Melius gives American third upgrade today on unit revenue growth

Melius Research upgraded American Airlines (AAL) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $23, up from $18. TD Cowen and Jefferies also upgraded American this morning. The firm says that given its “constructive view” of the U.S. airline industry in 2025, American at current share levels is “appealing.” Melius sees above-industry unit revenue growth for American and “additional optionality” in regaining lost corporate share. While concerns remain on the company’s balance sheet, “idiosyncratic” margin improvement in 2025 will make the balance sheet issues “become much more fixable,” contends Melius. Shares of American Airlines are up 5%, or 77c, to $17.74 in morning trading after three firms upgraded the name.