Britain's Most Admired by sector: Transport
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1 easyJet 60.1
2 Stagecoach 58.4
3 Go-Ahead Group 54.9
4 Ryanair 53.9
5 FirstGroup 52.9
EasyJet climbs from fifth to top a turbulent sector. Its ascent was rocked by boardroom rows, but it made a full-year profit, albeit 65% down. Passenger numbers rose steadily, proving that it's the short-haul budget model that really flies. Stagecoach fails to maintain last year's stellar rise, slipping from sixth to 54th overall. It remains hopeful about its chances of grabbing a share of troubled rival National Express, despite two abortive attempts to hop on board. Ryanair taxis into fourth - a low showing, given that it's predicting profits of up to EUR300m. Rivals don't find much to admire in boss O'Leary's outspoken style, despite his commercial prowess.