Delta Air Lines has posted impressive fourth-quarter results for 2024, with strong earnings, revenue growth, and an optimistic outlook for 2025, driving its stock price up by 3.4%.
In its Q4 report, Delta announced operating revenue of $15.6 billion, reflecting solid demand during the busy holiday season.
The airline achieved an operating income of $1.7 billion, with an operating margin of 11.0%, and reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.29. Adjusted EPS for the quarter stood at $1.85, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations of $1.76 per share.
For the full year, Delta’s revenue reached a record $61.6 billion, and the airline posted a pre-tax income of $5 billion. Delta’s strong performance in 2024 was further evidenced by $8 billion in operating cash flow and $3.4 billion in free cash flow.
One of the key drivers of Delta’s impressive results was its ability to capture demand from premium travelers.
As consumers continue to prioritize premium travel experiences, Delta has positioned itself to capitalize on this lucrative segment, making the airline’s 2025 guidance particularly robust.
The airline expects earnings per share to exceed $7.35 for 2025, projecting over 10% growth compared to 2024, and anticipates free cash flow exceeding $4 billion.
Following the results, Delta’s stock jumped by 3.4%, indicating investor confidence in the company’s future prospects.
The positive market reaction reflects the airline’s strong financial health and its optimistic forecast for 2025, fueled by the continued growth of premium travel.
As Delta prepares to build on its momentum in 2025, analysts are optimistic that the airline will continue to benefit from the travel recovery and its focus on premium offerings.
Investors will likely be watching closely for any further developments that could affect Delta’s performance, particularly as competition in the airline industry remains fierce.
With Delta’s robust fourth-quarter performance and a promising outlook for the next year, the airline is set to enter 2025 with renewed confidence, while its stock remains a key investment for those watching the aviation sector closely.
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