Gear Up for United (UAL) Q4 Earnings: Wall Street Estimates for Key Metrics

Core Viewpoint - United Airlines is expected to report quarterly earnings of $2.98 per share, an 8.6% decline year-over-year, with revenues projected at $15.38 billion, reflecting a 4.7% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 3.8% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Revenue Estimates - Analysts forecast 'Operating revenue- Passenger revenue' at $13.99 billion, a 5.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - The estimate for 'Operating revenue- Other operating revenue' is $975.07 million, suggesting an 8.5% year-over-year change [5]. - 'Operating revenue- Cargo' is expected to be $462.81 million, indicating an 11.2% decline from the year-ago quarter [5]. Key Metrics - The 'Passenger load factor - Consolidated' is projected to reach 83.0%, up from 82.3% in the same quarter last year [6]. - Analysts predict 'ASMs (Available seat miles)' will be 83.32 billion, compared to 78.30 billion in the same quarter last year [7]. - The estimated 'RPMs (Revenue passenger miles)' is 69.17 billion, an increase from 64.46 billion in the previous year [8]. - 'Fuel gallons consumed' is expected to be 1181 million gallons, up from 1115 million gallons year-over-year [9]. Stock Performance - United Airlines shares have returned +1.7% over the past month, compared to a +2.1% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [11]. - The company holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating it is expected to perform in line with the overall market in the near future [11].