Delta Says Confident In Its Plan For Double-digit Earnings Growth In 2019

(RTTNews) - Delta Air Lines (DAL) said that that it is confident in its plan for double-digit earnings growth in 2019 of $6 to $7 per share with both top-line growth and margin expansion. The company noted that its pipeline of commercial initiatives and brand momentum drive its expectations for 4 to 6 percent revenue growth in 2019. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report earnings of $6.70 per share for 2019. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Delta said that it will highlight its long-term business strategy and 2019 financial targets at the company's annual Investor Day.

The leadership team will discuss expectations for 2019 profits above $5 billion for a fifth consecutive year, driven by revenue growth and margin expansion, with a 15 percent after-tax return on invested capital; top-line growth in 2019 of 4 to 6 percent, driven by an increasingly diverse revenue stream, premium product mix, and a pipeline of initiatives.

"Delta has a great runway of opportunity as we continue to provide superior travel experiences and industry-leading reliability for our customers" said Glen Hauenstein, Delta's President. "Our pipeline of commercial initiatives and brand momentum drive our expectations for 4 to 6 percent revenue growth in 2019."