Delta reports 3Q adjusted net income of $1.4 billion

Adjusted pre-tax income(1) of $2.2 billion, an increase of $547 million year over year on a similar basis.
- Adjusted earnings of $1.74 per diluted share.
- On a GAAP basis, pre-tax income of $2.1 billion and earnings of $1.65 per share.
- Returned $532 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Delta Air Lines today reported financial results for theSeptember 2015 quarter, including adjusted net income1 of $1.4 billion or $1.74 per diluted share, up 45% from the September quarter of 2014.

"Despite currency volatility and global economic uncertainty which drove a modest decline in revenues, we expanded operating margins by over five points to 21%, grew earnings per share by 45%, and generated $1.4 billion of free cash flow in the September quarter as demand remains solid and fuel prices have dropped materially.  We expect that strong performance to continue in the December quarter with operating margins of 16 to 18% and over 40% earnings per share growth," said Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer.  "It's an honor to recognize the hard work of 80,000 outstanding Delta employees with over $1 billion of profit sharing accrued so far this year.  Our team consistently delivers best-in-class operations and service to our customers, develops innovative solutions with our global partners, and produces strong returns for our shareholders."