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Delta Beats Q2 Estimates While Absorbing Record Fuel Costs

The carrier says higher fares and tighter flying plans have offset most of the fuel shock and that its outlook points to sustained profit recovery as fuel eases.

Overview

  • Delta reported second-quarter non-GAAP revenue of about $17.7 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.56, topping Street forecasts for the period.
  • The airline said it paid the largest quarterly fuel bill in its history and that fare increases and mix helped recover roughly 60% of the extra fuel cost in Q2.
  • Delta reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $6.50 to $7.50 and issued third-quarter guidance of $2.00 to $2.50 per share, which was above analyst expectations.
  • Management raised the quarterly dividend by 15% and reduced adjusted net debt by about $709 million, citing strong cash flow and diversified revenue streams including premium fares, loyalty payments and refinery sales.
  • Shares fell about 4% after the release on Friday, July 10, as investors weighed whether pricing power and capacity restraint will hold after the summer and translate into durable gains for airline profits.