Boeing Announces Multiyear Free Cash Flow Targets and Defense Contract Wins
During its third-quarter 2026 earnings call, Boeing (BA) outlined a strategic roadmap to reach $10 billion in annual free cash flow by 2029. CEO Robert K. Ortberg projected free cash flow of approximately $2 billion in 2026, rising to $3 billion in 2027, as the company works to convert its record $745 billion backlog into commercial deliveries. Despite long-term optimism, Boeing faces immediate production hurdles. Wing fabrication bottlenecks have delayed the goal of reaching a monthly production rate of 52 aircraft for the 737 jetliner until the second half of 2027. However, the company's defense sector saw significant growth after securing the U.S. Navy F/A-XX Fighter Attack Experimental contract, positioning Boeing as the exclusive provider for both sixth-generation fighter initiatives for the U.S. Air Force and Navy.