Jefferies Cuts United Airlines (UAL) Target to $148, Sees Strong Travel Demand

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is included among the 14 Best GARP Stocks to Buy According to Analysts.

On February 19, Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu lowered the price recommendation on United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) to $148 from $154. The analyst reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. After reviewing the company’s 10-K filing, the firm said first-quarter performance appears to be tracking toward the high end of its adjusted EPS guidance range of $1.00 to $1.50. The analyst pointed to strong travel demand, including economy class. At the same time, Jefferies reduced its full-year 2025 EPS estimate to $13.65 to reflect higher expected fuel costs.

In late January, United announced its largest-ever summer schedule at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The expansion marks a deeper push in its competition with American Airlines for airport gates and higher-paying passengers in Chicago. United said it plans to operate a record 750 daily departures from O’Hare during the summer season. This represents an increase of nearly 170 flights compared with the prior year. The move came shortly after CEO Scott Kirby said the airline would add “as many flights as are required” to prevent American from gaining more gates at United’s expense in 2026.

The airline also said it plans to offer nonstop service from O’Hare to 222 destinations in 2026. This includes 47 international cities and 175 cities across the United States. The additions cover a mix of business routes and leisure destinations. The expansion reflects United’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Midwest, including Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It also supports its position in key coastal and business markets such as Boston, Nashville, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) is a holding company that provides air transportation services. The company carries passengers and cargo across North America and to destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America.

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