Wall Street is Forecasting a 40% Increase in These 2 Airline Stocks

NYSE: DAL | Delta Air Lines Inc. News, Ratings, and Charts

DAL – Even though the resurgence of the COVID-19 cases is detrimental to the airline industry’s growth in the near term, continued progress on the vaccination front should help the industry recover over time. Hence, we think it could be wise to add Delta Air Lines (DAL) and Spirit Airlines (SAVE) to one’s watchlist. Also, Wall Street analysts expect them to rally in price significantly. Read on.

The resurgence of the COVID-19 cases, due primarily to the rapid spread of the Delta variant, has led to the resumption of restrictive measures in several parts of the world. This could dampen the airline industry’s recovery in the near term. However, increasing vaccinations and the full FDA approval of Pfizer Inc. (PFE) and BioNTech SE’s (BNTX) COVID-19 vaccine should help the industry recover over time.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported a significant number of screenings during the Labor Day weekend due to leisure travel. Also, according to a ReportLinker report, the global airlines market is expected to reach $744 billion by 2026.

So, we think it could be wise to add relatively stronger airline stocks, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL - Get Rating) and Spirit Airlines, Inc. (SAVE - Get Rating), to one’s  watchlist now. Wall Street analysts expect these two stocks to rally by more than 40% in price in the coming months.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL - Get Rating)

DAL operates through approximately 1,100 aircraft and provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo internationally. The Atlanta, Ga.-based company operates through two segments: Airline and Refinery. It sells its tickets through various distribution channels, reservations, online travel agencies, and traditional brick and mortar.

On May 3,DAL announced its partnership with Sabre Corporation (SABR) to launch new products, such as New Airline Storefront. Jeff Lobl, DAL’s managing director of global distribution, said, “We are grateful to Sabre for their innovative and pioneering spirit in taking this journey with Delta and establishing a new and exciting path forward for third-party distribution.”

DAL’s total operating revenue increased 385.4% year-over-year to $7.13 billion in the second quarter, ended June 30, 2021. Its operating income came in at $816 million, versus a $4.82 billion operating loss. Its net income came in at $652 million compared to a $5.72 billion net loss in the prior-year period. Also, its EPS was  $1.02, versus  a loss per share of $9.01 in the year-ago period.

Analysts expect DAL’s revenue and EPS to increase 43.5% and 224.6%, respectively, year-over-year to $41.27 billion and $4.31 in its fiscal year 2022. The stock has gained 27% in price over the past year to close yesterday’s trading session at $40.35. Wall Street analysts expect the stock to hit $57.00 in the near term, which indicates a potential 41.3% upside.

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (SAVE - Get Rating)

Airline services provider SAVE serves 78 destinations in 16 countries in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Miramar, Fla., company has a fleet of 157 Airbus single-aisle aircraft that comprise 31 A319ceos, 64 A320ceos, 32 A320neos, and 30 A321ceos. In addition, it offers tickets through its call centers, airport ticket counters, spirit.com, and various third parties.

On July 28, 2021, SAVE announced a November 17, 2021, proposed launch date for its new services at the newly established Palmerola International Airport. John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at SAVE, said, “Our new air service to the Tegucigalpa area provides convenient nonstop travel options for both Honduras tourism and our Guests looking to visit family and friends.”

For the fiscal second quarter, ended June 30, 2021, SAVE’s operating revenues increased 520.3% year-over-year to $859.31 million. Its operating income came in at $93.21 million, compared to  $190.38 million operating loss in the year-ago period. The company’s adjusted EBITDA came in at $62.10 million, compared to a loss of $273.2 million in the prior year period.

SAVE’s revenue is expected to be  $4.83 billion in its fiscal year 2022, representing a 43.3% year-over-year rise. The company’s EPS is expected to increase 143.2% year-over-year to $1.55 in the next year. Over the past year, the stock has gained 41.1% to close yesterday’s trading session at $25.22. Wall Street analysts expect the stock’s price  to hit $37.78 in the near term, which indicates a potential 49.8% upside.

Want More Great Investing Ideas?

3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year


DAL shares fell $0.09 (-0.22%) in premarket trading Wednesday. Year-to-date, DAL has gained 0.25%, versus a 21.39% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


About the Author: Riddhima Chakraborty


Riddhima is a financial journalist with a passion for analyzing financial instruments. With a master's degree in economics, she helps investors make informed investment decisions through her insightful commentaries. More...


More Resources for the Stocks in this Article

TickerPOWR RatingIndustry RankRank in Industry
DALGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
SAVEGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating

Most Popular Stories on StockNews.com


Has the Bull Market Run Out of Steam?

It seems the S&P 500 (SPY) advance has stalled and cant crack above strong resistance at 6,000. Why is that happening? And what happens next? Read on for the answers...

Investors Remain “Cautiously Optimistic”

The S&P 500 (SPY) has made great advances since the lows of early April. Yet seem to be stuck under resistance at 6,000. What happens next depends on tariff talks. So let’s talk about the latest news on that front.

Bull Market Til Proven Otherwise

The phrase that paid for investors in 2025 was “Bull market til proven otherwise” Steve Reitmeister explains why in his latest market update and preview of top stock picks.

Investor Alert: Mission Accomplished?

The S&P 500 (SPY) has broken out above the 200 day moving average. Does that mean that bear market fears are now over? And should investors be riding the bull to new heights? Read on for Steve Reitmeister’s answer...

Stock Market Update: It’s Complicated!

The S&P 500 (SPY) may have bounced 17% from recent lows, but the outlook for stocks from here is...in a word...COMPLICATED. Read on to get Steve Reitmeister full market outlook and trading plan for this complicated market environment.

Read More Stories

More Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) News View All

Event/Date Symbol News Detail Start Price End Price Change POWR Rating
Loading, please wait...
View All DAL News