Boeing’s (BA) decision on who will be the next chief executive is “critical” for the company’s survival, RBC Capital Markets said in a note Monday.
RBC analysts believe the “best” choice to succeed David Calhoun is current GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp, who they said has the “right skill set” to address Boeing’s most important issues. Culp is also the most popular choice among investors, although he has not indicated that he is ready to leave GE, according to the note.
“We believe the BA [board of directors] appreciates it can’t miss on this decision, and this could be a strong positive catalyst for the stock,” RBC said.
The next CEO faces “substantial” issues such as cleaning up the manufacturing process, addressing the balance sheet, restoring confidence from stakeholders, and launching a new clean sheet narrowbody aircraft.
“We would highlight that the next CEO should have broad support from regulators, suppliers, customers [airlines, lessors and the defense community], politicians, and investors, with a view that the success of Boeing is basically critical for the US,” the firm said. “With this backdrop we believe there will be significant patience and runway for the new CEO to make the necessary, but difficult, decisions.”
The firm said it expects an announcement this summer, with the new CEO potentially assuming his role in Q4.
RBC maintained Boeing’s outperform rating and cut the price target to $215 from $225.