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Stock Analysis on Net

Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL)

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since July 13, 2022.

Analysis of Reportable Segments

Microsoft Excel

Segment Profit Margin

Delta Air Lines Inc., profit margin by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 7.08% -76.85% 13.95% 11.86% 14.74%
Refinery -0.03% -6.87% 1.37% 1.06% 2.18%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


The analysis of segment profit margins reveals a period of relative stability followed by a severe systemic shock and a subsequent partial recovery between 2017 and 2021.

Airline Segment Profitability
The airline segment maintained consistent double-digit profit margins from 2017 to 2019, with values ranging between 11.86% and 14.74%. A catastrophic contraction occurred in 2020, where the margin plummeted to -76.85%. By 2021, a significant recovery was observed as the margin returned to a positive 7.08%, although this figure remains well below the pre-2020 performance levels.
Refinery Segment Profitability
The refinery segment operated with substantially lower margins compared to the airline operations. Between 2017 and 2019, margins remained narrow, fluctuating between 1.06% and 2.18%. A negative shift occurred in 2020, resulting in a margin of -6.87%. The recovery in 2021 was marginal, with the segment nearly reaching a break-even point at -0.03%.
Comparative Segment Performance
A strong correlation is evident between the performance of both segments, particularly during the 2020 downturn. However, the airline segment exhibits significantly higher volatility and a greater capacity for profit generation during stable periods. While the airline segment successfully returned to profitability by 2021, the refinery segment failed to regain positive margin territory within the observed timeframe.

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Segment Profit Margin: Airline

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Airline; segment profit margin calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Operating income (loss) 1,888 (12,253) 6,542 5,206 6,004
Operating revenue 26,670 15,945 46,910 43,890 40,742
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment profit margin1 7.08% -76.85% 13.95% 11.86% 14.74%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment profit margin = 100 × Operating income (loss) ÷ Operating revenue
= 100 × 1,888 ÷ 26,670 = 7.08%


The financial performance of the airline segment between 2017 and 2021 is characterized by a period of stability and growth, followed by a severe contraction and a subsequent initial recovery phase.

Revenue Trends
Operating revenue exhibited a steady upward trajectory from 2017 to 2019, peaking at 46,910 million US dollars. This growth was abruptly reversed in 2020, with revenue declining to 15,945 million US dollars, a reduction of approximately 66% from the previous year. By 2021, a recovery trend began, with revenue increasing to 26,670 million US dollars, although it remained significantly below pre-2020 levels.
Operating Income and Profitability
Operating income remained positive and relatively stable from 2017 through 2019, ranging between 5,206 million and 6,542 million US dollars. The year 2020 marked a critical inflection point, resulting in a substantial operating loss of 12,253 million US dollars. Profitability returned in 2021 with an operating income of 1,888 million US dollars, indicating a return to positive earnings despite the reduced scale of operations compared to 2019.
Segment Profit Margin Volatility
The segment profit margin demonstrated significant volatility over the five-year period. Between 2017 and 2019, margins fluctuated within a healthy range of 11.86% to 14.74%. In 2020, the margin collapsed to -76.85%, reflecting the disproportionate impact of falling revenues against fixed operating costs. The 2021 margin of 7.08% represents a stabilization of the business model, although it indicates a lower efficiency of profit generation relative to revenue compared to the 2017-2019 baseline.

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Segment Profit Margin: Refinery

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Refinery; segment profit margin calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Operating income (loss) (2) (216) 76 58 110
Operating revenue 6,054 3,143 5,558 5,458 5,039
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment profit margin1 -0.03% -6.87% 1.37% 1.06% 2.18%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment profit margin = 100 × Operating income (loss) ÷ Operating revenue
= 100 × -2 ÷ 6,054 = -0.03%


The financial performance of the refinery segment from 2017 to 2021 is characterized by initial stability, a severe contraction in 2020, and a subsequent recovery in revenue and profitability metrics by 2021.

Revenue Trends
Operating revenue exhibited steady growth between 2017 and 2019, increasing from 5,039 million US$ to 5,558 million US$. A significant decline occurred in 2020, where revenue fell to 3,143 million US$, representing a sharp contraction. However, 2021 saw a robust recovery, with revenue reaching its peak for the period at 6,054 million US$.
Operating Income and Loss
The segment maintained positive operating income from 2017 through 2019, although figures fluctuated between 58 million US$ and 110 million US$. This trend reversed sharply in 2020, resulting in an operating loss of 216 million US$. By 2021, the operating loss was nearly eliminated, narrowing to 2 million US$, indicating a return toward a break-even state.
Segment Profit Margin Volatility
Profit margins remained thin but positive during the first three years, peaking at 2.18% in 2017 before settling at 1.37% in 2019. The margin plummeted to -6.87% in 2020, correlating with the significant drop in revenue and the rise in operating losses. The recovery in 2021 is evidenced by the margin improving to -0.03%, essentially neutralizing the previous year's deficit.

The overall trajectory indicates a highly volatile period where the segment experienced a major systemic shock in 2020, followed by a rapid restoration of revenue levels and a near-complete recovery of the operating margin by the end of 2021.

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Segment Return on Assets (Segment ROA)

Delta Air Lines Inc., ROA by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 2.68% -17.37% 10.42% 8.89% 11.73%
Refinery -0.10% -14.92% 4.37% 3.40% 5.17%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


The segment return on assets (ROA) for both the airline and refinery operations exhibited significant volatility between 2017 and 2021, characterized by a period of relative stability followed by a severe contraction and a subsequent partial recovery.

Airline Segment Performance
The airline segment maintained a positive ROA from 2017 through 2019, peaking at 11.73% in 2017 and fluctuating between 8.89% and 10.42% during the subsequent two years. A sharp reversal occurred in 2020, with ROA plummeting to -17.37%. By 2021, the segment returned to positive territory, recording an ROA of 2.68%, although this remained substantially lower than pre-2020 levels.
Refinery Segment Performance
The refinery segment consistently generated lower returns than the airline segment. Between 2017 and 2019, ROA ranged from 3.40% to 5.17%. Similar to the airline segment, the refinery operation experienced a drastic decline in 2020, reaching -14.92%. The recovery in 2021 was marginal, with the ROA improving to -0.10%, indicating that the segment had not yet returned to profitability by the end of the period.
Comparative Analysis and Trends
A strong correlation is observed between the two segments, as both experienced a simultaneous and profound collapse in asset productivity in 2020. While both segments followed the same trajectory of decline and recovery, the airline segment demonstrated greater resilience and a faster return to positive returns in 2021. The refinery segment's lower baseline ROA and slower recovery suggest a higher sensitivity to the factors that drove the 2020 downturn.

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Segment ROA: Airline

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Airline; segment ROA calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Operating income (loss) 1,888 (12,253) 6,542 5,206 6,004
Total assets, end of period 70,360 70,548 62,793 58,561 51,165
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment ROA1 2.68% -17.37% 10.42% 8.89% 11.73%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment ROA = 100 × Operating income (loss) ÷ Total assets, end of period
= 100 × 1,888 ÷ 70,360 = 2.68%


The financial performance of the airline segment from 2017 to 2021 is characterized by a period of relative stability followed by a severe operational contraction and a subsequent nascent recovery.

Operating Income Trends
Operating income exhibited fluctuations between 2017 and 2019, peaking at 6,542 million US dollars in 2019. A precipitous decline occurred in 2020, resulting in an operating loss of 12,253 million US dollars. By 2021, the segment returned to profitability with an operating income of 1,888 million US dollars, although this figure remained significantly below the pre-2020 levels.
Asset Base Expansion
Total assets demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory from 2017 through 2020, growing from 51,165 million US dollars to 70,548 million US dollars. This expansion occurred despite the operational losses sustained in 2020. The asset base stabilized in 2021, ending the period at 70,360 million US dollars.
Segment Return on Assets (ROA)
The Segment ROA mirrored the volatility of operating income, maintaining a range between 8.89% and 11.73% from 2017 to 2019. The ratio plummeted to -17.37% in 2020, reflecting the impact of substantial losses against an expanded asset base. A partial recovery to 2.68% was observed in 2021, indicating a return to positive returns, though asset utilization efficiency remained well below the 2017-2019 baseline.

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Segment ROA: Refinery

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Refinery; segment ROA calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Operating income (loss) (2) (216) 76 58 110
Total assets, end of period 2,099 1,448 1,739 1,705 2,127
Segment Profitability Ratio
Segment ROA1 -0.10% -14.92% 4.37% 3.40% 5.17%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment ROA = 100 × Operating income (loss) ÷ Total assets, end of period
= 100 × -2 ÷ 2,099 = -0.10%


The refinery segment experienced significant volatility in profitability and asset utilization between 2017 and 2021, characterized by a severe contraction in 2020 followed by a stabilization phase in 2021.

Operating Income Trends
Operating income remained positive from 2017 through 2019, despite a decline from 110 million US$ in 2017 to 76 million US$ in 2019. A substantial downturn occurred in 2020, during which the segment recorded a loss of 216 million US$. By 2021, the segment demonstrated a strong recovery, narrowing the loss to 2 million US$ and nearly reaching a break-even state.
Asset Base Fluctuations
Total assets exhibited a general decline from 2,127 million US$ in 2017 to a low of 1,448 million US$ in 2020. This downward trend was reversed sharply in 2021, with assets increasing to 2,099 million US$, effectively returning the asset base to its 2017 levels.
Segment Return on Assets (ROA) Performance
The Segment ROA mirrored the fluctuations in operating income, peaking at 5.17% in 2017 before stabilizing between 3.40% and 4.37% in 2018 and 2019. The ratio plummeted to -14.92% in 2020, representing a period of severe inefficiency or external disruption. The recovery to -0.10% in 2021 indicates a significant restoration of operational efficiency relative to the expanded asset base.

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Segment Asset Turnover

Delta Air Lines Inc., asset turnover by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 0.38 0.23 0.75 0.75 0.80
Refinery 2.88 2.17 3.20 3.20 2.37

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


The analysis of segment asset turnover reveals a significant divergence in operational efficiency between the Airline and Refinery segments, with both experiencing a severe contraction in 2020 followed by a partial recovery in 2021.

Airline Segment Asset Turnover
The Airline segment maintained a relatively stable asset turnover ratio between 2017 and 2019, moving from 0.80 to 0.75. A sharp decline occurred in 2020, where the ratio fell to 0.23, representing the lowest point in the analyzed period. By 2021, a moderate recovery to 0.38 was observed, although the ratio remained substantially below pre-2020 levels, indicating a slower return to historical asset utilization efficiency.
Refinery Segment Asset Turnover
The Refinery segment consistently demonstrated higher asset turnover compared to the Airline segment. Between 2017 and 2019, the ratio improved from 2.37 to a peak of 3.20. Similar to the Airline segment, a contraction occurred in 2020, with the ratio dropping to 2.17. However, the recovery in 2021 was more robust, reaching 2.88 and closely approaching its peak performance levels.
Comparative Segment Performance
A persistent gap in asset efficiency is evident, as the Refinery segment's turnover ratios consistently exceed those of the Airline segment across all five years. While both segments were negatively impacted by the events of 2020, the Refinery segment showed greater resilience and a faster rate of recovery in its ability to generate revenue from its asset base.

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Segment Asset Turnover: Airline

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Airline; segment asset turnover calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Operating revenue 26,670 15,945 46,910 43,890 40,742
Total assets, end of period 70,360 70,548 62,793 58,561 51,165
Segment Activity Ratio
Segment asset turnover1 0.38 0.23 0.75 0.75 0.80

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment asset turnover = Operating revenue ÷ Total assets, end of period
= 26,670 ÷ 70,360 = 0.38


The financial performance of the airline segment from 2017 to 2021 is characterized by a period of steady growth followed by a significant operational disruption and a subsequent partial recovery. The efficiency of asset utilization experienced a sharp decline in 2020, reflecting a severe misalignment between the expanded asset base and actual revenue generation during that period.

Operating Revenue Trends
Operating revenue exhibited a consistent upward trajectory between 2017 and 2019, increasing from US$ 40,742 million to US$ 46,910 million. A precipitous decline occurred in 2020, where revenue fell to US$ 15,945 million. A recovery trend emerged in 2021, with revenue rising to US$ 26,670 million, although this figure remained substantially below 2019 levels.
Total Asset Accumulation
Total assets grew steadily and uninterrupted from 2017 through 2020, rising from US$ 51,165 million to a peak of US$ 70,548 million. This expansion continued despite the sharp contraction in revenue during 2020. By the end of 2021, the asset base remained relatively plateaued at US$ 70,360 million.
Segment Asset Turnover Analysis
The segment asset turnover ratio remained relatively stable between 2017 and 2019, shifting slightly from 0.80 to 0.75. In 2020, the ratio collapsed to 0.23, a direct result of the simultaneous occurrence of peak asset levels and minimum operating revenue. While the ratio improved to 0.38 in 2021, it suggests that asset productivity had not yet returned to the levels observed prior to the 2020 downturn.

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Segment Asset Turnover: Refinery

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Refinery; segment asset turnover calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Operating revenue 6,054 3,143 5,558 5,458 5,039
Total assets, end of period 2,099 1,448 1,739 1,705 2,127
Segment Activity Ratio
Segment asset turnover1 2.88 2.17 3.20 3.20 2.37

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment asset turnover = Operating revenue ÷ Total assets, end of period
= 6,054 ÷ 2,099 = 2.88


The refinery segment's operational efficiency, as measured by asset turnover, exhibited significant volatility between 2017 and 2021. The period is characterized by an initial phase of efficiency gains, a sharp contraction in 2020, and a subsequent recovery in 2021.

Operating Revenue Trends
Revenue grew steadily from 2017 to 2019, rising from US$ 5,039 million to US$ 5,558 million. A substantial contraction occurred in 2020, with revenue falling to US$ 3,143 million, before rebounding to a five-year peak of US$ 6,054 million in 2021.
Asset Base Fluctuations
Total assets experienced a general decline from US$ 2,127 million in 2017 to a period low of US$ 1,448 million in 2020. This downward trend was reversed in 2021, when assets increased to US$ 2,099 million.
Segment Asset Turnover Performance
The asset turnover ratio increased from 2.37 in 2017 to a stable peak of 3.20 in both 2018 and 2019, reflecting a period of optimized asset utilization. A significant decline to 2.17 was observed in 2020, resulting from a disproportionate drop in operating revenue compared to the reduction in assets. By 2021, the ratio recovered to 2.88, driven by the substantial increase in revenue which outpaced the expansion of the asset base.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation

Delta Air Lines Inc., capital expenditures to depreciation by reportable segment

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 1.60 0.81 1.89 2.21 1.71
Refinery 0.62 0.20 0.57 2.43 3.15

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


The analysis of capital expenditures relative to depreciation reveals distinct investment trajectories for the Airline and Refinery segments between 2017 and 2021. Both segments experienced a significant contraction in 2020, but the Airline segment demonstrated a more resilient recovery and a consistent pattern of investing above depreciation levels for most of the period. Conversely, the Refinery segment shifted from a phase of high capital intensity to a sustained period where depreciation exceeded capital expenditures.

Airline Segment Investment Trends
The investment ratio for the Airline segment began at 1.71 in 2017 and peaked at 2.21 in 2018, indicating a period of aggressive asset acquisition or modernization. Following a slight decrease to 1.89 in 2019, a sharp contraction occurred in 2020, with the ratio falling to 0.81, marking the only instance in the period where capital expenditures were lower than depreciation. A strong recovery was observed in 2021, as the ratio rose to 1.60, suggesting a return to a growth-oriented capital allocation strategy.
Refinery Segment Investment Trends
A pronounced downward trend is observed within the Refinery segment. The ratio started at a high of 3.15 in 2017 and declined to 2.43 in 2018. A significant structural shift occurred in 2019, where the ratio dropped to 0.57, falling below the replacement threshold of 1.0. This decline reached its lowest point in 2020 at 0.20. While the ratio improved to 0.62 in 2021, it remained substantially lower than the 2017-2018 levels, indicating a transition from expansion to minimal maintenance spending.
Comparative Segment Analysis
The data highlights a divergence in capital strategy between the two segments. The Airline segment maintained a ratio above 1.0 for four out of five years, signifying a long-term commitment to expanding the asset base. In contrast, the Refinery segment spent the latter three years of the period with a ratio below 1.0, suggesting that the segment's asset base is depreciating faster than it is being replenished.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation: Airline

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Airline; segment capital expenditures to depreciation calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Capital expenditures 3,188 1,879 4,880 5,005 3,743
Depreciation and amortization 1,998 2,312 2,581 2,262 2,188
Segment Financial Ratio
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation1 1.60 0.81 1.89 2.21 1.71

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation = Capital expenditures ÷ Depreciation and amortization
= 3,188 ÷ 1,998 = 1.60


The financial data reveals a volatile investment cycle within the airline segment between 2017 and 2021, characterized by an aggressive expansion phase followed by a sharp contraction and a subsequent recovery.

Capital Expenditure Trends
Investment in capital assets experienced significant fluctuation, peaking in 2018 at 5,005 million US dollars. This was followed by a relative plateau in 2019, and a substantial decline in 2020, where expenditures fell to a period low of 1,879 million US dollars. By 2021, a recovery trend emerged as capital expenditures rose back to 3,188 million US dollars.
Depreciation and Amortization Patterns
Depreciation and amortization costs remained relatively stable compared to capital expenditures, ranging from a high of 2,581 million US dollars in 2019 to a low of 1,998 million US dollars in 2021. The gradual increase from 2017 to 2019 reflects the consumption of assets acquired during the preceding expansionary period.
Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation Ratio
The ratio of capital expenditures to depreciation serves as a primary indicator of whether the company is expanding its asset base or allowing it to deplete. From 2017 to 2019, the ratio remained consistently above 1.0, peaking at 2.21 in 2018, which indicates a period of aggressive growth where new investments significantly outpaced the depreciation of existing assets.
Analysis of the 2020 Contraction
In 2020, the ratio dropped sharply to 0.81. This decline indicates a pivot to a capital preservation strategy, where the value of assets consumed through depreciation exceeded new capital investments. This represents a departure from the previous growth trajectory and suggests a strategic suspension of fleet or infrastructure expansion.
Recovery and Current Posture
The ratio rebounded to 1.60 in 2021, signaling a return to an expansionary or maintenance posture. The restoration of a ratio above 1.0 suggests that the organization resumed investing in its asset base at a rate that exceeds the annual depreciation of those assets.

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Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation: Refinery

Delta Air Lines Inc.; Refinery; segment capital expenditures to depreciation calculation

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Capital expenditures 59 20 56 163 148
Depreciation and amortization 95 99 99 67 47
Segment Financial Ratio
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation1 0.62 0.20 0.57 2.43 3.15

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 2021 Calculation
Segment capital expenditures to depreciation = Capital expenditures ÷ Depreciation and amortization
= 59 ÷ 95 = 0.62


The refinery segment underwent a significant transition in investment behavior between 2017 and 2021, shifting from a period of aggressive capital expansion to a phase of constrained spending and asset consumption.

Capital Expenditure Trends
Investment in capital assets peaked in 2018 at 163 million US$, following an initial expenditure of 148 million US$ in 2017. A sharp decline occurred thereafter, with spending dropping to 56 million US$ in 2019 and reaching a low of 20 million US$ in 2020. A partial recovery was observed in 2021, as expenditures increased to 59 million US$.
Depreciation and Amortization Trends
Depreciation and amortization costs exhibited a steady upward trend during the first three years of the period, rising from 47 million US$ in 2017 to 99 million US$ in 2019. This level remained constant through 2020 before experiencing a slight decrease to 95 million US$ in 2021.
Segment Capital Expenditures to Depreciation Ratio
The ratio of capital expenditures to depreciation highlights a pivot from growth to maintenance or contraction. In 2017 and 2018, the ratio stood at 3.15 and 2.43 respectively, indicating that the company was investing significantly more than the value of the assets being depreciated. However, a precipitous decline occurred in 2019, with the ratio falling to 0.57, and reaching a minimum of 0.20 in 2020. This suggests that for much of the latter period, the segment failed to replace its depreciating assets. The ratio improved to 0.62 in 2021, though it remained substantially lower than the pre-2019 levels.

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Operating revenue

Delta Air Lines Inc., operating revenue by reportable segment

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 26,670 15,945 46,910 43,890 40,742
Refinery 6,054 3,143 5,558 5,458 5,039
Intersegment sales (2,825) (1,993) (5,461) (4,910) (4,537)
Consolidated 29,899 17,095 47,007 44,438 41,244

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


Consolidated operating revenue exhibited a steady upward trajectory from 2017 to 2019, followed by a severe contraction in 2020 and a subsequent partial recovery in 2021. Total consolidated revenue grew from US$ 41,244 million in 2017 to a peak of US$ 47,007 million in 2019, before plummeting to US$ 17,095 million in 2020, representing a decline of approximately 63.6%.

Airline Segment Performance
The airline segment served as the primary revenue driver. Revenue increased consistently between 2017 and 2019, rising from US$ 40,742 million to US$ 46,910 million. A drastic reduction occurred in 2020, with revenue falling to US$ 15,945 million. By 2021, the segment showed a recovery trend, increasing to US$ 26,670 million, although it remained significantly below 2019 levels.
Refinery Segment Performance
The refinery segment demonstrated a pattern of growth, a sharp dip, and a robust rebound. After increasing from US$ 5,039 million in 2017 to US$ 5,558 million in 2019, revenue dropped to US$ 3,143 million in 2020. However, 2021 saw a substantial surge to US$ 6,054 million, which surpassed the pre-pandemic peak recorded in 2019.
Intersegment Sales and Consolidation
Intersegment sales, recorded as negative values to eliminate double-counting in the consolidated total, peaked in 2019 at US$ -5,461 million. These eliminations tracked closely with the operational scale of the segments, decreasing to US$ -1,993 million in 2020 and recovering to US$ -2,825 million in 2021.
Overall Revenue Volatility
The period from 2017 to 2021 was characterized by high volatility. The consolidated revenue for 2021, totaling US$ 29,899 million, represents a recovery to approximately 63.6% of the 2019 peak, with the refinery segment contributing a higher relative proportion to the consolidated total in 2021 than in 2019.

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Operating income (loss)

Delta Air Lines Inc., operating income (loss) by reportable segment

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 1,888 (12,253) 6,542 5,206 6,004
Refinery (2) (216) 76 58 110
Consolidated 1,886 (12,469) 6,618 5,264 6,114

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


Consolidated operating income experienced significant volatility between 2017 and 2021, characterized by a period of stability followed by a severe contraction in 2020 and a partial recovery in 2021.

Airline Segment Performance
The airline segment serves as the primary driver of total operating results. Between 2017 and 2019, the segment maintained strong profitability, peaking at 6.54 billion US dollars in 2019. A sharp reversal occurred in 2020, with operating income collapsing to a loss of 12.25 billion US dollars. A recovery phase began in 2021, with the segment returning to a positive operating income of 1.89 billion US dollars, although this remains substantially below pre-2020 levels.
Refinery Segment Performance
The refinery segment provided a modest contribution to overall income from 2017 to 2019, with values ranging between 58 million and 110 million US dollars. This segment also suffered a downturn in 2020, recording an operating loss of 216 million US dollars. By 2021, the refinery segment nearly reached a break-even state, reporting a marginal loss of 2 million US dollars.
Consolidated Operating Trends
Consolidated operating income closely mirrors the trajectory of the airline segment. The total operating income peaked in 2019 at 6.62 billion US dollars before plummeting to a deficit of 12.47 billion US dollars in 2020. The return to a positive consolidated operating income of 1.89 billion US dollars in 2021 indicates a stabilization of operations, though the overall financial position remained impacted by the scale of the 2020 losses.

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Depreciation and amortization

Delta Air Lines Inc., depreciation and amortization by reportable segment

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 1,998 2,312 2,581 2,262 2,188
Refinery 95 99 99 67 47
Other (95) (99) (99) — —
Consolidated 1,998 2,312 2,581 2,329 2,235

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


Consolidated depreciation and amortization expenses experienced a period of growth between 2017 and 2019, reaching a peak of 2,581 million USD, before entering a downward trajectory through 2021. The overall trend is primarily driven by the Airline segment, which constitutes the vast majority of the total expense load.

Airline Segment Analysis
The Airline segment showed a steady increase in depreciation and amortization from 2,188 million USD in 2017 to 2,581 million USD in 2019. Following this peak, a contraction occurred, with expenses falling to 2,312 million USD in 2020 and further declining to 1,998 million USD by 2021. This suggests a reduction in the depreciable asset base or a shift in asset utilization and depreciation schedules during the latter two years.
Refinery Segment Analysis
Depreciation and amortization within the Refinery segment grew significantly from 47 million USD in 2017 to 99 million USD in 2019. This value remained stagnant at 99 million USD in 2020 before experiencing a marginal decrease to 95 million USD in 2021. The initial growth indicates an expansion of capital investment within the refinery operations during the 2017-2019 period.
Other Segment and Consolidated Offsets
Starting in 2019, a negative value was recorded under the Other category, ranging from -99 million USD to -95 million USD. Notably, these negative values almost exactly offset the depreciation and amortization expenses of the Refinery segment from 2019 through 2021. Consequently, the consolidated depreciation and amortization figures for these years align identically with the Airline segment's figures, indicating that the Refinery's costs are effectively neutralized in the consolidated total.

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Total assets, end of period

Delta Air Lines Inc., total assets, end of period by reportable segment

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 70,360 70,548 62,793 58,561 51,165
Refinery 2,099 1,448 1,739 1,705 2,127
Consolidated 72,459 71,996 64,532 60,266 53,292

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


Consolidated assets exhibited a consistent upward trajectory between 2017 and 2021, increasing from US$ 53,292 million to US$ 72,459 million. This growth reflects a steady expansion of the organization's resource base, with the most significant annual increases occurring between 2017 and 2018 and between 2019 and 2020.

Airline Segment Asset Expansion
The airline segment serves as the primary driver of total assets, maintaining a dominant share of the consolidated balance sheet throughout the period. Assets in this segment grew from US$ 51,165 million in 2017 to a peak of US$ 70,548 million in 2020, before experiencing a marginal decline to US$ 70,360 million by the end of 2021.
Refinery Segment Volatility
In contrast to the airline segment, the refinery segment demonstrated significant fluctuations in asset value. After starting at US$ 2,127 million in 2017, assets declined to a low of US$ 1,448 million in 2020. A sharp recovery was observed in 2021, with assets rising to US$ 2,099 million, nearly returning to 2017 levels.
Consolidated Asset Distribution
The asset concentration remains heavily skewed toward airline operations. Throughout the analyzed timeframe, the airline segment consistently accounted for over 96% of total consolidated assets, indicating that the overall financial position is primarily influenced by the capital requirements and valuations of the aviation business rather than the refinery operations.

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Capital expenditures

Delta Air Lines Inc., capital expenditures by reportable segment

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Airline 3,188 1,879 4,880 5,005 3,743
Refinery 59 20 56 163 148
Consolidated 3,247 1,899 4,936 5,168 3,891

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


Consolidated capital expenditures exhibited significant volatility between 2017 and 2021, characterized by a peak in 2018 and a severe contraction in 2020. Total investment rose from US$ 3,891 million in 2017 to a high of US$ 5,168 million in 2018, followed by a relative plateau in 2019 and a precipitous drop to US$ 1,899 million in 2020, before recovering to US$ 3,247 million in 2021.

Airline Segment Analysis
The airline segment serves as the primary driver of total capital expenditures. Spending increased from US$ 3,743 million in 2017 to a peak of US$ 5,005 million in 2018. A substantial decline is observed in 2020, where expenditures fell to US$ 1,879 million, representing a decrease of approximately 61.7% from the 2018 peak. A recovery trend emerged in 2021, with spending increasing to US$ 3,188 million.
Refinery Segment Analysis
Capital expenditures for the refinery segment remained minimal relative to total corporate spending. Investment peaked in 2018 at US$ 163 million but entered a sharp downward trend through 2020, reaching a low of US$ 20 million. A moderate increase to US$ 59 million occurred in 2021, although this figure remained significantly lower than the levels recorded in 2017 and 2018.
Consolidated Expenditure Patterns
The overall expenditure pattern indicates a concentrated investment strategy heavily weighted toward the airline segment. The sharp contraction observed in 2020 across both reportable segments suggests a systemic reduction in capital deployment. While 2021 figures indicate a resumption of investment activities, consolidated spending had not yet returned to the baseline established between 2017 and 2019.

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