On Tuesday, Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) saw its price target increased to $61.00 from $55.00 by TD Cowen, with a continued Buy rating on the stock. The firm anticipates that Delta will lead the industry with its margins.
Despite expectations of reporting Revenue per Available Seat Mile (RASM) below consensus, the firm projects adjusted Earnings Per Share (EPS) to surpass expectations, potentially mirroring the positive outcome seen in the first quarter of the year.
Delta is scheduled to report its second-quarter earnings for 2024 before the market opens on July 11. TD Cowen has updated its estimates for the airline, predicting that Delta's performance could exceed the average analyst estimates, similar to what occurred in the previous quarter.
The firm's outlook is based on several key factors, including growth in loyalty and credit card programs, strong bookings in premium and international travel, free cash flow, and debt repayment.
The firm also anticipates that Delta's third-quarter guidance for adjusted EBIT margin and adjusted EPS will align with the consensus views. This prediction suggests a steady financial trajectory for the airline as it navigates the upcoming quarter.
Delta's focus areas, as highlighted by TD Cowen, include the expansion of its loyalty and credit card programs, which are expected to contribute to the company's revenue. The demand for premium seating and international bookings is seen as a positive indicator for the airline's financial health.
Lastly, the analyst points to Delta's free cash flow and debt repayment as critical elements of the airline's financial strategy. These measures are essential for the company's long-term stability and ability to invest in growth opportunities. With these factors in mind, the raised price target reflects a positive outlook for Delta Air Lines' financial performance in the coming quarters.
In other recent news, the U.S. Treasury Department has collected $556.7 million from the sale of warrants in 11 major U.S. airlines, a part of the government's COVID-19 relief efforts for the industry. Delta Air Lines recently held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where all twelve director nominees were re-elected, and the advisory vote on executive compensation was approved.
Wall Street has shown interest in Delta Air Lines due to its strategic positioning and strong financial performance, leading several firms to maintain buy and overweight ratings.
Moreover, the U.S. Treasury Department plans to gather a minimum of $492 million from upcoming auctions where it will sell warrants to buy shares in various U.S. airlines, including Delta. In an unrelated development, major U.S. airlines, including Delta, are calling on the government to address a chronic shortage of air traffic controllers as the summer travel season approaches.
These recent developments highlight the dynamic nature of the airline industry and the various factors impacting Delta's operations and strategic decisions.
InvestingPro Insights
As Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) prepares to release its second-quarter earnings, recent data from InvestingPro underscores the company's financial position. Delta's market capitalization stands at a robust $30.39 billion, and it is trading at a low earnings multiple with a P/E ratio of 6.02.
This valuation may appeal to investors looking for potentially undervalized opportunities in the Passenger Airlines industry. Furthermore, the company's revenue growth has been healthy, with a 9.34% increase over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, signaling a solid trajectory in earnings potential.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Delta is not only a prominent player in its sector but also boasts a high shareholder yield and analysts anticipate profitability this year. Moreover, the stock's Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests it is currently in oversold territory, which could indicate a buying opportunity for investors. While the company's short-term obligations exceed its liquid assets, the overall financial outlook remains positive, with a return on assets of 6.76% over the last twelve months.
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