Boeing Stock Dips Amid Apache Grounding, But 737-7 Approval Offers Hope
Boeing's stock price slipped by over 2% in mid-August 2026 after the US Army temporarily grounded its Apache helicopter fleet following a fatal crash in Texas on August 14, 2026. The incident added to short-term pressure on the stock as investors factored in potential reputational and program risks tied to the investigation.
The grounding of the Apache helicopters weighed heavily on Boeing's shares, which had already been trading at a steep valuation compared with many industrial peers despite operational setbacks. According to data from August 18, 2026, Boeing's market capitalization stood at $178.65 billion, with a trailing price-earnings multiple of 105.51 based on recent reported earnings.
However, the same day saw a positive development for Boeing as it received an amended type certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 737-7 variant, clearing the aircraft for commercial service after a multi-year testing and safety review campaign. This FAA approval unlocks the ability for airlines to take delivery and place the 737-7 into revenue service, reshaping the structure of Boeing's narrowbody backlog.