Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL - Get Free Report) was the recipient of some unusual options trading activity on Friday. Investors purchased 39,720 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of 34% compared to the typical daily volume of 29,613 call options.
Insider Activity
In related news, President Peter Carter sold 39,900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.98, for a total value of $3,709,902.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president owned 424,704 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $39,488,977.92. This trade represents a 8.59% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Edward Bastian sold 206,510 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.80, for a total value of $19,164,128.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,363,448 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $126,527,974.40. This represents a 13.15% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 356,726 shares of company stock worth $33,081,037. 0.80% of the stock is owned by insiders.
Institutional Trading of Delta Air Lines
Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in Delta Air Lines by 3.8% during the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 3,535 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $331,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares during the last quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC boosted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 11.7% in the 2nd quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC now owns 1,238 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $116,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC NC grew its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC NC now owns 3,900 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $365,000 after buying an additional 131 shares during the period. GoalVest Advisory LLC increased its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 13.9% during the 3rd quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 1,187 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $101,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Basecamp Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 10.9% during the 1st quarter. Basecamp Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,582 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $105,000 after buying an additional 156 shares during the period. 69.93% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Delta Air Lines Trading Down 1.8%
DAL traded down $1.44 during trading on Friday, hitting $80.70. 4,652,399 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,592,307. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.42. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $83.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of $79.82. The firm has a market cap of $53.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.38, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.34. Delta Air Lines has a 1 year low of $55.03 and a 1 year high of $95.68.
Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 9th. The transportation company reported $1.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $1.77 by ($0.05). The business had revenue of $17.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.65 billion. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 5.79% and a return on equity of 17.52%. Delta Air Lines's revenue for the quarter was up 21.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.71 earnings per share. Delta Air Lines has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.150-1.650 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.100-5.600 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Delta Air Lines will post 5.79 EPS for the current year.
Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend
The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 15th will be given a dividend of $0.2150 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 15th. This represents a $0.86 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Delta Air Lines's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.26%.
Trending Headlines about Delta Air Lines
Here are the key news stories impacting Delta Air Lines this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Delta said broad travel demand, healthy yields and its premium business remained strong. Third-quarter revenue increased 21.1% year over year to $17.59 billion, while CEO Ed Bastian reported no meaningful cracks in demand and suggested fares could continue rising. Delta Air Lines cuts 2026 forecast on fuel surge, but CEO says demand is still strong
- Positive Sentiment: Management said Delta can absorb approximately $6 billion in additional fuel costs through pricing, operational strength and cost controls. The company also expects about $2.5 billion in 2026 free cash flow and plans to repay more than $2 billion of debt, supporting its balance-sheet recovery. Delta Air Lines Announces September Quarter 2026 Financial Results
- Neutral Sentiment: Many analysts continue to support DAL, with most maintaining Buy ratings despite reducing estimates. That reflects confidence in Delta’s premium strategy and long-term competitive position, although near-term earnings expectations have weakened.
- Neutral Sentiment: Delta is still evaluating whether to launch its planned Riyadh service later this month because of security concerns following attacks near the airport. Management said safety will determine the decision, creating a potential but uncertain route-related impact. Delta CEO: Safety is going to make the call on launching Saudi Arabia flight
- Negative Sentiment: Adjusted third-quarter EPS was $1.72, below the approximately $1.77–$1.80 analyst consensus, while revenue also narrowly lagged estimates. Fuel expense reportedly climbed 62% from a year earlier, squeezing margins despite higher fares and strong demand. Delta Air Lines cuts profit forecast as fuel costs outpace fare gains
- Negative Sentiment: Delta reduced 2026 EPS guidance to $5.10–$5.60, with the midpoint below prior expectations. Fourth-quarter EPS guidance of $1.15–$1.65 and revenue guidance of $17.5 billion also trail consensus estimates, keeping fuel prices and margin pressure as the main risks for DAL investors.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth
DAL has been the topic of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a "buy" rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a report on Monday, August 3rd. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $104.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Friday, September 18th. TD Cowen cut their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $105.00 to $101.00 and set a "buy" rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 2nd. Benchmark reissued a "buy" rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research note on Wednesday, July 8th. Finally, Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $106.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Sunday, July 12th. Twenty-three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $99.01.
Get Our Latest Stock Report on Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines Company Profile
(
Get Free Report)
Delta Air Lines, Inc is a major U.S. airline that provides scheduled passenger and air freight transportation. The company serves destinations throughout the United States and connects customers to international markets across Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada, Africa and the Caribbean through its own operations and regional airline partners.
Delta offers multiple classes of passenger service, including premium cabins and its main cabin, along with travel-related products such as vacation packages and loyalty benefits through the SkyMiles program.
Further Reading
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