Boeing’s Lower Debt Helps Lift Credit Rating

Boeing Co. had its credit ratings raised by Moody’s Investors Service for the first time since July 1997 as the company reduced debt and increased its cash flow.

The senior unsecured rating was raised one level to A2 from A3, and the short-term rating was increased to Prime-1 from Prime-2, Moody’s said.

Boeing is benefiting from record orders for its planes last year.