10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2001

BOEING CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2001

Filed August 9, 2001For Securities:BABA-PA

Summary

Boeing Company's second quarter 2001 report (filed August 8, 2001) shows a significant increase in net earnings to $840 million, up from $620 million in the prior year's quarter, and $2.077 billion for the first six months, a substantial rise from $1.038 billion in the first half of 2000. This robust performance is driven by increased sales, a 16% year-over-year increase in revenue for the first six months, and growth in aircraft deliveries, particularly in the Commercial Airplanes segment. The company also benefited from a one-time tax credit related to a settlement with the IRS concerning research credit claims, which significantly lowered its effective tax rate for the period. Despite strong earnings, the company faces ongoing challenges, including increased interest expenses due to higher debt levels supporting its financing activities. Several significant legal proceedings and government investigations are also noted, though management believes they will not have a material adverse effect on the company's financial position. The company also highlights its strong backlog of unfilled orders, providing a foundation for future revenue, and its continued focus on product development and market competitiveness across its diverse business segments.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net earnings significantly increased to $840 million in Q2 2001 from $620 million in Q2 2000, and $2.077 billion for the first six months of 2001, up from $1.038 billion in the same period of 2000.
  • 2Sales and other operating revenues increased by 16% for the first six months of 2001 compared to the prior year, reaching $28.8 billion.
  • 3Commercial Airplanes segment operating earnings grew to $955 million in Q2 2001 from $882 million in Q2 2000, with operating profit margins improving to 10.3% from 8.9%.
  • 4A one-time tax benefit of $343 million related to an IRS settlement for research credit claims substantially reduced the effective tax rate to 17.5% for the first six months of 2001.
  • 5The company's contractual backlog of unfilled orders remained strong at $121.0 billion as of June 30, 2001, providing visibility into future revenue streams.
  • 6Interest expense increased due to higher debt levels, particularly related to Customer and Commercial Financing transactions, rising to $172 million in Q2 2001 from $107 million in Q2 2000.
  • 7The company is subject to various legal proceedings and government investigations, including significant litigation related to the A-12 aircraft contract and securities lawsuits, though management expresses confidence that these will not materially impact financial results.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the increased profitability in Q2 2001 were higher sales and operating revenues, a rise in commercial aircraft deliveries, and a significant one-time tax benefit of $343 million resulting from a settlement with the IRS regarding research credit claims. These factors contributed to a substantial increase in net earnings compared to the same period in the prior year.

The Commercial Airplanes segment showed strong performance with operating earnings increasing to $955 million in Q2 2001 from $882 million in Q2 2000. The operating profit margin also improved to 10.3% from 8.9%. This improvement is attributed to increased deliveries and ongoing production process enhancements, partially offset by higher research and development expenses.

A key financial concern is the increase in interest expense, driven by higher debt levels used to support customer and commercial financing activities. The company also notes ongoing legal proceedings and government investigations, and a significant financial exposure related to the Sea Launch joint venture, although management states they do not expect a material adverse effect from these matters.

Boeing is evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142. Notably, SFAS No. 142 will change the accounting for goodwill from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach, ceasing goodwill amortization. This is expected to eliminate approximately $150 million in annual goodwill amortization expenses, positively impacting future net earnings, although the company must perform impairment tests.