Delta Air Lines Inc (NYSE:DAL) reported second quarter adjusted earnings and revenue that exceeded Wall Street expectations, while reaffirming its full-year 2026 earnings guidance and forecasting continued momentum into the September quarter.
The airline posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.56 for the June quarter, ahead of the consensus estimate of $1.51.
Adjusted revenue totaled $17.7 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $17.5 billion.
Delta said record revenue during the quarter was driven by strong demand for premium cabins, corporate travel and international routes, despite what it described as the highest quarterly fuel expense in the company's history.
The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of $6.50 to $7.50 per share, above the broader analyst consensus of $5.97. It also maintained its free cash flow forecast of $3 billion to $4 billion.
For the September quarter, Delta expects total revenue to increase by the mid-teens year over year, operating margins of 11% to 13%, and earnings per share of $2.00 to $2.50.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the company's June quarter performance reflected "broad demand strength, growing brand preference and momentum across our diversified revenue base."
"Delta is executing from a position of strength, and we expect momentum to carry into the second half with double-digit margins and a return to earnings growth,” Bastian added, while reaffirming its expectation of 20% earnings growth for the full year despite higher fuel costs.
The airline’s shares were little changed at $89 following the release of its earnings report.