Delta Air Lines has shared its financial results for the last three months of 2025. The airline did better than expected in some areas, but its 2026 profit forecast is weaker than many investors expected. This mixed report caused some instability in the stock market and make people asked what come next.
For the December quarter, Delta reported total revenue of about $16 billion. This number was about 2.9% higher than what the airline made in the same period last year. The profit for the last three months was around $1.22 billion, and earnings per share were about $1.86, both stronger than many analysts expected.
These results show that people continued to travel, and Delta was able to earn more money than some experts had predicted. The airline’s leadership said the airline finished 2025 with a strong performance, helping both customers and workers while also creating value for the company’s owners.
With the good revenue and profit results, two parts of the report were easy to see as less positive for investors. First, Delta shared 2026 profit expectations that were lower than what many experts predicted. The airline expects earnings per share (EPS) in 2026 to be between $6.50 and $7.50 for the year. Many analysts had predicted a number closer to $7.30. Because of this, some investors worried and the stock price dropped a bit.
Second, although revenue was up, some reports showed that changed revenue numbers were lower than expected once certain sales items were removed. This detail added confusion for some traders.
One reason for mixed results may be the U.S. government shutdown that lasted several weeks late in 2025. The caused flights cancelled and reduced demand for travel. Because of this, Delta may have lost around $200 million in just last three months of 2025. Even though these challenges, December demand recovered, showing that customer interest in travel remained strong.
Looking ahead to early 2026, Delta also shared guidance for the first three months of the year. The airline expects earnings per share between 50 cents and 90 cents and revenue growth of about 5% to 7% as compared to the same period in 2025. These figures show that Delta believes travel demand will continue, especially for premium and business travel.
Along with its earnings report, Delta made several business moves that could affect its future. The airline announced a large aircraft order with Boeing, planning to buy new 787‑10 aircrafts to support future growth.
Industry experts say Delta’s results reflect strong travel demand, especially from business travelers and people who buy expensive services. At the same time, higher labor and operating costs have put some pressure on profit margins. Airlines like Delta are watching these costs closely as they plan for future growth.
Delta Air Lines finished 2025 with better‑than‑expected revenue and profit. But its forecast for 2026 did not meet expectations, leading to a cautious reaction from investors. The airline still expects travel to grow and plans to continue expanding services and increasing growth.
