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

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

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

UAL has been the subject of several research analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on United Airlines from $157.50 to $140.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 28th. 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 note on Wednesday, October 7th. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of United Airlines from $146.00 to $139.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 16th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 6th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, United Airlines has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $158.69.

United Airlines Stock Performance

NASDAQ:UAL opened at $101.67 on Thursday. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $109.91 and its 200-day moving average is $110.71. United Airlines has a 1-year low of $84.64 and a 1-year high of $138.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45. The stock has a market cap of $33.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.13 and a beta of 1.30.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 20th. The transportation company reported $2.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.57 by ($0.03). United Airlines had a net margin of 5.46% and a return on equity of 18.09%. The business had revenue of $17.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.89 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.78 EPS. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 17.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that United Airlines will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, President Brett J. Hart sold 30,108 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.72, for a total value of $3,634,637.76. Following the transaction, the president owned 371,583 shares in the company, valued at $44,857,499.76. The trade was a 7.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, EVP Andrew Nocella sold 5,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.00, for a total transaction of $585,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 214,955 shares in the company, valued at $25,149,735. This trade represents a 2.27% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 62,308 shares of company stock valued at $7,520,754 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.86% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about United Airlines

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

• Positive Sentiment: United forecast fourth-quarter revenue of approximately $18.5 billion, above the $18.2 billion analyst consensus and representing year-over-year growth of more than 20%. The outlook suggests customers continue to spend despite higher fares. United Airlines forecasts record fourth-quarter revenue growth above 20%
• Positive Sentiment: Management said United recaptured 72% of the increase in quarterly fuel expenses through pricing and other measures. The airline also expanded its revolving credit facility from $3 billion to $5 billion, strengthening liquidity amid an uncertain cost environment. United Airlines: 3 Key Takeaways for Long-Term Investors
• Positive Sentiment: Approval of Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 could eventually help United receive additional aircraft and improve fleet capacity, though the benefit is more relevant to 2027 and beyond. Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 Approval
• Neutral Sentiment: Unusually heavy call-option activity—123,676 contracts, about 546% above average—signals increased speculative bullish interest, but options trading does not change United’s underlying fundamentals.
• Negative Sentiment: United’s third-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.54 missed the $2.57 consensus, while revenue of $17.88 billion was essentially in line with expectations. EPS also declined from $2.78 a year earlier as fuel costs rose. UAL Q3 Earnings Miss on Surging Fuel Costs
• Negative Sentiment: Fourth-quarter EPS guidance of $0.50–$1.50 was well below the $1.81 consensus. United also warned that elevated fuel costs may persist through 2027, raising concerns about margins and forcing a reduction in its profit outlook. United Airlines Sees Elevated Fuel Costs Through 2027
• Negative Sentiment: CEO Scott Kirby’s support for a wealth tax has attracted political criticism, particularly given his reported compensation. The controversy may create reputational noise, but it is unlikely to materially affect near-term earnings. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby Doubles Down on Wealth Tax Support

United Airlines Company Profile

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.