J Scott Kirby Sells 159,321 Shares of United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) Stock

United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) CEO J Scott Kirby sold 159,321 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $118.05, for a total transaction of $18,807,844.05. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 797,851 shares in the company, valued at $94,186,310.55. This represents a 16.64% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

J Scott Kirby also recently made the following trade(s):

• On Tuesday, June 16th, J Scott Kirby sold 1,078 shares of United Airlines stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.74, for a total value of $130,157.72.
• On Monday, June 15th, J Scott Kirby sold 48,303 shares of United Airlines stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $121.30, for a total value of $5,859,153.90.

United Airlines Trading Down 3.5%

NASDAQ:UAL opened at $119.42 on Thursday. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $118.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $106.88. United Airlines Holdings Inc has a fifty-two week low of $82.42 and a fifty-two week high of $138.77. The stock has a market cap of $38.76 billion, a PE ratio of 11.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.72.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 15th. The transportation company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.88 by $0.11. United Airlines had a net margin of 5.56% and a return on equity of 19.05%. The company had revenue of $17.67 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.62 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.87 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. United Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.000-11.000 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that United Airlines Holdings Inc will post 10.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

UAL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Susquehanna decreased their price target on shares of United Airlines from $172.00 to $165.00 and set a “positive” rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 17th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of United Airlines from $132.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, June 22nd. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of United Airlines from $148.00 to $153.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, June 23rd. Barclays increased their target price on United Airlines from $150.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, June 25th. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on shares of United Airlines from $145.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 1st. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $156.79.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Airlines

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of United Airlines by 61.0% in the 4th quarter. CWM LLC now owns 84,286 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $9,425,000 after acquiring an additional 31,921 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in United Airlines by 441.5% in the fourth quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,089 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $2,134,000 after acquiring an additional 15,564 shares during the period. Caprock Group LLC increased its stake in United Airlines by 49.4% during the 4th quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 39,921 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $4,464,000 after purchasing an additional 13,205 shares in the last quarter. PFA Pension Forsikringsaktieselskab bought a new stake in shares of United Airlines during the fourth quarter worth $1,872,000. Finally, Phoenix Financial Ltd. increased its position in shares of United Airlines by 129.6% during the fourth quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 23,183 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $2,592,000 after acquiring an additional 13,085 shares in the last quarter. 69.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key United Airlines News

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

• Positive Sentiment: United Airlines, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a more than $20 billion, decade-long transformation of Washington Dulles International Airport. The project could strengthen United’s major hub, improve its international connectivity and enhance the passenger experience. Washington Dulles transformation announcement
• Positive Sentiment: United unveiled a new Economy Plus configuration for its upcoming Airbus A321XLR fleet, with additional elbow room and a shared table. The differentiated product may help United capture premium revenue on long-haul international routes. New Economy Plus seating
• Neutral Sentiment: JetBlue’s CEO said she has not discussed a merger or other M&A with United’s CEO, reducing near-term credibility for speculation about a potential transaction. JetBlue CEO comments on M&A
• Negative Sentiment: United narrowed its 2026 EPS guidance to $9–$11 after oil prices increased, highlighting the airline’s exposure to fuel costs. Analysts still expect approximately $10.48 in EPS, but margin pressure and execution risks remain concerns. United tightens 2026 outlook
• Negative Sentiment: Several executives reported stock sales, including CEO J. Scott Kirby’s sale of 159,321 shares, President Brett Hart’s sale of 30,108 shares and additional sales by EVPs Andrew Nocella and Torbjorn Enqvist. The filings said the transactions covered tax withholding on vested equity awards, which reduces their bearish significance but may still weigh on sentiment. United insider selling filings

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.