Boeing’s Recovery Stalls as 737 Max Wing Bottleneck Delays Ramp-Up
Boeing shares are down about 9% this year and sit roughly 21% below their high, pressured by slower production and higher fuel costs. CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company has not yet stabilized at the 42-per-month 737 Max production pace, with a wing bottleneck in Renton limiting further increases. Analysts still expect cash flow to improve from $1.40 per share in 2025 to about $9 this year.
Boeing’s shares have declined about 9% in 2026 and remain roughly 21% below their peak. The 737 Max production rate has not yet stabilized at 42 per month, according to CEO Kelly Ortberg, because wing output in Renton is constraining further increases. The stock’s 52-week range is $177 to $254, and its market value is around $157 billion.
Analysts still see per-share cash flow rising from $1.40 in 2025 to near $9 this year, with estimates around $25 by 2030. Boeing’s backlog was $715 billion at June’s end, including almost $597 billion in commercial planes, while the Street’s average target is about $275.
Boeing’s production delays could affect airlines waiting for 737 Max jets, potentially limiting capacity and raising costs when fuel is already expensive. Passengers may see fewer schedule options or higher fares if deliveries slip. Workers and suppliers around Renton and Everett could face uneven work as output ramps. Investors may endure continued volatility while watching whether cash flow improves as analysts expect. The wider impact depends on how quickly the wing-production constraint eases and deliveries recover.