Shares of aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) have edged higher in trading today after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit. The company also said that at this point it does not expect the recent battery problems on its 787 Dreamliner to have a significant impact on earnings in 2013.
For the fourth quarter of 2012, Boeing reported record revenue of $22.3 billion, up 14% over the same period in the previous year. The company’s core operating earnings for the quarter rose 9% to $1.8 billion. The increase in revenue and earnings for the quarter were driven by strong performance across the company’s businesses and higher deliveries of commercial airplanes. Non-GAAP earnings per share for the quarter were $1.46, up 4% from the same period in the previous year.
Jim McNerney, Chairman, President and CEO of Boeing, said that strong fourth-quarter operating performance capped a year of significant growth and solid execution, driving higher earnings and cash flow for Boeing. McNerney further said that in a year of considerable achievement, the company was the commercial aviation market leader for both orders and deliveries, with over 600 airplanes delivered.
For the full year 2012, Boeing reported non-GAAP earnings of $7.2 billion, compared to $6.4 billion reported in 2011. On a per share basis, non-GAAP earnings for 2012 were $5.88, up 12% from 2011.
Looking ahead to 2013, Boeing expects non-GAAP earnings to be between $6.10 per share and $6.30 per share. Revenue for 2013 is expected to be between $82 billion and $85 billion.
McNerney said that the company’s first order of business for 2013 is to resolve the battery issue on the 787 and return the airplanes safely to service with its customers.
At last check, Boeing shares were trading 1.13% higher at $74.48 on volume of 5.30 million.
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