The easyJet (LSE: EZJ) share price is caught on the runway whereas British Airways-owner IAG takes off like a rocket.

During the last 12 months, IAG has soared 150%, whereas easyJet shares fell 6.5%. That’s a stark distinction. So why is easyJet so underpowered? Extra importantly, can it make up misplaced floor?

Judging by its low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of simply 8.6, there’s a possible cut price to think about right here. That’s nicely beneath the common FTSE 100 P/E of round 15 instances.

Like each airline, it was hammered by the pandemic. IAG is over that. EasyJet isn’t. Why?

Can this FTSE 100 inventory struggle again?

It’s missed out on a key income driver that’s been boosting its rival – the transatlantic commerce. EasyJet, being a short-haul European airline, isn’t benefitting in the identical manner.

The UK and European economies are each struggling, because the cost-of-living disaster drags on. easyJet’s buyer base may really feel the pinch. Price range airways depend on sturdy demand, and any financial downturn may make folks suppose twice about discretionary journey. Now they’ve Donald Trump’s commerce tariffs to take care of too.

That’s a fear, with the Financial institution of England forecasting shopper price inflation will head in direction of 3.7% later in the summertime.

easyJet’s Q1 outcomes printed on 22 January confirmed a £61m headline loss earlier than tax for the three months to 31 December. Nevertheless, that’s roughly halved from a £126m loss a 12 months earlier. Decrease gasoline costs helped. Group revenues rose 13% to £2.04bn.

Bookings for summer season 2025 look sturdy, suggesting demand stays resilient. Particularly in its fast-growing holidays section. easyJet says it’s nonetheless on monitor to hit its medium-term goal to ship greater than £1bn of revenue earlier than tax.

Somewhat revenue, numerous potential development

Final week, the shares climbed 3.5%. That’s a welcome transfer in the suitable course, however IAG nonetheless beat it, rising 8%.

I anticipate easyJet shares to fly sooner or later. Traders who think about getting in earlier than they take off ought to bag one of the best returns. However they could have to resist some short-term volatility. Working margins are forecast to drop from 10.3% to 7.1%. Unstable gasoline costs stay a priority.

There’s a dividend, however it’s modest. The trailing yield is 2.3%. That’s forecast to hit 2.7% this 12 months. Plus it’s comfortably lined 4.9 instances by earnings, which suggests sustainability.

There’s loads of optimism on the market. The 20 analysts providing one-year share price forecasts have produced a median goal of simply over 705p. If appropriate, that’s a rise of round 33% from right here. I fancy a few of that.

Of the 21 analysts monitoring the inventory, 12 name it a Sturdy Purchase, two say Purchase and 7 say Maintain. None recommend promoting.

I share their optimism. However I nonetheless suppose easyJet shares might be a bumpy trip. Traders contemplating the inventory ought to take a minimal five-year view.