitability Targets

Management expressed confidence in achieving a medium-term goal of over GBP 1 billion in profit before tax. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, the airline projects ASK capacity to grow approximately 7 percent, with average sector length rising around 4 percent.

The easyJet holidays division—a key growth lever—is tracking ahead of schedule with customer numbers expected to reach 15 percent growth from a 3.1 million-customer base. The division’s profit target has been upgraded to GBP 450 million before tax by fiscal 2030, signaling management’s conviction in diversification beyond core flight operations.

Shareholder Returns: Dividend Increase Signals Confidence

The Board recommended an ordinary dividend of 13.2 pence per share, representing an increase from the prior year’s 12.1 pence, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. The payment is scheduled for March 27, to shareholders registered on February 20, reflecting the company’s confidence in sustained cash generation capability.

easyJet’s combination of mid-year momentum, mid-term profit targets, and enhanced shareholder returns underscores a company navigating post-pandemic recovery while positioning for disciplined long-term growth.