United Airlines Freeing Up Cash, Primed for Buybacks -- Market Talk

Dow Jones01-22 00:54

1153 ET - United Airlines generated $2.7 billion in free cash flow last year and expects a similar level next year, as increased profits are offset by higher aircraft deliveries, CFO Michael Leskinen says on a call with analysts. That free cash flow comes at a 50% conversion rate from its earnings, but United expects the rate to expand to 75% toward the end of the decade, Leskinen. Some of that expanding pool of leftover cash will be used for stock buybacks. United has $782 million left in its buyback authorization. The carrier will buy shares when "market opportunities present themselves," the CFO says. He notes that such opportunities--when United's stock falls below what the company sees as a fair value--present themselves "hopefully less frequently," Leskinen says. (dean.seal@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 21, 2026 11:54 ET (16:54 GMT)

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United has $782 million left in its buyback authorization. The carrier will buy shares when \"market opportunities present themselves,\" the CFO says. He notes that such opportunities--when United's stock falls below what the company sees as a fair value--present themselves \"hopefully less frequently,\" Leskinen says. 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That free cash flow comes at a 50% conversion rate from its earnings, but United expects the rate to expand to 75% toward the end of the decade, Leskinen. Some of that expanding pool of leftover cash will be used for stock buybacks. United has $782 million left in its buyback authorization. The carrier will buy shares when \"market opportunities present themselves,\" the CFO says. He notes that such opportunities--when United's stock falls below what the company sees as a fair value--present themselves \"hopefully less frequently,\" Leskinen says. 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He notes that such opportunities--when United's stock falls below what the company sees as a fair value--present themselves \"hopefully less frequently,\" Leskinen says. 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