A United Airlines plane taxis to a runway at Newark Liberty International Airport in front of the lower Manhattan skyline and the World Trade Center in New York City on December 4, 2024, in Newark, New Jersey.
Gary Hirschhorn | Corbis News | Getty Images
United Airlines It expected first-quarter earnings that beat analyst estimates as the company seeks to increase profits again in 2025 thanks to strong travel demand.
The airline said Tuesday it expects adjusted profit of 75 cents to $1.25 in the first three months of the year, higher than analysts' expectations of 54 cents, according to LSEG Estimates.
United's shares have risen more than 180% over the past 12 months through Tuesday's close, more than any other U.S. airline. United shares rose more than 3% in extended trading after the results were announced.
Here's what United reported for the fourth quarter compared to what Wall Street expected, based on estimates compiled by LSEG:
- EPS: $3.26 was revised from $3.00 expected
- profit: $14.70 billion versus $14.47 billion expected
For full-year 2025, United expects adjusted earnings to increase to $11.50 to $13.50, roughly in line with expectations of $12.82, according to LSEG.
United and competitive Delta They have benefited from strong demand for higher priced seats such as business class, international travel and their massive loyalty programmes. Delta CEO Ed Bastian Earlier this month He said he expects 2025 to be “the best financial year in our history” for the carrier.
United reported earnings of $985 million for the fourth quarter, up 64% from a year ago, on revenue of $14.70 billion, up about 8% from the previous year. Adjusting for one-time items, United reported earnings of $3.26 per share during the fourth quarter, also beating expectations.
Loyalty program revenues, as well as international, domestic and basic economy class revenues, rose from the previous year, and unit revenues, which measure pricing power, turned positive during the same quarter of 2023.
