United Airlines NASDAQ:UAL stock fell about 3% after the carrier issued full-year and third-quarter 2026 profit guidance that came in below Wall Street expectations, despite reporting second-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analysts' estimates.
United Airlines now expects full-year 2026 adjusted earnings of $9 to $11 per share, implying a midpoint of $10, below analysts' consensus estimate of $10.46. The company also forecast third-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.50 to $3.50 per share, missing market expectations.
United Airlines said the weaker outlook reflects higher fuel costs. The airline now expects its fuel bill to reach about $6 billion this year after second-quarter fuel expenses increased 84% from a year earlier.
Management said it expects to offset much of the higher fuel expense through stronger ticket pricing and operating efficiencies over the remainder of 2026. Even so, investors appeared focused on the softer earnings outlook, overshadowing the company's second-quarter results, which exceeded analysts' forecasts for both revenue and earnings.