United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Issues Earnings Results, Beats Expectations By $0.10 EPS

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The transportation company reported $1.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.10, FiscalAI reports. United Airlines had a return on equity of 24.33% and a net margin of 6.06%.The business had revenue of $17.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.57 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.87 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter 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 Up 0.5%

Shares of NASDAQ:UAL opened at $120.97 on Thursday. United Airlines has a 12 month low of $82.42 and a 12 month high of $138.77. The firm has a market cap of $39.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.80, a P/E/G ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.25. 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’s 50-day moving average price is $113.92 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $106.56.

Insider Activity

In other United Airlines news, EVP Kate Gebo sold 5,331 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.51, for a total transaction of $562,473.81. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 60,393 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $6,372,065.43. This represents a 8.11% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO J Scott Kirby sold 1,078 shares of United Airlines stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.74, for a total value of $130,157.72. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 797,851 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $96,332,529.74. This trade represents a 0.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Insiders have sold 96,381 shares of company stock valued at $10,837,575 over the last three months. 0.86% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Airlines

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPL Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in United Airlines in the third quarter worth about $29,000. Wiser Advisor Group LLC acquired a new position in United Airlines during the 3rd quarter valued at about $41,000. Quattro Advisors LLC acquired a new position in United Airlines during the 4th quarter valued at about $44,000. DV Equities LLC bought a new position in shares of United Airlines in the 4th quarter valued at about $51,000. Finally, Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC bought a new position in shares of United Airlines in the 4th quarter valued at about $61,000. Institutional investors own 69.69% of the company’s stock.

United Airlines News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: United beat Q2 estimates, reporting adjusted EPS of $1.99 versus consensus near $1.89-$1.92 and revenue of $17.67 billion, slightly ahead of expectations. United Airlines (UAL) Beats Q2 Earnings Estimates
• Positive Sentiment: The company lifted FY 2026 EPS guidance to $9 to $11, signaling management expects profits to land at the high end of its prior range despite a more volatile operating backdrop. United Airlines Lifts Outlook as Higher Fares Blunt Turbulent Fuel Prices
• Positive Sentiment: Management said strong travel demand and higher fares are helping offset fuel pressure, and United also expanded premium seating on select aircraft, which could support revenue per seat over time. United Expands Premium Seating With Empty Middle Seat on Select Flights
• Neutral Sentiment: Analysts and media coverage continue to frame United as a high-expectations name, with recent preview pieces highlighting resilient demand but also the importance of how the airline manages fuel volatility. United Airlines Q2 Preview: High-End Beat Expected, Fuel a Wild Card
• Negative Sentiment: Higher fuel assumptions are the main headwind, with United warning of about $6 billion in added fuel costs, which is pressuring sentiment even after the earnings beat. United Airlines Earnings Top Estimates but $6 Billion in Added Fuel Costs Bites

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on United Airlines from $130.00 to $157.50 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday, July 2nd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of United Airlines in a research report on Monday, April 20th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of United Airlines from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 25th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of United Airlines from $182.00 to $185.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, July 6th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price target on shares of United Airlines from $136.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 1st. Sixteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $151.62.

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.