United Airlines Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in the United States, Canada, Atlantic, the Pacific, and Latin America. It transports people and cargo through its mainline and regional fleets. The company also offers ground handling, flight academy, frequent flyer award non-travel redemptions, and maintenance services for third parties. In addition, it provides freight and mail transportation services to commercial businesses, freight forwarders, logistics firms, and national postal services, as well as loyalty programs. The company distributes its products through direct channels, such as the Company's website and the Company's mobile app; and traditional travel agencies, online travel agencies, and other intermediaries. The company was formerly known as United Continental Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to United Airlines Holdings, Inc. in June 2019. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
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United Airlines Unveils Largest International Expansion with 10 New Cities
United Airlines Holdings has announced the largest international network expansion in its history, planning 10 new international cities and several exclusive nonstop routes for 2027. The airline expects to be the only U.S. carrier serving eight of the newly announced cities once the routes begin operating. United plans to debut its new "Born to Explore" A321XLR aircraft on select routes and to resume or expand several long-haul international services in 2027. The expansion, which adds to its existing network across the United States, Canada, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and Latin America, aligns with the United Next capacity plan and focuses on premium demand and higher-yielding cabins. However, it also raises execution stakes, highlighting concerns about high leverage, capital intensity, and operational complexity. Investors will watch upcoming quarterly results for route-level commentary on load factors and premium cabin mix, as well as updates on cost per available seat mile tied to the A321XLR deployment.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are restoring more service to Israel, signaling growing confidence in a market that U.S. carriers have repeatedly pulled back from due to security concerns. Delta will restart daily New York-to-Tel Aviv flights on September 6, while United is adding San Francisco service next spring. Delta's restart is measured: its Atlanta-Tel Aviv service remains suspended until December 18, and Boston service until further notice. United plans three weekly flights between San Francisco and Tel Aviv beginning March 28, adding to its existing service from Newark, Chicago, and Washington Dulles. American Airlines, in contrast, has its Israel flights suspended through March 27, 2027, leaving Delta and United with less direct competition. For investors, Israel itself is unlikely to materially change either airline's overall earnings, but restoring service matters because long-haul international and premium travel are important revenue sources, and limited capacity can support pricing if demand remains resilient.
United Airlines CEO Sees Modest Rise in Airfares by First Half of 2027
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said on the 25th that, with travel demand remaining strong, airfares are expected to rise modestly in the first half of 2027. Kirby told reporters, "We see fares continuing to rise gradually, but the increase will not be as large as this year." His comments underscore that the travel market remains robust despite fare increases and broader economic uncertainty. Kirby noted that United Airlines has not yet seen a slowdown in demand, and this strength should help recover higher fuel costs in the fourth quarter of 2026. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. airfares rose 25.5% in July compared with the same month a year earlier, and averaged about 25% higher year-over-year from April to July.
United Adds 10 International Routes With Airbus A321XLR
United Airlines Holdings Inc. will add destinations in Europe and Asia to its network next year, using Airbus SE's new long-range narrow-body planes. The carrier will fly the A321XLR planes from its Newark hub to locations including Luxembourg and Marseille, and from San Francisco to Okinawa, Japan.
Dick's Sporting Goods plunges on revenue miss; AMD rises on upgrade
Dick's Sporting Goods shares plunged more than 12% in premarket trading after the retailer reported revenue of $5.59 billion, below the $5.65 billion expected by analysts polled by LSEG, citing a challenging footwear market. Advanced Micro Devices gained 2% after Raymond James upgraded the chipmaker to strong buy from outperform with a $641 price target implying 40% upside from Monday's close, expecting AMD to overtake Intel in the CPU market. Chip stocks rose broadly, with Intel up more than 3%, Nvidia up nearly 1%, and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF climbing more than 1%. Kura Oncology jumped 11% after CEO Troy Wilson disclosed buying 100,000 shares, Navitas Semiconductor rose about 5% on a $232.8 million deal for Claros, and United Airlines gained 2.9% after announcing 2027 flights spanning Sardinia to Okinawa.
United Airlines CEO Weighs JFK Growth and AI Plans
United Airlines Holdings CEO Scott Kirby is considering further growth at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, including seeking additional slots from airlines not generating attractive returns there. The carrier is expected to resume JFK service as early as next year through a partnership involving JetBlue Airways. United also plans to broaden its international network, already the largest among U.S. carriers, and is assessing how artificial intelligence could reshape parts of the airline industry. Kirby has previously discussed potential combinations involving United, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines Group, though those possibilities have faced resistance.
United Airlines Completes First Phase of Pilot Training Facility Expansion
United Airlines has completed the first phase of expansion at its pilot training facility in Denver, adding 40 new CAE training devices since 2022. The facility now has 86 CAE training devices, including 52 full-motion flight simulators and 34 fixed training devices, and can train up to 860 pilots per day. Phase two of the expansion is set to begin next year and is expected to be operational by 2030. United has invested $370 million in the Flight Training Center since 2016 and nearly $1 billion in Denver since 2021.
Archer Aviation Partners with Boeing in Strategic eVTOL Deal
Archer Aviation announced a strategic partnership with Boeing on August 10th, acquiring Wisk Aero, Insitu, and SkyGrid in exchange for a 19.75% equity stake in Archer. The deal immediately adds $200 million in annual revenue from Insitu and expands Archer's defense and air traffic management capabilities. Archer is also advancing a dual-use hybrid autonomous VTOL with Anduril and building an AI and connectivity stack with Palantir, NVIDIA, and SpaceX's Starlink. The company is the first to pass phase 3 of the FAA's four-phase certification process and plans early commercial operations later this year, with United Airlines ordering up to $1 billion in aircraft and Archer selected as the official air taxi provider for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
United Airlines Approached Delta About a Merger Last Year, Talks Never Advanced
United Airlines approached Delta Air Lines last year about a merger that would have combined the two most valuable U.S. carriers, but the talks never progressed. United CEO Scott Kirby personally called Delta CEO Ed Bastian to pitch the idea, and Delta’s leadership discussed the proposal as part of preliminary due diligence before both airlines moved on. The approach, which became public on July 26, sent United shares up 3.51% to $119.42 and Delta shares up 3.49% to $86.25 that day. A deal was widely seen as impossible on antitrust grounds, though some business leaders had hoped the second Trump administration might allow previously unthinkable combinations. Kirby also floated a merger with American Airlines earlier this year, an idea American’s CEO publicly rejected as anticompetitive.
Airlines scramble for jet fuel as Strait of Hormuz closure drags on
The months-long closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered severe global jet fuel shortages, forcing airlines to cut flights and seek alternative supplies. Europe faces a jet fuel supply deficit of almost 600,000 barrels per day in the third quarter, according to consultancy Energy Aspects, compared with surpluses of around 116,000 barrels per day in the United States and 425,000 barrels per day in Asia-Pacific. Jet fuel prices spiked to a high of $215.32 a barrel in late March before easing to just over $130. Ryanair reported an 11% rise in operating costs after 20% of its unhedged fuel was hit by price spikes, while Southwest Airlines shipped 12.6 million gallons of fuel from Texas to California via the Panama Canal to ease West Coast shortages. United Airlines expects nearly $6 billion in additional fuel expense for full-year 2026 compared with its forecast at the start of the year.
Global commercial flights hit single-day record of 153,359 on July 23
Global commercial flights reached a new single-day record of 153,359 on July 23, according to tracking data, underscoring robust demand that has lifted major U.S. airline stocks. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines Holdings, and Southwest Airlines all reported strong second-quarter results in July, with Delta beating revenue and earnings expectations and projecting full-year 2026 income of about $73 billion, 15% above 2025 levels. United raised its full-year earnings forecast to $9 to $11 per share, while Southwest posted earnings of $0.94 a share on revenue of $8.72 billion, exceeding analyst estimates. Despite the positive performance, rising jet fuel costs remain a risk, with United warning that higher fuel prices could add up to $6 billion to its expenses this year and Southwest noting it has raised fares in response. Jet fuel typically accounts for 20% to 30% of an airline's operating expenses, and further spikes tied to Persian Gulf tensions could pose headwinds.
GE Aerospace Commercial Engines Revenue Jumps 27% on Strong Aftermarket Demand
GE Aerospace's Commercial Engines & Services segment saw revenue surge 27% year over year to $9.73 billion in the second quarter of 2026, driven by robust aftermarket demand and higher equipment deliveries. Services revenue grew 26%, with internal shop visit revenues up 25% and spare parts revenues increasing more than 25%, while equipment revenue advanced 30% on a 26% rise in unit volume, including a 24% increase in LEAP deliveries. Total orders in the segment rose 18% to $12.93 billion, and the company recently secured major engine orders and service agreements with Jet2, Copa Airlines, Ryanair, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. For full-year 2026, GE expects adjusted revenues in the segment to grow about 20%. Shares of GE Aerospace have gained 23.4% over the past three months, outperforming the industry's 8.6% growth, though the stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 44.20X, above the industry average of 34.03X.
Companies defy macro uncertainty and raise guidance
A growing number of companies are raising their profit outlooks despite macroeconomic uncertainty. More S&P 500 firms are lifting guidance than cutting it, and Wall Street analysts have raised third-quarter earnings estimates for the index for the second consecutive quarter. Argus research analyst Christine Dooley views consistent guidance raises as a catalyst for market-beating returns. Among the companies that have raised guidance in the second quarter so far are Cheesecake Factory, Ford, General Motors, Hasbro, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Charles Schwab, PayPal, US Bancorp, ASML, Seagate Technology, Supermicro Computer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, United Airlines, and United Parcel Service.
United Airlines CEO's Merger Bids Rejected by Delta and American
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's merger approaches to Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have been rejected. Delta CEO Ed Bastian conducted preliminary due diligence but both sides moved on, while American CEO Robert Isom publicly called the bid a non-starter and anti-competitive. United shares closed at $128.39 on August 3, up 6.5% on the week and 51.8% over the past year, as the carrier focuses on organic growth through Starlink, new A321XLR jets, and joint ventures with ANA and Lufthansa. United posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $1.99 on $17.67 billion in revenue, a 16% year-over-year increase, and raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $9.00 to $11.00.
United Airlines Joins $20 Billion Dulles Airport Overhaul
United Airlines is partnering with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation on a more than $20 billion, decade-long transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport. The project will add over 5 million square feet of new or renovated space, modern concourses, enhanced transit links, and expanded customs and lounge facilities. The overhaul aims to reshape United's Dulles hub into a more efficient, premium-oriented gateway, potentially influencing how investors view the airline's long-term capacity and customer experience plans. United recently lifted its full-year 2026 earnings per share expectations while flagging higher fuel costs, and investors may now weigh how this additional infrastructure push fits alongside existing capital plans. Some analysts project revenues of about $67 billion and earnings near $4.3 billion, offering a more cautious outlook that could shift as the Dulles project's full impact becomes clearer.
United Airlines Executive Sells 13,794 Shares for $1.6 Million
United Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew P. Nocella sold 13,794 shares of the company's common stock for approximately $1.6 million between July 25 and July 28, 2026, according to an SEC filing. The transactions reduced his direct holdings by 6%, leaving him with 222,955 shares. Of the total disposition, 9,594 shares were withheld to cover tax obligations from vested performance-based restricted stock units, while the remaining 4,200 shares were sold on the open market. The sales occurred as United Airlines shares delivered a 34% total return over the prior 12 months, with the stock closing at $120.57 on July 27, 2026.
Archer Aviation Seen as Distressed Strategic Asset with Stellantis as Top Potential Acquirer
Archer Aviation has become a distressed strategic asset with shares down 55.3% over one year to a $3.7 billion market cap, despite being the first eVTOL developer to complete Phase 3 of FAA Type Certification. Stellantis is identified as the most plausible acquirer, already holding a 10.4% stake and serving as exclusive manufacturer of Archer's Midnight aircraft, with $47.7 billion in cash providing firepower. United Airlines, which holds a conditional order for 200 Midnight aircraft, ranks second, while Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Nvidia are seen as less likely buyers. Analysts maintain a $10.50 consensus price target on ACHR, and a put/call ratio of 0.27 signals bullish options market sentiment.
U.S. Airlines Slash Earnings Outlooks as Jet Fuel Costs Soar on Middle East Conflict
U.S. airlines are slashing earnings forecasts after renewed Middle East hostilities pushed jet fuel costs sharply higher. Southwest Airlines reported a $900 million year-over-year jump in second-quarter fuel expenses, a $1.17 headwind to adjusted earnings per share, and cut its full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to a range of $3.25 to $4.25 from at least $4.00. American Airlines saw fuel expense surge over $2.2 billion, or 83%, and now expects full-year adjusted diluted EPS between a loss of $0.65 and earnings of $0.65, with a third-quarter loss of $0.10 to $0.70 per share. United Airlines anticipates nearly $6 billion in added fuel expense for full-year 2026 and reported a $2.3 billion, or 84%, jump in second-quarter fuel costs. The spike follows the collapse of a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and a ceasefire, which reignited crude and fuel price rallies, while record U.S. fuel exports and tight global markets add further pressure.
United reportedly approached Delta Air Lines about a potential merger
United Airlines reportedly approached Delta Air Lines last year about a potential merger that would have combined two of the largest U.S. carriers. United CEO Scott Kirby contacted Delta CEO Ed Bastian to pitch the tie-up, and Delta leadership discussed the proposal as part of preliminary due diligence, but the talks did not advance. A United spokesperson said the airline had nothing to share, while Delta declined to comment. Kirby also explored a possible merger with American Airlines earlier this year, but American rejected it, and Kirby later downplayed the likelihood of a major consolidation deal.
Delta and United Airlines Stocks Look Like Values Despite Rising Fuel Costs
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have reported second-quarter results that show rising jet fuel costs are pressuring profits, but both carriers maintained or raised their full-year earnings outlooks, keeping their stocks in value territory. Delta affirmed its full-year earnings per share forecast of $6.50 to $7.50, while United lifted its range to $9 to $11 from a previous $7 to $11. Based on those projections, Delta trades at 11.3 to 13 times 2026 earnings and United at 10.6 to 12.9 times, with both companies already baking significantly higher fuel costs into their guidance. The airlines are offsetting expense increases through fare hikes, capacity discipline, and a focus on premium cabins and ancillary revenue. The debate for investors is whether the industry remains a cyclical boom-and-bust business or if Delta and United have structurally diversified their revenue enough to warrant buying at these valuations.
United Airlines Joins Push for $20 Billion Air Traffic Control Upgrade
United Airlines Holdings has joined Boeing, Airbus, and other carriers in urging Congress to approve a $20 billion package to modernize U.S. air traffic control systems. The proposed funding targets upgrades to critical infrastructure that manages flight routing, congestion, and safety across the national airspace. United's involvement comes as it tightens full-year 2026 earnings guidance to a $9 to $11 per share range amid higher fuel costs, with an all-in fuel price of about $3.69 per gallon for the third quarter. The company reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $17,672 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.46, helped by its best on-time performance since 2021. If approved, the modernization could support more efficient routing and reduced delays, potentially reinforcing United's operational efforts and investments in premium products, though the timing and conditions of any federal funding remain uncertain.
Boeing, Airbus, Major Airlines Push Congress for $20 Billion to Modernize Air Traffic Control
A coalition of U.S. aviation industry players is urging Congress to approve a $20 billion funding package to modernize the country's aging air traffic control systems and reduce flight disruptions. The group, which includes Boeing, Airbus, and the Airlines for America consortium representing carriers such as American Airlines and United Airlines, said the money would replace hundreds of outdated facilities and deploy next-generation technology for controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has made ATC modernization a top priority, noting that the administration would need substantial financial support beyond the $12.5 billion previously approved by Congress. The Federal Aviation Administration expects to have 5,000 new high-speed network connections, 27,000 new radios, and 612 state-of-the-art radars in place by the end of 2028.
United Airlines cargo revenue jumps 23% on high yields and pandemic-level volumes
United Airlines' cargo revenue increased 22.6% to $527 million in the second quarter, driven by sharply higher air cargo rates and the strongest volumes since the Covid-19 pandemic. Global cargo demand grew 4% in the first half of the year and surged 7% in June, while capacity barely changed, but shipping space on aircraft fell more than 12% in the Middle East due to the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, pushing spot rates up 35% to 40% year over year in the previous two months. United transported nearly 347 million pounds of cargo during the quarter, the most for the period since March 2020, with higher yields being the main contributor to the strong performance. Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said most of the gains were yield-related and expects that trend to continue into the third quarter. Overall, United raised its full-year earnings guidance after posting adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share and a 16% gain in revenue to $17.7 billion, though net income fell more than 17% to $805 million due to a $2.3 billion increase in fuel costs tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
StockStory highlights Xylem as S&P 500 pick, questions Mondelez and United Airlines
StockStory identifies Xylem as an S&P 500 stock worth attention while questioning Mondelez and United Airlines. Xylem, a water-sector company with a market cap of $29.78 billion, posted annual revenue growth of 12.7% over five years and earnings per share growth of 16.7% annually, with free cash flow margin expanding by 5.5 percentage points. Mondelez, the $78.84 billion snacks maker, faces falling unit sales, estimated sales growth of just 2.4%, and a 2% annual decline in earnings per share over three years. United Airlines, valued at $38.56 billion, has seen disappointing revenue passenger miles, a subpar operating margin of 8.2%, and an expected persistence of its free cash flow margin constraints.
Olive Garden, KFC, United Airlines, 3M and Microsoft Among Headline Makers in PR Newswire Weekly Roundup
PR Newswire released its weekly roundup of notable press releases for July 13–17, 2026, highlighting 13 announcements across consumer, technology, and finance sectors. Olive Garden announced the return of its Never-Ending Pasta Pass, offering 13 weeks of unlimited pasta, sauces, and toppings during the Never-Ending Pasta Bowl promotion. KFC brought back Popcorn Chicken as part of its Kentucky Fried Comeback journey, responding to fan demand. United Airlines introduced a new Economy Plus seating option on its Airbus A321XLR aircraft, featuring extra elbow room and a shared table across an open middle seat, available for sale later this year. 3M and Microsoft announced a strategic partnership to advance AI data center infrastructure by combining Microsoft’s digital and hyperscale capabilities with 3M’s materials science and precision manufacturing. Other highlighted releases included Thomson Reuters and KKR forming a joint venture for Thomson Reuters’ Global Print business, with KKR acquiring a 51% stake and Thomson Reuters receiving approximately $500 million in gross proceeds while retaining 49% equity; Jeep unveiling the 2027 Wrangler Laredo; Lilly acquiring AtaiBeckley to develop therapies for treatment-resistant depression; Chesapeake Utilities’ Florida Energy Pathway Project; The Home Depot’s 2026 Halloween collection; Farmers Insurance introducing tools to simplify insurance understanding; State Affairs raising $70 million for policy and regulatory intelligence; AT&T offering free calls to countries in soccer’s semifinal, third-place, and final matches; and OpenTable revealing its 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America.
United Raises 2026 Earnings Outlook Despite $6 Billion Fuel Cost Headwind
United Airlines Holdings has raised the lower end of its 2026 earnings forecast, now expecting adjusted full-year earnings of $9 to $11 a share compared with its previous forecast of $7 to $11, as strong premium and international travel demand helps offset higher fuel costs. The airline reported adjusted second-quarter earnings of $1.99 a share, ahead of the $1.85 expected by analysts. However, its third-quarter outlook came in below market expectations, with adjusted earnings of $2.50 to $3.50 a share versus Wall Street's average estimate of $3.62, and management expects approximately $6 billion in additional fuel costs during 2026. United is also adjusting its cabin products, planning to replace the middle seat in selected Economy Plus rows on 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with a shared table, launching on domestic flights later in 2026 before expanding to international routes in early 2027.
United Airlines Stock Falls on Weak Profit Outlook and $6 Billion Fuel Bill
United Airlines shares dropped about 3% after the carrier issued full-year and third-quarter 2026 profit guidance below Wall Street expectations, despite reporting second-quarter earnings and revenue that beat estimates. The company now expects full-year 2026 adjusted earnings of $9 to $11 per share, implying a midpoint of $10, below the consensus estimate of $10.46, and forecast third-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.50 to $3.50 per share, missing market expectations. The weaker outlook reflects higher fuel costs, with the airline now expecting its fuel bill to reach about $6 billion this year after second-quarter fuel expenses increased 84% from a year earlier. Management said it expects to offset much of the higher fuel expense through stronger ticket pricing and operating efficiencies over the remainder of 2026, but investors focused on the softer earnings outlook.
UnitedHealth jumps 7% premarket on earnings beat and raised outlook
UnitedHealth shares surged more than 7% in premarket trading after the health insurance giant reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and hiked its full-year earnings outlook. The company posted adjusted earnings of $6.38 per share on revenue of $112.03 billion, exceeding analyst forecasts of $4.90 per share and $110.85 billion, respectively. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing fell 4% despite beating earnings estimates, as it raised full-year capital expenditures to between $60 billion and $64 billion and announced an additional $100 billion investment in Arizona. AtaiBeckley soared 34.5% after Eli Lilly agreed to acquire the psychedelic drugmaker for $2.8 billion, or $6.75 per share in cash, with up to an additional $2.50 per share contingent on milestones. GE Aerospace dropped 4% even after topping second-quarter expectations with adjusted earnings of $2.02 per share on revenue of $12.63 billion and raising its full-year guidance. United Airlines declined more than 3% as softer-than-expected third-quarter guidance of $2.50 to $3.50 per share overshadowed an earnings beat, and the carrier also flagged $6 billion in added fuel costs. J.B. Hunt Transport Services gained nearly 7% after reporting earnings of $1.73 per share, beating estimates by 18 cents, while revenue of $3.5 billion was in line with expectations. AeroVironment rose nearly 2% following an upgrade to outperform at Raymond James, and Rocket Companies added 2% after Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $19.
AST SpaceMobile shares tumbled 13% after the company priced a $1 billion private offering of 1.625% convertible senior notes due 2034, with an initial conversion price of $79.57 per share, a 20% premium to the prior close. The company also entered into capped call transactions with a $149.20 cap price to reduce potential dilution and granted initial purchasers an option to buy an additional $150 million of notes. Net proceeds are expected to be about $984 million, or $1.13 billion if the option is fully exercised, to fund capped call transactions, growth initiatives, launch capacity, and potential partnerships or acquisitions. Among other movers, Eos Energy Enterprises surged 14% after securing a U.S. Department of War contract for its Z3 zinc-based energy storage system and reporting preliminary second-quarter revenue of $68 million to $69 million, its highest quarterly revenue on record. J.B. Hunt Transport Services gained 8% on better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revenue, driven by strong intermodal and integrated capacity solutions growth. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing slipped 3% despite beating second-quarter expectations and issuing strong third-quarter guidance, as it reportedly plans to boost its U.S. investment by $100 billion to a total of $265 billion, adding four new fabrication plants. United Airlines fell 3% after its full-year 2026 and third-quarter profit guidance missed estimates due to higher assumed fuel costs, with the company citing an expected $6 billion fuel bill for the year.
American Airlines Earnings on July 23 in Focus as Investors Watch Fuel Costs and Demand
American Airlines Group is set to report second-quarter earnings on July 23, with investors closely watching fuel cost trends and demand signals following United Airlines' strong results. United topped earnings and revenue estimates and raised the lower end of its full-year earnings range, but also reported an 84% year-over-year surge in second-quarter fuel costs, warning that higher jet fuel prices could add nearly $6 billion in expenses this year. American Airlines shares closed at $15.63, down 0.26%, on trading volume of 181 million shares, about 83% above its three-month average. The broader market rose, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.38% to 7,572 and the Nasdaq Composite up 0.62% to 26,269.
United Airlines to report Q2 earnings with consensus EPS of $1.85
United Airlines is scheduled to announce its second-quarter earnings results on Wednesday, July 15th, after market close. The consensus earnings per share estimate is $1.85, down 52.2% year-over-year, while the consensus revenue estimate is $17.57 billion, up 15.3% year-over-year. Over the last two years, the company has beaten EPS estimates 100% of the time and revenue estimates 75% of the time. Over the last three months, EPS estimates have seen 8 upward revisions and 10 downward revisions, while revenue estimates have seen 10 upward revisions and 5 downward revisions.
United Airlines to sell guaranteed empty middle seat in Economy Plus on new Airbus A321XLR
United Airlines will begin selling an Economy Plus option that guarantees an empty middle seat later this year on its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The airline is installing a custom tray table that stretches across the unoccupied middle seat, shared by window and aisle passengers, and claims to be the first US carrier to offer such a product. The move allows United to operate with four flight attendants instead of five for 152 coach seats, trimming staffing costs while generating extra revenue. Pricing for the perk has not been disclosed. The initiative is part of a broader industry trend of carriers creating finer premium tiers, with Delta recently introducing a Basic Business class that omits certain benefits.
United Airlines Adds Unique Economy Plus Row on New Airbus A321XLRs
United Airlines announced that its new Airbus A321XLRs will feature a unique Economy Plus row with extra elbow room, a shared table across an open middle seat, and larger 4K screens, alongside expanded premium seating including new Polaris Studio suites. This makes United the only U.S. carrier offering this specific Economy Plus configuration, highlighting its focus on product differentiation in long-haul narrowbody flying. The move reinforces United's premium-focused investment narrative, though near-term impact on earnings appears limited while cost inflation and financial leverage remain key risks. Simply Wall St's analysis projects United could reach $73.1 billion in revenue and $4.4 billion in earnings by 2029, with a fair value estimate of $136.62 per share, a 13% upside from current levels.
Jim Cramer Says Delta and United Are Becoming Secular Growth Winners
Jim Cramer stated on Mad Money that Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are becoming secular growth winners rather than cyclical stocks, which could lead to higher valuations. He highlighted their focus on premium offerings, business travel, and new revenue streams like Delta's American Express partnership, which accounted for 13% of revenue last year. Cramer noted that declining oil prices may benefit the carriers and that consensus estimates show Delta's earnings per share could grow from around $6 this year to $8.50 next year and potentially $10 by 2028. He expects the stocks to be re-rated higher as investors pay more for consistent earnings, with Delta currently trading at just under 15 times this year's earnings estimate.
Judge Allows Lawsuit Over United's 'Window Seats' Without Windows To Proceed
A U.S. federal judge has ruled that United Airlines must face a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing the carrier of misleading passengers by charging extra for window seats that did not actually have a window. U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco denied United's request to dismiss the case, saying the airline's booking screens, boarding passes, and ticket terms could reasonably be read as promising a window seat when passengers paid for one. The lawsuit, which also names Delta Air Lines, alleges that customers were not told during booking that some seats on Boeing 737, Boeing 757, and Airbus A321 aircraft sit next to a solid cabin wall rather than a window. The proposed class action was filed in August on behalf of passengers who say they paid extra expecting a view, and it seeks millions of dollars in damages for more than one million affected passengers. United said it had no comment on the litigation but noted it updated its website and mobile app in 2025 to provide more detailed seat information, while Delta declined to comment and is seeking dismissal of a similar lawsuit in New York.
Delta Expands Basic Fares To Premium Cabins, Introduces 'Basic Business'
Delta Air Lines is expanding its fare segmentation strategy by rolling out Basic fares in its premium cabins Delta First, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One, with the new entry-level Delta One product branded as Basic Business. The fares go on sale July 8, with Delta First Basic available immediately in select domestic and Latin American markets, while Delta Premium Select Basic and Basic Business launch on eligible flights beginning in September. These Basic fares offer a lower price but come with fewer perks than Classic and Extra fares, including seat assignments only after check-in, reduced SkyMiles earning, a smaller checked-baggage allowance, fees for changes or cancellations, and no eligibility for upgrades or same-day confirmed or standby changes. Basic Business customers will still receive Delta One's lie-flat seats, premium dining, bedding, and onboard amenities, but starting January 19, 2027, Basic Business tickets will no longer include Delta One Lounge access, Delta One check-in, or complimentary Delta Sky Club access, though travelers may still qualify through certain memberships or credit cards; during a transition period, Basic Business passengers can use Delta One Lounges and Delta One check-in through January 18, 2027. Chief Commercial Officer Joe Esposito said the expanded fare options give travelers more flexibility to choose the level of service that fits their needs while maintaining Delta's premium onboard experience, a move that echoes a similar strategy United Airlines introduced earlier this year as carriers seek to attract more premium travelers with lower-priced entry points into their top cabins.
American Airlines and United Airlines Stocks Drop as Oil Surges on Iran Ceasefire Collapse
American Airlines and United Airlines shares fell sharply after oil prices soared when President Trump declared the Iran ceasefire over and threatened more strikes. American Airlines dropped 5.3% and United Airlines fell 3.9% as West Texas Intermediate crude surged 7.1% to $75.41 a barrel. Jet fuel is a critical expense for airlines, and higher crude directly increases cost per available seat mile, while renewed Middle East hostilities also raise risks of airspace closures and weaker consumer travel demand.
UBS raises United Airlines price target to $153, keeps Buy rating
UBS raised its price target on United Airlines Holdings shares to $153 from $148 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing a strong earnings outlook. The brokerage projects second-quarter 2026 earnings per share of $1.91, above the company's internal guidance of $1 to $2 and the Street consensus of $1.70. For the third quarter, UBS estimates earnings per share of $4.21, well above the consensus of $2.80, and for the full year it forecasts $11.79 per share compared with the Street's $9.40 and the company's own $7 to $11 range.
Energy stocks rise, cruise and airline shares fall as oil surges on Iran ceasefire end
Energy stocks rose in premarket trading Wednesday as U.S. oil prices surged after President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over. Diamondback Energy jumped more than 3%, APA Corporation and Occidental Petroleum rose more than 2.5%, Chevron was up more than 2%, and Exxon Mobil rose 1.5%. In contrast, fuel-exposed companies fell, with Carnival Corporation off 3.5%, Norwegian Cruise Line down 3%, United Airlines falling 3%, and Delta Air Lines declining nearly 2%. SpaceX bucked the sell-off trend, rising just under 0.5% after a more than 6.5% decline on Tuesday that pushed the stock below its IPO first-trade price of $150. Memory stocks continued their sell-off, with Sandisk off more than 5.5%, Western Digital down 5%, Micron Technology declining 4.5%, and Seagate Technology lower by 3.5%. Bath & Body Works fell more than 4% after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock to sell from neutral, citing potential cannibalization from third-party distribution. Estee Lauder declined 2% after disclosing estimated restructuring costs now total $1.75 billion, up from a previous estimate of $1.55 billion. Rivian Automotive was off nearly 4% following an 18% drop on Tuesday after announcing a public offering of 75 million shares.
StockStory identifies Caesars Entertainment, Rush Street Interactive, and United Airlines as risky consumer stocks. Caesars Entertainment carries a high 7× net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio, increasing dilution risk, and trades at 98 times forward earnings. Rush Street Interactive’s substandard operating margins limit its responsiveness to market shifts, with shares at 47 times forward earnings. United Airlines lags peers in revenue passenger miles, has a below-industry 9.1% operating margin, and faces a projected 5.5 percentage point decline in free cash flow margin next year as it boosts investment.