United Airlines Target Cut to $148 as O'Hare Departures Hit 750 Daily
Jefferies cut United Airlines' price target to $148 from $154 and lowered its full-year 2025 EPS estimate to $13.65, citing higher fuel costs. United expects first-quarter EPS near the $1.50 high end of guidance and will operate a record 750 daily O'Hare departures, reflecting strong travel demand.
1. Jefferies Lowers Price Target and EPS Outlook
Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu cut the price target to $148 from $154 and trimmed the full-year 2025 EPS estimate to $13.65, citing rising fuel costs and maintaining a Buy rating.
2. First-Quarter EPS Tracking at Upper Guidance Range
A review of United’s 10-K shows first-quarter adjusted EPS is expected near the $1.50 high end of the $1.00 to $1.50 guidance range, underpinned by strong travel demand in economy class.
3. Record Summer Schedule at Chicago O'Hare
United plans 750 daily departures from O'Hare for summer 2026, an increase of nearly 170 flights year over year, aimed at securing gates and attracting higher-yield passengers in competition with American Airlines.
4. Broad Route Expansion Across Domestic and International Markets
The airline will offer nonstop service from O'Hare to 222 destinations in 2026—47 international and 175 domestic—bolstering its Midwest hub role and enhancing connections to key business and coastal markets.