United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Issues Quarterly Earnings Results

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The transportation company reported $2.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.57 by ($0.03), FiscalAI reports. United Airlines had a net margin of 5.56% and a return on equity of 19.05%.

United Airlines Trading Up 2.3%

NASDAQ:UAL traded up $2.17 on Tuesday, reaching $97.77. The stock had a trading volume of 6,954,550 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,688,377. The company has a market cap of $31.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.30. United Airlines has a 12-month low of $84.64 and a 12-month high of $138.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $110.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $110.63.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of United Airlines from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a report on Monday, September 28th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $132.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Monday, June 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on United Airlines from $131.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, July 2nd. TD Cowen lowered their target price on shares of United Airlines from $192.00 to $167.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 2nd. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $175.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 11th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, United Airlines presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $156.38.

Insider Buying and Selling at United Airlines

In other news, President Brett Hart sold 30,108 shares of the 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 completion of the sale, the president owned 371,583 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $44,857,499.76. This represents a 7.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal 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 P. Nocella sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.00, for a total value of $585,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 214,955 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $25,149,735. This represents a 2.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 62,308 shares of company stock worth $7,520,754 in the last quarter. 0.86% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Trending Headlines about United Airlines

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

• Positive Sentiment: Lower oil prices support airline profitability. A pullback in crude has lifted the broader airline group, improving expectations for United’s fuel expense and operating margins. American Airlines Rises as Oil Prices Ease
• Positive Sentiment: Investors are positioned ahead of earnings. United is scheduled to report third-quarter results after the bell, with retail investors reportedly bullish. The report and management’s guidance could provide a near-term catalyst for the stock and clarify trends in fares, capacity, demand and costs. United Airlines Q3 Earnings Expectations
• Positive Sentiment: Meal preordering is expanding. United is extending its Economy meal-preordering program to shorter flights, potentially serving as many as 65,000 additional customers per day. The initiative may improve the passenger experience and modestly support ancillary revenue, although its direct earnings impact is likely limited. United Expands Meal Preorder
• Neutral Sentiment: Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 certification improves future fleet visibility. United is among the airlines with orders for the aircraft, so regulatory approval could eventually support fleet growth and operational efficiency. However, deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, making this more of a long-term benefit than an immediate earnings driver. Boeing 737 MAX 10 Approval
• Negative Sentiment: CEO Scott Kirby’s comments on wealth inequality and higher taxes for wealthy private-jet users have drawn attention. The remarks generated headlines and online criticism, but they do not appear to change United’s operating outlook. They could create a minor reputational or political distraction for investors. UAL CEO Comments on Taxes

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.