
NYSE:DAL
This summary was created by AI, based on 13 opinions in the last 12 months.
Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL) continues to attract attention from analysts, with several reiterating it as a 'Top Pick' based on growing consumer demand and recent dividend increases. The airline has demonstrated the ability to manage rising fuel costs while expanding its margins, which is crucial in the current volatile environment. Analysts highlight the company's strong return on equity (ROE) and manageable debt levels, suggesting that it is well-positioned for future growth. However, some concerns do arise from the macroeconomic climate, such as geopolitical tensions and potential economic downturns, which may impact travel demand. Despite short-term challenges, the long-term outlook seems positive, especially if the airline can maintain its competitive edge within the duopoly of Delta and United.
He likes the airlines and expects the US economy to expand. The number of US airlines have shrunk a lot, down to four, but they are mispriced to their relationship to loyalty-point cards. Delta signed a deal with AmEx where Delta believes they will have $7 billion in excess cash flow by 2023. That's pretty good. Everybody loves loyalty points to buy seats. It benefit consumers and airlines which have done a great job of upselling. Fuel prices have been a concern, but the oil price has remained low. Even if the economy heads into recession, Delta's balance sheet is lean and mean.
Is this time different for airlines? They've consolidated and they say they won't fight each other about capacity this time. Delta and the others look pretty good now. But rising oil prices forced Delta to issue guidance to limit expectations. This is trading at 8.5x earnings. He thinks this time is indeed different for the airlines. Delta generates a lot of money from its credit cards (air miles). Good dividend and they're buying back stock.
Doesn't own any airlines right now. Had looked at Air Canada (AC-T) which had an incredible year last year. You could come up with a million and one issues of why you would never want to own an airline, but at the same time you could make an argument that you are in the sweet spot of a cycle for the airlines.
Transportation stocks have had a kind of bumpy last few months, and have pulled back down, so are more attractive on a valuation perspective. He generally likes airlines. The business has been rationalized as they have "whittled down" to a large handful of players. They seem to be competing less on price, therefore respecting one another’s margins. Labour, etc. seems to have been put in the background. With global economy improving, they are able to keep prices high. This has a PE of less than 10.