Boeing hones $15b financing plan to weather crises, sources say

Boeing is closing in on a plan to raise around $15b with common shares and a mandatory convertible bond as the jetmaker bolsters finances worsened by a crippling strike, but the timing remains unclear, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The company said on Tuesday in regulatory filings that it could raise as much as $25b in stock and debt with its investment-grade credit rating at risk. One of the sources cautioned that a $15b sale may not be enough for Boeing to address its ongoing crises. Boeing is also considering a structured finance transaction to raise up to $5b that could resemble the securitization of a portion of a subsidiary's revenue, according to a separate source familiar with its financing plans. Boeing did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the securitization plan, which had not been reported previously. The aerospace giant has been dealing with increased regulatory scrutiny, production curbs and a loss of confidence from customers since a door panel blew off a 737 MAX plane in midair in early January. Shares gained 1% on Wednesday, but are down more than 40% this year.<br/>