United Airlines exceeds expectations with strong quarterly outlook

United Airlines has announced a higher profit forecast for the current quarter than expected, after fourth-quarter results exceeded Wall Street forecasts thanks to strong travel demand and better pricing power. The Chicago-based airline recorded an increase in its shares by about 5% in after-hours trading. For the quarter ending in March, United expects an adjusted profit of 75 cents to $1.25 per share. Analysts had on average expected a profit of 54 cents per share, according to LSEG data. For the full year 2025, United forecasts an adjusted profit between $11.50 and $13.50 per share. This compares to the $12.85 per share that Wall Street analysts had expected. The adjusted earnings in the December quarter were $3.26 per share, compared to analysts' expectations of $3.00.