United Airlines Q1 2025 Earnings Report

Introduction to United Airlines’ Earnings Report

A United Airlines Boeing 767 passenger aircraft approaches Newark Liberty International Airport as trucks travel near the Port Jersey Container Terminal in Jersey City, New Jersey, on April 8, 2025. United Airlines maintained its full-year forecast on Tuesday but took an unusual step of offering a second forecast should the U.S. slip into a recession, calling the economy "impossible to predict." Either way, it expects to turn a profit.

First-Quarter Earnings

The carrier warned alongside its first-quarter earnings that a recession could drive down profits this year, but said booking trends are stable. The company left in place expectations issued in January for adjusted earnings per share of $11.50 to $13.50, but said that in a recession, it would expect to earn between $7 per share and $9 per share on an adjusted basis. "The Company’s outlook is dependent on the macro environment which the Company believes is impossible to predict this year with any degree of confidence," it said in a securities filing.

Flight Capacity and Demand

United Airlines said Tuesday that it plans to cut flights starting this summer to match disappointing domestic travel demand while bookings for pricier, international trips remain strong. The carrier plans to trim domestic capacity by about 4% starting in the third quarter. Rival Delta Air Lines is also slowing its growth plans this year. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the airline "will continue to execute our multiyear plan that has allowed United to thrive in any demand environment." "It has given us industry-leading margins in the good times and we expect to expand our lead further in challenging economic times," he said in an earnings release.

Financial Performance

For the first quarter, United Airlines swung to a $387 million profit, or $1.16 a share, from a $124 million loss, or a loss of 38 cents per share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings of 91 cents per share, which exclude one-time gains related to aircraft sale-leasebacks, outpaced Wall Street’s expectations of 76 cents per share. Unit revenue for domestic flights fell 3.9% from last year during the first quarter, while unit sales from international routes rose more than 5%. Revenue of $13.21 billion was up more than 5% from a year ago, and came in slightly below the $13.26 billion that analysts expected.

Outlook and Bookings

Future bookings over the past two weeks have been stable, the company said, adding that premium-cabin bookings are up 17% from the same point last year and international bookings are up 5%, though the carrier did not provide a figure on domestic coach-cabin demand. United Airlines said it expects to post second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $3.25 to $4.25, in line with estimates, citing strong demand for premium-cabin bookings and international travel.

Key Financial Figures

Here is what United Airlines reported for the quarter that ended March 31 compared with what Wall Street was expecting:

• Earnings per share: 91 cents adjusted vs. 76 cents expected
• Revenue: $13.21 billion vs. $13.26 billion expected

Conclusion

The latest trend shows how profitable airlines such as United and Delta are capitalizing on demand from travelers willing to pay more for pricier seats and other higher-end products, even as economic concerns weigh on consumer sentiment. Delta last week said it could not reaffirm its full-year outlook, citing uncertainty in the market.

FAQs

Q: What is United Airlines’ forecast for the full year?
A: United Airlines maintained its full-year forecast but offered a second forecast in case of a recession, expecting to earn between $7 and $9 per share.
Q: How will United Airlines adjust its flight capacity?
A: The airline plans to cut flights starting this summer, trimming domestic capacity by about 4% starting in the third quarter.
Q: What are the key financial figures for United Airlines’ first quarter?
A: The airline reported adjusted earnings of 91 cents per share and revenue of $13.21 billion.
Q: How are bookings trending for United Airlines?
A: Future bookings have been stable, with premium-cabin bookings up 17% and international bookings up 5% from the same point last year.