Boeing has outlined plans to boost its 737 MAX production rate from the current 38 aircraft per month to 42 by mid-2025, with a further increase to 50 per month by year-end. This ramp-up follows the resolution of supplier constraints that capped output over the past two years. The company expects to deliver approximately 800 narrowbody jets in 2025, up from 650 in 2024, supported by new tooling investments and expanded floor space at its Renton, Washington, facility. Executives emphasize that improved part flow from key suppliers—particularly Spirit AeroSystems and Triumph Group—will underpin the higher build rate and help normalize production costs.

Analysts forecast that Boeing will report a fourth-quarter operating loss of roughly $2.3 billion, or about $3.25 per share, compared with a $1.1 billion loss in the same period a year earlier. Revenue is estimated at $18.2 billion, reflecting continued recovery in commercial aircraft deliveries despite production delays early in the quarter. Market consensus calls for a free cash flow burn of around $4.0 billion, an improvement from $5.5 billion in Q3, driven by strong progress on working capital management and inventory reductions. Investors will also scrutinize updates on the defense backlog, currently valued at $75 billion, and progress on the KC-46 tanker program.

Since June 2024, consensus EPS estimates for Boeing have been revised down by 79% for fiscal 2026 and 55% for 2027, even as revenue forecasts have remained relatively stable. Despite these cuts, 18 of 30 Wall Street firms maintain a ‘buy’ or equivalent rating, citing long-term demand for narrowbody jets and a strengthening order book that now exceeds 8,000 commercial aircraft. Several top analysts have recently raised their delivery forecasts for 2026, anticipating 850 total jet deliveries, and have highlighted potential margin upside as the supply chain normalizes. Investor sentiment has been bolstered by management’s pledge to restore full delivery and financial guidance beginning with the Q1 report.