Boeing(US:BA)2025-10-29 15:32Financial 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][19] - 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 in the quarter, the highest quarterly delivery total since 2018, with revenue up nearly 50% to $11.1 billion [20] - BCA's operating margin was negative 48.3%, impacted by the charge on the 777X program [20] - Defense business (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% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog ended at $535 billion, including over 5,900 airplanes, with strong demand across all market segments [20][30] - BDS booked $9 billion in orders during the quarter, with a record backlog of $76 billion [25][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety and quality improvements, with a commitment to culture change and operational excellence [4][15] - Plans to increase 737 production to 42 airplanes per month were agreed upon with the FAA, with future rate increases to be methodical and based on stability [5][21] - The company is investing in expanding its South Carolina site to meet exceptional market demand for the 787 program [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery trajectory, highlighting positive feedback from customers regarding quality and delivery performance [16][17] - The company acknowledged challenges with the 777X certification process, leading to a revised delivery timeline to 2027 [10][24] - Management remains optimistic about the overall market demand and the strength of the backlog, which exceeds $600 billion [30] Other Important Information - The company is undergoing significant cultural changes, with employee feedback shaping new values and behaviors [15][16] - The company is managing through a strike affecting its workforce while maintaining production rates [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the negative cash flow in 2026 on the 777X? - Management expects a headwind of about $2 billion in 2026, with a gradual improvement towards break-even cash flow by 2028 [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 itself [39][41] 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 [53] Question: Can you elaborate on the 737 ramp-up? - The company plans to exit the year at a 42 per month rate, with future increases being methodical and based on stability [58][60] Question: What is the status of the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 certifications? - The critical path remains the engine anti-ice design, with expectations for certification in 2026 [66][67] Question: What are the plans for the 787 production rate increases? - The next increase will be from eight to ten per month, with challenges anticipated in the supply chain, particularly regarding seat certifications [71][72] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow in 2026? - Management is optimistic about operational performance, with expectations for a modest inflow of cash in 2026 [76][77] Question: Is the $10 billion free cash flow target still valid? - Management is confident in the underlying cash generation capability but is still assessing the long-term framework [81][82]