How Is Delta Air Lines' Stock Performance Compared to Other Airlines Stocks?

With a market cap of $39.5 billion, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) is one of the largest U.S. carriers, controlling a significant share of the domestic aviation market. The company operates through two segments: Airline and Refinery, with the majority of revenues coming from its airline operations. 

Companies valued at more than $10 billion are generally considered “large-cap” stocks, and Delta Air Lines fits this criterion perfectly. With a global network of hubs, a fleet of nearly 1,300 aircraft, and additional services such as maintenance and vacation packages, Delta provides extensive passenger and cargo transportation both domestically and internationally.

Shares of the Atlanta, Georgia-based company have decreased 13.4% from its 52-week high of $69.98. Delta Air Lines’ shares have increased nearly 24% over the past three months, outperforming the Themes Airlines ETF’s (AIRL) 11.8% gain over the same time frame. 

In the longer term, DAL stock is up marginally on a YTD basis, compared to AIRL’s 16.8% return. Moreover, shares of the airline have soared 36.9% over the past 52 weeks, lagging behind AIRL’s 42.8% return over the same time frame.

Yet, the stock has been trading above its 50-day moving average since early May. Also, it has remained above its 200-day moving average since early August.

Shares of Delta Air Lines jumped nearly 12% on Jul. 10 after the company reported better-than-expected Q2 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.10 and revenue of $16.7 billion. Despite flat passenger revenue and a 5% drop in domestic unit revenue, Delta issued a full-year profit forecast of $5.25 per share to $6.25 per share and projected Q3 EPS of $1.25 to $1.75, surpassing the consensus at the high end. 

The management also cited stabilizing demand, industry capacity cuts to support fares, and strong spending on premium services and co-branded credit cards as drivers of renewed investor confidence.

However, DAL stock has lagged behind its rival United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL). Shares of United Airlines have surged 12.5% on a YTD basis and nearly 120% over the past 52 weeks. 

Despite the stock’s underperformance over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic about its prospects. DAL stock has a consensus rating of “Strong Buy” from 22 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $68.58 is a premium of nearly 14% to current levels.