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Delta Sets 2026 Profit Target Below Street, Leans Into Premium Travel, Orders 30 Boeing 787-10s

Shares fell after the carrier paired record 2025 cash generation with a loyalty-driven plan focused on premium seats.

Overview

  • Delta forecast full-year 2026 adjusted EPS of $6.50 to $7.50 and Q1 revenue growth of 5% to 7%, below analyst estimates that pushed the stock lower and pressured peers.
  • December-quarter adjusted EPS was $1.55 on adjusted revenue of $14.61 billion, and 2025 closed with $5 billion in pre-tax profit and a record $4.6 billion in free cash flow after shutdown and tariff headwinds.
  • Management said virtually all near-term seat growth will be in premium cabins as Q4 premium ticket revenue rose 9% and main-cabin revenue fell 7%, reflecting stronger high-end demand.
  • Remuneration from American Express co-branded cards rose about 11% to roughly $8.2 billion in 2025, underscoring loyalty income as a key earnings driver.
  • Delta agreed to buy 30 Boeing 787-10s with options for 30 more for delivery starting in 2031, citing efficiency on transatlantic and South America routes and a push to diversify its long-haul fleet.