Two Transportation Giants at a Crossroads: Key Future Stocks to Watch in 2026

Boeing’s Make-or-Break Year: The 737 MAX Production Sprint

Boeing is entering 2026 with a singular mission: transform from cash drain to cash generator. Under CEO Kelly Ortberg’s leadership, the aerospace manufacturer must accomplish what investors have been waiting for—a clear path toward developing its next-generation narrow-body aircraft to succeed the 737 MAX.

The math is straightforward but demanding. Boeing needs to simultaneously shrink its debt burden while ramping up production of the 737 MAX to clear years of accumulated backlog orders. The company’s survival and stock performance hinge on two parallel tracks:

Production acceleration represents the most critical pillar. Boeing plans to increase monthly 737 MAX production from 42 units (end of 2025) to 47 by mid-2026, reaching 52 by year-end. This isn’t just about building planes—it’s about proving the company can execute and generate the cash flow required to fund the next generation of aircraft development.

Defense segment profitability is the second essential component. Boeing’s defense, space, and security division has been plagued by margin compression from fixed-price development contracts. Restoring this segment to health signals to the market that operational challenges are fixable, not structural weaknesses destined to persist across the defense contracting industry.

Tesla’s Robotaxi Gamble: Production Meets Regulatory Reality

Tesla faces an equally pivotal moment, but in a completely different arena. The company is gearing up to mass-produce its Cybercab starting in April 2026, with production expansion dominating the company’s capital allocation strategy throughout the year.

Here’s where the tension emerges: Tesla plans substantial Cybercab output, yet unsupervised robotaxi regulatory approvals remain uncertain across most markets. Elon Musk has publicly stated confidence that regulatory approval timelines will align with production capacity, but this assumption carries genuine risk. A Cybercab without steering wheels, mirrors, or pedals has zero commercial value without legal authorization to operate autonomously.

The upside scenario rewards bold investors handsomely. If Tesla achieves its cost target of $0.20 per mile for robotaxi services, the earnings potential becomes transformational. This wouldn’t just benefit Tesla shareholders—it would fundamentally reshape how consumers think about mobility and what features automakers need to build into future vehicles.

The downside risk is equally stark: excess inventory of unsellable vehicles if regulatory approvals face delays or restrictions.

Why These Future Stocks to Watch Matter Beyond Wall Street

Both companies operate at critical junctions where execution directly influences entire industries. Boeing’s ability to restore profitability and fund next-generation aircraft development affects suppliers, competitors, and the broader aerospace sector. Tesla’s robotaxi success or failure could redefine transportation economics and consumer expectations for autonomous mobility.

For investors entering 2026, both stocks merit close monitoring. Tesla likely faces near-term volatility from federal EV tax credit expiration (September) and regulatory approval announcements. Boeing requires disciplined execution across multiple fronts simultaneously. Yet both companies possess the potential to deliver substantial returns if they navigate their respective challenges successfully.

The critical question isn’t whether these are worthy future stocks to watch—it’s whether you have the conviction to hold through what promises to be a consequential year for transportation.