United Airlines Overhauls MileagePlus Program to Reward High-Spending Customers
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Program Overhaul Context: United Airlines is significantly revamping its MileagePlus program to reward high-spending customers, effective April 2, marking the largest change in over a decade and reflecting the airline's efforts to differentiate itself in a competitive market.
- Mileage Reward Changes: Customers holding United credit cards will earn 6 miles per dollar spent on tickets, while those without the card will see their earnings drop to 3 miles, significantly enhancing the value proposition for credit card users and encouraging card adoption.
- Redemption Rate Discounts: Cardholders will now redeem miles at a discount of at least 10%, for instance, an economy-class ticket that costs 15,000 miles will now be available for 13,500 miles, incentivizing more customers to apply for the credit card to maximize their travel value.
- Elite Customer Benefits: Cardholders with elite MileagePlus Premier status will receive deeper discounts, with long-haul business class seats dropping from 200,000 miles to 170,000 miles, further enhancing loyalty and satisfaction among high-value customers.
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Analyst Views on MA
Wall Street analysts forecast MA stock price to rise
28 Analyst Rating
25 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 521.930
Low
500.00
Averages
660.00
High
739.00
Current: 521.930
Low
500.00
Averages
660.00
High
739.00
About MA
Mastercard Incorporated is a technology company in the global payments industry. The Company connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, digital partners, businesses and other organizations worldwide by enabling electronic payments and making those payment transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. It provides a range of payment solutions and services using its brands, including Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus. It operates a payments network that provides choice and flexibility for consumers, merchants and its customers. Through its proprietary global payments network, it switches (authorizes, clears and settles) payment transactions. Its additional payments capabilities include automated clearing house (ACH) transactions (both batch and real-time account-based payments). It offers security solutions, consumer acquisition and engagement, business and market insights, gateway, processing and open banking, among other services and solutions.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
CoStar Group Faces Investment Challenges and Stock Price Pressure
- Data Platform Advantage: CoStar's commercial data platform, built on nearly four decades of data collection and a 93% renewal rate, creates a deep lock-in effect that is difficult to replicate; despite its stock price being nearly halved in the past six months, its commercial core remains robust.
- Residential Investment Dilemma: CoStar invested $850 million into Homes.com in 2025, resulting in a net operating loss, and although management plans to cut over $300 million in investment, breakeven for this segment is not expected until 2030.
- Margin Improvement: The information and marketplace segment achieved a 47% profit margin in Q3 2025, up 400 basis points year-over-year, driven by a 23% increase in CRE transaction volume, showcasing the strength of its core business.
- Stock Buyback Plan: CoStar's board authorized a $1.5 billion stock buyback and holds $942 million in net cash, with the stock currently trading at about 23 times the 2026 EBITDA forecast, indicating relative attractiveness.
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United Airlines Overhauls MileagePlus Program to Reward High-Spending Customers
- Program Overhaul Context: United Airlines is significantly revamping its MileagePlus program to reward high-spending customers, effective April 2, marking the largest change in over a decade and reflecting the airline's efforts to differentiate itself in a competitive market.
- Mileage Reward Changes: Customers holding United credit cards will earn 6 miles per dollar spent on tickets, while those without the card will see their earnings drop to 3 miles, significantly enhancing the value proposition for credit card users and encouraging card adoption.
- Redemption Rate Discounts: Cardholders will now redeem miles at a discount of at least 10%, for instance, an economy-class ticket that costs 15,000 miles will now be available for 13,500 miles, incentivizing more customers to apply for the credit card to maximize their travel value.
- Elite Customer Benefits: Cardholders with elite MileagePlus Premier status will receive deeper discounts, with long-haul business class seats dropping from 200,000 miles to 170,000 miles, further enhancing loyalty and satisfaction among high-value customers.
See More
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- High Renewal Rates: CoStar boasts a 93% quarterly renewal rate, with its multifamily marketplace Apartments.com achieving a remarkable 99% renewal rate, underscoring the platform's significance and customer stickiness in the industry.
- Investment and Buyback: Despite an $850 million investment in Homes.com leading to net operating losses, CoStar plans to cut $300 million in spending and has authorized a $1.5 billion stock buyback, projecting an EBITDA of approximately $770 million for 2026, indicating confidence in future profitability.
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- Uneven Inflation Impact: According to Morgan Stanley, lower-income consumers faced significantly higher inflation rates for food and housing in 2024 compared to wealthier counterparts, exacerbating the gap between economic growth and consumer confidence and highlighting social inequality.
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- Data Platform Advantage: CoStar's commercial data platform, built on nearly four decades of data collection and a 93% renewal rate, creates a deep lock-in effect that is difficult to replicate; despite its stock price being nearly halved in the past six months, its commercial core remains robust.
- Residential Investment Dilemma: CoStar invested $850 million into Homes.com in 2025, resulting in a net operating loss, and although management plans to cut over $300 million in investment, breakeven for this segment is not expected until 2030.
- Margin Improvement: The information and marketplace segment achieved a 47% profit margin in Q3 2025, up 400 basis points year-over-year, driven by a 23% increase in CRE transaction volume, showcasing the strength of its core business.
- Stock Buyback Plan: CoStar's board authorized a $1.5 billion stock buyback and holds $942 million in net cash, with the stock currently trading at about 23 times the 2026 EBITDA forecast, indicating relative attractiveness.
See More
United Airlines Overhauls MileagePlus Program to Reward High-Spending Customers
- Program Overhaul Context: United Airlines is significantly revamping its MileagePlus program to reward high-spending customers, effective April 2, marking the largest change in over a decade and reflecting the airline's efforts to differentiate itself in a competitive market.
- Mileage Reward Changes: Customers holding United credit cards will earn 6 miles per dollar spent on tickets, while those without the card will see their earnings drop to 3 miles, significantly enhancing the value proposition for credit card users and encouraging card adoption.
- Redemption Rate Discounts: Cardholders will now redeem miles at a discount of at least 10%, for instance, an economy-class ticket that costs 15,000 miles will now be available for 13,500 miles, incentivizing more customers to apply for the credit card to maximize their travel value.
- Elite Customer Benefits: Cardholders with elite MileagePlus Premier status will receive deeper discounts, with long-haul business class seats dropping from 200,000 miles to 170,000 miles, further enhancing loyalty and satisfaction among high-value customers.
See More
CoStar Group Stock Experiences Significant Volatility
- Stock Decline: CoStar Group's stock has nearly halved over the past six months, currently priced at $48.97 with a market cap of $21 billion, reflecting investor concerns over its residential business despite the stability of its commercial core.
- Data Network Effects: CoStar has established a robust data network by connecting 8.5 million properties with over 230,000 professionals, facilitating deal closures and demonstrating its competitive edge in the commercial real estate sector.
- High Renewal Rates: CoStar boasts a 93% quarterly renewal rate, with its multifamily marketplace Apartments.com achieving a remarkable 99% renewal rate, underscoring the platform's significance and customer stickiness in the industry.
- Investment and Buyback: Despite an $850 million investment in Homes.com leading to net operating losses, CoStar plans to cut $300 million in spending and has authorized a $1.5 billion stock buyback, projecting an EBITDA of approximately $770 million for 2026, indicating confidence in future profitability.
See More
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- Inclusion Initiative Launched: Mastercard's Inclusion Hub introduces 25 practical measures aimed at helping businesses create more welcoming environments for the 1 in 40 Australians with autism, thereby enhancing their community participation and quality of life.
- Sensory Menu Innovation: As part of the Inclusion Hub, Mastercard has launched Sensory Notes, which describe dishes in detail regarding appearance, preparation, and taste, helping autistic individuals gain more confidence while dining, thus improving their overall dining experience.
- Collaboration and Feedback Mechanism: Co-developed with Autism CRC, Mastercard plans to continuously refine the Inclusion Hub based on community feedback to ensure its measures genuinely meet the needs of autistic individuals, promoting broader social inclusivity.
- Business Opportunity Expansion: Through the Inclusion Hub, Mastercard not only drives transformation in the dining industry but also provides discoverability for participating businesses, helping families find welcoming venues, thus achieving a win-win in business and enhancing brand image.
See More
Impact of Fed Rate Cuts on Financial ETFs
- Rate Decision Impact: If the Fed cuts rates, bond yields will fall, easing financial conditions and prompting more investors to take on debt and shift towards riskier investments, which could broadly benefit the financial sector.
- ETF Performance Mechanism: Direxion's Daily Financial Bull 3x Shares ETF (FAS) aims to triple the daily performance of the S&P Financial Select Sector Index, which includes 76 top financial stocks, with major holdings like Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan.
- High Expense Ratio: Direxion charges a high expense ratio of 0.89% for FAS to cover interest payments to banks, which adds to the cost for investors seeking high returns while also facing significant expenses.
- Short-Term Trading Tool: While FAS may spike if the Fed adopts a dovish stance, it remains a short-term trading tool rather than a reliable long-term investment, requiring investors to exercise caution.
See More
The 'Boomcession' Phenomenon in the U.S. Economy
- Disconnect Between Data and Sentiment: Despite rising economic output and stock market gains, ordinary Americans are feeling increased financial pressure, as evidenced by credit card debt reaching a record $1.28 trillion in Q4 last year, indicating that economic prosperity is not benefiting the majority.
- Uneven Inflation Impact: According to Morgan Stanley, lower-income consumers faced significantly higher inflation rates for food and housing in 2024 compared to wealthier counterparts, exacerbating the gap between economic growth and consumer confidence and highlighting social inequality.
- 'Hiring Recession' in Job Market: While economic output per hour hit new highs, ordinary workers are anxious as the job market tightens, with December job openings falling to their lowest level since 2020, reflecting the disparity in economic benefits between high-income stockholders and the general workforce.
- Crisis of Trust in Economic Data: Surveys reveal that nearly 60% of Americans believe the economy is in recession, particularly among low-income households facing unstable financial situations, leading to a decline in trust in government economic data and highlighting the significant gap between economic prosperity and public sentiment.
See More
