Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) earnings date & stock reaction
DAL · Delta Air Lines Inc. · Consumer Discretionary
“For the full year, we expect to generate a pre-tax profit of roughly $4.5 billion, absorbing a $6 billion increase in fuel costs.”
“In the December quarter, we expect earnings of $1.15 to $1.65 per share, based on a fuel price of approximately $4.25 per gallon.”
- ▲Strong Growth in Premium and Loyalty
- Premium revenue grew 18% vs last year, and loyalty revenue also increased by 18%.
- American Express remuneration grew 15%, with full-year expectations exceeding $9 billion.
- ▲Robust International and Cargo Demand
- International unit revenue increased 12% vs last year, led by a 22% growth in Latin American routes.
- Cargo revenue rose 29% vs last year, driven by gains in both volume and yield.
- ▲Strong Cash Flow and Financial Health
- Generated $1.9 billion in free cash flow year-to-date, with a full-year target of $2.5 billion.
- Plans to pay down over $2 billion in debt this year, continuously strengthening the balance sheet.
- ▼Profitability Pressure from Rising Fuel Costs
- Fuel costs for the September quarter were over $500 million higher than guidance, limiting operating income growth.
- Total fuel costs for the year are expected to increase by $6 billion vs last year.
- ▼Steep Rise in Non-Fuel Unit Costs
- Non-fuel unit costs (CASM-Ex) increased 7.3% vs last year, highlighting rising cost pressures.
- Operational disruptions and higher labor costs have slowed the pace of cost efficiency compared to initial plans.
- ▼Stagnant Operating Margins
- Adjusted operating margin was 9.4% in the September quarter, with margin expansion limited by rising costs despite strong revenue growth.
- The Q4 operating margin outlook of 7-9% is lower than the Q3 performance.
Price after the latest report
Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) rose the day after earnings in 6 of its last 12 reports (50%), moving ±6.1% on average. It has fallen despite beating the consensus estimate 3 times.
Even when EPS beat expectations, the stock fell 4 of the last 6 times. The number alone doesn't move it.
When results drop, skip the EPS number. Check if the growth above holds or accelerates, and whether guidance beats expectations.
The real bar for this stock
Beating estimates isn't enough. Here's where the real surprise started.
How this stock reacts to earnings
Traits seen across its recent earnings reactions
Earnings number vs guidance: which drives it?
How often the beat/miss matched the actual price move
3/5 beats fell next day · watches Unit revenue · guidance
- Sep 2026 report+0.0%
- Jun 2026 report-1.8%
- Mar 2026 report+3.8%
- Dec 2025 report-2.4%
- Sep 2025 report+4.3%
- Jun 2025 report+12.0%
Earnings timeline · bars = next-day move, ▲▼ = beat/miss
Earnings trend · last 12 quarters
Earnings history and price reaction
| Quarter ended | Reported (ET) | vs market expectation (consensus) | Earnings day | After 5 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/2026 | 2026-10-09 | -4.4% | +0.0% | — |
| 6/2026 | 2026-07-10 | +4.5% | -1.8% | -2.6% |
| 3/2026 | 2026-04-08 | — | +3.8% | +9.3% |
| 12/2025 | 2026-01-13 | +0.3% | -2.4% | -5.0% |
| 9/2025 | 2025-10-09 | — | +4.3% | +8.0% |
| 6/2025 | 2025-07-10 | +1.9% | +12.0% | +9.6% |
12 reports, quarters ending 12/2023 to 9/2026. The earnings-day move is the first trading day that reflects the report; the five-day figure is the cumulative move from that point.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Delta Air Lines Inc. earnings date?
The next Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) earnings report is expected Wed, January 13 around 8:00 AM ET, before the open. It comes from an earnings calendar and may not be a company-confirmed date; it updates automatically if it changes.
What is the consensus EPS forecast for Delta Air Lines Inc.'s next earnings?
Analysts expect EPS of about $1.44 for Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL). Coming in above that counts as a beat, below it a miss — though a beat does not guarantee the stock rises.
Does Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) stock usually go up after earnings?
Over the last 12 earnings reports, the stock rose on 6 of them (50%). The average move on earnings day was ±6.1%.
Does Delta Air Lines Inc. react more to the earnings numbers or to guidance?
In 4 of the last 8 reports (50%), the stock moved the opposite way from whether it beat or missed the forecast. A high share means guidance and expectations drive the move more than the reported numbers.
Can Delta Air Lines Inc. stock fall even when earnings are good?
Yes. In 1 of the last 12 reports, Delta Air Lines Inc. fell on the earnings day despite growing EPS. Expectations already priced in, or guidance, can matter more than the reported numbers.
Does Delta Air Lines Inc. stock keep moving after the earnings day?
Over the last 11 reports, the move continued in the same direction for the following five trading days 45% of the time. This tendency is known as post-earnings announcement drift.