Boeing Reports First-Quarter Results and Raises EPS Guidance

CHICAGO, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ —

GAAP EPS of $2.34 and core EPS (non-GAAP)* of $2.01 on solid execution

Revenue of $21.0 billion reflecting 210 commercial and defense aircraft deliveries and services

Strong operating cash flow of $2.1 billion; repurchased 14.9 million shares for $2.5 billion

Backlog grew to $480 billion, including $27 billion of net orders during the quarter

Cash and marketable securities of $9.2 billion provide strong liquidity

Revenue, margin, and operating cash guidance reaffirmed; EPS guidance increased by $0.10 on tax benefit

 

Table 1. Summary Financial Results

First Quarter

(Dollars in Millions, except per share data)

2017

2016

Change

Revenues

$20,976

$22,632

(7)%

GAAP

Earnings From Operations

$2,024

$1,788

13%

Operating Margin

9.6%

7.9%

1.7 Pts

Net Earnings

$1,451

$1,219

19%

Earnings Per Share

$2.34

$1.83

28%

Operating Cash Flow

$2,094

$1,275

64%

Non-GAAP*

Core Operating Earnings

$1,709

$1,694

1%

Core Operating Margin

8.1%

7.5%

0.6 Pts

Core Earnings Per Share

$2.01

$1.74

16%

* Non-GAAP measures. Complete definitions of Boeing’s non-GAAP measures are on page 6, “Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures.”     

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] reported higher first-quarter earnings and operating cash flow compared to the previous year, driven by solid execution on production programs and services (Table 1).  First-quarter GAAP earnings per share increased to $2.34 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP)* increased to $2.01. Revenue decreased to $21.0 billion, reflecting the timing of commercial and defense aircraft deliveries.

For the full year, GAAP earnings per share guidance increased to between $10.35 and $10.55 from $10.25 and $10.45 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP)* guidance increased to between $9.20 and $9.40 from $9.10 and $9.30, primarily driven by a lower-than-expected tax rate.

“With a sharp focus on performance and productivity, our team delivered another quarter of solid financial results, including year-over-year earnings growth and strong operating cash flow,” said Boeing Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg. “In turn, we continued to position Boeing for growth with investments in new products and services, innovation, and our people, while again demonstrating our commitment to return significant cash to our shareholders.”

“We also achieved major milestones, including the certification of the new 737 MAX 8 and first flight of the 787-10 Dreamliner, and we captured a $3.4 billion contract award for 268 Apache helicopters.”

“We remain on track to achieve our full-year revenue, earnings and cash flow targets as our teams deliver on our large and diverse order backlog. As we do so, we’re focused on accelerating productivity, quality and safety improvements, strengthening execution on development programs, and capturing new business opportunities.”

Table 2. Cash Flow

First Quarter

(Millions)

2017

2016

Operating Cash Flow

$2,094

$1,275

Less Additions to Property, Plant & Equipment

($466)

($748)

Free Cash Flow*

$1,628

$527

Non-GAAP measures. Complete definitions of Boeing’s non-GAAP measures are on page 6, “Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures.”     

Operating cash flow in the quarter of $2.1 billion was driven by solid operating performance and timing of receipts and expenditures (Table 2). During the quarter, the company repurchased 14.9 million shares for $2.5 billion, leaving $11.5 billion remaining under the current repurchase authorization which is expected to be completed over approximately the next two years. The company also paid $868 million in dividends in the quarter, reflecting a 30 percent increase in dividends per share compared to the same period of the prior year.

Table 3. Cash, Marketable Securities and Debt Balances

Quarter-End

(Billions)

Q1 17

Q4 16

Cash

$8.2

$8.8

Marketable Securities1

$1.0

$1.2

Total

$9.2

$10.0

Debt Balances:

The Boeing Company, net of intercompany loans to BCC

$7.7

$7.1

Boeing Capital, including intercompany loans

$3.1

$2.9

Total Consolidated Debt

$10.8

$10.0

1 Marketable securities consists primarily of time deposits due within one year classified as “short-term investments.”

Cash and investments in marketable securities totaled $9.2 billion, down from $10.0 billion at the beginning of the quarter (Table 3). Debt was $10.8 billion, up from the beginning of the quarter, primarily due to the issuance of new debt.

Total company backlog at quarter-end was $480 billion, up from $473 billion at the beginning of the quarter, and included net orders for the quarter of $27 billion.

Segment Results

Commercial Airplanes

Table 4. Commercial Airplanes

First Quarter

(Dollars in Millions)

2017

2016

Change

Commercial Airplanes Deliveries

169

176

(4)%

Revenues

$14,305

$14,399

(1)%

Earnings from Operations

$1,215

$1,033

18%

Operating Margin

8.5%

7.2%

1.3 Pts

Commercial Airplanes first-quarter revenue was $14.3 billion on services growth, offset by lower planned 737 deliveries, as we prepare for 737 MAX entry into service in May (Table 4). First-quarter operating margin increased to 8.5 percent, reflecting improved performance on production and services programs, cost growth on the initial production of KC-46 Tanker aircraft, and less favorable delivery mix.

During the quarter, Boeing successfully completed first flight of the 787-10 Dreamliner. The 737 program rolled out the first 737 MAX 9 and received FAA certification for the 737 MAX 8. Demand continues to be strong for the 737 MAX with more than 3,700 orders since launch.

Commercial Airplanes booked 198 net orders during the quarter. Backlog remains robust with more than 5,700 airplanes valued at $417 billion.

Defense, Space & Security

Table 5. Defense, Space & Security

First Quarter

(Dollars in Millions)

2017

2016

Change

Revenues

Boeing Military Aircraft

$2,636

$3,659

(28)%

Network & Space Systems

$1,564

$1,735

(10)%

Global Services & Support

$2,332

$2,562

(9)%

Total BDS Revenues

$6,532

$7,956

(18)%

Earnings from Operations

Boeing Military Aircraft

$321

$334

(4)%

Network & Space Systems

$98

$148

(34)%

Global Services & Support

$318

$340

(6)%

Total BDS Earnings from Operations

$737

$822

(10)%

Operating Margin

11.3%

10.3%

1.0 Pts

Defense, Space & Security first-quarter revenue was $6.5 billion (Table 5). First-quarter operating margin increased to 11.3 percent, reflecting improved performance at BMA.

Boeing Military Aircraft (BMA) first-quarter revenue was $2.6 billion, reflecting lower planned deliveries, and operating margin increased to 12.2 percent on improved performance. During the quarter, BMA was awarded a contract for 268 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the U.S. Army, a contract for 17 P-8A Poseidon aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and the U.K. Royal Air Force, and a contract from the U.S. Air Force for an additional 15 KC-46 Tanker aircraft.

Network & Space Systems (N&SS) first-quarter revenue was $1.6 billion, reflecting lower volume on Commercial Crew. Operating margin was 6.3 percent driven by lower satellite services volume and investments in development efforts. During the quarter, N&SS announced an order for a 702 satellite with a dual payload from SKY Perfect JSAT and Kacific.

Global Services & Support (GS&S) first-quarter revenue was $2.3 billion, reflecting timing of contracts. Operating margin increased to 13.6 percent largely reflecting improved performance. During the quarter, GS&S was awarded a contract from the Republic of Korea Air Force to continue long-term sustainment of F-15 aircraft over the next five years.

Backlog at Defense, Space & Security was $63 billion, of which 34 percent represents orders from international customers.

Additional Financial Information

Table 6. Additional Financial Information

First Quarter

(Dollars in Millions)

2017

2016

Revenues

Boeing Capital

$92

$64

Unallocated items, eliminations and other

$47

$213

Earnings from Operations

Boeing Capital

$39

$5

Unallocated pension/postretirement

$315

$94

Other unallocated items and eliminations

($282)

($166)

Other (loss)/income, net

$22

$26

Interest and debt expense

($87)

($73)

Effective tax rate

25.9%

30.0%

At quarter-end, Boeing Capital’s net portfolio balance was $4.0 billion. Total pension expense for the first quarter was $334 million, down from $629 million in the same period of the prior year. Unallocated items, eliminations and other revenue decreased primarily due to the elimination of intercompany revenue for one aircraft delivered under operating lease. The effective tax rate for the first quarter decreased from the same period in the prior year due to higher-than-expected tax benefits related to share-based compensation in the first quarter of 2017.

Outlook

The company’s 2017 updated financial and delivery guidance (Table 7) reflects continued solid performance across the company and the impact of the lower-than-expected tax rate.

Table 7. 2017 Financial Outlook

Current

Prior

(Dollars in Billions, except per share data)

Guidance

Guidance

The Boeing Company

Revenue

$90.5 – 92.5

$90.5 – 92.5

GAAP Earnings Per Share

$10.35 – 10.55

$10.25 – 10.45

Core Earnings Per Share*

$9.20 – 9.40

$9.10 – 9.30

Operating Cash Flow

~$10.75

~$10.75

Commercial Airplanes

Deliveries

760 – 765

760 – 765

Revenue

$62.5 – 63.5

$62.5 – 63.5

Operating Margin

9.5% – 10.0

9.5% – 10.0

Defense, Space & Security

Revenue

Boeing Military Aircraft

~$11.5

~$11.5

Network & Space Systems

~$7.0

~$7.0

Global Services & Support

~$10.0

~$10.0

Total BDS Revenue

$28.0 – 29.0

$28.0 – 29.0

Operating Margin

Boeing Military Aircraft

~12.0%

~12.0%

Network & Space Systems

~9.0%

~9.0%

Global Services & Support

>12.5%

>12.5%

Total BDS Operating Margin

~11.5%

~11.5%

Boeing Capital

Portfolio Size

Stable

Stable

Revenue

~$0.3

~$0.3

Pre-Tax Earnings

~$0.05

~$0.05

Research & Development

~ $3.6

~ $3.6

Capital Expenditures

~ $2.3

~ $2.3

Pension Expense 1

~ $0.7

~ $0.7

Effective Tax Rate

~ 31.0%

~ 32.0%

1 Approximately ($0.9) billion is expected to be recorded in unallocated items and eliminations

* Non-GAAP measures. Complete definitions of Boeing’s non-GAAP measures are on page 6, “Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures.”

Non-GAAP Measures Disclosures

We supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) with certain non-GAAP financial information. The non-GAAP financial information presented excludes certain significant items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, results from our ongoing business operations. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide investors with additional insight into the company’s ongoing business performance. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures, and other companies may define such measures differently. We encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure. The following definitions are provided:

Core Operating Earnings, Core Operating Margin and Core Earnings Per Share

Core operating earnings is defined as GAAP earnings from operations excluding unallocated pension and post-retirement expense. Core operating margin is defined as core operating earnings expressed as a percentage of revenue. Core earnings per share is defined as GAAP diluted earnings per share excluding the net earnings per share impact of unallocated pension and post-retirement expense. Unallocated pension and post-retirement expense represents the portion of pension and other post-retirement costs that are not recognized by business segments for segment reporting purposes. Pension costs, comprising service and prior service costs computed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America (GAAP) are allocated to Commercial Airplanes. Pension costs allocated to BDS segments are computed in accordance with U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), which employ different actuarial assumptions and accounting conventions than GAAP. CAS costs are allocable to government contracts. Other postretirement benefit costs are allocated to all business segments based on CAS, which is generally based on benefits paid. Management uses core operating earnings, core operating margin and core earnings per share for purposes of evaluating and forecasting underlying business performance. Management believes these core earnings measures provide investors additional insights into operational performance as they exclude unallocated pension and post-retirement costs, which primarily represent costs driven by market factors and costs not allocable to government contracts. A reconciliation between the GAAP and non-GAAP measures is provided on page 13.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is defined as GAAP operating cash flow without capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment additions. Management believes free cash flow provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available for shareholders, debt repayment, and acquisitions after making the capital investments required to support ongoing business operations and long term value creation. Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it excludes certain mandatory expenditures such as repayment of maturing debt. Management uses free cash flow as a measure to assess both business performance and overall liquidity. Table 2 provides a reconciliation between GAAP operating cash flow and free cash flow.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “projects,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets,” “anticipates,” and similar expressions generally identify these forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements relating to our future financial condition and operating results, as well as any other statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable when made, but that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Among these factors are risks related to: (1) general conditions in the economy and our industry, including those due to regulatory changes; (2) our reliance on our commercial airline customers; (3) the overall health of our aircraft production system, planned production rate increases across multiple commercial airline programs, our commercial development and derivative aircraft programs, and our aircraft being subject to stringent performance and reliability standards; (4) changing budget and appropriation levels and acquisition priorities of the U.S. government; (5) our dependence on U.S. government contracts; (6) our reliance on fixed-price contracts; (7) our reliance on cost-type contracts; (8) uncertainties concerning contracts that include in-orbit incentive payments; (9) our dependence on our subcontractors and suppliers, as well as the availability of raw materials, (10) changes in accounting estimates; (11) changes in the competitive landscape in our markets; (12) our non-U.S. operations, including sales to non-U.S. customers; (13) potential adverse developments in new or pending litigation and/or government investigations; (14) customer and aircraft concentration in Boeing Capital’s customer financing portfolio; (15) changes in our ability to obtain debt on commercially reasonable terms and at competitive rates in order to fund our operations and contractual commitments; (16) realizing the anticipated benefits of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures/strategic alliances or divestitures; (17) the adequacy of our insurance coverage to cover significant risk exposures; (18) potential business disruptions, including those related to physical security threats, information technology or cyber-attacks, epidemics, sanctions or natural disasters; (19) work stoppages or other labor disruptions; (20) significant changes in discount rates and actual investment return on pension assets; (21) potential environmental liabilities; and (22) threats to the security of our or our customers’ information.

Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact:

Investor Relations:

Troy Lahr or Ben Hackman (312) 544-2140

Communications:

Bernard Choi (312) 544-2002

 

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

Three months ended
March 31

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

2017

2016

Sales of products

$18,512

$19,885

Sales of services

2,464

2,747

Total revenues

20,976

22,632

Cost of products

(15,363)

(16,945)

Cost of services

(1,888)

(2,136)

Boeing Capital interest expense

(13)

(16)

Total costs and expenses

(17,264)

(19,097)

3,712

3,535

Income from operating investments, net

81

54

General and administrative expense

(933)

(888)

Research and development expense, net

(838)

(917)

Gain on dispositions, net

2

4

Earnings from operations

2,024

1,788

Other income, net

22

26

Interest and debt expense

(87)

(73)

Earnings before income taxes

1,959

1,741

Income tax expense

(508)

(522)

Net earnings

$1,451

$1,219

Basic earnings per share

$2.36

$1.85

Diluted earnings per share

$2.34

$1.83

Cash dividends paid per share

$1.42

$1.09

Weighted average diluted shares (millions)

621.2

665.8

 

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Unaudited) 

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

March 31
2017

December 31

2016

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$8,190

$8,801

Short-term and other investments

1,015

1,228

Accounts receivable, net

9,335

8,832

Current portion of customer financing, net

580

428

Inventories, net of advances and progress billings

43,247

43,199

Total current assets

62,367

62,488

Customer financing, net

3,527

3,773

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $17,156 and $16,883

12,842

12,807

Goodwill

5,342

5,324

Acquired intangible assets, net

2,496

2,540

Deferred income taxes

336

332

Investments

1,319

1,317

Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $527 and $497

1,444

1,416

Total assets

$89,673

$89,997

Liabilities and equity

Accounts payable

$11,964

$11,190

Accrued liabilities

13,332

14,691

Advances and billings in excess of related costs

24,118

23,869

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

367

384

Total current liabilities

49,781

50,134

Deferred income taxes

1,339

1,338

Accrued retiree health care

5,885

5,916

Accrued pension plan liability, net

19,796

19,943

Other long-term liabilities

2,285

2,221

Long-term debt

10,432

9,568

Shareholders’ equity:

Common stock, par value $5.00 – 1,200,000,000 shares authorized;
1,012,261,159 shares issued

5,061

5,061

Additional paid-in capital

4,604

4,762

Treasury stock, at cost – 406,468,802 and 395,109,568 shares

(38,320)

(36,097)

Retained earnings

42,165

40,714

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(13,415)

(13,623)

Total shareholders’ equity

95

817

Noncontrolling interests

60

60

Total equity

155

877

Total liabilities and equity

$89,673

$89,997

 

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

Three months ended
March 31

(Dollars in millions)

2017

2016

Cash flows – operating activities:

Net earnings

$1,451

$1,219

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Non-cash items – 

Share-based plans expense

50

51

Depreciation and amortization

471

443

Investment/asset impairment charges, net

23

33

Customer financing valuation benefit

7

(2)

Gain on dispositions, net

(2)

(4)

Other charges and credits, net

52

84

Changes in assets and liabilities – 

Accounts receivable

(769)

(1,002)

Inventories, net of advances and progress billings

(31)

(56)

Accounts payable

616

960

Accrued liabilities

(613)

(467)

Advances and billings in excess of related costs

249

(435)

Income taxes receivable, payable and deferred

495

273

Other long-term liabilities

(72)

(116)

Pension and other postretirement plans

10

79

Customer financing, net

232

276

Other

(75)

(61)

   Net cash provided by operating activities

2,094

1,275

Cash flows – investing activities:

Property, plant and equipment additions

(466)

(748)

Property, plant and equipment reductions

9

11

Contributions to investments

(605)

(204)

Proceeds from investments

803

493

Other

(3)

10

   Net cash used by investing activities

(262)

(438)

Cash flows – financing activities:

New borrowings

872

115

Debt repayments

(34)

(128)

Stock options exercised

174

42

Employee taxes on certain share-based payment arrangements

(107)

(76)

Common shares repurchased

(2,500)

(3,501)

Dividends paid

(868)

(717)

   Net cash used by financing activities

(2,463)

(4,265)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

20

12

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(611)

(3,416)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

8,801

11,302

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$8,190

$7,886

 

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries

Summary of Business Segment Data

(Unaudited)

Three months ended
March 31

(Dollars in millions)

2017

2016

Revenues:

Commercial Airplanes

$14,305

$14,399

Defense, Space & Security:

Boeing Military Aircraft

2,636

3,659

Network & Space Systems

1,564

1,735

Global Services & Support

2,332

2,562

Total Defense, Space & Security

6,532

7,956

Boeing Capital

92

64

Unallocated items, eliminations and other

47

213

Total revenues

$20,976

$22,632

Earnings from operations:

Commercial Airplanes

$1,215

$1,033

Defense, Space & Security:

Boeing Military Aircraft

321

334

Network & Space Systems

98

148

Global Services & Support

318

340

Total Defense, Space & Security

737

822

Boeing Capital

39

5

Segment operating profit

1,991

1,860

Unallocated items, eliminations and other

33

(72)

Earnings from operations

2,024

1,788

Other income, net

22

26

Interest and debt expense

(87)

(73)

Earnings before income taxes

1,959

1,741

Income tax expense

(508)

(522)

Net earnings

$1,451

$1,219

Research and development expense, net:

Commercial Airplanes

$636

$671

Defense, Space & Security

213

258

Other

(11)

(12)

Total research and development expense, net

$838

$917

Unallocated items, eliminations and other

Share-based plans

($21)

($23)

Deferred compensation

(50)

16

Amortization of previously capitalized interest

(31)

(30)

Eliminations and other unallocated items

(180)

(129)

Sub-total (included in core operating earnings)

(282)

(166)

Pension

255

45

Postretirement

60

49

Total unallocated items, eliminations and other

$33

($72)

 

The Boeing Company and Subsidiaries

Operating and Financial Data

(Unaudited)

Deliveries

Three months ended
March 31

Commercial Airplanes

2017

2016

737

113

121

747

1

(1)

1

767

2

1

777

21

23

787

32

30

Total

169

176

Note: Deliveries under operating lease are identified by parentheses.

Defense, Space & Security

Boeing Military Aircraft

AH-64 Apache (New)

3

7

AH-64 Apache (Remanufactured)

13

11

C-17 Globemaster III

China Southern Airlines orders 20 Airbus A350 XWBs

China Southern Airlines has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for 20 A350-900s, becoming the latest customer for the aircraft.

China Southern Airlines now operates one of the largest Airbus fleet in the world with more than 300 Airbus aircraft in service, comprising the A320 Family, the A330 Family and five A380s.

Tan Wangeng, President of China Southern Airlines said: “With its very long range capability, economic fuel consumption and spacious cabin, the A350 XWB is the ideal choice for our international long haul routes. The introduction of the A350 XWB will help to strengthen our position as one of the world’s leading international carriers.”

“We are proud to welcome China Southern Airlines as the latest airline to select the A350 XWB,” said John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “The unrivalled operational performance, fuel efficiency and cabin comfort of the A350 XWB will give China Southern Airlines a competitive edge on its international network.”

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fiber fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn and emissions, and significantly lower maintenance costs. The spaciousness, quietness, beautiful interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of in-flight experience for all passengers.

With this latest order, Airbus has recorded a total of 841 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Source : Airbus Website

WOW air takes delivery of its first A320neo

The Iceland-based airline to strengthen its all Airbus fleet

WOW air the low-fare airline based in Iceland has taken delivery of its first A320neo on lease from  Air Lease Corporation. WOW air is an all Airbus operator with 12 aircraft in its fleet to date.

WOW air selected the A320neo for its low operating costs and excellent fuel efficiency. The aircraft will feature a single-class cabin layout with 180 seats. The airline has chosen CFM engines to power the aircraft that will operate throughout Europe.

The A320neo Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 5,000 orders received from over 90 customers, capturing almost 60 percent share of the market. The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet wing tip devices, which together deliver more than 15 percent in fuel savings from day one and 20 percent by 2020.

Source : Airbus Website