United Airlines sees weak Q2, full-year profit as fuel shock squeezes margins

[CHICAGO] United Airlines on Tuesday forecast second-quarter and full-year profits below Wall Street expectations as a surge in fuel prices squeezes margins and clouds its near-term outlook, even as demand for premium travel remains strong.

The Chicago-based carrier said it expects adjusted earnings of US$1 to US$2 per share in the second quarter. The midpoint of the range, US$1.50, is below analysts’ average estimate of US$2.08, according to data compiled by LSEG.

It projected full-year profit of US$7 to US$11 per share, compared with an expectation of about US$9.58.

United said it expects to pay about US$4.30 per gallon for fuel in the current quarter, based on the forward curve as of April 17, underscoring the pressure from higher energy costs.

The airline said it expects to recover only 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the increase in fuel prices through fares and other revenue measures in the second quarter, improving to 70 per cent to 80 per cent in the third quarter and as much as 85 per cent to 100 per cent by the fourth quarter. REUTERS