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United stock is down 9% since the start of the year through Wednesday’s closeUnited Airlines (UAL) is the latest airline to offer signs that the industry sees clearer skies ahead.
The company late Wednesday issued a new full-year forecast that was in line with analysts' expectations. CEO Scott Kirby said the current economic environment is more stable than it was earlier this year.
"United saw a positive shift in demand beginning in early July, and, like 2024, anticipates another inflection in industry supply in mid-August," Kirby said in a statement. "The world is less uncertain today than it was during the first six months of 2025 and that gives us confidence about a strong finish to the year."
The Chicago-based carrier said it expects full-year earnings per share of $9 to $11. That's below a prior estimate of $11.50 to $13.50 but above the $7 to $9 range it said would be likely in a recession scenario. Wall Street analysts have called for EPS of $10, according to Visible Alpha.
Last week, rival Delta Air Lines (DAL) reported better second-quarter results than analysts had expected and reintroduced its full-year outlook after withdrawing its forecast in April amid tariff uncertainty. Southwest Airlines (LUV) and American Airlines (AAL) are slated to report their results next week.
Shares of United, which rose more than 2% on Wednesday, gave some of that back in after-hours trading.
For the second quarter, United reported revenue of $15.2 billion, up 2% year-over-year but below the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha. Adjusted earnings of $1.27 billion, or $3.87 per share, fell from $1.38 billion, or $4.14 per share, in the year-ago quarter, topping estimates.
United stock is down 9% since the start of the year through Wednesday’s close.
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