United Airlines Posts Higher-Than-Expected Second-Quarter Earnings

United Airlines reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.99, exceeding Wall Street estimates of $1.88. Revenue totaled $17.67 billion, above the $17.61 billion expected. The airline posted net income of $805 million, or $2.46 per share, and adjusted net income of $649 million, or $1.99 per share.

Revenue rose 16 percent from a year earlier. Total unit revenue increased 12.1 percent, the highest growth rate since early 2023. The carrier expanded flying 3.5 percent during the quarter. Fuel costs climbed 84 percent to $2.3 billion.

Jet fuel prices at major U.S. airports rose 34 percent in July through Tuesday. United said higher fuel prices could add nearly $6 billion to expenses for the full year compared with expectations at the start of 2026.

The airline forecast third-quarter adjusted earnings per share between $2.50 and $3.50, below the $3.60 analyst estimate. It raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share outlook to between $9 and $11 from the April range of $7 to $11.

Fuel prices have reduced third-quarter adjusted earnings by $1.12 per share since the beginning of July. The carrier said it could further reduce capacity plans because of the higher costs. United executives will hold an earnings call Thursday at 10:30 a.m.