Download PDF

1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of passenger and cargo transportation services in the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, the United States, and rest of the world.The company operates under the British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL brands.It operates a fleet of 531 aircraft.


The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Madrid, Spain.

Show Full description

1.b. Last Insights on IAG

Breaking News: International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. faces challenges from rising fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions. Recent earnings releases from major US airlines have been impacted by these factors, leading to cut or softened earnings forecasts. However, the sector is showing signs of recovery. UBS analyzed the impact of oil prices on airline stocks, identifying only three airlines that can make a profit at current levels. A recent report suggests it may be too soon to buy airline stocks, but some analysts recommend a buy for a potential rebound. UBS gives a cautious stance.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. IAG's Record Results Driven by Strong Revenue and Cost Performance

International Airlines Group (IAG) has reported a record set of results for 2025, with an operating margin of 15.1% and an operating profit of EUR 5.024 billion. Revenue performance was strong, driven by robust demand for travel and a solid increase in passenger unit revenue. The company's EPS came in at EUR 0.241, slightly below estimates of EUR 0.2809. Revenue growth was robust, and the company's cost performance was also strong, with total unit costs improving 0.4% year-on-year.

Publication Date: Mar -01

📋 Highlights
  • Record Financial Performance:: Achieved a 15.1% operating margin, EUR 5.024 billion operating profit, and 18.5% return on invested capital in 2025.
  • Excess Cash Returns:: Announced EUR 1.5 billion in additional cash returns, raising total three-year distributions to EUR 3 billion (13% of market cap).
  • Strong Balance Sheet:: Maintains EUR 10 billion liquidity and net debt leverage of 0.8x, with plans to keep leverage between 1.5x and 2x.
  • Capital Expenditure Growth:: CapEx to peak at EUR 5.6 billion annually (2029–2031) for fleet modernization and wide-body aircraft deliveries.
  • Loyalty Program Expansion:: IAG Loyalty revenue surged 30% via earn/burn model, projecting GBP 469 million profit in 2025 (10%+ annual growth).

Revenue Growth and Margin Expansion

The group's revenue performance was driven by robust demand for travel, with passenger unit revenue increasing strongly. The company's loyalty program, IAG Loyalty, continues to grow strongly, with revenue increasing by 30% through the earn and burn model. British Airways Holidays also benefited from changes to the BA Club, with revenue from elite members increasing more than 15 times faster than other customers.

Cost Control and Balance Sheet Strength

IAG's cost performance was also strong, with total unit costs improving 0.4% year-on-year. The company's balance sheet is robust, with net debt leverage of 0.8x and liquidity over EUR 10 billion. The group has repaid EUR 1.6 billion of non-aircraft debt and taken 2/3 of its 25 aircraft deliveries as unencumbered, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Valuation and Outlook

Using the current valuation metrics, IAG's P/E Ratio is 7.24, P/B Ratio is 3.76, and EV/EBITDA is 5.73. The company's ROIC is 13.92%, indicating a strong return on invested capital. Analysts estimate revenue growth at 4.2% for next year, and the company's guidance on distributing excess cash returns has been widened to 1 to 1.5x net debt leverage. The company's focus on cost control, balance sheet strength, and loyalty program growth positions it well for future growth.

Operational Highlights and Future Plans

The company is focused on reducing unit costs, aiming for a minus 1% drop in 2026, and is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to improve customer experience and efficiency. Vueling is expected to achieve 50% passenger growth over the next decade, focusing on Barcelona, domestic Spain, and connecting Europe with Spain. The company's capacity deployment is expected to be around 3%, with North America seeing a better-than-average growth.

3. NewsRoom

Card image cap

IAG New Zealand Future-Proofs Claims Operations with Guidewire Cloud Platform

Mar -12

Card image cap

Airline stocks slide as oil surges past $100 on Iran tanker attacks

Mar -12

Card image cap

IAG, easyJet and Ryanair; which European airlines are investors selling as Iran burns?

Mar -11

Card image cap

Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights Consolidated Airlines, American, Delta and United

Mar -11

Card image cap

Time to Buy Airline Stocks for a Rebound, or is it Too Soon?

Mar -10

Card image cap

Airline Stocks Are at the Mercy of Oil Prices. Only 3 Can Make Profit at These Levels, UBS Says.

Mar -10

Card image cap

Americans in the Middle East Urged to Get Home. Where That Leaves U.S. Airlines.

Mar -03

Card image cap

Airline Stocks Extend Losses After Thousands of Flight Cancellations

Mar -03

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (2.80%)

6. Segments

British Airways

Expected Growth: 2.8%

British Airways' 2.8% growth is driven by increasing demand for premium travel, particularly in transatlantic routes, and a strong performance in cargo operations. Additionally, the airline's focus on cost reduction initiatives, such as fleet modernization and operational efficiencies, has contributed to its growth.

Iberia

Expected Growth: 2.5%

Iberia's 2.5% growth is driven by increased demand for leisure travel, particularly in Latin America and the Mediterranean, as well as cost savings from fleet modernization and operational efficiencies. Additionally, Iberia's strong brand presence and loyalty program contribute to its growth, along with strategic partnerships and codeshare agreements.

Vueling

Expected Growth: 3.2%

Vueling's 3.2% growth is driven by its low-cost carrier model, strong demand in European short-haul markets, and increasing popularity of its ancillary revenue streams. Additionally, IAG's strategic investments in digital transformation and operational efficiency have enhanced Vueling's competitiveness, allowing it to capitalize on market opportunities and drive growth.

Aer Lingus

Expected Growth: 2.9%

Aer Lingus' 2.9% growth is driven by strong demand for transatlantic routes, increased capacity on key routes, and successful cost control measures. Additionally, the airline's focus on premium products, such as AerSpace and business class, has contributed to revenue growth. Furthermore, the airline's strong brand reputation and efficient operations have enabled it to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

IAG Loyalty

Expected Growth: 3.1%

IAG Loyalty's 3.1% growth driven by increased customer retention, successful loyalty program revamps, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, enhanced digital platforms and personalized offerings have boosted engagement, while expanded airline partnerships have increased earning opportunities. Effective yield management and targeted marketing campaigns have also contributed to the segment's growth.

Other Group Companies

Expected Growth: 2.7%

IAG's Other Group Companies segment, with a 2.7% growth, is driven by increasing demand for aviation services, expansion of cargo operations, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, cost savings initiatives, fleet optimization, and investments in digital transformation are contributing to the segment's growth.

7. Detailed Products

British Airways

Flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, offering passenger flights to over 180 destinations worldwide.

Iberia

Flag carrier airline of Spain, offering passenger flights to over 100 destinations in Europe, America, and Africa.

Iberia Express

Low-cost carrier airline, offering affordable flights within Europe.

Aer Lingus

Flag carrier airline of Ireland, offering passenger flights to over 100 destinations in Europe and North America.

Vueling

Low-cost carrier airline, offering affordable flights within Europe.

Level

Low-cost, long-haul airline, offering affordable flights between Europe and the Americas.

IAG Cargo

Cargo airline, offering freight services to over 350 destinations worldwide.

8. International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A.'s Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

The threat of substitutes for International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. is medium due to the availability of alternative modes of transportation such as trains, buses, and cars. However, the convenience and speed of air travel make it a preferred choice for many passengers.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

The bargaining power of customers is high due to the availability of multiple airlines and the ease of comparing prices and services online. This gives customers the power to negotiate prices and demand better services.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

The bargaining power of suppliers is low due to the dominance of International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. in the market. The company has a strong negotiating position with its suppliers, which enables it to secure better deals.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants is low due to the high barriers to entry in the airline industry. The high capital requirements, regulatory hurdles, and complexity of operations make it difficult for new entrants to establish themselves.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry is high due to the presence of multiple airlines in the market, leading to intense competition for market share. The company needs to constantly innovate and improve its services to stay ahead of the competition.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 73.21%
Debt Cost 7.46%
Equity Weight 26.79%
Equity Cost 15.52%
WACC 9.62%
Leverage 273.26%

11. Quality Control: International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. passed 2 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
Flughafen Wien

A-Score: 6.0/10

Value: 4.0

Growth: 6.7

Quality: 8.0

Yield: 3.8

Momentum: 4.5

Volatility: 9.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Zurich Airport

A-Score: 5.6/10

Value: 2.4

Growth: 5.8

Quality: 6.2

Yield: 3.1

Momentum: 6.0

Volatility: 10.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
IAG

A-Score: 5.2/10

Value: 7.1

Growth: 4.8

Quality: 5.0

Yield: 1.9

Momentum: 8.0

Volatility: 4.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
easyJet

A-Score: 4.9/10

Value: 8.5

Growth: 6.7

Quality: 4.2

Yield: 1.9

Momentum: 2.5

Volatility: 5.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Corporación América Airports

A-Score: 4.7/10

Value: 4.6

Growth: 6.9

Quality: 6.9

Yield: 0.0

Momentum: 7.0

Volatility: 2.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Aeroports de Paris

A-Score: 4.5/10

Value: 3.2

Growth: 5.9

Quality: 2.9

Yield: 2.5

Momentum: 6.0

Volatility: 6.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

4.1$

Current Price

4.1$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows