Boeing 2008 Annual Report Download - page 19

are aluminum (sheet, plate, forgings and extrusions), titanium (sheet, plate, forgings and extrusions)
and composites (including carbon and boron). Although alternative sources generally exist for these
raw materials, qualification of the sources could take a year or more. Many major components and
product equipment items are procured or subcontracted on a sole-source basis with a number of
domestic and non-U.S. companies.
Suppliers
We are dependent upon the ability of large numbers of suppliers and subcontractors to meet
performance specifications, quality standards and delivery schedules at anticipated costs. While we
maintain an extensive qualification and performance surveillance system to control risk associated with
such reliance on third parties, failure of suppliers or subcontractors to meet commitments could
adversely affect production schedules and program/contract profitability, thereby jeopardizing our
ability to fulfill commitments to our customers. We are also dependent on the availability of energy
sources, such as electricity, at affordable prices.
Seasonality
No material portion of our business is considered to be seasonal.
Other Information
Boeing was originally incorporated in the State of Washington in 1916 and reincorporated in Delaware
in 1934. Our principal executive offices are located at 100 N. Riverside, Chicago, Illinois 60606 and our
telephone number is [phone].
General information about us can be found at www.boeing.com. The information contained on or
connected to our web site is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and
should not be considered part of this or any other report filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current
Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to those reports, are available free of charge
through our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with, or furnish them to, the
SEC. These reports may also be obtained at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, DC 20549. The SEC also maintains a web site at www.sec.gov that contains reports,
proxy statements and other information regarding SEC registrants, including Boeing.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
An investment in our common stock or debt securities involves risks and uncertainties and our actual
results and future trends may differ materially from our past performance due to a variety of factors,
including, without limitation, the following:
We depend heavily upon commercial customers, our suppliers and the worldwide market,
which are subject to unique risks.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from a limited number of major commercial airlines,
some of which have encountered financial difficulties. We depend on a limited number of customers,
including the major commercial airlines. We can make no assurance that any customer will purchase
additional products or services from us after our contract with the customer ends. Financial
difficulties, including bankruptcy, of any of the major commercial airlines could significantly reduce
our revenues and our opportunity to generate a profit. Several commercial airlines have filed for or
recently emerged from bankruptcy.
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