(By Balachander) Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) shares jumped 3.23 percent in premarket trading after the aerospace giant raised its 2012 forecast following better-than-expected quarterly earnings, driven by strong commercial airplane deliveries.
Earnings per share (EPS) fell 8 percent to $1.35 from $1.46, yet beat market expectations of $1.12 a share. Net earnings declined 6 percent to $1.03 billion as expenses increased.
Revenue increased 13 percent to $20.00 billion, matching Wall Street projections. Commercial airplanes deliveries jumped 17 percent to 149.
"Strong core operating performance drove increased earnings in both our major businesses, along with higher overall revenues, improved cash flow, and solid earnings per share even as pension headwinds rose," commented CEO Jim McNerney.
Operating margin, meanwhile, shrank 190 basis points to 7.8 percent from 9.7 percent.
At the end of the third quarter, total backlog was $378 billion.
Total costs and expenses increased 17 percent.
Looking ahead for the full year, Boeing currently forecasts EPS in the range of $4.80 to $4.95 from prior expectations of $4.40 to $4.60. Revenue is now projected to be between $80.5 billion and $82.0 billion from $79.5 billion and $81.5 billion guided earlier. Analysts' expect earnings of $4.73 per share on revenue of $80.65 billion.
Boeing still projects commercial airplanes deliveries of 585 to 600 for the year.
The stock, which has been trading in the 52-week range of $62.12 to $77.83, ended Tuesday's regular trading at $72.82.