Boeing, Down 12.4%, Is Worst Performing Dow Stock of 2016

Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA), humbled by competition from Airbus, financial results that have not met expectations, fraud accusations and mechanical problems with one of its planes, has had a share price of 12.37% this year, the largest drop of any Dow Jones Industrial Average component. Its current share price is $126.71.

The Dow has moved the other direction. It has risen 4.01% to 18,123.80. Twenty of the 30 Dow stocks are higher this year.

Among Boeing’s troubles is its disclosure of a large drop in its earnings forecast. According to MarketWatch,

[T]he aircraft maker warned second-quarter charges will reach $2.05 billion, stemming from setbacks and difficulties in three separate programs and including problems related to weaker air-cargo market trends. In its 787 program, Boeing decided not to invest funds for the refurbishment and sale of the two remaining unsold flight test aircraft. The costs associated with these aircraft were reclassified to research and development expenses, resulting in a non-cash after-tax charge of $847 million, Boeing said in a statement. Moreover, due to “current and anticipated weakness” in the air-cargo market, Boeing will no longer increase the production rate of its 747-8 aircraft in 2019, resulting in a $814 million after-tax charge, also reflecting lower estimated revenues on future aircraft sales. The company will also recognize a $393 million after-tax charge related to its KC-46 Tanker program, to account for higher costs associated with the previously announced program schedule and technical challenges, Boeing said. Boeing will update its 2017 guidance when it reports second-quarter earnings on July 27, the company said.

[nativounit]

Although earnings beat expectations, the numbers from the most recent quarter were poor. Revenue was up only 1% to $24.8 billion. The company posted a net loss of $234 million, compared to a profit of $1.1 billion in the same quarter a year ago.

If orders, earnings and revenue do not rise soon, Boeing could be at the bottom of the Dow list at year end.

[wallst_email_signup]