Is Delta Air Lines Stock a Good Buy Now?

Delta Air Lines Stock Overview: Delta Air Lines (DAL) was trading at $59.47 as of September 18th, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 8.55 and 8.11, respectively. The stock has drawn attention from investors due to its attractive valuation and strong operational performance in the aviation sector.

Record June-Quarter Revenue: DAL reported record June-quarter revenue of $15.5 billion, up 1% year-over-year on a 4% capacity increase, marking the highest June quarter in company history. Adjusted EPS came in at $2.10, slightly exceeding analyst expectations, highlighting Delta’s operational resilience.

Strong Margins and Guidance: Operating margins stood at a solid 13.2% on a non-GAAP basis despite fuel and labor challenges. Full-year EPS guidance was restored to $5.25–$6.25, and free cash flow expectations were raised to $3–$4 billion, signaling robust financial flexibility and debt management capabilities.

Positive Market Reaction: Following the earnings report, DAL shares climbed 10–12%, making it one of the top performers on the S&P 500. The breakout above $51 has opened near-term trading opportunities, with potential upside toward $60 if volume supports further gains.

Trading and Entry Points: Short-term traders may consider partial profits around $55, with retests at $54–$55 providing additional entry points. Pullbacks to $52–$53 could serve as fallback opportunities, while long-term investors might target dips to $45–$47 for an attractive free-cash-flow yield near 8% and a forward dividend yield exceeding 2%.

Technical and Fundamental Catalysts: Technical indicators, solid earnings, restored guidance, and strong free cash flow support Delta’s stock momentum. Analysts highlight DAL’s premium product offerings and operational efficiency as long-term drivers for sustained upside.

Investor Sentiment and Hedge Fund Interest: While Delta is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, 69 hedge fund portfolios held DAL at the end of Q2, up from 67 the previous quarter. The combination of record results and solid fundamentals continues to attract both institutional and retail investors.

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