Deutsche Bank
Deutsche Bank
Markets Research
Rating
Buy Forecast Change North America
United States
Et:nano T:ckot Price at 6Jun 2014 1USDI 42.23
Industrials DAL N DAL US NYS DAL Price Target 48.00
Airlines 52...yea range 42.23 - 17.36 Delta Air Lines, Inc. Date
9 June 2014
EPS momentum carrying into 2H
2014/2015; Raising estimates/PT
EPS momenium 'yen by better revenue e<pec led to continue
Since the start of the quarter, revenue trends have been stronger-than-
expected. In May, Delta unit revenues increased 7%, at the high end of the
company's +6% to 7% range (tightened higher from +5% to 7% in the
beginning of May). That PRASM came in at the high end of the tightened
range could reflect better close in (i.e. business) bookings, in our view. Given
that we are seeing similar trends across our US airline coverage universe, we
believe that we are not only seeing the benefits of consolidation, but that the
macroeconomic backdrop is also improving. As such we are raising our June
Q and Pi 2014/2015 estimates and raising our PT: Buy.
Jet fuel should also provide a tailwincl
In addition to the aforementioned strength in revenue trends, we have also
seen jet fuel crack spreads narrow markedly over the past month and a half,
providing a further boost to June Q earnings. Jet fuel spreads to Brent and
WTI have decreased 34% and 20% since mid-April, so while Brent and WTI are
trading at similar levels the price of jet fuel per gallon has fallen 4%.
Raising June 0, 2014, and 2015 riarnmcbl
We are raising our June 0 2014 EPS estimate to $1.05 (vs. consensus of $1.02)
from $1.00 as strong revenue and lower fuel prices are better-than-expected.
We expect the revenue strength seen in the June Q to continue in the second
half of 2014 and into 2015 as the benefits of the last round of consolidation
provide better pricing power and the macro backdrop improves. As such, we
are raising our 2014 and 2015 EPS estimate to $3.05 (vs. consensus of $3.04)
from $2.85 and $3.55 (vs. consensus of $3.51) from $3.10, respectively.
Valuation and risks
Given our improved earnings outlook and our belief that Delta merits a multiple
slightly above the group's historical range given its continued efforts to de-risk
the business and reward shareholders (plans to pay down an additional $2
billion in net debt, increased dividend by 50%, and announced new $2 billion
share repurchase program during the June 0), we are raising our price target
to $48 from S40. Our price target is derived by the application of a 13.5 PIE
multiple to our 2015 forecast, slightly above the group's historical 10x - 12x
range. Turning to risks, fuel price volatility is a key risk for Delta—we estimate
every 100/0 move in jet fuel (ceteris paribus) impacts our 2014 EPS forecast of
$3.05 by $0.70. Other risks include economic weakness, government
regulation, labor issues, the threat of terrorism and war, and the revaluation of
the stock market resulting in higher equity risk premiums for airline stocks.
Performance ro Im 3m 12m
Absolute 12.0 19.4 141.5
!fOfeCalli And 'limn S&P 500 INDEX 4.4 3.9 20.1
Year End Dec 31 2013A 2014E 2015E sent oaarew ant
FY EPS (USD) 114 3.05 3.55
P/E (x) 6.4 13.9 11.9
Revenue (USDm) 37,773.0 40,368.3 43,069.5
San Denbo an opting coastribleEfitetY
lvtichml Lincnbece
Research Analyst
(+I) 212 250-9254
michaellinenberg@dboom
Rielia fitv;isr
Research Associate
(+11212 250-9469
[email protected]
Coax-ono ,1"ibi•bi
Research Associate
(+1)212 250-8949
catherinem.ebrionCadb.corn
Rad Income
Doug Remo, CEA
Research Analyst
(+11 212 250-9319
[email protected]
Key changes
Price Target 40.00 to 48.00 20.0%
EPS jUSD) 285 to 3.05 7.0%
Revenue 40.026 to 40.368 0.9%
(USD01)
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Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
Deutsche Bank does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. Thus, investors should
be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should
consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision. DISCLOSURES AND ANALYST
CERTIFICATIONS ARE LOCATED IN APPENDIX 1. MCI (P) 148/04/2014.
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