Lufthansa Group raises 2022 earnings/cash flow forecast

Based on positive developments in the third quarter, the current booking situation, which continues to reflect strong demand for air travel in the coming months, and the expectation of another record result from Lufthansa Cargo in 2022, Lufthansa Group is raising its forecast for the full year, excluding currently unforeseen circumstances.

"It now expects to be able to achieve an adjusted EBIT of over €1 billion. The Group also expects an adjusted free cash flow of over €2 billion in 2022," says an official release.

Lufthansa Group almost doubled revenue year-on-year to €10.1 billion ($10 billion) in the third quarter of 2022 (previous year: €5.2 billion) on a preliminary basis. Adjusted EBIT amounted to around €1.1 billion (previous year: €251 million) including an impact from strikes of around €70 million, the release added.

"In the third quarter, Lufthansa Group generated adjusted free cash flow of around €400 million on a preliminary basis (previous year: €43 million). Net debt decreased to around €6.2 billion in the third quarter (June 30, 2022: €6.4 billion). Net pension liabilities declined to around €2.1 billion (June 30, 2022: €2.8 billion) due to the increase in discount rate."