10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed July 24, 2006For Securities:GE

Summary

General Electric Company (GE) reported strong financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2006, demonstrating robust revenue growth and increased earnings. Total revenues for the second quarter rose 9% year-over-year to $39.9 billion, driven by broad-based strength across its industrial segments and continued expansion in financial services. Earnings from continuing operations for the quarter increased 11% to $4.85 billion, with diluted EPS of $0.47, up 15% from the prior year. The company successfully navigated a complex operating environment, marked by ongoing divestitures of non-core insurance businesses, including the significant sale of GE Insurance Solutions to Swiss Re in June 2006. This strategic repositioning, coupled with consistent operational execution across its diverse business units like Infrastructure, Industrial, Healthcare, NBC Universal, Commercial Finance, and Consumer Finance, underscores GE's resilience and growth trajectory. Investors should note the continued strategic focus on divesting insurance assets and reinvesting in core growth areas, supported by strong cash flow generation and a commitment to shareholder returns.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for Q2 2006 increased 9% to $39.9 billion, compared to $36.5 billion in Q2 2005.
  • 2Earnings from continuing operations for Q2 2006 grew 11% to $4.85 billion, with diluted EPS rising 15% to $0.47.
  • 3The company completed the sale of GE Insurance Solutions to Swiss Re in June 2006, a significant step in divesting non-core insurance assets.
  • 4Infrastructure segment revenues grew 11% in Q2 2006, driven by volume increases in power generation, oil & gas, and transportation.
  • 5Commercial Finance and Consumer Finance segments both reported double-digit revenue and earnings growth for the quarter, reflecting strong organic growth and acquisitions.
  • 6The company's share repurchase program continued, with approximately $13.9 billion authorized for future repurchases as of June 30, 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

GE's revenue growth in the second quarter of 2006 was driven by strong organic growth across its industrial segments, particularly Infrastructure, Industrial, and Healthcare. The Commercial Finance and Consumer Finance segments also contributed significantly through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Overall, total revenues increased by 9% to $39.9 billion.

The completion of the GE Insurance Solutions sale in June 2006 marked a strategic shift away from non-core insurance assets. While this significantly reduced assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations, the core businesses demonstrated strong performance. The earnings from discontinued operations for Q2 2006 were a small loss of $2 million, reflecting the impact of the sale, compared to earnings of $271 million in the prior year's quarter.

GE's management expressed confidence in their financial position, supported by a strong balance sheet and high credit ratings. They indicated plans to continue growing dividends, executing on their announced $25 billion share repurchase program, and making selective investments for long-term growth. As of June 30, 2006, approximately $13.9 billion remained available under the share repurchase program.

GE's financial services arm, GECS, saw its assets decrease slightly due to divestitures and a weaker US dollar. However, financing receivables grew to $303.9 billion, with an allowance for losses of $4.6 billion. Non-earning receivables were at 1.5% of outstanding receivables. The company noted improved credit quality in Commercial Finance, while Consumer Finance experienced slightly higher delinquency rates, mainly from European operations.