Revenue Rose To $22.3 Billion On Increased Commercial Airplane Deliveries

Boeing is reporting record fourth-quarter revenue of $22.3 billion and core operating earnings (non-GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principals) that increased by 9 percent to $1.8 billion, driven by strong performance across the company's businesses and higher deliveries of commercial airplanes.  Fourth-quarter 2012 core earnings per share (non-GAAP) of $1.46 increased 4 percent from the same period last year when excluding a $0.52 per share impact related to a favorable tax settlement recognized in the fourth-quarter 2011.  The company reported fourth-quarter earnings from operations of $1.6 billion and earnings per share of $1.28.

"Strong fourth-quarter operating performance capped a year of significant growth and solid execution, driving higher earnings and cash flow for our company," said Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney (pictured). "In a year of considerable achievement, Boeing was the commercial aviation market leader for both orders and deliveries, with more than 600 airplanes delivered, including the first three Charleston–built 787 Dreamliners.  Significant new international orders for Defense, Space & Security and more than 900 orders for the 737 MAX also contributed to our record company backlog."

"Our first order of business for 2013 is to resolve the battery issue on the 787 and return the airplanes safely to service with our customers.  At the same time, we remain focused on our ongoing priorities of profitable ramp up in commercial airplane production, successful execution of our development programs, and continued growth in core, adjacent and international defense and space markets," he added.

Total company backlog at year-end was a record $390 billion, up from $378 billion at the beginning of the quarter, and included net orders for the quarter of $35 billion. Backlog is up $35 billion from prior year-end, reflecting $114 billion of net orders in 2012. During the quarter, Commercial Airplanes achieved a five-per-month production rate on the 787 program and, as of year-end, had won over 1,000 firm orders for the 737 MAX since launch.  The 737 program broke the company's single-year record for both orders and deliveries in 2012.  During the year, Commercial Airplanes delivered the first 747-8 Intercontinental, began major assembly on the 787-9 and successfully executed a total of five production rate increases. 

On January 16, 2013, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive that resulted in all in-service 787s temporarily ceasing operations.  The company is committed to working with the FAA and other applicable regulatory authorities to return aircraft to service with the full confidence of customers and the traveling public.  While production continues on the 787, the company is suspending deliveries until clearance is granted by the FAA.

Commercial Airplanes booked 394 net orders during the quarter.  Backlog remains strong with nearly 4,400 airplanes valued at a record $319 billion.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security's (BDS) fourth-quarter revenue was $8.3 billion, while operating margin was 9.0 percent.  For the full year, revenue was $32.6 billion, while operating margin was 9.4 percent.

Boeing Military Aircraft (BMA) fourth-quarter revenue increased to $4.2 billion, driven primarily by the KC-46 Tanker and P-8A programs.  Operating margin decreased to 8.1 percent, driven by delivery mix.  During the quarter, the U.S. Navy ordered 13 additional F/A-18 aircraft and BMA started production of the first KC-46 Tanker refueling boom.

FMI: www.boeing.com