Investing.com -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) shares are trading higher premarket on Friday after the company reported its latest quarterly earnings, topping consensus expectations.

The airline reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.56, beating the analyst consensus of $1.53, while revenue of $17.7 billion topped estimates of $17.47 billion. The company also reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $6.50 to $7.50, well above the analyst consensus of $5.97.

The airline generated $1.4 billion in pre-tax profit during the quarter despite absorbing what it described as the highest quarterly fuel expense in its history. Revenue grew 14% YoY from $15.5 billion in the second quarter of 2025, driven by broad demand strength across customer segments. Shares rose 3.4% following the announcement, reflecting positive investor response to the earnings beat and strong guidance.

"Delta's brand and industry position are stronger than ever," said Ed Bastian, Delta's chief executive officer. "We delivered $1.4 billion in pre-tax profit while absorbing the highest quarterly fuel expense in our history, reflecting broad demand strength, growing brand preference and momentum across our diversified revenue base."

For the third quarter, Delta expects revenue to grow mid-teens YoY with an operating margin of 11% to 13% and adjusted EPS of $2.00 to $2.50. The midpoint of the third quarter EPS guidance range of $2.25 compares favorably to current market expectations. The company also reaffirmed its full-year free cash flow guidance of $3 to $4 billion.

Premium revenue grew 17% YoY on yield strength, while loyalty and related revenue increased 19%. American Express remuneration reached $2.4 billion, up 16% from the prior year. The airline's adjusted operating margin for the quarter was 8.8%, down from 13.3% in the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to the 75% increase in adjusted fuel prices to $3.93 per gallon.

Delta reduced adjusted net debt by $709 million from year-end 2025 to $13.6 billion and announced a 15% increase to its dividend payment beginning in the third quarter.