United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) Stock Soars on Strong Revenue and Jefferies Price Target Hike

Font: Financial Modeling Prep  • Oct 21, 2026

• Jefferies raised its price target for United Airlines to $142.00, indicating substantial potential upside for the stock.
• United reported strong third-quarter revenue of $17.90 billion, up 17.40% year-over-year, and issued optimistic fourth-quarter revenue guidance.
• Despite robust sales, persistent high fuel costs through 2027 remain a key risk, potentially impacting airline profit margins.

United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) operates passenger flights through a network of major hubs. It competes with other large U.S. airlines for travelers. Jefferies raises its price target for UAL to $142.00 from $134.00. At the quoted share price of $104.68, the new target suggests about 36% upside for the airline stock.

The higher target comes alongside stronger sales. United reports third-quarter revenue of $17.90 billion, up 17.40% from a year earlier, as highlighted by MarketBeat. The airline raises fares amid higher fuel costs and says it continues to gain market share in its hub markets.

United also gives fourth-quarter revenue guidance above analyst estimates, as highlighted by Benzinga. Guidance is the company’s forecast, and a figure above estimates points to stronger expected sales than analysts had projected. UAL shares rise Wednesday, while other airline stocks also gain.

Higher sales do not guarantee higher profits. United expects fuel costs to remain elevated through 2027, as highlighted by Reuters. Fuel is a major expense for airlines, so sustained high prices can narrow profit margins—the share of revenue left after costs. That remains a risk alongside the upside suggested by Jefferies’ target for UAL stock.