easyJet share price in focus as airline releases trading update

easyJet Plc (LON:EZJ) has this morning issued a trading update. Here are the highlights from the company statement with more to follow:

easyJet expects to deliver a first half performance ahead of the guidance given in the 27 January 2015 trading statement primarily due to the movement of exchange rates in the second quarter.
The Board’s expectation is now for a pre-tax result for the six months ended 31 March 2015 of between a loss of £5 million and profit of £10 million compared with the previous guidance of a pre-tax loss of £10 million to £30 million and a prior year pre-tax loss of £53 million. easyJet has had a good first half of the year and second half bookings are in line with last year. However, further volatility around currency rates and the oil price is likely to continue into the second half.

Commenting on the pre-close statement, Carolyn McCall, easyJet’s Chief Executive said:

“easyJet has performed well in the first half of the year and has continued to deliver its strategy of making travel easy and affordable for passengers. We continue to expect that lower fuel costs will be beneficial for our customers as fares adjust. easyJet continues to be well positioned to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders due to its compelling network, low cost base and strong balance sheet.”

easyJet will provide further details on its performance in the six months to 31 March 2015 when it publishes its half year results on 12 May 2015.
As of 07:16 GMT, Thursday, 26 March, easyJet plc share price is 1,890.00p.