Boeing (BA) is right in the middle of a comeback story. 

Shares keep climbing and Boeing is outperforming major indexes. Boeing shares are up 18.1% so far this year, beating both the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) and the Nasdaq Composite Index ($NASX) significantly.

Boeing’s stock has climbed 28% in the last three months and has stayed above its 200-day moving average since December 2024, showing that investors are feeling confident.

Boeing’s comeback is happening while the global aviation industry is also zooming ahead. The International Energy Agency reports that air travel has grown back to over 90% of its pre-pandemic levels. This strong demand is pushing airlines to update their fleets, which helps boost Boeing’s orders and production goals.

With new deals signed in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and a new Street-high price target from Bank of America, Boeing’s progress in 2025 is drawing attention from both investors and analysts. The big question now is not just whether Boeing can keep outperforming, but if its stock can reach the ambitious $260 mark before the year ends.

Boeing’s Latest Financials and Market Performance

Boeing (BA) is a well-known name in aerospace, building everything from commercial jets to military aircraft and satellites. Over the past year, Boeing shares are up about 10.`%, and so far this year, they’ve gained just under 20%. 

Boeing’s Q1 2025 report shows more signs of progress. Revenue went up 18% from last year to $19.5 billion, beating what analysts expected, thanks to a 57% jump in commercial aircraft deliveries. 

The company still posted a loss per share of $0.49 on a non-GAAP basis, but this was much better than last year and better than what Wall Street predicted. Boeing’s backlog has grown to $545 billion, showing strong demand, especially after big deals like the Qatar Airways order. 

But with negative earnings and free cash flow, there’s still work to do. The stock’s 60-month beta of 1.43x means it’s more volatile than the market average, which reflects both the risks and the possible rewards as Boeing works through its recovery.

What’s Powering Boeing’s Growth Prospects

Boeing’s growth in 2025 is being driven by two major wins that have put the company back in the spotlight. The Qatar Airways order is a standout moment, with up to 210 widebody jets on order, including the largest single purchase of 787 Dreamliners Boeing has ever seen. 

This deal is not just about boosting revenue. It is expected to support around 400,000 jobs in the U.S. and gives Qatar Airways the ability to expand further around the world. For Boeing, it shows that demand for long-haul planes is coming back strong, and the 787 program, which has had its share of problems, is now a key part of Boeing’s future earnings.

Boeing has also been chosen to work on the U.S. Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance program. This is more than just another defense contract. It means Boeing will help design and build the next generation of American fighter jets, with new features in range, survivability, and adaptability. 

Being part of this project puts Boeing at the center of a long-term defense upgrade that could bring in steady, high-margin revenue for years. With commercial aviation picking up and defense spending focused on new technology, these two deals give Boeing a strong foundation to aim for the $260 mark.

Analyst Ratings and the Road Ahead for Boeing

Analysts are feeling more positive about Boeing, and the numbers back it up. The 26 analysts surveyed give Boeing a “Moderate Buy” consensus rating, with an average price target of $218.43, implying roughly 4% upside potential. The standout news comes from Bank of America, which just raised its price target to $260, pointing to a possible 24% gain. 

Conclusion

Boeing’s comeback story is gaining real momentum, with blockbuster orders, defense wins, and a growing backlog all fueling Wall Street’s optimism. The stock’s recent run and a wave of bullish analyst targets, including that Street-high $260 call, show there’s genuine belief in Boeing’s turnaround. While risks remain, the fundamentals and sentiment are finally lining up. 

Whether or not Boeing hits $260 this year, the path forward looks a lot clearer and exciting than it has in years.