United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Issues Q4 2026 Earnings Guidance

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) issued an update on its fourth quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 0.500-1.500 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 1.810. The company issued revenue guidance of $18.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $18.2 billion.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the company. UBS Group reduced their price target on United Airlines from $146.00 to $139.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 16th. Rothschild & Co Redburn dropped their target price on shares of United Airlines from $165.00 to $150.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 18th. Susquehanna reduced their price target on shares of United Airlines from $165.00 to $150.00 and set a “positive” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 7th. Evercore restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $160.00 price objective on shares of United Airlines in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of United Airlines in a research report on Thursday, October 15th. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $158.69.

United Airlines Stock Performance

United Airlines stock traded up $3.90 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $101.67. 10,637,124 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,724,937. United Airlines has a 12 month low of $84.64 and a 12 month high of $138.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The business has a 50 day moving average of $110.38 and a two-hundred day moving average of $110.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $33.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.30.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 20th. The transportation company reported $2.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.57 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $17.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $17.89 billion. United Airlines had a return on equity of 19.05% and a net margin of 5.56%. The company’s revenue was up 17.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.78 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that United Airlines will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at United Airlines

In other United Airlines news, EVP Andrew Nocella sold 5,000 shares of United Airlines stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.00, for a total value of $585,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 214,955 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $25,149,735. The trade was a 2.27% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP Torbjorn Enqvist sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.91, for a total transaction of $2,398,200.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 114,800 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $13,765,668. This trade represents a 14.84% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Insiders sold 62,308 shares of company stock worth $7,520,754 in the last quarter. 0.86% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Key Stories Impacting United Airlines

Here are the key news stories impacting United Airlines this week:

• Positive Sentiment: United forecasts fourth-quarter revenue growth of more than 20% year over year, up from 17.4% in the third quarter. Strong bookings, higher fares and increased customer spending are expected to help offset rising fuel expenses. United Airlines forecasts record fourth-quarter revenue growth above 20%
• Positive Sentiment: Management said the airline recaptured approximately 72% of the increase in quarterly fuel costs, indicating that pricing power and demand remain supportive of operating performance. United also increased its revolving credit facility from $3 billion to $5 billion, strengthening liquidity flexibility. United Airlines: 3 Key Takeaways for Long-Term Investors
• Positive Sentiment: United is investing in its Houston hub, including an 800-seat airport lounge as part of a $2.6 billion overhaul. The project may improve the premium-customer experience and support long-term non-ticket revenue. United Airlines set to open its biggest airport lounge in Houston
• Neutral Sentiment: Unusually heavy options activity was reported, with call-option volume roughly 546% above its average. This suggests increased bullish speculation, but options positioning does not necessarily reflect durable fundamental demand.
• Negative Sentiment: Third-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.54 per share fell short of the roughly $2.57 consensus and declined from $2.78 a year earlier. Revenue rose 17.4% to about $17.9 billion, but fuel inflation reduced profitability. United Airlines sees elevated fuel costs through 2027
• Negative Sentiment: United lowered its profit outlook as jet-fuel costs are expected to remain elevated through 2027. The outlook implies continued margin pressure even while planes remain well booked. United Airlines lowers profit outlook as fuel prices rise

About United Airlines

United Airlines Holdings, Inc is the parent company of United Airlines, a major U.S. commercial airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company provides scheduled passenger air transportation and air cargo services, connecting customers across the United States and to international destinations.

United operates a broad network serving North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania. Its operations are supported by hubs in major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco and Washington, DC, as well as an extensive network of regional carriers operating under the United Express brand.

The company offers several travel classes and related services, including premium-cabin seating, onboard amenities, airport lounges and the MileagePlus customer loyalty program.