As of 10:50 AM IST, Wednesday 28 October 2026. Figures are from Boeing's results release and news reports on Tuesday 27 October (US time).
Boeing shares had their worst day in more than 18 months on Tuesday after the planemaker said it will miss its 737 production and delivery targets this year and pushed back its free cash flow goal, overshadowing a narrower quarterly loss and a record order backlog.
The stock closed down 10.7%, Reuters reported in its market close report.
The quarter in numbers
From Boeing's third-quarter results release:
- Revenue: $24.19 billion, up 4% from $23.27 billion a year earlier.
- Net loss: $116 million, or 26 cents a share, compared with a $5.34 billion loss a year earlier, when it took a large charge on the 777X programme.
- Core loss per share (non-GAAP): 34 cents, against an expected loss of 21 cents, according to LSEG data cited by CNBC. Revenue beat the $23.84 billion consensus.
- Free cash flow: $464 million, up from $238 million.
- Backlog: a record $745 billion, including more than 6,300 commercial aircraft.
- Deliveries: 161 commercial jets, one more than a year earlier.
Commercial Airplanes revenue fell 3% to $10.72 billion with an operating margin of minus 6.5%, which Boeing blamed on a less favourable delivery mix, higher projected costs tied to future production-rate changes and higher supply chain costs. Defense, Space & Security revenue rose 15% to $7.94 billion, helped by a $252 million gain on the sale of HRL Laboratories.
Production setback
Boeing now expects to reach its 737 production rate of 47 jets a month in early 2027, Reuters reported; as recently as May, executives had said they would hit that pace this summer. The company's release says the 737 programme "continues to progress toward stabilized production of 47 per month". CNBC described Boeing as currently building about 47 a month, a characterisation that differs from the company's wording.
Chief executive Kelly Ortberg said Boeing still targets 52 a month in the second half of 2027, with wing production the main constraint. Chief financial officer Jay Malave said Boeing will not reach its target of 500 deliveries this year, according to Reuters.
"I know everybody wants us to go faster, but we're going to do it right," Ortberg told CNBC.
Cash flow pushed out
Boeing now expects to reach its $10 billion free cash flow target in 2029, a year later than investors expected, Reuters reported, citing LSEG data. Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu said Boeing expects about $3 billion of free cash flow next year, below a consensus of $5.5 billion. Boeing still expects about $2 billion for 2026, after burning $359 million in the first nine months.
Recent wins
The results came despite recent milestones: FAA certification of the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 and selection by the US Navy for the F/A-XX next-generation fighter. Boeing said the 777X programme remains on track for first delivery in 2027.
Related reading on HorizonDesk
- Boeing 737 MAX 10 certified: what it means for passengers
- Wall Street open on 27 October: oil eases, gold near $4,000
Sources
- Boeing: Third Quarter Results release
- CNBC: Boeing won't significantly ramp 737 Max production until late 2027
- Reuters via Euronext: Boeing shares sell off on slower 737 production
- Reuters via StreetInsider: Wall Street ends higher on revived AI momentum
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