Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) shares rose almost 7% on Thursday after the company reported stronger-than-expected third quarter 2025 results and raised its full-year earnings guidance.
The airline posted adjusted revenue of $15.2 billion for the September quarter, up 4.1% from a year earlier and slightly ahead of analyst estimates of $15.08 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.71, topping expectations of $1.56.
Adjusted operating income was $1.7 billion, representing an operating margin of 11.2%.
Premium and loyalty revenue each rose 9% year-over-year, while revenue from American Express card partnerships increased 12%.
Domestic passenger revenue was up 5%, supported by a rebound in corporate travel and strength in premium cabins.
Corporate sales grew 8% compared with last year.
Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said the results reflected “strong execution and improving fundamentals,” highlighting particular strength in premium services and corporate travel demand.
“Delta's competitive advantages and differentiation have never been more evident. Momentum is continuing into the final stretch of our Centennial year, positioning us to deliver strong December quarter earnings,” Bastian said in a statement.
For the fourth quarter, Delta projected an operating margin between 10.5% and 12% and adjusted earnings per share of $1.60 to $1.90.
The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to approximately $6, compared with prior guidance in the upper-$5 range and above analyst expectations of $5.80.