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Boeing locked down the FAA certification it spent years chasing, signed a blockbuster Navy fighter deal, and ended a costly strike, yet shares kept falling and analyst estimates kept dropping. The Oct. 27 earnings report will reveal whether regulatory wins…

Boeing (NYSE:BA | BA Price Prediction) reports third-quarter results on Oct. 27, a week after the FAA certified the 737-10. Shares are down 14.99% since the last report. This quarter tests whether regulatory wins can turn into cash.

Regulatory Wins Pile Up While Shares Slide
Last quarter, revenue rose 8.0% to $24.56 billion and deliveries climbed 14% to 171 planes. Core EPS of -$0.76 missed the -$0.34 consensus. Free cash flow turned to a positive $631 million from -$200 million a year earlier, and backlog reached a record $715 billion.

The news since July has been strong. The FAA certified the 737-10 on Oct. 20, the Navy selected Boeing for F/A-XX, and a new labor contract removed strike risk. Even so, shares fell from $221.56 to $188.35. Analysts kept cutting too. The Q3 EPS consensus slipped from -$0.1111 to -$0.201 over 90 days, with nine downward revisions and zero upward revisions in the past month.

Wall Street Expects a Much Narrower Loss

Metric
Consensus
Year-Ago
YoY Change

Q3 EPS
-$0.201
-$7.47
Smaller loss

Q3 Revenue
$24.37 billion
$23.27 billion
+4.7%

FY2026 EPS
-$1.101
$1.19
Swing to loss

FY2026 Revenue
$97.50 billion
$89.46 billion
+9.0%

Cash Flow and the 737 Ramp Will Set the Tone
I’ll start with free cash flow. In July, management guided Q3 free cash flow to positive “low hundreds of millions” despite a $700 million DOJ payment, and held the full-year outlook at $1 billion to $3 billion. That number is the clearest test of whether the recovery holds.

Next is the 737 line. Boeing is increasing to 47 per month, preparing for 52 on the Everett North Line, and targeting 500 737 deliveries in 2026. Management identified wings as an internal weak spot as rates rise, so I want a clear update there.

Margins come third. Commercial Airplanes posted a negative 2.7% operating margin last quarter, with 737 and 787 cash margins “slightly above breakeven”. Watch for proof that higher volume is covering fixed costs.

On the 787, GE engine deliveries were expected to resume in the third quarter, while seat certifications could keep deliveries “a little bit lumpy”. Defense needs a cleaner quarter after a $280 million VC-25B charge pushed the division to a $15 million operating loss. Debt also stood at $45.9 billion, carrying roughly $600 million in quarterly interest expense.

A Cleared Runway Puts Execution on the Clock
Boeing has now secured the approval it needed most this year. The 737-10 certification opens a path to its 1,500+ order backlog, and 2027 consensus EPS of $3.7573 assumes that path turns into profit. That estimate has already dropped from $4.1043 over 90 days. CEO Kelly Ortberg said in July, “I can’t claim victory yet.” This report needs steady cash and cleaner factory numbers to back up the certification win.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Allegiant Air (ALGT.O) said on ​Friday it had ‌exercised options to buy six Boeing (BA.N) 737-8 ​aircraft under a 2021 ​purchase agreement with the ⁠planemaker.

The jets, scheduled for ​delivery in 2028, have a ​combined list price of more than $720 million, the ​company said.

Allegiant has 56 ​firm aircraft under the agreement, ‌including ⁠22 already delivered, while purchase options remain for another 74 ​jets.

Based ​on ⁠delivery year, the estimated market value ​of the ​planes ⁠is about $351 million, according to aviation analytics ⁠consultancy ​firm IBA.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just certified the Boeing (BA -2.46%) 737 MAX 10, a big development for the company on many fronts. Not only does it de-risk the company, but it also significantly and immediately boosts its earnings and cash flow prospects, enhances its operations, and allows it to compete with Airbus' (EADSY -1.51%) highly successful A321neo.

The certification is excellent news for Boeing investors
The news shouldn't come as a surprise; after all, management repeatedly told investors it expected it in 2027. That said, given recent history of groundings, certification delays, intense regulatory scrutiny, and production caps imposed by the FAA, it's understandable that investors might have been apprehensive about the eventuality.

$187.55-$4.73 (-2.46%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/22/26

Still, with Boeing's last 737 MAX now certified, investors can start penciling in a host of improvements. First, there's a near-term earnings and cash flow benefit because Boeing was already building 737 MAX 10s in anticipation of certification and then first deliveries in 2027. Those deliveries will boost revenue, earnings, and cash flow because, until they are delivered, Boeing will have tied up cash in undelivered airplanes.

Margin, operational, and competitive improvements
Boeing has about 30% of its 737 backlog in 737 MAX 10s,  and deliveries of them are likely to improve profit margins, not least as it will spread Boeing's fixed costs around more units produced. In addition, larger aircraft tend to have higher profit margins, so it's likely that the 737 MAX 10s in its backlog carry higher profit margins than the smaller variants.

There's also an operational benefit as Boeing has opened a production line in its larger Everett facility (which typically builds widebodies) which is used to build 737 MAX 10s -- Boeing's Renton facility (narrowbodies) "can't go nose to tail in the factory in Renton with all -10s," according to CEO Kelly Ortberg at a recent Morgan Stanley conference.

Image source: Getty Images.

Boeing 737 MAX 10 vs. Airbus A321neo
It will also increase Boeing's competitiveness with the Airbus A321neo. To be clear, it's far from an apples-to-apples comparison, because the A321neo variants range from 3,400 nautical miles to 4,700 nautical miles (A321XLR) with a maximum capacity of 244 passengers. This compares with the 737 MAX 10, which has a range of just 3,100 nautical miles and a maximum capacity of 230 passengers.

As such, the key benefit of the 737 MAX 10 is its ability to add capacity on short-haul routes, which airlines will appreciate, as well as avoiding the need to switch to Airbus planes to expand capacity.

Where next for Boeing
All told, the company's slow recovery, aided and abated by its high-caliber board and Ortberg's leadership, is underway, and tangible benefits are likely to become highly visible in 2027, not least from growing deliveries of the newly certified aircraft.

Boeing (BA - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $187.55, demonstrating a -2.46% change from the preceding day's closing price. This change lagged the S&P 500's 1.21% loss on the day. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.02%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 2.6%.

Shares of the airplane builder have depreciated by 3.83% over the course of the past month, outperforming the Aerospace sector's loss of 6.08%, and lagging the S&P 500's loss of 0.03%.

Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Boeing in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on October 27, 2026. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.21, reflecting a 97.19% increase from the same quarter last year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $24.28 billion, indicating a 4.35% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of -$1.08 per share and a revenue of $97.33 billion, indicating changes of +89.85% and +8.79%, respectively, from the former year.

Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for Boeing. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 19.13% downward. Boeing presently features a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).

The Aerospace - Defense industry is part of the Aerospace sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 91, putting it in the top 37% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow BA in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

BA's Q3 outlook hinges on rising deliveries and services demand, while supply-chain delays and negative ROIC pose challenges.

The single most important thing Boeing (BA +0.95%) can do to turn its business around is improve the delivery rate on its most important aircraft, the narrow-body 737 MAX. Given that increasing production has always been a key driver of profit margin expansion (unit costs tend to fall as production increases), it will increase earnings and cash flow for Boeing. In addition, improving 737 MAX production will positively impact the aerospace supply chain built around the company.

Why Boeing's suppliers are set for a strong 2027
The aerospace giant is traditionally the single largest U.S. exporter (dollar value) and can account for a couple of percentage points of U.S. exports. As such, improving 737 MAX production is a needle mover for the U.S. economy.

However, it's a gauge shaker for the supply chain, and arguably no bigger impact than on the company that makes the sole engine option for the 737 MAX, namely the GE Aerospace (GE -1.33%) and Safran joint venture CFM International.

$192.28+$1.81 (+0.95%)

NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/21/26

The good news for both companies is that Boeing is ramping up production. However, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told investors in September at a Morgan Stanley conference that it had not yet stabilized production at 47 a month and it had "probably taken us a little bit longer than what I had anticipated maybe when we talked at the earnings call" in July.

That said, Ortberg also noted that "The supply chain is in really good shape, including CFM on the engines, for our rate ramps on 737," and the issue appears to be related to the wings that Boeing produces itself.

As such, don't panic if you are a GE Aerospace investor; this doesn't appear to be an issue with CFM's ability to produce the LEAP engines for the Boeing 737 MAX, and hopefully Boeing will announce it's still on track to hit its next target of 52 a month by the end of the year. Ortberg also noted that "once we get to 52 and 57, that's when you're going to see the supply chain more aligned with us relative to inventories."

Putting this together in plain English, when Boeing moves to a rate of 52 a month and then to 57 a month, its suppliers' earnings (revenue will be recognized) and cash flow (they can now produce closer to "just-in-time") should improve significantly as Boeing will have cleared the pre-built inventory from its suppliers.

Bottom line: Improving 737 MAX production not only benefits suppliers' sales opportunities; it also means (based on Ortberg's comments) that suppliers' revenue and cash flow will receive a boost in 2027 as the production rate ramps up on the 737 MAX.

Image source: Boeing.

Four companies set to benefit
That view is supported by Wall Street estimates for the following Boeing suppliers.

Company

Main Connection to Boeing

EPS Growth in 2027

EPS Growth in 2028

GE Aerospace

LEAP engines (CFM) for the 737 MAX, engines for the 787 Dreamliner

14.9%

14.2%

Howmet Aerospace (HWM -1.64%)

Castings, fasteners, and hardware for the LEAP engine and the 737 MAX

21.7%

16%

Hexcel (HXL -1.62%)

Advanced composite carbon fiber materials

30.3%

24.2%

Woodward (WWD +0.33%)

Fuel system, air management system, and actuation hardware for the LEAP

14.3%

18.2%

Data source: Company presentations. S&P Global Market Intelligence.

GE Aerospace actually suffers in the near term when LEAP engines ramp up because aircraft engines tend to be loss-making. Still, more engine deliveries translate into lucrative long-term aftermarket revenue for aircraft engine manufacturers. Hexcel is primarily an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), as there's little aftermarket demand for composites; therefore, increasing aircraft production at Airbus and Boeing is its key revenue driver.

Image source: Getty Images.

Woodward and Howmet are both OEM and aftermarket companies, and they stand to substantially benefit from increased 737 MAX production, as they can fully take advantage of capital investments made to build out their production capacity in preparation for the 737 MAX production ramp. Similarly, the reduction in inventory that Ortberg referred to means that companies like Howmet and Woodward won't need to tie up cash in equipment inventory that Boeing is slow to use in production.

Whichever way you look at it, these four stocks have plenty of potential to outperform next year.

Boeing's largest 737 MAX aircraft has received Federal Aviation Administration certification, clearing the way for deliveries of a jet with 1,555 orders that represent a third of the company's outstanding 737 MAX order book.

The FAA announced Tuesday that it had certified the 737 MAX 10 after years of regulatory and safety reviews, removing a major hurdle for Boeing as it prepares to begin deliveries to airlines in the coming months.

Boeing said the aircraft has received orders from more than 30 customers worldwide, making the MAX 10 a key part of the company's commercial airplane backlog.

The approval also marks a significant milestone for Boeing's 737 MAX program, which has received 7,350 orders across the aircraft family, with nearly 2,500 planes delivered through the end of September 2026.

FAA PROPOSES $350K FINE AGAINST CHARTER COMPANY OVER UNAUTHORIZED FLIGHTS

A Boeing 737 MAX 10 test aircraft stands on the tarmac during an event marking the FAA certification of the aircraft at Boeing's Everett Delivery Center in Everett, Washington, on October 20, 2026. (REUTERS/Jason Redmond / Reuters)

"Completing the certification program clears the path for us to deliver a Boeing airplane that will set a new standard in commercial aviation," Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement.

"The 737-10 offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class, a platform that will create more value and opportunities for airlines around the world," Pope added.

A logo is seen on the Boeing stand on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, southwest of London on July 22, 2024. (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The 737 MAX 10, the largest aircraft in Boeing's single-aisle MAX family, can seat up to 230 passengers, although airlines will typically configure the jet for 185 to 210 passengers in a two-class layout, according to Boeing. The aircraft has a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles.

Certification followed an extensive FAA safety review and testing program. Boeing said the process involved nearly 1,000 test flights, more than 2,000 flight hours and 1,000 hours of ground testing.

The aircraft includes safety enhancements, among them an updated flight-control system and an enhanced angle-of-attack sensor. Boeing said those improvements will eventually become standard across the 737 MAX family.

Boeing Co. 737 MAX airplanes at the company's manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (M. Scott Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"The FAA's decision follows a thorough review of the aircraft's design and safety requirements," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. "We will continue to hold Boeing to the highest safety standards as the company begins production of the 737 MAX-10."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also welcomed the approval, highlighting its significance for the US aerospace manufacturing industry.

"This is a major win for American manufacturing and our nation's status as a global aviation powerhouse," Duffy said in the FAA's announcement.

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The certification means all four variants of Boeing's 737 MAX family have now received FAA approval, following the certification of the smaller 737 MAX 7 earlier this year.

Boeing’s 737 Max 10 airliner has been approved for passenger service after years of delays, the Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday.

The Max 10’s certification represents another milestone in Boeing’s efforts to restore its reputation and financial footing after years of safety, quality and production challenges. With production approved, the aircraft can now be sold to domestic and foreign carriers.

“After extensive safety reviews – including thousands of hours of test flights – the team at the FAA is ready to approve this critical aircraft for sale,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.

The FAA has approved Boeing’s 737 Max 10 for passenger service after years of delays, with deliveries of the 230-seat jet set for 2027. AP Photo/Lewis Joly
“This is a major win for American manufacturing and our nation’s status as a global aviation powerhouse.”

Duffy is expected to speak about the decision later Tuesday during a visit to Boeing’s manufacturing plant in Everett, Washington.

The Max 10 is an important piece of Boeing’s effort to regain ground in the narrow-body market.

For airlines, the larger plane offers a way to carry more passengers on a single flight, potentially lowering costs per seat.

For travelers, it could eventually mean more seats on popular routes, though the impact on fares will depend on how airlines deploy the planes and how much competition they face.

The single-aisle jet, which can have up to 230 seats, was introduced at the Paris air show in 2017 to help Boeing compete with rival Airbus.

But technical and regulatory hurdles repeatedly delayed certification of the largest version of Boeing’s bestselling 737 family.

The latest milestone comes as the company wants to restore its image after years of safety, quality, and production concerns. AFP via Getty Images
Boeing said in its 2020 annual report that it expected to make the plane’s first delivery in 2023.

The company now expects to begin deliveries in 2027.

The delays have held up a key part of Boeing’s business.

Speaking at an investors conference last month, CEO Kelly Ortberg said the Max 10 accounted for roughly 30% of Boeing’s 737 backlog.

The company’s website lists its total 737 backlog at more than 4,500 aircraft.

The Max 10’s certification completes the lineup of four 737 Max models.

The FAA cleared the smaller Max 7 for airline operations in August.

Boeing’s struggles have been particularly acute since two deadly crashes involving the smaller Max 8 killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019 off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia.

In 2024, a panel flew off of an Alaska Airlines Max 9 in midair, renewing scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing and safety practices.

The Max 10 is intended to compete with Airbus’s A321neo model family, which entered service in 2017. The largest A321neo can carry more passengers and fly farther without refueling than the Max 10.

Still, Boeing designed the Max 10 to carry more passengers while burning less fuel than older aircraft — a potentially attractive combination for airlines facing soaring jet fuel costs amid the U.S. war with Iran. 

Those rising costs have put added pressure on airlines to control expenses. Certification means the FAA has determined that the Max 10’s design meets safety standards, following engineering reviews and flight testing.

But Boeing must continue to show it can consistently build the aircraft to the approved design, and each plane must be cleared before it can fly passengers.

In the wake of the fatal Max 8 crashes, the FAA overhauled how it certifies Boeing aircraft. But over the past 18 months, the agency has gradually eased some of its restrictions on the company, increasing the limit on how many planes Boeing can produce.

In July, the FAA also said Boeing could once again issue airworthiness certificates for its 737 Max and 787 planes at the end of production, allowing the company to take back some responsibility for determining whether finished aircraft are ready to fly.

Boeing’s Everett site offers additional flexibility because the Max 10 is longer than other variants of the 737 Max family.

Ortberg said the aircraft could not be arranged nose-to-tail on its production line in Renton, Washington, where Boeing builds the 737, but could be accommodated in Everett.

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That would allow Boeing to produce a greater mix of longer aircraft as it ramps up production, Ortberg said.

Major customers for the Max 10 include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Ryanair.

Alaska Airlines joined that list in January, ordering 105 Max 10s, with options for 35 more.

The Federal Aviation Administration on Tuesday granted final approval to the long-delayed Boeing (BA.N) 737 MAX ‌10, clearing the way for the US planemaker to begin delivering the largest version of its best-selling airplane.

Boeing has said the MAX 10 will be a major driver of cash flow in its ongoing financial recovery following years of crises and controversies that slowed the company's timeline for the MAX ​10. So far, airlines have ordered more than 1,550 MAX 10s, and the model accounts for 31% of Boeing's outstanding ​737 backlog, according to IBA, an aviation analytics consultancy.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is set to appear ⁠on Tuesday at a Boeing factory in Everett, Washington, to tout the FAA certification. Boeing in July opened a new production line ​at the Everett plant to increase 737 output, which it also assembles in nearby Renton. Before the delays, Boeing had initially planned to ​start delivering the MAX 10 in 2020.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said deliveries will begin in the coming months, adding that the MAX 10 "offers greater capacity, longer range and the best seat economics in its class."

The largest MAX 10 can hold up to 230 passengers, ​compared with up to 195 for the MAX 9 and 160 for the MAX 7.

However, the delays have helped European ​rival Airbus' (AIR.PA) A321neo secure a greater share of the large single-aisle market.

The bigger, higher-capacity plane is crucial to several airlines' growth plans. Major customers for ‌the ⁠MAX 10 include United Airlines (UAL.O), Alaska Airlines (ALK.N), Ryanair (RYA.I), Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) and American Airlines (AAL.O).

The planemaker has already built a handful of MAX 10s awaiting delivery.

Boeing has faced a more stringent certification process since two fatal MAX 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people, as well as scrutiny of the company's production and quality systems after a January 2024 mid-air cabin panel blowout on ​a nearly new Alaska Airlines MAX ​9.

The FAA in August approved ⁠the smaller 737 MAX 7 after a review that lasted more than eight years.

The regulator required the MAX 10 to include significant improvements, including updates to the flight control system with an enhanced ​angle-of-attack sensor. Those will be applied to the existing fleet in the coming years.

A ​problem with the anti-ice ⁠system on 737 MAX engines that arose in 2023 further delayed certification of the MAX 7 and 10.

Boeing disclosed another glitch in late September with the latest update of the 737 MAX's navigation software, which threatened to further delay certification. However, the FAA determined it did ⁠not pose ​a safety concern and did not require Boeing to fix the problem ​as a condition of certifying the plane.

Boeing is still working on certifying the 777-9, its largest jetliner in production, which is six years behind schedule. The company ​has said it expects to complete certification and begin deliveries in 2027.

FAA's long-awaited certification of the MAX 10 was briefly held up after flight-software glitch.

Boeing on Tuesday announced a new AI-powered fleet management intelligence platform made in collaboration with Microsoft. The manufacturer on Tuesday may also receive long-awaited regulatory certification for its 737 Max 10 plane, according to reports. 

BA stock was down early Tuesday.

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Geopolitical instability and conflict have always meant big business for the defense sector. In just the first few months of this year, the United States has seen conflict in Venezuela and Iran. The Department of War is on a mission to expand its small-drone inventory and experiment with the next generation of combat drones. Investors are taking note, with the battleground set for smaller contractors to challenge legacy companies for their piece of the Pentagon’s war chest.

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Boeing (BA) on Tuesday introduced Dataliner, an artificial intelligence-powered data platform that gathers enterprise-wide aircraft information in order to improve fleet management and bolster operational efficiency. 

Built in partnership with Microsoft (MSFT) using its Azure AI Foundry, the platform allows airlines to utilize Boeing intelligence, applications, APIs, analytics and AI-enabled experiences while controlling the data they share. 

"Airlines have more data available to them than ever before, but turning that data into meaningful action remains a challenge," Lindsey Douglas, Boeing Global Services vice president of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance and Digital Services said in the news release. Dataliner aims to "help customers anticipate maintenance needs, identify emerging risks and take timely action," Douglas continued.

According to Boeing, Dataliner provides a complete view of aircraft conditions, maintenance history and operations to inform decisions. It includes built-in access controls, encryption and monitoring for aviation data and provides on-demand data sharing without centralizing to a single platform.

Boeing said Dataliner serves as the common intelligence platform for its Boeing Digital Services portfolio. The platform will support the development of new digital services products, including life cycle planning, TechOps AI agents, as well as additional aircraft health management and maintenance tools. 

Boeing 737 Max 10 Coming
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration could announce certification for Boeing's 737 Max 10 plane as early as Tuesday, Reuters reported citing unnamed sources. 

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is expected to make the announcement during an appearance at Boeing's factory in Everett, Washington. Boeing in July opened a new factory line at the plant to expand 737 Max production.

The FAA on Friday conducted a review by the Type Certification Board, Reuters reported, marking a key step toward final approvals. Boeing initially planned to start flying the large, single-aisle plane in 2020 but has been delayed for years while the company works on proper approvals. The Dow Jones manufacturer in August won FAA certification for its 737 Max 7. 

Meanwhile, airlines have ordered nearly 1,500 Max 10 planes, accounting for about 30% of Boeing's current 737 backlog, according to Reuters. 

The certification news comes after Boeing earlier this month faced scrutiny over a software glitch that could cause the automated flight guidance system to kick into manual control following a missed approach. The FAA reviewed the glitch and determined it wasn't a safety issue. 

BA stock shed 0.5% early Tuesday, following a slight decline on Monday. Boeing shares have tumbled about 16% so far this year. 

You can follow Harrison Miller for more stock news and updates on X/Twitter @IBD_Harrison.

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New AI-powered platform combines aviation data with Boeing's aircraft insights to deliver fleet-wide intelligence and effective operational decisions
Built with Microsoft data and AI solutions and other technologies, Dataliner prioritizes security, data sovereignty and customer choice 
, /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced Dataliner, a new AI-powered data intelligence platform designed to help airlines unlock greater value from their aviation data. Dataliner transforms fragmented data into connected, fleet-wide intelligence that supports smarter maintenance and operational decisions.

Boeing's new AI-powered platform Dataliner combines aviation data with Boeing's aircraft insights to deliver fleet-wide intelligence and effective operational decisions. (Boeing photo)

Dataliner combines aviation data, AI and Boeing's deep aircraft and engineering expertise, enabling airlines to move beyond isolated data, transitioning from looking at data for each individual aircraft to gaining a more complete understanding of their fleets.

Built in partnership with Microsoft, leveraging Azure AI Foundry and Microsoft's data solutions, as well as other technologies, Dataliner allows airlines to keep data in their own environments while enriching it with Boeing and industry intelligence. Airlines maintain control over what they share and can access Boeing intelligence through applications, APIs, analytics and AI-enabled experiences.

"Airlines have more data available to them than ever before, but turning that data into meaningful action remains a challenge," said Lindsey Douglas, vice president, Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance and Digital Services, Boeing Global Services. "Dataliner is an important step in how Boeing is bringing its aircraft expertise and digital capabilities together to help customers anticipate maintenance needs, identify emerging risks and take timely action."

"By combining Boeing's OEM and aviation expertise with Microsoft's trusted data and AI technologies, Dataliner gives airlines a secure, scalable foundation to turn fragmented data into fleet-wide intelligence," said Chris Barry, President, U.S. Public Sector Industries, Microsoft.

Key Benefits

Fleet-wide intelligence: A more complete view of aircraft condition, maintenance history and operations to support better-informed decisions
Data security and governance: Built-in access controls, encryption and monitoring to help protect sensitive aviation data
Data sovereignty and control: Flexible, on-demand data sharing without requiring airlines to centralize their data on a single platform
Dataliner also provides a common intelligence foundation for Boeing's Digital Services portfolio. It supports the development of new Digital Services products, including Asset Lifecycle Planning and TechOps AI Agent, while creating opportunities to bring greater connectivity and intelligence to established solutions such as Airplane Health Management, Insight Accelerator and Maintenance Performance Toolbox, introducing a new era of aircraft intelligence.

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.  

Contact:
Boeing Media Relations
[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing

US Transportation Secretary ​Sean Duffy ‌on Tuesday is expected to ​announce the ​Federal Aviation Administration ⁠has approved ​the 737 Boeing (BA.N) ​MAX 10 during a visit to ​Washington ​State, sources told Reuters.

Duffy ‌is ⁠set to appear on Tuesday at a ​Boeing ​factory ⁠in Everett, Washington ​to tout ​the ⁠FAA certification of the ⁠larger ​variant ​of Boeing's best-selling airplane.

Boeing (BA.N) jetliner sales chief Brad ​McMullen is retiring in ‌December and will be succeeded in ​one of the ​industry's most high-profile jobs ⁠by Ryan Weir, ​currently in charge ​of the North American market, according to a memo ​seen by ​Reuters.

McMullen, who is senior vice ‌president ⁠of global sales and marketing, led the company's commercial ​recovery from ​a ⁠2024 incident involving a mid-air ​door-plug blowout, ​and ⁠was seen as influential in shoring ⁠up ​strained relations ​with airlines.

In the latest close session, Boeing (BA - Free Report) was up +1.95% at $188.25. The stock exceeded the S&P 500, which registered a gain of 0.33% for the day. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 1.08%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, added 0.08%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the airplane builder had lost 8.57% lagged the Aerospace sector's loss of 6.81% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.41%.

Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Boeing in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on October 27, 2026. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.16, reflecting a 97.86% increase from the same quarter last year. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $24.59 billion, indicating a 5.69% upward movement from the same quarter last year.

For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.96 per share and a revenue of $97.38 billion, representing changes of +90.98% and +8.85%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Boeing. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.

Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 6.32% lower within the past month. As of now, Boeing holds a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).

The Aerospace - Defense industry is part of the Aerospace sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 85, which puts it in the top 35% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. boosted its stake in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA – Free Report) by 160.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 16,174 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock after buying an additional 9,974 shares during the period. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.’s holdings in Boeing were worth $3,009,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. McAlister Sweet & Associates Inc. increased its stake in Boeing by 57.2% during the third quarter. McAlister Sweet & Associates Inc. now owns 45,420 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock valued at $8,450,000 after acquiring an additional 16,531 shares during the period. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC raised its holdings in Boeing by 16.0% in the 2nd quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 42,417 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock valued at $9,182,000 after acquiring an additional 5,862 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System acquired a new position in Boeing in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $7,961,000. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC lifted its position in shares of Boeing by 103.8% in the 1st quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 11,240 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $2,237,000 after acquiring an additional 5,726 shares during the period. Finally, Northcape Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Boeing in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $3,639,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.82% of the company’s stock.

Key Boeing News Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Positive Sentiment: Boeing delivered 57 aircraft in September, its highest monthly total of 2026, including a stronger 737 MAX contribution. Third-quarter commercial deliveries reached 161 aircraft, led by 124 737s, suggesting production and cash-generation trends may be improving. Reuters delivery report Positive Sentiment: Boeing continues to benefit from a substantial commercial order book and recent defense wins, including the U.S. Navy’s selection of the company for the F/A-XX carrier-based fighter program. These developments support longer-term revenue visibility. Boeing order book and fighter jet report Positive Sentiment: Barclays initiated coverage with an Overweight rating, providing a favorable analyst view as Boeing works to recover from its manufacturing and safety challenges. Barclays coverage report Positive Sentiment: A new Israeli defense-related deal adds to Boeing’s recent military business momentum, although the market response has been limited. Israel deal report Neutral Sentiment: The U.S. transportation secretary is scheduled to meet Boeing and GE executives regarding aircraft-certification reform. Potentially faster approvals could help the industry, but the meeting does not yet represent a completed policy change. Reuters certification reform report Neutral Sentiment: Boeing is receiving elevated investor attention, while technical commentators describe the shares as underperforming and discuss options strategies. These reports may increase volatility but do not materially change fundamentals. Zacks Boeing analysis Negative Sentiment: Despite better deliveries, investors remain concerned about high oil prices, defense-sector uncertainty, a reported 737 MAX production issue and pending regulatory approvals. These factors could delay the recovery in profitability. Barron’s Boeing stock analysis Negative Sentiment: Technical coverage remains bearish, with Boeing shares struggling to gain momentum and trading below key moving-average levels. This weak chart setup may encourage further selling ahead of earnings. Boeing technical analysis Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, September 30th. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price target on shares of Boeing from $295.00 to $265.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 21st. DZ Bank reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Thursday, August 6th. Citigroup lowered Boeing from a “buy” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 11th. Finally, Btg Pactual set a $260.00 price objective on Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, July 14th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $269.16. Read Our Latest Research Report on BA

Boeing Stock Performance BA opened at $184.39 on Thursday. The Boeing Company has a 1 year low of $176.77 and a 1 year high of $254.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.77, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.33. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $206.69 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $215.77. The company has a market capitalization of $145.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 79.82 and a beta of 1.26.

Boeing (NYSE:BA – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 28th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.76) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.34) by ($0.42). Boeing had a negative return on equity of 346.82% and a net margin of 2.41%. The firm had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.26 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($1.24) earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post -0.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Boeing (Free Report)

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is a global aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports commercial airplanes, military aircraft, spacecraft and related systems. Its commercial portfolio includes the 737, 787 Dreamliner and 777 families, as well as the 777X program. Boeing sells aircraft to airlines, cargo operators and leasing companies around the world.

Through its defense and space operations, Boeing provides products and services for the U.S. government, allied governments and other institutional customers.

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Sax Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA – Free Report) by 349.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,429 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock after buying an additional 8,107 shares during the period. Sax Wealth Advisors LLC’s holdings in Boeing were worth $1,940,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Highland Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Boeing in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boeing by 66.7% during the 4th quarter. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC now owns 125 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. Strategic Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. Bell Investment Advisors Inc bought a new position in shares of Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Bayban acquired a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Institutional investors own 64.82% of the company’s stock.

Key Stories Impacting Boeing Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Positive Sentiment: Boeing delivered 57 aircraft in September, its highest monthly total of 2026, up from 51 in August and 55 a year earlier. Third-quarter commercial deliveries reached 161 aircraft, including 124 737s, while defense deliveries totaled 133 units. The increase supports Boeing’s efforts to raise production and convert its substantial backlog into revenue and cash. Reuters delivery report Positive Sentiment: The U.S. Navy’s selection of Boeing for the F/A-XX carrier-based fighter, along with a reported $715 billion order book, strengthens the company’s long-term commercial and defense growth outlook. Analysts also argue that Boeing could benefit from future U.S. tactical-aircraft programs. Order book and fighter program analysis Positive Sentiment: Barclays initiated favorable coverage with an Overweight rating, while other bullish commentary suggests Boeing’s recent setbacks may already be reflected in the stock’s valuation. Barclays coverage Neutral Sentiment: September and third-quarter delivery figures are preliminary and will not be considered final until Boeing reports its quarterly financial results. Boeing delivery announcement Negative Sentiment: Bernstein lowered its price target to $278 from $298 and cited limited visibility into Boeing’s cash flow. Persistent negative cash generation, heavy debt and comparisons with financially stronger aerospace companies remain major investor concerns. Bernstein price-target report Negative Sentiment: High oil prices, defense-sector uncertainty, a 737 MAX software issue and pending regulatory approvals are offsetting the delivery improvement. The stock also trades below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, reflecting continued technical caution. Boeing stock headwinds Boeing Price Performance Shares of BA stock opened at $186.61 on Wednesday. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $207.81 and its 200 day simple moving average is $215.84. The Boeing Company has a one year low of $176.77 and a one year high of $254.35. The firm has a market cap of $147.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 80.78 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.77, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.33. Boeing (NYSE:BA – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 28th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.76) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.34) by ($0.42). Boeing had a negative return on equity of 346.82% and a net margin of 2.41%. The company had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.26 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($1.24) earnings per share. The business’s revenue was up 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post -0.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BA has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Argus raised shares of Boeing from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $265.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, September 30th. William Blair reissued an “outperform” rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, September 30th. Robert W. Baird set a $300.00 price target on shares of Boeing and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on Boeing from $295.00 to $265.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $269.16.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Boeing

Boeing Profile (Free Report)

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is a global aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports commercial airplanes, military aircraft, spacecraft and related systems. Its commercial portfolio includes the 737, 787 Dreamliner and 777 families, as well as the 777X program. Boeing sells aircraft to airlines, cargo operators and leasing companies around the world.

Through its defense and space operations, Boeing provides products and services for the U.S. government, allied governments and other institutional customers.

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Boeing (BA - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.

Over the past month, shares of this airplane builder have returned -11.1%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.1% change. During this period, the Zacks Aerospace - Defense industry, which Boeing falls in, has lost 8.9%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?

While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.

Revisions to Earnings EstimatesHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For the current quarter, Boeing is expected to post a loss of $0.15 per share, indicating a change of +98% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +17.1% over the last 30 days.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$0.95 points to a change of +91.1% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -5.3%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $3.79 indicates a change of +499.7% from what Boeing is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -2.2%.

Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Boeing is rated Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.

For Boeing, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $24.8 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +6.6%. For the current and next fiscal years, $97.38 billion and $112.7 billion estimates indicate +8.8% and +15.7% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryBoeing reported revenues of $24.56 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +8%. EPS of -$0.76 for the same period compares with -$1.24 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $24.05 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.11%. The EPS surprise was -123.53%.

Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed EPS estimates just once. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.

ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.

Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Boeing is graded D on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Boeing. However, its Zacks Rank #4 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.

NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA – Free Report) by 86.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 96,436 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock after acquiring an additional 44,750 shares during the quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC’s holdings in Boeing were worth $17,942,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Jupiter Topco LLC purchased a new stake in Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth about $911,878,000. Janus Henderson Group PLC boosted its stake in Boeing by 43.1% in the 4th quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 3,907,876 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $840,204,000 after purchasing an additional 1,176,074 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp purchased a new position in Boeing during the 2nd quarter valued at about $747,763,000. Legal & General Group Plc purchased a new position in Boeing during the 2nd quarter valued at about $710,816,000. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG purchased a new position in Boeing during the 2nd quarter valued at about $539,456,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.82% of the company’s stock.

Boeing Price Performance Shares of NYSE BA opened at $189.52 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $149.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 82.04 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.77. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $208.82 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $215.93. The Boeing Company has a twelve month low of $176.77 and a twelve month high of $254.35.

Boeing (NYSE:BA – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.76) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.34) by ($0.42). Boeing had a net margin of 2.41% and a negative return on equity of 346.82%. The business had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.26 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($1.24) EPS. The business’s revenue was up 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Boeing Company will post -0.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on BA. UBS Group reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Tuesday, September 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Boeing from $244.00 to $248.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 29th. Bank of America reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $270.00 target price on shares of Boeing in a report on Friday, September 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of Boeing from $298.00 to $278.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wolfe Research raised shares of Boeing from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Thursday, September 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Boeing presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $269.16.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Boeing

Boeing News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Positive Sentiment: Barclays initiated coverage of Boeing with an Overweight rating, adding a new bullish view on the company’s recovery and long-term aerospace prospects. Boeing Stock Rated Overweight in New Coverage at Barclays Positive Sentiment: Bank of America Securities said Boeing “holds the keys” to the future of U.S. tactical aircraft after winning the F/A-XX program, suggesting meaningful long-term defense potential that investors may not have fully reflected in the stock. Boeing Holds the Keys to the Future of US Tactical Aircraft Positive Sentiment: Aircraft lessor Avolon placed a large order with Boeing and Airbus to expand its fleet. The Boeing portion supports future commercial aircraft demand and production visibility. Avolon Places Massive Aircraft Order With Boeing and Airbus Neutral Sentiment: Analyst opinion remains mixed: Barclays’ bullish initiation contrasts with Bernstein’s reduced price target, while broader analyst-rating coverage continues to portray Boeing as a potential investment but cautions that consensus recommendations may be overly optimistic. Mixed Bag of Analysis Sends Boeing Stock Down Slightly Negative Sentiment: Bernstein cut its Boeing price target to $278 from $298, citing limited visibility into cash flow despite progress since the 2018–2023 period of 737 MAX accidents, 787 structural issues, certification delays and defense charges. Bernstein Cuts Boeing Price Target to $278 Negative Sentiment: Investor comparisons with GE Aerospace highlight Boeing’s weaker fundamentals, including negative cash flow, substantially higher leverage and limited profitability. A separate investor fraud investigation announcement adds a further headline risk. Boeing vs. GE Aerospace Boeing Company Profile (Free Report)

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is a global aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports commercial airplanes, military aircraft, spacecraft and related systems. Its commercial portfolio includes the 737, 787 Dreamliner and 777 families, as well as the 777X program. Boeing sells aircraft to airlines, cargo operators and leasing companies around the world.

Through its defense and space operations, Boeing provides products and services for the U.S. government, allied governments and other institutional customers.

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Boeing (BA.N) said on Tuesday that it delivered 57 jets in September, up from 51 in August and ​55 a year earlier as it works to ramp ‌up production of its best-selling 737 MAX narrow-body. It was the planemaker's highest monthly total so far this year.

Turkish Airlines' order for 100 737 MAX ​jets boosted Boeing's September total of new orders to 165.

The ​US planemaker still trailed European rival Airbus' 72 deliveries in ⁠September, but Boeing far outsold its rival, which booked only ​17 new orders from two customers last month.

Boeing's September deliveries included ​43 737 MAX jets, eight 787s, two 777 freighters and four 767s, including three for Boeing's defense unit for completion as KC-46 aerial refueling tankers.

The ​higher deliveries come as Boeing works to consistently increase 737 MAX ​output to 47 jets a month, which has taken longer than expected, Boeing CEO ‌Kelly ⁠Ortberg said during an investor conference in September.

Through September, Boeing has delivered 475 jets this year, up 8% from a year earlier. That includes 363 737 MAX jets, the most the MAX ​program has ever ​delivered in the ⁠first nine months of a year.

In addition to Turkish Airlines' order, Boeing booked orders for 20 ​737 MAX jets for Lufthansa, six 737 MAX ​and five ⁠787 jets for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and eight 777-8 freighters and two 777 freighters for Ethiopian Airlines. Another six 737 MAX and ⁠18 ​787 orders came from unidentified customers.

Boeing ended ​September with an official backlog of 6,371 jets, up from 6,156 at the end ​of August.

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?

Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Boeing (BA - Free Report) .

Boeing currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.32, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 28 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.32 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the 28 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 22 are Strong Buy and three are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 78.6% and 10.7% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for BA

Check price target & stock forecast for Boeing here>>>

While the ABR calls for buying Boeing, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.

Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.

This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.

ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.

Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.

In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.

Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.

There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.

Is BA Worth Investing In?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Boeing, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has declined 4.1% over the past month to -$0.94.

Analysts' growing pessimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates lower, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to plunge in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Boeing. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, it could be wise to take the Buy-equivalent ABR for Boeing with a grain of salt.

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA – Get Free Report)’s share price traded up 1.4% during trading on Friday after Barclays upgraded the stock from an underweight rating to a strong-buy rating. The stock traded as high as $191.02 and last traded at $190.4670. 5,077,666 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 26% from the average session volume of 6,857,100 shares. The stock had previously closed at $187.75.

BA has been the topic of several other research reports. Argus upgraded shares of Boeing from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $265.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. TD Cowen cut their price objective on shares of Boeing from $250.00 to $240.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday. DZ Bank reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Thursday, August 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on shares of Boeing from $244.00 to $248.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 29th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Boeing from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $269.96.

View Our Latest Analysis on BA

Key Headlines Impacting Boeing Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week: Positive Sentiment: Aircraft lessor Avolon placed a firm order for 140 Boeing 737 MAX jets as part of a broader 250-aircraft transaction split with Airbus. The order reinforces demand for Boeing’s highest-volume commercial program. Boeing Lands Order for 140 737 MAX Jets Positive Sentiment: Boeing reported a total backlog of approximately $715 billion at the end of the second quarter, including $597 billion in commercial airplanes. The backlog provides long-term revenue visibility if the company can improve delivery rates and production execution. Boeing’s Strategic Push to Balance Rising Demand with Operational Bottlenecks Positive Sentiment: Southwest Airlines is reportedly leaning toward Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner for a potential long-haul international expansion, which could create a meaningful future widebody order. Southwest Airlines Weighs Boeing 787 Positive Sentiment: Boeing’s defense business could benefit from rising demand for infrared search-and-track systems, while its approximately $14.7 billion PAC-3 seeker contract with Lockheed Martin adds longer-term defense visibility. Rising IRST Demand and Boeing’s Defense Outlook Positive Sentiment: Barclays included Boeing among its aerospace and defense stock picks tied to a “modern-day industrial revolution,” supporting the bullish long-term investment case. Boeing and More Buys for the Modern-Day Industrial Revolution Neutral Sentiment: TD Cowen lowered its Boeing price target from $250 to $240 but maintained a Buy rating, indicating reduced near-term confidence while still seeing substantial upside potential. TD Cowen Cuts Aerospace Targets Negative Sentiment: Investors remain concerned about Boeing’s approaching debt repayments, high leverage, production delays and weak returns on invested capital. The company’s large backlog will not translate into cash flow quickly unless deliveries accelerate. Boeing Faces a Debt Wall Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boeing Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC lifted its position in Boeing by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC now owns 3,175 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock valued at $632,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN boosted its stake in Boeing by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 1,493 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $297,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. Meadowbrook Advisors Group LLC boosted its stake in Boeing by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Meadowbrook Advisors Group LLC now owns 1,955 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $389,000 after purchasing an additional 47 shares during the period. Howe & Rusling Inc. increased its holdings in Boeing by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 2,024 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $403,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Paul R. Ried Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in Boeing by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Paul R. Ried Financial Group LLC now owns 18,060 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $3,594,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.82% of the company’s stock.

Boeing Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $209.70 and a 200-day simple moving average of $215.86. The stock has a market cap of $150.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 82.45 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.77, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 1.14.

Boeing (NYSE:BA – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.76) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.34) by ($0.42). The firm had revenue of $24.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.26 billion. Boeing had a net margin of 2.41% and a negative return on equity of 346.82%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($1.24) earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post -0.94 earnings per share for the current year.

Boeing Company Profile (Get Free Report)

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is a global aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports commercial airplanes, military aircraft, spacecraft and related systems. Its commercial portfolio includes the 737, 787 Dreamliner and 777 families, as well as the 777X program. Boeing sells aircraft to airlines, cargo operators and leasing companies around the world.

Through its defense and space operations, Boeing provides products and services for the U.S. government, allied governments and other institutional customers.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Boeing The Grocery Shelf Battle Is Changing—Who Comes Out Ahead? 3 Unique ETFs With Strong Momentum for the End of the Year 3 Beaten-Down Biotech Stocks With Triple-Digit Upside and Big Catalysts Ahead Schneider Just Paid Up for PTC—Is the SaaSpocalypse Overdone? Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

Avidian Wealth Enterprises LLC cut its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA – Free Report) by 46.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,105 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock after selling 3,539 shares during the period. Avidian Wealth Enterprises LLC’s holdings in Boeing were worth $764,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BA. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Boeing by 1.4% in the first quarter. B.O.S.S. Retirement Advisors LLC now owns 3,175 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $632,000 after buying an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN raised its position in Boeing by 3.1% during the first quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 1,493 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock valued at $297,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Meadowbrook Advisors Group LLC lifted its holdings in Boeing by 2.5% in the first quarter. Meadowbrook Advisors Group LLC now owns 1,955 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock valued at $389,000 after acquiring an additional 47 shares during the period. Howe & Rusling Inc. lifted its holdings in Boeing by 2.5% in the first quarter. Howe & Rusling Inc. now owns 2,024 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock valued at $403,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. Finally, Paul R. Ried Financial Group LLC boosted its position in Boeing by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Paul R. Ried Financial Group LLC now owns 18,060 shares of the aircraft producer’s stock worth $3,594,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. 64.82% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Boeing Price Performance Shares of NYSE BA opened at $190.47 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $209.70 and a 200-day simple moving average of $215.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $150.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 82.45 and a beta of 1.26. The Boeing Company has a 52 week low of $176.77 and a 52 week high of $254.35.

Boeing (NYSE:BA – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.76) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.34) by ($0.42). The business had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.26 billion. Boeing had a negative return on equity of 346.82% and a net margin of 2.41%. The business’s revenue was up 8.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted ($1.24) earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -0.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on BA shares. Rothschild & Co Redburn lifted their target price on shares of Boeing from $260.00 to $285.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, July 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Wednesday, September 30th. Bank of America reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $270.00 price objective on shares of Boeing in a report on Friday, September 18th. DZ Bank reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, August 6th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, September 29th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $269.96.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on BA

Boeing News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week:

Positive Sentiment: Aircraft lessor Avolon placed a firm order for 140 Boeing 737 MAX jets as part of a broader 250-aircraft transaction split with Airbus. The order reinforces demand for Boeing’s highest-volume commercial program. Boeing Lands Order for 140 737 MAX Jets Positive Sentiment: Boeing reported a total backlog of approximately $715 billion at the end of the second quarter, including $597 billion in commercial airplanes. The backlog provides long-term revenue visibility if the company can improve delivery rates and production execution. Boeing’s Strategic Push to Balance Rising Demand with Operational Bottlenecks Positive Sentiment: Southwest Airlines is reportedly leaning toward Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner for a potential long-haul international expansion, which could create a meaningful future widebody order. Southwest Airlines Weighs Boeing 787 Positive Sentiment: Boeing’s defense business could benefit from rising demand for infrared search-and-track systems, while its approximately $14.7 billion PAC-3 seeker contract with Lockheed Martin adds longer-term defense visibility. Rising IRST Demand and Boeing’s Defense Outlook Positive Sentiment: Barclays included Boeing among its aerospace and defense stock picks tied to a “modern-day industrial revolution,” supporting the bullish long-term investment case. Boeing and More Buys for the Modern-Day Industrial Revolution Neutral Sentiment: TD Cowen lowered its Boeing price target from $250 to $240 but maintained a Buy rating, indicating reduced near-term confidence while still seeing substantial upside potential. TD Cowen Cuts Aerospace Targets Negative Sentiment: Investors remain concerned about Boeing’s approaching debt repayments, high leverage, production delays and weak returns on invested capital. The company’s large backlog will not translate into cash flow quickly unless deliveries accelerate. Boeing Faces a Debt Wall Boeing Company Profile (Free Report)

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is a global aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports commercial airplanes, military aircraft, spacecraft and related systems. Its commercial portfolio includes the 737, 787 Dreamliner and 777 families, as well as the 777X program. Boeing sells aircraft to airlines, cargo operators and leasing companies around the world.

Through its defense and space operations, Boeing provides products and services for the U.S. government, allied governments and other institutional customers.

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Key Takeaways Boeing won a $42.2M contract to produce IRST Block II assemblies for U.S. and Australian forces.Rising demand for passive sensing could support Boeing as militaries upgrade aircraft and detection systems.U.S. and allied investment in advanced situational awareness could sustain long-term IRST demand. The Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) is positioned to benefit from growing demand for advanced aircraft sensing technologies as the U.S. military and its allies seek better ways to detect and track increasingly sophisticated airborne threats. Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems are gaining importance as they provide passive sensing capabilities that complement traditional radar systems.

IRST technology uses infrared sensors to detect and track aircraft and other objects without actively transmitting signals. This can help improve situational awareness and provide pilots with additional information in complex operating environments. The technology is particularly relevant as military forces focus on improving aircraft survivability and maintaining an advantage in contested airspace.

Boeing is supporting this trend through its work on the IRST Block II program for the U.S. Navy. In September, the company received a $42.2 million contract for the production of 29 sensor assembly structures and fuel tank assembly weapon-replaceable assemblies. The procurement includes units for the Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, highlighting both domestic and allied demand.

The broader adoption of advanced sensing technologies could create opportunities for Boeing as military customers upgrade existing aircraft and develop next-generation capabilities. Demand for passive detection and tracking systems should remain important as threats become more difficult to identify and counter.

Boeing’s exposure to military aircraft and sensor programs, along with rising demand for advanced situational awareness, could support its defense business. Continued investment by the United States and allies should sustain long-term demand for technologies such as IRST.

Defense Stocks to Keep on the RadarGrowing demand for advanced aircraft sensors and threat-detection technologies could also benefit other defense contractors with strong sensor portfolios.

Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) : Lockheed Martin develops advanced sensors and mission systems for fighter aircraft, including the F-35. Its sensor capabilities support pilots with enhanced detection, tracking and situational awareness.

Northrop Grumman (NOC - Free Report) : Northrop Grumman provides advanced radar, electronic warfare and sensor technologies for military aircraft. Its systems support threat detection and situational awareness across multiple defense platforms.

The Zacks Rundown for BAShares of Boeing have lost 8.4% in the past month compared with the Zacks aerospace-defense industry’s decline of 9.1%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, BA is currently trading at a forward 12-month sales multiple of 1.36X, a discount when stacked up with the industry average of 2.07X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BA’s 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved south over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

BA stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways Boeing's debt remains high as production delays, order cancellations and 777X setbacks weigh on execution.Boeing secured seven-year PAC-3 MSE and MH-139A contracts, boosting defense demand and production visibility.Boeing trades at a discounted P/S valuation, but poor ROIC and uneven cash generation remain concerns. The Boeing Company’s (BA - Free Report) shares have lost 10.6% in the past month compared with the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry’s decline of 9%. BA continues to carry a significant debt burden despite ongoing efforts to reduce its leverage. While the company’s balance sheet is gradually improving, its high debt levels continue to absorb financial capacity that could otherwise support investments, growth initiatives or shareholder returns.
 

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Shares of other defense stocks, such as Northrop Grumman (NOC - Free Report) and Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) , have lost 8.7% and 6.8%, respectively. Northrop Grumman is supported by strong backlog levels, higher defense spending and growing demand across strategic deterrence, missile defense, space and advanced aircraft. Similarly, Lockheed Martin benefits from a robust backlog, increasing munitions production and strong alignment with United States and allied defense priorities, providing a foundation for sustained growth.

Considering Boeing’s underperformance, investors may be wondering whether now is a good time to add the stock to their portfolios. Let’s examine the factors and assess the company’s investment prospects to make a more informed decision.

Key Headwinds Facing BA StockBoeing’s consolidated debt totaled $45.9 billion as of the end of the second quarter, down $1.3 billion sequentially and $8.2 billion year to date. Cash and marketable securities totaled $20.0 billion, while $10.0 billion of credit facilities remained undrawn. The balance sheet is improving, but debt still absorbs financial capacity that could otherwise support investment or shareholder returns. Boeing expects free cash flow of $1 billion to $3 billion in 2026, with a $700 million DOJ payment scheduled for the third quarter. Management remains committed to debt reduction and preserving its investment-grade rating. Until cash generation becomes more durable, leverage will remain an important constraint on financial flexibility.

The order book is growing, but slow production, delayed deliveries and ongoing inspections could be turning customers away from Boeing’s commercial aeroplanes, leading to recent order cancellations. Aircraft order cancellations during the six months ended June 30, 2026, totaled $2.78 billion and primarily relate to 737 aircraft. Additionally, the 777X program has suffered repeated postponements and significant cost overruns. The Boeing 777X program is running seven years late, with an expected entry-into-service date in 2027. These delays—driven by rigorous FAA scrutiny, design changes and part cracks—have resulted in significant cost overruns.

Factors Acting in Favor of BA StockOn Oct. 5, 2026, Boeing announced that it received a seven-year contract from Lockheed Martin to scale production and deliver PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (“MSE”) seekers. The award formalizes a previously announced seven-year framework and allows Boeing to triple PAC-3 MSE seeker production. The contract strengthens Boeing's Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business by providing greater visibility into long-term defense demand and supporting higher production volumes for a critical missile-defense component.

On Oct. 1, 2026, Boeing announced that it had received an order for the first four full-rate production MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters after the U.S. Air Force declared the program had reached initial operational capability earlier in the year. The award moves the Grey Wolf program into full-rate production and supports the Air Force’s plans to deploy the helicopter to protect critical national assets, including strategic missile fields. The new order brings the total number of MH-139A helicopters under contract to 42, with Boeing having already delivered 27.

Estimates for BA StockThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boeing’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year improvement of 91.45%.
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The consensus estimate for Northrop Grumman’s 2026 EPS suggests year-over-year growth of 9.45%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lockheed Martin’s 2026 EPS implies a year-over-year rise of 31.7%.

BA’s Earnings Surprise HistoryThe company beat on earnings in one of the trailing four quarters and missed in the other three, delivering an average negative surprise of 113.46%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

BA Stock’s Poor ROICThe image below shows that BA stock’s trailing 12-month return on invested capital (ROIC) not only lags the peer group’s average return but also reflects a negative figure. This suggests that the company's investments are not yielding sufficient returns to cover its expenses.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

BA Stock Trades at a DiscountIn terms of valuation, Boeing’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 1.36X, a discount to the industry’s average of 2.11X. This suggests that investors will be paying a lower price than the company's expected sales growth compared with that of its peer group.

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What Should Be the Next Move?Boeing is making progress on debt reduction, but elevated leverage and uneven cash generation continue to constrain financial flexibility. Commercial-aircraft production delays, order cancellations and 777X setbacks remain key risks, while growing defense contracts provide a positive offset by strengthening demand and production visibility.

Considering current execution challenges, price performance and poor ROIC, it is advisable to avoid the stock at present. BA has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.