United Airlines beats earnings estimates despite higher fuel costs

United Airlines reported secondquarter results above Wall Street expectations, even as higher fuel prices continued to pressure costs. The airline said adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.99 on revenue of $17.67 billion, both ahead of analyst estimates. The company warned that rising jet fuel prices, driven in part by renewed U.S.Iran tensions, could add nearly $6 billion to its expenses this year compared with its original plan. United said fuel costs rose sharply in the quarter and that recent price moves have already reduced thirdquarter earnings expectations. For the full year, United now expects adjusted earnings per share between $9 and $11. The airline said demand remained solid even as fares increased, and it noted that premium, corporate, and basiceconomy sales all grew during the quarter.