Low Fuel Costs Aid Delta's Q2 Earnings, Expenses on Labor Stay High

Group 1: Delta Air Lines Performance - Delta Air Lines reported better-than-expected earnings per share and revenues in Q2 2025, although the bottom line declined significantly year over year due to high labor costs [1][10] - Labor costs increased by 10% to $4.4 billion in Q2 2025, following an 8% rise in Q1 2025, resulting in a 9% year-over-year increase in the first half of 2025 [2][10] - Non-fuel unit costs rose by 2.7% in the first half of 2025, primarily due to the increase in salaries and related costs [2] Group 2: Fuel Costs and Market Conditions - Delta Air Lines experienced a 13% decline in aircraft fuel expenses and related taxes in Q2 2025, with the average fuel price per gallon decreasing by 14% year over year to $2.26 [3][10] - Oil prices fell by 6% during the April-June period, benefiting Delta's bottom line as fuel expenses are a key input cost for airlines [4] - The International Air Transport Association projects the average jet fuel cost to be $86 per barrel in 2025, down from $99 in 2024, with the total fuel bill expected to decrease from $261 billion in 2024 to $236 billion in 2025 [5] Group 3: Future Outlook - Delta's CFO anticipates that the September quarter will show the best non-fuel unit cost performance of the year, with non-fuel unit costs expected to be flat to down compared to 2024 [5] - The easing of hostilities between Israel and Iran has contributed to the decline in oil prices, which may further support Delta's financial performance in Q3 2025 [5]