Analysts revamp Boeing stock price targets on strike deal

In This Article:

For once on Monday, Boeing was a star.

The aerospace giant has struggled with manufacturing problems, management turmoil, horrible financial results, and, since September, a crippling labor strike.

Boeing saw a little ray of sunshine on Oct. 21. Over the weekend, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said its 33,000 members will vote on a new contract from Boeing  (BA) , which is among the most iconic of U.S. companies.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

The vote will come Oct. 23, and there's hope — but hardly any certainty — that the contract will pass. Indeed, some analysts think it won't pass because of the negative comments from Boeing workers that they've seen on social media.

Related: Goldman Sachs reveals long-term S&P 500 outlook

Nonetheless, Boeing shares were up 4.8% to $159.82 on Oct. 21, their highest close since Sept. 4. The stock was the top performer of stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and third best among stocks in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

Boeing shares, however, are still down 38.6% on the year and more than 40% from their 52-week high reached in December 2023.

The union agreed early on Oct. 19 to put Boeing's latest proposal — its third in less than two months — to its membership, saying that it was "worthy of your consideration."

The strike began on Sept. 13 after 94% of union members rejected an offer supported by union management.

The union refused even to consider a second Boeing offer.

The new proposal calls for 35% salary increase over four years, up from 30% offered earlier by Boeing. It also boosts the ratification bonus to $7,000 from the previous $6,000 offer.

The one demand Boeing refused to consider was re-establishing its traditional pension plan.

Boeing has said that average annual pay for machinists is currently $75,608.

The strike by workers in Washington, Oregon, and California has halted production of Boeing 737s including the 737 Max, and 767s and 777s. Boeing is continuing to build 787 Dreamliners at a nonunion plant near Charleston, S.C.

The strike is costing Boeing an estimated $1 billion a month, and new CEO Kelly Ortberg is working to keep the company afloat.

Boeing is raising up to $25 billion through stock and debt offerings. It's arranging a $10 billion credit agreement with major lenders amid a production and regulatory crisis.

Striking workers picket outside a Boeing Co. manufacturing facility earlier in October. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images<p>Bloomberg&sol;Getty Images</p>
Striking workers picket outside a Boeing Co. manufacturing facility earlier in October. Photographer: David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Bloomberg/Getty Images

Analysts keep ratings intact but trim price targets

Analysts at JP Morgan, led by Seth Seifman, kept their rating on Boeing at overweight with a $195 price target. But the group noted the deal, if passed, will boost Boeing's costs by at least $1 billion a year.