Benchstone Capital exited its position in Norwegian Cruise Line during the fourth quarter as the cruise operator moves deeper into a post-reopening travel cycle. With its mix of premium and luxury brands, Norwegian is betting that higher-end demand can sustain revenue strength even as the broader travel surge normalizes.What happenedBenchstone Capital Management LP fully liquidated its holding in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH 0.60%), reducing its position by 2,133,322 shares, according to a filing wi ...

Core Insights - Delta Air Lines anticipates a more than 20% increase in earnings this year due to strong demand from premium customers, although its forecast fell short of Wall Street expectations, leading to a decline in share prices [1][3]. Group 1: Demand Trends - High-end demand is outpacing sales in standard coach cabins, with premium ticket revenue rising by 9% while main cabin ticket revenue fell by 7% in Q4 compared to the previous year [2]. - The trend indicates that wealthier travelers continue to fly, while more price-sensitive customers are reducing their travel [2]. Group 2: Capacity Planning - Delta is focusing its seat growth almost entirely on premium cabins, moving away from main cabin growth to differentiate itself from budget carriers [3]. - CEO Ed Bastian stated that virtually all seat growth will be in the premium sector [3]. Group 3: Financial Forecasts - Delta expects adjusted earnings per share to be between $6.50 and $7.50 in 2026, which is below analyst expectations of approximately $7.25, causing a drop in share prices by up to 6% [3]. - The airline forecasts revenue growth of up to 7% in Q1 and adjusted earnings between 50 cents and 90 cents per share, while analysts anticipated around 72 cents [4]. Group 4: Q4 Performance - For Q4, Delta reported adjusted earnings of $1.55 per share on adjusted revenue of $14.61 billion, slightly exceeding analyst expectations [5]. - The total profit for the quarter was $1.22 billion on total revenue of $16 billion, marking a 3% increase from the previous year [5]. Group 5: Cautious Outlook - Despite a strong quarter, Delta's CEO expressed caution regarding future earnings due to uncertainties, particularly in travel from Canada and China [6]. - Delta announced plans to purchase 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for 30 more, reflecting a long-term bet on international travel demand [6].

Core Viewpoint - Delta Air Lines projects approximately 20% earnings growth by 2026, driven by robust consumer and corporate demand along with increasing sales in premium travel [1] Group 1: Financial Forecast - The company anticipates strong earnings growth of around 20% by 2026 [1] - This growth is attributed to heightened consumer and corporate demand [1] Group 2: Fleet Expansion - Delta has agreed to purchase 30 Boeing 787-10 aircraft to enhance its long-haul fleet [1]

Core Insights - United Airlines has forecasted a higher-than-expected profit for the fourth quarter, driven by strong demand for premium travel and enhanced pricing power [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company anticipates robust profitability in the upcoming quarter, indicating a positive outlook for its financial performance [1] Group 2: Market Demand - There is a notable increase in demand for premium travel, which is contributing significantly to the company's revenue growth [1] Group 3: Pricing Strategy - Improved pricing power is highlighted as a key factor in the company's ability to forecast higher profits, suggesting effective pricing strategies in place [1]