Boeing reported a significant surge in fourth-quarter sales, far exceeding Wall Street’s projections and marking a key milestone in the aerospace giant’s ongoing recovery. The company’s performance was bolstered by its highest number of aircraft deliveries since 2018, signaling a robust uptick in production and a positive outlook for the coming year.
Boeing’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 showcased a company gaining momentum. Revenue climbed to $23.95 billion, significantly outperforming the $22.6 billion anticipated by analysts. This impressive growth was largely fueled by a substantial increase in airplane deliveries, which reached their highest point since 2018. The company handed over 600 aircraft throughout 2025, nearly doubling the number from the previous year. Deliveries are a critical revenue driver for aircraft manufacturers, as customers typically pay the majority of an aircraft’s price upon receipt.
While Boeing reported an adjusted loss per share of $1.12, this figure was impacted by a substantial $9.6 billion gain from the sale of its Jeppesen aircraft navigation unit. Excluding this one-time gain, the adjusted loss was $1.12 per share, a figure that still missed analyst expectations of a 39-cent loss. However, the company’s commercial airplane revenue saw a remarkable nearly 140% increase from the prior year, reaching $11.38 billion against an expected $10.72 billion. The defense unit also contributed positively, with revenue rising 37% to $7.42 billion.
CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed optimism for 2026, projecting positive free cash flow between $1 billion and $3 billion. He outlined a methodical plan to achieve a long-term goal of $10 billion in free cash flow. Despite the positive momentum, Boeing faces ongoing challenges, including the need for regulatory approval for further production increases of the 737 Max and certification for delayed models like the 737 Max 7 and Max 10, as well as the 777X. Updates on the defense business, including the next Air Force One aircraft, are also keenly awaited by investors. The company’s ability to ramp up production and navigate regulatory hurdles will be crucial for sustained growth.
