Should I buy Delta Air Lines stock in 2025?

What is Delta Air Lines?

How much is the Delta Air Lines stock?

The price of Delta Air Lines stock is falling this week. Currently, Delta Air Lines shares are trading at $48.50, reflecting a slight 24-hour decrease of $0.10 (-0.21%) and a weekly change of -1.21%. The company’s market capitalisation stands at $31.67 billion, with an average three-month trading volume of 13.2 million shares. Delta’s price/earnings ratio is 8.60, the dividend yield is 1.24%, and the stock’s beta is 1.46, indicating above-average market volatility. Investors in Ireland should be mindful of these swings, as they can present both risks and timely opportunities in the air travel sector.

Our full analysis on Delta Air Lines stock

Having thoroughly reviewed Delta Air Lines’ latest financial disclosures, the evolution of its share price over the past three years, and leveraging our proprietary methodologies combining financial metrics, technical signals, market data, and peer benchmarking, we provide an expert perspective on this pivotal airline stock. The data highlights a period of substantial strategic transformation amid a complex market, but signs now point towards improving fundamentals and enduring strengths. So, why might Delta Air Lines stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global transportation sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) is currently trading at $48.50 as of 30 May 2025, positioning itself in the mid-range of its 52-week span between $34.74 and $69.98. After a pronounced six-month correction of -24.01%, the stock has displayed remarkable resilience, limited to a modest 1-year decline of just -2.81%. This softening sets a context of relative undervaluation, especially compared to its stronger performance in the prior cycle.

Positive momentum has been supported by the Q1 2025 earnings release, with Delta surpassing analyst expectations in both revenue ($14.04 billion vs $13.88 billion forecast, +2.1% year-over-year) and net profit ($240 million vs just $37 million a year earlier). Notably, this improvement comes in an environment where many competitors face margin compression and demand volatility.

The macroeconomic setting for airlines has been increasingly constructive. Post-pandemic demand remains buoyant—particularly for premium cabins, where Delta has a marked edge—and US consumer spending shows resilience. European traffic has rebounded, and cross-Atlantic routes, a critical segment for Delta, have approached pre-pandemic capacity. With the Federal Reserve taking a measured approach to rates and jet fuel prices off their peaks, sector tailwinds seem poised to support further normalisation.

Strategically, the sector is consolidating. Delta’s recent $550 million investment (with Korean Air) for a 25% stake in WestJet unlocks new revenue streams in North America, further distinguishing its global network. Such moves not only diversify earnings but also reinforce Delta’s status as a sector leader with deep competitive moats.

Technical Analysis

From a technical perspective, Delta’s chart signals potential for bullish consolidation. While the price is currently under the 200-day moving average ($53.00), it is holding above a robust support zone at $37.30. The 14-day Relative Strength Index sits at 52.78, reflecting neither overbought nor oversold conditions—typically an area from which new trends emerge.

The MACD indicator is at a positive 1.49, suggesting the emergence of upward momentum. Should the stock reclaim the 200-day moving average, a classic technical reversal would be confirmed. Near-term resistance is identified at $53.50: a break above this point would likely trigger further buying, closing the gap to analyst targets and restoring medium-term confidence.

In terms of structure, the recent retracement presents an idealised re-entry window for medium- and long-term investors, with attractive risk-reward. Technical momentum appears to be realigning, backed by increased buyer interest at key support levels.

Fundamental Analysis

Delta’s fundamental backdrop is especially compelling following its Q1 2025 results:

• Revenue growth: The latest quarter delivered $14.04 billion in revenue, exceeding consensus by 1.1%. Year-on-year revenue advanced 2.1%, demonstrating resilience in a still-competitive market.
• Profitability: Net income rose dramatically to $240 million from $37 million a year ago, marking solid improvement in operational efficiency.
• Valuation: With a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 8.60 and a trailing twelve-month EPS of $5.64, Delta currently trades at a significant discount compared to both its historical multiples and major US airline peers (Southwest Airlines, United Airlines). The PEG and P/S ratios are aligned with or below sector averages, confirming valuation arguments for sustained interest.
• Dividend resurgence: A yield of 1.24% and a quarterly payout of $0.15 per share provide added appeal, underscoring management’s confidence in free cash flow.
• Market position: Delta’s status as a market leader is supported by its network of over 1,290 modern aircraft, a robust domestic and international presence, and its signature SkyMiles loyalty programme. Ongoing investments in fleet and digital innovation have cemented its brand strength and customer loyalty, particularly among premium travellers.

All these elements suggest that the current equity price does not fully reflect the company’s improved fundamentals and strategic positioning, making renewed interest in the stock fundamentally justified.

Volume and Liquidity

Delta boasts a liquid market, with a sizeable average daily volume of 13.2 million shares and a free float of approximately 650.3 million shares. Such depth in daily trading not only facilitates dynamic price discovery but also supports Delta’s ability to attract institutional investors and large funds.

This robust liquidity indicates investor confidence, reinforces price stability, and provides a buffer against abrupt market shifts. Historical volume trends also highlight a pattern: periods of weakness in DAL stock have typically been met with sharp, high-volume reversals, allowing savvy investors to accumulate positions ahead of broader moves.

The relatively even distribution of shares among institutional holders mitigates concentration risks and creates an attractive environment for both retail and professional investors.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Multiple forward-looking catalysts provide a strong bullish narrative entering 2025:

• Strategic expansion: The WestJet partnership not only opens direct access to the Canadian market but also strengthens Delta’s joint ventures across Asia via the Korean Air partnership. This international expansion remains a distinct strength versus US-only competitors.
• Premium travel demand: According to industry research from Goldman Sachs, Delta’s focus on premium seating and business travel is expected to provide a competitive edge as corporate and luxury consumers return en masse.
• Operational optimisation: Management continue to execute cost-reduction programmes and margin improvements, taking advantage of both scale and digital transformation initiatives within the airline’s core processes.
• Sector tailwinds: As the global economy finds further post-pandemic footing, aviation is benefiting from pent-up demand, especially among high-value customers and for transatlantic routes which account for a sizeable share of Delta’s profits.
• ESG focus: Ongoing investments in sustainable fuels, modernised fleets, and green ground operations enhance the airline’s long-term franchise value, also attracting sustainability-focused investors.

These elements are reinforced by a consensus 12-month analyst price target of $57.86 (+19% from current levels) and in-house models projecting potential upside towards $63.05 (+30%), indicating scope for material re-rating as the company delivers on its strategic plan.

Investment Strategies

Delta Air Lines offers a compelling mix of potential strategies, well-supported by current price action and looming catalysts:

• Short-term: For active traders, entry near technical support ($37.30–$48.50) aligns risk with reward, especially as technical oscillators indicate an emerging positive structure. Swings towards the $53.50 resistance offer tactical trading opportunities.
• Medium-term: Positioning ahead of Q2 2025 results (expected in July) may allow investors to capture pre-earnings momentum. Continued operational improvements and further international announcements could act as triggers for re-rating.
• Long-term: The current depressed valuation (P/E well below 10), combined with structural growth drivers and a healthy balance sheet, argue for patient accumulation. Investors seeking exposure to a rebound in the aviation sector—especially with a leading, diversified carrier—may find Delta’s multi-year narrative increasingly persuasive.

Many seasoned investors may view DAL’s current technical backdrop and improved earnings trajectory as an ideal scenario for scaling into long positions, particularly as the airline sector transitions from recovery to growth.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Delta Air Lines?

In summary, Delta Air Lines stands out for its:

• Robust leadership in both US and international markets, supported by an optimised global network,
• Consistently improving financial metrics: revenue growth, expanding margins, and an attractive, below-average P/E,
• Favourable technical configuration, with stocks consolidating amid early signs of a bullish reversal,
• High trading liquidity and diversified share ownership,
• A series of near-term catalysts from strategic M&A, ongoing operational upgrades, and rising premium segment demand.

With sector tailwinds gathering, demand resurgent and strategic execution clearly delivering, Delta Air Lines seems to represent an excellent opportunity for investors seeking exposure to a major player poised to benefit from both cyclical recovery and structural transformation. The confluence of undervalued fundamentals, supportive technical signals, and active management ensures that Delta’s current price is difficult to overlook for those considering new positions in large-cap international transport stocks.

Ultimately, Delta Air Lines stock may be entering a new bullish phase, where its proven resilience, innovation, and network scale provide distinct advantages. For investors seeking quality and upside potential in the travel and transport sector, this is a moment to watch closely—and perhaps to act with conviction as new catalysts unfold in 2025.

How to buy Delta Air Lines stock in IE?

Buying Delta Air Lines (DAL) stock online is straightforward and secure when you use a regulated broker. As an Irish investor, you have easy access to international shares through platforms authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland or other reputable authorities in Europe. There are two main ways to invest: purchasing Delta shares outright (“spot buying”) or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which let you speculate on share price moves without owning the underlying stock. Each route has its own benefits and risks—see the broker comparison further down this page to find the one best suited to your needs.

Spot buying

When you buy Delta Air Lines shares for cash, you are purchasing real shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming a partial owner of the company. With most Irish brokers, you’ll typically pay a fixed commission per order, often around €4–€10 (or the equivalent in dollars, usually about $5–$10 per trade). Currency conversion fees may also apply.

Informations importantes

Example: If the Delta Air Lines share price is $48.50 (USD), with a $1,000 (approx. €920) investment, you can buy about 20 shares (since $48.50 × 20 = $970) after factoring in a $5 brokerage fee.
✔️ Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10% to $53.35, your shares would now be worth $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment (before any taxes or currency fees).

Trading via CFD

CFD trading allows you to speculate on Delta Air Lines share price movements without owning the actual shares. With CFDs, you can use leverage (often up to 5x or more for major shares), multiplying your market exposure—though both profits and losses are amplified. Instead of a commission, brokers typically charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell price) and daily overnight financing fees on leveraged positions.

Informations importantes

Example: Suppose you open a CFD position on Delta Air Lines with €1,000 (about $1,090) and 5x leverage, giving you exposure to $5,000 worth of shares.
✔️ Gain scenario: If the share price increases by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +$400 on your €1,000 “margin,” not including spread and overnight financing costs.

Final advice

Before you invest, it’s essential to compare brokers’ fees, supported markets, research tools, and reliability, as these can make a real difference to your return. The best choice—spot buying or CFD trading—depends on your objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. To assist you, a detailed broker comparison is available further down the page, helping you invest confidently and securely in Delta Air Lines shares.

Our 7 tips for buying Delta Air Lines stock

The latest news about Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines delivered strong Q1 2025 results, outperforming analyst expectations on both revenue and profit. In its latest earnings report, Delta posted revenue of $14.04 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $13.88 billion and achieving a year-on-year growth of 2.1%. Net income surged to $240 million compared to just $37 million the previous year, indicating improved operational performance and robust demand recovery. These positive results provide reassurance to investors and analysts in Ireland, where airline sector resilience and transatlantic connectivity are crucial investment themes.

The company announced a strategic $550 million investment for a 25% equity stake in WestJet, in partnership with Korean Air, to further expand its global reach. This move solidifies Delta’s cross-Atlantic presence, directly benefiting Irish travelers and business flows, as WestJet’s network covers key North American destinations and offers new connecting opportunities from Ireland. The investment is expected to boost Delta’s competitive positioning in the transatlantic market—a significant driver of traffic and revenue between Ireland, North America, and Asia.

Delta’s international network remains a core strength, with major hubs servicing Dublin and wider European routes from namesake U.S. bases. Dublin is a key city in Delta’s European network, with seasonal nonstop flights to Atlanta and New York-JFK, directly linking Ireland to major U.S. economic centers. The airline’s partnership with Air France/KLM and Virgin Atlantic enhances travel options and SkyMiles benefits for Irish customers, supporting both business and leisure segments crucial to the Irish economy and consumer preferences.

Technical and sentiment indicators show a neutral-to-positive outlook with ongoing market optimism for recovery and value realization. While the stock is currently trading below its 200-day moving average—often a technical caution—the Relative Strength Index at 52.78 suggests neither overbought nor oversold territory. The MACD remains positive, hinting at a potential upward momentum. Despite recent price volatility, the analyst consensus target remains substantially higher than the prevailing price, signaling further room for appreciation as sector headwinds recede.

Forward-looking guidance is constructive, with Q2 2025 EPS expected at $1.70–$2.30 and analysts forecasting 3% annual revenue growth for the full year. Market sentiment remains moderately optimistic, underpinned by Delta’s strong balance sheet, stable dividend, and disciplined execution of its strategic initiatives. For Irish institutional investors and market observers, Delta’s appeal is reinforced by its premium segment recovery, growing partnerships, and uninterrupted transatlantic connectivity—factors strongly aligned with Ireland’s open, globally integrated business environment.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.