Statement of Financial Position (pages 59-60)
Because GE and GECS share certain significant elements of their Statements of Financial Position — property, plant and equipment, and borrowings, for example — the following discussion addresses significant captions in the “consolidated” statement. Within the following discussions, however, we distinguish between GE and GECS activities in order to permit meaningful analysis of each individual statement.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES comprise mainly available-for-sale investment-grade debt securities held by Insurance in support of obligations to annuitants and policyholders, and debt and equity securities designated as trading and associated with certain non-U.S. separate accounts for which contractholders retain the related risks and rewards, except in the event of our bankruptcy or liquidation. Investment securities were $135.5 billion at the end of 2004, compared with $129.3 billion at the end of 2003. The increase of $6.2 billion was primarily the net result of investing premiums received, reinvesting investment income, improvements in debt markets and the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar.
We regularly review investment securities for impairment based on criteria that include the extent to which cost exceeds market value, the duration of that market decline, our intent and ability to hold to recovery and the financial health and specific prospects for the issuer. Of available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2004, approximately $0.1 billion was at risk of being charged to earnings in the next 12 months; almost two-thirds of this amount related to commercial airlines.
Impairment losses for 2004 totaled $0.2 billion compared with $0.5 billion in 2003. We recognized impairments in both periods for issuers in a variety of industries; we do not believe that any of the impairments indicate likely future impairments in the remaining portfolio.
Gross unrealized gains and losses were $5.3 billion and $0.8 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2004, compared with $4.7 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2003, primarily reflecting an increase in the estimated fair value of debt securities as interest rates declined. We estimate that available gains, net of estimated impairment of insurance intangible assets, could be as much as $2.2 billion at December 31, 2004. The market values we used in determining unrealized gains and losses are those defined by relevant accounting standards and should not be viewed as a forecast of future gains or losses. See note 9.
At December 31, 2004, unrealized losses with a duration of 12 months or more related to investment securities collateralized by commercial aircraft were $0.3 billion. The aggregate amortized cost of these available-for-sale securities was $1.2 billion. We believe that our securities, which are current on all payment terms, are in an unrealized loss position because of ongoing negative market reaction to difficulties in the commercial airline industry. For these securities, we do not anticipate changes in the timing and amount of estimated cash flows, and expect full recovery of our amortized cost. Further, should our cash flow expectation prove to be incorrect, the current aggregate market values of aircraft collateral, based on information from independent appraisers, exceeded totals of both the market values and the amortized cost of our securities at December 31, 2004. See additional discussion of our positions in the commercial aviation industry on page 48.
WORKING CAPITAL, representing GE inventories and receivables from customers, less trade payables and progress collections, increased to $8.3 billion at the end of 2004 from $5.3 billion at the end of 2003. The increase was a result of the Amersham acquisition at Healthcare, the combination of NBC and VUE and the effect of the weaker U.S. dollar.
We discuss current receivables and inventories, two important elements of working capital, in the following paragraphs.
CURRENT RECEIVABLES for GE were $14.5 billion at the end of 2004 and $11.0 billion at the end of 2003, and included $10.2 billion due from customers at the end of 2004, compared with $6.7 billion at the end of 2003. This $3.5 billion increase reflected higher receivables at NBC Universal resulting from the combination of NBC and VUE and the acquisition of Amersham by Healthcare. Turnover of customer receivables from sales of goods and services was 9.4 in 2004, compared with 10.4 in 2003. Other current receivables are primarily amounts that did not originate from sales of GE goods or services, such as advances to suppliers in connection with large contracts. See note 10.
INVENTORIES for GE were $9.6 billion at December 31, 2004, up $1.0 billion from the end of 2003. This increase reflected higher inventories at Healthcare resulting from the acquisition of Amersham. GE inventory turnover was 8.4 in 2004, an increase from 7.4 in 2003, as a result of increased sales at Transportation while inventory remained relatively flat. See note 11.
RESTATED FINANCING RECEIVABLES is our largest category of assets and represents one of our primary sources of revenues. The portfolio of financing receivables, before allowance for losses, increased to $288.3 billion at December 31, 2004, from $254.4 billion at the end of 2003, as discussed in the following paragraphs. The related allowance for losses at the end of 2004 amounted to $5.6 billion compared with $6.3 billion at December 31, 2003, representing our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio.
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; “nonearning” receivables are those that are 90 days or more past due (or for which collection has otherwise become doubtful); and “reduced-earning” receivables are commercial receivables whose terms have been restructured to a below-market yield.
Commercial Finance financing receivables, before allowance for losses, totaled $145.4 billion at December 31, 2004, compared with $135.7 billion at December 31, 2003, and consisted of loans and leases to the equipment, commercial and industrial, real estate and commercial aircraft industries. This portfolio of receivables increased primarily from core growth ($28.0 billion) and acquisitions ($13.5 billion), partially offset by securitizations and sales ($31.5 billion). Related nonearning and reduced-earning receivables were $1.6 billion (1.1% of outstanding receivables) at December 31, 2004, compared with $1.7 billion (1.3% of outstanding receivables) at year-end 2003. Commercial Finance financing receivables are generally backed by assets and there is a broad spread of geographic and credit risk in the portfolio.
During 2004, Consumer Finance adopted a global policy for uncollectible receivables that accelerated write-offs to follow one consistent basis. We now write off unsecured closed-end installment loans that become 120 days contractually past due and unsecured open-ended revolving loans that become 180 days contractually past due.
Consumer Finance financing receivables, before allowance for losses, were $127.8 billion at December 31, 2004, compared with $94.7 billion at December 31, 2003, and consisted primarily of card receivables, installment loans, auto loans and leases, and residential mortgages. This portfolio of receivables increased as a result of acquisitions ($15.6 billion), core growth ($13.1 billion) and the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar ($7.3 billion). These increases were partially offset by whole loan sales and securitization activity ($2.0 billion) and the standardization of our write-off policy, which resulted in an increase in write-offs ($0.9 billion) but had an inconsequential effect on earnings.
Nonearning consumer receivables were $2.5 billion at December 31, 2004 and 2003, representing 2.0% and 2.6% of outstanding receivables, respectively. The percentage decrease is primarily related to the standardization of our write-off policy and the acquisition of AFIG, which obtains credit insurance for certain receivables, partially offset by higher nonearnings in our European secured financing business.
Restated Equipment & Other Services financing receivables, before allowance for losses, amounted to $15.1 billion and $24.0 billion at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and consisted primarily of financing receivables in consolidated, liquidating securitization entities. This portfolio of receivables decreased because we have stopped transferring assets to these entities. Nonearning receivables at December 31, 2004, were $0.2 billion (1.2% of outstanding receivables) compared with $0.1 billion (0.6% of outstanding receivables) at December 31, 2003.
Delinquency rates on managed Commercial Finance equipment loans and leases and managed Consumer Finance financing receivables follow.
| 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Finance | 1.40 | % | 1.38 | % | 1.75 | % |
| Consumer Finance | 4.85 | 5.62 | 5.62 |
Delinquency rates at Commercial Finance increased slightly from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2004, reflecting the effect of certain acquired portfolios, partially offset by improvement in the overall core portfolio. The decline from December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2003, reflected improved economic conditions and collection results.
Delinquency rates at Consumer Finance decreased from December 31, 2003 to December 31, 2004, as a result of the standardization of our write-off policy, the acquisition of AFIG, and the U.S. acquisition of WMC, with lower relative delinquencies as a result of whole loan sales, partially offset by higher delinquencies in our European secured financing business. See notes 12 and 13.
OTHER GECS RECEIVABLES totaled $14.1 billion at December 31, 2004, and $12.1 billion at December 31, 2003, and consisted primarily of nonfinancing customer receivables, accrued investment income, amounts due from GE (generally related to certain material procurement programs), amounts due under operating leases, receivables due on sale of securities and various sundry items. Balances at December 31, 2004 and 2003, included securitized, managed GE trade receivables of $3.1 billion and $2.7 billion, respectively.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT was $63.3 billion at December 31, 2004, up $9.9 billion from 2003, primarily reflecting the consolidation of Penske effective January 1, 2004, and acquisitions of commercial aircraft at Commercial Finance. GE property, plant and equipment consisted of investments for its own productive use, whereas the largest element for GECS was equipment provided to third parties on operating leases. Details by category of investment are presented in note 15.
GE expenditures for plant and equipment during 2004 totaled $2.4 billion, compared with $2.2 billion in 2003. Total expenditures for the past five years were $12.9 billion, of which 33% was investment for growth through new capacity and product development; 36% was investment in productivity through new equipment and process improvements; and 31% was investment for other purposes such as improvement of research and development facilities and safety and environmental protection.
GECS additions to property, plant and equipment were $10.7 billion and $7.6 billion during 2004 and 2003, respectively, primarily reflecting additions of commercial aircraft and vehicles at Commercial Finance and of vehicles at Equipment & Other Services.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS were $83.2 billion at year-end 2004, up from $55.0 billion at year-end 2003. GE intangibles increased $24.5 billion from $30.2 billion at the end of 2003, principally as a result of goodwill and other intangibles related to the combination of NBC and VUE, the Amersham acquisition by Healthcare, acquisitions by Infrastructure and the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar. GECS intangibles increased $3.7 billion to $28.5 billion, reflecting goodwill associated with acquisitions, goodwill associated with the consolidation of Penske effective January 1, 2004, and the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar. See note 16.
ALL OTHER ASSETS totaled $109.9 billion at year-end 2004, an increase of $17.3 billion. This increase resulted principally from the combination of NBC and VUE, acquisitions affecting real estate and assets held for sale, and additional investments in associated companies, partially offset by the consolidation of Penske, which was previously accounted for using the equity method. See note 17.
CONSOLIDATED BORROWINGS were $370.4 billion at December 31, 2004, compared with $329.3 billion at the end of 2003.
GE total borrowings were $11.0 billion at year-end 2004 ($3.4 billion short term, $7.6 billion long term), about the same as at year-end 2003. GE total debt at the end of 2004 equaled 9.1% of total capital, compared with 12.0% at the end of 2003.
GECS restated borrowings were $360.8 billion at December 31, 2004, of which $154.8 billion is due in 2005 and $206.0 billion is due in subsequent years. Comparable amounts at the end of 2003 were $319.9 billion in total, $155.4 billion due within one year and $164.5 billion due thereafter. Included in GECS total borrowings were borrowings of consolidated, liquidating securitization entities amounting to $25.8 billion at December 31, 2004, of which $9.8 billion was asset-backed senior notes of AFIG, and $24.8 billion at December 31, 2003. A large portion of GECS borrowings ($97.4 billion and $102.6 billion at the end of 2004 and 2003, respectively) was issued in active commercial paper markets that we believe will continue to be a reliable source of short-term financing. The average remaining terms and interest rates of General Electric Capital Corporation (GE Capital) commercial paper were 42 days and 2.39% at the end of 2004, compared with 47 days and 1.40% at the end of 2003. The GE Capital ratio of debt to equity was 6.53 to 1 at the end of 2004 and 6.66 to 1 at the end of 2003. See note 18.
INSURANCE LIABILITIES, RESERVES AND ANNUITY BENEFITS of GECS were $140.9 billion at December 31, 2004, $4.5 billion higher than in 2003. The increase is primarily attributable to growth in annuities, long-term care insurance, structured settlements, the effects of the weaker U.S. dollar, increases in loss reserves for policies written in prior years and 2004 U.S. hurricane-related losses. These increases were partially offset by claim settlements and maturities of guaranteed investment contracts (GICs). See note 19.
EXCHANGE RATE AND INTEREST RATE RISKS are managed with a variety of straightforward techniques, including match funding and selective use of derivatives. We use derivatives to mitigate or eliminate certain financial and market risks because we conduct business in diverse markets around the world and local funding is not always efficient. In addition, we use derivatives to adjust the debt we are issuing to match the fixed or floating nature of the assets we are acquiring. We apply strict policies to manage each of these risks, including prohibitions on derivatives trading, derivatives market-making or other speculative activities. Following is an analysis of the potential effects of changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates using so-called “shock” tests that model effects of shifts in rates. These are not forecasts.
- If, on January 1, 2005, interest rates had increased 100 basis points across the yield curve (a “parallel shift” in that curve) and
that increase remained in place for 2005, we estimate, based on our year-end 2004 portfolio and holding everything else
constant, that our 2005 GE and GECS net earnings would decline pro-forma by $0.1 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively.
- If, on January 1, 2005, currency exchange rates were to decline by 10% against the U.S. dollar and that decline remained in place
for 2005, we estimate, based on our year-end 2004 portfolio and holding everything else constant, that the effect on our 2005 GE
and GECS net earnings would be insignificant.
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