Transportation

Delta Tumbles Most in 18 Months After Walking Back Profit Goal

  • CEO Bastian cites expenses, ‘uncertainty in the environment’
  • Airline agrees to purchase 20 widebody planes from Airbus
A Delta passenger jet at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg
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Delta Air Lines Inc. backed away from its 2024 profit target as high costs counter the gains from a rebound in international travel, sending the carrier’s shares down the most in 18 months and dragging rivals lower.

Adjusted earnings will be $6 to $7 a share this year, Delta said Friday in a statementBloomberg Terminal that also detailed fourth-quarter results. The company has had a long-term profit target for several years of “more than $7”Bloomberg Terminal a share for 2024. Analysts expected $6.50 on average in estimates compiled by Bloomberg.