Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) shares surged more than 23% intra-day Wednesday after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings. It didn’t reaffirm its full-year financial guidance, citing increased uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff proposals.
The carrier posted adjusted earnings per share of $0.46, beating analyst expectations of $0.44. Revenue for the quarter reached $14 billion, ahead of the $13.11 billion consensus estimate. Passenger revenue came in at $11.48 billion, in line with Street forecasts.
Despite the solid quarterly results, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) said it would not update its 2025 outlook at this time. CEO Ed Bastian pointed to trade-related uncertainty and a slowing economy as key factors behind the decision. He noted that “growth has largely stalled” and that Delta is adjusting accordingly by protecting margins and cash flow. This includes reducing planned capacity growth in the second half of the year to flat versus 2024 and tightening control over costs and capital expenditures.
Still, Bastian struck a cautiously optimistic tone, citing a recent pullback in fuel prices and a strategic focus on operational discipline.
The decision to pause forward guidance comes as concerns mount over the economic impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs, which include a blanket 10% levy on all U.S. imports and targeted rates of up to 50%. Analysts at Vital Knowledge had previously warned that such measures could fuel inflation and dampen travel demand—pressuring sentiment across the airline industry.
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David Kirakosyan is a seasoned financial journalist with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in covering the U.S. stock markets. Since 2016, he has written thousands of equity news articles, detailed market analyses, and investment insights for trusted platforms like Benzinga, Investing.com, and StreetInsider. David holds a Master of Science in Finance and is a Level 2 CFA® candidate, reflecting his deep commitment to financial expertise and ethical standards. His reporting combines real-world market experience with a strong academic foundation, helping readers make informed decisions backed by reliable information. Read Full Bio
