Ryanair 2011 Annual Report Download - page 164

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March 31, 2011 March 31, 2010 March 31, 2009
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(e) Equity risk
The Company has exposure to equity price risk primarily in relation to its 29.8% investment in Aer
Lingus. The Company does not have significant influence over Aer Lingus and accordingly, this investment is
classified as an available-for-sale financial asset rather than an investment in an associate. Additional
information in relation to the available-for-sale financial asset can be found in Note 4 to the consolidated
financial statements.
(f) Credit risk
The Company holds significant cash balances, which are invested on a short-term basis and are
classified as either cash equivalents or liquid investments. These deposits and other financial instruments
(principally certain derivatives and loans as identified above) give rise to credit risk on amounts due from
counterparties. Credit risk is managed by limiting the aggregate amount and duration of exposure to any one
counterparty through regular review of counterparties’ market-based ratings, Tier 1 capital level and credit
default swap rates and by taking into account bank counterparties’ systemic importance to the financial systems
of their home countries. The Company typically enters into deposits and derivative contracts with parties that
have at least an “A” or equivalent credit rating. The maximum exposure arising in the event of default on the
part of the counterparty is the carrying value of the relevant financial instrument. While authorised to place
funds on deposit for periods up to 18 months, the Company typically does not enter into deposits with a duration
of more than 12 months. The Board of Directors monitors the return on capital as well as the level of dividends
to ordinary shareholders on an ongoing basis.
The Company’s revenues derive principally from airline travel on scheduled services, internet income
and in-flight and related sales. Revenue is wholly derived from European routes. No individual customer
accounts for a significant portion of total revenue.
At March 31, 2011 10.7 million (2010: 10.6 million, 2009: 10.7 million) of our total accounts
receivable balance were past due, of which 10.1 million (2010: 10.1 million, 2009: 10.1 million) was impaired
and provided for and 10.6 million (2010: 10.5 million, 2009: 10.6 million) was past due but not impaired. See
Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
(g) Liquidity and capital management
The Company’s cash and liquid resources comprise cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments
and restricted cash. The Company defines the capital that it manages as the Company’s long-term debt and
equity. The Company’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market
confidence and to maintain sufficient financial resources to mitigate against risks and unforeseen events.
The Company finances its working capital requirements through a combination of cash generated from
operations and bank loans for the acquisition of aircraft. The Company had cash and liquid resources at March
31, 2011 of 12,940.6 million (2010: 12,813.4 million; 2009: 12,278.2 million). During the year, the Company
funded 1897.2 million in purchases of property, plant and equipment. Cash generated from operations has been
the principal source for these cash requirements, supplemented primarily by aircraft-related financing structures.
The Board of Directors periodically reviews the capital structure of the Company, considering the cost
of capital and the risks associated with each class of capital. The Board approves any material adjustments to the
capital structure in terms of the relative proportions of debt and equity.