New York, January 27, 2026, 17:30 EST — After-hours
- After the bell, Boeing shares dropped 1.6%, erasing earlier gains.
- Q4 profits were buoyed by the Jeppesen sale, but core earnings missed expectations.
- Attention now shifts to 2026 cash flow, FAA green lights for ramped-up production, and jet certification progress.
Boeing Co shares dropped 1.6% to $244.56 in after-hours trading Tuesday, despite quarterly results boosted by an asset sale. The stock swung between $239.03 and $258.68 during the session, with over 20 million shares traded.
The print matters because Boeing is struggling to convert a fragile factory restart into steady cash flow, and the market sees every delay as another stress test. A large one-off gain can brighten the headlines, but it doesn’t solve issues with late deliveries or weak margins on its own.
This comes as regulators and airline clients keep a sharp eye on Boeing’s delivery pace. Deliveries bring in the bulk of the cash for plane makers, but they also expose issues — whether it’s parts, paperwork, or rework.
Boeing posted net income of $8.22 billion, or $10.23 per share, for the quarter ending in December, boosted by the $10.6 billion sale of its navigation software unit Jeppesen. Strip out that gain, and the company would have reported a much bigger loss than analysts expected. Peter McNally, an analyst at Third Bridge, called the quarter “a reminder of the complications” in Boeing’s business. CFO Jay Malave told analysts he anticipates free cash flow between $1 billion and $3 billion this year, depending largely on delays with the 777X and 737-7 and 737-10 models. Boeing did not provide formal financial forecasts for 2026. Reuters
Boeing reported a 57% jump in revenue to $23.9 billion, driven by 160 commercial deliveries, while free cash flow swung to a positive $375 million for the quarter. The backlog hit a new high of $682 billion, covering over 6,100 commercial jets. CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeing has “set the foundation” to maintain its momentum into 2026. Despite that, the commercial airplanes division still posted an operating loss of $632 million. The company boosted 737 production to 42 per month and secured FAA approval to begin the final phase of 737-10 certification flight tests. MediaRoom
The near-term focus is on volume. Boeing is currently producing 42 737s and eight 787s monthly, aiming to raise 737 output to 47 by year-end—each increase requiring FAA sign-off. “I actually don’t think supply chain is going to be a big challenge,” Ortberg said, citing parts stockpiled during slower periods. Executives also plan for 500 737 deliveries and 90 to 100 787 deliveries in 2026, while prepping Everett and North Charleston plants for future capacity boosts. Flight Global
Boeing continues to chase Airbus in the hot narrowbody segment, where airlines demand punctual deliveries and spotless certifications. For investors, the focus isn’t just ramping up production but cutting down on quality issues and unexpected costs.
Development risk remains a concern. Boeing uncovered a durability problem with the GE Aerospace GE9X engines used on the 777-9, though Ortberg doesn’t expect it to delay first deliveries in 2027. GE has launched an “on-wing inspection programme” as it investigates and plans a fix. The 777-9 is already years late and facing stricter FAA scrutiny; another delay would push back cash flows and weigh on guidance. Flight Global
Defense investors remain focused on the KC-46 tanker program, where cost shifts can trigger unexpected charges. Boeing also faces challenges clearing final hurdles on the smallest MAX variants and the larger 777X project as it scales up production.
Traders are now focused on whether cash comes through early in the year, rather than just hitting year-end targets. Attention will zero in on delivery numbers, supplier reliability, and any sign the FAA might either stall or speed up approvals for ramping up production rates.
The trigger comes at Wednesday’s open, as Boeing shares start a full day of price discovery following the earnings release. Afterward, focus moves to upcoming FAA milestones for MAX certifications and any fresh updates on the 777X test timeline.
