United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Issues Earnings Results

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The transportation company reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.11, Zacks reports. The firm had revenue of $14.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.19 billion. United Airlines had a net margin of 5.68% and a return on equity of 25.13%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.91 earnings per share. 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 Trading Down 1.8%

Shares of NASDAQ UAL opened at $97.13 on Wednesday. United Airlines has a 1-year low of $65.26 and a 1-year high of $119.21. The company has a market cap of $31.53 billion, a PE ratio of 9.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35. The company has a 50-day moving average of $98.46 and a two-hundred day moving average of $102.51.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages have weighed in on UAL. Rothschild & Co Redburn dropped their target price on shares of United Airlines from $125.00 to $110.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 5th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of United Airlines from $134.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, March 23rd. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and issued a $132.50 target price on shares of United Airlines in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. TD Cowen raised shares of United Airlines from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of United Airlines from $115.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $133.74.

United Airlines News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: Q1 outperformance — United reported revenue and EPS that topped Street views and showed stronger margins and operating profit year-over-year, supporting near-term earnings quality. United Airlines (UAL) Beats Q1 Earnings and Revenue Estimates
• Neutral Sentiment: Merger chatter remains unresolved — CEO comments and press reports about a possible tie-up with American Airlines created headlines, but American publicly rejected merger talks; unsure impact on fundamentals. United Airlines CEO Stirred Up A Hornet’s Nest With Merger Hint
• Negative Sentiment: Guidance cut — UAL trimmed Q2 and full?year 2026 EPS ranges (Q2: $1.00–$2.00 vs. ~$1.96 consensus; FY: $7–$11 vs. ~$9.05 consensus and vs. $12–$14 earlier), reducing near?term upside. United Airlines slashes 2026 forecast as fuel costs surge
• Negative Sentiment: Fuel-cost shock & capacity cuts — management blamed higher jet fuel tied to Iran-related tensions (roughly $340M impact cited) and plans to cut ~5 points of planned capacity, both of which will squeeze margins and growth. United Airlines echoes industry caution as Iran war fuel surge squeezes margins
• Negative Sentiment: Insider sales and investor repositioning — notable insider selling and mixed institutional moves were flagged in filings/coverage, which can weigh on sentiment even after a beat. United Airlines (UAL) Releases Q1 2026 Earnings

Insider Activity at United Airlines

In other news, President Brett J. Hart sold 19,000 shares of United Airlines 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 owned 264,638 shares in the company, valued at $28,170,715.10. The trade was a 6.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.86% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Airlines

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. AXA S.A. grew its position in shares of United Airlines by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 15,465 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $1,231,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund grew its position in shares of United Airlines by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 49,083 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $5,488,000 after buying an additional 143 shares during the period. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. grew its position in shares of United Airlines by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. now owns 4,103 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $459,000 after buying an additional 144 shares during the period. VestGen Investment Management grew its position in shares of United Airlines by 2.9% during the 4th quarter. VestGen Investment Management now owns 5,915 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $661,000 after buying an additional 165 shares during the period. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its position in shares of United Airlines by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 11,404 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $1,100,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the period. 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.