Should You Buy DAL Stock Now After Recent Dividend Hike?

Core Viewpoint - Delta Air Lines (DAL) has announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend payout, raising it to 18.75 cents per share from 15 cents, reflecting the company's commitment to enhancing shareholder value and confidence in its business operations [1][3]. Dividend History - DAL's dividend has shown a steady increase from 6 cents per share in 2013 to 40.25 cents by early 2020, before being suspended due to the pandemic. Payments resumed in early 2023 at 10 cents per share, increased to 15 cents in mid-2024, and now to 18.75 cents in mid-2025 [2][8]. Current Dividend Yield - The current dividend yield for DAL stands at 10%, significantly higher than the Zacks Transportation-Airline industry's average of 1.54%, indicating a shareholder-friendly approach [4]. Valuation Metrics - DAL is trading at a forward price/sales ratio of 0.52, which is lower than the sector's average of 0.59 and below its five-year median, suggesting it may be undervalued relative to its future revenue potential [5][6][8]. Stock Performance - Over the past year, DAL shares have gained 2.3%, outperforming JetBlue, which has fallen 11.2%, while Ryanair has risen by 5% [11]. Operational Challenges - DAL faces challenges from rising operating expenses, particularly labor costs, which increased by 8% to $4.1 billion in Q1 2025. This has raised concerns about profitability and operational efficiency [14][16]. Liquidity Concerns - The company's current ratio is low at 0.38, indicating potential liquidity issues and challenges in covering short-term liabilities [17]. Market Outlook - Analysts have revised earnings estimates downward due to geopolitical uncertainties, tariff pressures, and inflation, which are affecting travel demand, particularly in international and business segments [13][15].