Summary
General Electric (GE) reported a decrease in net earnings attributable to the Company for the first quarter of 2009, down 36% to $2.736 billion from $4.304 billion in the prior year. This decline was primarily driven by a significant drop in revenues from its Capital Finance segment, which fell 23% to $13.1 billion, reflecting the challenging economic environment and organic revenue declines. While industrial segments showed mixed performance, with Energy Infrastructure increasing revenues and segment profit, Technology Infrastructure revenues were flat. The company is actively managing its liquidity and capital structure, having contributed $9.5 billion to GE Capital Services (GECS) and reduced its quarterly dividend by 68% to conserve cash. The financial services segment, GECS, experienced a substantial revenue decrease of 20% to $14.4 billion, impacted by increased provision for losses on financing receivables and organic revenue declines. Despite these challenges, GE emphasized its strong liquidity position with $46.8 billion in cash and equivalents and substantial credit lines. The company also highlighted its ongoing efforts to reduce asset levels within GECS and its commitment to managing funding costs effectively amidst market volatility.
Financial Highlights
23 data pointsKey Highlights
- 1Net earnings attributable to GE common shareowners decreased 36% to $2.736 billion compared to $4.304 billion in Q1 2008.
- 2Consolidated revenues decreased 9% to $38.4 billion, with Financial Services revenues declining 20% to $14.4 billion.
- 3Capital Finance segment profit decreased 58% to $1.119 billion, driven by a 23% revenue drop and increased provisions for losses.
- 4Energy Infrastructure segment profit increased 19% to $1.273 billion on higher volume and prices.
- 5GE's cash and equivalents stood at $46.8 billion as of March 31, 2009.
- 6The company reduced its quarterly common stock dividend by 68% to $0.10 per share, effective in Q3 2009.
- 7GE provided a $9.5 billion capital contribution to GECS to improve tangible capital and reduce leverage.