Investors were bracing themselves for what airlines like Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) might report for the second quarter in light of the surge in jet fuel prices. However, although rising fuel costs are definitely having an impact on both airlines, Delta affirmed its forecast, and United Airlines actually increased its earnings outlook. Does this make both airline stocks a buy?
It's no secret that hostilities in the Middle East led to sharply higher crude oil prices throughout the second quarter. The shortage of crude oil and jet fuel flowing through the Strait of Hormuz not only increased crude oil prices but also sent jet fuel crack spreads soaring. The end result was a major increase in jet fuel costs for airlines in the quarter.
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As you can see below, the overwhelming majority of the increase in operating expenses in the second quarter was due to higher fuel costs, and in both cases, year-over-year operating income deteriorated.
Year-over-Year Change

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