American Airlines vs United Airlines
Explore a detailed comparison of American Airlines and United Airlines stock. This page provides an overview of their respective business models, evaluates their financial performance, and contextualises their market positions within the aviation industry. Gain insights into key operational and strategic differences affecting investor considerations. Educational content, not financial advice.
Explore a detailed comparison of American Airlines and United Airlines stock. This page provides an overview of their respective business models, evaluates their financial performance, and contextuali...
Why It's Moving
United Airlines Stock Surges on Record Q4 Earnings Beat and Bullish 2026 Guidance
- Q4 revenue hit record highs with the week ending January 4th as United's strongest ever, driven by surging ticketing and business sales that underscore premium travel strength.
- CEO Scott Kirby emphasized sustained momentum, helping United stand out alongside Delta as top U.S. profit generators amid industry recovery.
- Analysts upgraded targets like TD Cowen to $138 with buy ratings, betting on capacity discipline, product upgrades, and fuel management despite lingering contract risks.
United Airlines Stock Surges on Record Q4 Earnings Beat and Bullish 2026 Guidance
- Q4 revenue hit record highs with the week ending January 4th as United's strongest ever, driven by surging ticketing and business sales that underscore premium travel strength.
- CEO Scott Kirby emphasized sustained momentum, helping United stand out alongside Delta as top U.S. profit generators amid industry recovery.
- Analysts upgraded targets like TD Cowen to $138 with buy ratings, betting on capacity discipline, product upgrades, and fuel management despite lingering contract risks.
Investment Analysis
Pros
- New Citi co-brand agreement launching in January 2026 expected to double loyalty remuneration to $10 billion by decade's end.
- Labor peace secured through 2027-2028 across all major work groups, providing operational stability.
- Comprehensive domestic network positioned for growth in key hubs like Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, and Phoenix.
Considerations
- Higher stock volatility at 18.57% compared to United's 19.75%, indicating greater price fluctuations.
- Larger exposure to domestic flying, which faced headwinds in 2025 unlike international routes.
- Negative book value of $6.00 per share reflects strained balance sheet position.
Pros
- Recent Moody's credit rating upgrade to Ba1 signals strengthened balance sheet and financial health.
- Durable demand trends and international normalisation support sustained revenue growth into 2026.
- Higher price-to-sales ratio of 0.56 versus American's 0.17 indicates stronger market valuation perception.
Considerations
- Slightly higher stock volatility at 19.75% compared to American's 18.57%, exposing investors to more price swings.
- Viewed as more consensus long position among hedge funds, potentially limiting upside surprise.
- Lower AI stock ranking relative to peers in some analyses, trailing in certain fundamental metrics.
Related Market Insights
Cleared For Takeoff: Airlines Set To Gain From Rival's Disruption
Air Canada's potential strike creates a tactical investment opportunity. Discover how United, Delta, & American Airlines are set to gain from displaced passengers during peak travel season.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
August 6, 2025
Travel Stocks: The Recovery Play That's Finally Taking Off
Explore top travel stocks poised for growth as the industry stages a remarkable comeback. Discover opportunities in cruises, hotels, and airlines with Nemo.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
July 25, 2025
Corporate Phoenixes: Why Bankruptcy Survivors Make Compelling Investments
Discover corporate phoenixes – companies emerging stronger from bankruptcy with clean balance sheets & streamlined ops. Invest in these compelling comeback stories with Nemo's fractional shares.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
July 25, 2025
Related Market Insights
Cleared For Takeoff: Airlines Set To Gain From Rival's Disruption
Air Canada's potential strike creates a tactical investment opportunity. Discover how United, Delta, & American Airlines are set to gain from displaced passengers during peak travel season.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
August 6, 2025
Travel Stocks: The Recovery Play That's Finally Taking Off
Explore top travel stocks poised for growth as the industry stages a remarkable comeback. Discover opportunities in cruises, hotels, and airlines with Nemo.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
July 25, 2025
Corporate Phoenixes: Why Bankruptcy Survivors Make Compelling Investments
Discover corporate phoenixes – companies emerging stronger from bankruptcy with clean balance sheets & streamlined ops. Invest in these compelling comeback stories with Nemo's fractional shares.
Aimee Silverwood | Financial Analyst
July 25, 2025
United Airlines (UAL) Next Earnings Date
United Airlines (UAL) is expected to report its next earnings on April 14-21, 2026, covering the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026). This date aligns with historical patterns and analyst estimates following the recent Q4 2025 release on January 21, 2026. Key risks include potential discrepancies in projected dates across sources and unconfirmed company announcements.
United Airlines (UAL) Next Earnings Date
United Airlines (UAL) is expected to report its next earnings on April 14-21, 2026, covering the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026). This date aligns with historical patterns and analyst estimates following the recent Q4 2025 release on January 21, 2026. Key risks include potential discrepancies in projected dates across sources and unconfirmed company announcements.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
Cleared For Takeoff: Airlines Set To Gain From Rival's Disruption
Air Canada flight attendants have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, creating significant operational risk for the airline. This potential disruption could divert a flood of passengers to competing carriers, creating a tactical investment opportunity in rival airlines.
Published: August 6, 2025
Explore BasketPhoenixes
These remarkable companies have risen from the ashes of bankruptcy or severe financial distress. Our analysts have carefully selected businesses that emerged stronger, leaner, and ready for their second act of growth after successful restructuring.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketTravel
Investment opportunities already packed for you. This carefully curated collection of travel stocks represents companies poised to capitalize on the industry's post-pandemic revival. Selected by professional analysts for their recovery potential and growth opportunities.
Published: May 23, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
Cleared For Takeoff: Airlines Set To Gain From Rival's Disruption
Air Canada flight attendants have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, creating significant operational risk for the airline. This potential disruption could divert a flood of passengers to competing carriers, creating a tactical investment opportunity in rival airlines.
Published: August 6, 2025
Explore BasketPhoenixes
These remarkable companies have risen from the ashes of bankruptcy or severe financial distress. Our analysts have carefully selected businesses that emerged stronger, leaner, and ready for their second act of growth after successful restructuring.
Published: June 17, 2025
Explore BasketTravel
Investment opportunities already packed for you. This carefully curated collection of travel stocks represents companies poised to capitalize on the industry's post-pandemic revival. Selected by professional analysts for their recovery potential and growth opportunities.
Published: May 23, 2025
Explore BasketBuy AAL or UAL in Nemo
Zero Commission
Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.
Trusted & Regulated
Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.
6% Interest on Cash
Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.
Discover More Comparisons
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines
Delta Air Lines vs United Airlines stock comparison.