There’s some good news for aerospace stock Boeing (BA) today, as its planes figured into the moves of several airlines. Boeing made sales, went in unexpected directions, and even managed to win some accolades. But the news was not so good as far as investors were concerned, and shares slumped fractionally in Tuesday afternoon’s trading.
First, Boeing figured into a new order from ANA Holdings, which turned to Boeing—along with competitors Airbus (EADSY) and Embraer (ERJ)—to help reinforce its growth strategy. ANA picked up 77 new aircraft from the three providers, with 68 confirmed planes purchased and an option for a further nine. Boeing sold a slate of 787-9s for ANA to use, focusing on international routes, reports noted.
Meanwhile, a 787-9 will be going in an unexpected direction from IndiGo Airlines. IndiGo will be sending its planes from Delhi to Bangkok, a move that surprised industry analysts. Analysts were looking for the Indian airline to launch service to Europe—London, Paris or the like—but instead, starting in March, IndiGo will send Boeing planes to Thailand instead.
Good News and Bad
Boeing got a little extra boost from reports that the Boeing F-15 is actually a very capable aircraft. As it turns out, they are even more capable than several of the newer models. F-15 variants C, D, and EX managed to beat both the F-22 and the F-35 in “mission capability,” reports noted. That came from the Government Accountability Office’s report from late 2024, and noted that mission-capable rates for the older aircraft routinely beat the newer models.
Finally, because it is Boeing we are talking about and nothing can ever go completely right, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is calling for Boeing 757 freighters to be tested due to issues with their cargo doors. Back in 2021, the cargo door of a DHL-operated 757 came open mid-flight, which was, undoubtedly, a hair-raising experience. Now the FAA is looking into the matter and calling for tests accordingly.
Is Boeing a Good Stock to Buy Right Now?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on BA stock based on 13 Buys, five Holds and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 11.13% loss in its share price over the past year, the average BA price target of $196.88 per share implies 10.92% upside potential.
