Report Also Looks Ahead To 2015

Boeing reported record fourth-quarter revenue of $24.5 billion on higher deliveries and core earnings per share (EPS) that increased 23 percent to $2.31, reflecting strong performance across the company. Fourth-quarter 2014 core operating earnings increased to $2.3 billion and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings from operations increased to $2.0 billion. Fourth-quarter 2013 results included a $406 million non-cash charge ($0.34 per share) related to the A-12 settlement.

Revenue rose 5 percent in the full year to a record $90.8 billion and core earnings per share (non-GAAP) increased 22 percent to $8.60 on record deliveries. Full-year 2014 GAAP earnings per share was $7.38.

Core earnings per share guidance for 2015 is set at between $8.20 and $8.40, while GAAP earnings per share guidance is established at between $8.10 and $8.30. Revenue guidance is between $94.5 and $96.5 billion, including commercial deliveries of between 750 and 755. Operating cash flow is expected to be greater than $9.0 billion.

"Strong operating performance in the final quarter of 2014 propelled us to some of our best-ever results and sealed a fifth consecutive year of core operating earnings growth. By responding to strong demand with market-leading and proven products and capabilities, and delivering them more efficiently, we are strengthening a powerful business platform that is providing increased returns for our shareholders," said Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney.

"Our Commercial Airplanes business successfully increased production rates and set an industry record for annual deliveries while also growing its backlog to new highs on record new orders for the year. Our Defense, Space & Security team navigated a challenging market environment to achieve solid revenue and healthy margins while also winning significant new contracts," said McNerney.

"For 2015, we will continue to build on our commercial airplanes market leadership, strengthening and repositioning our defense, space and security business and working to better meet the needs of our customers by focusing on improving productivity, executing to development plans and delivering our industry-leading portfolio of innovative aerospace products and services."

The total company backlog at quarter-end was a record $502 billion, up from $490 billion at the beginning of the quarter, and included net orders for the quarter of $37 billion. Backlog is up $61 billion from prior year-end, reflecting $152 billion of net orders in 2014.

Commercial Airplanes fourth-quarter revenue increased 15 percent to a record $16.8 billion on higher delivery volume and mix. Fourth-quarter operating margin was 9.3 percent, reflecting higher planned period costs and the dilutive impact of 787 deliveries partially offset by the delivery volume.

During the quarter, the company began production on the fuselage stringers of the first 737 MAX airplane. The 737 program has won over 2,600 firm orders for the 737 MAX since launch. Also during the quarter, the company began final assembly of the 787-9 Dreamliner at the South Carolina facility and broke ground on the 777X composite centers in Everett and St. Louis.

Commercial Airplanes booked 432 net orders during the quarter with a record 1,432 orders in 2014. Backlog remains strong with nearly 5,800 airplanes valued at a record $440 billion.

(Images from file)

FMI: www.boeing.com