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Atlanta, Georgia-based Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) is a major U.S. airline headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It operates an extensive global network, providing passenger and cargo air transportation across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. The global airline leader is expected to announce its fiscal third-quarter earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Friday, Oct. 9.
Ahead of the event, analysts expect DAL to report a profit of $1.96 per share on a diluted basis, up 14.6% from $1.71 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters, which is incredible.
For the current year, analysts expect DAL to report EPS of $5.99, up 2.9% from $5.82 in fiscal 2025. Its EPS is likely to improve 37.6% annually to $8.24 in FY2027.
DAL stock has surged 46.9% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 15.7% gains, and the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLI) 10.6% returns over the same time frame.
Delta Air Lines has outpaced the broader market as record revenue, resilient travel demand, and strength in its premium and loyalty businesses have supported earnings expectations. In Q2 2026, revenue jumped 18.7% year over year to a record $17.7 billion, while the airline delivered a 9% operating margin, above its guidance. Despite higher jet fuel costs, Delta maintained its full-year outlook, including $3 billion-$4 billion in expected free cash flow, and expects to return to earnings growth in the second half of the year.
The airline is also benefiting from strong demand across premium, corporate, and loyalty segments, while higher fuel costs make it harder for low-cost rivals to compete purely on price.
Analysts’ consensus opinion on DAL stock is very bullish, with a “Strong Buy” rating overall. Of 24 analysts covering the stock, 21 rate it a “Strong Buy,” two suggest a “Moderate Buy,” and one gives a “Hold.” DAL’s average analyst price target is $103.58, indicating a potential upside of 23.3% from the current levels.
