United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL – Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The transportation company reported $1.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.88 by $0.11, FiscalAI reports. United Airlines had a return on equity of 19.54% and a net margin of 5.56%.The company had revenue of $17.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.60 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $3.87 EPS. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. United Airlines updated its FY 2026 guidance to 9.000-11.000 EPS.
United Airlines Stock Down 1.8%
NASDAQ UAL opened at $118.81 on Friday. United Airlines has a 52 week low of $82.42 and a 52 week high of $138.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The company has a market capitalization of $38.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.25. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $114.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $106.59.
Analyst Ratings Changes
UAL has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on United Airlines from $131.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 2nd. UBS Group increased their target price on United Airlines from $148.00 to $153.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 23rd. Bank of America lifted their target price on United Airlines from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. Wall Street Zen upgraded United Airlines from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, April 25th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on United Airlines from $130.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, June 30th. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $151.91.
Insider Activity at United Airlines
In related news, EVP Andrew P. Nocella sold 7,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.19, for a total value of $631,330.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 215,345 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $19,421,965.55. This represents a 3.15% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Kate Gebo sold 34,669 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.41, for a total transaction of $3,654,459.29. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 67,707 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,136,994.87. The trade was a 33.86% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 96,381 shares of company stock worth $10,837,575. 0.86% of the stock is owned by company insiders.
Institutional Trading of United Airlines
A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of UAL. Holocene Advisors LP bought a new stake in shares of United Airlines during the 2nd quarter valued at $84,753,000. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in United Airlines by 56.8% during the 4th quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 2,928,657 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $325,549,000 after buying an additional 1,060,371 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC grew its holdings in United Airlines by 90.5% during the 4th quarter. Nuveen LLC now owns 1,528,242 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $170,888,000 after buying an additional 726,022 shares in the last quarter. Freestone Grove Partners LP lifted its holdings in shares of United Airlines by 1,282.2% in the third quarter. Freestone Grove Partners LP now owns 776,783 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $74,960,000 after buying an additional 720,583 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Electron Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in United Airlines during the third quarter valued at $56,837,000. 69.69% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
United Airlines News Roundup
Here are the key news stories impacting United Airlines this week:
- Positive Sentiment: United delivered a second-quarter earnings and revenue beat, with EPS of $1.99 versus $1.88 expected and revenue of $17.67 billion, helped by strong passenger demand and robust premium travel. United Airlines earnings top estimates but $6 billion in added fuel costs bites
- Positive Sentiment: Management raised full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $9 to $11, signaling confidence in demand and pricing power despite a tougher operating backdrop. United Airlines Lifts Outlook as Higher Fares Blunt Turbulent Fuel Prices
- Positive Sentiment: Executives highlighted record passenger volumes and “incredibly strong” travel demand, reinforcing the view that premiumization and higher fares are still working. United Airlines Breaks Passenger Records Despite Surging Ticket Prices
- Neutral Sentiment: Several post-earnings analyses said United’s valuation looks reasonable or fair on cash flow, suggesting the stock may be more of a fundamentals story than an obvious bargain or warning sign. United (UAL) Stock Looks Fair On Cash Flow While Earnings Hint Lower
- Negative Sentiment: The big drag is fuel: United warned higher jet fuel costs could add nearly $6 billion to 2026 expenses, which is pressuring margins and overshadowing the earnings beat. United Airlines warns higher fuel costs could add nearly $6 billion to expenses in 2026 (UAL)
- Negative Sentiment: Third-quarter EPS guidance of $2.50 to $3.50 came in below Wall Street expectations at the midpoint, which is the main reason the stock moved down after the report. United Airlines shares fall as weak outlook overshadows Q2 earnings beat
About United Airlines
United Airlines Holdings, Inc operates United Airlines, a major U.S. full-service passenger carrier providing scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo. The company offers a comprehensive route network that covers domestic markets across the United States as well as extensive international service to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific. United operates a mixed fleet of narrow- and wide-body aircraft on point-to-point and hub-and-spoke routes, and supports corporate and leisure travel through offerings such as premium cabins, basic economy, and ancillary services including baggage, seat selection and in-flight amenities.
In addition to passenger operations, United provides cargo services through United Cargo, handling freight, mail and specialized shipments.
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