United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) Receives Average Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from Analysts

United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) has received an average rating of “Moderate Buy” from the seventeen analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $137.3235.

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on UAL shares. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on United Airlines from $115.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Citigroup restated a “buy” rating on shares of United Airlines in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $135.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an “outperform” rating and set a $136.00 target price on shares of United Airlines in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Susquehanna lifted their target price on shares of United Airlines from $117.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, CEO J Scott Kirby sold 120,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.86, for a total value of $12,943,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 666,535 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $71,892,465.10. The trade was a 15.26% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, President Brett J. Hart sold 19,000 shares of United Airlines 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 sale, the president owned 264,638 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $28,170,715.10. This represents a 6.70% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.63% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Airlines

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID acquired a new position in United Airlines during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of United Airlines in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. BOCHK Asset Management Ltd acquired a new position in shares of United Airlines during the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new stake in United Airlines during the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Motiv8 Investments LLC acquired a new stake in United Airlines in the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. 69.69% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Key Stories Impacting United Airlines

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

• Positive Sentiment: United announced bigger MileagePlus rewards and exclusive Saver award inventory for co-branded cardholders — a push that should raise card adoption, increase higher-margin card-related revenue and strengthen loyalty economics. United Gives MileagePlus Credit Cardholders More Miles, Exclusive Flight Discounts
• Positive Sentiment: Multiple outlets frame the MileagePlus overhaul as designed to boost co-branded card adoption — a strategy likely to lift ancillary revenue per passenger and margins over time. This is being received positively by investors focused on revenue diversification. United Airlines’ best loyalty perks will soon be reserved for its cardholders. Is the card worth it?
• Positive Sentiment: Analyst/market commentary points to continued upside since the latest earnings report and a recent relative-strength rating upgrade — technical and fundamental momentum that can attract buyers. United (UAL) Up 5.4% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue? United Airlines scores relative strength rating upgrade; hits key threshold
• Neutral Sentiment: Company presentation at Barclays and industry coverage give additional investor visibility but no new material guidance; useful for modeling but unlikely to move the stock alone. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) Presents at Barclays 43rd Annual Industrial Select
• Negative Sentiment: A federal watchdog criticized FAA oversight of United’s maintenance practices — a near-term regulatory/compliance risk that could raise inspection costs, invite fines or increase operational scrutiny. This is the primary negative headline pressuring sentiment. Federal watchdog faults FAA oversight of United Airlines maintenance practices
• Negative Sentiment: Some consumer-facing coverage frames the loyalty changes as “paring back” rewards for non-cardholders, which could generate negative PR or customer pushback even as the moves boost revenue — watch for churn/brand sentiment signals. United Airlines is paring back rewards for travelers who don’t have its credit card in MileagePlus overhaul United Airlines slashing miles rewards for travelers who don’t own its credit card

United Airlines Stock Performance

Shares of UAL opened at $113.03 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35. United Airlines has a 52-week low of $52.00 and a 52-week high of $119.21. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $111.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of $104.20. The company has a market capitalization of $36.56 billion, a PE ratio of 11.06, a P/E/G ratio of 0.60 and a beta of 1.30.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 20th. The transportation company reported $3.10 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.97 by $0.13. United Airlines had a net margin of 5.68% and a return on equity of 25.13%. The company had revenue of $15.40 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.35 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.26 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. United Airlines has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.000-1.500 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 12.000-14.000 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that United Airlines will post 12.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

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.