United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL – Get Free Report) had its price target raised by investment analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $110.00 to $130.00 in a research report issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an “outperform” rating on the transportation company’s stock. BMO Capital Markets’ target price indicates a potential upside of 41.98% from the stock’s current price.
Several other research analysts also recently issued reports on UAL. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on United Airlines from $145.00 to $130.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 16th. Susquehanna boosted their target price on United Airlines from $117.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Argus decreased their price target on United Airlines from $140.00 to $135.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Barclays lifted their price objective on United Airlines from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group cut their target price on shares of United Airlines from $148.00 to $125.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, March 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $133.59.
Check Out Our Latest Research Report on United Airlines
United Airlines Stock Down 0.2%
United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 21st. The transportation company reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.11. 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 for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.91 earnings per share. United Airlines’s quarterly revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. United Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.000-11.000 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 1.000-2.000 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that United Airlines will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Insider Activity at United Airlines
In other news, President Brett J. Hart sold 19,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.45, for a total value of $2,022,550.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president directly owned 264,638 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $28,170,715.10. This represents a 6.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.86% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.
Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Airlines
Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID acquired a new position in shares of United Airlines in the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Financial Consulate Inc. bought a new position in United Airlines during the third quarter worth about $29,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in United Airlines in the third quarter valued at about $29,000. Cache Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United Airlines during the first quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of United Airlines during the 3rd quarter valued at about $34,000. Institutional investors own 69.69% of the company’s stock.
Key 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
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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