Boeing Stock FAQ

Boeing's current stock price is shown in the price widget at the top of this page, which updates in real-time during market hours. Boeing stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "BA." For a more detailed price chart with technical indicators and historical performance, visit our Boeing stock chart page.

Boeing's all-time high stock price was $446.01, reached on March 1, 2019, shortly before the global grounding of the 737 MAX fleet following two fatal crashes. Since then, Boeing stock experienced significant declines due to the MAX crisis, COVID-19 pandemic impacts on commercial aviation, and subsequent production challenges.

This record price represented a period when Boeing was generating strong free cash flow, aggressively returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and experiencing high demand for its commercial aircraft.

Boeing stock price movements on any given day can be attributed to several factors:

1. Company-specific news: Production updates, delivery numbers, regulatory developments, or quality control issues
2. Industry developments: Commercial aviation trends, airline order announcements, or competitor news
3. Macroeconomic factors: Interest rate changes, economic indicators, or geopolitical events
4. Market sentiment: Overall market trends or sector rotations

For the most current information on what's affecting Boeing stock today, visit our Boeing stock news page, which is updated regularly with the latest developments.

Whether Boeing stock will recover to its previous all-time high of $446.01 depends on several factors:

• Production recovery: Successful ramp-up of 737 MAX and 787 production rates
• Financial health: Significant debt reduction and return to positive free cash flow
• New programs: Successful certification and delivery of the 777X
• Dividend reinstatement: Return of shareholder returns through dividends

Most analysts project that a full recovery to previous highs could take several years, potentially by 2027-2028 in optimistic scenarios, assuming Boeing successfully executes its recovery plan without additional major setbacks. For detailed Boeing stock price predictions, see our Boeing stock forecast page.

Boeing stock's investment potential at its current price depends on your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. As with any investment, Boeing stock presents both opportunities and risks:

Potential opportunities:

• Market duopoly position with Airbus in large commercial aircraft
• Substantial order backlog providing years of production visibility
• Recovery potential as production rates improve
• Defense segment providing revenue diversification

Key risks:

• Ongoing production and quality control challenges
• Substantial debt load impacting financial flexibility
• Regulatory scrutiny and certification uncertainties
• No current dividend for income investors

For a comprehensive analysis of Boeing's investment potential, see our Is Boeing Stock a Buy or Sell? page, which provides detailed evaluation of current valuation, risks, and potential rewards.

No, Boeing stock does not currently pay a dividend. Boeing suspended its quarterly dividend in March 2020 due to financial pressures from the 737 MAX grounding and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on commercial aviation. This suspension ended Boeing's 78-year streak of consecutive dividend payments dating back to 1942.

Prior to the suspension, Boeing's last quarterly dividend was $2.055 per share, paid on March 6, 2020. For more information on Boeing's dividend history and potential reinstatement timeline, visit our dedicated Boeing stock dividend page.

Boeing has not provided a specific timeline for dividend reinstatement, but company executives have indicated that several conditions need to be met first:

1. Sustained positive free cash flow generation
2. Significant progress on debt reduction
3. Improved production stability and delivery rates
4. Resolution of major regulatory concerns

Based on analyst projections and management commentary, the most likely timeframe for Boeing's dividend reinstatement is between late 2025 and early 2026. The initial reinstated dividend will likely be significantly lower than the pre-suspension level, with gradual increases as financial strength improves.

For comprehensive analysis of Boeing's dividend prospects, see our Boeing stock dividend page.

Before Boeing suspended its dividend in March 2020, the company's dividend yield was approximately 2.6%, based on the quarterly payment of $2.055 per share ($8.22 annually) and the pre-crisis stock price.

Boeing had established a pattern of regular dividend increases prior to the suspension, with nine consecutive years of dividend growth. The company's last dividend increase came in December 2018, when it raised the quarterly payment from $1.71 to $2.055 per share, representing a 20% increase.

To buy Boeing stock, follow these general steps:

1. Open a brokerage account: Choose a reputable online broker or traditional brokerage firm and complete their account opening process
2. Fund your account: Transfer money into your brokerage account via electronic transfer, check, or wire
3. Place an order: Enter Boeing's ticker symbol (BA) and specify the number of shares you want to purchase or the dollar amount you wish to invest
4. Choose your order type: Select a market order (buy at current price) or limit order (buy only at or below a specified price)
5. Review and confirm: Verify your order details and submit your purchase

Many brokerages also offer the option to purchase fractional shares of Boeing stock, allowing you to invest with smaller amounts of money. As with any investment, consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and overall portfolio diversification before purchasing Boeing stock.

The minimum investment for Boeing stock depends on your brokerage's policies and whether they offer fractional share investing:

• Full shares: If your brokerage requires purchasing full shares, the minimum investment would be the price of one share (approximately $215 as of this writing)
• Fractional shares: Many modern brokerages offer fractional share investing, allowing you to purchase a portion of a Boeing share with as little as $1-5, depending on the platform

Popular brokerages offering fractional shares of Boeing stock include Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Robinhood, and Interactive Brokers, among others. This approach allows investors with limited capital to build positions in Boeing stock gradually over time.

Yes, Boeing stock is included in numerous ETFs and index funds due to its status as a major industrial company and component of several important indices:

Major indices including Boeing:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA): Boeing is one of 30 companies in this prestigious index
• S&P 500 Index: Boeing is included as a large-cap U.S. stock
• Russell 1000 Index: Boeing is a component of this large-cap index

Popular ETFs with significant Boeing exposure:

• SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA)
• iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA)
• Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA)
• Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI)
• Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS)

These funds provide alternative ways to gain exposure to Boeing stock while also diversifying across other companies or sectors.

Boeing stock exhibits above-average volatility compared to the broader market. Its beta (a measure of volatility relative to the market) is approximately 1.5, indicating that Boeing stock typically moves about 50% more than the overall market in either direction.

Several factors contribute to Boeing stock's volatility:

• Operational sensitivity: Production changes and delivery rates can significantly impact financial results
• Regulatory exposure: FAA and global aviation authority decisions have outsized impacts
• High fixed costs: Boeing's business model includes substantial fixed costs, creating earnings leverage
• Long business cycles: Commercial aviation experiences pronounced cyclicality
• Recent controversies: The 737 MAX crisis and quality control issues have increased uncertainty

Investors should be prepared for significant price swings when holding Boeing stock, especially over shorter time horizons. This volatility can present both opportunities and risks, depending on your investment approach.

Boeing went public on January 2, 1962, with its shares initially trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "BA." Prior to this public offering, Boeing had operated as a privately held company since its founding in 1916 by William E. Boeing.

The initial public offering (IPO) was a significant milestone in Boeing's corporate history, allowing the company to access public capital markets to fund its growth during the jet age. Since its IPO, Boeing has become one of America's most recognizable industrial companies and a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Yes, Boeing stock has split several times throughout its history. Boeing has executed a total of 7 stock splits since going public:

• May 10, 1965: 2-for-1 split
• December 9, 1966: 3-for-2 split
• May 8, 1979: 3-for-2 split
• June 12, 1980: 3-for-2 split
• June 8, 1984: 3-for-2 split
• June 13, 1997: 2-for-1 split
• June 4, 2001: 2-for-1 split

These stock splits have allowed Boeing to keep its per-share price at more accessible levels for retail investors during periods of sustained stock price appreciation. Boeing has not split its stock since 2001, over 20 years ago.

The value of a $10,000 investment in Boeing stock depends significantly on when the investment was made:

• 10 years ago (2015): $10,000 invested would be worth approximately $17,230 today, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5.6%
• 20 years ago (2005): $10,000 invested would be worth approximately $48,400 today, representing a CAGR of about 8.2%
• At IPO (1962): $10,000 invested at Boeing's IPO would be worth approximately $1.95 million today, representing a CAGR of about 7.8%

These calculations include stock price appreciation and reinvested dividends, but not taxes or trading fees. They illustrate both Boeing's long-term growth potential as well as the significant volatility the stock has experienced, particularly in recent years.

The 737 MAX crisis had a profound and lasting impact on Boeing stock:

• Initial impact: Boeing stock fell approximately 13% in the weeks following the Ethiopian Airlines crash in March 2019 and subsequent global grounding of the 737 MAX fleet
• Extended decline: From its all-time high of $446.01 on March 1, 2019, Boeing stock eventually fell to around $330 by the end of 2019, representing a 26% decline
• Combined with pandemic: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Boeing stock experienced even more severe pressure, ultimately reaching a low of $95.01 on March 18, 2020—a 79% decline from its all-time high
• Financial impact: Boeing recorded charges exceeding $20 billion related to the 737 MAX crisis
• Dividend suspension: The crisis led to Boeing suspending its dividend in March 2020, ending a 78-year streak of payments

While Boeing stock has partially recovered since these lows, it remains significantly below pre-crisis levels as the company continues to address manufacturing challenges, regulatory scrutiny, and its substantial debt load accumulated during this period.

Boeing's current market capitalization is approximately $130 billion, positioning it as one of the largest aerospace and defense companies globally. Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the number of outstanding shares.

For context, Boeing's market capitalization has fluctuated significantly in recent years:

• March 2019 (all-time high): ~$260 billion
• March 2020 (pandemic low): ~$55 billion
• Current: ~$130 billion

These fluctuations reflect the substantial valuation impacts of the 737 MAX crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Boeing's ongoing recovery efforts.

Boeing operates through four primary business segments, each contributing differently to the company's overall revenue and earnings:

1. Commercial Airplanes (BCA): Designs, manufactures, and sells commercial jet aircraft, including the 737, 767, 777, and 787 families. This segment typically accounts for approximately 50-60% of Boeing's total revenue during normal business conditions.
2. Defense, Space & Security (BDS): Provides military aircraft, network and space systems, and services to customers worldwide. Key programs include the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-15 Eagle, T-7A trainer, and KC-46 tanker. This segment represents approximately 25-35% of Boeing's revenue.
3. Global Services (BGS): Provides aftermarket support, including maintenance, modifications, logistics, training, and data analytics services for commercial and government customers. This growing segment contributes approximately 15-20% of Boeing's revenue.
4. Boeing Capital Corporation (BCC): Provides financing solutions to customers purchasing Boeing products. This small segment represents less than 1% of Boeing's total revenue but plays a strategic role in facilitating aircraft sales.

The diversification across these segments provides Boeing with some stability during commercial aviation downturns, as government defense spending typically follows different cycles than commercial aircraft demand.

Boeing's primary competitors vary by business segment:

Commercial Airplanes:

• Airbus: Boeing's main rival in the large commercial aircraft market, with the two companies forming a global duopoly. Airbus has gained market share in recent years, particularly in the narrow-body segment with its A320neo family competing against Boeing's 737 MAX.
• Emerging Competitors: COMAC (China) and United Aircraft Corporation (Russia) are developing aircraft that could eventually challenge the Boeing-Airbus duopoly, particularly in their domestic markets.

Defense, Space & Security:

• Lockheed Martin: The world's largest defense contractor, competing with Boeing in fighter aircraft, missiles, and space systems.
• Northrop Grumman: A major competitor in defense electronics, autonomous systems, and space.
• Raytheon Technologies: Formed by the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, competing across multiple defense categories.
• General Dynamics: Competes with Boeing in certain military aircraft and systems.

Competitive Position:

Boeing's competitive strengths include its established customer relationships, extensive intellectual property, manufacturing scale, and global support network. However, the company has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in its commercial aircraft business, due to the 737 MAX crisis, production quality issues, and program delays.

Boeing's debt has increased significantly since 2019 due to the 737 MAX crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the most recent financial reports:

• Total debt: Approximately $55-60 billion
• Net debt: Approximately $45-50 billion (total debt minus cash and short-term investments)
• Debt-to-EBITDA ratio: Currently elevated at approximately 6.8x, compared to Boeing's historical average of 1.5-2.5x

Boeing's management has identified debt reduction as a key priority before reinstating shareholder returns like dividends. The company aims to generate sufficient free cash flow to gradually reduce this debt load over the coming years as production rates increase and operational performance improves.

This elevated debt level is a significant consideration for investors evaluating Boeing stock, as it impacts financial flexibility and increases interest expenses.