10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2007

Filed November 2, 2007For Securities:GE

Summary

General Electric Company (GE) reported a solid third quarter for 2007, demonstrating growth across key financial metrics. Total revenues increased by 12% year-over-year to $42.5 billion, driven by strong performance in both industrial and financial services segments. Earnings from continuing operations saw a significant rise of 7% to $5.086 billion, translating to diluted earnings per share of $0.54. The company also saw positive momentum in its nine-month performance, with earnings from continuing operations up 17% to $15.656 billion. The company's strategic initiatives, including acquisitions and divestitures, are shaping its portfolio. Notably, the sale of the Plastics business contributed positively, while ongoing restructuring efforts are being managed to align with long-term growth objectives. GE continues to invest in its core industrial businesses, which showed robust organic growth, and its financial services arm, GECS, also expanded its revenue base. The company remains committed to returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, signaling confidence in its financial health and future prospects.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the third quarter of 2007 increased by 12% to $42.5 billion compared to the prior year period.
  • 2Earnings from continuing operations grew by 7% to $5.086 billion for the third quarter.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations were $0.50 for the quarter, an increase from $0.46 in the prior year.
  • 4For the first nine months of 2007, earnings from continuing operations increased by 17% to $15.656 billion.
  • 5The company completed the sale of its Plastics business in August 2007, recognizing a significant after-tax gain.
  • 6Industrial segment revenues grew by 11% in the third quarter, driven by strong organic growth and acquisitions.
  • 7GE announced plans to sell its Japanese personal loan business (Lake) and U.S. mortgage business (WMC), recording associated losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

GE's revenue growth in the third quarter of 2007 was driven by a combination of strong organic growth, particularly in its industrial businesses, and the net impact of acquisitions. The weaker U.S. dollar also contributed to higher revenues, especially in industrial sales. Financial services revenues also saw a significant increase due to organic growth and currency effects.

In the third quarter of 2007, earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $453 million, a significant increase from $117 million in the same period of 2006. This improvement was largely due to a substantial after-tax gain recognized from the sale of the Plastics business. However, this was partially offset by estimated losses on the planned sales of the Lake and WMC businesses.

GE continued its share repurchase program in the third quarter of 2007, acquiring approximately 170,950 thousand shares for $39.40 per share on average. As of September 30, 2007, there was approximately $5.4 billion remaining under its authorized $27 billion share repurchase program, which is expected to continue through 2008.

The company disclosed that it identified certain incorrect revenue recognition procedures and practices primarily in its Healthcare, Infrastructure, Industrial, and Aviation segments. While these were determined to be immaterial to past financial statements and adjustments were made, they were classified as significant deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting. Remedial actions and internal control enhancements were underway. Additionally, the SEC staff's investigation into hedge accounting for derivatives and other accounting policies continued.