Delta Edges United on Profitability Despite United’s Revenue Highs
United Airlines posted a record second-quarter revenue of $17.7 billion and lifted 2026 adjusted earnings guidance to $9–$11 per share, but a sharp fuel bill limited profit; Delta, on roughly the same revenue, delivered higher total adjusted pre-tax income and margins, meaning United outpaced Delta on earnings per share due to fewer shares outstanding while Delta showed stronger overall profitability.
