GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
10-Q, 2000-07-26
ELECTRONIC & OTHER ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (NO COMPUTER EQUIP)
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Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q


                (Mark One)
 
[x]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000

or

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 
For the transition period from ____ to ____ 

 

Commission file number 1-35

 

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
New York 
 14-0689340
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT
06431-0001
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 
 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) (203) 373-2211

 

  
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    x     No __

          There were 9,898,772,347 shares with a par value of $0.06 per share outstanding at June 30, 2000.


General Electric Company

Part I. Financial Information   Page
      
    Item 1. Financial Statements    
             Statement of Earnings    
                          Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2000 3
                          Six Months Ended June 30, 2000 4
             Statement of Financial Position   5
             Statement of Cash Flows   6
             Summary of Operating Segments   7
             Notes to Financial Statements   8
 
    Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition   10
     
Part II. Other Information    
     
    Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   15
    Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K   16
    Signature   18

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Statement of Earnings
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates

Second quarter ended June 30 (Unaudited)
(Dollars, except per-share amounts, in millions) Consolidated
GE
GECS
2000 
1999 
2000 
1999 
2000 
1999 
Sales of goods $13,996  $11,478   $11,598  $9,517   $2,405  $1,961 
Sales of services 4,750  4,379   4,816  4,449   –  – 
Earnings of GECS –  –   1,277  1,092   –  – 
GECS revenues from services 13,981  11,348  –  –  14,065  11,417 
Other income 135  205  155  225  –  – 

 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues 32,862  27,410   17,846  15,283   16,470  13,378 

 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold 9,981  8,143   7,750  6,337   2,238  1,806 
Cost of services sold 3,226  3,014   3,292  3,084   –  – 
Interest and other financial charges 3,014  2,404   259  220  2,811  2,237 
Insurance losses and policyholder 
    and annuity benefits 3,852  2,705   –  –   3,852  2,705 
Provision for losses on 
    financing receivables 421  442   –  –   421  442 
Other costs and expenses 7,372  6,494  2,022  1,848  5,398  4,682 
Minority interest in net earnings 
    of consolidated affiliates 97  108   44  63   53  45 

 
 
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses 27,963  23,310   13,367  11,552   14,773  11,917 

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings before income taxes 4,899  4,100  4,479  3,731  1,697  1,461 
Provision for income taxes (1,521) (1,280)  (1,101) (911)  (420) (369)

 
 
 
 
 
    Net earnings $3,378  $2,820   $3,378  $2,820  $1,277  $1,092 

 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per share (a)            
    Diluted $0.34  $0.28          
    Basic $0.34  $0.29          
              
Dividends declared per share (a)$0.13 2/3$0.11  2/3        
    
(a) Adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split effective on April 27, 2000.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Consolidating data are shown for "GE" and "GECS." Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the "consolidated" columns.


Condensed Statement of Earnings
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates

Six months ended June 30 (Unaudited)
(Dollars, except per-share amounts, in millions) Consolidated
GE
GECS
2000 
1999 
2000 
1999 
2000 
1999 
Sales of goods $26,541  $21,489   $21,910  $17,887   $4,638  $3,601 
Sales of services 8,747  7,731   8,874  7,875   –  – 
Earnings of GECS –  –   2,487  2,124   –  – 
GECS revenues from services 27,364  22,047  –  –  27,513  22,160 
Other income 206  308  238  343  –  – 

 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenues 62,858  51,575   33,509  28,229   32,151  25,761 

 
 
 
 
 
Cost of goods sold 19,137  15,380   14,836  12,062   4,308  3,317 
Cost of services sold 5,930  5,344   6,056  5,488   –  – 
Interest and other financial charges 5,796  4,667   512  404  5,381  4,350 
Insurance losses and policyholder 
    and annuity benefits 6,782  5,324   –  –   6,782  5,324 
Provision for losses on financing receivables 942  821   –  –   942  821 
Other costs and expenses 15,168  12,533  4,061  3,589  11,192  9,005 
Minority interest in net earnings 
    of consolidated affiliates 195  162   92  79   103  83 

 
 
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses 53,950  44,231   25,557  21,622   28,708  22,900 

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings before income taxes 8,908  7,344  7,952  6,607  3,443  2,861 
Provision for income taxes (2,938) (2,369)  (1,982) (1,632)  (956) (737)

 
 
 
 
 
    Net earnings $5,970  $4,975   $5,970  $4,975  $2,487  $2,124 

 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per share (a)            
    Diluted $0.59  $0.50          
    Basic $0.60  $0.51          
Dividends declared per share (a)$0.27 1/3$0.23 1/3        
    
(a) Adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split effective on April 27, 2000.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Consolidating data are shown for "GE" and "GECS." Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the "consolidated" columns.

  

Condensed Statement of Financial Position
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates

(Dollars in millions) Consolidated
GE
GECS
6/30/00 
12/31/99 
6/30/00 
12/31/99 
6/30/00 
12/31/99 
Cash and equivalents $12,085   $8,554  $3,702   $2,000  $10,571   $6,931 
Investment securities 84,419   81,758  1,210   1,273  83,209   80,485 
Current receivables 8,910   8,531  9,119   8,743  –   – 
Inventories 7,878   7,007  6,563   5,798  1,315   1,209 
Financing receivables – net 143,414  137,629  –  –  143,414  137,629 
Other GECS receivables 28,060   29,708  –   –  29,335   30,681 
Property, plant and equipment 
    (including equipment              
leased to others) – net 42,083  41,022  12,395  12,381  29,688  28,641 
Investment in GECS –   –  20,876   20,321  –   – 
Intangible assets – net 27,241  26,010  11,784  11,262  15,457  14,748 
All other assets 69,950  64,981  22,311   20,805  48,247   44,694 

 
 
 
 
 
Total assets $424,040  $405,200  $87,960   $82,583  $361,236   $345,018 

 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings $119,737   $130,346  $1,261   $2,245  $121,327   $129,259 
Accounts payable, principally trade accounts 13,373  13,676  5,299  5,068  9,765  9,749 
Other GE current liabilities 18,930  17,194  18,841  17,013  –  – 
Long-term borrowings 77,603   71,427  692   722  76,895   70,766 
Insurance liabilities, reserves and 
    annuity benefits 106,667  86,776  –  –  106,667  86,776 
All other liabilities 27,760   28,772  14,512   13,872  13,091   14,801 
Deferred income taxes 9,112   9,238  509  283  8,603  8,955 

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities 373,182   357,429  41,114   39,203  336,348   320,306 

 
 
 
 
 
Minority interest in equity 
    of consolidated affiliates 4,933  5,214   921  823  4,012  4,391 

 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated unrealized gains (losses)
    on investment securities – net (a)(290) 626  (290) 626  (670) 170 
Accumulated currency translation 
    adjustments (a)(1,919) (1,370) (1,919) (1,370) (594)  (384)
Common stock (9,898,772,000 and 
    9,854,528,000 shares outstanding              
    at June 30, 2000 and 
    December 31, 1999, respectively) (b)669  594  669  594   
Other capital 12,926  10,790  12,926   10,790  2,682   2,682 
Retained earnings 57,749  54,484  57,749   54,484  19,457   17,852 
Less common stock held in treasury (23,210) (22,567) (23,210) (22,567) –  – 

 
 
 
 
 
Total share owners' equity 45,925  42,557  45,925  42,557  20,876  20,321 

 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and equity $424,040  $405,200  $87,960  $82,583  $361,236  $345,018 

 
 
 
 
 
    
(a) The sum of accumulated unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities-net and accumulated currency translation adjustments constitutes "Accumulated nonowner changes other than earnings," and was $(2,209) million and $(744) million at June 30, 2000 and December 31, 1999, respectively.

(b) Adjusted to reflect the three-for-one stock split effective on April 27, 2000.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Consolidating data are shown for "GE" and"GECS." June data are unaudited. Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the "consolidated" columns.


Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates

Six months ended June 30 (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions) Consolidated
GE
GECS
2000 
1999 
2000 
1999 
2000 
1999 
Cash flows – operating activities              
Net earnings $5,970  $4,975  $5,970  $4,975   $2,487  $2,124 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash              
    provided from operating activities              
        Depreciation and amortization of 
            property, plant and equipment 2,584   2,361  928   853  1,656  1,508 
        Amortization of goodwill and 
            other intangibles 1,309  821  253  278  1,056  543 
        Earnings retained by GECS –   –  (1,605) (1,329) –  – 
        Deferred income taxes 745  (179) 356  362  389  (541)
        Decrease (increase) in GE 
            current receivables (201) 361  (198) 482  –  – 
        Decrease (increase) in inventories (661)  (451) (555) (513)  (106) 62 
        Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 890  (1,060) 162  (171) 1,339  (178)
        Increase (decrease) in insurance liabilities, 
            reserves and annuity benefits (1,895)  1,034  –  –   (1,895) 1,034 
        Provision for losses on 
            financing receivables 942   821  –  –   942  821 
        All other operating activities (4,111)  1,637  615  (200) (5,026) 1,480 

 
 
 
 
 
Cash from operating activities 5,572  10,320  5,926  4,737  842  6,853 

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows – investing activities              
Additions to property, plant and equipment 
    (including equipment leased to others)(6,710)  (4,839) (1,017) (674)  (5,693) (4,165)
Net increase in GECS financing receivables (5,219) (5,555) –  –  (5,219) (5,555)
Payments for principal businesses purchased (668) (7,013) (353) (1,035)  (315) (5,978)
All other investing activities 693  1,397  (22) 671   595  639 

 
 
 
 
 
Cash used for investing activities (11,904) (16,010) (1,392) (1,038)  (10,632) (15,059)

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows financing activities              
Net change in borrowings (maturities 
    90 days or less)(2,138) 5,094  (969) (1,307)  525  6,212 
Newly issued debt (maturities longer 
    than 90 days)20,238  15,078  464  338  19,697  14,716 
Repayments and other reductions (maturities             
    longer than 90 days)(19,188) (11,986) (619) (379)  (18,569) (11,607)
Net dispositions of GE shares 985  98  985  98  –  – 
Dividends paid to share owners (2,693) (2,292)  (2,693) (2,292)  (882) (795)
Cash received upon assumption of 
    Toho Mutual Life Insurance Company              
    insurance liabilities 13,177  –   –  –   13,177  – 
All other financing activities (518) 480   –  –   (518) 480 

 
 
 
 
 
Cash from (used for) financing activities 9,863  6,472   (2,832) (3,542)  13,430  9,006 

 
 
 
 
 
Increase in cash and equivalents 3,531  782  1,702  157  3,640  800 
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year 8,554  4,317   2,000  1,175   6,931  3,342 

 
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents at June 30 $12,085  $5,099  $3,702  $1,332  $10,571  $4,142 

 
 
 
 
 
    
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. Consolidating data are shown for "GE" and "GECS."  Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the "consolidated" columns.



Summary of Operating Segments
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates

 
Second quarter ended
June 30 (Unaudited)

Six months ended
June 30 (Unaudited)

(Dollars in millions) 2000  1999    2000    1999 




Revenues         
     GE         
          Aircraft Engines $2,749  $2,650  $5,190  $5,068  
          Appliances 1,575   1,476  2,956  2,677  
          Industrial Products 
               and Systems 3,037  2,885  5,822  5,424  
          NBC 1,956  1,782   3,349  2,962  
          Plastics 2,014   1,741  3,875  3,356  
          Power Systems 3,738   2,334  6,948  4,043  
          Technical Products 
               and Services 1,901  1,625  3,654  3,120  
          Eliminations (533) (420)  (1,025) (771)




               Total GE segment revenues 16,437   14,073  30,769   25,879  
Corporate items 132  118   253  226  
GECS net earnings 1,277  1,092   2,487  2,124  




               Total GE revenues 17,846   15,283  33,509  28,229 
GECS segment revenues 16,470  13,378  32,151  25,761 
Eliminations (a)(1,454) (1,251)  (2,802) (2,415)




        
Consolidated revenues $32,862  $27,410  $62,858  $51,575  




Segment profit         
     GE        
          Aircraft Engines $609   $509  $1,167  $991  
          Appliances 194   177  344  338  
          Industrial Products 
               and Systems 603  540  1,117  933  
          NBC 635  544   1,029  878  
          Plastics 519  468   956  865  
          Power Systems 752   516  1,205  707  
          Technical Products and Services 413   328  753  596  




        
               Total GE operating profit 3,725   3,082  6,571   5,308  
     GECS net earnings 1,277  1,092  2,487  2,124  




          Total segment profit 5,002  4,174  9,058  7,432  
     GE interest and other 
          financial charges (259) (220 ) (512) (404)
     GE provision for income taxes (1,101) (911)  (1,982) (1,632)
     Corporate items and eliminations (264) (223)  (594) (421)




Consolidated net earnings $3,378  $2,820  $5,970  $4,975  




         ; 
(a) Principally the elimination of GECS net earnings.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

          1. The accompanying condensed quarterly financial statements represent the consolidation of General Electric Company and all companies which it directly or indirectly controls, either through majority ownership or otherwise. Reference is made to note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. That note discusses consolidation and financial statement presentation. As used in this Report and in the Report on Form 10-K, "GE" represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. ("GECS"), which is presented on a one-line basis; GECS consists of General Electric Capital Services, Inc. and all of its affiliates; and "consolidated" represents the adding together of GE and GECS with the effects of transactions between the two eliminated.

          2. The condensed consolidated quarterly financial statements are unaudited. These statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary by management to present a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year.

          3. A summary of changes in share owners' equity that do not result directly from transactions with share owners is provided below.

  Second quarter ended
(Dollars in millions) 6/30/00    6/30/99 


Net earnings $3,378  $2,820 
Unrealized losses on investment securities – net (931) (1,373)
Foreign currency translation adjustment losses – net (229) (146)


Total $2,218  $1,301 


 

Six months ended
(Dollars in millions) 6/30/00    6/30/99 


Net earnings $5,970  $4,975 
Unrealized losses on investment securities – net (916) (1,757)
Foreign currency translation adjustment losses – net (549) (534)


Total $4,505  $2,684 


          4. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued, then subsequently amended, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Statement 133), effective for GE and GECS on January 1, 2001. Upon adoption, all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) will be recognized in balance sheets at fair value, and changes in such fair values must be recognized in earnings unless specific hedging criteria are met. Changes in the values of derivatives meeting these hedging criteria will ultimately offset related earnings effects of the hedged items; effects of qualifying changes in fair value are recorded in equity pending recognition in earnings. Management has not determined the total probable effects on its financial statements of adopting Statement 133, as amended, and does not believe that an estimate of such effects would be meaningful at this time.

          5. Inventories consisted of the following:

  At
(Dollars in millions) 6/30/00    12/31/99  


GE    
Raw materials and work in process $3,762  $3,438 
Finished goods 3,572  3,054 
Unbilled shipments 136  233 
Revaluation to LIFO (907) (927)


 6,563  5,798 


GECS    
Finished goods 1,315  1,209 


Total $7,878  $7,007 


 

         6. Property, plant and equipment (including equipment leased to others) - net, consisted of the following: 

  At
(Dollars in millions) 6/30/00    12/31/99  


Original cost    
     GE $30,994  $30,199 
     GECS 39,836  38,160 


          Total 70,830   68,359 


Accumulated depreciation and amortization    
     GE 18,599  17,818 
     GECS 10,148  9,519 


          Total 28,747   27,337 


Property, plant and equipment –  net    
     GE 12,395  12,381 
     GECS 29,688  28,641 


          Total $42,083   $41,022 


 

         7. GE's authorized common stock consisted of 13,200,000,000 shares, having a par value of $0.06 each. Information related to the calculation of earnings per share follows.

  Second quarter ended
(Dollar amounts and shares in millions;
per-share amounts in dollars)
6/30/00
6/30/99
Diluted Basic   Diluted Basic




Consolidated operations         
Net earnings available to common share owners $3,378  $3,378  $2,820  $2,820 
Dividend equivalents –  net of tax   –     –  




Net earnings available for per-share calculation $3,380  $3,378   $2,822  $2,820 




Average equivalent shares        
Shares of GE common stock 9,892  9,892  9,830  9,830 
Employee compensation-related shares, 
     including stock options 

164 
 
–  
 
162 
 
–  




Total average equivalent shares 10,056  9,892   9,992  9,830 




Net earnings per share $0.34  $0.34  $0.28  $0.29 




   

  

  Six months ended
(Dollar amounts and shares in millions;
per-share amounts in dollars)
6/30/00
6/30/99
Diluted Basic   Diluted Basic




Consolidated operations         
Net earnings available to common share owners $5,970  $5,970  $4,975  $4,975 
Dividend equivalents – net of tax   –     –  




Net earnings available for per-share calculation $5,974  $5,970   $4,979  $4,975 




Average equivalent shares        
Shares of GE common stock 9,880  9,880  9,825  9,825 
Employee compensation-related shares, 
     including stock options 

162 
 
–  
 
164 
 
–  




Total average equivalent shares 10,042  9,880   9,989  9,825 




Net earnings per share $0.59  $0.60  $0.50  $0.51 




Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

A. Results of Operations – Second Quarter of 2000 Compared With Second Quarter of 1999

         General Electric Company's earnings for the second quarter of 2000 were $3.378 billion, the highest for any quarter in the Company's history, an increase of 20% over the same period in 1999. Earnings per share increased 21% to $0.34, up from last year's $0.28. Both earnings per share and earnings were records for the quarter.

         Consolidated revenues rose to a record $32.9 billion, 20% higher than last year's quarter, reflecting continued growth from globalization and product services. GE's industrial businesses achieved revenue growth of 17% over the second quarter of 1999. Operating profit for all seven operating segments increased by double digits -- led by Power Systems, Technical Products and Services, Aircraft Engines, and NBC.

         GE's second-quarter operating margin was 20.4% of sales, up from last year's 19.3%, and a record for the quarter. The second-quarter margin growth reflects the increasing benefits from GE's focus on product services, Six Sigma quality and e-Business initiatives.

         GE Capital Services' second-quarter earnings rose to $1.277 billion, 17% over last year's $1.092 billion. These record results reflect the globalization and diversity of GE Capital's businesses, with strong double-digit increases in its Specialized Financing, Consumer Services and Mid-Market Financing activities.

         Cash generated from GE's operating activities during the first half was a record $5.9 billion, up 25% from last year's $4.7 billion. As part of the $22 billion share repurchase program, GE purchased $523 million of its stock during the second quarter to reach $16.5 billion -- 934 million shares -- purchased since December 1994.

Segment Analysis:

         The comments that follow compare revenues and segment profit by operating segment for the second quarters of 2000 and 1999.

  • Aircraft Engines revenues increased 4% over the second quarter of 1999, reflecting higher volume in military engines and continued growth in product services. Operating profit was 20% higher as productivity and volume growth more than offset higher costs.
     
  • Appliances operating profit increased 10% on revenues that were 7% higher than last year. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to higher volume, the result of both market share gains and industry growth, which more than offset declines in selling prices. The improvement in operating profit resulted from productivity and the increase in volume which more than offset lower selling prices and increased spending on new products.
     
  • GE Capital Services second-quarter earnings rose to $1.277 billion, up 17% from last year's $1.092 billion, reflecting strong double-digit increases in its Specialized Financing, Consumer Services and Mid-Market Financing activities. The overall improvement in earnings was largely attributable to the effects of continued asset growth, principally from acquisitions of businesses and portfolios, and a higher level of asset gains.
     
  • Industrial Products and Systems operating profit increased by 12% on revenues that were 5% higher than a year ago. The growth in revenues reflected volume increases across most businesses in the segment which more than offset lower selling prices. The improvement in operating profit was primarily attributable to productivity, partially offset by lower selling prices.
     
  • NBC reported a 10% increase in revenues, reflecting growth across the business and particularly strong results in cable operations. Operating profit was 17% higher than a year ago primarily reflecting a strong marketplace, improved results in network operations, cable, and stations, which more than offset higher license fees associated with renewal of certain sports and prime-time programs.
     
  • Plastics revenues were 16% higher than a year ago, primarily as a result of double-digit volume increases across all segments of the business. Operating profit increased by 11% as the growth in volume and higher selling prices were partially offset by higher raw material costs.
     
  • Power Systems revenues increased 60%, reflecting sharply higher volume in gas turbines and continued growth in product services. Operating profit rose 46%, primarily as a result of the growth in volume and higher selling prices.
     
  • Technical Products & Services revenues increased 17% from the second quarter of 1999, primarily as a result of growth at Medical Systems, which reported sharply higher equipment volume, including acquisitions, and continued growth in product services. Operating profit grew 26% in the second quarter, reflecting productivity and volume growth at Medical Systems, which more than offset lower results at Global Exchange Services.

B. Results of Operations – First Half of 2000 Compared With First Half of 1999

         Earnings for the six months ended June 30, 2000, were $5.970 billion, up 20% from $4.975 billion in 1999's first half. Earnings per share increased 18% to $0.59 from $0.50.

         Consolidated revenues for the first six months of 2000 aggregated $62.9 billion, up 22% from last year. GE's sales of goods and services were 19% higher, with improvements led by double-digit increases at Power Systems, Medical Systems, Plastics and NBC. Operating profit increased at all seven of GE's industrial operating segments; six segments had double-digit growth, led by Power Systems, Technical Products and Services, Industrial Products and Systems, and Aircraft Engines.

         Operating margin in the first half of 2000 was 18.9% of sales, compared with last year's 17.9%. The improvement in operating margin reflects the increasing benefits from GE's focus on product services, Six Sigma quality and e-Business initiatives.

Segment Analysis:

         The following comments compare revenues and segment profit by industry segment for the first half of 2000 with the same period of 1999.

  • Aircraft Engines revenues increased 2% over the first half of 1999, reflecting volume growth in military engines and product services. Operating profit was 18% higher as productivity and the volume growth more than offset higher costs.
     
  • Appliances revenues were 10% higher than in the first half of 1999, primarily as a result of volume growth, reflecting both market share gains and industry growth. Operating profit increased 2% as productivity and volume growth were largely offset by lower selling prices and increased spending on new products.
     
  • GE Capital Services earnings for the first six months of 2000 rose to $2.487 billion, up 17% from last year's $2.124 billion, reflecting strong double-digit increases in Specialized Financing, Consumer Services, and Mid-Market Financing activities. The overall improvement in earnings was largely attributable to a higher level of asset gains and the effects of continued asset growth, principally from acquisitions of businesses and portfolios.
     
  • Industrial Products and Systems revenues were 7% higher than a year ago, reflecting good volume increases across most businesses in the segment which more than offset lower selling prices. Operating profit increased 20% as strong productivity across the segment more than offset the effects of lower selling prices and higher costs.
     
  • NBC reported a 17% increase in operating profit on revenues that were 13% higher than a year ago. The improvement in revenues and operating profit reflected growth in network operations, cable, and stations, with the effects on operating profit somewhat reduced by higher license fees associated with renewal of certain sports and prime-time programs.
     
  • Plastics operating profit increased 11% on revenues that were 15% ahead of the first half of 1999. The increase in revenues resulted from good volume growth across all segments of the business. The increase in operating profit was primarily attributable to improved volume and higher selling prices, which were partially offset by higher raw material costs.
     
  • Power Systems revenues increased 72%, reflecting sharply higher volume in gas turbines and continued growth in product services. Operating profit increased 70%, primarily as a result of the increase in volume coupled with higher selling prices.
     
  • Technical Products & Services revenues increased 17% from the first half of 1999, principally as a result of sharply higher volume at Medical Systems, including the contribution of acquisitions. Operating profit grew 26% reflecting strong volume growth and productivity at Medical Systems which more than offset lower results at Global Exchange Services.

C. Financial Condition

         With respect to the Condensed Statement of Financial Position, consolidated assets of $424.0 billion at June 30, 2000, were $18.8 billion higher than at December 31, 1999.

         GE assets were $88.0 billion at June 30, 2000, an increase of $5.4 billion from December 31, 1999. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in cash ($1.7 billion) and all other assets ($1.5 billion). The change in all other assets resulted primarily from an increase in the prepaid pension asset.

         GECS assets increased by $16.2 billion from the end of 1999. The increase in assets was largely attributable to the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Toho Mutual Life Insurance of Japan (Toho), an entity that was insolvent. Under the terms of the acquisition, which was consummated in the first quarter, GECS acquired $13.2 billion in cash, as well as financing receivables and other assets in exchange for assuming Toho's existing insurance policyholder liabilities. The significant cash position of Toho at the date of acquisition reflected the liquidity needs of the business including policyholder redemptions that have occurred through June 30, 2000, and are expected to continue over the remainder of the six month period following the acquisition.

         GECS cash increased $3.6 billion, largely as a result of the addition of cash in connection with the Toho acquisition, partially offset by payments for policyholder redemptions and investment of funds at Toho. GE Capital's financing receivables, which, net of the allowance for losses, aggregated $143.4 billion at the end of the second quarter, increased $5.8 billion from year-end 1999. The increase resulted principally from the addition of financing receivables of Toho. Management believes that GE Capital's allowance for losses of $3.9 billion at June 30, 2000, is the best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio given its strength and diversity and current economic circumstances. Other assets increased $3.6 billion, primarily reflecting growth in "separate accounts," which are investments controlled by policyholders, as well as acquired real estate ventures of Toho.

         Consolidated liabilities of $373.2 billion at June 30, 2000, were $15.8 billion higher than the year-end 1999 balance of $357.4 billion. GE liabilities increased $1.9 billion; GECS liabilities increased $16.0 billion.

         GE total borrowings were $2.0 billion ($1.3 billion short-term and $0.7 billion long-term) at June 30, 2000, a decrease of $1.0 billion from December 31, 1999. GE's ratio of debt to total capital at the end of June 2000 was 4.0% compared with 6.4% at the end of last year and 6.7% at June 30, 1999.

         GECS liabilities increased to $336.3 billion compared with $320.3 billion at the end of 1999. The increase was principally attributable to additions to insurance liabilities of $19.9 billion from year-end 1999, primarily the assumption of policyholder liabilities of Toho, as well as increases in separate accounts and additions to reserves related to core growth. Short-term borrowings decreased $7.9 billion from year-end 1999, while long-term borrowings increased by $6.1 billion.

         With respect to cash flows, consolidated cash and equivalents were $12.1 billion at June 30, 2000, an increase of $3.5 billion during the first half. Cash and equivalents were $5.1 billion at June 30, 1999, an increase of $0.8 billion during last year's first half.

         GE's cash and equivalents increased $1.7 billion during the first half of 2000 to $3.7 billion at June 30, 2000. Cash provided from operating activities was $5.9 billion during the first six months of 2000, compared with $4.7 billion in the first half of 1999, reflecting continuing improvements in earnings as well as higher progress collections and accounts payable during the period. Cash used for investing activities ($1.4 billion) principally resulted from business acquisitions and investments in new plant and equipment for a diverse number of projects to lower costs and improve efficiencies. Cash used for financing activities ($2.8 billion) included $1.1 billion for net reduction of debt, $1.1 billion for repurchases of the Company's common stock under the share repurchase program and $2.7 billion for dividends paid to share owners, a 17% increase in the per-share dividend rate compared with the first half of last year.

         GE's cash and equivalents increased $0.2 billion during the first half of 1999 to $1.3 billion at June 30, 1999. Cash provided from operating activities was $4.7 billion during the first six months of 1999, compared with $3.5 billion in the first half of 1998, reflecting continuing improvements in earnings and higher progress collections during the period. Cash used for investing activities ($1.0 billion) principally resulted from business acquisitions and investments in new plant and equipment for a diverse number of projects to lower costs and improve efficiencies. Cash used for financing activities ($3.5 billion) included $1.3 billion for net reduction of debt, $0.9 billion for repurchases of the Company's common stock under the share repurchase program and $2.3 billion for dividends paid to share owners, a 17% increase in the per-share dividend rate compared with the first half of 1998.

         GECS cash and equivalents increased by $3.6 billion during the first half of 2000 to $10.6 billion, principally as a result of cash acquired in connection with the Toho acquisition. Cash provided from operating activities was $0.8 billion during the first six months of 2000, compared with $6.9 billion during the first half of 1999. The decrease in cash from operating activities compared with last year was largely attributable to insurance policyholder redemptions associated with the Toho acquisition and a smaller decrease in mortgages held for resale. Cash from financing activities totaled $13.4 billion, primarily as a result of insurance policyholder liabilities assumed in the Toho acquisition, the effect of which was partially offset by net reductions in debt. The principal use of GECS cash during the period was for investing activities ($10.6 billion), a majority of which was attributable to investments in securities, financing receivables and property, plant and equipment.

         GECS cash and equivalents increased $0.8 billion during the first half of 1999. Cash was used primarily to fund additions to property, plant and equipment ($4.2 billion), principally equipment that is provided to third parties on operating leases; to fund additions to financing receivables ($5.6 billion); and to fund acquisitions of businesses ($6.0 billion). Cash provided from operating activities totaled $6.9 billion. Cash provided from financing activities resulted primarily from increased net borrowings ($9.3 billion) during the first six months of 1999.

Subsequent Event

         On July 12, 2000, Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) and Paine Webber Group, Inc. (PaineWebber) announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement (the UBS merger agreement). GE Capital Services holds 31,523,600 shares of PaineWebber common stock and would realize a pretax gain of about $1.4 billion if the merger is completed under the terms of the UBS merger agreement. GE Capital Services has agreed with UBS to vote in favor of the merger. Fifty percent of the GE Capital Services holdings of PaineWebber securities is classified as trading securities; changes in the share price of those securities will be recognized in earnings prior to consummation. Thus, for example, an increase in the share price of PaineWebber from June 30, 2000, to the price in the UBS merger agreement would result in recognition of approximately $0.4 billion of the total pretax gain. The UBS merger agreement is subject to a number of conditions that are not within the control of GE, resolution of which will affect the amount and timing of proceeds, if any, realized from the transaction. At this time, management is unable to predict the outcome of these matters.

Part II. Other Information

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

(a) 

The annual meeting of Share Owners of General Electric Company was held on April 26, 2000.

(b) 

All director nominees were elected.

(c) 

Certain matters voted upon at the meeting and the votes cast with respect to such matters, prior to reflecting the 3-for-1 stock split authorized at the meeting, are as follows:

 

Proposals and Vote Tabulations

Votes Cast
   

For

Against

Abstain

Broker
Non-votes





Management Proposals

 

Approval of the appointment of independent auditors for 2000

2,712,966,091

6,015,215

12,601,953

0

 

Approval of proposal to increase number of authorized shares to permit 3-for-1 stock split

2,713,784,070

7,876,284

9,922,905

0

Share Owner Proposals

(1)

Relating to cumulative voting

469,832,858

1,625,698,012

165,258,248

470,794,141

(2)

Relating to workplace code of conduct


165,274,082


1,947,514,223


148,000,813


470,794,141

(3)

Relating to globalization report

110,293,830

2,045,341,867

105,153,421

470,794,141

(4)

Relating to nuclear power report

134,039,678

2,023,990,133

102,759,307

470,794,141

(5)

Relating to landmine and cluster bomb production


65,547,447


2,085,059,541


110,182,130


470,794,141

(6)

Relating to executive compensation review


143,309,488


2,013,235,681


104,243,949


470,794,141

(7)

Relating to environmental education report


191,628,265


1,967,675,823


101,485,030


470,794,141

(8)

Relating to report on PCB cleanup costs


194,376,601


1,966,606,605


99,805,912


470,794,141

(9)

Relating to non-employee directors retirement plan


738,221,197


1,442,525,956


80,041,965


470,794,141

(10)

Relating to political and lobbying expense report


160,680,766


1,997,257,492


102,850,860


470,794,141

(11)

Foreign military sales

115,082,065

2,031,105,138

114,601,915

470,794,141

Election of Directors

Director


Votes Received


Votes Withheld


James I. Cash, Jr.

2,705,123,787

26,459,472

Silas S. Cathcart

2,699,574,679

32,008,580

Dennis D. Dammerman

2,701,983,587

29,599,672

Paolo Fresco

2,701,063,440

30,519,819

Ann M. Fudge

2,699,428,596

32,154,663

Claudio X. Gonzalez

2,705,115,775

26,467,484

Andrea Jung

2,705,581,048

26,002,211

Kenneth G. Langone

2,700,496,393

31,086,866

Scott G. McNealy

2,686,782,933

44,800,326

Gertrude G. Michelson

2,703,409,506

28,173,753

Sam Nunn

2,684,665,305

46,917,954

Roger S. Penske

2,668,406,734

63,176,525

Frank H. T. Rhodes

2,703,930,050

27,653,209

Andrew C. Sigler

2,705,163,386

26,419,873

Douglas A. Warner III

2,687,132,585

44,450,674

John F. Welch, Jr.

2,704,750,145

26,833,114

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

a. Exhibits
 
  Exhibit 11. Computation of Per Share Earnings*
Exhibit 12. Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
Exhibit 27. Financial Data Schedule
*
Data required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share, is provided in note 7 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this report.
b. Reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended June 30, 2000.
 
  Report on Form 8-K (Items 5 and 7) filed on May 1, 2000, regarding amendment of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change and increase the Company's authorized common stock from 4,400,000,000 shares, par value $0.16 per share, to 13,200,000,000 shares, par value $0.06 per share, and in so doing split the common stock (including outstanding and treasury shares) on a 3-for-1 basis.

Signatures

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
General Electric Company
            (Registrant)

 

July 26, 2000
 /s/ Philip D. Ameen 
Date Philip D. Ameen
Vice President and Comptroller
Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer


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