Delta Air Lines drops after slashing full-year profit forecast
DAL•Delta Air Lines cut its 2026 adjusted profit forecast to $5.10-$5.60 per share from $6.50-$7.50, citing higher jet fuel costs. The new midpoint of $5.35 was below analysts’ $5.46 estimate.
1. Lower profit forecast
Delta said it now expects 2026 adjusted profit of $5.10 to $5.60 per share, compared with its earlier forecast of $6.50 to $7.50. The airline projects annual fuel costs will rise by around $6 billion, up from its earlier estimate of a $4 billion increase.
2. Quarterly results
Delta’s third-quarter adjusted profit was $1.72 per share, below estimates of $1.75 and marking its first quarterly profit miss in two years. Its shares fell 3%; United and Alaska Air shares declined about 2.8%, while American Airlines shares fell 2.4%.
