Boeing stock droops, making it a good time to buy

Boeing's stock has dropped from a high of $107 in early October to just under $90 in its closing Friday. A survey of financial experts, looking at the company's promising longterm prospects, thinks that dip makes for a good time to buy Boeing stock. It's not that the analysts aren't worried about Boeing's logistical problems in delivering the next-generation 787 jet. The company has announced delays and a schedule of delivering far fewer plantes in 2008 than promised. One analyst in The New York Times survey anticipates $1 billion in added costs on the 787. Yet analysts who are fans of the company's stock are predicting a runup for the stock to $112-118, arguing that the schedule setbacks are a temporary glitch. Another factor is Airbus, facing high costs for its 800-seat A380, which is so huge that it can only fly to select airports. Airbus stock is down 20 percent over the last two years, though Euro-denominated shares have enjoyed the rise of the Euro. Not all agree. A JPMorgan analyst worries about more delays on the 787 and the possibility of having to rework the design substantially. His rating is neutral. No word on any futures market for what the Seattle area may have to kick in to keep production in the traffic-clogged region, but you might want to look at some heavy contractors' stock. Maybe the only way to scare voters into paying for highways and transit is to have a good old fashioned threat of "Outta here!" from mighty Boeing?