NYSE:DAL
Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL)
Financials 
Technical Analysis 
Jul 7, 2026, 12:00 amThis summary was created by AI, based on 12 opinions in the last 12 months.
Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL) has been highlighted as a top pick by various experts due to its strong fundamentals, including recent dividend increases and manageable debt levels. Analysts emphasize that the company's robust cash flow allows for sustainable dividend growth, supported by a low payout ratio. Despite facing headwinds like rising fuel costs and potential geopolitical impacts, DAL's strategic expansion plans and an increasing fleet indicate long-term potential. However, concerns about overvaluation and market volatility persist, as travel demand remains inconsistent amid economic uncertainties. The consensus is optimistic, with price targets suggesting significant upside potential if the macroeconomic environment stabilizes.
There is lots of pessimism in airlines now and airlines are trading at 2020 prices even though the situation is much better. It is the best managed airline in North America and rated the number one airline for the past several years by the wall Street Journal. It is trading at 5 1/2X this year's and next year's earnings.
He also talked about Air Canada which is also at an attractive price. The demand is roaring back but the capacity is well down from 2019. Advance ticket sales are way up. In general the airlines are keeping the supply tight.
Buy 22 Hold 0 Sell 0
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Premium contentAs passenger demand returns, DAL is a premium brand with significant free cash flow generation that is offering good value here. It trades at 6x earnings, 2.2x book and supports a 49% ROE. Quarterly cash reserves are growing again, while the company retires debt. We recommend placing a stop-loss at $26, looking to achieve $42 -- upside potential of 31%. Yield 0.6%
(Analysts’ price target is $53.94)
He wouldn't sell a share. Operations and results vs. two years are much much higher. Earnings estimates for 2023 are 30% higher than when the year started. Trades at 6x forward.
Jim Lebenthal
DAL is up 41% YTD. It reports July 13, with expectations of $14.3B sales and $2.33 EPS. Earnings could double this year on higher fares and lower fuel costs. Debt is still high at 4X cash flow but that is common for the sector. It remains very cheap at 7X earnings and continues to benefit from the travel recovery. A bad recession could hurt, but recent economic numbers have been fine. We like it today.
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Passenger counts are through the roof. Estimates for airline stocks keep rising, but they've gotten no love. He's bullish airlines.
Jim LebenthalMost airline stocks are trading near their 2020 levels despite the major increase in business. Delta is thought to be the best managed airline in North America and this is backed up by a number of surveys. It is a favourite of Wall Street analysts. It is trading at 6X this year's expected earnings as compared to a historical level of 9X so it is well priced. It does not pay a dividend. Buy 21 Hold 0 Sell 0
Teal LindeNot worried about tomorrow's report, because he strongly believes in the CEO. As for AA's guidance today, AA actually increased their estimates last month. The problem is that street's estimates got ahead of itself. Wants to know how international travel is doing this year, after domestic travel did gangbusters last year.
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Upgraded today. It generates a lot of free cash flow and it's paying down debt which they need to complete before there's a recession. He sees upside.