United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Stock Gets Price Target Reduction from Susquehanna

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) had its price target decreased by Susquehanna from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. Susquehanna currently has a positive rating on the transportation company’s stock.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of United Airlines from $175.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 11th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of United Airlines from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, August 1st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of United Airlines in a research report on Thursday, October 15th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on United Airlines from $165.00 to $160.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 6th. Finally, Evercore reiterated an “outperform” rating and set a $160.00 price objective on shares of United Airlines in a report on Wednesday. Sixteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, United Airlines currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $156.19.

United Airlines Stock Down 4.0%

Shares of NASDAQ UAL opened at $97.93 on Thursday. United Airlines has a 12-month low of $84.64 and a 12-month high of $138.77. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $108.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $110.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $31.82 billion, a PE ratio of 8.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 20th. The transportation company reported $2.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.57 by ($0.03). United Airlines had a net margin of 5.46% and a return on equity of 17.59%. The firm had revenue of $17.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.89 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.78 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 17.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that United Airlines will post 7.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at United Airlines

In related news, President Brett Hart sold 30,108 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the president directly owned 371,583 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $44,857,499.76. This trade represents a 7.50% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through 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 that occurred on Tuesday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.00, for a total transaction of $585,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 214,955 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $25,149,735. The trade was a 2.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 42,308 shares of company stock worth $5,122,554 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.86% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of United Airlines

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Primecap Management Co. CA acquired a new stake in United Airlines during the second quarter worth about $2,238,617,000. Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new position in United Airlines during the second quarter valued at approximately $178,571,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp purchased a new position in United Airlines during the second quarter valued at approximately $178,508,000. Bank of America Corp DE purchased a new position in United Airlines during the second quarter valued at approximately $153,537,000. Finally, PointState Capital LP acquired a new position in United Airlines in the second quarter valued at approximately $120,968,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.69% of the company’s stock.

Trending Headlines about United Airlines

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

• Positive Sentiment: Analysts remain constructive on UAL. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed its Buy rating, while TD Cowen maintained its Buy rating. Wells Fargo, Argus and Susquehanna also retain positive ratings, with price targets ranging from $125 to $155 despite recent reductions. Morgan Stanley Reaffirms Their Buy Rating on United Airlines Holdings
• Positive Sentiment: United’s premium-travel strategy, record third-quarter revenue and forecast for fourth-quarter revenue growth above 20% support the long-term case for higher margins and stronger earnings. United Airlines targets double-digit margins
• Positive Sentiment: Heavy trading in UAL call options indicates that some traders are positioning for a rebound, although options activity is not a guarantee of future performance. Stock Traders Purchase Large Volume of United Airlines Call Options
• Neutral Sentiment: United is opening what is described as the largest airport lounge in the Americas, potentially strengthening its premium brand and customer experience, but the near-term financial impact is unclear. United Airlines is opening the largest airport lounge in the Americas
• Negative Sentiment: Higher oil and jet-fuel prices are the main near-term concern. Airlines are favoring higher fares over fuller planes to protect profits, while United’s profit outlook was reportedly well below estimates because of fuel costs. US airlines favor higher fares over fuller planes as fuel costs squeeze profits
• Negative Sentiment: UAL is declining alongside American Airlines and Delta as the oil-price surge reverses the airline sector’s post-earnings relief rally. American Airlines Sinks as Oil Climb Reverses Post-Earnings Rebound
• Negative Sentiment: BMO Capital cut its UAL price target to $135 from $140, adding to concerns that analysts are moderating expectations even while maintaining a generally bullish stance. BMO Capital Adjusts Price Target on United Airlines

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.