Boeing(BA) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Performance - The company reported revenue of $23.9 billion for Q4 2025, a 57% increase, marking the highest quarterly total since 2018, driven by improved operational performance and higher commercial deliveries [16][26] - Core earnings per share reached $9.92, primarily reflecting a gain of $11.83 from the digital aviation solutions divestiture [16] - Free cash flow was positive at $375 million, slightly exceeding expectations due to higher commercial deliveries and improved working capital [16][26] Business Line Performance - Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) delivered 160 airplanes in Q4 and 600 for the year, the highest annual total since 2018, with revenue of $11.4 billion and an operating margin of negative 5.6% [16][17] - BCA booked 336 net orders in Q4, including significant orders from Alaska Airlines and Emirates, ending the year with a record backlog of $567 billion [17][18] - Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) delivered 37 aircraft in Q4, with revenue growing 37% to $7.4 billion, despite a negative operating margin of 6.8% due to a loss on the KC-46A tanker [20][21] - Boeing Global Services (BGS) reported revenue of $5.2 billion, up 2%, with an adjusted operating margin of 18.6%, driven by improved government volume [24][25] Market Performance - The backlog for BCA includes over 6,100 airplanes, with strong demand for the 737 and 787 models, indicating a robust market position [17][18] - BDS secured $15 billion in orders during Q4, contributing to a record backlog of $85 billion, reflecting strong demand in defense [20][21] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on stabilizing its business, executing development programs, and improving its culture to enhance performance and stakeholder trust [3][10] - Boeing is investing in production capacity and quality improvements, including a new North Line in Everett and factory expansions for the 787 program [5][6][9] - The company aims to address challenges in production rates and certification timelines for new aircraft models, including the 737 MAX derivatives and 777-9 [10][11] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's turnaround, highlighting significant progress in operational metrics and customer satisfaction [3][10] - The company anticipates positive free cash flow of $1-$3 billion in 2026, despite challenges related to the Spirit AeroSystems acquisition and delayed aircraft certifications [27][30] - Management acknowledged the need to improve contract management and risk assessment to enhance profitability in the aerospace industry [59][60] Other Important Information - The company completed the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems and the $10.6 billion sale of Jeppesen, strengthening its balance sheet [9][26] - The defense portfolio is expected to return to historical performance levels as the company continues to drive execution and transition to new contracts [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on cash flow building blocks - Management indicated that excess advances and customer considerations are expected to normalize over time, with excess advances burning down quicker than customer considerations [35][36] Question: Expectations for normalized free cash flow - Management reiterated confidence in achieving $10 billion in free cash flow, emphasizing the importance of ramping up production rates and improving performance across business segments [39][40] Question: Production ramp challenges - Management discussed the challenges of increasing production rates for the 737 and 787 programs, emphasizing the need for supply chain stability and effective management of inventory levels [42][44] Question: Defense program updates - Management addressed the discrete charge on the KC-46A tanker program, stating that it reflects increased costs but is necessary to ensure timely deliveries [55] Question: Geopolitical risks and procurement shifts - Management acknowledged the dynamic nature of geopolitical risks but expressed confidence in the U.S. administration's support for the aerospace industry [62]