NYSE:DAL
Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL)
Financials 
Technical Analysis 
Aug 16, 2026, 12:00 amThis summary was created by AI, based on 13 opinions in the last 12 months.
Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL) is highlighted as a strong investment choice by multiple analysts amidst rising consumer demand for both economy and premium seats. Recent discussions of a potential merger with United Airlines signal a robust future, alongside increased quarterly cash flows and reduced debt, supporting a 20% return on equity (ROE). Analysts express confidence in Delta's ability to withstand current challenges such as soaring fuel costs, backed by improved cash reserves and strategic expansions. The company's stock has been consistently recommended as a 'Top Pick', with varying target prices indicating an upside potential of 18% to 19%. Despite some market fluctuations due to broader geopolitical contexts, overall sentiment is notably positive for DAL's long-term growth prospects.
They report Tuesday. Lots of moving parts now, but overall demand remains high. The problem in recent months is overcapacity in the airline industry.
Jim LebenthalThe airline sector has come off again. Delta is the dominant carrier in Atlanta airport, the world's biggest airport and it is the least unionized airline. Also they own their own refinery and fuel is a big expense. It trades at 6X next year's earnings. Buy 21 Hold 1 Sell 0
(Analysts’ price target is $59.05)
Teal Linde
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Premium contentWe again reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK. Fitch just upgraded their credit rating back to investment grade, commenting their metrics have improved considerably after the pandemic. The company has reduced gross debt aggressively and downsized its leases by $11 billion over the past three years. It trades at 7x earnings, 2.2x book and supports a robust 43% ROE. We continue to recommend maintaining a tight stop at $43, looking to achieve $61 -- upside potential of 31%. Yield 1.4%
(Analysts’ price target is $61.32)
It's the best US airline. But the stocks aren't reflect record volumes. The airline stocks may have peaked in July 2023.
Joe TerranovaPremium contentWe reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK as air travel is expected to continue making new records. Cash reserves are growing, while debt is aggressively retired. It trades at 7x earnings, under 3x book value and supports a robust 57% ROE. We continue to recommend a stop loss at $43, looking to achieve $61 -- upside potential of 22%. Yield 0.7%
(Analysts’ price target is $61.70)Premium contentWith summer travel set to hit record levels, we once again reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK. It trades 7x earnings, 2.7x book value and boasts a 52% ROE. Quarterly cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired. Its dividend is supported by a payout ratio under 10% of cash flow. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $39) to $43, looking to achieve $57 -- upside potential of 20%. Yield 0.6%
(Analysts’ price target is $56.75)It's a short-term rental and based on momentum, not fundamentals, but he's starting to change his mind. Why? Delta commands high passenger capacity despite high prices.
Joe TerranovaIt is still cheap at a 15% free cash flow yield. The business travel component is back to pre-pandemic levels, at least for Delta. Trades at 6 1/2X expected earnings.
Teal LindePremium contentAs management reaffirms Q1 profit projections as international travel demand returns along with a stronger US dollar, we again reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK. It’s trading at 6x earnings, 2.5x book and supports a robust 52% ROE. Quarterly cash flow is growing, while debt is retired. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $30) to $39, looking to achieve $54 — upside potential of 27%. Yield 0.9%
(Analysts’ price target is $54.53)Premium contentWe again reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK. With management expecting a sizable resurgence in travel, the company has announced additions in flights, totaling up to 1000 weekly flights to sunny destinations. We like that quarterly cash flow is growing, while debt is retired. It trades at 6x earnings, 2.3x book and supports a robust 52% ROE. We continue to recommend a stop at $30, looking to achieve $54 -- upside potential of 33%. Yield 0.5%
(Analysts’ price target is $54.24)Premium contentWe reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK as it expects 9 million passengers to have flown this holiday season with November setting a record high. It trades at 8x earnings, under 3x book and supports a 49% ROE. Quarterly cash flows were up, while debt was being reduced. We continue to recommend a stop at $30, looking to achieve $53 -- upside over 25%. Yield 0.5%
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US airline passengers volumes have finally returned to pre-Covid levels (vs. 16 months after 9/11, and 19 months after the 2008 crisis). UAL just announced a beat and strong guidance; UAL said the price wars are over, so this has lifted the entire airline industry. DAL just announced 7 new destinations to Europe and increases flights on some routes, like Atlanta to Barcelona.