Boeing’s Comeback: Can Cramer’s Bullish Bet Pay Off?
15min read Jim Cramer’s recent enthusiasm for boeing (BA) is no secret. In April 2025, the Mad Money host declared the stock would “soar higher and higher,” citing progress in resolving past crises and a strengthening commercial aircraft market. But with Boeing’s history of regulatory setbacks, geopolitical headwinds, and fierce competition, is Cramer’s optimism warranted? Let’s break down the case for and against Boeing’s rebound.
The Bullish Case: Progress Amid Turbulence
Cramer’s bullish stance hinges on three pillars: operational improvements, legal resolutions, and pent-up demand for commercial planes.
Production Gains and Financial Strength
Boeing’s commercial division has made strides since the 2024 Alaska Airlines door plug incident, which triggered FAA production caps. CEO Kelly Ortberg has targeted raising output to 42 planes per month (up from 38), with Bernstein analysts upgrading Boeing to “outperform” and raising its price target to $218 per share (from $181). A $24 billion equity offering in late 2024 has also bolstered Boeing’s balance sheet, easing cash flow concerns.Legal Cleanup and Strategic Flexibility
Boeing settled a major liability drag in 2025, resolving lawsuits tied to the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crash. This reduces uncertainty, freeing capital for growth. Cramer also sees Boeing as a potential “bargaining chip” in U.S.-China trade talks, though this remains speculative.Global Demand and Backlog
Despite U.S.-China tensions, Boeing’s five-year commercial aircraft order backlog is a sign of sustained demand. Even if deliveries to China are delayed, Cramer argues Boeing can redirect planes to other markets, mitigating losses.
The Risks: A Rocky Runway
While progress is visible, Boeing’s path to profitability is littered with obstacles:
Regulatory and Manufacturing Challenges
The FAA’s production caps remain in place, and Boeing’s ability to scale to 57 planes per month (a long-term goal) is unproven. A 2025 FAA report noted lingering quality-control issues, raising doubts about execution.Geopolitical and Competitive Pressures
U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and Beijing’s retaliatory tariffs on Boeing aircraft cost the company an estimated $400 million annually. Meanwhile, Airbus’s A321XLR—with over 500 orders by late 2024—threatens Boeing’s dominance in the single-aisle jet market.Internal Struggles
Boeing’s leadership has admitted to internal dysfunction, with Ortberg stating the company spent too much time “arguing internally” rather than competing. This lack of focus has allowed Airbus to gain ground.
Stock Performance and Investor Strategy
Boeing’s shares rose 2.5% in April 2025 to the low $180s, inching closer to Cramer’s $218 target. However, volatility persists. shows a mixed picture: Boeing underperformed Airbus by roughly 15% since 2023, reflecting ongoing challenges.
Cramer’s CNBC Investing Club has cautioned subscribers about Boeing’s risks, citing a 45-minute delay in executing trade alerts and the need for patience. The Club exited its Boeing position in 2025, citing unresolved tariff issues and lackluster recovery in other business segments.
Conclusion: A High-Risk, High-Reward Play
Boeing’s comeback is real but far from certain. On one hand, the company is making progress on production, legal liabilities, and demand—factors that could push shares toward Cramer’s $218 target. The commercial backlog alone suggests years of steady revenue.
On the other hand, Boeing faces existential threats: regulatory hurdles, trade wars, and a competitor (Airbus) that’s capitalizing on its missteps. The $400 million in annual tariff costs and FAA scrutiny could prolong cash flow struggles.
For investors, Boeing is a long-term bet on U.S. manufacturing resilience and global aviation demand. While Cramer’s optimism is understandable, this stock demands patience and a tolerance for turbulence. Those willing to wait may reap rewards, but the risks are undeniable. As the saying goes: Hope is not a strategy.
In the end, Boeing’s success hinges on executing operational improvements, navigating geopolitics, and outpacing Airbus. Until those boxes are checked, skepticism—and stop-loss orders—should remain in play.
