Delta Air Lines (DAL) Closes Shortened Trading Week Higher: Analysts Bullish on Stock's Prospects

Delta Air Lines (DAL) stock closed the shortened trading week higher, driven by a strong earnings report and positive outlook. The airline reported record December quarter revenue and operating profit, with industry-leading operational performance. This positive performance, coupled with a strong outlook for 2025, has analysts bullish on the stock's prospects.



Delta's record December quarter revenue and operating profit reflect the airline's differentiation from the industry and increased durability. The company's people finished the year strong, delivering industry-leading operational and financial performance. Sharing Delta's success is core to the company's culture, and the airline is excited to recognize its people's outstanding efforts with $1.4 billion in profit sharing payments next month.



As we move into 2025, Delta expects strong demand for travel to continue, with consumers increasingly seeking the premium products and experiences that Delta provides. The airline's differentiated strategy and best-in-class operations, combined with demand strength and an increasingly constructive industry backdrop, position Delta to deliver the best financial year in the company's 100-year history. Delta is guiding to 2025 earnings of greater than $7.35 per share and free cash flow of greater than $4 billion.



Analysts have taken note of Delta's strong performance and positive outlook, with the average analyst rating for DAL stock from 14 stock analysts being "Strong Buy." This consensus rating indicates that analysts believe this stock is likely to perform very well in the near future and significantly outperform the market. The average price target for DAL is $75.77, which is 13.17% higher than the current price of $66.95. This suggests that analysts expect the stock price to increase in the coming months.



In conclusion, Delta Air Lines' strong earnings report and positive outlook have driven the stock's performance during the shortened trading week. With analysts bullish on the stock's prospects, investors can expect Delta to continue its upward trajectory in the coming months. As Delta's people continue to deliver industry-leading operational and financial performance, the airline is well-positioned to capitalize on strong demand for travel and deliver the best financial year in its history.