Boeing boosts 2017 forecast as it returns to profitability

NEW YORK - Agence France-Presse

REUTERS photo

Boeing reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings on July 26 and lifted its full-year profit forecast, citing a strong operational performance and tax savings not anticipated earlier in the year.

Net income in the second quarter was $1.8 billion, up from the $234 million loss in the year-ago period due to one-time costs on its military and commercial aircraft programs.

Revenues fell 8.1 percent to $22.7 billion on lower commercial deliveries. Profit margins in the commercial aircraft divisions increased, although the company delivered fewer planes than in the year-ago period.

Earnings from Boeing’s defense division rose due to higher profit margins and more favorable timing on contract awards compared to the year-ago period.

The company boosted its full-year forecast targets, lifting the range for projected 2017 earnings-per-share to $11.10 to $11.30 per share, up from $10.35 to $10.55 per share.

A key factor in the better outlook was $700 million in cash tax savings from accelerated pension funding.