United Airlines (UAL) has reached its 2020 goal — first announced in January 2018 — to achieve its adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) target of US$11 to US$13 a full year ahead of schedule.
UAl has reported fourth-quarter net income of US$641 million, up 50% versus the fourth quarter of 2018, pre-tax earnings of US$844 million and pre-tax margin of 7.8%, expanding the pre-tax margin 2.5 points versus the fourth quarter of 2018. Fourth-quarter adjusted net income has reached US$676 million, adjusted diluted EPS of US$2.67, up 11% versus the fourth quarter of 2018, adjusted pre-tax earnings of US$889 million and adjusted pre-tax margin of 8.2%, expanding the adjusted pre-tax margin 0.5 points versus the fourth quarter of 2018.
The airline has reported full-year net income of US$3.0 billion, a diluted EPS of US$11.58, up 51% versus full year 2018, pre-tax earnings of US$3.9 billion and a pre-tax margin of 9.0%, plus an expanding pre-tax margin 2.6 points versus full-year 2018. Full-year adjusted net income was US$3.1 billion, adjusted diluted EPS of US$12.05, up 32% versus full year 2018, adjusted pre-tax earnings of US$4.1 billion and adjusted pre-tax margin of 9.4%, expanding adjusted pre-tax margin 1.7 points versus full-year 2018. Consolidated fourth-quarter passenger revenue per available seat mile (PRASM) increased 0.8% year-over-year.