Originally Posted by Grumble

Estimates for 1Q15

United showed considerable profitability improvement in 2014. Its operating margin increased to 6.1% in 2014 from 3.3% in 2013, and its net margin increased to 2.9% from 1.5%. Also in 2014, EPS almost doubled to $2.93, from $1.53 in 2013.

United Continental Holdings (UAL), which operates United Airlines, reported a diluted EPS in 2014 that was higher than Delta Air Lines’ (DAL) $0.78, JetBlue Airways’ (JBLU) $1.19, and Southwest Airlines’ (LUV) $1.64. Meanwhile, its diluted EPS was lower than American Airlines’ (AAL) $3.93 and Alaska Air Group’s (ALK) $4.42.

Wall Street analysts’ estimate for 1Q15 suggest that United will continue to perform well in 2015:

revenue – $8,635 million, slightly lower than in 1Q14
operating profit – $695.8 million
net profit –$454.8 million
EPS – $1.17

In contrast, United reported a loss in 1Q14.