Vertical Research Partners has increased its price target for Boeing from $250.00 to $281.00 and retained a Buy rating on the aerospace manufacturer. The updated target corresponds to an implied potential upside near 15% from Boeing's then-current share price of $244.54, though third-party fair-value data indicates the stock may be trading above its assessed intrinsic value.
In its note, the research firm pointed to signs of operational stabilization and the resolution of important portfolio items last year as evidence that Boeing has "turned the corner" in its recovery narrative. That positive assessment comes alongside material financial weaknesses: Boeing reported a gross profit margin of only 1.19% and a negative EBITDA of $6.15 billion over the trailing twelve months.
The analysts highlighted language used by Boeing management during a recent earnings call, noting repeated references to the word "foundation." Vertical Research Partners interpreted that choice of wording as an appropriate characterization of the company's positioning heading into 2025, reflecting an emphasis on building a stable base for the coming year.
While the research note acknowledged that Boeing still has "much to do," it described the company's trajectory at the start of the year as "largely positive." The report also drew attention to a shift in corporate culture, labeling the firm the "new Boeing" and describing it as more humble, a transformation the analysts viewed favorably.
Those analyst comments came amid Boeing's reported fourth-quarter 2025 results, which showed a notable improvement in profitability. The company posted earnings per share of $9.92, a turnaround from an expected loss of $0.45. Revenue for the quarter came in at $23.9 billion, topping the projected $22.4 billion. These results underline Boeing's capacity to deliver financial outcomes ahead of market forecasts on those metrics.
Despite the upbeat earnings and revenue beat, Boeing's shares slipped in pre-market activity, falling by 2.5% to $242.22. The decline followed analysts' differing expectations for the quarter and suggests investor responses were influenced by factors beyond the headline results.
Market context
- Analyst action: Price target raised to $281 from $250; Buy rating maintained.
- Valuation: New target implies roughly 15% upside from $244.54, while fair-value analysis suggests possible overvaluation.
- Financials: Trailing twelve-month gross profit margin at 1.19% and negative EBITDA of $6.15 billion.