Boeing struggles as stock declines amid certification delays

On September 13, 2025, a US Air Force Boeing C-5 Galaxy took off from José Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, highlighting Boeing's ongoing involvement in military and commercial aviation. As of late, Boeing's stock (NYSE:BA) has faced a nearly 5% drop over the past month, primarily driven by concerns over delays in the certification of its 777X aircraft and continuous cash flow pressures affecting its recovery following the pandemic. The company reported $67 billion in revenue for the fiscal year 2024, but its negative free cash flow reached approximately $14 billion, raising alarms among investors about its financial health. Optimistic projections for free cash flow in 2025 suggest a modest recovery to $5-$6 billion but still leave investors questioning the company’s future profitability amid rising operational costs and supply chain challenges. Furthermore, Boeing contends with significant net debt exceeding $45 billion, compounding worries over its ability to sustain operations. Financial analysts have expressed concerns that if Boeing's free cash flow falls closer to $3 billion due to disappointing deliveries and certification challenges, the market might reassess its valuation. Under such circumstances, the stock price could potentially plummet to the $100-$110 range, which would signal a dramatic decrease from its recent highs. Despite signs of improved delivery numbers and a robust order backlog between $520-$600 billion, these factors alone may not be sufficient to boost investor confidence amidst a climate of increasing uncertainty. Analysts view Boeing as a high-conviction investment opportunity, albeit one fraught with risk. The company’s current trajectory relies heavily on effective execution of planned growth strategies and management of existing financial challenges. Investors must remain vigilant and ready for significant market volatility as conditions evolve.