United Airlines (UAL) Q4 2024 results

United Airlines forecast a first-quarter profit that beat analysts’ estimates as the airline aims for another profit rise 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, above the 54 cents analysts had expected, according to LSEG estimates.

United’s stock has risen more than 180% over the past 12 months as of Tuesday’s close, more than any other U.S. airline. Shares of United rose more than 3% in extended trading following the results release.

Here’s what United reported for the fourth quarter compared to Wall Street’s expectations, based on LSEG estimates:

• Earnings per share: $3.26 adjusted vs. $3.00 expected
• Revenue: $14.70 billion versus expected $14.47 billion

For full-year 2025, United expects adjusted earnings to grow to $11.50 to $13.50, in line with expectations of about $12.82, according to LSEG.

United and rivalry delta have benefited from strong demand for more expensive seats such as business class, international travel and their extensive loyalty programs. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said earlier this month that he expects 2025 to be the airline’s “best fiscal year in our history.”

United reported fourth-quarter profit of $985 million, up 64% from a year ago, on revenue of $14.70 billion, up about 8% from a year earlier. Adjusted for one-time items, United reported $3.26 per share for the fourth quarter, also above expectations.

Loyalty program revenue, as well as international, domestic and one-way economy class revenue, all rose year-over-year, and unit revenue, which measures pricing power, turned positive in the same quarter of 2023.