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Delta Air Lines (DAL)
NYSE:DAL

Delta Air Lines (DAL) AI Stock Analysis

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DAL

Delta Air Lines

(NYSE:DAL)

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Outperform 80 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:80Outperform
Price Target:
$77.00
▲(8.24% Upside)
Delta Air Lines' strong financial performance and positive earnings call are the most significant factors driving the overall score. The company's robust revenue growth, profitability, and strategic debt reduction efforts position it well for continued success. While technical indicators suggest potential short-term volatility, the overall outlook remains positive, supported by favorable corporate events and valuation metrics.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
The consistent revenue growth indicates Delta's strong market position and ability to capture demand, supporting long-term business stability.
Debt Reduction
Strategic debt reduction enhances financial flexibility and reduces interest expenses, strengthening Delta's balance sheet for future growth.
Premium and Loyalty Growth
Growth in premium and loyalty segments boosts profitability and customer retention, reinforcing Delta's competitive advantage.
Negative Factors
Transatlantic Market Challenges
Weakness in the transatlantic market could limit revenue growth and impact Delta's international expansion efforts.
Government Shutdown Impact
The government shutdown poses a risk to profitability and operational stability, potentially affecting future financial performance.
Leverage Concerns
While debt reduction efforts are underway, existing leverage levels could constrain financial flexibility and increase risk exposure.

Delta Air Lines (DAL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Delta Air Lines Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDelta Air Lines, Inc. provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon. The company sells its tickets through various distribution channels, including delta.com and the Fly Delta app, reservations, online travel agencies, traditional brick and mortar, and other agencies. It also provides aircraft maintenance and engineering support, repair, and overhaul services; and vacation packages to third-party consumers, as well as aircraft charters, and management and programs. The company operates through a fleet of approximately 1,200 aircrafts. Delta Air Lines, Inc. was founded in 1924 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
How the Company Makes MoneyDelta Air Lines generates revenue primarily through passenger ticket sales, which constitute the majority of its earnings. The airline offers various fare classes, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class, allowing it to cater to different customer segments. In addition to ticket sales, Delta earns significant revenue from ancillary services, such as baggage fees, seat selection fees, and in-flight services. The company also has a robust cargo division that contributes to its revenue by transporting freight and mail. Furthermore, Delta has established strategic partnerships and alliances, such as membership in the SkyTeam global airline alliance, which enhances its network connectivity and increases passenger traffic. Loyalty programs, notably the SkyMiles program, drive repeat business by rewarding frequent flyers, thereby boosting customer retention and revenue. Overall, these diverse revenue streams and strategic partnerships are critical to Delta's financial performance.

Delta Air Lines Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Passenger Miles
Passenger Miles
Measures the total distance flown by paying passengers, indicating demand for flights and overall airline capacity utilization.
Chart InsightsDelta Air Lines' passenger miles have rebounded significantly from the pandemic lows, nearing pre-2020 levels by mid-2025. Despite operational challenges like weather disruptions and main cabin softness, the company maintains strong financial health with record revenue and robust cash flow. This resilience is bolstered by growth in premium and loyalty segments, indicating a strategic shift towards high-margin revenue streams. The focus on premium offerings and co-brand card partnerships suggests a deliberate move to enhance profitability amidst fluctuating demand in traditional segments.
Data provided by:The Fly

Delta Air Lines Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 09, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 09, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Delta Airlines reported strong financial performance, with record third quarter revenue and robust growth in premium and loyalty segments. However, challenges in the transatlantic market and potential impacts from the U.S. government shutdown were noted. Overall, the positive achievements outweigh the lowlights, indicating a strong position in the industry.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Third Quarter Revenue
Delta reported record third quarter revenue of $15.2 billion, with a 4.1% year-over-year increase, exceeding guidance.
Strong Financial Metrics
Reported pretax income of $1.5 billion, earnings of $1.71 per share, and an 11.2% operating margin. Free cash flow reached $830 million.
Premium and Loyalty Growth
Premium revenue grew 9%, and loyalty revenue improved 9%, with co-brand card spending up double digits.
Operational Excellence
Delta led the industry on reliability and customer experience, with strong performance in on-time operations and customer satisfaction.
Successful Debt Reduction
Successfully repriced SkyMiles term loan, reducing the rate by 225 basis points, and paid down nearly $2 billion in debt year-to-date.
Negative Updates
Challenges in the Transatlantic Market
Transatlantic unit revenue was down 7% in the third quarter, attributed to booking curve misjudgments and lower demand during the summer.
Impact of Government Shutdown
Less than $1 million a day impact from the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, but still a concern for future quarters if prolonged.
Company Guidance
During Delta Airlines' September Quarter 2025 earnings call, the company presented robust financial guidance, highlighting several key metrics. Delta reported a revenue growth of 4%, with pretax income reaching $1.5 billion and earnings per share of $1.71, resulting in an 11.2% operating margin. The airline generated $830 million in free cash flow, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.8 billion, and achieved a return on invested capital of 13%. Looking ahead, Delta anticipates a continuation of positive momentum, projecting a double-digit operating margin in the December quarter, with earnings comparable to the September quarter. For the full year, earnings per share are expected to be around $6, in the upper half of their previous guidance range. Additionally, Delta updated its full-year free cash flow outlook to between $3.5 billion and $4 billion, emphasizing its commitment to building a strong balance sheet and industry leadership.

Delta Air Lines Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Delta Air Lines has shown a strong recovery with significant revenue and profit growth, improved margins, and better financial stability. The income statement reflects robust growth and profitability, while the balance sheet indicates improved financial health despite some leverage concerns. Strong cash flow generation further supports the company's financial performance.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Delta Air Lines shows a strong recovery with a consistent increase in revenue over the years, highlighted by a TTM revenue growth rate of 1.61%. The gross profit margin has improved significantly from negative figures in 2020 to a healthy 26.08% in the TTM. The net profit margin also shows a positive trend, reaching 7.36% in the TTM. EBIT and EBITDA margins have improved, indicating better operational efficiency. Overall, the income statement reflects robust growth and profitability.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows a reduction in the debt-to-equity ratio from a high of 26.27 in 2020 to 1.15 in the TTM, indicating improved financial stability. Return on equity has increased to 27.64% in the TTM, showcasing strong profitability. However, the equity ratio remains a concern, suggesting potential leverage risks. Overall, the balance sheet reflects improved financial health but with some leverage concerns.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Delta's cash flow statement indicates a strong recovery in free cash flow, with a growth rate of 31.78% in the TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is stable, reflecting efficient cash generation relative to earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio has improved, indicating better cash conversion. Overall, the cash flow statement shows a positive trajectory with strong cash generation capabilities.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue62.92B61.64B58.05B50.58B29.90B17.09B
Gross Profit16.41B16.56B15.52B11.16B2.13B-4.37B
EBITDA9.64B7.92B8.78B5.05B3.67B-12.35B
Net Income4.63B3.46B4.61B1.32B280.00M-12.38B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets79.62B75.37B73.64B72.28B72.47B72.00B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.79B3.07B3.87B6.53B11.32B14.10B
Total Debt21.72B22.77B27.28B30.61B34.68B35.55B
Total Liabilities60.80B60.08B62.54B65.71B68.57B70.46B
Stockholders Equity18.82B15.29B11.11B6.58B3.89B1.53B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.07B2.88B1.14B-2.00M16.00M-5.69B
Operating Cash Flow7.98B8.03B6.46B6.36B3.26B-3.79B
Investing Cash Flow-4.63B-3.74B-3.15B-6.92B-897.00M-9.24B
Financing Cash Flow-3.66B-4.26B-3.39B-4.54B-3.85B19.36B

Delta Air Lines Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price71.14
Price Trends
50DMA
61.57
Positive
100DMA
59.77
Positive
200DMA
53.64
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.97
Negative
RSI
66.01
Neutral
STOCH
77.88
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DAL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 71.14 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 65.54, above the 50-day MA of 61.57, and above the 200-day MA of 53.64, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.97 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 66.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 77.88 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for DAL.

Delta Air Lines Risk Analysis

Delta Air Lines disclosed 2 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Delta Air Lines reported the most risks in the "Tech & Innovation" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 1 New Risks
1.
Failure of the technology we use to perform effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business. Q3, 2024

Delta Air Lines Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$46.45B10.0328.52%0.95%4.33%-1.58%
74
Outperform
$36.41B11.0525.59%4.24%20.29%
67
Neutral
$15.21B12.73135.74%3.52%6.81%58.22%
66
Neutral
$21.81B64.264.22%1.71%0.65%
64
Neutral
$10.55B18.651.27%118.64%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
54
Neutral
$6.08B41.123.53%31.50%-49.15%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DAL
Delta Air Lines
69.72
10.06
16.86%
ALK
Alaska Air
51.24
-13.73
-21.13%
LUV
Southwest Airlines
40.98
8.93
27.86%
UAL
United Airlines Holdings
110.27
14.71
15.39%
AAL
American Airlines
15.51
-1.13
-6.79%
LTM
LATAM Airlines Group SA Sponsored ADR
51.85
25.33
95.53%

Delta Air Lines Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Delta Air Lines Discusses Demand at Morgan Stanley Conference
Neutral
Dec 3, 2025

Delta Air Lines announced during a webcast fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference on December 3, 2025, that demand remains healthy for the December quarter with strong trends expected for early 2026. Despite a temporary softening in November due to a government shutdown, which is anticipated to impact the company’s December quarter pre-tax profitability by approximately $200 million, travel bookings have returned to initial expectations.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Delta Air Lines Amends Credit Agreement with Barclays
Positive
Sep 30, 2025

On September 30, 2025, Delta Air Lines and its subsidiary SkyMiles IP Ltd. amended their credit agreement with Barclays Bank. The amendment refinances existing term loans, extends the maturity date to October 20, 2028, reduces amortization payments, and introduces a prepayment premium, aiming to improve financial flexibility and reduce costs.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Delta Air Lines Reaffirms 2025 Earnings Outlook
Positive
Sep 11, 2025

On September 11, 2025, Delta Air Lines executives presented at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference, reaffirming their earnings outlook for the September quarter and full year 2025. Delta anticipates a total revenue growth of 2 to 4 percent over the previous year for the September quarter, driven by strong operational performance, improved demand trends, and industry supply rationalization. This growth is expected to place Delta in the upper half of its initial guidance range, indicating a positive impact on its market positioning.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 09, 2025