Core Viewpoint - Boeing is accelerating the delivery of new aircraft to Chinese airlines, marking a significant recovery in its operations in China after a prolonged period of disruptions due to trade tensions and the grounding of the 737 MAX series [2][4][6]. Delivery and Operations - On July 13, Boeing delivered three 737-8 aircraft to Chinese airlines, including Shandong Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, indicating a rare occurrence of multiple deliveries in one day [3][4][5]. - The newly delivered 737-8 aircraft, despite being new, have an age of 5.5 years due to previous delivery interruptions [3][5]. - Since the resumption of 737 MAX deliveries to Chinese airlines at the end of 2023, Boeing has been able to transfer aircraft that had been idle for a long time back to China [4][6]. Market Context - Boeing's deliveries to China had previously been severely impacted by the grounding of the 737 MAX series since 2019, with China being one of the last countries to resume operations of this aircraft type [5][6]. - The recent increase in aircraft deliveries is part of a broader recovery trend for Boeing, with a total of 13 new aircraft delivered to Chinese airlines since June [6][8]. Financial Performance - Boeing's overall aircraft delivery numbers have shown significant improvement, with 280 commercial aircraft delivered in the first two quarters of 2025, a 15% increase compared to the previous quarter [8]. - In the second quarter of 2023, Boeing delivered 150 commercial aircraft, including 104 from the 737 series, indicating a strong recovery in production and delivery capabilities [8][9]. New Orders - Boeing secured 427 new orders in the second quarter of 2023, a substantial increase from just 25 orders in the same period of 2024, highlighting a positive trend in demand [8][9]. - In May 2023, Boeing received a significant order of 303 aircraft, including a record 160 wide-body aircraft from Qatar Airways, showcasing strong international demand [9].

Core Viewpoint - Boeing has faced significant challenges in recent years, with its stock underperforming compared to the S&P 500, but recent operational improvements and a strong backlog provide a glimmer of hope for recovery [1][10]. Group 1: Stock Performance - As of July 8, Boeing's five-year total return was only 22%, significantly lower than the S&P 500's return of approximately 112% [1]. - Boeing stock started 2025 poorly, falling 23% through early April, but rebounded to a 23% increase by June 8, outperforming the S&P 500's 6% return [2][3]. Group 2: Operational Improvements - Boeing reported a 27% increase in commercial plane deliveries in June compared to the previous year, with a total of 60 planes delivered [4]. - For the first half of 2025, Boeing's commercial plane deliveries reached 280, marking a 60% increase from the first half of 2024 [4]. - Defense, Space, and Security deliveries also improved, totaling 62, a nearly 48% increase from 42 in the first half of 2024 [4]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Boeing is narrowing the gap with Airbus, which delivered 306 planes in the first half of 2025, while Boeing's deliveries have surged [5]. - Airbus's deliveries fell by around 5.6%, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics favoring Boeing [5]. Group 4: Safety Concerns - Safety remains a critical issue for Boeing, highlighted by the recent Air India crash involving a 787 Dreamliner, which could impact public perception [6][7]. - Despite efforts to improve safety, including leadership changes and quality control measures, it will take time to rebuild trust in Boeing's safety record [8]. Group 5: Backlog and Future Outlook - Boeing's backlog stood at 5,953 planes at the end of June, indicating strong demand and a potential for future growth [9]. - The current recovery is seen as a positive sign, but Boeing must continue to improve execution to see significant stock appreciation [10].