Boeing reports fourth-quarter results

The Boeing Company has reported fourth-quarter revenue of $17.9 billion, GAAP loss per share of ($1.79) and core loss per share (non-GAAP) of ($2.33), primarily reflecting the impacts of the 737 MAX grounding.
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Boeing recorded operating cash flow of ($2.2) billion and paid $1.2 billion of dividends.

 

"We recognise we have a lot of work to do," said Boeing President and chief executive officer David Calhoun. "We are focused on returning the 737 MAX to service safely and restoring the long-standing trust that the Boeing brand represents with the flying public. We are committed to transparency and excellence in everything we do.  Safety will underwrite every decision, every action and every step we take as we move forward. Fortunately, the strength of our overall Boeing portfolio of businesses provides the financial liquidity to follow a thorough and disciplined recovery process."

 

Operating cash flow was ($2.2) billion in the quarter, primarily reflecting the impact of the 737 MAX grounding as well as timing of receipts and expenditures. During the quarter, the company paid $1.2 billion of dividends.

 

Cash and investments in marketable securities totalled $10.0 billion, compared to $10.9 billion at the beginning of the quarter. Debt was $27.3 billion, up from $24.7 billion at the beginning of the quarter primarily due to increased commercial paper borrowings.

 

Total company backlog at quarter-end was $463 billion and included net orders for the quarter of $13 billion.

 

Commercial Airplanes fourth-quarter revenue was $7.5 billion, and fourth-quarter operating margin decreased to (38.1) percent reflecting lower 737 deliveries and an additional pre-tax charge of $2.6 billion related to estimated potential concessions and other considerations to customers related to the 737 MAX grounding. The estimated costs to produce 737 aircraft included in the accounting quantity increased by $2.6 billion during the quarter, primarily to reflect updated production and delivery assumptions. In addition, the suspension of 737 MAX production and a gradual resumption of production at low production rates will result in approximately $4 billion of abnormal production costs that will be expensed as incurred, primarily in 2020.

 

Commercial Airplanes delivered 79 airplanes during the quarter, including 45 787's, and captured orders for 30 737 MAX aircraft at the Dubai Air Show and 2 777 freighters for Lufthansa. The 787 programme also booked 36 net orders in the quarter. As previously announced, the 787- production rate will be reduced from the current rate of 14 airplanes per month to 12 airplanes per month in late 2020. Based on the current environment and near-term market outlook, the production rate is expected to be further adjusted to 10 airplanes per month in early 2021 and return to 12 airplanes per month in 2023. The first flight of the 777X was completed on January 25, and first delivery is targeted for 2021.

 

Commercial Airplanes backlog included over 5,400 airplanes valued at $377 billion.

 

 

Defence, Space & Security fourth-quarter revenue decreased to $6.0 billion primarily driven by lower volume across the portfolio as well as the impact of a Commercial Crew charge. Fourth-quarter operating margin decreased to 0.5 percent due to a $410 million pre-tax Commercial Crew charge primarily to provision for an additional uncrewed mission for the Commercial Crew programme, performance and mix. NASA is evaluating the data received during the December 2019 mission to determine if another uncrewed mission is required.

 

Additional Financial Information

 

At quarter-end, Boeing Capital's net portfolio balance was $2.3 billion. Revenue in other unallocated items and eliminations decreased primarily due to the timing of eliminations for intercompany aircraft deliveries. The change in earnings from other unallocated items and eliminations is primarily due to higher deferred compensation expense and increased enterprise research and development investment. Interest and debt expense increased due to higher debt balances. The fourth quarter 2019 effective tax rate reflects a $371 million tax benefit related to the settlement of state tax audits as well as the impact of pre-tax losses.