Delta Air Lines Inc. Q1 Financial Highlights

Delta Air Lines Inc. announced a 2% annual increase in its first-quarter operating revenue, reaching $14 billion. However, operating income saw a 7% decline, settling at $569 million. Notably, diluted earnings per share (EPS) experienced a significant 516% year-on-year surge, achieving $0.37 per share.

Q2 Expectations and Strategic Adjustments

Looking ahead to the second quarter, Delta anticipates revenue fluctuations between a 2% decrease and a 2% increase. The operating margin is projected to range from 11% to 14%, with EPS expected between $1.70 and $2.30. The company has decided not to reaffirm its full-year 2025 financial guidance due to current uncertainties, promising updates as the year progresses.

CEO Ed Bastian emphasized the company's strategy to navigate the slower-growth environment by controlling controllable factors. This includes moderating capacity growth in the latter half of the year to match last year's levels, alongside stringent cost and capital expenditure management. Delta's shares saw a 3.12% increase in premarket trading following the announcement.