Smith Anglin Financial LLC Sells 1,137 Shares of United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL)

Smith Anglin Financial LLC cut its stake in United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:UAL) by 16.2% during the fourth quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 5,867 shares of the transportation company’s stock after selling 1,137 shares during the period. Smith Anglin Financial LLC’s holdings in United Airlines were worth $570,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Park Avenue Securities LLC bought a new position in United Airlines during the 4th quarter worth about $561,000. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in United Airlines during the 4th quarter worth about $255,000. Oak Thistle LLC bought a new position in United Airlines during the 4th quarter worth about $583,000. Quantum Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in United Airlines during the 4th quarter worth about $215,000. Finally, Friedenthal Financial bought a new position in United Airlines during the 4th quarter worth about $796,000. 69.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling at United Airlines

In other United Airlines news, EVP Linda P. Jojo sold 60,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Friday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.12, for a total value of $5,707,200.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 63,599 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,049,536.88. This trade represents a 48.54 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Kate Gebo sold 17,500 shares of United Airlines stock in a transaction on Friday, November 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.44, for a total value of $1,407,700.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 40,012 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,218,565.28. This represents a 30.43 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 92,000 shares of company stock worth $8,158,900. Corporate insiders own 0.63% of the company’s stock.

United Airlines Price Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:UAL opened at $108.62 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $35.72 billion, a PE ratio of 13.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.44. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. has a twelve month low of $37.02 and a twelve month high of $110.92. The company’s 50 day moving average is $96.57 and its 200 day moving average is $68.16. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95.

United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 15th. The transportation company reported $3.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.10 by $0.23. United Airlines had a net margin of 4.94% and a return on equity of 30.72%. The firm had revenue of $14.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $14.76 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.65 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that United Airlines Holdings, Inc. will post 10.27 EPS for the current year.

United Airlines declared that its board has approved a stock repurchase program on Tuesday, October 15th that authorizes the company to buyback $1.50 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the transportation company to buy up to 7.1% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often an indication that the company’s leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a “buy” rating and set a $119.00 price target on shares of United Airlines in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of United Airlines from $75.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of United Airlines from $88.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 11th. Dbs Bank raised shares of United Airlines from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 26th. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on shares of United Airlines from $70.00 to $84.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have issued a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $106.45.

About United Airlines

United Airlines Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company transports people and cargo through its mainline and regional fleets. It also offers catering, ground handling, flight academy, and maintenance services for third parties.