United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.04 EPS

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The transportation company reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.04, Zacks reports. United Airlines had a return on equity of 25.13% and a net margin of 5.68%.The company had revenue of $14.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $14.19 billion.

United Airlines Price Performance

NASDAQ:UAL traded down $1.78 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $97.13. 9,612,807 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,191,725. The company has a market capitalization of $31.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.28. United Airlines has a 12 month low of $65.26 and a 12 month high of $119.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $98.85 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $102.50.

United Airlines News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: Management/market-watchers expect clarity on United’s growth plans at the upcoming earnings release; a strong guidance/strategy could be a catalyst. Earnings To Watch
• Positive Sentiment: Technical/breadth indicators have flashed buy signals for UAL in some screeners, which can attract momentum traders if headlines stabilize. MarketBeat Buy Signals
• Neutral Sentiment: CEO Scott Kirby’s reported suggestion of a potential tie-up with American briefly resurfaced merger speculation — the idea hasn’t gained broad support, leaving upside from consolidation uncertain. Forbes: Merger Hint
• Neutral Sentiment: Management’s recent earnings transcript is available for investors to read for tone on capacity, pricing and M&A appetite — details there could sway sentiment either way. Earnings Transcript
• Negative Sentiment: American Airlines publicly rejected a merger proposal, extinguishing a near-term path to consolidation and signaling strong antitrust resistance — this raised political and regulatory risks for any future tie-up. American Rejects Merger
• Negative Sentiment: Bipartisan senators have signaled concern about a UAL–American combination, increasing the likelihood of heavy regulatory scrutiny and making deal outcomes more uncertain. WSJ: Senators Warn
• Negative Sentiment: Rising jet fuel costs tied to geopolitical tensions (Iran-related) are a clear near-term headwind to margins and were flagged repeatedly in pre-earnings coverage; fuel volatility could pressure results. Barron’s: Fuel Costs
• Negative Sentiment: Public comments from President Trump about Spirit and merger chatter add political noise; combined with American’s dismissal, the episode may prolong headline-driven volatility. Fox Business: Trump on Spirit/Merger

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research firms have recently issued reports on UAL. Weiss Ratings reissued a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of United Airlines in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $134.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, March 23rd. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $155.00 to $132.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Friday, March 20th. Susquehanna increased their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $117.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a “positive” rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $148.00 to $125.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, March 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $131.19.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, President Brett J. Hart sold 19,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.45, for a total transaction of $2,022,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president directly owned 264,638 shares in the company, valued at approximately $28,170,715.10. This trade represents a 6.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.86% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Airlines

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bison Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of United Airlines in the 4th quarter valued at $246,000. IHT Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of United Airlines by 7.4% in the 4th quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,866 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $320,000 after purchasing an additional 197 shares during the period. HUB Investment Partners LLC acquired a new position in United Airlines in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $283,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in United Airlines in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $266,000. Finally, Diligent Investors LLC acquired a new position in United Airlines in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $241,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.69% of the company’s stock.

United Airlines Company Profile

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.