Ryanair Climbs Past No-Frills Peers With Tight Cost Control

In a year of restrained economic optimism in Europe, investors flocked to a no-frills airline known for its cost control and focus.

Ryanair Holdings Plc’s stock climbed 55% this year, making it the best European performer in the Bloomberg World Airlines Index after Norwegian Air Shuttle AS. The Irish carrier has flown past peers due to its operational efficiency and earnings growth, underpinned by a €750 million ($881 million) share buyback.