Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) is a major American airline, known for its extensive domestic and international network. The company operates a large fleet and is a key player in the aviation industry, competing with other major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines. On January 13, 2026, Delta reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.55, surpassing the estimated $1.53, although its revenue of $14.61 billion fell short of the expected $15.69 billion.
Despite the revenue miss, Delta's CEO, Ed Bastian, expressed optimism about the company's future. In a discussion with CNBC's Phil LeBeau on 'Squawk Box', Bastian announced an expected 50% increase in EPS for the first quarter of 2026. This positive outlook reflects Delta's strategic positioning in the travel industry and its ability to capitalize on strong travel demand.
Delta's confidence in its growth trajectory is further demonstrated by its recent order for thirty Boeing 787-10 aircraft. This move marks a restart of their widebody orders with Boeing and aligns with the company's robust earnings growth projection of approximately 20% for 2026. The decision to expand its fleet with advanced aircraft underscores Delta's commitment to meeting the increasing demand for premium travel services.
Financially, Delta Air Lines is valued with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 9.94, indicating how the market values its earnings. The price-to-sales ratio is about 0.74, suggesting investors pay 74 cents for every dollar of sales. The enterprise value to sales ratio stands at around 1.02, reflecting the company's total valuation relative to its sales.
Delta's financial health is further highlighted by its earnings yield of about 10.06%, which indicates the return on investment for shareholders. The debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 1.15, showing the proportion of debt used to finance the company's assets. However, the current ratio of about 0.40 suggests a need for improvement in covering short-term liabilities with short-term assets.
