On Sept. 30, 2004, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook on Boeing Co. and its finance unit Boeing Capital Corp. to positive from stable. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its ratings, including the 'A/A-1' corporate credit ratings, on both entities. About $5.2 billion of debt is outstanding at Boeing and $7.5 billion at Boeing Capital. The outlook revision is based on continued solid financial performance, modest strengthening of demand for commercial airplanes, efforts to lower the risk profile at Boeing Capital, and progress in reducing Boeing's unfunded pension liabilities. The rating action also incorporates expectations that the company will pursue a balanced financial policy and capital allocation from its substantial cash flow, thus further improving
