10 Best Industrial Stocks to Invest in Now

4. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is an industrial company that provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo. It was one of the best-performing industrial stocks, rallying by 71% in 2024, a momentum that shows no signs of slowing down, going by a 16% gain in 2025. The outperformance stems from the company’s better-than-expected financial results, attributed to strong travel demand.

Revenue in 2024 surged to $14.44 billion, topping consensus estimates of $14.18 billion. Earnings per share came in at $1.85, above analysts’ estimates of $1.78%. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) expects the momentum of better-than-expected results to continue in 2025. The airline expects revenues to increase by 7% to 9% in 2024. It also expects more than $4 billion in free cash, up 18% from 2024. It expects annual adjusted earnings of more than $7.35 per share for the entire year.

Two factors favor Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) and its potential for earnings growth. The first is the rise in non-main cabin ticket sales, which includes premium cabin sales and American Express’s compensation from co-branded credit cards. The second stems from a recently established airline industry discipline about capacity reduction when needed. American Express’s compensation has also increased from $2 billion in 2010 to an estimated $7 billion in 2024, with management aiming to eventually reach $10 billion. In addition to diversifying Delta’s revenue, the SkyMiles program and credit cards foster consumer engagement and loyalty.