Delta reaffirms '26 profit guidance | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Delta reaffirms its 2026 profit guidance as it navigates record fuel costs and ongoing uncertainty tied to Middle East tensions. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines reported adjusted second-quarter earnings of $1.56 per share on Friday, beating analysts’ $1.51 estimate, while revenue rose 14% year over year and capacity grew only 1%. The airline said strong demand for premium, corporate and international travel helped offset the highest quarterly fuel expense in its history. It reinstated its 2026 adjusted earnings forecast of $6.50 to $7.50 per share that it had issued in January but omitted in an April update. Delta also warned that it was premature to provide 2027 guidance, with CEO Ed Bastian noting fuel remains up 50%. Delta’s adjusted fuel expense totaled $4.4 billion, up 77% year over year, after some easing tied to Iran’s conflict.