US aerospace giant Boeing today reported higher quarterly profits, capping a record year of commercial aircraft orders and deliveries.
Earnings for the fourth quarter grew 18.9% to $1.5 billion.
The strong earnings came on the heels of a Boeing announcement in December that it delivered a record 723 jets, surpassing a previous record of 648.
The record number came on the back of rising demand from newer airlines in emerging markets and more seasoned companies replacing their fleets.
In December, Boeing raised its dividend and announced a new $12 billion share repurchase programme.
"Strong operating performance in the final quarter of 2014 propelled us to some of our best-ever results and sealed a fifth consecutive year of core operating earnings growth," said Boeing's chief executive Jim McNerney.
Revenues for the quarter rose 28.8% to $24.5 billion, while operating earnings translated into $2.31 per share, better than the $2.11 projected by analysts.
Net income for all of 2014 was $5.4 billion, up 18.8%from last year.
Boeing said 2015 revenues would be $94.5-$96.5 billion, more than the Wall Street estimate of $93.25 billion. Operating earnings are projected at $8.20 to $8.40 per share, under the $8.64 forecast by analysts.
