United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL – Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The transportation company reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.08 by $0.11, Zacks reports. United Airlines had a net margin of 6.06% and a return on equity of 24.99%. The company had revenue of $14.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.91 earnings per share. United Airlines’s quarterly revenue was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. United Airlines updated its FY 2026 guidance to 7.000-11.000 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance to 1.000-2.000 EPS.
United Airlines Price Performance
Shares of UAL stock opened at $91.71 on Thursday. United Airlines has a fifty-two week low of $65.66 and a fifty-two week high of $119.21. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.19, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.65. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $98.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $102.43.
More United Airlines News
Here are the key news stories impacting United Airlines this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Q1 beat: UAL reported stronger‑than‑expected Q1 revenue and EPS, with revenue up ~10% y/y and improved margins — a reminder of resilient premium demand that supports near‑term cash generation. United Airlines Q1 Earnings & Revenues Surpass Estimates
- Positive Sentiment: Operational strength: Management highlighted on‑time performance and initiatives to boost premium revenue and loyalty, which underpin pricing power and long‑term strategy. United’s Long‑Term Strategy Remains Focused on Winning Brand‑Loyal Customers
- Neutral Sentiment: Merger chatter cooled: CEO Scott Kirby downplayed merger talks with American; the White House also signaled skepticism — removes a potential strategic catalyst (but avoids regulatory distraction). United Airlines CEO plays down merger talk
- Neutral Sentiment: Analyst backdrop: Street price targets remain well above current levels (median ~$130), indicating continued buy‑side conviction despite near‑term headwinds. Quiver Quant Q1 recap and analyst targets
- Negative Sentiment: Guidance cut: UAL reduced FY‑2026 EPS guidance to $7–11 (from $12–14 earlier) and set Q2 EPS well below consensus, a primary driver of the share decline as it signals meaningful margin pressure. United Airlines slashes 2026 forecast as fuel costs surge
- Negative Sentiment: Fuel shock and capacity cuts: Management cited a surge in jet‑fuel costs (fuel costs more than doubled for some routes) and plans to cut ~5 points of planned capacity for the year — both reduce near‑term profit visibility. United Airlines sees weak Q2, full‑year profit as fuel shock squeezes margins
- Negative Sentiment: Price risk to demand: CEO said fares may need to rise up to 15–20% to offset fuel — that could pressure volumes if consumers push back or if competitors adjust differently. United says fares may need to rise up to 20%
- Negative Sentiment: Industry contagion: Peers (e.g., Southwest) are also lowering or withdrawing guidance due to high fuel, underscoring the sector‑wide margin risk that could keep multiple airlines under pressure. Southwest drops guidance as oil rises
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
View Our Latest Analysis on UAL
Insider Buying and Selling at United Airlines
In other news, President Brett J. Hart sold 19,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.45, for a total transaction of $2,022,550.00. Following the sale, the president owned 264,638 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,170,715.10. The trade was a 6.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.86% of the company’s stock.
Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Airlines
Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in United Airlines in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Quattro Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in United Airlines in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Wiser Advisor Group LLC purchased a new stake in United Airlines in the third quarter valued at approximately $41,000. DV Equities LLC purchased a new stake in United Airlines in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Finally, Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in United Airlines in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.69% of the company’s stock.
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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