8-KOther Events

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO 8-K Report (May 1, 2000)

Filed May 1, 2000For Securities:GE

Summary

General Electric Company (GE) announced in this 8-K filing that its shareholders authorized a significant amendment to the company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective April 27, 2000. The primary change involved a 3-for-1 common stock split and a corresponding adjustment in authorized shares. The total authorized common stock increased from 4,400,000,000 shares to 13,200,000,000 shares, with the par value per share reduced from $0.16 to $0.06. This move aims to make the stock more accessible to a broader range of investors by lowering the per-share price and increasing liquidity. For shareholders, this stock split is a non-taxable event. The filing clarifies that the cost basis and holding period for the original shares will be divided equally among the three new shares received for each original share. New physical stock certificates will be mailed to shareholders not participating in GE Stock Direct around May 5, 2000, while participants in GE Stock Direct will see the new shares credited to their accounts.

Key Highlights

  • 1GE shareholders approved a 3-for-1 common stock split.
  • 2Authorized common stock increased from 4.4 billion to 13.2 billion shares.
  • 3Par value per share reduced from $0.16 to $0.06.
  • 4The stock split became effective on April 27, 2000.
  • 5The stock split is not considered a taxable event for shareholders.
  • 6Cost basis and holding periods for original shares will carry over proportionally to the new shares.
  • 7New physical stock certificates are expected to be mailed around May 5, 2000, for eligible shareholders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to report that General Electric Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the company's Certificate of Incorporation, which included a 3-for-1 common stock split and an increase in authorized shares. This action became effective on April 27, 2000.

If you held GE common stock as of April 27, 2000, you will receive two additional shares for each share you owned, resulting in a total of three shares for every one original share. All common stock certificates outstanding on that date remain valid and will, along with any new certificates, represent your total holdings.

No, according to GE's Tax Counsel, the receipt of the additional shares from the stock split will not constitute taxable income for shareholders under federal income tax laws. The cost basis and holding period for your original shares will be proportionately allocated to the new shares.

For shareholders who do not participate in GE Stock Direct, physical certificates for the new shares are expected to be mailed via First Class mail on or about May 5, 2000. For participants in GE Stock Direct, the new shares will be credited directly to their accounts in book-entry form.