Delta Air Lines is up 31% YTD, reaching record highs, but now appears expensive after a strong rally. The premiumization strategy is driving margin expansion, with premium revenue up 14% y/y and robust loyalty program growth. Q2 and Q3 earnings face headwinds from elevated fuel costs, risking EPS misses and limiting upside to guidance.
The smart money exited, but Wall Street did not follow. Three legendary investors—Stanley Druckenmiller, David Tepper, and Carl Icahn—unloaded positions in Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL | GOOGL Price Prediction), Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL), and Southwest Gas (NYSE: SWX) as of Q1 2026 13F disclosures, yet sell-side consensus on all three remains firmly bullish, and the stocks have continued higher since the exit quarter closed.
Ed Bastian points directly to a lack of market supply rather than just the fluctuating fuel costs.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian says ticket prices will drop when more supply enters the market, citing air traffic control congestion as a bottleneck.
In the most recent trading session, Delta Air Lines (DAL) closed at $85.92, indicating a +2.07% shift from the previous trading day.
Berkshire Hathaway, now under CEO Greg Abel, disclosed in its Q1 2026 13F filing the acquisition of almost 40 million shares of Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL | DAL Price Prediction), a position valued at approximately $2.65 billion.
Delta Air Lines has outperformed the market, rising 77% in the past year, reflecting strong fundamentals and resilience. Despite robust Q1 results and a 14.7% dividend increase, DAL now trades at a forward P/E of 12x, appearing fairly valued. I downgrade DAL from buy to hold due to heightened macro risks, potential rate hikes, and increased near-term downside risk.
DAL raises its quarterly dividend by 15% to 21.5 cents per share, extending a series of payout increases and signaling strong cash flow strength.
Delta Air Lines (DAL) reached $84.07 at the closing of the latest trading day, reflecting a +1.22% change compared to its last close.
Delta Air Lines (DAL) closed the most recent trading day at $78.21, moving 1.52% from the previous trading session.
Delta's president, Peter Carter, told CNBC that his airline wants to become the top U.S. carrier for trans-Pacific flights. United and Delta account for most of the U.S. airline industry's profits.
Delta Airlines President Peter Carter speaks at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on Middle East, Rhiad flights and premium travel. -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video?