BUSINESS

U.S. airlines have been adding premium seats since the pandemic, with premium cabins growing at nearly three times the rate of economy class.

On ‘The Benny Show’ podcast, JD Vance claimed aliens and UFOs are actually demons in disguise, but where does this strange belief come from?

Boeing’s (BA) recovery story is starting to change.For most of the past year, the stock traded on backlog and the idea that production would eventually normalize.Now, the focus is shifting.Investors are no longer asking whether demand exists. The order book is already there.The stock is down more than 22% since reporting Q4 earnings on Jan. 27, showing the market still isn’t convinced the turnaround is real.At the same time, the broader backdrop is changing.Airlines are still expanding routes and investing in fleet growth, according to OAG, even as fuel costs rise and economic uncertainty builds. That puts more pressure on Boeing to execute.The key question now is whether Boeing can keep production steady and turn that into durable cash generation.Valuation snapshotMarket cap: $152.7 billionEnterprise value: $180.5 billionShare price: Approximately $190Analysts’ ave. target price: $271.21 (about a 43% implied upside)2-year annual expected revenue growth: 11.8%Forward EV/EBITDA: 37.6x
Source: TIKR.com
Boeing’s production recovery shifts focus to cash flowBoeing’s biggest fourth-quarter development was a meaningful restart in commercial aircraft production.CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company “made significant progress on our recovery in 2025” as Boeing generated $375 million in free cash flow.More Airlines:American Air launching 15 new summer routes between U.S. citiesLow-cost airline will launch new flight to South Korea from USAmerican Airlines joins the Spirit Airlines bankruptcy caseBoeing’s 737 output reached 42 aircraft a month, while 787 activity improved and deliveries increased.Higher production matters because it spreads fixed costs across more aircraft, which ultimately drives margin recovery.Fourth-quarter revenue grew 57% year over year to $23.9 billion, while Boeing’s backlog hit a record $682 billion, driven by 1,173 net commercial aircraft orders during the year.That strength showed up across the business, with all three segments reaching record backlog levels.Management also struck a more confident tone heading into 2026. “[We] have set the foundation to keep our momentum going in the year ahead,” Ortberg said. New orders reinforce demand heading into 2026Boeing confirmed a major widebody order from Sun PhuQuoc Airways in February for up to 40 787 Dreamliner jets. The aircraft will serve as the backbone of a new international airline based in Vietnam, highlighting continued demand for long-haul travel and fleet expansion.The deal matters because it reinforces Boeing’s position in widebody aircraft, where margins are typically higher, and demand is tied to long-term global travel growth.At the same time, Boeing secured another key order from Vietnam Airlines for 50 737 MAX jets. The aircraft will support short- and medium-haul expansion as air travel demand rises across Southeast Asia.Together, the two orders show strength across both narrowbody and widebody segments.They also point to a broader trend. Airlines are still investing in fleet growth and modernization, per Forbes, especially in faster-growing international markets.That demand backdrop supports Boeing’s production ramp heading into 2026.Boeing’s asset sale masks weak core profitabilityDespite the operational progress, Boeing’s reported profit was driven by a $9.6 billion gain from the Digital Aviation Solutions divestiture.Without that boost, the core picture looks weaker, with Boeing Commercial Airplanes posting a negative 5.6% operating margin.The company noted the sale added $11.83 to EPS, but investors are looking past headline numbers to earnings quality, delivery rates, and margin improvement.

Boeing’s Dreamliner jets will serve as the backbone of a new international airline based in Vietnam.Patrick T. Fallon via Getty Images

What could drive Boeing higherSustained 737 production at 42+ aircraft per month supports deliveries and cash flow.Continued improvement in 787 output lifts mix and margins.A second straight quarter of positive free cash flow strengthens the recovery narrative.Narrowing losses in Boeing Commercial Airplanes signal improving core profitability.Spirit integration reduces supplier disruptions and improves build consistency.What could pressure the stockNew quality issues disrupt deliveries and increase rework costs.Production slips below current rates, pressuring revenue and cash flow.Spirit AeroSystems integration costs weigh on margins before benefits materialize.High debt load ($54.1B) limits flexibility if cash flow weakens.Core margins remain negative despite higher production.Spirit AeroSystems deal raises execution riskBoeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems adds another layer to the story.The deal brings a key supplier back under tighter control, which could reduce production bottlenecks over time. But it also increases execution risk at a sensitive point in the turnaround.Boeing ended the quarter with $54.1 billion in debt, leaving less room for error if integration costs rise or benefits take longer to appear.Management emphasized stable operations as a priority following the deal, but investors will need proof that integration supports production without hurting margins or cash flow.Key takeaway for Boeing investorsBoeing has a record $682 billion backlog, improving production, and clear signs of recovery.But the stock is down more than 22% since late January because investors still don’t trust that progress will translate into consistent cash flow.Here’s what matters next:Can Boeing sustain production without new quality issues? (Consistency drives cash flow.)Can margins improve as volume scales? (This unlocks valuation upside.)If Boeing delivers on those points, the stock likely has room to move higher. If not, the market may continue to discount the recovery story.Related: Longtime oil analyst sends dire oil price message

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealJewelry is always a bit of a statement, but sometimes it’s the more demure, modest pieces that catch the most attention. As gorgeous as a necklace or bracelet can be when it’s encrusted with lots of large, colorful gems, sometimes bigger isn’t always better. A simple strand of diamonds not only shows off some shine in a more subtle way, but it’s also often a more versatile piece of jewelry since it can be paired with more outfits. And with lab-grown versions as well as cubic zirconia lookalikes becoming more available on the market, it’s easier than ever to find an affordable tennis necklace to add to your ever-growing jewelry collection. During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, accessories like the Robaice Tennis Necklace are more marked down than usual. The already reasonably priced $19 necklace is just $14 and available in two colors. Robaice Tennis Necklace, $14 (was $19) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?Simple yet elegant, this piece certainly encompasses everything you want in a tennis necklace. With a brass chain that’s plated in 14K gold, the necklace has a thin line of rectangular cubic zirconia gems that look identical to real diamonds that runs along the entire length of the necklace. The brass metal provides durability to the necklace, while the 14K gold plating, which is available in either gold or silver, acts as a protective layer and gives it a nicer finish. One of the best things about this particular necklace is that it’s nickel-free, lead-free, and hypoallergenic, so it’s not likely to cause irritation or reactions if you have sensitive skin. As an important note, not all 14K gold-plated jewelry is hypoallergenic, so when you’re shopping, make sure you read a product’s details before purchasing if that’s a concern for you.The necklace is three millimeters wide and 13 inches long with a two inch extender to take it to 15 inches long. It’s definitely a more form-fitting necklace that can give the appearance of a choker so take that into consideration before purchasing if you’re someone who likes a longer chain. The brand says the necklace is waterproof and non-tarnish but, as with anything, for best results in preserving quality long term, it’s typically best to take it off before bathing, avoid getting it wet, and be careful when applying products like lotions or perfumes. Related: Walmart is selling an $80 3-pack of gold-plated earrings for only $14A lobster clasp is what keeps the necklace securely in place when fastened. Details to knowMaterial: 14K-coated brass and cubic zirconia. Length: The necklace is three millimeters thick and 13 inches long with an additional 2-inch adjustable extender chain. Colors: Gold and silver.Clasp type: Lobster. Shoppers say that the necklace is absolutely beautiful. The cubic zirconia stones are the perfect size, and they provide a bit of flashiness without being over the top. Shoppers find that it holds up well long-term, with no color loss or tarnishing even with lots of everyday wear, and the adjustable sizing gives it versatility since you can change up how you want it to fit. “The shine is absolutely gorgeous,” one shopper said. Shop more deals Gokeey Chunky Gold Bracelet Set, $13 (was $19) at AmazonThe Diamond Channel Store Solitaire Diamond Stud Earrings, $187 (was $250) at AmazonFunrun Jewelry Sterling Silver Cross Necklace, $27 (was $30) at AmazonEveryone needs a bit of new sparkle every now and then, and the Robaice Tennis Necklace gives you the chance to add something new but subtle to your jewelry box without paying a fortune.

A draft blog post left in an unsecured data cache revealed a new model tier called Capybara that Anthropic says is more capable than anything it has built, with the company flagging “unprecedented” cybersecurity risks.

Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is continuing to shrink its workforce, like many of its peers in the tech industry. After laying off hundreds of employees earlier this week, a leaked document revealed the tech giant’s bizarre plan for several of its remaining staff as it shifts in a new direction. Earlier this week, Meta laid off several hundred employees across multiple departments, including global operations, sales, recruiting, Reality Labs and even Facebook, according to a CNBC report. Some employees affected by the change were offered new roles at the company, with some requiring relocation. “Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure they’re in the best position to achieve their goals,” said a Meta spokesperson in a statement to CNBC. “Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted.”The job cuts follow Meta’s January layoffs of 1,000 employees in its Reality Labs division. The layoffs occurred after the department, which produces Meta’s virtual reality headsets, augmented reality smart glasses and metaverse vision, incurred $73 billion in losses since 2021 amid low consumer demand. Last year, Meta also cut roughly 5% of its workforce, targeting low-performing employees. The layoffs come as the company has been ramping up its investment in artificial intelligence.During an earnings call in January, Meta said it plans to spend $135 billion on AI to support initiatives across its Superintelligence Labs and core business.A Reuters report later revealed that the company is allegedly considering laying off at least 20% of its workforce as it looks to offset mounting AI costs. Meta experiments with an unusual workforce change after layoffsAs Meta continues to conduct layoffs amid its big AI bet, it is taking an unusual approach to reorganizing teams to prepare them for the company’s new reality.In a leaked memo, Meta stated that it plans to rebrand some of its employees as “AI builders,” organizing them into AI-native “pods,” according to a recent report from Business Insider. Meta is piloting this change within its Reality Labs division, impacting a team of 1,000 employees where it plans to overhaul titles, roles and team structures. The team within the division focuses on building developer tools, and each employee will hold one of these titles: AI builder, AI pod lead or AI org lead.Related: Meta makes drastic workforce decision after $73 billion in lossesEach pod has a small group of AI builders that work across different specialties. Insider reports that this could include engineers tackling design work. Pod leads oversee the day-to-day tasks these groups handle. Org leads oversee pod leads, and they organize performance reviews and promotions, which will be supported by “AI systems.”Meta began piloting this new structure within its Reality Labs division last month. The team’s size will not be impacted by the change, according to the memo.”Our ultimate goal is to drive a step change in engineering productivity and product quality,” reads the memo. “To achieve this, we’re fundamentally rewiring how we operate, how we are structured, and how we support each other.”

Meta is making major workforce changes as it bets big on AI.Shutterstock

Meta recently set eyebrow-raising AI goals for employeesMeta’s plan to restructure teams also comes during a time when it has set goals for how much employees should use AI tools to handle coding and other tasks. In another internal document, Meta states that it expects 65% of its engineers to write more than 75% of their committed code using AI by the first half of this year, according to a separate Insider report. Also, Meta’s Scalable Machine Learning organization, which develops AI models and infrastructure, had a goal this February to achieve 50% to 80% of code assisted by AI.In the fourth quarter of 2025, for central products, Meta expected 55% of its software engineers’ code changes to be AI-assisted and 80% of mid to senior-level engineers to adopt AI tools. More Labor:Meta makes drastic workforce decision after $73 billion in lossesHome Depot cuts back key employee benefit amid customer strugglesDell issues firm warning after employees violate work policyThese goals don’t come as a surprise, as Meta started tying employee performance to their AI usage last year. Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik said in a note on March 16, which was unveiled by Insider, that Meta’s recent job cuts and heavy AI deployment across its workforce could signal it is winning the AI race in the tech industry.”Meta has already demonstrated the compelling returns they’re seeing from deploying AI to core workloads,” wrote Shmulik. “But if the company can now re-design their operations from the ground up to be AI-forward, their potential cost and performance advantage could be insurmountable.”Meta joins growing wave of workforce changes nationwideMeta isn’t the only tech company betting big on AI and conducting layoffs. In January, Amazon laid off 16,000 employees as it leans more towards automation and AI. Dell also reduced its headcount by about 10% in fiscal year 2026 as it aggressively expands its AI server business.  So far this year, 71 tech companies have conducted layoffs, impacting 40,482 employees, according to recent data from Layoffs.fyi. A recent survey from Resume.org found that over half of U.S. companies plan to conduct layoffs this year, with AI being cited as the main cause of these job cuts, even if it’s not the reason. What’s driving layoffs in the U.S. in 2026:Roughly 55% of U.S. companies plan layoffs in 2026, while 92% plan to hire. Nearly half (48%) anticipate job cuts as early as the first quarter of this year.AI leads the reasons for layoffs, cited by 44% of companies, followed by reorganization (42%) and budget pressures (39%).Also, 6 in 10 companies acknowledge they frame layoffs or hiring slowdowns around AI to make the decisions more acceptable, often hiding financial struggles.Only 9% said AI has fully replaced certain roles, while 45% said it has partially reduced hiring needs, and 45% report that AI has had little to no impact on staffing levels.
Source: Resume.org
Kara Dennison, head of career advising at Resume.org, said in the survey release that companies are using AI as an explanation for job cuts because it sounds “strategic, forward-looking, and inevitable.”“Saying roles are being affected by AI signals innovation and modernization, while acknowledging financial strain can raise concerns among investors, employees, and customers,” said Dennison.However, this narrative can have unintended consequences as it doesn’t always resonate with employees. “Employees are far more perceptive than companies give them credit for,” she added. “When AI is used as a blanket explanation, but workloads do not meaningfully change, trust erodes quickly. People begin to question the transparency of leadership, its long-term stability, and whether future decisions will be communicated honestly. Over time, companies may find they have protected their narrative externally while damaging morale and retention internally.”Related: Home Depot cuts back key employee benefit amid customer struggles

Everything you need to know about tonight’s UFC Seattle fight card, which is headlined by Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer

Two of Dominic Fike’s biggest hits — “Babydoll” and “White Keys” — climb to new peaks on various Billboard charts, including the Billboard Hot 100.

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You probably opened your IRA years ago, set up contributions, and moved on with your life without looking back very often. Most people do exactly that, and it feels responsible enough because money is flowing into the account on a regular schedule. The problem is that your IRA needs more attention than a simple contribution plan, and the mistakes you make now do not announce themselves. Morningstar research shows that investors frequently rush IRA contributions before the April deadline each year, even though they could have contributed up to 15 months earlier.The IRS raised IRA contribution limits for 2026 to $7,500, with an additional $1,100 catch-up for people 50 and older. Those numbers mean nothing if you contribute late, choose the wrong account type, or let your money sit in cash after funding. Let’s take a look at frameworks for avoiding the most common IRA mistakes that compound for decades without you noticing them.The procrastination penalty costs you more than you realizeVanguard calls it the procrastination penalty, and the pattern appears in their data every year around tax season. Investors wait until the last possible moment to fund their IRAs, even when they have cash available months earlier. That 12-to-15-month delay in getting your money invested costs you compounding returns that add up significantly over decades of saving.Automate your contributions at the start of each calendar yearYou can make your 2026 IRA contribution starting January 1, which gives your money the maximum possible time to grow tax-advantaged. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your IRA on the first business day of each year or as monthly installments. The key is to remove the decision entirely from your hands so you never wait until March or April to fund your retirement account. The foregone compounding from waiting 15 months may not seem like much in any single year, but it becomes significant over time. If you repeat this pattern for 20 or 30 years, you are giving up potentially tens of thousands of dollars in retirement wealth. The fix requires nothing more than logging into your brokerage account once and setting up the automatic transfer schedule today.Choosing the wrong IRA type locks in tax consequences for decadesThe Roth versus traditional IRA decision depends entirely on your current tax bracket compared to your expected tax bracket in retirement. Related: Jean Chatzky raises red flag on huge IRA mistake Americans makeEarly-career workers in the 10% or 12% federal bracket should generally prioritize Roth contributions because paying taxes now at low rates beats paying later at higher rates. The 2026 income phase-out range for Roth IRA contributions is $153,000 to $168,000 for single filers, according to the IRS.The math changes when you reach peak earning yearsHigh earners in the 32% or 37% tax bracket may benefit more from traditional IRA contributions, which provide an immediate tax deduction. The deduction phases out based on income and workplace retirement plan coverage, so you need to verify your eligibility each year. For married couples filing jointly with workplace plans, the 2026 phase-out range for deductibility of traditional IRA contributions is $130,000 to $150,000. If your income exceeds the Roth contribution limits, the backdoor Roth IRA strategy remains available for 2026 and requires no income threshold. You contribute to a traditional nondeductible IRA and then convert those funds to a Roth IRA shortly afterward, effectively bypassing the income restrictions entirely. This strategy works best when you have no other pre-tax IRA balances that would complicate the conversion under pro rata taxation rules.Letting your contributions sit in cash destroys long-term returnsMany investors fund their IRA and then forget to actually invest the money, leaving contributions parked in a money market or cash sweep account. Many people tend to sit on cash once they fund their IRA, often due to inertia after making the contribution according to Vanguard data. Morningstar director Christine Benz notes that hunkering down in very conservative investments allows inflation to gobble up most of the modest return you might earn.Avoid the opposite extreme of chasing recent winnersGravitating toward investment types that have had spectacular returns over the past few years is equally dangerous for your long-term wealth. Big-cap US technology stocks have delivered phenomenal gains, but trees do not grow to the sky indefinitely in any market environment. A diversified approach that accounts for your time horizon and spreads your bets a bit more will serve you better over the decades. Target-date funds matched to your anticipated retirement year provide a simple, low-maintenance option for IRA investors who want professional allocation decisions. More Personal Finance:Retirees following 4% rule are leaving thousands on the tableFidelity says a $500 policy could protect your entire net worthFidelity’s 4 Roth strategies could save your family a fortune in taxesAlternatively, a three-fund portfolio with a total US stock index fund, a total international stock index fund, and a bond index fund offers diversification at minimal cost. The key is to make an investment decision immediately after funding your IRA, rather than letting cash sit idle.

Don’t chase yesterday’s winners. Build a diversified, long-term strategy that keeps your IRA growing steadily, not sitting idle.insta_photos/Shutterstock

Your IRA strategy should evolve through five distinct life stagesFinancial planning experts often treat retirement accounts as static buckets, but your IRA has a lifecycle that must evolve as your circumstances change. Morningstar outlines a five-stage framework for matching your account type to your current tax reality and life situation. The optimal strategy changes based on tax bracket, income level, and proximity to retirement, so what worked at 25 will likely hurt you at 55.Stage one covers teens and young adults with their first jobsIf a teenager has earned income from a summer job or family business, they can contribute to a Roth IRA immediately. The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100, meaning most teens earn less than that and pay 0% in federal income tax anyway. Contributing to a Roth at a 0% tax rate locks in decades of completely tax-free compounding and withdrawals, which represents the most powerful use of the tax code available.Stage two focuses on early-career workers building momentumYoung professionals in the 10% or 12% tax bracket should continue prioritizing Roth contributions over current tax deductions whenever possible. Paying a 10% or 12% tax rate now to secure tax-free withdrawals 40 years from now is a bargain that most retirees wish they had taken. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute enough to capture that free money first, then fund your Roth IRA with remaining savings.Stage three involves peak earners and Roth conversionsMid-career professionals in higher tax brackets face different optimization opportunities and may benefit from tax-deferred traditional contributions instead. The years between leaving full-time employment and starting required minimum distributions often provide a window for strategic Roth conversions at lower rates. Converting traditional IRA balances to Roth during low-income years can dramatically reduce the tax burden you pass to your heirs.Stage four addresses retirees managing required distributionsRetirees drawing from their IRAs should maintain a bucket structure with cash for near-term expenses, bonds for mid-term stability, and stocks for long-term growth. Related: Retirees following 4% rule are leaving thousands on the tableA retiree planning to spend 4% annually might hold two years of withdrawals in cash, five to eight years in high-quality bonds, and the remainder in stocks. Rebalancing inside an IRA triggers no tax consequences, unlike rebalancing in a taxable brokerage account, where you owe capital gains.Stage five covers legacy planning and leaving IRAs to heirsUnder the SECURE Act, most non-spousal beneficiaries must empty an inherited retirement account within 10 years of the original owner’s death. Every withdrawal from a traditional IRA is taxed as ordinary income, and depending on the heir’s tax bracket, that can mean paying 22% to 37% in federal taxes alone. Roth IRAs are among the most tax-efficient assets to leave to heirs because qualified withdrawals by beneficiaries are generally tax-free, Fidelity notes in their analysis.Excess contributions trigger a 6% annual penalty until you fix themContributing more than the annual limit or contributing when your income exceeds Roth eligibility thresholds creates an excess contribution that the IRS penalizes at 6% per year. The penalty continues for each year the excess amount remains in your IRA, so catching the mistake quickly is especially important for your finances. The IRS explains that you can avoid the penalty by withdrawing excess contributions and any earnings before your tax filing deadline.Track your contributions and income limits carefully each yearThe 2026 contribution limit of $7,500 applies to your combined traditional and Roth IRA contributions, not to each account separately. “You mainly want to avoid the extremes. At the one extreme would be sort of being paralyzed and saying, you know what, stocks don’t seem especially cheap. I’ll hunker down here in cash and maybe move the money in at a later date.”- Christine Benz, Morningstar director of personal finance and retirement planning.You cannot contribute $7,500 to a traditional IRA and another $7,500 to a Roth IRA in the same year without triggering excess contribution penalties. Keep records of every contribution you make throughout the year, especially if you use dollar-cost averaging with monthly transfers instead of lump sums.The practical steps you can take this week to get your IRA rightReview your current IRA balance and verify whether your contributions are invested in funds or sitting idle in cash. Log into your brokerage account and set up automatic contributions for the maximum amount you can afford, ideally starting in early January each year. Check your income against the 2026 Roth IRA phase-out ranges to confirm you are using the correct account type for your situation.Your IRA action checklist for 2026Verify your 2025 IRA contribution is fully invested, not sitting in cash or a money market sweep accountCalculate your modified adjusted gross income to confirm Roth IRA eligibility for 2026Set up automatic contributions starting January 2026 rather than waiting until tax season next springReview your investment allocation to ensure diversification across US stocks, international stocks, and bondsConsider a backdoor Roth conversion if your income exceeds direct Roth contribution limits for 2026Evaluate whether Roth conversions during low-income years could reduce your lifetime tax burden significantlyThe catch-up contribution for people 50 and older increased to $1,100 in 2026, bringing their annual limit to $8,600. If you are within a decade of retirement, maximizing catch-up contributions can add meaningful dollars to your final balance when compounding has less time to work. IRA mistakes compound for decades precisely because the effects remain invisible until you begin withdrawing funds and paying taxes in retirement.Related: IRA has a tax loophole for charity that most retirees never use