Boeing stock is gaining altitude once again, buoyed by a wave of optimism surrounding CEO Kelly Ortberg’s ongoing turnaround efforts. As the aerospace giant gears up to report its Q2 earnings this week, investors are showing renewed confidence, pushing Boeing stock up by over 30% year-to-date.
Wall Street analysts anticipate that Boeing will halve its quarterly losses compared to the same period last year — a signal that Ortberg’s decisive actions are bearing fruit. Under his leadership, the company has increased aircraft deliveries, stabilized production rates, and restructured its defense segment, breathing new life into a company that has been battling crises for much of the past seven years.
CEO Ortberg’s Comeback Strategy Paying Off
Ortberg, a seasoned aerospace executive brought out of retirement in 2024, inherited a turbulent cockpit. From lingering fallout of the 737 Max disasters to labor unrest and delayed certifications, Boeing faced operational, financial, and reputational damage. But Ortberg wasted no time.
In the past 12 months, the CEO slashed costs, raised over $20 billion in capital, and laid off 10% of the workforce to streamline operations. A new labor agreement was struck after a seven-week machinists’ strike, and under Ortberg’s leadership, the commercial airplane unit has shown marked improvements in production consistency and quality.
Aerospace consultant Richard Aboulafia praised Ortberg’s hands-on approach, stating, “He’s showing up. You talk to people. That’s how culture changes.”
Investor Sentiment Boosts Boeing Stock
All signs point to increasing investor confidence. Boeing stock continues to outperform, outperforming many of its industrial peers in 2025. The recent uptick comes as Boeing hit its highest airplane delivery rate in 18 months — a key metric, since manufacturers receive most of their payments when aircraft are delivered.
The consistent delivery pipeline and signs of internal cultural improvement have led many analysts to believe Boeing will return to full-year profitability by 2026 — its first annual profit since 2018. That prediction has further energized Boeing stock and driven bullish sentiment among institutional investors.
Defense Troubles Linger, But Path Forward Is Clear
Despite progress, Boeing’s defense division remains a sore spot. Recent setbacks include dissatisfaction from the union over labor contract offers and lingering delays in high-profile programs like the Air Force One replacement jets.
The company is also under pressure to secure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to increase monthly production of the 737 Max beyond the current 38 aircraft cap. While Ortberg insists the company is “stabilizing to go beyond that rate,” the FAA’s scrutiny remains intense after January’s near-miss involving a 737 Max 9 door-plug incident.
Yet analysts like Douglas Harned of Bernstein remain optimistic. “They’re working the right problems. The consistency of deliveries is much better,” he noted.
Long-Term Growth and New Jet Rumors
Beyond 2025, Boeing may need to start planning for the future of its fleet. Industry voices are calling for a new mid-market jetliner to compete with Airbus and refresh Boeing’s aging aircraft lineup. With Ortberg at the helm, some insiders believe such a bold move could be on the horizon.
“If there’s anyone who could greenlight and guide a new jet launch, it’s Ortberg,” said Aboulafia.
Outlook: Boeing Stock Poised for Further Gains
As Boeing navigates its complex recovery path, Boeing stock is showing resilience and potential. While regulatory hurdles and labor tensions persist, Ortberg’s leadership has already restored much-needed momentum to a brand long plagued by crises.
For investors seeking exposure to industrial recovery stories, Boeing stock presents a compelling case heading into the latter half of 2025. With Q2 earnings around the corner, all eyes are on how well the turnaround continues.
Want more real-time business and startup insights like this? Visit Startup News for exclusive updates, founder stories, and innovation trends you won’t find anywhere else.
