WASHINGTON D.C. (S&P Global Ratings) Jan. 29, 2020--Boeing Co. today announced a $2.6 billion charge in the fourth quarter of 2019 to provide for airline compensation related to the 737 MAX grounding. This is on top of the $5.6 billion recorded earlier in 2019, but below our estimates of a $5 billion-$6 billion increase. Boeing realized $1.4 billion of these costs in 2019 through cash payments and other considerations. The company may incur additional compensation costs as it continues negotiations with customers or if the 737 MAX's return to service is delayed beyond our estimate of mid-2020. Boeing also announced it would increase the program costs (which are recognized as lower margins on future deliveries) by $2.6 billion, on top
