Another jump in Boeing deliveries shows why we got into the stock and want to stay in

Boeing's May deliveries climbed to 60, the strongest month so far this year, up from 47 in April and 33% higher than May 2025. The mix included 51 737 MAX jets and six 787 Dreamliners, with the 737 MAX achieving its best month since December 2024. Through the end of May, Boeing has delivered 250 aircraft, 30 more than the first five months of 2025, a pace that could push 2026 past last year's 600-aircraft total. The company also highlighted progress on production and regulatory fronts after FAA clearance to lift 737 MAX output to 47 per month from 42, and the backlog stood at 6,178 aircraft at May 31. China confirmed a 200-aircraft order, underscoring renewed demand for Boeing jets. Beyond deliveries, free cash flow and guidance frame the optimism. Analysts project a Q2 cash outflow of about $218 million, followed by free cash flow of roughly $1.15 billion in Q3 and $2.95 billion in Q4, according to FactSet. May orders softened to 27 new bookings from 136 in April, but investors view such lumpiness as typical. Management reiterated a longer-term target to reach a full-year free cash flow of $1 billion to $3 billion as the turnaround accelerates. The stronger delivery pace, regulatory progress, and a large China order support Boeing's improving financial trajectory.