Delta Air Lines shares dropped 3.3% after the carrier delivered a mixed quarterly report, beating profit expectations but falling short on revenue. For the fourth quarter, Delta posted adjusted earnings of $1.55 per share, edging past analyst forecasts. However, revenue of $14.61 billion missed the $14.72 billion consensus.

The airline blamed a roughly 2 percentage point drag on growth from the recent government shutdown, which hurt domestic travel demand. Despite the quarterly stumble, Delta capped off a strong 2025, posting record revenue of $58.3 billion and generating $4.6 billion in free cash flow. CEO Ed Bastian pointed to the company's diversified revenue streams—premium seating, cargo, and maintenance—which grew 7% and now make up 60% of total sales.

Looking ahead, investors shrugged at the airline's guidance. Delta forecast first-quarter revenue growth of 5-7% and full-year earnings per share between $6.50 and $7.50, a projection that sits below Wall Street's $7.32 estimate. The company also placed a firm order with Boeing for thirty 787-10 widebodies, with deliveries starting in 2031.