The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 29, 2025 10:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsEric Hill - VP of Investor RelationsJay Malave - EVP and CFODave Calhoun - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsRobert Stallard - AnalystMyles Walton - AnalystScott Mikus - AnalystScott Deuschle - Equity Research AnalystKristine Liwag - Senior Aerospace and Defense Equity AnalystSheila Kahyaoglu - AnalystRon Epstein - AnalystDoug Harned - AnalystGautam Khanna - AnalystNoah Poponak - AnalystPeter Armen ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 30% to $23.3 billion, driven by improved operational performance, higher commercial deliveries, and defense volume [18] - Free cash flow was positive at $238 million, marking the first positive free cash flow quarter since Q4 2023 [18] - Core loss per share was $7.47, primarily reflecting a $4.9 billion charge related to the 777X program [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) delivered 160 airplanes, the highest quarterly total since 2018, with revenue up nearly 50% to $11.1 billion [19] - BCA's operating margin was negative 48.3%, impacted by the 777X charge [19] - Defense, Space & Security (BDS) delivered 30 aircraft and two satellites, with revenue growing 25% to $6.9 billion and an operating margin of 1.7% [25] - Global Services (BGS) revenue increased by 10% to $5.4 billion, with an operating margin of 17.5% [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog ended at $535 billion for BCA, including over 5,900 airplanes, with strong demand across all market segments [19] - BDS secured $9 billion in orders, with a record backlog of $76 billion [25] - BGS received $8 billion in orders, maintaining a year-to-date book-to-bill ratio of 1.2 [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety and quality improvements, with a commitment to culture change and stakeholder trust [4][5] - Plans to increase 737 production to 42 airplanes per month, with future rate increases contingent on stability and readiness [5][6] - The 777X program has been delayed, with first delivery now expected in 2027, leading to a $4.9 billion non-cash charge [8][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery trajectory, highlighting positive cash flow and improved operational performance [17][30] - The company is aware of the challenges ahead, particularly in commercial development and certification programs [5][10] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to production rate increases [7][52] Other Important Information - The company is investing in expanding its South Carolina site to meet market demand for the 787 program [8] - The FAA has granted Boeing limited delegation authority to issue airworthiness certificates for some 737 MAX and 787 airplanes [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the negative cash flow in 2026 on the 777X? - The expected cash flow usage in 2026 is about $2 billion, with a gradual improvement anticipated in subsequent years [32][33] Question: What changed regarding the 777X program? - The delay is due to underestimating the work required for TIA approvals, not due to new issues with the airplane [36][37] Question: How will the supply chain be managed given the 777X delay? - The revised schedule will be communicated to suppliers, and negotiations will occur on a case-by-case basis [42][46] Question: Can you provide insight on the 737 ramp-up? - The company plans to exit the year at a 42 per month rate, with future increases requiring at least six months of stability [48][52] Question: What is the status of the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 certifications? - Certification is progressing, with the engine anti-ice design being the critical path [56] Question: What are the expectations for free cash flow in 2026? - The company anticipates a break-even or low to mid-single-digit inflow of cash in 2026 [64] Question: Is the $10 billion free cash flow target still valid? - The company is confident in its cash generation capabilities and aims to return to historical levels, but specific long-term targets will be assessed later [70][71] Question: What are the priorities for M&A? - The focus is on closing the Jeppesen and Spirit AeroSystems transactions, with no immediate additional M&A plans [74]

Summary of The Boeing Company Conference Call Company Overview - The discussion revolves around The Boeing Company, a major player in the aerospace and defense industry, with insights from CEO Kelly Ortberg. Key Points Leadership and Culture - Kelly Ortberg has been CEO for over a year, facing challenges such as macro dynamics, equity raises, and tariff environments [4][5] - Focus on improving company culture by enhancing leadership visibility and changing incentive programs to foster collaboration [5][6] - Implementation of a new performance management system to align employee behavior with company values [6][7] - Positive feedback from customers, indicating a cultural shift within the organization [6][7] Demand and Pricing Environment - Boeing benefits from U.S. trade agreements, with significant aircraft orders from airlines like Qatar Airways and British Airways [10][11] - Demand remains strong, but pricing is influenced by supply constraints and inflationary pressures in the supply chain [11][12] Production and Delivery Updates - Production of the 737 MAX has stabilized at 38 units per month, with plans to increase to 42 units pending FAA approval [13][14] - Inventory levels are high, which will help buffer against supply chain challenges during rate increases [17][18] - Future production increases are planned, with a target of 47 units per month as supply chain aligns [18][19] Aircraft Certification Progress - Certification for the 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 7 is ongoing, with a focus on engine design [21][22] - The 787 program is set to increase production from 7 to 8 units, with a goal of reaching 10 units next year [23][24] - The 777X program faces certification delays, but demand remains strong [30][34] Defense Sector Developments - Leadership changes in Boeing Defense, with a focus on stabilizing operations and improving margins [35][36] - Tentative agreements reached with union leadership to mitigate impacts from strikes [39][40] Financial Outlook - Free cash flow for 2025 is projected to be negative $3 billion, with expectations of improved cash flow in 2026 [41][42] - The company aims to prioritize debt reduction and maintain investment-grade status [53] Portfolio Management - Ongoing evaluation of the portfolio, with potential for further divestitures to focus on core business [52] - Emphasis on managing risks in fixed-price contracts to improve profitability [36] Future Focus - The CEO plans to shift focus towards development and certification processes to enhance efficiency [57] - Excitement about upcoming rate increases and achieving parity with competitors like Airbus [59] Additional Insights - The company is committed to maintaining high-quality production while ramping up delivery rates [20][50] - The cultural transformation is seen as a multi-year process, with ongoing efforts to align the organization towards common goals [7][55]