Boeing Slashed to Sell at Northcoast Research

• Jefferies upgrades Boeing to Buy, highlighting the long-term benefits despite potential EPS dilution in 2026.
• Boeing announces a strategic acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems for $4.7 billion to enhance supply chain management and operational efficiency.
• The acquisition aims to address manufacturing defects and is seen as a pivotal step for Boeing in the aerospace industry.

On Monday, July 1, 2024, Jefferies updated its stance on Boeing (NYSE:BA), changing the grade to Buy while recommending holding. At the time of this update, the price of Boeing was $182.01. Jefferies highlighted that although the Boeing deal might dilute earnings per share (EPS) for 2026, the benefits it brings are considered 'priceless.' This analysis was published by The Fly.

Boeing, a leading aerospace company, has announced a significant move to reacquire Spirit AeroSystems (SPR) for $4.7 billion. This strategic acquisition is aimed at bolstering its supply chain management, marking a pivotal step for Boeing as it seeks to enhance its operational efficiency and reliability. The deal, disclosed on Monday, is a long-awaited step by Boeing to strengthen its position in the aerospace industry.

The acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, a prominent fuselage maker, for $37.25 per share in an all-stock transaction valued at $4.7 billion is a strategic expansion for Boeing. This move is aimed at reintegrating Spirit AeroSystems back into Boeing and addressing and rectifying manufacturing defects that have plagued its operations. The acquisition is seen as a strategic effort by Boeing to enhance its operational efficiency and reliability in the aerospace sector.

At the time of the announcement, Boeing's stock price stood at $182.01, experiencing a slight decrease of $0.5 or -0.274%. Throughout the trading day, the stock fluctuated between a low of $180.65 and a high of $184.435, reflecting the market's initial reaction to the news of the acquisition. Over the past year, Boeing's shares have ranged from a low of $159.7 to a high of $267.54, with a market capitalization of approximately $111.73 billion and a trading volume of about 5.9 million shares.

Jefferies' upgrade of Boeing to Buy, despite the potential dilution of EPS for 2026 due to the acquisition, underscores the long-term strategic benefits of the deal. The acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems is considered 'priceless' by Jefferies, highlighting the significant positive impact it is expected to have on Boeing's supply chain management and overall operational efficiency. This strategic move by Boeing is seen as a key step in enhancing its competitiveness and reliability in the aerospace industry.

• UBS has adjusted its price target for NYSE:BA to $240 from $250 while maintaining a "Buy" rating.
• Boeing's significant achievement in space exploration highlighted by the successful docking of its Starliner capsule at the ISS.
• The company's stock performance and market capitalization reflect its resilience and potential for growth in aerospace and space exploration sectors.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, UBS maintained its "Buy" rating on NYSE:BA but adjusted its price target to $240 from the previous $250, as reported by TheFly. This adjustment comes at a time when Boeing's stock was trading at $191.42, reflecting the company's ongoing efforts and challenges in both its aerospace and space exploration sectors. Boeing, a leading aerospace company, has been making headlines not only for its commercial and military aircraft but also for its ventures into space exploration, a sector where it competes with other aerospace giants and newer space-focused companies.

Boeing's recent achievement in space exploration, specifically the successful docking of its Starliner capsule at the International Space Station (ISS), marks a significant milestone for the company. Despite encountering last-minute thruster trouble that nearly compromised the docking process, the mission proceeded as planned. This event is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates Boeing's capabilities and commitment to overcoming challenges in space exploration. The successful docking, after years of delays due to technical issues including helium leaks on the spacecraft, showcases Boeing's resilience and technological prowess.

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, especially considering the competitive nature of the space exploration sector. Boeing's ability to successfully dock the Starliner capsule at the ISS, despite the initial docking approach being called off due to a technical issue with five out of the twenty-eight thrusters, highlights the company's engineering capabilities and its potential for future space missions. This success is a crucial step forward for Boeing, reinforcing its position in the aerospace industry and opening up new avenues for growth and exploration beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Financially, Boeing's stock performance reflects the company's ongoing efforts to navigate through its challenges and capitalize on its successes. With a stock price increase of $1.57, marking a change of approximately 0.83% to close at $191.42, Boeing demonstrates resilience in the face of adversity. The company's market capitalization stands at about $117.51 billion, with a trading volume of 5.82 million shares, indicating a solid investor interest in its activities and future prospects. This financial performance, coupled with its achievements in space exploration, positions Boeing as a key player in both the aerospace and space sectors, with the potential for continued growth and innovation.

JPMorgan analysts reaffirmed their Overweight rating and a price target of $210 for Boeing (NYSE:BA) stock. The analysts adjusted the free cash flow (FCF) estimates for Boeing for the second quarter of 2024 and the entire year, following management's recent investor conference update.

This adjustment is due to a decrease in near-term deliveries of the 737 and 787 models, coupled with the company's efforts to enhance its production processes. Despite the expected $4 billion cash outflow in Q2, Boeing's recent debt raise ensures sufficient liquidity.

Long-term cash flow estimates remain mostly unchanged for now, pending more information on the 737 production ramp-up, Boeing's potential acquisition of Spirit Aerosystems, and the priorities of the incoming CEO, once appointed. The year-end price target is maintained at $210.

Boeing (NYSE:BA) has recently stopped delivering aircraft to China due to a request from the country's aviation regulator for additional certification documentation. This documentation concerns the batteries in cockpit voice recorders installed in all Boeing models, including the 787 and 737 Max.

This suspension has financial repercussions for Boeing, with the company's Chief Financial Officer indicating a potential negative impact on second-quarter cash flow. Consequently, Boeing's shares fell by more than 7% yesterday.

Speaking at the Wolfe conference, Boeing's CFO noted that second-quarter cash flow might decline compared to the first quarter due to the continued halt in aircraft deliveries to China, a key market for Boeing. The company expects 787 deliveries in the second quarter to be on par with those in the first, indicating no short-term improvement.

In addition to the China delivery issue, Boeing faces persistent supply-chain challenges for the 787 model, which could further hinder production and delivery increases. The CFO also mentioned that margins in the defense segment are expected to be negative in the second quarter.

As a result, Boeing forecasts that second-quarter deliveries will remain close to first-quarter levels, with no significant increase anticipated.

Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) shares dipped more than 1% pre-market today following a Sunday report about a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 losing an engine cowling during takeoff from Denver International Airport.

The engine covering struck a wing flap, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to initiate an investigation into the matter. The affected Southwest flight, en route to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport, returned safely to Denver approximately 25 minutes post-takeoff, with no injuries reported. Southwest is currently conducting a thorough examination of the aircraft.

This incident adds to a series of issues for Boeing, including a fuselage panel detachment on an Alaska Airlines jet in January and a separate FAA probe into a Southwest flight that veered off its intended landing path in New York in March. Boeing has faced ongoing scrutiny over quality control and safety, impacting the delivery schedule of its new Max aircraft. Additionally, Boeing announced last month that CEO Dave Calhoun is slated to retire at the end of 2024.

Boeing (NYSE:BA) shares fell nearly 2% intra-day today after Melius Research downgraded the company to Hold from Buy while keeping a $209 price target.

The downgrade is attributed to "too many overhangs" affecting the aircraft manufacturer. Melius Research pointed to strong demand for Boeing’s commercial planes but highlighted significant concerns, including execution issues, a slower-than-anticipated ramp-up in 737 production, and ongoing losses in the Boeing Defense sector. These factors contribute to skepticism about reaching the projected $10 billion in free cash flow (FCF) by 2026, a figure both Boeing and consensus estimates target.

The research firm suggests Boeing is on the path to, and in need of, an extensive multi-year restructuring. It also anticipates that the stream of negative news will persist, continuing to weigh on Boeing's stock value. Melius Research’s FCF estimate for 2026 stands at $8.9 billion, falling $1.1 billion short of both consensus and Boeing’s own expectations.