United Airlines Withdraws 2020 View Due To Coronavirus Fears

United Airlines Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:UAL) has withdrawn its 2020 guidance amid uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus’ spread to other parts of the world, its duration and effect on overall air travel demand.

Per CFRA analyst Colin Scarola, United Airlines with greater international exposure among U.S. airlines, is at maximum risk of facing lower passenger traffic from virus outbreaks. The carrier generates approximately 40% of total revenues from international route, while Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) generate less than 30% of the same, per Scarola. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) gets only 3% of the total revenues from international flights.

However, United Airlines hopes to achieve its 2020 earnings target of $11-$13 per share, provided the COVID-19 outbreak comes under control by mid-May and demand on the trans-Pacific routes returns to normalcy in five months.

Due to the deadly virus outbreak, United Airlines suspended flights between the United States and Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai as well as Hong Kong through Apr 24, 2020. In the wake of this epidemic, near-term demand for travel to China is almost wiped out. Meanwhile, demand on other trans-Pacific routes declined nearly 75%.

Despite the revenue impact due to reduced demand on the trans-Pacific routes, the company expects to attain its first-quarter earnings guidance of 75 cents-$1.25 per share, courtesy of low fuel prices and other cost savings.

Overall, United Airlines believes that these short-term adversities will not deter the company from generating higher earnings in 2021 and thereafter.

Zacks Rank

United Airlines carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.

See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>