As of January 22, 2026, LON: EZJ (easyJet plc) is trading at approximately 497.40 GBX, following a period of volatility that saw the stock reach a 52-week high of 590.60 GBX. Investors are currently focused on the airline’s transition from winter losses to a projected record summer 2026, bolstered by a 15% planned growth in the easyJet Holidays division. While the company faces macroeconomic cost pressures and wage inflation, analysts maintain an average price target of 588.61 GBX, with some ultra-bullish estimates reaching up to 800.00 GBX. The firm has recently announced a final dividend of 13.2p per share and introduced a new Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) for 2026, signaling a return to consistent shareholder returns after years of post-pandemic recovery.
Financial Performance and Market Position
Current Share Price and Valuation
The share price for LON: EZJ currently sits near the 500p mark, reflecting a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 7.7. This valuation is considered attractive by several City analysts who believe the market is underestimating the profitability of the holidays segment.
In January 2026, the stock has experienced technical resistance around the 505p level. Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic as the company prepares for its next quarterly earnings update scheduled for May 20, 2026, which is expected to confirm the strength of summer bookings.
Revenue Growth and Profitability
For the fiscal year ending September 2025, easyJet reported a 9% rise in total revenue to £10.1 billion, with pre-tax profits hitting £665 million. This growth was primarily driven by the “Holidays” segment, which now accounts for over a third of the group’s total profit.
The airline aims to achieve a medium-term target of over £1 billion in annual profit before tax. Achieving this in 2026 will depend on maintaining high load factors (currently averaging 87-88%) and successfully managing the increased costs associated with new base openings in Milan and Rome.
Strategic Roadmap for 2026
Fleet Expansion and “Upgauging”
EasyJet’s 2026 strategy relies heavily on “upgauging”—replacing smaller A319 aircraft with larger, more efficient A320neo and A321neo models. In 2026 alone, the company expects to take delivery of 17 new aircraft, which offer 13% to 30% better fuel efficiency.
This fleet modernization is critical for reducing “CASK” (Cost per Available Seat Kilometer). By increasing the average number of seats per flight, easyJet can spread its fixed operational costs across more passengers, directly protecting margins against rising fuel prices.
EasyJet Holidays: The Growth Engine
The “Holidays” division is the standout performer in 2026, with customer numbers projected to grow by 15% this year from a base of 3.1 million. The CEO has noted a significant shift in demand toward 4-star hotels and premium city breaks.
Early data for 2026 suggests that the “Luxury Collection” brand is outperforming expectations, with average selling prices roughly four times higher than the standard holiday package. This diversification into high-margin travel services has decoupled easyJet’s profitability from the volatile “seat-only” flight market.
2026 Shareholder Returns and Dividends
Dividend Policy and DRIP
Following the 2025 final results, easyJet proposed a dividend of 13.2p per share, representing 20% of headline profit after tax. For 2026, the company has introduced a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP), allowing shareholders to automatically buy more shares with their payouts.
- Ex-Dividend Date: Usually occurs in late February.
- Last Date for DRIP Election: March 6, 2026.
- Yield: The prospective dividend yield for 2026 is estimated at 3.1%, making it a competitive option for income-seeking investors in the FTSE 250/100.
Balance Sheet Strength
The company enters 2026 with a strengthened balance sheet, reporting a net cash position of £602 million. This liquidity provides a buffer against potential geopolitical shocks and allows for continued investment in the “net zero” roadmap without requiring further debt.
Practical Information for Investors
How to Trade LON: EZJ
- Exchange: London Stock Exchange (LSE).
- Currency: GBX (Pence Sterling).
- Trading Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM GMT.
- Ticker: EZJ (on most platforms like Bloomberg, Reuters, and Yahoo Finance).
Key Dates for the 2026 Diary
- AGM (Annual General Meeting): Early February 2026.
- Half-Year Results: May 20, 2026.
- Q3 Trading Statement: July 2026.
- Full-Year Results: November 2026.
Technical Analysis and 2026 Price Targets
Key Support and Resistance Levels
Technical traders in early 2026 are closely watching the 473.70p support zone, which has historically seen accumulated buying volume. If the stock fails to hold this level, the next major “floor” is identified at the 52-week low of 402p.
On the upside, a cluster of resistance levels exists between 498.05p and 505.80p. Breaking above these moving average lines would likely trigger a “buy signal,” potentially clearing a path back toward the 52-week high of 590.6p reached in 2025.
Momentum Indicators for Q1 2026
The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) is currently in negative territory, reflecting the recent -9% fall in share price during the first three weeks of January. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 41.75 indicates that the stock is not yet in “extreme oversold” territory, but is approaching it.
Volatility remains medium, with an Average True Range (ATR) of approximately 1.96%. This suggests that while there is price movement, it is currently more controlled than the high-volatility spikes seen during the mid-2025 fuel price surge.
The 2026 Sustainability Roadmap
Net Zero Targets and “NEO” Fleet
By late 2026, easyJet expects to have over 25% of its fleet comprised of Airbus A320neo family aircraft. These planes are central to the 2035 interim target of a 35% reduction in carbon emissions intensity, as they offer up to 30% better fuel efficiency than the older A319 models.
The airline is also retrofitting its final A320ceo aircraft with “sharklets” (wing-tip devices) in early 2026. This fleet-wide efficiency upgrade is estimated to save 7,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, further cementing easyJet’s position as the top-rated airline for ESG risk management.
Hydrogen and SAF Partnerships
The partnership with Rolls-Royce continues to be a major long-term catalyst. In 2026, the collaboration is moving into more advanced ground-test phases for hydrogen combustion engines. While hydrogen-powered commercial flights are not expected until the 2030s, these milestones drive “green” institutional investment into the stock.
Additionally, easyJet has secured its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) requirements for the 2026 season through a multi-year deal with Q8Aviation, ensuring the airline remains compliant with tightening EU and UK environmental mandates.
Peer Comparison: easyJet vs. Ryanair vs. Wizz Air
Financial Health and Liquidity
Analysis for 2026 shows that easyJet maintains a higher liquidity-to-debt ratio than Ryanair, traditionally seen as the safer balance sheet. While Ryanair remains more profitable on a per-seat basis, easyJet’s “Holidays” division provides a higher-margin revenue stream that its ultra-low-cost rivals have struggled to replicate.
Operational Scale and Safety
In terms of international scale, Ryanair is the dominant force with over 488,000 round trips scheduled for the first half of 2026. However, easyJet maintains a superior “safety and service” brand perception, ranking 5th worldwide among low-cost carriers in 2026 safety reports.
Wizz Air remains the most volatile of the group, with its share price forecast to have a 28% upside in 2026 but carrying higher risk due to its exposure to Central and Eastern European geopolitical fluctuations.
FAQs
Is easyJet stock currently a “Buy” or a “Sell”?
The consensus among 20 analysts is a “Buy”, though technical indicators like the 20-day SMA currently show a “Sell” signal due to short-term price weakness.
What is the “Sustainalytics” rating for easyJet?
In 2026, easyJet holds an ESG Risk Rating of 18.0, making it the top-rated airline globally for environmental and social governance.
How many aircraft will easyJet have in 2026?
The fleet is projected to exceed 360 aircraft by mid-2026, with a focus on increasing the proportion of A320neo and A321neo models.
When is the easyJet AGM in 2026?
The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2026, in London.
Does easyJet use AI in its operations?
Yes, in 2026, easyJet is using AI tools from Winnow to reduce food waste in its hotel partnerships and AI-driven descent optimization software to save fuel.
What is the impact of fuel prices on EZJ shares?
Fuel remains the largest variable cost; however, easyJet has hedged over 70% of its 2026 fuel requirements, providing significant protection against price spikes.
Can I buy easyJet shares on a US exchange?
Yes, easyJet is available as an ADR (American Depositary Receipt) under the ticker ESYJY on the OTC markets.
What is the 52-week range for LON: EZJ?
Between January 2025 and January 2026, the stock has traded between 402p and 590.6p.
Is easyJet profitable in the winter months?
Airlines typically report losses in the winter (H1), but easyJet’s 2026 strategy aims to narrow these losses through increased “Holidays” bookings.
How does easyJet’s safety record compare to others?
EasyJet is consistently ranked in the top 10 safest low-cost airlines globally and has had no fatal accidents since its founding in 1995.
What is the current price target for LON: EZJ in 2026?
Analysts have set an average price target of 588.61 GBX, with a “Strong Buy” consensus among 20 major investment banks.
Is easyJet paying a dividend in 2026?
Yes, a final dividend of 13.2p per share has been announced for payment in early 2026, with a new DRIP option available.
How much is easyJet Holidays expected to grow?
Management has set a growth target of 15% for 2026, aiming for a total of 3.5 million customers.
What are the new easyJet bases opening in 2026?
New bases are scheduled to open in Newcastle and Marrakech in Spring 2026, creating hundreds of local jobs.
What does “upgauging” mean for investors?
It refers to using larger aircraft (A321neo) to reduce unit costs, as larger planes are more fuel-efficient per passenger.
What are the main risks for LON: EZJ this year?
The primary risks include fuel price volatility, wage inflation, and potential travel disruptions from air traffic control (ATC) issues.
Is LON: EZJ part of the FTSE 100?
EasyJet frequently moves between the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250; as of early 2026, it is a prominent member of the FTSE 100.
What is the “Big Orange Sale” impact?
The late 2025 sale of 1.2 million discounted seats has resulted in 81% of Q1 2026 seats being sold, providing high revenue visibility.
How is easyJet addressing ESG and sustainability?
The company is retrofitting its A320ceo fleet with “sharklets” (winglets) by summer 2026 to save 7,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Who is the current CEO of easyJet?
The company is led by Johan Lundgren, who has overseen the transition to a more holiday-focused business model.
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