Boeing Co. shares rose Monday after an analyst upgrade signaled renewed confidence in the plane maker’s recovery trajectory.
The stock gained 1.8% to $204.55, outperforming the broader S&P 500’s 0.2% increase, after Freedom Capital raised its rating on Boeing to Buy from Hold and its price target was lifted to $223 from $217.
The upgrade follows Boeing’s third-quarter results, which showed progress in operational recovery despite continued pressure from cost overruns and delays in the 777X program. For the first time since late last year, Boeing posted positive free cash flow, a milestone analysts viewed as a sign of improving fundamentals even as earnings fell short of expectations.
“Operational performance is stabilizing, and cash flow momentum is turning positive,” Freedom Capital analysts wrote in a note. “While challenges remain, the risk-reward profile has improved.”
Boeing shares have retreated from an October peak near $223 after disappointing quarterly results, but sentiment among analysts remains bullish. About 81% of analysts covering the company rate it a Buy, compared with an average of roughly 55% across the S&P 500, according to FactSet. The average price target sits near $255, only slightly lower than before the earnings report.
Analysts see long-term upside as Boeing works through supply-chain constraints and prepares for major aircraft deliveries in 2025.
