Boeing has reported third-quarter revenue of $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 is increased to $12.5 billion from $12.25 billion, driven by improved performance. Full year EPS guidance is increased to between $11.20 and $11.40 from $11.10 and $11.30 and core earnings per share (non-GAAP) guidance is 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."
"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.
Cash and investments in marketable securities totaled $10.0 billion, down slightly from $10.3 billion at the beginning of the quarter (Table 3). 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 percent, 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 202 airplanes, including 24 737 MAX 8 airplanes. The production rate increased to 47 per month on the 737 program, and we confirmed plans to increase the 787 production rate to 14 per month in 2019. Boeing says that the 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.