In its fourth quarter results announcement Boeing said it expected to generate a record $10.75 billion in operating cash flow this year, causing stock to jump nearly 5% to $168.50 on Wednesday.
The company forecast 2017 core earnings of $9.10 to $9.30 a share, up from $7.24 in 2016.
According to Reuters the strong performance and forecast was driven by cost-cutting and productivity gains.
"This will be a relentless effort going forward," he said on a conference call, referring to Boeing’s efficiency drive, Reuters reports.
"While we’ve made some strong strides over the last couple of years, and you see it reflected in the performance, we have much more ahead of us than what’s behind us."
Boeing expects to deliver between 760 and 765 commercial aircraft in 2017, topping 748 deliveries in 2016.
The company said deliveries of its smaller 737 and 737 MAX models will make up for the decline in 777 production. And it suggested the upward trend in performance won’t change.
"Over the remainder of the decade, we continue to expect to see revenue, earnings, and cash flow growth," chief financial officer Greg Smith said on the call.
The forecast includes a planned increase in the 787 production rate.
Chief executive Dennis Muilenburg said recent meetings with Donald Trump “show a pro-business attitude that should help Boeing”.
"I give a lot of credit here," he said. "President Trump has had business leaders at the table. He’s listening, he’s engaging and is making decisions that will help us grow the economy and ultimately grow US manufacturing jobs."
