Just for Comparisons: Top 10 Best Performers in
Post# of 41413
Top 10 Best Performers in 2014
No. 6: Delta Airlines
Market Cap: $38.9 billion
Sector: Airlines
YTD Returns: 66%
While the airline industry has long been challenged thanks to high regulatory hurdles in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the overhang of expensive pension plans, Delta has been steadily gaining altitude for some time. After climbing out of its 2005 bankruptcy, the company has been much better run and has slowly outdistanced its more challenged peers.
In 2014, the success for DAL stock was a combination of this general stability, the slow improvement in both consumer and business travel as the U.S. economy mends, and low jet fuel prices as crude oil has cratered.
But throw in the recent merger between a bankrupt American Airlines and U.S. Airways (LCC) consolidating power (and boosting fares) in the industry, and it all adds up to a powerful performance for this airline stock.