Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) shares surged 9.4% on Friday after the company reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024 and issued a strong outlook for 2025.
The airline posted an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.85, beating estimates by $0.11, while revenue grew 9.4% year-over-year to $15.56 billion, surpassing expectations by $1.08 billion.
Delta attributed its strong performance to robust demand for premium travel and higher ticket prices driven by limited seat availability.
CEO Ed Bastian highlighted the momentum, telling shareholders that the company expects strong demand for travel to continue into 2025.
Looking ahead, Delta forecasts 2025 to be its best financial year in history, buoyed by sustained demand, a strong US dollar facilitating international travel, and profitable transatlantic routes.