Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday that it expected profit growth in 2013 and would introduce a plan to return cash to shareholders. Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson said during the carrier's investor meeting webcast that Delta, the No. 2 U.S. airline behind United Continental Holdings Inc, expected a profit of $1.6 billion for this year. He said 2013 would bring a "solid improvement" over 2012.Delta said it expected fourth-quarter earnings of $200 million to $250 million, excluding items, despite disruptions caused by superstorm Sandy. The storm barreled through the U.S. Northeast in late October and led airlines to cancel thousands of flights as major New York area airports shut down.The carrier said it expected to announce a capital deployment strategy next year, with the program starting in January 2014.U.S. carriers have merged, stopped flying unprofitable routes and raised ticket prices to recover in recent years. Airlines have also created new revenue streams with baggage and food fees, moves that have helped deliver profits in the face of volatile fuel prices.
Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States and around the world. Shares of DAL remained unchanged at $10.66. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $7.83 and as high as $12.25. On average, 10015600 shares of DAL exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 5900.
United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL) is a holding company and its principal, wholly owned subsidiaries are United Air Lines, Inc. Shares of UAL remained unchanged at $21.71. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $17.25 and as high as $25.84. On average, 3704230 shares of UAL exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 200.
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