Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) Up 4.9% — Is It Time to Go Long?
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) showed strong performance in the latest session, with the stock advancing 4.91% to close at $69.13, gaining $3.24 from the prior close of $65.89. This bullish activity stands out as the shares continue to gain ground, pushing closer to the 52-week high of $73.16 set on Jan. 6, 2026. At current levels, DAL is trading only a few dollars below that peak, highlighting sustained upward momentum and suggesting that the stock remains in an advancing trend within its recent range.
Trading volume came in at 4.16 million shares, running below the 90-day average of about 8.13 million. Even with lighter trading activity, the price move was notably strong, underscoring solid demand at higher levels. Within the broader transportation and logistics space, DAL’s single-day gain compares favorably with many sector peers, including Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), FedEx Corporation (FDX), and Ryanair Holdings plc (RYAAY), which tend to see more moderate day-to-day swings. The combination of a nearly 5% advance, proximity to a fresh 52-week high, and continued upward bias points to firmly bullish price action for DAL at this stage.
Why Delta Air Lines, Inc. Price is Moving Higher
Delta Air Lines, Inc. is catching a wave of bullish sentiment following its latest earnings and guidance. The stock climbed 3.92% on Feb. 2, 2026, as investors reacted to a December 2025 quarter that beat EPS expectations ($1.55 vs. $1.53) and, more importantly, featured upbeat 2026 guidance. Management’s forecast for full-year EPS of $6.50–$7.50 implies roughly 20% year-over-year earnings growth, supported by an outlook for $3 billion–$4 billion in free cash flow. That combination of solid current profitability—reflected in a profit margin above 7%—and visible earnings expansion is fueling confidence that recent momentum in the business can carry into 2026 and beyond.
Wall Street’s response is reinforcing that optimism. Analyst consensus targets center near $80.47, well above recent trading levels, with firms like Barclays lifting their price target to $85 and Argus to $80 in mid-January, both maintaining positive ratings. Those upgrades followed Delta’s detailed guidance, including expectations for 5%–7% revenue growth in March and Q1 2026 EPS of $0.50–$0.90, which helped validate the company’s 6.35% revenue growth trajectory. Institutional interest is also building, with Independent Advisor Alliance adding to its position after the earnings release. Against a supportive backdrop for the broader transportation space, Delta’s combination of earnings growth, free cash flow strength, and increasingly favorable analyst commentary is providing clear catalysts for the recent move higher.
What is the Delta Air Lines, Inc. Rating - Should I Buy?
Weiss Ratings assigns DAL a B rating. Current recommendation is Buy. This places Delta Air Lines, Inc. among the stronger names in the Industrials space on a risk-adjusted basis, indicating a favorable balance between opportunity and risk for investors who can tolerate some volatility. The B rating means that, overall, Delta has demonstrated a solid track record of execution and shareholder returns relative to its risk profile.
The company earns a Good Growth Index and a Good Efficiency Index, backed by 6.35% revenue growth and a healthy 7.35% profit margin. A forward P/E of 9.28 keeps valuation in a reasonable range, while return on equity at 28.52% signals that management is using shareholder capital effectively. These metrics help justify the Buy rating, showing a business that is expanding and generating attractive profits, rather than relying solely on financial engineering or short-term cost cuts.
On the risk side, Delta posts a Good Solvency Index, an important pillar for an asset-intensive carrier with a cyclical demand profile. However, the Weak Volatility Index and Weak Dividend Index indicate that investors should expect uneven price swings and limited income appeal. The Total Return Index is Fair, meaning the stock has more room to prove itself over a full cycle, even though the current B rating already captures its favorable positioning.
Within its sector, Delta’s B rating aligns well with other transportation leaders such as Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER, B), FedEx Corporation (FDX, B-), and Ryanair Holdings plc (RYAAY, B-). This peer standing reinforces Delta’s position as a competitively rated name for investors seeking exposure to the Industrials sector with a focus on growth and operational efficiency.
About Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a leading global carrier in the Industrials sector, operating an extensive network of passenger and cargo services. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta serves hundreds of destinations across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. The company focuses on providing full-service air transportation with a mix of domestic and international routes, supported by key hubs in major U.S. cities and strategic international gateways. Delta participates in the SkyTeam alliance and maintains a wide range of codeshare partnerships, allowing it to offer broad connectivity and coordinated schedules to business and leisure travelers.
Within the Transportation industry, Delta emphasizes an integrated service model that includes premium cabin offerings, loyalty programs, and operational reliability. Its Delta One, First Class, and Comfort+ seating options, along with airport lounge access, target higher-yield corporate and frequent flyers, while its Main Cabin and basic economy products aim to remain competitive across customer segments. The company continues to invest in fleet modernization, in-flight Wi-Fi and entertainment, and digital tools that streamline the travel journey from booking to baggage handling. Complemented by a strong cargo operation and ancillary services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities through Delta TechOps, the airline leverages scale, brand recognition, and a diversified route structure as key competitive advantages in the global air transportation market.
Investor Outlook
With a B (Buy) Weiss Rating, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) appears favorably positioned for investors seeking potential for continued gains within the Industrials universe. Ongoing sector trends in travel demand, cost management, and operational efficiency will be key drivers to watch, along with how the stock behaves around recent trading ranges and any shifts that might influence its risk/reward balance. See full rankings of all B-rated Industrials stocks inside the Weiss Stock Screener.
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