10-Q 1 frm8k093008.htm frm8k093008.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
 
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
 
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 001-00035
 
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
 
06828-0001
(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 þ No ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer þ
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
 
There were 9,955,456,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.06 per share outstanding at September 26, 2008.
 

 
(1)

 

General Electric Company
 
   
Page
Part I - Financial Information
   
     
Item 1. Financial Statements
   
Condensed Statement of Earnings
   
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
29
 
47
 
47
     
Part II - Other Information
   
     
 
48
 
48
 
52
 
52
 
53
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This document contains “forward-looking statements”– that is, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” or “will.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties that could adversely or positively affect our future results include: the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and exchange rates, commodity and equity prices and the value of financial assets; continued volatility and further deterioration of the capital markets; the commercial and consumer credit environment; the impact of regulation and regulatory, investigative and legal actions; strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions; future integration of acquired businesses; future financial performance of major industries which we serve, including, without limitation, the air and rail transportation, energy generation, media, real estate and healthcare industries; and numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business and competitive nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.
 

 
(2)

 

Part I. Financial Information
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates
 
 
Three months ended September 30 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated
   
GE(a)
 
Financial
Services (GECS)
 
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
     
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                       
Sales of goods
$
17,924
 
$
15,354
   
$
17,473
 
$
15,271
 
$
579
 
$
277
 
Sales of services
 
11,236
   
9,301
     
11,395
   
9,419
   
   
 
Other income
 
544
   
384
     
659
   
464
   
   
 
GECS earnings from continuing operations
 
   
     
2,010
   
3,219
   
   
 
GECS revenues from services
 
17,530
   
17,473
     
   
   
17,852
   
17,789
 
Total revenues
 
47,234
   
42,512
     
31,537
   
28,373
   
18,431
   
18,066
 
                                       
Cost of goods sold
 
14,184
   
12,113
     
13,826
   
12,071
   
486
   
236
 
Cost of services sold
 
7,953
   
6,145
     
8,112
   
6,262
   
   
 
Interest and other financial charges
 
6,955
   
6,070
     
525
   
473
   
6,723
   
5,780
 
Investment contracts, insurance losses and
                                     
insurance annuity benefits
 
787
   
849
     
   
   
839
   
889
 
Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
1,641
   
1,190
     
   
   
1,641
   
1,190
 
Other costs and expenses
 
10,542
   
10,204
     
3,541
   
3,684
   
7,093
   
6,694
 
Minority interest in net earnings of
                                     
consolidated affiliates
 
156
   
190
     
60
   
136
   
96
   
54
 
Total costs and expenses
 
42,218
   
36,761
     
26,064
   
22,626
   
16,878
   
14,843
 
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations
                                     
before income taxes
 
5,016
   
5,751
     
5,473
   
5,747
   
1,553
   
3,223
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(539
)
 
(640
)
   
(996
)
 
(636
)
 
457
   
(4
)
Earnings from continuing operations
 
4,477
   
5,111
     
4,477
   
5,111
   
2,010
   
3,219
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
                                     
net of taxes
 
(165
)
 
448
     
(165
)
 
448
   
(170
)
 
(1,352
)
Net earnings
$
4,312
 
$
5,559
   
$
4,312
 
$
5,559
 
$
1,840
 
$
1,867
 
                                       
Per-share amounts
                                     
Per-share amounts – earnings from
                                     
continuing operations
                                     
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.45
 
$
0.50
                           
Basic earnings per share
$
0.45
 
$
0.50
                           
                                       
Per-share amounts – net earnings
                                     
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.43
 
$
0.54
                           
Basic earnings per share
$
0.43
 
$
0.55
                           
                                       
Dividends declared per share
$
0.31
 
$
0.28
                           
                                       

(a)
 
Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services) which is presented on a one-line basis.
 
See accompanying notes. Separate information is shown for “GE” and “Financial Services (GECS).” Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the “Consolidated” columns.

 
(3)

 

General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates
 
 
Nine months ended September 30 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated
   
GE(a)
 
Financial
Services (GECS)
 
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
 
2008
   
2007
     
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                       
Sales of goods
$
50,092
 
$
43,352
   
$
48,876
 
$
43,373
 
$
1,474
 
$
337
 
Sales of services
 
31,489
   
26,867
     
32,024
   
27,274
   
   
 
Other income
 
1,693
   
2,319
     
1,984
   
2,550
   
   
 
GECS earnings from continuing operations
 
   
     
7,240
   
9,042
   
   
 
GECS revenues from services
 
53,028
   
51,417
     
   
   
54,027
   
52,308
 
Total revenues
 
136,302
   
123,955
     
90,124
   
82,239
   
55,501
   
52,645
 
                                       
Cost of goods sold
 
39,977
   
34,607
     
38,971
   
34,681
   
1,264
   
284
 
Cost of services sold
 
20,882
   
17,005
     
21,417
   
17,412
   
   
 
Interest and other financial charges
 
20,103
   
17,279
     
1,681
   
1,428
   
19,242
   
16,478
 
Investment contracts, insurance losses and
                                     
insurance annuity benefits
 
2,412
   
2,601
     
   
   
2,557
   
2,744
 
Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
4,453
   
3,132
     
   
   
4,453
   
3,132
 
Other costs and expenses
 
31,317
   
29,733
     
10,780
   
10,636
   
20,862
   
19,449
 
Minority interest in net earnings of
                                     
consolidated affiliates
 
502
   
634
     
318
   
445
   
184
   
189
 
Total costs and expenses
 
119,646
   
104,991
     
73,167
   
64,602
   
48,562
   
42,276
 
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations
                                     
before income taxes
 
16,656
   
18,964
     
16,957
   
17,637
   
6,939
   
10,369
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(2,434
)
 
(3,334
)
   
(2,735
)
 
(2,007
)
 
301
   
(1,327
)
Earnings from continuing operations
 
14,222
   
15,630
     
14,222
   
15,630
   
7,240
   
9,042
 
Loss from discontinued operations,
                                     
net of taxes
 
(534
)
 
(118
)
   
(534
)
 
(118
)
 
(568
)
 
(1,986
)
Net earnings
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
   
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
 
$
6,672
 
$
7,056
 
                                       
Per-share amounts
                                     
Per-share amounts – earnings from
                                     
continuing operations
                                     
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.42
 
$
1.52
                           
Basic earnings per share
$
1.43
 
$
1.53
                           
                                       
Per-share amounts – net earnings
                                     
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.37
 
$
1.51
                           
Basic earnings per share
$
1.37
 
$
1.52
                           
                                       
Dividends declared per share
$
0.93
 
$
0.84
                           
                                       

(a)
 
Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services) which is presented on a one-line basis.
 
See accompanying notes. Separate information is shown for “GE” and “Financial Services (GECS).” Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the “Consolidated” columns.

 
(4)

 

General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates
 
 
Consolidated
   
GE(a)
 
Financial
Services (GECS)
 
(In millions; except share amounts)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
   
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
 
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
 
 
(Unaudited)
   
     
(Unaudited)
   
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
   
                                       
Cash and equivalents
$
16,301
 
$
15,731
   
$
3,498
 
$
6,702
 
$
13,075
 
$
9,439
 
Investment securities
 
43,459
   
45,276
     
276
   
343
   
43,188
   
44,941
 
Current receivables
 
22,439
   
22,259
     
14,792
   
15,093
   
   
 
Inventories
 
14,719
   
12,897
     
14,646
   
12,834
   
73
   
63
 
Financing receivables – net
 
413,170
   
376,123
     
   
   
421,788
   
384,067
 
Other GECS receivables
 
15,620
   
16,514
     
   
   
21,072
   
22,078
 
Property, plant and equipment (including
                                     
equipment leased to others) – net
 
80,095
   
77,888
     
14,316
   
14,142
   
65,779
   
63,746
 
Investment in GECS
 
   
     
55,698
   
57,676
   
   
 
Goodwill
 
83,061
   
81,116
     
56,742
   
55,689
   
26,319
   
25,427
 
Other intangible assets – net
 
15,593
   
16,142
     
11,401
   
11,633
   
4,192
   
4,509
 
All other assets
 
123,855
   
122,848
     
43,481
   
40,608
   
81,628
   
83,392
 
Assets of discontinued operations
 
1,238
   
8,889
     
   
66
   
1,238
   
8,823
 
Total assets
$
829,550
 
$
795,683
   
$
214,850
 
$
214,786
 
$
678,352
 
$
646,485
 
                                       
Short-term borrowings
$
218,748
 
$
195,100
   
$
4,394
 
$
4,106
 
$
215,409
 
$
192,420
 
Accounts payable, principally trade accounts
 
20,679
   
21,338
     
11,409
   
11,120
   
13,952
   
14,714
 
Progress collections and price adjustments accrued
 
12,835
   
9,885
     
13,422
   
10,374
   
   
 
Other GE current liabilities
 
20,344
   
18,916
     
20,447
   
18,916
   
   
 
Long-term borrowings
 
329,915
   
319,013
     
10,018
   
11,656
   
321,019
   
308,502
 
Investment contracts, insurance liabilities
                                     
and insurance annuity benefits
 
34,533
   
34,068
     
   
   
34,886
   
34,359
 
All other liabilities
 
55,933
   
59,316
     
32,034
   
32,859
   
23,951
   
26,522
 
Deferred income taxes
 
14,269
   
12,490
     
3,942
   
3,391
   
10,327
   
9,099
 
Liabilities of discontinued operations
 
931
   
1,994
     
188
   
302
   
743
   
1,692
 
Total liabilities
 
708,187
   
672,120
     
95,854
   
92,724
   
620,287
   
587,308
 
                                       
Minority interest in equity of consolidated affiliates
 
9,036
   
8,004
     
6,669
   
6,503
   
2,367
   
1,501
 
Common stock (9,955,456,000 and 9,987,599,000
                                     
shares outstanding at September 30, 2008 and
                                     
December 31, 2007, respectively)
 
669
   
669
     
669
   
669
   
1
   
1
 
Accumulated gains (losses) – net
                                     
Investment securities
 
(2,290
)
 
124
     
(2,290
)
 
124
   
(2,251
)
 
110
 
Currency translation adjustments
 
7,200
   
10,708
     
7,200
   
10,708
   
4,816
   
7,472
 
Cash flow hedges
 
(2,168
)
 
(668
)
   
(2,168
)
 
(668
)
 
(2,096
)
 
(727
)
Benefit plans
 
(916
)
 
(1,840
)
   
(916
)
 
(1,840
)
 
(84
)
 
(105
)
Other capital
 
25,906
   
26,100
     
25,906
   
26,100
   
12,580
   
12,574
 
Retained earnings
 
121,755
   
117,362
     
121,755
   
117,362
   
42,732
   
38,351
 
Less common stock held in treasury
 
(37,829
)
 
(36,896
)
   
(37,829
)
 
(36,896
)
 
   
 
                                       
Total shareowners’ equity
 
112,327
   
115,559
     
112,327
   
115,559
   
55,698
   
57,676
 
                                       
Total liabilities and equity
$
829,550
 
$
795,683
   
$
214,850
 
$
214,786
 
$
678,352
 
$
646,485
 
                                       

The sum of accumulated gains (losses) on investment securities, currency translation adjustments, cash flow hedges and benefit plans constitutes “Accumulated nonowner changes other than earnings,” and was $1,826 million and $8,324 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(a)
 
Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services) which is presented on a one-line basis.
 
See accompanying notes. Separate information is shown for “GE” and “Financial Services (GECS).” Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the “Consolidated” columns.

 

 
(5)

 

General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates
 
 
Nine months ended September 30 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated
   
GE(a)
 
Financial
Services (GECS)
 
(In millions)
 
2008
   
2007
  
  
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                                       
Cash flows – operating activities
                                     
Net earnings
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
   
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
 
$
6,672
 
$
7,056
 
Loss from discontinued operations
 
534
   
118
     
534
   
118
   
568
   
1,986
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash
                                     
provided from operating activities
                                     
Depreciation and amortization of property,
                                     
plant and equipment
 
8,216
   
7,431
     
1,587
   
1,577
   
6,629
   
5,854
 
Net earnings from continuing operations retained by GECS
 
   
     
(4,949
)
 
(3,171
)
 
   
 
Deferred income taxes
 
1,798
   
828
     
(454
)
 
278
   
2,252
   
550
 
Decrease (increase) in GE current receivables
 
(1,344
)
 
(159
)
   
41
   
1,004
   
   
 
Increase in inventories
 
(1,765
)
 
(2,017
)
   
(1,624
)
 
(1,959
)
 
(10
)
 
(4
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 
(411
)
 
(2,665
)
   
444
   
(1,071
)
 
(669
)
 
(1,359
)
Increase in GE progress collections
 
3,103
   
2,998
     
3,241
   
2,805
   
   
 
Provision for losses on GECS financing receivables
 
4,453
   
3,132
     
   
   
4,453
   
3,132
 
All other operating activities
 
(468
)
 
(1,052
)
   
1,127
   
1,574
   
(1,751
)
 
(3,000
)
Cash from operating activities – continuing operations
 
27,804
   
24,126
     
13,635
   
16,667
   
18,144
   
14,215
 
Cash from (used for) operating activities – discontinued operations
 
497
   
4,099
     
(9
)
 
(856
)
 
506
   
4,757
 
Cash from operating activities
 
28,301
   
28,225
     
13,626
   
15,811
   
18,650
   
18,972
 
                                       
Cash flows – investing activities
                                     
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(11,484
)
 
(12,115
)
   
(2,263
)
 
(2,025
)
 
(9,468
)
 
(10,334
)
Dispositions of property, plant and equipment
 
7,286
   
7,218
     
   
   
7,286
   
7,218
 
Net increase in GECS financing receivables
 
(26,898
)
 
(24,482
)
   
   
   
(28,359
)
 
(24,662
)
Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations
 
5,423
   
11,457
     
203
   
10,826
   
5,220
   
 
Proceeds from principal business dispositions
 
4,480
   
2,114
     
58
   
1,012
   
4,422
   
1,102
 
Payments for principal businesses purchased
 
(27,042
)
 
(14,910
)
   
(2,053
)
 
(7,388
)
 
(24,989
)
 
(7,522
)
All other investing activities
 
(3,283
)
 
(6,792
)
   
(56
)
 
(2,108
)
 
(2,948
)
 
(4,519
)
Cash from (used for) investing activities – continuing operations
 
(51,518
)
 
(37,510
)
   
(4,111
)
 
317
   
(48,836
)
 
(38,717
)
Cash from (used for) investing activities – discontinued operations
 
(616
)
 
(3,973
)
   
9
   
1,002
   
(625
)
 
(4,777
)
Cash from (used for) investing activities
 
(52,134
)
 
(41,483
)
   
(4,102
)
 
1,319
   
(49,461
)
 
(43,494
)
                                       
Cash flows – financing activities
                                     
Net decrease in borrowings (maturities of
                                     
90 days or less)
 
(18,298
)
 
(8,589
)
   
(1,719
)
 
(2,853
)
 
(16,949
)
 
(8,467
)
Newly issued debt (maturities longer than 90 days)
 
99,373
   
81,450
     
122
   
4,663
   
99,228
   
76,834
 
Repayments and other reductions (maturities longer
                                     
than 90 days)
 
(45,055
)
 
(36,801
)
   
(145
)
 
(171
)
 
(44,910
)
 
(36,630
)
Net purchases of GE shares for treasury
 
(1,678
)
 
(7,220
)
   
(1,678
)
 
(7,220
)
 
   
 
Dividends paid to shareowners
 
(9,308
)
 
(8,651
)
   
(9,308
)
 
(8,651
)
 
(2,291
)
 
(5,871
)
All other financing activities
 
(750
)
 
(1,068
)
   
   
   
(750
)
 
(1,068
)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – continuing operations
 
24,284
   
19,121
     
(12,728
)
 
(14,232
)
 
34,328
   
24,798
 
Cash used for financing activities – discontinued operations
 
(4
)
 
(151
)
   
   
(146
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Cash from (used for) financing activities
 
24,280
   
18,970
     
(12,728
)
 
(14,378
)
 
34,324
   
24,793
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
 
447
   
5,712
     
(3,204
)
 
2,752
   
3,513
   
271
 
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
 
16,031
   
14,276
     
6,702
   
4,480
   
9,739
   
12,629
 
Cash and equivalents at September 30
 
16,478
   
19,988
     
3,498
   
7,232
   
13,252
   
12,900
 
Less cash and equivalents of discontinued operations at September 30
 
177
   
165
     
   
   
177
   
165
 
Cash and equivalents of continuing operations at September 30
$
16,301
 
$
19,823
   
$
3,498
 
$
7,232
 
$
13,075
 
$
12,735
 
                                       

(a)
 
Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services) which is presented on a one-line basis.
 
See accompanying notes. Separate information is shown for “GE” and “Financial Services (GECS).” Transactions between GE and GECS have been eliminated from the “Consolidated” columns and are discussed in Note 17.

 
(6)

 

General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates
 
 
Three months ended
September 30 (Unaudited)
 
Nine months ended
September 30 (Unaudited)
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Revenues
                       
Technology Infrastructure
$
11,450
 
$
10,549
 
$
33,761
 
$
30,309
 
Energy Infrastructure
 
9,769
   
7,386
   
27,164
   
21,251
 
Capital Finance
 
17,292
   
16,979
   
52,242
   
48,447
 
NBC Universal
 
5,073
   
3,756
   
12,539
   
10,865
 
Consumer & Industrial
 
2,989
   
3,163
   
8,990
   
9,337
 
Total segment revenues
 
46,573
   
41,833
   
134,696
   
120,209
 
Corporate items and eliminations
 
661
   
679
   
1,606
   
3,746
 
Consolidated revenues
$
47,234
 
$
42,512
 
$
136,302
 
$
123,955
 
                         
Segment profit(a)
                       
Technology Infrastructure
$
1,900
 
$
1,869
 
$
5,657
 
$
5,408
 
Energy Infrastructure
 
1,425
   
1,086
   
4,074
   
3,016
 
Capital Finance
 
2,020
   
3,021
   
7,602
   
9,080
 
NBC Universal
 
645
   
589
   
2,266
   
2,184
 
Consumer & Industrial
 
47
   
255
   
329
   
780
 
Total segment profit
 
6,037
   
6,820
   
19,928
   
20,468
 
Corporate items and eliminations
 
(39
)
 
(600
)
 
(1,290
)
 
(1,403
)
GE interest and other financial charges
 
(525
)
 
(473
)
 
(1,681
)
 
(1,428
)
GE provision for income taxes
 
(996
)
 
(636
)
 
(2,735
)
 
(2,007
)
Earnings from continuing operations
 
4,477
   
5,111
   
14,222
   
15,630
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
                       
net of taxes
 
(165
)
 
448
   
(534
)
 
(118
)
Consolidated net earnings
$
4,312
 
$
5,559
 
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
 
                         

(a)
 
Segment profit always excludes the effects of principal pension plans, results reported as discontinued operations and accounting changes, and may exclude matters such as charges for restructuring; rationalization and other similar expenses; in-process research and development and certain other acquisition-related charges and balances; technology and product development costs; certain gains and losses from dispositions; and litigation settlements or other charges, responsibility for which preceded the current management team. Segment profit excludes or includes interest and other financial charges and income taxes according to how a particular segment’s management is measured – excluded in determining segment profit, which we sometimes refer to as “operating profit,” for Technology Infrastructure, Energy Infrastructure, NBC Universal and Consumer & Industrial; included in determining segment profit, which we sometimes refer to as “net earnings,” for Capital Finance.
 
See accompanying notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements.

 

 
(7)

 

 
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accompanying condensed, consolidated financial statements represent the consolidation of General Electric Company and all companies that we directly or indirectly control, either through majority ownership or otherwise. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in our Form 8-K dated October 8, 2008, which discusses our consolidation and financial statement presentation. As used in this report on Form 10-Q (Report) and in the financial statements included in our Form 8-K dated October 8, 2008, “GE” represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services), 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. GE includes Technology Infrastructure, Energy Infrastructure, NBC Universal and Consumer & Industrial. GECS includes Capital Finance. We have reclassified certain prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period’s presentation. Unless otherwise indicated, information in these notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations.
 
Our accounting policy for sales of goods and services is included below. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, included in our Form 8-K dated October 8, 2008, for a summary of the remainder of our significant accounting policies.
 
Sales of goods and services
 
We record all sales of goods and services only when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered and collectibility of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured. In addition, if a sales agreement includes customer acceptance provisions, we recognize revenues as follows:
 
·  
In arrangements where we provide equipment and software for trial and evaluation purposes, we only recognize revenue after the customer accepts the product as set forth in the contract. In rare instances, we offer acceptance provisions that lapse over time. In these instances, we only recognize revenue upon the earlier of customer acceptance or after the specified time elapses.
 
·  
If a sales agreement includes general return rights, revenue is deferred until the return rights lapse unless future returns can be reasonably estimated, in which case revenue is recognized and an allowance is recorded for the returns.
 
·  
In situations where acceptance provisions are based on seller-specified objective criteria, we recognize revenue only after we have demonstrated that the delivered product meets those specifications.
 
·  
If a sales agreement includes customer-specified objective criteria, we recognize revenue when formal acceptance occurs or we have reliably demonstrated that all specified customer acceptance criteria have been met.
 
Sales of goods in the Consumer & Industrial segment typically do not include multiple product and/or service elements. In contrast, sales of goods in the Technology Infrastructure and Energy Infrastructure segments sometimes include multiple components. Our arrangements with multiple components usually involve future service deliverables such as installation, training or the future delivery of ancillary equipment. In such agreements, the amount assigned to each component is based on the total price and the undelivered component’s objectively determined fair value, determined from sources such as the separate selling price for that or a similar component or from competitor prices for similar components. If fair value of an undelivered component cannot be satisfactorily determined, we defer revenue until all multiple components are delivered.
 

 
(8)

 

Certain of our sales of products and services involve inconsequential or perfunctory performance obligations. These obligations can include non-essential installation or training, non-essential third party supplied items related to sales of healthcare devices, commissioning services related to the sales of locomotives, and provision of product manuals and limited technical product support. We consider these obligations to be inconsequential and perfunctory as their fair value is relatively insignificant relative to the related revenue; we have a demonstrated history of completing the remaining tasks in a timely manner; the work can be performed by customers or other contractors; and in the event that we were to fail to complete the remaining obligations under the sales contract, we do not have a refund obligation. When the only remaining undelivered performance obligation under an arrangement is inconsequential or perfunctory, we recognize revenue on the total contract and provide for the cost of the unperformed obligation.
 
Except for goods sold under long-term agreements, we recognize sales of goods under the provisions of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 104, Revenue Recognition. Among other things, we recognize such sales when we have no risk of transit damage, a policy that in certain cases requires us to delay recognition of otherwise qualified sales until the goods have been physically delivered. We often sell consumer products, home videos and computer hardware and software products with a right of return. We use our accumulated experience to estimate and provide for such returns when we record the sale. Unless otherwise noted, we do not provide for anticipated losses before we record sales.
 
We account for revenue recognition on agreements for sales of goods and services under power generation unit and uprate contracts; nuclear fuel assemblies; larger oil drilling equipment projects; turbo-machinery unit contracts; military development contracts; and long-term construction projects, including construction of information technology systems in our Healthcare business, under AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts. Under SOP 81-1, we estimate total contract revenue net of price concessions as well as total contract costs. For goods sold under power generation unit and uprate contracts, nuclear fuel assemblies, turbo-machinery unit contracts and military development contracts, we recognize sales as we complete major contract-specified deliverables, most often when customers receive title to the goods or accept the services as performed. For larger oil drilling equipment projects and long-term construction projects, we recognize sales based on our progress towards contract completion measured by actual costs incurred in relation to our estimate of total expected costs. We measure SOP 81-1 revenues by applying our contract-specific estimated margin rates to incurred costs. We routinely update our estimates of future costs for agreements in process and report any cumulative effects of such adjustments in current operations. We provide for any loss that we expect to incur on these agreements when that loss is probable.
 
We recognize revenue upon delivery for sales of aircraft engines, military propulsion equipment and related spare parts not sold under long-term product services agreements. Delivery of large and small commercial engines, non-U.S. military equipment and all related spare parts occurs on shipment; delivery of military propulsion equipment sold to the U.S. Government or agencies thereof occurs upon receipt of a Material Inspection and Receiving Report, DD Form 250 or Memorandum of Shipment. Large commercial engines (CF6, CFM56, GE90, GEnx and GP7000) are complex aerospace equipment manufactured to customer order under a variety of sometimes-complex, long-term agreements. We measure sales of large commercial engines by applying our contract-specific estimated margin rates to incurred costs. We routinely update our estimates of future costs for large commercial engine agreements in process and report any cumulative effects of such adjustments in current operations. We measure revenue for small aircraft engines, military propulsion equipment and spare parts not subject to long-term product services agreements based on the specific contract on a specifically-measured output basis. We provide for any loss that we expect to incur on these agreements when that loss is probable; consistent with industry practice, for commercial engines, we make such provision only if such losses are not recoverable from future highly probable sales of spare parts for those engines.
 

 
(9)

 

We sell product services under long-term agreements in our Technology Infrastructure and Energy Infrastructure segments, principally in Aviation, Energy and Transportation, where costs of performing services are incurred on other than a straight-line basis. We also sell product services in Healthcare, where such costs are expected to be on a straight-line basis. All of these agreements are accounted for under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Technical Bulletin (FTB) 90-1, Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts. For the Aviation, Energy and Transportation FTB 90-1 agreements, we recognize related sales based on the extent of our progress towards completion measured by actual costs incurred in relation to total expected costs. We routinely update our estimates of future costs for agreements in process and report any cumulative effects of such adjustments in current operations. For the Healthcare FTB 90-1 agreements, we recognize revenues on a straight-line basis and expense related costs as incurred. We provide for any loss that we expect to incur on any of these agreements when that loss is probable.
 
NBC Universal records broadcast and cable television and Internet advertising sales when advertisements are aired, net of provision for any viewer shortfalls (make goods). We record sales from theatrical distribution of films as the films are exhibited; sales of home videos, net of a return provision, when the videos are delivered to and available for sale by retailers; fees from cable/satellite operators when services are provided; and licensing of film and television programming when we make the material available for airing.
 
Accounting changes
 
On January 1, 2008, we adopted FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements, and SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which are more fully discussed in Note 14 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements.
 
2. Interim Period Presentation
 
The condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are unaudited. These statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) that we considered necessary to present a fair statement of our 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. It is suggested that these condensed, consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 8-K dated October 8, 2008. We label our quarterly information using a calendar convention, that is, first quarter is labeled as ending on March 31, second quarter as ending on June 30, and third quarter as ending on September 30. It is our longstanding practice to establish interim quarterly closing dates using a fiscal calendar, which requires our businesses to close their books on either a Saturday or Sunday, depending on the business. The effects of this practice are modest and only exist within a reporting year. The fiscal closing calendar from 1993 through 2013 is available on our website, www.ge.com/secreports.
 
3. Discontinued Operations
 
Discontinued operations is comprised of our Japanese personal loan business (Lake) and our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, excluding our minority ownership in GE Nissen Credit Co., Ltd. (GE Money Japan), our U.S. mortgage business (WMC), Plastics, Advanced Materials, GE Life, Genworth Financial, Inc. (Genworth) and most of GE Insurance Solutions Corporation (GE Insurance Solutions). Associated results of operations, financial position and cash flows are separately reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 

 
(10)

 

GE Money Japan
 
During the third quarter of 2007, we committed to a plan to sell Lake upon determining that, despite restructuring, Japanese regulatory limits for interest charges on unsecured personal loans did not permit us to earn an acceptable return. During the second quarter of 2008, we committed to sell GE Money Japan, resulting in the addition of our Japanese mortgage and card businesses to discontinued operations. Subsequent to the end of the second quarter, we reached an agreement to sell these businesses and completed the sale during the third quarter of 2008. In connection with this agreement, and primarily related to our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, we recorded an incremental $247 million impairment loss in the first nine months of 2008. Under this agreement, the sale proceeds will be increased or reduced to reflect our portion of actual interest refund claims based on terms specified in the agreement. GE Money Japan revenues from discontinued operations were $209 million and $298 million in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $760 million and $1,017 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. In total, GE Money Japan losses from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $160 million and $1,030 million in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $508 million and $1,077 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
WMC
 
During the fourth quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our U.S. mortgage business. In connection with the transaction, WMC retained certain obligations related to loans sold prior to the disposal of the business, including WMC’s contractual obligations to repurchase previously sold loans as to which there was an early payment default or with respect to which certain contractual representations and warranties were not met. Reserves related to these obligations were $224 million at September 30, 2008. The amount of these reserves is based upon pending and estimated future loan repurchase requests, the estimated percentage of loans validly tendered for repurchase, and our estimated losses on loans repurchased. Based on our historical experience, we estimate that a small percentage of the total loans we originated and sold will be tendered for repurchase, and of those tendered, only a limited amount will qualify as “validly tendered,” meaning the loans sold did not satisfy specified contractual obligations. The amount of our current reserve represents our best estimate of losses with respect to our repurchase obligations. However, actual losses could exceed our reserve amount, if actual claim rates, valid tenders or losses we incur on repurchased loans, are higher than historically observed. WMC revenues from discontinued operations were $(7) million and $(431) million in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $(64) million and $(1,291) million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. In total, WMC’s losses from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $8 million and $332 million in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $35 million and $916 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Plastics and Advanced Materials
 
During the third quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of our Plastics business to Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. Also, during the fourth quarter of 2006, we sold our Advanced Materials business. Plastics revenues from discontinued operations were $1,001 million in the third quarter of 2007 and $4,286 million in the first nine months of 2007. In total, Plastics and Advanced Materials earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $5 million and $1,800 million in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $34 million and $1,868 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Insurance
 
In total, earnings (losses) from insurance-related discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $(2) million and $10 million in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $(25) million and $7 million in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 

 
(11)

 

Summarized financial information for discontinued GE industrial operations is shown below.
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Operations
                       
Total revenues
$
 
$
1,001
 
$
 
$
4,286
 
                         
Earnings from discontinued operations
                       
before income taxes
$
10
 
$
28
 
$
 
$
238
 
Income tax benefit (expense)
 
(4
)
 
61
   
16
   
69
 
Earnings from discontinued operations before
                       
disposal, net of taxes
$
6
 
$
89
 
$
16
 
$
307
 
                         
Disposal
                       
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes
$
(1
)
$
2,554
 
$
18
 
$
2,363
 
Income tax expense
 
   
(843
)
 
   
(802
)
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes
$
(1
)
$
1,711
 
$
18
 
$
1,561
 
                         
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes(a)
$
5
 
$
1,800
 
$
34
 
$
1,868
 
                         

(a)
The sum of GE industrial earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, and GECS loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, below are reported as GE industrial earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, on the Condensed Statement of Earnings.

 
Assets of GE industrial discontinued operations were $66 million at December 31, 2007. There were no such assets at September 30, 2008. Liabilities of GE industrial discontinued operations were $188 million and $302 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively, and primarily represent taxes payable and pension liabilities related to the sale of our Plastics business.
 
Summarized financial information for discontinued GECS operations is shown below.
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Operations
                       
Total revenues
$
202
 
$
(133
)
$
696
 
$
(274
)
                         
Loss from discontinued operations before
                       
income taxes
$
(207
)
$
(615
)
$
(516
)
$
(1,929
)
Income tax benefit
 
50
   
184
   
193
   
863
 
Loss from discontinued operations,
                       
net of taxes
$
(157
)
$
(431
)
$
(323
)
$
(1,066
)
                         
Disposal
                       
Loss on disposal before income taxes
$
(1,277
)
$
(1,549
)
$
(1,499
)
$
(1,560
)
Income tax benefit
 
1,264
   
628
   
1,254
   
640
 
Loss on disposal, net of taxes
$
(13
)
$
(921
)
$
(245
)
$
(920
)
                         
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(170
)
$
(1,352
)
$
(568
)
$
(1,986
)

 


 
(12)

 


 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Assets
           
Cash and equivalents
$
177
 
$
300
 
Financing receivables – net
 
   
6,675
 
Other
 
1,061
   
1,848
 
Assets of discontinued operations
$
1,238
 
$
8,823
 

 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Liabilities
           
Liabilities of discontinued operations
$
743
 
$
1,692
 

 
4. GECS Revenues from Services
 
GECS revenues from services are summarized in the following table.
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Interest on loans
$
7,198
 
$
6,075
 
$
20,426
 
$
17,438
 
Equipment leased to others
 
3,967
   
3,754
   
11,686
   
11,207
 
Fees
 
1,989
   
1,661
   
4,798
   
4,871
 
Investment income(a)
 
604
   
1,016
   
2,562
   
3,630
 
Financing leases
 
1,107
   
1,136
   
3,456
   
3,489
 
Real estate investments
 
803
   
1,364
   
3,102
   
3,420
 
Premiums earned by insurance activities
 
554
   
583
   
1,664
   
1,653
 
Associated companies
 
560
   
663
   
1,676
   
1,678
 
Gross securitization gains
 
265
   
368
   
859
   
1,479
 
Other items
 
805
   
1,169
   
3,798
   
3,443
 
Total
$
17,852
 
$
17,789
 
$
54,027
 
$
52,308
 
                         

(a)
Included gain on sale of Swiss Reinsurance Company common stock of $566 million during first quarter of 2007.

 

 
(13)

 

5. Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
We sponsor a number of pension and retiree health and life insurance benefit plans. Principal pension plans include the GE Pension Plan and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan. Principal retiree benefit plans generally provide health and life insurance benefits to employees who retire under the GE Pension Plan with 10 or more years of service. Other pension plans include the U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations greater than $50 million. Smaller pension plans and other retiree benefit plans are not material individually or in the aggregate. The effect on operations of the pension plans follows.
 
 
Principal Pension Plans
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Expected return on plan assets
$
(1,075
)
$
(986
)
$
(3,225
)
$
(2,959
)
Service cost for benefits earned
 
314
   
389
   
934
   
1,009
 
Interest cost on benefit obligation
 
663
   
599
   
1,988
   
1,810
 
Prior service cost amortization
 
80
   
76
   
242
   
195
 
Net actuarial loss amortization
 
60
   
173
   
181
   
524
 
Pension plans cost
$
42
 
$
251
 
$
120
 
$
579
 

 
 
Other Pension Plans
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Expected return on plan assets
$
(135
)
$
(127
)
$
(412
)
$
(369
)
Service cost for benefits earned
 
81
   
97
   
243
   
269
 
Interest cost on benefit obligation
 
123
   
117
   
374
   
340
 
Prior service cost amortization
 
3
   
2
   
9
   
5
 
Net actuarial loss amortization
 
21
   
47
   
64
   
130
 
Pension plans cost
$
93
 
$
136
 
$
278
 
$
375
 

 
The effect on operations of principal retiree health and life insurance plans follows.
 
 
Principal Retiree Health and
Life Insurance Plans
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Expected return on plan assets
$
(32
)
$
(31
)
$
(98
)
$
(93
)
Service cost for benefits earned
 
71
   
120
   
214
   
196
 
Interest cost on benefit obligation
 
182
   
163
   
568
   
388
 
Prior service cost amortization
 
168
   
187
   
504
   
420
 
Net actuarial gain amortization
 
(23
)
 
   
(26
)
 
(15
)
Retiree benefit plans cost
$
366
 
$
439
 
$
1,162
 
$
896
 

 

 
(14)

 

6. Income Taxes
 
The balance of “unrecognized tax benefits,” the amount of related interest and penalties we have provided and what we believe to be the range of reasonably possible changes in the next 12 months, were:
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Unrecognized tax benefits
$
6,484
 
$
6,331
 
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(a)
 
4,177
   
4,268
 
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits
 
1,179
   
923
 
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits
 
103
   
77
 
Reasonably possible reduction to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits
           
in succeeding 12 months
 
0-1,500
   
0-1,500
 
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(a)
 
0-1,150
   
0-1,250
 
             

(a)
Some portion of such reduction might be reported as discontinued operations.

 
The IRS is currently auditing our consolidated income tax returns for 2003-2007. In addition, certain other U.S. tax deficiency issues and refund claims for previous years remain unresolved. It is reasonably possible that the 2003-2005 U.S. audit cycle will be completed during the next 12 months, which could result in a decrease in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits. We believe that there are no other jurisdictions in which the outcome of unresolved issues or claims is likely to be material to our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. We further believe that we have made adequate provision for all income tax uncertainties.
 

 
(15)

 

7. Earnings Per Share Information
 
GE’s authorized common stock consists of 13,200,000,000 shares having a par value of $0.06 each. Information related to the calculation of earnings per share follows.
 
 
Three months ended September 30
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
                         
Consolidated
                       
Earnings from continuing operations for
                       
per-share calculation(a)
$
4,478
 
$
4,477
 
$
5,111
 
$
5,111
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
                       
for per-share calculation
$
(165
)
$
(165
)
$
448
 
$
448
 
Net earnings available for per-share calculation
$
4,313
 
$
4,312
 
$
5,559
 
$
5,559
 
                         
Average equivalent shares
                       
Shares of GE common stock outstanding
 
9,953
   
9,953
   
10,177
   
10,177
 
Employee compensation-related shares,
                       
including stock options
 
17
   
-
   
38
   
-
 
Total average equivalent shares
 
9,970
   
9,953
   
10,215
   
10,177
 
                         
Per-share amounts
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
$
0.45
 
$
0.45
 
$
0.50
 
$
0.50
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
$
(0.02
)
$
(0.02
)
$
0.04
 
$
0.04
 
Net earnings
$
0.43
 
$
0.43
 
$
0.54
 
$
0.55
 
                         

(a)
Including dividend equivalents.

 
 
Nine months ended September 30
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
                         
Consolidated
                       
Earnings from continuing operations for
                       
per-share calculation(a)
$
14,223
 
$
14,222
 
$
15,631
 
$
15,630
 
Loss from discontinued operations
                       
for per-share calculation
$
(534
)
$
(534
)
$
(118
)
$
(118
)
Net earnings available for per-share calculation
$
13,689
 
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
 
$
15,512
 
                         
Average equivalent shares
                       
Shares of GE common stock outstanding
 
9,965
   
9,965
   
10,230
   
10,230
 
Employee compensation-related shares,
                       
including stock options
 
24
   
-
   
36
   
-
 
Total average equivalent shares
 
9,989
   
9,965
   
10,266
   
10,230
 
                         
Per-share amounts
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
$
1.42
 
$
1.43
 
$
1.52
 
$
1.53
 
Loss from discontinued operations
$
(0.05
)
$
(0.05
)
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.01
)
Net earnings
$
1.37
 
$
1.37
 
$
1.51
 
$
1.52
 
                         

(a)
Including dividend equivalents.

 

 
(16)

 

Earnings-per-share amounts are computed independently for earnings from continuing operations, earnings (loss) from discontinued operations and net earnings. As a result, the sum of per-share amounts from continuing operations and discontinued operations may not equal the total per-share amounts for net earnings. Additionally, earnings-per-share amounts are computed independently for each quarter. As a result, the sum of the per-share amounts for each quarter may not equal the year-to-date amounts.
 
8. Inventories
 
Inventories consisted of the following.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Raw materials and work in process
$
9,343
 
$
7,893
 
Finished goods
 
5,364
   
5,088
 
Unbilled shipments
 
649
   
539
 
   
15,356
   
13,520
 
Less revaluation to LIFO
 
(637
)
 
(623
)
Total
$
14,719
 
$
12,897
 

 
9. GECS Financing Receivables
 
GECS financing receivables - net, consisted of the following.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Loans, net of deferred income
$
352,949
 
$
313,290
 
Investment in financing leases, net of deferred income
 
73,487
   
75,015
 
   
426,436
   
388,305
 
Less allowance for losses (Note 10)
 
(4,648
)
 
(4,238
)
Financing receivables – net(a)
$
421,788
 
$
384,067
 
             

(a)
Included $7,172 million and $9,708 million related to consolidated, liquidating securitization entities at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

 
(17)

 

Details of GECS financing receivables – net follow.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL)
           
Equipment and leasing and other
$
109,906
 
$
96,817
 
Commercial and industrial
 
69,133
   
58,863
 
   
179,039
   
155,680
 
             
Real Estate
 
48,090
   
32,228
 
             
GE Money
           
Non-U.S. residential mortgages(a)
 
72,117
   
73,042
 
Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
33,554
   
34,669
 
U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
29,058
   
27,914
 
Non-U.S. auto
 
24,281
   
27,368
 
Other
 
12,009
   
10,198
 
   
171,019
   
173,191
 
             
GECAS(b)
 
15,483
   
14,197
 
             
Energy Financial Services
 
8,613
   
7,898
 
             
Other(c)
 
4,192
   
5,111
 
   
426,436
   
388,305
 
Less allowance for losses
 
(4,648
)
 
(4,238
)
Total
$
421,788
 
$
384,067
 
             

(a)
 
At September 30, 2008, net of credit insurance, approximately 26% of this portfolio comprised loans with introductory, below market rates that are scheduled to adjust at future dates; with high loan-to-value ratios at inception; whose terms permitted interest-only payments; or whose terms resulted in negative amortization. At the origination date, all of these loans were underwritten to the reset value.
 
 
(b)
 
Included loans and financing leases of $13,101 million and $11,685 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively, related to commercial aircraft at Aviation Financial Services.
 
 
(c)
Included loans and financing leases of $4,192 million and $5,106 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively, related to certain consolidated, liquidating securitization entities.
 

 

 
(18)

 

10. GECS Allowance for Losses on Financing Receivables
 
 (In millions)
Balance
January 1,
2008
 
Provision
charged to
operations
 
Currency
exchange
 
Other(a)
 
Gross
write-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Balance
September 30,
2008
                                           
CLL
                                         
Equipment and leasing
                                         
and other
$
661
 
$
391
 
$
4
 
$
88
 
$
(536
)
$
69
 
$
677
 
Commercial and
                                         
industrial
 
276
   
233
   
(10
)
 
5
   
(164
)
 
12
   
352
 
                                           
Real Estate
 
168
   
47
   
(4
)
 
8
   
(10
)
 
1
   
210
 
                                           
GE Money
                                         
Non-U.S. residential
                                         
mortgages
 
246
   
147
   
(20
)
 
5
   
(135
)
 
52
   
295
 
Non-U.S. installment
                                         
and revolving credit
 
1,371
   
1,259
   
(51
)
 
(6
)
 
(1,968
)
 
722
   
1,327
 
U.S. installment and
                                         
revolving credit
 
985
   
1,908
   
   
(416
)
 
(1,477
)
 
215
   
1,215
 
Non-U.S. auto
 
324
   
260
   
(19
)
 
(40
)
 
(479
)
 
225
   
271
 
Other
 
162
   
131
   
(3
)
 
31
   
(182
)
 
54
   
193
 
                                           
GECAS
 
8
   
47
   
   
   
(1
)
 
   
54
 
                                           
Energy Financial
                                         
Services
 
19
   
12
   
   
3
   
   
   
34
 
                                           
Other
 
18
   
18
   
   
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
   
20
 
                                           
Total
$
4,238
 
$
4,453
 
$
(103
)
$
(323
)
$
(4,967
)
$
1,350
 
$
4,648
 
                                           

(a)
Other primarily included the effects of acquisitions and securitization activity.

 
11. Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment leased to others) – net, consisted of the following.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Original cost
$
127,594
 
$
119,571
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(47,499
)
 
(41,683
)
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment leased to others) - net
$
80,095
 
$
77,888
 

 

 
(19)

 

12. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets – net, consisted of the following.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Goodwill
$
83,061
 
$
81,116
 
             
Other intangible assets
           
Intangible assets subject to amortization
$
13,103
 
$
13,787
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets(a)
 
2,490
   
2,355
 
Total
$
15,593
 
$
16,142
 
             

(a)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets principally comprised trademarks, tradenames and U.S. Federal Communications Commission licenses.

 
Changes in goodwill balances follow.
 
(In millions)
Balance
January 1,
2008
 
Acquisitions/
purchase
accounting
adjustments
 
Dispositions, currency
exchange
and other
 
Balance
September 30,
2008
                                 
Technology Infrastructure
$
26,130
   
$
555
     
$
(216
)
 
$
26,469
 
Energy Infrastructure
 
9,960
     
782
       
(276
)
   
10,466
 
Capital Finance
 
25,427
     
1,729
       
(837
)
   
26,319
 
NBC Universal
 
18,733
     
403
       
(155
)
   
18,981
 
Consumer & Industrial
 
866
     
       
(40
)
   
826
 
Total
$
81,116
   
$
3,469
     
$
(1,524
)
 
$
83,061
 

 
Goodwill balances increased $2,712 million from new acquisitions. The most significant increases related to acquisitions of Hydril Pressure Control ($689 million at Energy Infrastructure), Merrill Lynch Capital ($608 million at Capital Finance), Whatman Plc. ($587 million at Technology Infrastructure), Bank BPH ($399 million at Capital Finance) and CDM Resource Management, Ltd. ($229 million at Capital Finance). During 2008, the goodwill balance increased by $757 million related to purchase accounting adjustments to prior-year acquisitions. The most significant of these adjustments were increases of $211 million and $176 million associated with the 2007 acquisitions of Oxygen Media Corp. by NBC Universal and Sanyo Electric Credit Co., Ltd. by Capital Finance, respectively. In 2008, goodwill balances decreased $870 million as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar.
 

 
(20)

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization
 
 
At
 
 
September 30, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
(In millions)
Gross
carrying
amount
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
 
Gross
carrying
amount
 
Accumulated
amortization
 
Net
 
                                             
Customer-related
$
6,560
   
$
(1,576
)
 
$
4,984
 
$
6,921
   
$
(1,567
)
 
$
5,354
 
Patents, licenses and trademarks
 
5,501
     
(2,156
)
   
3,345
   
4,989
     
(1,678
)
   
3,311
 
Capitalized software
 
6,939
     
(4,240
)
   
2,699
   
6,405
     
(3,684
)
   
2,721
 
Lease valuations
 
1,771
     
(521
)
   
1,250
   
1,841
     
(360
)
   
1,481
 
Present value of future profits
 
831
     
(393
)
   
438
   
818
     
(364
)
   
454
 
All other
 
729
     
(342
)
   
387
   
783
     
(317
)
   
466
 
Total
$
22,331
   
$
(9,228
)
 
$
13,103
 
$
21,757
   
$
(7,970
)
 
$
13,787
 

 
Consolidated amortization related to intangible assets subject to amortization was $445 million and $546 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Consolidated amortization related to intangible assets subject to amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, was $1,469 million and $1,459 million, respectively.
 

 
(21)

 

13. GECS Borrowings
 
GECS borrowings are summarized in the following table.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Short-term borrowings
           
             
Commercial paper
           
U.S.
           
Unsecured
$
62,252
 
$
72,392
 
Asset-backed(a)
 
3,864
   
4,775
 
Non-U.S.
 
25,681
   
28,711
 
Current portion of long-term debt(b)
 
68,152
   
56,301
 
Bank deposits(c)(d)
 
31,781
   
11,486
 
Bank borrowings(e)
 
13,353
   
6,915
 
GE Interest Plus notes(f)
 
8,348
   
9,590
 
Other
 
1,978
   
2,250
 
Total
 
215,409
   
192,420
 
             
Long-term borrowings
           
             
Senior notes
           
Unsecured(g)
 
302,689
   
283,097
 
Asset-backed(h)
 
5,279
   
5,528
 
Extendible notes
 
2,197
   
8,500
 
Subordinated notes(i)(j)
 
10,854
   
11,377
 
Total
 
321,019
   
308,502
 
Total borrowings
$
536,428
 
$
500,922
 
             

(a)
 
Consists entirely of obligations of consolidated, liquidating securitization entities.
 
(b)
 
Included $397 million and $1,106 million of asset-backed senior notes, issued by consolidated, liquidating securitization entities at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(c)
 
Included $16,305 million and $10,789 million of deposits in non-U.S. banks at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(d)
 
Included certificates of deposits distributed by brokers of $15,476 million and $697 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(e)
 
Term borrowings from banks with a remaining term to maturity of less than 12 months.
 
(f)
 
Entirely variable denomination floating rate demand notes.
 
(g)
 
Included $1,684 million of certificates of deposits with maturities greater than one year at September 30, 2008, and no such certificates of deposits at December 31, 2007.
 
(h)
 
Included $2,421 million and $3,410 million of asset-backed senior notes, issued by consolidated, liquidating securitization entities at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(i)
 
Included $750 million of subordinated notes guaranteed by GE at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007.
 
(j)
Included $7,741 million and $8,064 million of subordinated debentures receiving rating agency equity credit at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

 
(22)

 

14. Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, for all financial instruments and non-financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. SFAS 157 establishes a new framework for measuring fair value and expands related disclosures. Broadly, the SFAS 157 framework requires fair value to be determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. SFAS 157 establishes market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs.
 
The valuation techniques required by SFAS 157 are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
 
 
Level 1 –
Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
 
Level 2 –
Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
 
 
Level 3 –
Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.
 
We maintain policies and procedures to value instruments using the best and most relevant data available. In addition, we have risk management teams that review valuation, including independent price validation for certain instruments. Further, in other instances, we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments.
 
The following section describes the valuation methodologies we use to measure different financial instruments at fair value.
 
Investments in debt and equity securities
 
When available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment securities, and they are included in Level 1.
 
When quoted market prices are unobservable, we use quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information including market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads and estimated prepayment rates where applicable. These investments are included in Level 2 and primarily comprise our portfolio of corporate fixed income, and government, mortgage and asset-backed securities. In infrequent circumstances, our pricing vendors may provide us with valuations that are based on significant unobservable inputs, and in those circumstances we classify the investment securities in Level 3.
 

 
(23)

 

As part of our adoption of SFAS 157 in the first quarter of 2008, we conducted a review of our primary pricing vendor, with the assistance of an accounting firm, to validate that the inputs used in that vendor’s pricing process are deemed to be market observable as defined in the standard. More specifically, we used a combination of approaches to validate that the process used by the pricing vendor is consistent with the requirements of the standard and that the levels assigned to these valuations are reasonable. While we were not provided access to proprietary models of the vendor, our review included on-site walk-throughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class for which prices are provided. Our review also included an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities, a process we have continued to perform for each reporting period. Based on this examination, and the ongoing review performed, we believe that the valuations used in our financial statements are reasonable and are appropriately classified in the fair value hierarchy. As of September 30, 2008, the valuation provided by pricing services was $27,897 million and was classified in Level 2. The valuations provided by pricing services based on significant unobservable inputs was insignificant and those investment securities are classified as Level 3.
 
Retained interests in securitizations are valued using a discounted cash flow model that considers the underlying structure of the securitization and estimated net credit exposure, prepayment assumptions, discount rates and expected life. Investment securities priced using non-binding broker quotes and retained interests are included in Level 3. We use non-binding broker quotes as our primary basis for valuation when there is limited, or no, relevant market activity for a specific instrument or for other instruments that share similar characteristics. We have not adjusted the prices we have obtained. Level 3 investment securities valued using non-binding broker quotes totaled $2,061 million at September 30, 2008, and were classified as available-for-sale securities.
 
We receive one quote for Level 2 and Level 3 securities where third party quotes are used as our basis for fair value measurement. As is the case with our primary pricing vendor, third party providers of quotes do not provide access to their proprietary valuation models, inputs and assumptions. Accordingly, our risk management personnel conduct internal reviews of pricing for all such investment securities at least quarterly to ensure reasonability of valuations used in our financial statements. These reviews are designed to identify prices that appear stale, those that have changed significantly from prior valuations, and other anomalies that may indicate that a price may not be accurate. We also follow established routines for reviewing and reconfirming valuations with the pricing provider, if deemed appropriate. In addition, the pricing vendor has an established challenge process in place for all security valuations, which facilitates identification and resolution of potentially erroneous prices. Based on the information available, we believe that the fair values provided by the brokers are consistent with the principles of SFAS 157.
 
Private equity investments held in investment company affiliates are initially valued at cost. Valuations are reviewed at the end of each quarter utilizing available market data to determine whether or not any fair value adjustments are necessary. Such market data include any comparable public company trading multiples. Unobservable inputs include company-specific fundamentals and other third party transactions in that security. Our valuation methodology for private equity investments is applied consistently and these investments are generally included in Level 3.
 
Derivatives
 
We use closing prices for derivatives included in Level 1, which are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets.
 
The remainder of the derivatives portfolio is valued using internal models, most of which are primarily based on market observable inputs including interest rate curves and both forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities. Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 2 primarily represent interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and foreign currency and commodity forward and option contracts.
 

 
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Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 3 primarily represent interest rate products that contain embedded optionality or prepayment features.
 
Loans
 
When available, we use observable market data, including pricing on recent closed market transactions, to value loans which are included in Level 2. When this data is unobservable, we use valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data adjusted for inherent credit risk and such loans are included in Level 3. When appropriate, loans are valued using collateral values as a practical expedient.
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Upon adoption, we elected to report $172 million of commercial mortgage loans at fair value in order to have them on the same accounting basis (measured at fair value through earnings) as the derivatives economically hedging these loans.
 
The following table presents our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2008. Included in the table are investment securities of $21,994 million, primarily supporting obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance businesses, and $9,953 million supporting obligations to holders of guaranteed investment contracts. Such securities are primarily investment grade. In addition, the table includes $6,521 million and $3,306 million of derivative assets and liabilities, respectively, with highly rated counterparties, primarily used for risk management purposes. Also included are retained interests in securitizations totaling $5,944 million.
 
September 30, 2008
(In millions)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
FIN 39
netting(a)
   
Net
balance
 
                               
Assets
                             
Investment securities
$
1,382
 
$
29,065
 
$
13,012
 
$
 
$
43,459
 
Derivatives
 
   
9,484
   
1,054
   
(4,017
)
 
6,521
 
Other(b)
 
1
   
1,121
   
1,220
   
   
2,342
 
Total
$
1,383
 
$
39,670
 
$
15,286
 
$
(4,017
)
$
52,322
 
                               
Liabilities
                             
Derivatives
$
7
 
$
7,176
 
$
206
 
$
(4,083
)
$
3,306
 
Other(c)
 
   
1,646
   
   
   
1,646
 
Total
$
7
 
$
8,822
 
$
206
 
$
(4,083
)
$
4,952
 
                               

(a)
 
FASB Interpretation (FIN) 39, Offsetting of Amounts Related to Certain Contracts, permits the netting of derivative receivables and derivative payables when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists. Includes fair value adjustments related to our own and counterparty credit risk.
 
(b)
 
Includes private equity investments and loans designated under the fair value option.
 
(c)
Primarily represents the liability associated with certain of our deferred incentive compensation plans accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue 97-14, Accounting for Deferred Compensation Arrangements Where Amounts Earned Are Held in a Rabbi Trust and Invested.

 

 
(25)

 

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 instruments measured on a recurring basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. The majority of our Level 3 balances consist of investment securities classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recorded in equity.
 
Changes in Level 3 instruments for the three months ended September 30, 2008
 
(In millions)
July 1,
2008
 
Net
realized/
unrealized
gains
(losses)
included in
earnings(a)
 
Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
included in
accumulated
nonowner
changes
other than
earnings
 
Purchases,
issuances
and
settlements
 
Transfers
in and/or
out of
Level 3(b)
 
Sep-
tember 30,
2008
   
Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
relating to
instruments
still held
at Sep-
tember 30,
2008(c)
                                             
Investment securities   
$
13,830
 
$
278
 
$
(321
)
$
(484
)
$
(291
)
$
13,012
   
$
128
 
Derivatives(d)(e)
 
491
   
414
   
18
   
(61
)
 
9
   
871
     
359
 
Other
 
1,349
   
(84
)
 
(39
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
1,220
     
(88
)
Total
$
15,670
 
$
608
 
$
(342
)
$
(550
)
$
(283
)
$
15,103
   
$
399
 
                                             

(a)
 
Earnings effects are primarily included in the “GECS revenues from services” and “Interest and other financial charges” captions in the Condensed Statement of Earnings.
 
(b)
 
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are considered to occur at the beginning of the period.
 
(c)
 
Represents the amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 that are still held at September 30, 2008.
 
(d)
Earnings from Derivatives were more than offset by $190 million in losses from related derivatives included in Level 2 and $253 million in losses from qualifying fair value hedges.
(e)
Represents derivative assets net of derivative liabilities and includes cash accruals of $23 million not reflected in the fair value hierarchy table.

 

 
(26)

 

Changes in Level 3 instruments for the nine months ended September 30, 2008
 
(In millions)
Jan-
uary 1,
2008
 
Net
realized/
unrealized
gains
(losses)
included in
earnings(a)
 
Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
included in
accumulated
nonowner
changes
other than
earnings
 
Purchases,
issuances
and
settlements
 
Transfers
in and/or
out of
Level 3(b)
 
Sep-
tember 30,
2008
   
Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
relating to
instruments
still held
at Sep-
tember 30,
2008(c)
                                             
Investment securities   
$
12,447
 
$
619
 
$
(503
)
$
60
 
$
389
 
$
13,012
   
$
101
 
Derivatives(d)(e)
 
265
   
719
   
40
   
(162
)
 
9
   
871
     
554
 
Other
 
1,330
   
(110
)
 
(9
)
 
(41
)
 
50
   
1,220
     
(54
)
Total
$
14,042
 
$
1,228
 
$
(472
)
$
(143
)
$
448
 
$
15,103
   
$
601
 
                                             

(a)
 
Earnings effects are primarily included in the “GECS revenues from services” and “Interest and other financial charges” captions in the Condensed Statement of Earnings.
 
(b)
 
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are considered to occur at the beginning of the period.
 
(c)
 
Represents the amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 that are still held at September 30, 2008.
 
(d)
 
Earnings from Derivatives were partially offset by $275 million in losses from related derivatives included in Level 2 and $309 million in losses from qualifying fair value hedges.
 
(e)
Represents derivative assets net of derivative liabilities and includes cash accruals of $23 million not reflected in the fair value hierarchy table.

 
Certain assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, and therefore not included in the preceding tables, were $257 million identified as Level 2 and $1,971 million identified as Level 3. We recognized $121 million and $383 million of losses related to non-recurring fair value measurements of loans, and $199 million and $275 million of other-than-temporary impairments of cost and equity method investments during the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, respectively.
 
15. Shareowners’ Equity
 
A summary of increases (decreases) in shareowners’ equity that did not result directly from transactions with shareowners, net of income taxes, follows.
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Net earnings
$
4,312
 
$
5,559
 
$
13,688
 
$
15,512
 
Investment securities - net
 
(1,086
)
 
3
   
(2,414
)
 
(1,156
)
Currency translation adjustments - net
 
(4,912
)
 
1,979
   
(3,508
)
 
3,723
 
Cash flow hedges - net
 
(1,622
)
 
(789
)
 
(1,500
)
 
(60
)
Benefit plans - net
 
210
   
(2,045
)
 
924
   
(1,525
)
Total
$
(3,098
)
$
4,707
 
$
7,190
 
$
16,494
 

 

 
(27)

 

16. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The following table represents assets in off-balance sheet securitization entities.
 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
December 31,
2007
             
Receivables secured by
           
Equipment
$
6,169
 
$
6,552
 
Commercial real estate
 
8,333
   
9,244
 
Other assets
 
11,085
   
12,880
 
Credit card receivables
 
21,910
   
22,793
 
Trade receivables
 
2,562
   
2,036
 
Total securitized assets(a)(b)
$
50,059
 
$
53,505
 
             

(a)
 
At September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, liquidity support amounted to $2,301 million and $2,810 million, respectively. Credit support amounted to $2,319 million and $2,804 million at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively.
 
(b)
Liabilities for recourse obligations related to off-balance sheet assets were $2 million at both September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007.

 
17. Intercompany Transactions
 
Effects of transactions between related companies are eliminated and consist primarily of GECS services for trade receivables management and material procurement; GE customer receivables sold to GECS; buildings and equipment (including automobiles) leased by GE from GECS; information technology (IT) and other services sold to GECS by GE; aircraft engines manufactured by GE that are installed on aircraft purchased by GECS from third-party producers for lease to others; medical equipment manufactured by GE that is leased by GECS to others; and various investments, loans and allocations of GE corporate overhead costs.
 
These intercompany transactions are reported in the GE and GECS columns of our financial statements (and include customer receivables sold from GE to GECS), but are eliminated in deriving our Consolidated financial statements. The effects of these eliminations on our Consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities follow.
 
 
Nine months
ended September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
             
Sum of GE and GECS cash from operating activities – continuing operations
$
31,779
 
$
30,882
 
Elimination of GECS dividend to GE
 
(2,291
)
 
(5,871
)
Net increase in GE customer receivables sold to GECS
 
(1,255
)
 
(772
)
Other reclassifications and eliminations
 
(429
)
 
(113
)
Consolidated cash from operating activities – continuing operations
$
27,804
 
$
24,126
 

 



 
(28)

 


 
Nine months
ended September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
             
Sum of GE and GECS cash used for investing activities – continuing operations
$
(52,947
)
$
(38,400
)
Net increase in GE customer receivables sold to GECS
 
1,255
   
772
 
Other reclassifications and eliminations
 
174
   
118
 
Consolidated cash used for investing activities – continuing operations
$
(51,518
)
$
(37,510
)

 
 
Nine months
ended September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
             
Sum of GE and GECS cash from financing activities – continuing operations
$
21,600
 
$
10,566
 
Elimination of short-term intercompany borrowings(a)
 
370
   
2,731
 
Elimination of GECS dividend to GE
 
2,291
   
5,871
 
Other reclassifications and eliminations
 
23
   
(47
)
Consolidated cash from financing activities – continuing operations
$
24,284
 
$
19,121
 
             

(a)
Represents GE investment in GECS short-term borrowings, such as commercial paper.

 
18. Subsequent Events
 
On October 7, 2008, GE completed an offering of 547,825,000 shares of common stock at a price of $22.25 per share. The underwriters of the offering have an option expiring November 1, 2008 to purchase from GE up to an additional 82,173,750 shares.
 
On October 16, 2008, GE issued 30,000 shares of GE’s 10% cumulative perpetual preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, having an aggregate liquidation value of $3.0 billion, and warrants to purchase 134,831,460 shares of GE’s common stock, par value $0.06 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 billion in cash. The preferred stock is redeemable at GE’s option after three years, in whole or in part, at a price of 110% of liquidation value plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The warrants are exercisable at the holder’s option at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, for five years at an exercise price of $22.25 per share of common stock and are settled through physical share issuance.
 
 
A. Results of Operations
 
General Electric Company’s consolidated financial statements represent the combination of the industrial manufacturing and product services businesses of General Electric Company (GE) and the financial services businesses of General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services).
 
In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we sometimes use information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in our financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Certain of these data are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. For such measures, we have provided supplemental explanations and reconciliations in Exhibit 99 to this report on Form 10-Q.
 

 
(29)

 

Unless otherwise indicated, we refer to captions such as revenues and earnings from continuing operations simply as “revenues” and “earnings” throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Similarly, discussion of other matters in our condensed, consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations unless otherwise indicated.
 
Overview
 
General Electric Company’s earnings from continuing operations decreased 12% to $4.477 billion in the third quarter of 2008 compared with $5.111 billion in 2007. Earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations were $0.45 in the third quarter of 2008, down 10% compared with $0.50 in the third quarter of 2007.
 
For the first nine months of 2008, earnings from continuing operations decreased 9% to $14.222 billion compared with $15.630 billion for the same period in 2007. EPS from continuing operations were $1.42 in the first nine months of 2008, down 7% compared with $1.52 in the first nine months of 2007.
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $0.2 billion in the third quarter of 2008 compared with earnings of $0.4 billion for the same period in 2007, including the results of our Japanese personal loan business (Lake) and our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, excluding our minority ownership in GE Nissen Credit Co., Ltd. (GE Money Japan), our U.S. mortgage business (WMC), Plastics, Advanced Materials, most of GE Insurance Solutions Corporation (GE Insurance Solutions), GE Life and Genworth Financial, Inc. (Genworth).
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $0.5 billion in the first nine months of 2008 compared with $0.1 billion for the same period in 2007.
 
Net earnings decreased 22% to $4.312 billion and EPS decreased 20% to $0.43 in the third quarter of 2008 compared with $5.559 billion and $0.54, respectively, in the third quarter of 2007.
 
For the first nine months of 2008, net earnings decreased 12% to $13.688 billion compared with $15.512 billion for the same period in 2007, and EPS decreased 9% to $1.37 compared with $1.51 in the first nine months of 2007.
 
Revenues of $47.2 billion in the third quarter of 2008 were 11% higher than in the corresponding period of 2007, reflecting organic growth of 3%, the weaker U.S. dollar, the net effects of acquisitions and dispositions and the effects of the 2008 Olympics broadcasts. A reconciliation between reported and organic revenues is shown in Exhibit 99. Industrial sales increased 17% to $28.9 billion, reflecting strong organic growth, the effects of the 2008 Olympics broadcasts, the weaker U.S. dollar and the net effects of acquisitions and dispositions. Sales of product services (including sales of spare parts and related services) grew 8% to $8.5 billion in the third quarter of 2008. Financial services revenues increased 2% over the comparable period of last year to $18.4 billion, reflecting the net effects of acquisitions and dispositions and the weaker U.S. dollar, partially offset by organic revenue declines.
 
Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 rose 10% to $136.3 billion compared with $124.0 billion for the first nine months of 2007. Industrial sales of $80.9 billion were 15% higher than in 2007 reflecting strong organic growth, the net effects of acquisitions and dispositions, the weaker U.S. dollar and the effects of the 2008 Olympics broadcasts. Financial services revenues for the first nine months of 2008 increased 5% to $55.5 billion as a result of the effects of acquisitions and dispositions and the weaker U.S. dollar, partially offset by organic revenue declines, including the 2007 gain on sale of Swiss Reinsurance Company (Swiss Re) common stock.
 

 
(30)

 

Overall, acquisitions contributed $1.7 billion and $2.2 billion to consolidated revenues in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our consolidated earnings in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007 included approximately $0.2 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, from acquired businesses. We integrate acquisitions as quickly as possible. Only revenues and earnings from the date we complete the acquisition through the end of the fourth following quarter are attributed to such businesses. Dispositions also affected our operations through lower revenues of $0.1 billion and $1.1 billion in the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effect of dispositions on earnings was an insignificant amount in the third quarter of 2008 and a decrease of $0.2 billion in the third quarter of 2007.
 
Acquisitions contributed $6.1 billion and $5.3 billion to consolidated revenues in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our consolidated net earnings in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007 included approximately $0.6 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively, from acquired businesses. Dispositions also affected our operations through higher revenues of $0.3 billion in the first nine months of 2008 and lower revenues of $2.9 billion in the first nine months of 2007. The effects of dispositions on earnings was an increase of $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion in the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
The most significant acquisitions affecting results in 2008 were Smiths Aerospace Group Ltd. and Whatman Plc. at Technology Infrastructure; Vetco Gray; Hydril Pressure Control; and Sondex PLC at Energy Infrastructure; Regency Energy Partners LP; Merrill Lynch Capital; Sanyo Electric Credit Co., Ltd. (Sanyo); CitiCapital; Bank BPH; and Diskont und Kredit AG and Disko Leasing GmbH (DISKO) and ASL Auto Service-Leasing GmbH (ASL), the leasing businesses of KG Allgemeine Leasing GmbH & Co. at Capital Finance; and Oxygen Media Corp. and Sparrowhawk Holdings Ltd. at NBC Universal.
 
We continue to explore strategic options for our Consumer & Industrial segment, including our Appliance business.
 
 
Operating segments comprise our five businesses focused on the broad markets they serve: Technology Infrastructure, Energy Infrastructure, Capital Finance, NBC Universal and Consumer & Industrial.
 
Segment profit is determined based on internal performance measures used by the Chief Executive Officer to assess the performance of each business in a given period. In connection with that assessment, the Chief Executive Officer may exclude matters such as charges for restructuring; rationalization and other similar expenses; in-process research and development and certain other acquisition-related charges and balances; technology and product development costs; certain gains and losses from dispositions; and litigation settlements or other charges, responsibility for which preceded the current management team.
 
Segment profit always excludes the effects of principal pension plans, results reported as discontinued operations and accounting changes. Segment profit excludes or includes interest and other financial charges and income taxes according to how a particular segment’s management is measured – excluded in determining segment profit, which we sometimes refer to as “operating profit,” for Technology Infrastructure, Energy Infrastructure, NBC Universal and Consumer & Industrial; included in determining segment profit, which we sometimes refer to as “net earnings,” for Capital Finance.
 
We have reclassified certain prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period’s presentation. In addition to providing information on segments in their entirety, we have also provided supplemental information for certain businesses within the segments.
 

 
(31)

 

Technology Infrastructure
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Revenues
$
11,450
 
$
10,549
 
$
33,761
 
$
30,309
 
                         
Segment profit
$
1,900
 
$
1,869
 
$
5,657
 
$
5,408
 
                         
Revenues
                       
Aviation
$
4,841
 
$
4,240
 
$
14,084
 
$
11,770
 
Enterprise Solutions
 
1,192
   
1,137
   
3,532
   
3,192
 
Healthcare
 
4,191
   
4,062
   
12,569
   
12,002
 
Transportation
 
1,256
   
1,109
   
3,606
   
3,344
 
                         
Segment profit
                       
Aviation
$
834
 
$
736
 
$
2,523
 
$
2,263
 
Enterprise Solutions
 
187
   
193
   
503
   
462
 
Healthcare
 
634
   
692
   
1,909
   
2,021
 
Transportation
 
255
   
253
   
750
   
684
 

 
Technology Infrastructure revenues increased 9%, or $0.9 billion, in the third quarter of 2008 on higher volume ($0.6 billion), the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.2 billion) and higher prices ($0.1 billion). The increase in volume reflected increased sales of commercial and military engines at Aviation, global locomotives at Transportation, and services at Healthcare. The effects of the weaker U.S. dollar were primarily at Healthcare. Higher prices were primarily at Aviation, partially offset by lower prices at Healthcare.
 
Segment profit rose 2% as higher prices ($0.1 billion), higher volume ($0.1 billion) and productivity ($0.1 billion) were partially offset by higher material and other costs ($0.3 billion). The increase in volume, effects of productivity and higher material and other costs primarily related to Aviation.
 
Technology Infrastructure revenues rose 11% to $33.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, on higher volume ($2.8 billion), the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.6 billion) and higher prices ($0.1 billion). The increase in volume reflected the effects of acquisitions and increased sales of military and commercial engines and services at Aviation; increased sales in the international diagnostic imaging, clinical systems and life science businesses, as well as surgical imaging equipment at Healthcare; increased equipment sales at Transportation; and increases at Digital Energy and Sensing and Inspection at Enterprise Solutions. The effects of the weaker U.S. dollar were at Healthcare and Enterprise Solutions. Higher prices were primarily at Aviation and Transportation, partially offset by lower prices at Healthcare.
 
Segment profit for the first nine months of 2008 rose 5% to $5.7 billion compared with $5.4 billion in 2007, as higher volume ($0.5 billion), productivity ($0.4 billion) and higher prices ($0.1 billion) were partially offset by higher material and other costs ($0.7 billion). Volume increases were primarily at Aviation. The effects of productivity were primarily at Healthcare and Transportation. The increase in material costs was primarily at Aviation and Transportation, partially offset by a decrease at Healthcare. Labor and other costs increased across all businesses of the segment.
 

 
(32)

 

Energy Infrastructure
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Revenues
$
9,769
 
$
7,386
 
$
27,164
 
$
21,251
 
                         
Segment profit
$
1,425
 
$
1,086
 
$
4,074
 
$
3,016
 
                         
Revenues
                       
Energy
$
7,392
 
$
5,357
 
$
20,367
 
$
15,534
 
Oil & Gas
 
1,891
   
1,699
   
5,321
   
4,668
 
                         
Segment profit
                       
Energy
$
1,109
 
$
818
 
$
3,241
 
$
2,410
 
Oil & Gas
 
305
   
237
   
721
   
528
 

 
Energy Infrastructure revenues rose 32%, or $2.4 billion, in the third quarter of 2008 on higher volume ($1.7 billion), higher prices ($0.5 billion) and the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.2 billion). The increase in volume reflected increased sales of thermal and wind equipment at Energy, and the effects of acquisitions and increased sales of services at Oil & Gas. The increase in price was primarily at Energy, while the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar were primarily at Energy and Oil & Gas.
 
Segment profit rose 31%, or $0.3 billion, as higher prices ($0.5 billion) and higher volume ($0.3 billion) more than offset the effects of productivity ($0.2 billion) and higher material and other costs ($0.2 billion). The increase in volume primarily related to Energy. The effects of productivity and higher material and other costs were across all businesses of the segment.
 
Energy Infrastructure revenues rose 28% to $27.2 billion for the first nine months ended September 30, 2008, on higher volume ($4.2 billion), higher prices ($1.0 billion) and the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.8 billion). The increase in volume reflected increased sales of thermal and wind equipment at Energy and the effects of acquisitions and increased sales of services at Oil & Gas. Higher prices and the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar were across all businesses of the segment.
 
Segment profit for the first nine months rose 35% to $4.1 billion compared with $3.0 billion in 2007, as higher prices ($1.0 billion), higher volume ($0.8 billion) and the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion) more than offset higher material and other costs ($0.5 billion) and productivity ($0.3 billion). The increase in volume, material and other cost increases and the effects of productivity were primarily at Energy.
 

 
(33)

 

Capital Finance
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Revenues
$
17,292
 
$
16,979
 
$
52,242
 
$
48,447
 
                         
Segment profit
$
2,020
 
$
3,021
 
$
7,602
 
$
9,080
 

 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
December 31,
2007
                     
Total assets
$
622,135
 
$
553,959
 
$
583,965
   

 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Revenues
                       
Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL)
$
6,547
 
$
6,862
 
$
20,525
 
$
19,859
 
Energy Financial Services
 
1,261
   
832
   
3,020
   
1,573
 
GECAS
 
1,265
   
1,195
   
3,690
   
3,660
 
GE Money
 
6,540
   
6,153
   
19,481
   
18,246
 
Real Estate
 
1,679
   
1,937
   
5,526
   
5,109
 
                         
Segment profit
                       
CLL
$
394
 
$
905
 
$
2,005
 
$
2,633
 
Energy Financial Services
 
306
   
255
   
606
   
501
 
GECAS
 
285
   
274
   
955
   
960
 
GE Money
 
791
   
947
   
2,832
   
3,306
 
Real Estate
 
244
   
640
   
1,204
   
1,680
 

 
 
At
(In millions)
September 30,
2008
 
September 30,
2007
 
December 31,
2007
                     
Assets
                   
CLL
$
252,477
 
$
220,391
 
$
229,608
   
Energy Financial Services
 
21,856
   
17,493
   
18,705
   
GECAS
 
49,841
   
47,038
   
47,189
   
GE Money
 
209,222
   
196,840
   
209,178
   
Real Estate
 
88,739
   
72,197
   
79,285
   

 
Capital Finance revenues increased 2% and net earnings decreased 33% compared with the third quarter of 2007. Revenues for the third quarters of 2008 and 2007 included $1.4 billion and $0.3 billion of revenue from acquisitions, respectively, and in 2008 were reduced by $0.1 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues for the quarter also decreased $0.7 billion compared with the third quarter of 2007 as a result of organic revenue declines, partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar. Net earnings decreased by $1.0 billion in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the third quarter of 2007.
 

 
(34)

 

Capital Finance revenues increased 8% and net earnings decreased 16% compared with the first nine months of 2007. Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007 included $3.6 billion and $0.5 billion of revenue from acquisitions, respectively, and in 2008 were increased by $0.1 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues for the first nine months also increased $0.7 billion compared with the first nine months of 2007 as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar, partially offset by organic revenue declines. Net earnings decreased by $1.5 billion in the first nine months of 2008 compared with the first nine months of 2007.
 
Additional information about certain Capital Finance businesses follows.
 
CLL revenues decreased 5% and net earnings decreased 56% compared with the third quarter of 2007. Revenues for the third quarter of 2008 included $0.4 billion from acquisitions. Revenues for the quarter decreased $0.7 billion compared with the third quarter of 2007 as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.9 billion), partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.2 billion). Net earnings decreased by $0.5 billion in the third quarter of 2008, resulting from core declines ($0.5 billion), partially offset by acquisitions ($0.1 billion). Net earnings included the effects of higher mark-to-market losses and other-than-temporary impairments ($0.3 billion) and Genpact mark-to-market losses ($0.2 billion), and the absence of the effects of the 2007 SES transaction ($0.1 billion).
 
CLL revenues increased 3% and net earnings decreased 24% compared with the first nine months of 2007. Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007 included $1.3 billion and $0.2 billion from acquisitions, respectively, and in 2008 were reduced by $0.2 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues for the first nine months decreased $0.2 billion compared with the first nine months of 2007 as a result of organic revenue declines ($1.0 billion), partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.8 billion). Net earnings decreased by $0.6 billion in the first nine months of 2008, resulting from core declines ($1.0 billion), including an increase of $0.1 billion in the provision for losses on financing receivables and lower investment income ($0.1 billion), partially offset by acquisitions ($0.3 billion) and higher securitization ($0.1 billion). Net earnings included the effects of higher mark-to-market losses and other-than-temporary impairments ($0.5 billion), and the absence of the effects of the 2007 SES transaction ($0.6 billion), partially offset by Genpact mark-to-market gains ($0.3 billion). These results also included a gain on sale of a portion of our investment in Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. ($0.1 billion).
 
Energy Financial Services revenues and net earnings increased 52% and 20%, respectively, compared with the third quarter of 2007. Revenues for the third quarters of 2008 and 2007 included $0.6 billion and $0.3 billion from acquisitions. Revenues for the quarter also increased $0.1 billion compared with the third quarter of 2007 as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.1 billion). The increase in net earnings resulted primarily from core growth.
 
Energy Financial Services revenues and net earnings increased 92% and 21%, respectively, compared with the first nine months of 2007. Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007 included $1.5 billion and $0.3 billion from acquisitions. Revenues for the first nine months also increased $0.2 billion compared with the first nine months of 2007 as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.2 billion). The increase in net earnings resulted primarily from core growth ($0.1 billion).
 
GECAS revenues and net earnings increased 6% and 4%, respectively, compared with the third quarter of 2007. The increase in revenues resulted primarily from organic revenue growth ($0.1 billion). The increase in net earnings resulted primarily from core growth.
 
GECAS revenues increased 1% and net earnings decreased 1% compared with the first nine months of 2007. The increase in revenues is primarily as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.1 billion), partially offset by lower investment income ($0.1 billion). The decrease in net earnings resulted primarily from lower investment income, partially offset by core growth.
 

 
(35)

 

GE Money revenues increased 6% and net earnings decreased 16% compared with the third quarter of 2007. Revenues for the third quarter of 2008 included $0.3 billion from acquisitions and were reduced by $0.1 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues for the quarter also increased $0.2 billion compared with the third quarter of 2007 as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.3 billion), partially offset by organic revenue declines ($0.2 billion). The decrease in net earnings resulted primarily from core declines ($0.2 billion), including the effects of higher delinquencies of $0.2 billion, and lower securitization income ($0.1 billion), partially offset by growth in lower-taxed earnings from global operations ($0.1 billion).
 
GE Money revenues increased 7% and net earnings decreased 14% compared with the first nine months of 2007. Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 included $0.4 billion from acquisitions and $0.4 billion from the gain on sale of our CPS business and were reduced by $0.1 billion from dispositions. Revenues for the first nine months also increased $0.5 billion compared with the first nine months of 2007 as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar ($1.1 billion), partially offset by organic revenue declines ($0.6 billion). The decrease in net earnings resulted primarily from core declines ($0.8 billion) (including lower results reflecting the effects of higher delinquencies of $0.5 billion) and lower securitization income ($0.4 billion). These decreases were partially offset by growth in lower-taxed earnings from global operations ($0.4 billion), the gain on the sale of our CPS business ($0.2 billion), the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion) and acquisitions ($0.1 billion).
 
Real Estate revenues decreased 13% and net earnings decreased 62% compared with the third quarter of 2007. Revenues for the third quarter included $0.1 billion from acquisitions. Revenues for the quarter decreased $0.3 billion compared with the third quarter of 2007 as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.4 billion), partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion). Real Estate net earnings decreased $0.4 billion compared with the third quarter of 2007, primarily from a decline in net earnings from real estate equity investments ($0.5 billion), partially offset by an increase in net earnings from real estate lending ($0.1 billion).
 
Real Estate assets at September 30, 2008 increased $9.5 billion, or 12%, from December 31, 2007, including $13.2 billion, or 36%, attributable to an increase in real estate lending, partially offset by a $3.5 billion, or 9%, decline in real estate equity investments. During the first nine months of 2008, we sold real estate equity investment assets with a book value totaling $5.1 billion, which resulted in net earnings of $1.2 billion that were partially offset by depreciation and other expenses.
 
Real Estate revenue increased 8% and net earnings decreased 28% compared with the first nine months of 2007. Revenues for the first nine months of 2008 included $0.3 billion from acquisitions. Revenues for the first nine months increased $0.2 billion compared with the first nine months of 2007 as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.3 billion), partially offset by organic revenue declines ($0.1 billion).
 
Real Estate net earnings decreased $0.5 billion compared with the first nine months of 2007, primarily from a decline in net earnings from real estate equity investments ($0.5 billion), partially offset by an increase in net earnings from real estate lending ($0.1 billion). Net earnings from the sale of real estate equity investments were lower as a result of increasingly difficult market conditions experienced in the first nine months of 2008. In the normal course of our business operations, we sell certain real estate equity investments when it is economically advantageous for us to do so. However, as real estate values are affected by certain forces beyond our control (e.g. market fundamentals and demographic conditions), it is difficult to predict with certainty the level of future sales or sales prices.
 
NBC Universal revenues of $5.1 billion increased 35%, or $1.3 billion, in the third quarter of 2008, on revenues from the Olympics broadcasts ($1.0 billion) and higher revenues in film ($0.2 billion) and cable ($0.2 billion). Segment profit of $0.6 billion increased 10% as higher earnings from cable ($0.1 billion) and film ($0.1 billion) and proceeds from insurance claims ($0.1 billion) more than offset losses from the Olympics broadcasts.
 

 
(36)

 

NBC Universal reported revenues of $12.5 billion in the first nine months of 2008, an increase of $1.7 billion or 15% from the first nine months of 2007, reflecting revenues from the Olympics broadcasts ($1.0 billion), higher revenues in cable ($0.6 billion) and film ($0.3 billion), partially offset by lower revenues in broadcast television ($0.2 billion) and lower gains from other actions ($0.1 billion). Segment profit of $2.3 billion increased 4% as higher earnings from cable ($0.3 billion) and proceeds from insurance claims ($0.1 billion) more than offset losses from lower earnings from broadcast television ($0.1 billion) and the Olympics broadcasts.
 
Consumer & Industrial revenues of $3.0 billion decreased 6%, or $0.2 billion, in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the third quarter of 2007 as lower volume ($0.3 billion) was partially offset by higher prices and the weaker U.S. dollar. The decrease in volume reflected tightened spending in the U.S. domestic market. Segment profit decreased 82%, or $0.2 billion, in the third quarter of 2008 as higher material and other costs ($0.1 billion) and the effects of productivity ($0.1 billion) were partially offset by higher prices.
 
Consumer & Industrial revenues of $9.0 billion decreased 4%, or $0.3 billion, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as lower volume ($0.6 billion) was partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion) and higher prices ($0.1 billion). The decrease in volume reflected tightened spending in the U.S. domestic market. Segment profit of $0.3 billion decreased 58%, or $0.5 billion, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as higher material and other costs ($0.3 billion), the effects of productivity ($0.1 billion) and lower volume ($0.1 billion) were partially offset by higher prices ($0.1 billion).
 
Discontinued Operations
 
 
Three months ended
September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In millions)
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
                         
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
                       
net of taxes
$
(165
)
$
448
 
$
(534
)
$
(118
)

 
Discontinued operations is comprised of GE Money Japan, WMC, Plastics, Advanced Materials, GE Insurance Solutions, GE Life, and Genworth. Results of these businesses are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the third quarter of 2008, reflected loss from operations ($0.2 billion), primarily at GE Money Japan.
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the first nine months of 2008, primarily reflected loss from operations ($0.3 billion) and the estimated incremental loss on disposal ($0.2 billion) at GE Money Japan.
 
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the third quarter of 2007, primarily reflected the estimated gain on disposal ($1.7 billion) and earnings from operations ($0.1 billion) at Plastics, partially offset by the estimated incremental loss on disposal ($0.9 billion) at Lake and the loss from operations at WMC ($0.3 billion) and GE Money Japan ($0.1 billion).
 

 
(37)

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the first nine months of 2007, reflected the estimated incremental loss on disposal ($0.9 billion) at Lake and the loss from operations at WMC ($0.9 billion) and GE Money Japan ($0.2 billion), partially offset by the estimated gain on disposal ($1.6 billion) and earnings from operations ($0.3 billion) at Plastics.
 
For additional information related to discontinued operations, see Note 3 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements.
 
Corporate items and eliminations revenues in the third quarter of 2008 were flat compared with 2007 because of an increase in gains on dispositions ($0.1 billion) and a gain on termination of a derivative contract ($0.2 billion), offset by lower revenues from insurance activities ($0.2 billion) and lower revenues from guaranteed investment contracts ($0.1 billion). Corporate items and eliminations costs decreased by $0.6 billion reflecting a decrease in restructuring, rationalization and other charges ($0.5 billion), higher gains on dispositions ($0.1 billion), and a gain on termination of a derivative contract ($0.1 billion), partially offset by lower income from insurance activities ($0.1 billion).
 
Corporate items and eliminations revenues for the first nine months of 2008 decreased $2.1 billion because of a decrease in gains on dispositions ($0.8 billion), the lack of a current-year counterpart to the gain on sale of Swiss Re common stock ($0.6 billion), lower revenues from insurance activities ($0.4 billion) and lower revenues from guaranteed investment contracts ($0.2 billion), partially offset by a gain on termination of a derivative contract ($0.2 billion). Corporate items and eliminations cost for the first nine months of 2008 decreased $0.1 billion reflecting decreases in restructuring, rationalization and other charges ($0.8 billion), lower pension costs ($0.2 billion) and a decrease in GECS taxes ($0.2 billion), partially offset by the lack of a current-year counterpart to the gain on sale of Swiss Re common stock ($0.3 billion), lower gains on dispositions ($0.7 billion) and lower income from insurance activities ($0.2 billion). (GECS amounts on an after-tax basis.)
 
Certain amounts included in Corporate items and eliminations cost are not allocated to GE operating segments because they are excluded from the measurement of their operating performance for internal purposes. In the third quarter of 2008, these included $0.1 billion at NBC Universal, primarily technology and product development costs. For the first nine months of 2008 such amounts comprised $0.3 billion at NBC Universal, $0.2 billion at each of Technology Infrastructure and Consumer & Industrial, and $0.1 billion at Energy Infrastructure, primarily for restructuring, rationalization and other charges, and for technology and product development costs.
 
B. Statement of Financial Position
 
Overview of Financial Position
 
Major changes in our financial position resulted from the following:
 
·  
During the first nine months of 2008, we completed the acquisitions of Merrill Lynch Capital, CitiCapital, Bank BPH, Hydril Pressure Control and Whatman Plc.
 
·  
The U.S. dollar was stronger at September 30, 2008, than at December 31, 2007, decreasing the translated levels of our non-U.S. dollar assets and liabilities.
 
Consolidated assets were $829.6 billion at September 30, 2008, an increase of $33.9 billion from December 31, 2007. GE assets increased $0.1 billion, and financial services assets increased $31.9 billion.
 

 
(38)

 

GE assets were $214.9 billion at September 30, 2008, a $0.1 billion increase from December 31, 2007. The increase reflects a $2.9 billion increase in all other assets, a $1.8 billion increase in inventories and a $1.1 billion increase in goodwill, partially offset by a $3.2 billion decrease in cash and equivalents, a $2.0 billion decrease in investment in GECS, a $0.3 billion decrease in current receivables and a $0.2 billion decrease in other intangible assets – net.
 
Financial Services assets were $678.4 billion at September 30, 2008. The $31.9 billion increase from December 31, 2007, was primarily attributable to increases in financing receivables – net of $37.7 billion, cash and equivalents of $3.6 billion and property, plant and equipment (including equipment leased to others) – net of $2.0 billion, partially offset by decreases in assets of discontinued operations of $7.6 billion, all other assets of $1.8 billion and investment securities of $1.8 billion.
 
Consolidated liabilities of $708.2 billion at September 30, 2008, were $36.1 billion higher than the year-end 2007 balance. GE liabilities increased $3.1 billion, while financial services liabilities increased $33.0 billion.
 
GE liabilities were $95.9 billion at September 30, 2008. During 2008, short-term borrowings increased $0.3 billion to $4.4 billion and long-term borrowings decreased $1.6 billion to $10.0 billion. The ratio of borrowings to total capital invested for GE at the end of the third quarter was 10.8% compared with 11.4% at the end of last year and 9.6% at September 30, 2007.
 
Financial Services liabilities increased $33.0 billion from year-end 2007 to $620.3 billion reflecting increases in total borrowings of $35.5 billion and deferred income taxes of $1.2 billion, partially offset by decreases in all other liabilities of $2.6 billion.
 
Cash Flows
 
Consolidated cash and equivalents were $16.3 billion at September 30, 2008, an increase of $0.6 billion during the first nine months of 2008. Cash and equivalents amounted to $19.8 billion at September 30, 2007, an increase of $5.7 billion from December 31, 2006.
 
We evaluate our cash flow performance by reviewing our industrial (non-financial services) businesses and financial services businesses separately. Cash from operating activities (CFOA) is the principal source of cash generation for our industrial businesses. The industrial businesses also have liquidity available via the public capital markets. Our financial services businesses use a variety of financial resources to meet our capital needs. Cash for financial services businesses is primarily provided from the issuance of term debt and commercial paper in the public and private markets, as well as financing receivables collections, sales and securitizations.
 
GE Cash Flow
 
GE cash and equivalents aggregated $3.5 billion at September 30, 2008, compared with $7.2 billion at September 30, 2007. GE CFOA totaled $13.6 billion for the first nine months of 2008 compared with $16.7 billion for the first nine months of 2007. With respect to GE CFOA, we believe that it is useful to supplement our GE Condensed Statement of Cash Flows and to examine in a broader context the business activities that provide and require cash.
 
 
Nine months ended
September 30
 
(In billions)
2008
 
2007
 
             
Operating cash collections
$
85.0
 
$
73.3
 
Operating cash payments
 
(73.7
)
 
(62.5
)
Cash dividends from GECS
 
2.3
   
5.9
 
GE cash from operating activities (GE CFOA)
$
13.6
 
$
16.7
 

 

 
(39)

 

The most significant source of cash in GE CFOA is customer-related activities, the largest of which is collecting cash following a product or services sale. GE operating cash collections increased by $11.7 billion during the first nine months of 2008. This increase is consistent with the changes in comparable GE operating segment revenues. Analyses of operating segment revenues discussed in the preceding Segment Operations section are the best way of understanding their customer-related CFOA.
 
The most significant operating use of cash is to pay our suppliers, employees, tax authorities and others for the wide range of material and services necessary in a diversified global organization. GE operating cash payments increased in the first nine months of 2008 by $11.2 billion, comparable to the increase in GE total costs and expenses.
 
Dividends from GECS represented the distribution of a portion of GECS retained earnings, including special dividends from proceeds of certain business sales, and are distinct from cash from continuing operating activities within the financial services businesses. The amounts we show in GE CFOA are the total dividends, including normal dividends as well as any special dividends from excess capital, primarily resulting from GECS business sales. There were no special dividends paid by GECS to GE in the first nine months of 2008 compared with $2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2007. Beginning in the third quarter of 2008, GECS decreased its normal dividend from 40% to 10% of GECS earnings.
 
GE sells customer receivables to GECS in part to fund the growth of our industrial businesses. These transactions can result in cash generation or cash use in any given period. The incremental cash generated or used from the sale of customer receivables (net effect) is the amount of cash received for receivables sold in a period less the amount of cash collected on receivables previously sold. This net effect represents the cash generated or used in the period related to this activity. The incremental cash generated in GE CFOA from selling these receivables to GECS increased GE CFOA by $1.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared with an increase of $0.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. See Note 17 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements for additional information about the elimination of intercompany transactions between GE and GECS.
 
GECS Cash Flow
 
GECS cash and equivalents aggregated $13.1 billion at September 30, 2008, compared with $12.7 billion at September 30, 2007. GECS CFOA totaled $18.1 billion for the first nine months of 2008 compared with $14.2 billion for the first nine months of 2007. The increase is primarily the result of increased collections of interest from loans and finance leases and rental income from operating leases, resulting primarily from core growth and currency exchange; and increases in cash collateral received from counterparties on derivative contracts and security deposits. These increases were partially offset by increases in interest payments resulting from increased borrowings, and taxes paid.
 
GECS principal use of cash has been investing in assets to grow its businesses. Of the $48.8 billion that GECS invested during the first nine months of 2008, $28.4 billion was used for additions to financing receivables; $25.0 billion was used for acquisitions of new businesses, the largest of which were Merrill Lynch Capital, CitiCapital and Bank BPH; and $9.5 billion was used to invest in new equipment, principally for lease to others.
 
GECS paid dividends to GE through a distribution of its retained earnings, including special dividends from proceeds of certain business sales. Dividends paid to GE totaled $2.3 billion in the first nine months of 2008 compared with $5.9 billion in the first nine months of 2007. There were no special dividends paid to GE in the first nine months of 2008 compared with $2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2007. During the first nine months of 2008, GECS borrowings with maturities of 90 days or less have decreased by $16.9 billion. New borrowings of $99.2 billion having maturities longer than 90 days were added during the first nine months of 2008, while $44.9 billion of such long-term borrowings were retired.
 

 
(40)

 

Intercompany Eliminations
 
Effects of transactions between related companies are eliminated and consist primarily of GECS services for trade receivables management and material procurement; GE customer receivables sold to GECS; buildings and equipment (including automobiles) leased by GE from GECS; information technology (IT) and other services sold to GECS by GE; aircraft engines manufactured by GE that are installed on aircraft purchased by GECS from third-party producers for lease to others; medical equipment manufactured by GE that is leased by GECS to others; and various investments, loans and allocations of GE corporate overhead costs. See Note 17 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements for further information related to intercompany eliminations.
 
The lack of a current-year counterpart to last year’s $2.7 billion GECS special dividend is the primary reason for the decrease in the amount of intercompany eliminations referred to above.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 157, Fair Value Measurements, for all financial instruments and non-financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis. Adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. During the third quarter, our methodology remained consistent with prior quarters for measuring fair value of financial instruments trading in volatile markets. Additional information about our application of SFAS 157 is provided in Note 14 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements.
 
The fair value of derivatives includes an adjustment for our non-performance risk. At September 30, 2008, the adjustment for our non-performance risk was a gain of $0.1 billion.
 
At September 30, 2008, the aggregate amount of instruments requiring fair value measurement on a recurring basis included in Level 3 represented approximately 1% of the aggregate amount of consolidated assets and liabilities. Of the aggregate amount of total financial instruments requiring recurring fair value measurement, approximately 27% are included in Level 3. The amount we report in Level 3 in future periods will be directly affected by market conditions. See Note 14 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements for further information related to the adoption of SFAS 157.
 
C. Financial Services Portfolio Quality
 
Investment securities comprise mainly investment-grade debt securities supporting obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance businesses and holders of guaranteed investment contracts. Investment securities were $43.2 billion at September 30, 2008 compared with $44.9 billion at December 31, 2007. Of the amount at September 30, 2008, we held residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities with estimated fair values of $4.9 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. Such amounts included unrealized losses of $0.9 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively.
 
At September 30, 2008, we had approximately $1.5 billion of exposure to residential subprime credit, primarily supporting our guaranteed investment contracts; $1.2 billion of this amount was insured by monoline insurers (Monolines). Monolines provide credit enhancement for certain of our investment securities. At September 30, 2008, our total investment securities insured by Monolines were $3.1 billion. Although several of the Monolines have been downgraded by the rating agencies, a majority of this amount was insured by investment-grade Monolines. In addition, we had approximately $2.8 billion of exposure to commercial, regional and foreign banks, primarily relating to corporate debt securities, with associated unrealized losses of $0.5 billion.
 

 
(41)

 

We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Quantitative criteria include length of time and amount that each security is in an unrealized loss position and, for fixed maturities, whether the issuer is in compliance with terms and covenants of the security. Qualitative criteria include the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, as well as our intent and ability to hold the security to maturity or until forecasted recovery. Our impairment reviews involve our finance, risk and asset management functions as well as the portfolio management and research capabilities of our internal and third-party asset managers. At September 30, 2008, unrealized losses on investment securities totaled $4.1 billion, including $2.3 billion aged 12 months or more. Of the amount aged 12 months or more, $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion related to corporate debt securities and structured securities (mortgage-backed, asset-backed and retained interests in off-balance sheet securitization arrangements), respectively. Other-than-temporary impairment losses were $0.6 billion for the first nine months of 2008, primarily relating to retained interests in our off-balance sheet securitization arrangements, RMBS and corporate debt securities of financial institutions and media companies. Other-than-temporary impairment losses were $0.1 billion for the first nine months of 2007.
 
Our qualitative review attempts to identify issuers’ securities “at-risk” of impairment, that is, with a possibility of other-than-temporary impairment recognition in the following 12 months. Of securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2008, $0.5 billion was at risk of being charged to earnings in the next 12 months. Continued uncertainty in the capital markets may cause increased levels of losses.
 
Financing receivables is our largest category of assets and represents one of our primary sources of revenues. A discussion of the quality of certain elements of the financing receivables portfolio follows. For purposes of that discussion, “delinquent” receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due; and “nonearning” receivables are those that are 90 days or more past due (or for which collection has otherwise become doubtful).
 

 
(42)

 

Selected financing receivables ratios follow.
 
 
September 30, 2008
 
Nonearning
receivables as
a percentage
of total
financing
receivables
 
Allowance for
losses as a
percentage of
nonearning
 receivables
 
Allowance for
losses as
a percentage
of total
financing
receivables
                     
CLL
                   
Equipment and leasing and other
 
1.0
%
 
59.7
%
 
0.6
%
 
Commercial and industrial
 
1.5
   
35.0
   
0.5
   
                     
Real Estate
 
0.2
   
230.8
   
0.4
   
                     
GE Money
                   
Non-U.S. residential mortgages
 
4.6
   
8.9
   
0.4
   
Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
1.8
   
221.4
   
4.0
   
U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
2.3
   
179.5
   
4.2
   
Non-U.S. auto
 
0.4
   
280.1
   
1.1
   
Other
 
2.8
   
56.3
   
1.6
   
                     
GECAS
 
0.9
   
37.0
   
0.4
   
                     
Energy Financial Services
 
1.9
   
20.9
   
0.4
   
                     
Other
 
0.8
   
58.8
   
0.5
   
                     
Total
 
1.8
   
60.9
   
1.1
   
 
Delinquency rates on managed equipment financing loans and leases and managed consumer financing receivables follow.
 
 
Delinquency rates at
 
September 30,
2008(a)
 
December 31,
2007
 
September 30,
2007
                     
Equipment Financing
 
1.61
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.35
%
 
Consumer
 
6.54
   
5.38
   
5.26
   
U.S.
 
6.17
   
5.52
   
5.14
   
Non-U.S.
 
6.69
   
5.32
   
5.30
   
                     

(a)
Subject to update.

 
The portfolio of financing receivables, before allowance for losses, was $426.4 billion at September 30, 2008, and $388.3 billion at December 31, 2007. Financing receivables, before allowance for losses, increased $38.1 billion from December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of core growth ($46.3 billion) and acquisitions ($31.8 billion), partially offset by securitization and sales ($28.2 billion), the stronger U.S. dollar ($10.7 billion) and dispositions ($3.3 billion).
 

 
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Related nonearning receivables amounted to $7.6 billion (1.8% of outstanding receivables) at September 30, 2008, compared with $5.5 billion (1.4% of outstanding receivables) at December 31, 2007. Nonearning receivables excludes loans held for sale. Related nonearning receivables increased from December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of new exposures, including the effects of the Sanyo and Bank BPH acquisitions, as well as the continued deterioration in the U.S. and U.K. markets and certain European portfolios. At September 30, 2008, our nonearning receivables included a higher concentration of loans secured by mortgages and mid-market equipment, which have lower historical loss experience than unsecured exposures.
 
The allowance for losses at September 30, 2008, amounted to $4.6 billion compared with $4.2 billion at December 31, 2007, representing our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio and reflecting the current credit and economic environment. Allowance for losses increased $0.4 billion from December 31, 2007, primarily as a result of overall growth in our portfolio and increased delinquencies in the U.S. and U.K. markets and certain European portfolios. We recorded a provision for loan losses of $1.6 billion in the third quarter of 2008 compared with $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2007.
 
Delinquency rates on equipment financing loans and leases increased from December 31, 2007, and September 30, 2007, to September 30, 2008, primarily as a result of the inclusion of the Sanyo acquisition in Japan, which contributed an additional 10 basis points at September 30, 2008, as well as deterioration in our U.S. commercial middle market and certain European portfolios. The current financial market turmoil and tight credit conditions may continue to lead to a higher level of commercial delinquencies and provisions for financing receivables and could adversely affect results of operations at CLL.
 
Delinquency rates on consumer financing receivables increased from December 31, 2007, and September 30, 2007, to September 30, 2008, primarily as a result of continued deterioration in our U.S. portfolio, the effects of tighter credit conditions in our secured financing business in the U.K. and the acquisition of Bank BPH. In response, GE Money will continue to tighten underwriting standards related to the U.S. and U.K. consumers and will continue its process of regularly reviewing and adjusting reserve levels in response to when it is probable that losses have been incurred in the portfolio. This environment may result in higher provisions for loan losses and could adversely affect results of operations at GE Money. See Notes 9 and 10 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements.
 
Other assets comprise mainly real estate investments, equity and cost method investments and assets held for sale. Other assets totaled $81.6 billion at September 30, 2008, compared with $83.4 billion at December 31, 2007. Of the amount at September 30, 2008, we had cost method investments totaling $2.5 billion. Cost method investments include a $0.1 billion investment in FGIC Corporation (FGIC), a monoline credit insurer. During 2008, credit rating agencies downgraded FGIC; following the downgrades, various alternatives were being considered. During the first nine months of 2008, we recognized other-than-temporary impairments on our investments in FGIC common stock ($0.1 billion in the first quarter) and preferred stock ($0.2 billion in the third quarter). We continue to monitor our investment in FGIC closely, including review for further impairment.
 
D. Liquidity and Borrowings
 
We manage our liquidity to help ensure access to sufficient funding at acceptable costs to meet our business needs and financial obligations throughout business cycles. We rely on cash generated through our operating activities as well as unsecured and secured funding sources, including commercial paper, term debt, bank deposits, bank borrowings, securitization and other retail funding products.

 
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The global credit markets have recently experienced unprecedented volatility, which has affected both the availability and cost of our funding sources. In this current volatile credit environment, we have taken a number of initiatives to strengthen our liquidity, maintain our dividend, and maintain the highest credit ratings. Specifically, we have:
 

·  
Reduced the GECS dividend to GE from 40% to 10% of GECS earnings and suspended our stock repurchase program;
 
·  
Raised $15 billion in cash through common and preferred stock offerings in October 2008;
 
·  
Reduced our commercial paper borrowings at GECS to $88 billion at September 30, 2008;
 
·  
Targeted to further reduce GECS commercial paper borrowings to $80 billion by the end of 2008 and to 10-15% of total GECS borrowings going forward;
 
·  
Begun resizing GE to deliver a 60%/40% industrial-financial services earnings split by the end of 2009;
 
·  
Grown our deposit funding to $33.5 billion at September 30, 2008; and
 
·  
Registered to use the Federal Reserve’s Commercial Paper Funding Facility for up to $98 billion, which is available through April 30, 2009.
 
Throughout this period of volatility, we have been able to continue to meet our funding needs at acceptable costs. We continue to access the commercial paper markets without interruption, although we have been doing so at shorter average maturities than historically. During the first nine months of 2008, GECS and its affiliates have issued $69.2 billion of senior, unsecured long-term debt. This debt was both fixed and floating rate and was issued to institutional and retail investors in the U.S. and 17 other global markets. Maturities for these issuances ranged from one to 40 years. We are not currently planning to issue long-term debt for the remainder of 2008, but will consider it if we have opportunities to issue debt on favorable terms as a result of more stable markets or other developments. We maintain securitization capability in most of the asset classes we have traditionally securitized. However, these capabilities have been, and continue to be, more limited than in 2007. Securitization proceeds were $0.7 billion and $4.9 billion during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. Comparable amounts for 2007 were $5.2 billion and $16.9 billion, for three months and nine months, respectively.
 
We have successfully grown our deposits by $22.0 billion since January 1, 2008, to $33.5 billion at September 30, 2008. We have deposit-taking capability at nine banks outside of the U.S. and two banks in the U.S., GE Money Bank Inc., a Federal Savings Bank (FSB), and GE Capital Financial Inc., an Industrial Loan Corporation (ILC). The FSB and ILC currently issue certificates of deposits (CDs) distributed by brokers in maturity terms from three months to five years. Total outstanding CDs at these two banks at September 30, 2008 were $17.2 billion. We expect deposits to continue to grow and constitute a greater percentage of our total funding in the future.
 
In the event we cannot sufficiently access our normal sources of funding, we have a number of alternative sources of liquidity available, including cash balances and collections, marketable securities, credit lines and liquidity facilities provided by governments.
 
 

 
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We anticipate that we will continue to generate cash from operating activities in the future, which is available to help meet our liquidity needs. We also generate substantial cash from the principal collections of loans and financing leases, which historically has been invested in asset growth. We plan to slow new asset originations and investment to the extent necessary to generate cash from collections in excess of originations to help support liquidity needs.
 
Committed, unused credit lines totaling $62.1 billion had been extended to us by 66 financial institutions at September 30, 2008. These lines include $37.3 billion of revolving credit agreements under which we can borrow funds for periods exceeding one year. The remaining $24.8 billion are 364-day lines that contain a term-out feature that allows us to extend borrowings for one year from the date of expiration of the lending agreement. Investment securities with a fair value of $10.0 billion at September 30, 2008 supporting obligations to holders of guaranteed investment contracts are also available as a source of liquidity by entering into a repurchase agreement with a counterparty. The cash proceeds available from a repurchase agreement transaction could be significantly less than fair value depending on existing market conditions at the time.
 
We are currently evaluating the effect on our operations and funding strategies of recently announced actions by the governments of the United States and other nations. The U.S. Government has enacted legislation and created several programs to help stabilize credit markets and financial institutions and restore liquidity, including the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Federal Reserve’s Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) and Money Market Investor Funding Facility (MMIFF) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. Additionally, the governments of many nations have announced similar measures for institutions in their respective countries.
 
We believe that the Federal Reserve’s recently announced CPFF and MMIFF add an important liquidity backstop for U.S. issuers of commercial paper and money market commercial paper investors and will help restore confidence in the prime commercial paper market. On October 20, 2008, we submitted our registration and received notification of our eligibility for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York CPFF, which began purchases of qualifying commercial paper on October 27, 2008. We plan to use the facility primarily to support our commercial paper investors who need liquidity and to manage our maturity profile.
 

 
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E. New Accounting Standards
 
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141R, Business Combinations, which we will adopt on January 1, 2009. This standard will significantly change the accounting for business acquisitions both during the period of the acquisition and in subsequent periods. Among the more significant changes in the accounting for acquisitions are the following:
 
·  
Transaction costs will generally be expensed. Certain such costs are presently treated as costs of the acquisition.
 
·  
In-process research and development (IPR&D) will be accounted for as an asset, with the cost recognized as the research and development is realized or abandoned. IPR&D is presently expensed at the time of the acquisition.
 
·  
Contingencies, including contingent consideration, will generally be recorded at fair value with subsequent adjustments recognized in operations. Contingent consideration is presently accounted for as an adjustment of purchase price.
 
·  
Decreases in valuation allowances on acquired deferred tax assets will be recognized in operations. Such changes previously were considered to be subsequent changes in consideration and were recorded as decreases in goodwill.
 
Generally, the effects of SFAS 141R will depend on future acquisitions.
 
On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51, which we will adopt on January 1, 2009. This standard will significantly change the accounting and reporting related to noncontrolling interests in a consolidated subsidiary. After adoption, noncontrolling interests ($9.0 billion and $8.0 billion at September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, respectively) will be classified as shareowners’ equity, a change from its current classification between liabilities and shareowners’ equity. Earnings attributable to minority interests ($0.2 billion in both the third quarter of 2008 and 2007, and $0.5 billion and $0.6 billion for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively) will be included in net earnings, although such earnings will continue to be deducted to measure earnings per share. Purchases and sales of minority interests will be reported in equity, deferring, perhaps permanently, our recognition of the economic gain or loss on partial dispositions. Gains on sales of minority interests that would not have been in net earnings under SFAS 160 amounted to an insignificant amount in both the third quarters of 2008 and 2007, and $0.2 billion and $0.7 billion for the first nine months of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
There have been no significant changes to our market risk since December 31, 2007. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to Part II, Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
 
Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and concluded that (i) our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2008, and (ii) no change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.
 

 
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Part II. Other Information
 
 
 
In July and September 2008, shareholders filed two purported class actions under the federal securities laws in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut naming us as defendant, as well as our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. The complaints allege that we and our chief executive officer made false and misleading statements that artificially inflated our stock price between March 12, 2008 and April 10, 2008, when we announced that our results for the first quarter of 2008 would not meet our previous guidance and we also lowered our full year guidance for 2008. In addition, shareholders have filed two purported derivative actions in New York State court against our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the members of our board and us (as nominal defendant) for alleged breach of fiduciary duty and other claims in connection with these events. These four cases, which seek unspecified damages, are in their earliest stages and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.
 
In October 2008, shareholders filed a purported class action under the federal securities laws in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York naming us as defendant, as well as our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. The complaint alleges that during a conference call with analysts on September 25, 2008, defendants made false and misleading statements concerning (i) the state of GE’s funding, cash flows, and liquidity and (ii) the question of issuing additional equity, which caused economic loss to those shareholders who purchased GE stock between September 25, 2008 and October 2, 2008, when we announced the pricing of a common stock offering. This case, which seeks unspecified damages, is at the earliest stage and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.
 
 
 
Certain risks described below update the risk factors in Part 1, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and were included as part of the offering documents in our recently completed offering of shares of common stock.
 
Risks Relating to the Financial Services Industry and Financial Markets
 
Recent government actions to stabilize credit markets and financial institutions may not be effective and could adversely affect our competitive position.
 
The U.S. Government recently enacted legislation and created several programs to help stabilize credit markets and financial institutions and restore liquidity, including the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Federal Reserve’s Commercial Paper Funding Facility (CPFF) and Money Market Investor Funding Facility and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. Additionally, the governments of many nations have announced similar measures for institutions in their respective countries. There is no assurance that these programs individually or collectively will have beneficial effects in the credit markets, will address credit or liquidity issues of companies that participate in the programs or will reduce volatility or uncertainty in the financial markets. The failure of these programs to have their intended effects could have a material adverse effect on the financial markets, which in turn could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. During the period that these programs are in place, we could temporarily benefit from the terms of the programs or from the conditions for participation, relative to other companies that do not participate in the programs we do. To the extent that we participate in these programs or other programs, there is no assurance that such programs will remain available for sufficient periods of time or on acceptable terms to benefit us, and the expiration of such programs could have unintended adverse effects on us.
 

 
(48)

 

Current levels of market volatility are unprecedented.
 
The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than 12 months. In recent weeks, the volatility and disruption have reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on stock prices and credit capacity for certain issuers. A large portion of GE Capital’s borrowings have been issued in the commercial paper markets and, although GE Capital has continued to issue commercial paper, there can be no assurance that such markets will continue to be a reliable source of short-term financing for GE Capital. If current levels of market disruption and volatility continue or worsen, or if we cannot lower our asset levels as planned, we would seek to repay commercial paper as it becomes due or to meet our other liquidity needs using the Federal Reserve’s CPFF Program, the net proceeds of our equity offering and the investment by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., drawing upon contractually committed lending agreements primarily provided by global banks and/or by seeking other funding sources. However, under such extreme market conditions, there can be no assurance such agreements and other funding sources would be available or sufficient.
 
Difficult conditions in the financial services markets have materially and adversely affected the business and results of operations of GE Capital and we do not expect these conditions to improve in the near future.
 
Dramatic declines in the housing market during the prior year, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, have resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities and major commercial and investment banks. These write-downs, initially of mortgage-backed securities but spreading to credit default swaps and other derivative securities, have caused many financial institutions to seek additional capital, to merge with larger and stronger institutions and, in some cases, to fail. Many lenders and institutional investors have reduced, and in some cases, ceased to provide funding to borrowers including other financial institutions. This market turmoil and tightening of credit have led to an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally.
 
The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect GE Capital.
 
GE Capital has exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose GE Capital to credit risk in the event of default of its counterparty or client. In addition, GE Capital’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by it cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to it. GE Capital also has exposure to these financial institutions in the form of equity investments and unsecured debt instruments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of its financial assets would not materially and adversely affect GE Capital’s business and results of operations.
 
The real estate markets are highly uncertain.
 
We provide financing for the acquisition, refinancing and renovation of various types of properties. We also consider opportunities to buy and sell properties, which may result in significant outlays or proceeds of cash, either individually or in the aggregate. The profitability of real estate investments is largely dependent upon the specific geographic market in which they are located and the perceived value of that market at the time of sale. We may have difficulty optimizing that mix and such activity may vary significantly from one year to the next. Under current market and credit conditions, there can be no assurance as to the level of sales we will complete or the net sales proceeds we will realize. In addition, our funding transactions expose GE Capital to credit risk in the event of default.
 

 
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In addition, we are a residential mortgage lender in certain geographic markets that have been and may continue to be adversely affected by declines in real estate values and home sale volumes, job losses and other factors that may negatively impact the credit performance of our mortgage loans. Our allowance for loan losses on these mortgage loans is based on our analysis of current and historical delinquency and loan performance, as well as other management assumptions that may be inaccurate predictions of credit performance in this environment.
 
Failure to maintain our “Triple-A” credit ratings could adversely affect our cost of funds and related margins, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets.
 
The major debt agencies routinely evaluate our debt and have given their highest credit ratings to us. This evaluation is based on a number of factors, which include financial strength as well as transparency with rating agencies and timeliness of financial reporting. On September 25, 2008, we reaffirmed our longstanding commitment to maintaining our “Triple A” ratings and announced that we are taking certain steps to strengthen our capital and liquidity position, including reducing the level of dividends we receive from GE Capital from 40% to 10% of GE Capital’s earnings, suspending the repurchase of our common stock, reducing GE Capital’s commercial paper debt to a level of 10 to 15% of GE Capital’s total debt and reducing the size of our financial services business so that it contributes only approximately 40% of our total earnings by the end of 2009. We also announced that GE Capital’s long-term funding plan for 2008 has been completed. Following our announcement, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services affirmed our and GE Capital’s “AAA” long-term and “A-1+” short-term corporate credit ratings with a stable outlook and Moody’s Investor Services commented that our revised operational and financial strategies for GE Capital “are supportive of” our and GE Capital’s “Aaa” long-term and “Prime-1” short-term ratings with a stable outlook. In light of the difficulties in the financial services industry and the difficult financial markets, however, there can be no assurance that we will successfully complete these steps or, in the event of further deterioration in the financial markets, that completion of these steps and any others we might take in response, will be sufficient to allow us to maintain our “Triple A” ratings. Failure to do so could adversely affect our cost of funds and related margins, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets.
 
Other Business Risks
 
Our global growth is subject to a number of economic and political risks.
 
We conduct our operations in virtually every part of the world. Global economic developments affect businesses such as ours in many ways. For example, although infrastructure orders remain strong, the current tightening of credit in the financial markets may make it more difficult for customers to obtain financing for large projects and, depending on the degree to which this occurs, there may be a material decrease in orders for our infrastructure projects. Operations are also subject to the effects of global competition. Our global business is affected by local economic environments, including inflation, recession and currency volatility. Political changes, some of which may be disruptive, can interfere with our supply chain, our customers and all of our activities in a particular location. While some of these risks can be hedged using derivatives or other financial instruments and some are insurable, such attempts to mitigate these risks are costly and not always successful, and our ability to engage in such mitigation has decreased or become even more costly as a result of recent market developments.
 

 
(50)

 

The success of our business depends on achieving our objectives for strategic acquisitions and dispositions.
 
With respect to acquisitions and mergers, we may not be able to identify suitable candidates at terms acceptable to us, or may not achieve expected returns and other benefits as a result of integration challenges, such as personnel and technology. We will continue to evaluate the potential disposition of assets and businesses that may no longer help us meet our objectives. When we decide to sell assets or a business, we may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the accomplishment of our strategic objectives, or we may dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less than we had anticipated. These difficulties have been exacerbated in the current credit environment because buyers have difficulty obtaining the necessary financing. In addition, there is a risk that we may sell a business whose subsequent performance exceeds our expectations, in which case our decision would have potentially sacrificed enterprise value. We also may be too optimistic about a particular business’s prospects, in which case we may be unable to find a buyer at a price acceptable to us and therefore may have potentially sacrificed enterprise value.
 
We are subject to a wide variety of laws and regulations.
 
Our businesses are subject to regulation by U.S. federal and state laws and foreign laws, regulations and policies. Changes to laws or regulations may require us to modify our business objectives or affect our returns on investment if existing practices become more restricted, subject to escalating costs or prohibited outright. Particular risks include regulatory risks arising from local laws, such as laws that reduce the allowable lending rate or limit consumer borrowing, from local liquidity regulations that may increase the risks of not being able to retrieve assets, and changes to tax law that may affect our return on investments. For example, GE’s effective tax rate is reduced because active business income earned and indefinitely reinvested outside the United States is taxed at less than the U.S. rate. A significant portion of this reduction depends upon a provision of U.S. tax law that defers the imposition of U.S. tax on certain active financial services income until that income is repatriated to the United States as a dividend. This provision is consistent with international tax norms and permits U.S. financial services companies to compete more effectively with foreign banks and other foreign financial institutions in global markets. This provision, currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2009, has been scheduled to expire and has been extended by Congress on five previous occasions, including in October of 2008, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to be extended. In the event this provision is not extended after 2009, the current U.S. tax imposed on active financial services income earned outside the United States would increase, making it more difficult for U.S. financial services companies to compete in global markets. If this provision is not extended, we expect our effective tax rate to increase significantly after 2011.
 

 
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Period(a)
 
Total number
of shares
purchased(b)
 
Average
price paid
per share
 
Total number of
shares purchased as
part of our share
repurchase program(c)
 
Approximate dollar
value of shares that
may yet be purchased
under our share
repurchase program
 
(Shares in thousands)
                               
                                 
2008
                               
July
   
8,248
     
$27.75
     
8,127
         
August
   
7,180
     
$28.86
     
6,728
         
September
   
10,455
     
$26.57
     
10,350
         
Total
   
25,883
     
$27.58
     
25,205
     
$11.8 billion
 
                                 

(a)
 
Information is presented on a fiscal calendar basis, consistent with our quarterly financial reporting.
 
(b)
 
This category includes 678 thousand shares repurchased from our various benefit plans, primarily the GE Savings and Security Program (the S&SP). Through the S&SP, a defined contribution plan with Internal Revenue Service Code 401(k) features, we repurchase shares resulting from changes in investment options by plan participants.
 
(c)
This balance represents the number of shares that were repurchased through the 2007 GE Share Repurchase Program (the Program) under which we are authorized to repurchase up to $15 billion of our common stock through 2010. The Program is flexible and shares are acquired with a combination of borrowings and free cash flow from the public markets and other sources, including GE Stock Direct, a stock purchase plan that is available to the public. As major acquisitions or other circumstances warrant, we modify the frequency and amount of share repurchases under the Program. This category also includes 12,742 thousand shares acquired in connection with the disposition of the Sundance Channel by NBC Universal.

 
 
 
Exhibit 11 
 
Computation of Per Share Earnings*.
 
Exhibit 12
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
Exhibit 31(a)
 
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended.
 
Exhibit 31(b)
 
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended.
 
Exhibit 32
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
 
Exhibit 99
 
Financial Measures That Supplement Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
 
 
*
 
Data required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 128, Earnings per Share, is provided in Note 7 to the condensed, consolidated financial statements in this report.
 

 

 
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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)
 
 
 
October 30, 2008
 
/s/ Jamie S. Miller
 
Date
 
Jamie S. Miller
Vice President and Controller
Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer
 

 

 
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