United Airlines (UAL) shares surged 6.79% in after-hours trading on Tuesday following the release of its better-than-expected first-quarter 2025 earnings report and optimistic future guidance. The airline demonstrated resilience in the face of an uncertain macroeconomic environment, beating analyst estimates and providing a positive outlook for the coming quarters.

United reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.91 for Q1 2025, significantly surpassing the analysts' expectations of $0.76 per share. This marked a substantial improvement from the $0.15 loss per share reported in the same quarter last year. The company's revenue for the quarter reached $13.21 billion, slightly below the expected $13.26 billion but still representing a 5.4% increase year-over-year.

Looking ahead, United Airlines provided strong guidance for both the second quarter and full year 2025. For Q2, the company expects adjusted earnings per share between $3.25 and $4.25. The full-year outlook remains optimistic, with projected adjusted EPS ranging from $11.50 to $13.50 in a stable economic environment. However, the airline also addressed potential challenges, noting that in a recessionary scenario, full-year adjusted EPS could range from $7.00 to $9.00. This forward-looking approach, coupled with the company's plans to adjust fleet utilization and reduce off-peak flying, has instilled confidence in investors about United's ability to navigate potential economic headwinds.