Should Boeing proceed, a sale of that magnitude would stand to be the biggest by a public company since Saudi Arabian Oil Co.'s $12.3 billion sale in June. Boeing's shares rose less than 1% as of 1:42 p.m. in New York. The stock had declined 42% this year through Monday's close, lowering its value to $93.6 billion and putting Boeing on course for its worst annual return since the financial crisis in 2008. While a potential sale may dilute stock owners, the extra funds would help the company maintain its investment grade credit rating, said Rob Stallard, an analyst with Vertical Research Partners. He said the equity raise could reach as high as $15 billion. Suspended Talks Boeing faces a liquidity squeeze after burning through $8.25 billion in free cash during the first half. The US planemaker slowed work on its cash-cow 737 Max and other jets to address quality lapses brought to light by the accident on an aircraft on Jan. 5.