Boeing investors face two challenges

Article Excerpt

BOEING CO. $172 remains a hold. The aircraft maker (New York symbol BA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares o/s: 563.2 million; Market cap: $96.9 billion; P.S. ratio: 1.5; Divd. suspended; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.boeing.com) delivered four commercial jetliners in July 2020 as COVID-19 depressed air travel volumes. That’s down from its delivery of 19 commercial aircraft in July 2019. Airlines have also cancelled 400 orders for Boeing’s 737 Max; it was grounded following two fatal crashes in 2019. Problems with its autopilot software likely led to the crashes. Boeing is working on a software patch. With regulatory approval, the plane could fly again by the end of 2020. However, it’s unlikely many airlines would reverse their cancelled orders. Boeing is a hold. hold…