United Airlines The airline is looking to post profit growth again in 2025 due to strong travel demand, with first-quarter profit expected to beat analysts’ expectations.

The airline said on Tuesday it expected adjusted earnings of 75 cents to $1.25 in the first three months of the year, based on LSEG estimates, above analysts’ expectations of 54 cents.

As of Tuesday’s close, United shares were up more than 180% in the past 12 months, more than any other U.S. airline. United shares rose more than 5% in premarket trading after the airline reported results.

Here’s how United’s fourth-quarter report compared with Wall Street expectations, according to estimates compiled by London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG):

• Earnings per share: Adjusted $3.26, expected $3.00
• income: US$14.7 billion, expected US$14.47 billion

For full-year 2025, United expects adjusted earnings to increase to $11.50 to $13.50, in line with expectations of about $12.82, according to LSEG.

Unity and rivalry delta Benefiting from strong demand for expensive seats such as business class and international travel, as well as a massive loyalty program. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian earlier this month said he expected 2025 to be the airline’s “best financial year in history.”

United Airlines reported fourth-quarter profits of US$985 million, an increase of 64% over the same period last year, and revenue of US$14.7 billion, an increase of approximately 8% over the same period last year. After adjusting for one-time items, United’s fourth-quarter earnings per share were $3.26, also exceeding expectations.

Loyalty program revenue and international, domestic and basic economy class revenue were all up year over year, and unit revenue, a measure of pricing power, turned positive in the same quarter of 2023.