Delta slighty lower in pre‑market as higher costs overshadow Q2 beat

(Sharecast News) - Delta Air Lines posted higher second‑quarter revenue and adjusted earnings on Friday, but shares ticked lower in pre‑market action as investors focused on rising costs and margin pressure rather than the headline beat. Delta reported adjusted earnings of $1.56 per share, ahead of the $1.48 expected, while adjusted revenues rose to $17.67bn, slightly above forecasts. Net income, on the other hand, fell 25% year‑on‑year to $1.6bn, though operating revenue climbed 19% to $19.76bn. The Atlanta-based airline also said adjusted profits came in at $1.03bn.

Despite the stronger top‑line performance and a 17% increase in Delta's revenue per available seat, costs per available seat mile jumped 21%, signalling a squeeze on margins. However, Delta said it was now passing roughly 60% of fuel‑cost inflation through to fares and expected that figure to approach 100% in the current quarter. Delta also said its Trainer refinery had delivered an 83% jump in revenues to $2.09bn.

Delta said demand remained strong across its network, with premium‑cabin revenue of $6.92bn outpacing the $6.85bn generated in the main cabin, while corporate travel also improved, led by aerospace and defence, banking and automotive clients. World Cup‑related demand was also stronger than expected.

Looking ahead, Delta forecast third‑quarter earnings of $2.00 to $2.50 per share, compared with consensus estimates of $2.02 per share, and projected mid‑teens revenue growth versus last year. Full‑year guidance was unchanged at $6.50 to $7.50 per share.

As of 1315 BST, Delta shares were down 1.12% in pre-market action at $88 per share.





Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com