British Airways and Iberia merger seeming more likely to analysts; Ryanair and SAS up

In major markets, UK's FTSE (+1.1%), Germany's DAX (+0.6%), and France's CAC (+0.6%) were all up at the end of trading.

Ryanair raises earnings forecast

Ryanair (+7.2%) shares reached their highest level in over four months after the carrier raised its earnings forecast and reported a smaller than expected 3Q2009-10 loss of EUR11 million (compared with EUR119 million in the previous corresponding period).

Shares were also boosted by a price target upgrade by Goldman Sachs (see below).

British Airways and Iberia merger seeming more likely to analysts

British Airways (+5.6%) and Iberia (+2.2%) rose after the European Commission (EC) confirmed it is assessing the effectiveness of proposed commitments received from the carriers and American Airlines to alleviate the EC's concerns regarding potential anticompetitive agreements (related to passenger transport on certain long-haul routes).

As part of this assessment process, the EC is sending the proposed commitments first to a number of key market players for comments. In Apr-2009, the EC opened proceedings in relation to its concerns about agreements between the three carriers. The carriers intend to jointly manage schedules, capacity and pricing, as well as share revenues on transatlantic routes between North America and Europe.

Investors are now hopeful the planned merger between British Airways and Iberia will proceed. Goldman Sachs reiterated its positive view of the carriers' shares, stating they believe the merger will occur, possibly ahead of schedule. The analysts added this, plus the potential antitrust immunity with American Airlines, will boost BA and Iberia's shares. As a result, Goldman Sachs increased both carriers' target prices (see below).

For breaking news on British Airways and Iberia's merger plans, subscribe to Europe Airline Daily, an efficient morning briefing on European airline developments.

Goldman Sachs boosts price targets and ratings for select European carriers, including SAS

SAS (+7.5%) meanwhile made the biggest rise, after Goldman Sachs analysts raised the carrier's share rating from 'Sell' to 'Buy', stating its upside/downside risks are "evenly balanced".

Goldman Sachs also raised the following carriers ratings and price targets:

• Finnair (+1.8%): from 'Sell' to 'Neutral';
• Norwegian Air Shuttle (+1.6%): from 'Neutral' to 'Buy';
• Air France KLM (-0.3%): from EUR11.50 to EUR13.00, rating 'Buy';
• British Airways (+5.6%): from GBP253 pence to GBP265 pence, rating 'Buy';
• Iberia (+2.2%): from EUR2.65 TO EUR2.85, rating 'Buy';
• Aer Lingus (+1.5%): from EUR0.75 to EUR0.68, rating 'Buy';
• Ryanair (+7.2%): from EUR3.80 to EUR3.90, rating 'Buy';
• easyJet (+2.1%): from GBP400 pence to GBP430 pence, rating 'Buy'.

Europe selected airlines daily share price movements (% change): 01-Feb-2010

Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation & Yahoo! Finance