Markets· August 16, 2026 at 09:47 p.m.
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Increases Stake in Delta Air Lines
Key takeaways
- Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 44% during Q2 2026
- Delta's Q2 revenue reached a record $17.7 billion
- Delta expects to collect $9 billion from American Express this year
Warren Buffett, known for his skepticism towards airlines, has made an unexpected move by increasing Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A) stake in Delta Air Lines. The conglomerate's holdings in Delta jumped 44% during the second quarter of 2026, reaching 57.3 million shares worth approximately $5.4 billion. This move comes after Berkshire sold its entire airline portfolio in 2020 due to the pandemic's impact on the industry.
Delta reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2026, with record revenue of $17.7 billion, a unit revenue growth of 12.4%, and pretax profit of $1.4 billion. The airline's diverse revenue streams, including premium seating, loyalty programs, cargo, and maintenance work, accounted for 61% of total revenue in the quarter.
Delta's total shareholders' equity has been increasing since 2024, while long-term debt has been decreasing. The airline expects to collect $9 billion from American Express this year, up 10% from 2025. Delta is guiding to full-year earnings of $6.50 to $7.50 per share and $3 billion to $4 billion in free cash flow for 2026.
