Delta Air Lines, Inc. Reports Unaudited Consolidated Earnings and Operating Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended December 31, 2018; Provides Earnings Guidance for the First Quarter and Full Year 2019
For the year, the company's reported total operating revenue was $44,438 million compared to $41,138 million for the same period a year ago. Operating income was $5,264 million compared to $5,966 million for the same period a year ago. Net income was $3,935 million compared to $3,205 million for the same period a year ago. Basic earnings per share were $5.69 compared to $4.45 for the same period a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $5.67 compared to $4.43 for the same period a year ago.
For the quarter, the company reported revenue passenger miles of 53,241 million, available seat miles of 62,523 million and passenger load factor of 85.2% compared to revenue passenger miles of 51,180 million, available seat miles of 60,060 million and passenger load factor of 85.2% a year ago.
For the year, the company reported revenue passenger miles of 225,243 million, available seat miles of 263,365 million and passenger load factor of 85.5% compared to revenue passenger miles of 217,712 million, available seat miles of 254,325 million and passenger load factor of 85.6% a year ago.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the company's reported earnings per share to be $0.70 - $0.90, at the high-end of initial guidance provided in October. The company expects to deliver four to 6% total adjusted revenue growth and non-fuel unit cost growth below inflation. March quarter total revenue was expected to increase 4% to 6% with adjusted unit revenue growth of flat to up to on a 4% higher capacity.
For 2019, the company expects to drive double-digit earnings growth through higher revenues, maintaining a cost trajectory below inflation, and the modest benefit from lower fuel costs. Margin expansion is a business imperative and the company remain confident in its full-year earnings guidance of $6 to $7 per share.