Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE:UP) is one of the best penny stocks under $1 to buy right now. On February 19, Wheels Up Experience reported earnings for Q4 2025, achieving its first-ever positive Adjusted EBITDAR of $37 million and a 67% year-over-year improvement in net loss. While total revenue remained flat sequentially at $184 million, the company benefited from a stronger mix of profitable membership flying and the early results of a $70 million cost-reduction initiative. The quarter was further su ...

Earlier on January 8, Royce Investment Partners co-chief investment officer Francis Gannon appeared on Yahoo Finance’s ‘Market Domination Overtime’ to suggest that it is time for investors to get on board with small-cap stocks. Gannon noted that the Russell 2000 had then gained over 3% so far in 2026. He believes that a leadership shift is occurring, with small caps outperforming the S&P 500 by about 400 basis points since April of the previous year. This shift was driven by the end of a two-year earnings r ...

Summary of Wheels Up Experience FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Wheels Up Experience (NYSE: UP) - **Industry**: Private Aviation - **Business Model**: Membership-based and global charter brokerage Key Points Business Evolution - Wheels Up has evolved from a U.S.-based membership business to a global company with two main segments: programmatic membership in the U.S. and a global charter business, being the largest global charter broker [4][5] - The company has a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, integrating private and commercial aviation offerings [5] Fleet Transition - The fleet is transitioning from legacy Citation jets to a modern fleet of Phenom 300s and Bombardier Challenger 300s and 350s, with 40% of the transition completed and expected to finish by the end of 2026 [7][8] - This transition aims to reposition the company towards a more premium and corporate-centric market [8] Revenue Model - Membership revenue is approximately $600 million annually, with a membership fee of $500 per month or $6,000 per year [10][12] - The charter business also generates around $600 million in net revenue, leading to a total revenue of approximately $1.2 billion [14][15] Financial Performance - The U.S. operations currently have a gross margin of 19%, with a goal of achieving 30%+ contribution margins post-fleet transition [16][20] - The company reported a positive EBITDA for the first time, reversing a previous loss of over $200 million annually [19][68] Cost Management - Inflation impacts various costs, including labor and fuel, but the company has been able to pass these costs through to customers due to strong demand [22] - The company does not have a pilots' union, which may provide flexibility in managing labor costs [21] Strategic Partnership with Delta - The partnership with Delta allows Wheels Up to market to Delta's 40,000 corporate customers, enhancing their corporate sales segment, which has grown at a compound rate of 25% [24] - Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program presents additional opportunities for customer acquisition [25] Market Position and Competition - Wheels Up positions itself uniquely in the market, combining membership and charter services, unlike competitors who operate in silos [52] - Major competitors include NetJets, FlexJet, and VistaJet, but Wheels Up aims to capture market share from the fractional ownership model by offering more flexible solutions [53] Future Growth and Goals - The company aims to increase operational efficiency, targeting 70+ hours of revenue per month per plane, which could significantly enhance profitability [66] - Long-term goals include transitioning to a more traditional public equity base and attracting new investors as the company matures [71] Customer-Centric Approach - The company emphasizes a customer-centric model, tailoring aviation solutions to meet specific customer needs, which is expected to enhance customer experience and retention [46][48] Operational Strategy - The company is balancing its customer base between corporate and leisure clients to optimize fleet utilization [41][42] - The charter business operates globally, with a presence in major markets including the U.S., Europe, and Asia [44] Additional Insights - The integration of sales teams from membership and charter services aims to streamline customer interactions and improve service delivery [49][51] - The company is focused on creating a flexible and accessible private aviation experience, addressing historical barriers to entry in the market [36]

(26,654)$ (84,613)__________________(1)Consists of expenses associated with the Company's global integration efforts, including charges for employee separation programs and third-party advisor costs. (2)Consists of expenses incurred in connection with the execution of our fleet modernization strategy first announced in October 2024, which primarily includes expenses associated with transitioning our Bombardier Challenger 300 series and Embraer Phenom 300 series aircraft to our operations and pilot training ...

Volkswagen's EV Production Strategy - Volkswagen is considering shifting the production of the Cupra Tavascan successor to Europe from China, indicating a potential strategic realignment in its electric vehicle manufacturing [2][9] - The current Cupra Tavascan is produced in China for export to Europe, and this move suggests a re-evaluation of global supply chains amidst changing geopolitical and trade conditions [2][3] Icertis Sale Consideration - SoftBank-backed Icertis is reportedly exploring a sale that could value the company at $5 billion, reflecting significant activity in the technology sector [6][9] - Icertis has reported over $300 million in annual recurring revenue for 2024 and has generated positive free cash flow, indicating strong financial performance [7] China-EU Trade Relations - China has threatened to implement countermeasures against the European Union if new duties are adopted, which may include anti-dumping duties on French wine, amid escalating trade tensions [8][9] - China's auto sales experienced a 19.5% year-on-year decline in January, falling to 1.4 million vehicles, attributed to policy adjustments and reduced government support for electric vehicles [10][9] UK Economic Strategy - The Chief Finance Minister of the UK is advocating for closer integration with the EU as the best pathway for economic growth, prioritizing this over ties with the U.S. and China [11][9] - Research suggests that aligning regulations with the EU could boost the UK's GDP by 1.7% to 2.2%, potentially mitigating the economic impact of Brexit [12]

Ta Xbiex, Malta, Feb. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HansJet, one of Europe’s leading private aviation membership operators, has confirmed that its members will remain completely exempt from the UK’s impending 50% Air Passenger Duty (APD) surcharge, thanks to the weight profile of its Pilatus PC-12 fleet. The Pilatus PC-12, the cornerstone of HansJet’s fleet, has a maximum take-off weight of just 4.7 tonnes. (Photo by Rene Rossignaud) As of April 2026, a new 50% APD increase will target private aircraft weig ...

Core Insights - Wheels Up Experience Inc. has announced the addition of NCAA National Champion and 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza to its Ambassador community, highlighting the company's focus on serving elite athletes with flexible travel solutions [1][4] Company Overview - Wheels Up is a leading global provider of on-demand private aviation, offering a diverse fleet and a network of safety-vetted charter operators committed to safety and service [5] - The company provides access to charter and membership programs, as well as premium commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines [5] Customer-Centric Approach - Mendoza and his family were attracted to Wheels Up for its customer-centric aviation approach, modernized fleet, and hybrid travel model that allows seamless transitions between private and commercial flying [2] - The integrated travel model is particularly beneficial for families with unique needs, such as Mendoza's mother, who requires a thoughtful travel solution due to her health condition [2][4] Brand Alignment and Values - CEO George Mattson emphasized that Mendoza exemplifies leadership and family values, aligning with Wheels Up's mission to support members with flexible travel solutions [3] - The company aims to remove barriers for its customers, allowing them to focus on what matters most, which resonates with Mendoza's family-first philosophy [3] Engagement and Community - As a Wheels Up Ambassador, Mendoza will engage with the community through select experiences, reflecting the company's commitment to serving athletes and their families with tailored aviation solutions [4]

DENVER, Jan. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McLaren Racing today announced a partnership that will see ONEflight International become the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s Official Private Aviation Partner. The multi-year collaboration brings together two world-class brands defined by precision performance, innovation, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Founded in 2010, ONEflight is a global aviation company providing members with seamless access to a worldwide network of private aircraft. As O ...

Core Insights - Jetex, under the leadership of Adel Mardini, has transformed the private aviation market, expanding from a single location to a network of 38 locations globally, with plans to reach 75 by the end of next year [1][9] - The company's focus has shifted from growth and aesthetics to operational efficiency, aiming to eliminate time loss in the private travel experience [2][21] Expansion and Market Positioning - Jetex is increasingly concentrating on the "last mile" of private travel, addressing inefficiencies that occur after landing, such as ground transfers that can take one to two hours [3][4] - The company is entering the eVTOL sector through partnerships with Archer and Joby Aviation, positioning itself as a key player in air taxi operations, which is expected to grow into a market worth over $200 billion in the next 10 to 15 years [5][6] Client Demographics and Expectations - The profile of Jetex's typical client has shifted post-COVID-19, with the average passenger now aged between 25 and 55, coming from sectors like technology, crypto, and entertainment, indicating a demand for speed, privacy, and seamless experiences [10][11] - Clients are increasingly time-sensitive and expect the same level of efficiency on the ground as they experience in the air [12] Sustainability and Infrastructure - Jetex has successfully introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at events like the Dubai Airshow, indicating strong demand for eco-friendly options among corporate clients [13][14] - The company has been appointed as the exclusive fixed-base operator at Red Sea International Airport, marking a significant growth opportunity in Saudi Arabia, with plans to replicate its Dubai model across new locations [15][16] Technological Integration and Operations - Jetex operates a centralized system from Dubai that coordinates global operations, ensuring rapid service delivery across its network [18] - The company emphasizes that technology enhances human efficiency rather than replacing it, aiming to provide a personal aviation team experience for clients as it expands [19][20]

Core Insights - Wheels Up Experience Inc. has announced professional golfer Ben Griffin as a new ambassador, highlighting the company's focus on flexibility and connectivity in private aviation [1][3] Company Overview - Wheels Up is a leading provider of on-demand private aviation in the U.S., featuring a diverse fleet and a global network of safety-vetted charter operators [5] - The company offers charter and membership programs, along with commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines [5] Partnership and Travel Model - The partnership with Delta Air Lines allows customers to seamlessly combine private aviation with commercial travel, optimizing travel options and simplifying logistics [2] - This hybrid travel model enhances flexibility for users, enabling them to travel solo, with teams, or with family without compromising on convenience [2] Athlete Engagement - Ben Griffin's appointment as a Wheels Up Ambassador reflects the company's strategic focus on professional sports, with dedicated support for athletes and sports organizations [4] - Griffin's rapid rise in professional golf, including three PGA Tour wins and a ranking of No. 8 in the world, aligns with Wheels Up's brand values of professionalism and community engagement [3] Customer-Centric Approach - Wheels Up aims to remove barriers for its members, allowing them to focus on what matters most, such as performance and family [3] - Griffin emphasizes the importance of time management in his demanding schedule, highlighting Wheels Up's solutions-based approach to travel [4]