John Stephenson Boeing BA-N COMMENT Aug 03, 2017

Enjoys an oligopoly with Airbus. There's strong demand from the airlines as more people are travelling. However, Boeing has a terrible balance sheet, problems with the 737 Max, parts shortages, and now the unions. Management needs to prove it can deliver and right the ship. Airlines may prefer Airbus long term. Boeing needs to redeem itself.

Company under pressure - recent announcements to raise debt and equity. Working capital has fallen short lately. Recent union negotiations time consuming. However, demand for products high. Will depend on how well company executes in the next 1-2 years. Time will tell. Would recommend watching for now. 

Puzzling. The big stock dilution hurt earnings power, but they enjoy a duopoly with Airbus, so eventually this will rebound.

Aviation is attractive because of structural demand and the industry structure. Only a couple of players in an essential industry. In any other industry, would be bankrupt. From the outside, can't know if it's fixed. Don't consider. 

Not a bad sign. On a 5-year chart, you can see somewhat of a floor in the low $120s. It's bounced off that. Is there potential? Yes, that bounce plus positive divergence gives you potential to perhaps reach the top of that trading range (+/- $240). 

It can do well in 2025 if the CEO executes. He hasn't bought it though. Shares have bottomed.

LMT has definitely done better over the last couple of years. BA is a bit of a recovery play here. In general, where we are in the cycle, he thinks we're in phase 2 but on the cusp of phase 3. Phase 2 is typically where materials, industrials, and technology continue to do well. 

These names should do OK, but we are approaching the end of the cycle. Ultimately, at some point, we'll see rotation out of these industrial plays.

The CFO recently made comments: the troubled 737 is closer to resuming production, as the 787 could increase production later this year. Really, the 737 is more important. Also, their ailing defence business is starting to stabilize and recover, though their commercial business could improve. Maybe cash flow will improve; there are signs it is already. They won't be hit by tariffs, because 80-90% of their supply chain is in the US. They have a half-trillion-dollar backlog Last Friday, the US Air Force awarded Boeing the contract for fighter jets. He'd like to see a few good quarters of stronger results, and it's early in this turnaround though it's getting its act together. Also, Boeing enjoys little competition and airplane demand is strong.

Reputation has fallen on 737 MAX troubles, including management mishandling. Not the Boeing of 20-30 years ago. Cashflow issues. With current state of the world, have to question how firm its international business is.