Summary
General Electric (GE) reported mixed results for the second quarter of 2008. Consolidated net earnings decreased by 6% to $5.07 billion, or $0.51 per share, compared to the same period in 2007. This decline was primarily driven by a loss from discontinued operations, which increased from $0.23 billion to $0.32 billion. Despite the overall dip in net earnings, revenues saw a healthy 11% increase to $46.9 billion, bolstered by organic growth, a weaker U.S. dollar, and strategic acquisitions. The industrial businesses showed robust performance with a 15% increase in sales. However, the financial services segment, GE Capital Services (GECS), experienced an 11% revenue increase, but its segment profit declined due to higher provisions for losses on financing receivables and a general deterioration in credit conditions, particularly in the U.S. and UK. Management highlighted strategic initiatives including the potential spin-off of its Consumer & Industrial businesses and ongoing efforts to integrate recent acquisitions. The company also addressed a significant increase in financing receivables and provided details on its fair value measurement practices in light of market volatility.
Financial Highlights
23 data pointsKey Highlights
- 1Consolidated net earnings declined 6% year-over-year to $5.07 billion ($0.51/share), impacted by increased losses from discontinued operations.
- 2Total revenues increased by a strong 11% to $46.9 billion, driven by organic growth, favorable currency exchange rates, and acquisitions.
- 3Industrial sales grew by 15%, demonstrating resilience in core manufacturing and product services segments.
- 4Financial services (GECS) segment revenues increased 11%, but segment profit faced pressure from higher provisions for losses on financing receivables.
- 5GE Money reported a 9% decrease in segment profit due to core declines and lower securitization income, alongside increasing delinquencies.
- 6The company is exploring strategic options for its Consumer & Industrial businesses, including a potential spin-off.
- 7Goodwill increased by $3.25 billion, primarily due to acquisitions such as Merrill Lynch Capital and Bank BPH.