The Boeing Company posted a 19 per cent drop in profit levels for the third quarter, raking in 1.8 billion in Q3 compared to 2.2 billion in the same period in 2016.

Boeing's third-quarter revenues stood at $24.3 billion with GAAP earnings per share of $3.06 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP) of $2.72 reflecting strong deliveries, services and delivery mix, and overall solid execution.

The company's cash flow guidance increased to $12.5 billion from $12.25 billion, driven by improved performance. Full year earnings per share (EPS) guidance increased to between $11.20 and $11.40 from $11.10 and $11.30 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP) guidance increased to between $9.90 and $10.10 from $9.80 and $10.00, driven by a lower-than-expected tax rate. Full year segment guidance is updated, reflecting the realignment of the company's services businesses into Boeing Global Services (BGS).

"Our teams across all three business segments are driving execution with a focus on both productivity and growth, which has enabled Boeing to deliver solid third quarter financial results, grow cash flow, and raise our 2017 outlook," said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg.

"In the third quarter we successfully launched our newest business segment, Boeing Global Services, leveraging our unique One Boeing advantages to offer complete lifecycle support across the commercial, defense and space sectors. We achieved a number of key milestones in the quarter with the delivery of a record 202 commercial airplanes, including 24 737 MAXs as we continue the smooth introduction of that airplane. On the defense side, we booked $6 billion in new orders, including an initial contract award for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program and an award from the U.S. Navy for 14 F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft."

"We remain focused on accelerating productivity, quality and safety improvements across the company, executing on our future development programs, and capturing new business to ensure our continued growth."

Operating cash flow in the quarter of $3.4 billion was driven by solid operating performance and favorable timing of receipts and expenditures. During the quarter, the company repurchased 11 million shares for $2.5 billion, leaving $6.5 billion remaining under the current repurchase authorization. The company also paid $0.9 billion in dividends in the quarter, reflecting a 30 percent increase in dividends per share compared to the same period of the prior year, according to Boeing.

Cash and investments in marketable securities totaled $10.0 billion, down slightly from $10.3 billion at the beginning of the quarter. Debt was $10.8 billion, unchanged from the beginning of the quarter.

Total company backlog at quarter-end was $474 billion, down from $482 billion at the beginning of the quarter, and included net orders for the quarter of $16 billion.

Commercial Airplanes third-quarter revenue was $15.0 billion on planned production rates and delivery mix. Third-quarter operating margin increased to 9.9 per cent, reflecting higher 787 margins and strong operating performance on production programs, partially offset by additional cost growth of $256 million on the KC-46 Tanker program due to incorporating changes into initial production aircraft as we progress through late-stage testing and the certification process.

During the quarter, Commercial Airplanes delivered a record 202 airplanes, including 24 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The production rate increased to 47 per month on the 737 program, and Boeing confirmed plans to increase the 787 production rate to 14 per month in 2019. Development on 777X is on track as production began on the first complete wing for structural test.

Commercial Airplanes booked 117 net orders during the quarter. Backlog remains robust with nearly 5,700 airplanes valued at $412 billion.

Defense, Space & Security

Defense, Space & Security (BDS) third-quarter revenue was $5.5 billion on lower planned deliveries and mix (Table 5). Third-quarter operating margin increased to 10.2 percent, reflecting solid performance and mix, partially offset by KC-46 Tanker cost growth of $73 million.

During the quarter, BDS was awarded contracts from the U.S. Air Force for design of the new Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent defense system and preliminary design of the next presidential aircraft. The US Navy awarded BDS a contract for 14 F/A-18 Super Hornets during the third quarter. Additionally, BDS was selected to design and build seven medium earth orbit satellites for SES.

Backlog at Defense, Space & Security was $46 billion, of which 35 per cent represents orders from international customers.

Global Services

Global Services third-quarter revenue increased to $3.6 billion, primarily driven by higher commercial parts revenue, partially offset by timing of government services. Third-quarter operating margin was 14.2 percent reflecting product and services mix.

During the quarter, Global Services was awarded a contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to supply F/A-18 E/F spare parts, and a contract from the Italian Air Force to provide performance-based logistics services to support the KC-767A tanker aircraft. More than 40 commercial airline customers signed up for our digital navigation applications in the quarter. Additionally, Global Services continues to capture new commercial and government customers through expanded offerings, including those powered by Boeing AnalytX.

Additional Financial Information

At quarter-end, Boeing Capital's net portfolio balance was $3.4 billion. Total pension expense for the third quarter was $100 million, down from $453 million in the same period of the prior year. Revenue increased in other unallocated items and eliminations primarily due to timing of eliminations of intercompany aircraft deliveries, including those accounted for under operating lease. Other unallocated items and eliminations earnings decreased primarily due to timing of eliminations of intercompany aircraft deliveries, offset by higher deferred compensation. The effective tax rate for the third quarter increased to 30.0 per cent primarily due to discrete tax benefits recorded in the prior year. - TradeArabia News Service