Delta Air Lines Q4 EPS Beats by $0.02 Despite 16% Drop, Revenue $16B +2.9%
Delta Air Lines reported Q4 EPS of $1.55, beating estimates by $0.02 despite a 16.2% year-over-year decline driven by elevated labor costs. Total revenue rose 2.9% to $16.0 billion, with adjusted operating revenue up 1.2% at $14.6 billion despite a two-point hit from the federal shutdown.
1. Q4 Earnings Performance
Delta reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.55 per share excluding non-recurring items, beating consensus by $0.02 but reflecting a 16.2% year-over-year decline as labor expenses rose sharply.
2. Revenue and Operating Revenue Trends
Total fourth-quarter revenue increased 2.9% to $16.0 billion, surpassing forecasts, while adjusted operating revenue excluding third-party refinery sales grew 1.2% to $14.6 billion.
3. Cost Pressures and Shutdown Impact
High labor costs exerted pressure on margins and a recent federal government shutdown trimmed approximately two percentage points from domestic revenue growth.