Following a solid week of gains, the U.S. stocks are currently trading in a small range as investors are preparing themselves for the earnings season and are also keeping an eye on commodities. Shares of Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) are slowly ticking upwards, after the company announced the acquisition of a provider of training software. In the mean time, Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) stock has escaped unscathed as the company finally managed to remove technical glitches that messed-up the check in process since yesterday morning. Let’s take a look at how the market reacted to the news and which stock smart money likes better.
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As part of its development strategy, Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) has acquired Peters Software GmbH, a German company that offers training solutions for early stage pilot training. There has not been a significant reaction so far, as the stock is trading in a tight range so far today. Peters Software offers training software and curriculum aligned with the requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency, one of the worlds leading flight authorities. Boeing believes this move will help them enhance their own specialized training content amid growing demand for pilot services. According to research conducted by the aerospace giant, over the next 20 years some 558,000 new pilots will be required by airline companies to support the robust growth in the global fleet. Managing an extensive network of pilot, maintenance and cabin safety training facilities around the globe, Boeing has an average of 1,200 registered trainees every day.
“The high-quality software that Peters Software develops enhances Boeing’s customized pilot training content to meet specific needs of our customers. This acquisition allows Boeing Flight Services to offer training materials consistent with the standards set by the European Aviation Safety Agency, one of the world’s leading aviation regulatory authorities,” said Stan Deal, senior Vice President of Boeing.
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Hedge funds have mixed sentiment towards the aerospace company, as the number of investors with long positions has decreased to 44, from the 50 at the end of the first quarter. The value of their combined investments rose by 20.2% to $1.6 billion during the quarter, however it still accounted for an insignificant 1.7% of the company’s outstanding stock. Phill Gross and Robert Atchinson of Adage Capital Management are big fans of Boeing Co (NYSE:BA), having boosted their stake to 2.45 million shares, according to Adage’s latest 13F filing. Doug Silverman and Alexander Klabin are also convinced there is upside potential, having initiated a position during the second quarter that amounts to 1.5 million shares. Billionaire Ken Griffin, on the other hand, saw fit to distance himself and has cut his position by 28% during the second quarter. His fund, Citadel Investment Group, has reported ownership of 707,007 shares of Boeing in its latest 13F.
