Boeing reports third-quarter core loss of $0.34 a share, $0.13 worse than expected

Revenue came in at $24.19 billion against $24.56 billion expected, and the company's total backlog hit a record $745 billion.

Boeing lost $0.34 a share on a core basis in the third quarter. That was $0.13 worse than expected. Revenue was $24.19 billion, below the $24.56 billion expected. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's president and CEO, said the certification of two 737 models and the Navy's selection of Boeing to design and build its sixth-generation fighter aircraft were important progress. He said the company is not done, and that it is redoubling its efforts on safety, quality and disciplined execution.

Revenue was down from $24.6 billion in the second quarter, when the core loss was $0.76 a share. Operating cash flow in the third quarter was $1,496 million, up from $1,123 million a year earlier. Free cash flow was $464 million, against $238 million a year earlier, after $1,032 million of spending on property, plant and equipment. For the first nine months of 2026, operating cash flow was $2,681 million, compared with an outflow of $266 million in the same period of 2025.

Boeing's total backlog reached a record $745 billion at the end of the quarter, up from $715 billion at the end of the second quarter. Boeing delivered 161 commercial aircraft in the quarter, one more than a year earlier, according to an earnings preview from EBC Financial Group. Before the report, Hudson Labs said management had reaffirmed a full-year 2026 free cash flow outlook of $1 billion to $3 billion.

The loss and revenue miss came as Boeing's commercial jet business was clearing an overhang. The 737-10, known as the Max 10, was certified on October 20. Deliveries to Ryanair are set to begin in January.