Strong Orders Boost Boeing’s Earnings

Orders from the resurging airline industry boosted third-quarter Boeing Co. sales by more than 27 percent and profits by 13 percent, the company reported Thursday.

Net earnings were $254 million, or 74 cents per share, on sales of $5.6 billion for the three months ended Sept. 30, up from $225 million, or 66 cents per share, on $4.4 billion in sales for the yearearler period.

“These results show that things have really turned around for Boeing,” said analyst Bill Whitlow of Pacific Crest Securities.

The showing was in line with analysts’ expectations, but Boeing’s stock dropped in trading Thursday.

Phil Condit, Boeing president and chief executive officer, attributed the increases mainly to increased aircraft sales and higher interest income.