Why is GE filing this 8-K report?

General Electric is filing this 8-K to update its previously filed 2009 Form 10-K with revised financial information and disclosures. This is necessary because the company underwent a significant reorganization of its business segments, effective January 1, 2010.

What are the main changes resulting from the segment reorganization?

The company created a new 'Home & Business Solutions' segment, combining its Appliances and Lighting businesses with a portion of its GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms business. Additionally, businesses were reallocated to existing segments such as 'Energy Infrastructure' and 'GE Capital' (renamed from Capital Finance) to better align operations and facilitate growth.

What specific financial information is being updated or provided?

This filing provides reclassified segment information for prior periods, including annual results for the five years ended December 31, 2009, and quarterly results for 2009 and 2008, reflecting the new segment structure. It also includes updated business descriptions, revised GE Capital financial data, and supersedes specific parts of the 2009 10-K with revised Management's Discussion and Analysis and consolidated financial statements.

Should investors rely solely on this 8-K for GE's latest financial performance?

No, investors should not rely solely on this 8-K. While it updates the 2009 10-K for segment reclassification, it does not cover events or developments subsequent to the 2009 10-K filing. For the most current financial information and developments since the 2009 10-K, investors should refer to GE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2010, and any subsequent 8-K filings.

GE 8-K SEC Disclosure — May 7, 2010

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from General Electric Company (GE) on May 7, 2010, primarily serves to update financial information and disclosures within its 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The update is necessitated by a significant business segment reorganization that became effective January 1, 2010. The company restructured its Consumer & Industrial and Energy businesses to better align for future growth and operational efficiency. Key changes include the creation of a new 'Home & Business Solutions' segment, incorporating parts of the previous Consumer & Industrial and Enterprise Solutions segments. Other businesses have been reclassified into existing segments like 'Energy Infrastructure' and 'GE Capital' (renamed from Capital Finance). The filing provides reclassified segment information for prior periods to reflect these organizational changes, ensuring consistency for investors when analyzing historical performance against the new segment structure. Investors should note that this filing supersedes specific sections of the 2009 10-K and should also consult subsequent filings for the most current information.

Key Highlights

1GE filed an 8-K on May 6, 2010, to update its 2009 10-K with revised financial information due to a segment reorganization.
2The reorganization, effective January 1, 2010, aimed to better align Consumer & Industrial and Energy businesses for growth.
3A new 'Home & Business Solutions' segment was created, merging Appliance, Lighting, and parts of GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms.
4Other businesses were reclassified into 'Energy Infrastructure' (including Sensing & Inspection, Digital Energy, and Industrial businesses) and 'GE Capital' (formerly Capital Finance).
5The filing provides reclassified segment information for prior periods (years ended December 31, 2009, and quarters of 2009/2008) to reflect the new segment structure.
6The Security business was moved to GE Corporate Items and Eliminations prior to its sale in Q1 2010.
7The filing includes updated business descriptions, segment results, GE Capital financial data, and revised MD&A and financial statements from the 2009 10-K.

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO 8-K Report, Corporate Update (May 7, 2010)

Summary

Key Highlights

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