New York, Jan 27, 2026, 12:23 (EST) — Regular session
Boeing shares climbed 1.5% to $252.11 on Tuesday, recovering from a volatile open after the planemaker posted a fourth-quarter profit. Investors revisited its turnaround narrative amid the earnings update. 1
The stock’s been behaving like a vote on Boeing’s ability to translate higher jet output into consistent cash flow, not just occasional gains. Investors want evidence the company can overcome the safety and production issues that surfaced after the Alaska Airlines 737 MAX panel incident in early 2024. 2
That urgency comes through clearly in the questions. Regulators have capped 737 MAX production, while customers demand more reliable delivery schedules. Both issues hit Boeing’s cash flow, which has been tight for years. 3
Boeing reported fourth-quarter revenue of $23.9 billion and GAAP earnings of $10.23 per share, boosted by a $9.6 billion gain from selling parts of its Digital Aviation Solutions business. The company generated roughly $0.4 billion in free cash flow for the quarter and said its total backlog climbed to a record $682 billion. 4
Chief executive Kelly Ortberg said Boeing “made significant progress” in 2025 and emphasized the company’s focus on stabilizing operations and completing development programs. Production of the 737 ramped up to 42 planes a month, with FAA approval granted to start the final phase of 737-10 certification flight testing. Meanwhile, 787 output is moving toward eight units monthly. The 777X is still on track for its first delivery in 2027. 5
Boeing’s core business showed cracks. The commercial airplanes unit recorded a $632 million quarterly loss, while the defense and space segment bled $507 million, Reuters reported. That included a hefty $565 million charge tied to the KC-46 tanker program. CFO Jay Malave told analysts he’s targeting $1 billion to $3 billion in positive free cash flow by 2026, but that depends on the timing of the 777X and the 737-7 and 737-10 deliveries. Deutsche Bank’s Scott Deuschle said the early share drop likely stems from losses that were worse than expected. 6
Boeing’s surge in orders has dragged Airbus back into the spotlight for investors who long saw the competition as lopsided. The Financial Times revealed that Boeing secured 1,075 gross orders in 2025, outpacing Airbus on new orders for the first time in 10 years—even though the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models are still awaiting certification. 7
Boeing and Israel’s Technion are kicking off development on sustainable aviation fuel made from feedstocks like green hydrogen and carbon dioxide, aiming to help the sector hit its 2050 net-zero target. Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson highlighted the project’s goal to “enhance energy security” and back growth in civil aviation. Still, sustainable aviation fuel remains significantly pricier than traditional jet fuel. 8
That risk hasn’t disappeared: unit losses and defense cost overruns could resurface quickly, while certification schedules for critical jets remain a focal point in the cash discussion. Traders will also keep an eye on any order announcements at the Singapore Airshow, taking place Feb. 3–8, a common venue for major aircraft deals. 9
