As retailers and restaurants finally get relief from rising prices for goods, services, and labor, they are enjoying an increase in gross margins rather than passing the savings on to customers.
As safety concerns limit the company's ability to boost production, CFO Brian West predicts a massive cash drain this quarter—an outflow of at least $4 billion.
"Boeing's cut to its free cash flow guidance is an overdue recognition of the situation it is in, but we still worry that it is being overly optimistic."
After a steep drop in January, today's report points to a consumer who's growing more discerning as the labor market starts to cool, credit access becomes more limited, and higher prices continue to bite.