The Boeing Company (BA): New Analyst Report from Zacks Equity Research - Zacks Equity Research Report

Summary:
We are maintaining our recommendation on Boeing at Neutral following its fourth quarter earnings release. The company's top and bottom lines were above expectations. The aerospace major reported record jet deliveries in 2013, beating its own projection, driven by strong commercial numbers. The heightened deliveries were also a function of an increased production rate. Sequestration and budget cuts notwithstanding, its defense segment maintained a solid performance with deliveries climbing 48.6% in the quarter. Boeing's strong balance sheet and cash flows provide financial flexibility for incremental dividend, ongoing share repurchases and earnings accretive acquisitions. Nevertheless, this defense giant faces the risk of U.S. defense budget cuts, the uncertain fate of high-cost programs, risks related to key project executions and order cancellations.

Overview:

Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing Company is a premier jet aircraft manufacturer and one of the largest defense contractors in the U.S. The company's customers include domestic and foreign airlines, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), other aerospace prime contractors, and certain U.S. government and commercial communications customers.

The company operates through the following segments:

Commercial Airplanes Segment This segment develops, produces, and markets commercial jets, along with providing related support services. The company is a leading producer of commercial aircraft and has a series (737 Next-Generation narrow-body model and the 747, 767, 777 and 787 wide-body models) of commercial jetliners designed to meet a broad spectrum of passenger and cargo requirements of domestic and non-U.S. airlines.

The three segments that comprise the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) businesses are as follows:

Boeing Military Aircraft BMA Segment is engaged in the research, development, production, and modification of military aircraft precision engagement and mobility products and services.

Network and Space Systems (N&SS) Segment is engaged in the research, development, production, and modification of products and services to assist customers in transforming their operations through network integration, intelligence and surveillance systems, communications, architectures, and space exploration.

Global Services and Support (GS&S) Segment is engaged in the operations, maintenance, training, upgrades, and logistics support functions for military platforms and operations.

Boeing Capital Corporation BCC Segment In the commercial aircraft market, BCC facilitates, arranges, structures and provides selective financing solutions for the Commercial Airplanes segment customers. In the space and defense markets, BCC arranges and structures financing solutions for BDS segment government customers. Boeing Capital Corporation's portfolio consists of equipment under operating leases, finance leases, notes and other receivables, assets held for sale or re-lease and investments.

Other Segment Other segment includes the activities of Engineering, Operations and Technology (EO&T) and certain inter-company items. Engineering, Operations and Technology is an advanced research and development organization focused on innovative technologies, improved processes and the creation of new products.

The Boeing Company BA: Read the Full Research Report
 
BOEING CO BA: Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.