Robert Ortberg on risk management
From Boeing Co ($BA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call · · Castify Earnings Call
“I think the fundamental is we have to get a handle on what risks we're taking and understand the risks. And I think building an airplane is not an easy task. There are significant risks and we'll continue to take the risk. The issue that I think we've got to improve upon is how we manage ourselves through those risks and how we enter into contracts associated with knowing that we've got these risks out there.”
On , Robert Ortberg, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at Boeing, spoke about risk management during Boeing Co ($BA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call on Castify Earnings Call.
About Robert Ortberg
In late May 2026, Ortberg announced that Boeing would begin production on a new 737 Max assembly line in Everett, Washington, on July 6, and that the company was increasing production from 42 to 47 aircraft per month. He stated that the company had "reset" its track record by ensuring the production system was stable before increasing rates, and that key metrics around production line stability had been "pretty good." On the company's first-quarter 2026 earnings call, Ortberg said Boeing was on track to generate positive cash flow for the full year and expressed confidence that an upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping could result in a large aircraft order from China, calling it a "meaningful opportunity." He also highlighted the defense sector, noting that the new defense budget included significant increases for programs such as the F-47, KC-46 tanker, and F-15EX, and said Boeing's defense portfolio was "well positioned" for growth. During the fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, Ortberg reported that Boeing had delivered 600 airplanes and won over 1,000 commercial orders for the year, and that the company had completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems and the $10.6 billion sale of portions of its digital aviation solutions business. On the third-quarter 2025 call, he acknowledged a delay in the certification and first delivery of the 777X, now expected in 2027, resulting in a $4.9 billion non-cash charge, but noted that the company had turned cash positive in the quarter and was receiving positive customer feedback on quality and delivery performance. Earlier in 2025, Ortberg discussed the company's efforts to manage tariff risks, the selection of Boeing for the F-47 sixth-generation fighter program, and the equity raise and divestiture that strengthened the balance sheet.