American Airlines is expected to report a third-quarter 2026 loss of $0.28 per share on revenue of $16.20 billion, with its current stock price of $12.23 trading significantly below the average analyst price target of $15.88. Investors are primarily focused on the airline's ability to control non-fuel unit costs (CASM-ex) as labor and operational expenses continue to pressure margins.
While revenue is projected to grow over 18% year-over-year due to strong travel demand, a sharp rise in jet fuel prices and new pilot labor agreements are expected to drag the bottom line into a net loss. Management's updated full-year 2026 guidance and progress on debt reduction will be critical for determining the stock's trajectory relative to more profitable peers like Delta and United.