09:11 AM EDT, 07/10/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Delta Air Lines ( DAL ) reported better-than-expected second-quarter results on Thursday as demand trends stabilized, while the air carrier restored its earnings guidance for the full year and offered an upbeat bottom-line outlook at the midpoint for the ongoing three-month period.

The company now anticipates adjusted earnings to be in a range of $5.25 to $6.25 per share for 2025, compared with the current consensus on FactSet of $5.38. In April, the airline refrained from reaffirming its previously issued adjusted EPS forecast of more than $7.35, due to an uncertain macroeconomic environment.

"As we look to the second half of our centennial year, we remain focused on executing our strategic priorities and managing the levers within our control to deliver strong earnings and cash flow," Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a Thursday statement. "Reflecting our confidence in the business, we are restoring financial guidance."

Delta's stock jumped 13% in the most recent premarket activity.

The carrier expects adjusted EPS to come in between $1.25 and $1.75 for the third quarter, with the midpoint of $1.5 above the Street's current estimate of $1.34. Revenue is projected to be flat to up 4% on a yearly basis, with unit revenue trends expected to improve through the second half as the company continues to adjust capacity and the "industry further rationalizes supply," according to President Glen Hauenstein.

"We expect the September quarter will be our best non-fuel unit cost performance of the year, with non-fuel unit costs flat to down compared to 2024," Chief Financial Officer Dan Janki said in the earnings release. "For the full year, we remain on track to deliver non-fuel unit cost growth in the low-single digits year-over-year, consistent with our long-term target."

For the June quarter, Delta's adjusted EPS dropped 11% to $2.10, but topped the average analyst estimate on FactSet of $2.06. Adjusted operating revenue ticked up to $15.51 billion from $15.41 billion in the prior-year period, beating the Street's estimate of $15.46 billion. Total passenger revenue remained nearly flat, while cargo climbed by 7%.

Demand trends through the quarter stabilized at levels that were flat to the previous year, while the airline continued to see "resilience" in its high-margin revenue streams, Hauenstein said. These streams contributed 59% of the overall topline, with premium and loyalty revenue rising 5% and 8%, respectively, according to the company. International revenue was up 2%.

Adjusted total revenue per available seat mile slipped 3% year over year, in line with the carrier's expectations, it said. Unit revenue logged declines in the domestic, Atlantic and Pacific geographies, while Latin America was flat, Delta reported.