Fitch affirms Boeing’s debt ratings

NEW YORK — Fitch Ratings on Monday affirmed the debt ratings of aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. and its financing arm, Boeing Capital.

Fitch’s issuer default ratings on the companies are at the mid-point of investment grade.

The rating outlook is stable, which means they aren’t expected to be changed in the near future. The ratings cover about $12.4 billion of debt.

The ratings agency expects Boeing’s credit profile to improve this year as profit gets a lift from an uptick in deliveries of 787s and 747s. Fitch also said that Boeing should benefit from moves it made last year, including reducing its credit risk and securing “several significant” defense contracts. Boeing’s business is split about evenly between commercial and military aircraft production.

The aircraft maker also negotiated a major union contract last year, which was one of Fitch’s main concerns.

Boeing shares rose 50 cents to $76.02 in morning trading.