Boeing reports jump in 1Q profits, lifts 2018 forecast

Boeing reported a surge in first-quarter profits today and lifted its full-year earnings forecast following a strong performance in commercial aviation and defense programmes.

The aerospace giant reported earnings of USD 2.5 billion, up 56.9 per cent from the year-ago period. Revenues rose 6.5 per cent to USD 23.4 billion.

Boeing notched higher commercial plane deliveries compared with the year-ago quarter.

Models with gains included the narrow-aisle 737 and the 787 "Dreamliner" plane.

Earnings in Boeing's defense division were lifted by strong weapons volume.

Boeing won new business from Kuwait and said it was making progress on the KC-46 tanker programme, a US Air Force transport aircraft contract that has led to unexpected cost increases in prior quarters.

Boeing lifted its full-year forecast range from USD 13.80 to USD 14.00 per share to USD 14.30 to USD 14.5 per share, excluding pension costs.

"Our team's strong first-quarter performance, combined with the positive market outlook across our businesses and our confidence in executing on our production and development programs, gives us a solid foundation to raise our guidance for the year," said chief executive Dennis Muilenburg.

Shares rose 2.5 per cent to USD 337.39 in pre-market trading.