What's Going On With Boeing Stock Thursday?

Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) secured several new commercial and defense agreements this week, including a multi-billion-dollar U.S. Navy fighter contract and a major freighter order from Ethiopian Airlines.

On Monday, the U.S. Navy selected Boeing for its F/A-XX program. Under the contract, Boeing will design, build and deliver the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter. The aircraft is intended to replace the service’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet.

Navy Award Expands Defense Pipeline

The F/A-XX award marks Boeing’s second sixth-generation fighter selection. The U.S. Air Force awarded the company the F-47 program in 2025.

Boeing said it has invested in manufacturing capacity, technology and personnel to support multiple advanced combat aircraft programs at the same time.

Construction is also continuing on the company’s secure manufacturing facility in St. Louis. Technical and program details for the F/A-XX remain classified.

Ethiopian Airlines Expands Cargo Fleet

On Wednesday, Ethiopian Airlines ordered eight Boeing 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters.

The deal makes Ethiopian Airlines the first African carrier to order the 777-8 Freighter. It also doubles the airline’s 777X family order book.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 12 777 Freighters, two 767 Freighters and four 737-800 converted freighters. Its cargo network covers more than 70 markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Japan Airlines Renews Boeing Services Deal

Also Wednesday, Boeing Global Services renewed its Integrated Materials Management agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL).

The program allows Boeing to manage parts ownership and supply-chain responsibilities for the airline. It is designed to improve parts availability, reduce inventory requirements and lower the risk of maintenance delays caused by shortages.

Earnings Ahead

Boeing will report third-quarter 2026 results on Tuesday, Oct. 27. CEO Kelly Ortberg and CFO Jay Malave will discuss the results and the company’s outlook during a conference call at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Analysts expect a loss of 9 cents per share, compared with a loss of $7.47 a year earlier. Revenue is expected to rise to $24.99 billion from $23.27 billion.

The stock carries a Buy consensus rating with an average price forecast of $274.44.

Jefferies maintained a Buy rating in September but lowered its price forecast to $265. Bank of America Securities maintained a Buy rating and a $270 price forecast. Argus Research upgraded Boeing to Buy in August with a $265 price forecast.

ETF Exposure

Boeing is held by several aerospace and defense ETFs, including the Corgi Aerospace & Commercial Aviation ETF (NASDAQ:AV), iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS:ITA) and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE:PPA).

Boeing carries weights of about 4.17%, 9.58% and 7.2%, respectively, in those funds.

Price Action

BA Price Action: Boeing shares were up 0.30% at $186.60 during premarket trading on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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