United States Securities and Exchange Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
 
 Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
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 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
 
203/373-2211
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(Telephone No.)
         
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.06 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes  No 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  No 
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 No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10K. 
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 definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer 
 
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 Act). Yes  No 
The aggregate market value of the outstanding common equity of the registrant not held by affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter was at least $265.6 billion. There were 9,330,607,330 shares of voting common stock with a par value of $0.06 outstanding at January 31, 2016.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The definitive proxy statement relating to the registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareowners, to be held April 27, 2016, is incorporated by reference into Part III to the extent described therein.



































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 financial condition, and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," or "target."
Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about our announced plan to reduce the size of our financial services businesses, including expected cash and non-cash charges associated with this plan and earnings per share of GE Capital's retained businesses (Verticals); expected income; earnings per share; revenues; organic growth; margins; cost structure; restructuring charges; cash flows; return on capital; capital expenditures, capital allocation or capital structure; dividends; and the split between Industrial and Capital earnings.

For us, particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include:

obtaining (or the timing of obtaining) any required regulatory reviews or approvals or any other consents or approvals associated with our announced plan to reduce the size of our financial services businesses;
our ability to complete incremental asset sales as part of that plan in a timely manner (or at all) and at the prices we have assumed;
our ability to reduce costs as we execute that plan;
changes in law, economic and financial conditions, including interest and exchange rate volatility, commodity and equity prices and the value of financial assets, including the impact of these conditions on our ability to sell or the value of incremental assets to be sold as part of our announced plan to reduce the size of our financial services businesses as well as other aspects of that plan;
the impact of conditions in the financial and credit markets on the availability and cost of GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC's (GE Capital) funding, and GE Capital's exposure to counterparties;
the impact of conditions in the housing market and unemployment rates on the level of commercial and consumer credit defaults;
pending and future mortgage loan repurchase claims and other litigation claims in connection with WMC, which may affect our estimates of liability, including possible loss estimates;
our ability to maintain our current credit rating and the impact on our funding costs and competitive position if we do not do so;
the adequacy of our cash flows and earnings and other conditions which may affect our ability to pay our quarterly dividend at the planned level or to repurchase shares at planned levels;
GE Capital's ability to pay dividends to GE at the planned level, which may be affected by GE Capital's cash flows and earnings, financial services regulation and oversight, and other factors;
our ability to convert pre-order commitments/wins into orders/bookings;
the price we realize on orders/bookings since commitments/wins are stated at list prices;
customer actions or developments such as early aircraft retirements or reduced energy demand and other factors that may affect the level of demand and financial performance of the major industries and customers we serve;
the effectiveness of our risk management framework;
the impact of regulation and regulatory, investigative and legal proceedings and legal compliance risks, including the impact of financial services regulation and litigation;
our capital allocation plans, as such plans may change including with respect to the timing and size of share repurchases, acquisitions, joint ventures, dispositions and other strategic actions;
our success in completing, including obtaining regulatory approvals for, announced transactions, such as the Appliances disposition and our announced plan and transactions to reduce the size of our financial services businesses;
our success in integrating acquired businesses and operating joint ventures;
our ability to realize anticipated earnings and savings from announced transactions, acquired businesses and joint ventures;
the impact of potential information technology or data security breaches; and
the other factors that are described in the Risk Factors section of this Form 10-K report.


These or other 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. This document includes certain forward-looking projected financial information that is based on current estimates and forecasts. Actual results could differ materially.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 19

 
 
ABOUT GENERAL ELECTRIC

OUR BUSINESS AND HOW WE TALK ABOUT IT

We are a global digital industrial company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. With products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation and oil and gas production equipment to medical imaging, financing and industrial products, we serve customers in approximately 180 countries and employ approximately 333,000 people worldwide. Since our incorporation in 1892, we have developed or acquired new technologies and services that have considerably broadened and changed the scope of our activities.

OUR INDUSTRIAL OPERATING SEGMENTS

Power
Energy Management
Transportation
Renewable Energy
Aviation
Appliances & Lighting
Oil & Gas
Healthcare
   

OUR FINANCIAL SERVICES OPERATING SEGMENT

Capital

Business, operation and financial overviews for our operating segments are provided in the Segment Operations section within the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) section.

THE GE CAPITAL EXIT PLAN

On April 10, 2015, the Company announced a plan (the GE Capital Exit Plan) to create a simple, more valuable company by reducing the size of its financial services businesses through the sale of most of the assets of GE Capital and aligning a smaller GE Capital with GE's industrial growth. We expect GE Capital to release approximately $35 billion in dividends to GE (subject to regulatory approval) as a result of the sale of GE Capital assets. As of December 31, 2015, we are ahead of our plan, having signed agreements with buyers for $157 billion of ending net investment (ENI), excluding liquidity of which $104 billion has closed. In addition, as part of our initiative to reduce the size of our financial services businesses, we completed the split-off of our remaining interest in GE Capital's North American Retail Finance business, Synchrony Financial, to holders of GE common stock, which resulted in a $20.4 billion buyback of GE common stock (671.4 million shares) in 2015. Combined with cash dividends of $4.3 billion, GE Capital returned about $25 billion to GE in 2015. In connection with the GE Capital Exit Plan, we completed a legal reorganization of GE Capital that included a merger of GE Capital into GE, a guarantee by GE of GE Capital debt, and an exchange of $36 billion of GE Capital debt for new GE notes. The result of all these actions reduced GE Capital's total assets by 38% from $501 billion at December 31, 2014 to $312 billion at December 31, 2015. We incurred charges of $22 billion related to these actions.

Given the progress of the GE Capital Exit Plan to date, we expect to largely complete that plan by the end of 2016 and are on track to file for rescission of GE Capital's designation as a nonbank Systemically Important Financial Institution (nonbank SIFI) in early 2016.

Further information on these activities is described in the GE Capital – GE Capital Exit Plan section of the MD&A and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 20


COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

In all of our global business activities, we encounter aggressive and able competition. In many instances, the competitive climate is characterized by changing technology that requires continuing research and development. With respect to manufacturing operations, we believe that, in general, we are one of the leading firms in most of the major industries in which we participate. The businesses in which GE Capital engages are subject to competition from various types of financial institutions, including commercial banks, investment banks, leasing companies, independent finance companies, finance companies associated with manufacturers and insurance and reinsurance companies.

As a diverse global company, we are affected by world economies, instability in certain regions, commodity prices, such as the price of oil, and foreign currency volatility. Other factors impacting our business include:

product development cycles for many of our products are long and product quality and efficiency are critical to success,
research and development expenditures are important to our business and
many of our products are subject to a number of regulatory standards.

These factors are discussed throughout MD&A.

OUR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

At year-end 2015, General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates employed approximately 333,000 persons, of whom approximately 125,000 were employed in the United States. For further information about employees, see the Other Financial Data section within the MD&A.

Approximately 16,000 GE manufacturing and service employees in the United States are represented for collective bargaining purposes by one of 11 unions (approximately 82 different locals within such unions). A majority of such employees are represented by union locals that are affiliated with the IUE-CWA, The Industrial Division of the Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO, CLC. In June 2015, we negotiated new four-year collective bargaining agreements with most of our U.S unions.  These agreements continue to provide employees with good wages and benefits while addressing competitive realities facing the Company.

Other GE affiliates are parties to labor contracts with various labor unions, also with varying terms and expiration dates that cover approximately 3,300 employees.

PROPERTIES

Manufacturing operations are carried out at approximately 206 manufacturing plants located in 40 states in the United States and Puerto Rico and at approximately 295 manufacturing plants located in 39 other countries.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 21


CORPORATE INFORMATION AND WEBSITES

General Electric's address is 1 River Road, Schenectady, NY, 12345-6999; we also maintain executive offices at 3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06828-0001.

GE's Internet address at www.ge.com, Investor Relations website at www.ge.com/investor-relations and our corporate blog at www.gereports.com, as well as GE's Facebook page and Twitter accounts, including @GE_Reports, contain a significant amount of information about GE, including financial and other information for investors. GE encourages investors to visit these websites from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted.

Website references in this report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be viewed as, incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the websites. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available, without charge, on our website, www.ge.com/investor-relations/investor-services/personal-investing/sec-filing, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies are also available, without charge, from GE Corporate Investor Communications, 3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06828-0001.

Reports filed with the SEC may be viewed at www.sec.gov or obtained at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 22

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)


PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements of General Electric Company (the Company) combine the industrial manufacturing and services businesses of General Electric Company (GE) with the financial services businesses of General Electric Capital Corporation, and its successor GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC (GE Capital or Financial Services).

We believe that investors will gain a better understanding of our company if they understand how we measure and talk about our results. Because of the diversity in our businesses, we present our financial statements in a three-column format, which allows investors to see our industrial operations separately from our Financial Services operations. We believe that this provides useful information to investors. When used in this report, unless otherwise indicated by the context, we use the terms to mean the following:

General Electric or the Company – the parent company, General Electric Company.
GE – the adding together of all affiliates other than GE Capital, whose continuing operations are presented on a one-line basis, giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such affiliates. Transactions between GE and GE Capital have not been eliminated at the GE level. We present the results of GE in the center column of our consolidated statements of earnings, financial position and cash flows. An example of a GE metric is GE cash from operating activities (GE CFOA).
General Electric Capital Corporation or GECC – the adding together of all affiliates of GECC, giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such affiliates.
GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC or GECGH – the adding together of all affiliates of GECGH, giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such affiliates.
GE Capital or Financial Services – refers to GECC, or its successor GECGH, and is the adding together of all affiliates of GE Capital giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such affiliates. We present the results of GE Capital in the right-side column of our consolidated statements of earnings, financial position and cash flows.
GE consolidated – the adding together of GE and GE Capital, giving effect to the elimination of transactions between the two. We present the results of GE consolidated in the left-side column of our consolidated statements of earnings, financial position and cash flows.
Industrial – GE excluding the continuing operations of GE Capital. We believe that this provides investors with a view as to the results of our industrial businesses and corporate items. An example of an Industrial metric is Industrial CFOA, which is GE CFOA excluding the effects of dividends from GE Capital.
Industrial segment – the sum of our eight industrial reporting segments, without giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such segments. This provides investors with a view as to the results of our industrial segments, without inter-segment eliminations and corporate items. An example of an industrial segment metric is industrial segment revenue growth.
Total segment – the sum of our eight industrial segments and one financial services segment, without giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such segments. This provides investors with a view as to the results of all of our segments, without inter-segment eliminations and corporate items.
GE Capital Verticals or Verticals – the adding together of GE Capital businesses that we expect to retain, principally its vertical financing businesses—GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), Energy Financial Services (EFS) and Healthcare Equipment Finance—that relate to the Company's core industrial domain and other operations, including Working Capital Solutions, our run-off insurance activities, and allocated corporate costs.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 23


Prior to January 28, 2011, we operated a media company, NBC Universal, Inc. (NBCU). Effective January 28, 2011, we held a 49% interest in a media entity that included the NBC Universal businesses (NBCU LLC). On March 19, 2013, we completed the sale of our remaining 49% common equity interest to Comcast Corporation.

We integrate acquisitions as quickly as possible. Revenues and earnings from the date we complete the acquisition through the end of the fourth quarter following the acquisition are considered the acquisition effect of such businesses.

Discussion of GE Capital's total assets includes deferred income tax liabilities, which are presented within assets for purposes of our consolidated statement of financial position presentations for this filing.

Amounts reported in billions in graphs within this report are computed based on the amounts in millions.  As a result, the sum of the components reported in billions may not equal the total amount reported in billions due to rounding.  Certain columns and rows within the tables may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying numbers in millions.

Discussions throughout this MD&A are based on continuing operations unless otherwise noted.

The MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

OTHER TERMS USED BY GE

Backlog – unfilled customer orders for products and product services (expected life of contract sales for product services).
Borrowings as a percentage of total capital invested – for GE, the sum of borrowings and mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, divided by the sum of borrowings, mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, redeemable noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling interests and total shareowners' equity.
Digital revenues – revenues related to software-enabled product upgrades, internally developed software (including Predix) and associated hardware, and software-enabled productivity solutions. These revenues are largely generated from our operating businesses and are included in their segment results.
Earnings – unless otherwise indicated, we refer to captions such as "earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners" simply as earnings.
Earnings per share (EPS) – unless otherwise indicated, when we refer to earnings per share, it is the diluted per-share amount of "earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners".
Ending Net Investment (ENI) – the total capital we have invested in the Financial Services business. It is the sum of short-term borrowings, long-term borrowings and equity (excluding noncontrolling interests) adjusted for unrealized gains and losses on investment securities and hedging instruments. Alternatively, it is the amount of assets of continuing operations less the amount of non-interest-bearing liabilities.
Equipment leased to others (ELTO) – rental equipment we own that is available to rent and is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Free cash flow – GE's cash from operating activities (continuing operations) less GE additions to property, plant and equipment, plus GE dispositions of property, plant and equipment, which are included in cash flows from investing activities.
GE Capital Exit Plan – our plan, announced on April 10, 2015, to reduce the size of our financial services businesses through the sale of most of the assets of GE Capital, and to focus on continued investment and growth in our industrial businesses. Further information on the GE Capital Exit Plan is provided in the GE Capital – The GE Capital Exit Plan section within the MD&A and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Global Growth Organization (GGO) – organization that provides operational processes through a shared services structure for the enabling functions: commercial, enterprise data management, finance, HR, IT, legal, supply chain and tax through a partnership with the businesses and global functions.
Growth markets consist of countries/regions which are expected to grow at above average world GDP rates over the long term and typically are resource rich and/or have large infrastructure needs. They encompass the following: Australasia; Canada; Latin America; Middle East, North Africa and Turkey; Russia and CIS; Sub-Saharan Africa; Greater China; South Asia; South East Asia (ASEAN).
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 24

Industrial operating profit margin – Industrial segment profit plus corporate items and eliminations (excluding gains, restructuring and pre-tax non-operating pension costs) divided by industrial segment revenues plus corporate items and eliminations (excluding gains and GE-GE Capital eliminations).
Industrial return on total capital (Industrial ROTC) – earnings from continuing operations attributable to GE common shareowners less GE Capital earnings from continuing operations plus GE after-tax interest, divided by average Industrial shareholders' equity, less average GE Capital's shareholders' equity, plus average debt and other, net.
Industrial segment gross margin – industrial segment sales less industrial segment cost of sales.
Industrial shareholders' equity and GE Capital shareholders' equity – for purposes of the Industrial ROTC calculation excludes the effects of discontinued operations and is calculated on an annual basis using a five-point average.
Non-operating pension costs – comprise the expected return on plan assets, interest cost on benefit obligations and net actuarial gain (loss) amortization for our principal pension plans.
Operating earnings – GE earnings from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners excluding the impact of non-operating pension costs.
Operating earnings per share – unless otherwise indicated, when we refer to operating earnings per share, it is the diluted per-share amount of "operating earnings".
Operating pension costs – comprise the service cost of benefits earned, prior service cost amortization and curtailment loss for our principal pension plans.
Organic revenues – revenues excluding the effects of acquisitions, dispositions and foreign currency exchange.
Product services – for purposes of the financial statement display of sales and costs of sales in our Statement of Earnings, "goods" is required by SEC regulations to include all sales of tangible products, and "services" must include all other sales, including other services activities. In our MD&A section of this report, we refer to sales under product services agreements and sales of both goods (such as spare parts and equipment upgrades) and related services (such as monitoring, maintenance and repairs) as sales of "product services," which is an important part of our operations. We refer to "product services" simply as "services" within the MD&A.
Product services agreements – contractual commitments, with multiple-year terms, to provide specified services for products in our Power, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation and Transportation installed base – for example, monitoring, maintenance, service and spare parts for a gas turbine/generator set installed in a customer's power plant.
Revenues – unless otherwise indicated, we refer to captions such as "revenues and other income" simply as revenues.
Segment profit – refers to the operating profit of the industrial segments and the net earnings of the Financial Services segment. See the Segment Operations section within the MD&A for a description of the basis for segment profits.
Shared Services – sharing of business processes in order to standardize and consolidate services to provide value to the businesses in the form of simplified processes, reduced overall costs and increased service performance.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 25


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we sometimes use information derived from consolidated financial data 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 SEC rules. Specifically, we have referred, in various sections of this report, to:

Industrial segment organic revenue growth
Oil & Gas organic revenue and operating profit growth
Operating and non-operating pension costs (income)
Adjusted Corporate costs (operating)
GE pre-tax earnings from continuing operations, excluding GE Capital earnings from continuing operations and the corresponding effective tax rates, and the reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to GE effective tax rate, excluding GE Capital earnings
Operating earnings, operating EPS and Industrial operating earnings
Industrial operating + Verticals earnings and EPS
Industrial operating profit and operating margin (excluding Alstom)
Industrial segment operating profit and operating margin (excluding Alstom)
Industrial segment gross margin (excluding Alstom)
Average GE shareowners' equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations
Average GE Capital shareowners' equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations
Industrial return on total capital (Industrial ROTC)
Industrial cash flows from operating activities (Industrial CFOA)
Free cash flow
Ratio of adjusted debt to equity at GE Capital, net of liquidity
Capital ending net investment (ENI), excluding liquidity
GE Capital Tier 1 common ratio estimate

The reasons we use these non-GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the Supplemental Information section within the MD&A. Non-GAAP financial measures referred to in this report are designated with an asterisk (*).

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 26

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
(Dollars in billions; per-share amounts in dollars)
 
 
REVENUES PERFORMANCE
 
 
 
INDUSTRIAL ORDERS
 
 
 
INDUSTRIAL BACKLOG
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Includes $2.5 billion related to Alstom.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Includes $29.2 billion related to Alstom.
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT PROFIT
 
 
INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT MARGIN
 
 
GE CFOA
 
 
 
(a) Includes $(0.2) billion related to Alstom.
 
 
 
 
(a) Includes (0.5)% related to Alstom.
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Includes $(0.3) billion related to Alstom.
 
 
 
 
GE Capital Dividend
 
 
Industrial CFOA*
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
 
OPERATING EPS*
 
INDUSTRIAL OPERATING+
VERTICALS EPS*
 
 
 
 
 
 
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 27

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
(Dollars in billions; per-share amounts in dollars)

 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
RETURNED $33 BILLION TO
SHAREOWNERS IN 2015
 
Dividends $9.3 billion
Stock buyback $3.3 billion
Synchrony Financial exchange $20.4 billion
ANNUAL MEETING
 
 
General Electric's 2016 Annual Meeting of
Shareowners will be held on April 27, 2016,
in Jacksonville, Florida.
 
FIVE-YEAR PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The annual changes for the five-year period shown in the graph on this page are based on the assumption that $100 had been invested in General Electric common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (S&P 500) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) on December 31, 2010, and that all quarterly dividends were reinvested. The cumulative dollar returns shown on the graph represent the value that such investments would have had on December 31 for each year indicated.
STOCK PRICE RANGE AND DIVIDENDS
 

With respect to "Market Information," in the United States, General Electric common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (its principal market). General Electric common stock is also listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The chart above shows trading prices, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., Composite Transactions Tape.

As of January 31, 2016, there were approximately 458,000 shareowner accounts of record.

On February 12, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share of common stock, which is payable April 25, 2016, to shareowners of record at close of business on February 29, 2016.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 28

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

(Dollars in billions)
 
2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES
 
 
2015 SEGMENT REVENUES
 
 

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN 2015
     
Our consolidated results were significantly affected by the stronger U.S. dollar compared with various foreign currencies as described in our segment operating results and geographic information.
 
 
 
 
 
On April 10, 2015, we announced our plan to reduce the size of the financial services businesses through the sale of most of its assets over the following 24 months. See the GE Capital Exit Plan section within the MD&A for additional information.
 
On November 17, 2015, we completed the split-off of Synchrony Financial through which the Company accepted 671,366,809 shares of GE common stock from its shareholders in exchange for 705,270,833 shares of Synchrony Financial common stock that it owned and recorded an after-tax gain of $3.4 billion in discontinued operations.
 
 
 
 
 
On November 2, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses. The completion of the transaction followed the regulatory approval of the deal in over 20 countries and regions including the EU, U.S., China, India, Japan and Brazil. The purchase price was €9.2 billion (approximately $10.1 billion). The acquisition and alliances with Alstom affected our Power, Renewable Energy, and Energy Management segments.
 
 
 
 
 
On November 2, 2015, we also completed the sale of our Signaling business to Alstom with proceeds of $0.8 billion and a pre-tax gain of $0.6 billion.
 
 
 
 
 
On December 7, 2015, we announced that we had terminated our agreement to sell our Appliances business to Electrolux.
 
On January 15, 2016, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement to sell our Appliances business to Qingdao Haier Co., Ltd. (Haier) for $5.4 billion. The transaction has been approved by our board of directors and Haier's board of directors and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including Haier shareholder approval, and regulatory approvals. The transaction is targeted to close in mid-2016.
 

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 29

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

(Dollars in billions)
 
REVENUES
 
 
INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
(a)  Includes $2.0 billion related to Alstom
 
(a)  Includes $2.0 billion related to Alstom
 
COMMENTARY: 2015 – 2014
 
 
2014 – 2013
 
Consolidated revenues increased $0.2 billion.
Industrial segment revenues decreased less than 1%, reflecting negative foreign currency impacts and the effects of dispositions, partially offset by organic growth of 3% and the effects of acquisitions (primarily Alstom).
Financial Services revenues decreased $0.5 billion, or 5%, primarily as a result of organic revenue declines, primarily resulting from lower ending net investment (ENI), lower gains and higher impairments, partially offset by the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.
Other income increased $1.4 billion, primarily due to the gain on sale of our Signaling business of $0.6 billion, NBCU settlement of $0.5 billion, and $0.2 billion break-up fee from Electrolux.
The effects of acquisitions increased consolidated revenues $2.5 billion and $1.7 billion in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Dispositions affected our ongoing results through increased revenues of $0.4 billion in 2015 and lower revenues of $3.6 in 2014.
The effects of a stronger U.S. dollar compared to mainly the euro, Brazilian real, and Canadian dollar, decreased consolidated revenues by $4.9 billion.
 
 
 
Consolidated revenues increased $3.9 billion, or 3%.
Industrial segment revenues increased 6%, reflecting organic growth* of 7% and the effects of acquisitions (primarily Lufkin Industries, Inc. (Lufkin), Avio S.p.A. (Avio) and certain Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. businesses).
Financial Services revenues increased $0.1 billion as a result of organic revenue growth and higher gains, partially offset by the effects of dispositions.
Other income decreased $2.3 billion, primarily due to the  sale of our remaining 49% common equity interest in NBCU LLC in 2013 ($1.6 billion).
The effects of acquisitions increased consolidated revenues $1.7 billion and $1.5 billion in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Dispositions affected our ongoing results through lower revenues of $3.6 billion and $0.1 in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The effects of a stronger U.S. dollar compared to mainly the Japanese yen, Canadian dollar and Brazilian real, partially offset by the British pound, decreased consolidated revenues by $0.6 billion.
 










*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 30

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

(Dollars in billions)

EARNINGS
 
OPERATING EARNINGS*
 
 
 
 
COMMENTARY: 2015 – 2014
 
 
2014 – 2013
 
Consolidated earnings decreased $7.9 billion or 83%, primarily due to lower Financial Services income.
Industrial segment profit increased 1% with growth driven by Aviation, Appliances & Lighting, Transportation, Energy Management, and Power, partially offset by lower performance for Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy and Healthcare.
Industrial segment margin increased 30 basis points (bps) driven by higher productivity, pricing and impacts of material deflation, partially offset by effects of Alstom results. Excluding Alstom, Industrial segment margins increased 80 bps.* to 17.0%.
Financial Services net earnings decreased $9.2 billion, primarily due to charges associated with the GE Capital Exit Plan. See the GE Capital and Capital segment sections for more details.
The effects of acquisitions on our consolidated net earnings were insignificant in 2015 and a $0.2 billion increase in 2014. The effects of dispositions on net earnings were an increase of $0.9 billion in 2015 and a decrease of $1.6 billion in 2014.
Industrial SG&A as a percentage of total sales remained flat at 14% as a result of global cost reduction initiatives, primarily at Oil & Gas, Healthcare and Corporate. This was partially offset by lower revenues and higher acquisition-related costs.
 
 
 
Consolidated earnings increased $1.9 billion or 25%, primarily due to an increase in the operating profit of the industrial segments, partially offset by lower Financial Services income and the absence of the NBCU LLC related income.
Industrial segment profit increased 10% with growth driven by Aviation, Oil & Gas, and Renewable Energy.
Industrial segment margin increased 50 basis points (bps) driven by higher productivity and pricing, partially offset by negative business mix and the effects of inflation.
Financial Services net earnings increased $0.8 billion as a result of core increases, equipment leased to others (ELTO) impairments related to our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft, and higher gains, partially offset by the effects of dispositions.
The effects of acquisitions on our consolidated net earnings were increases of $0.2 billion and $0.1 billion in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effects of dispositions on net earnings were a decrease of $1.6 billion in 2014 and an increase of $0.1 billion in 2013.
Industrial SG&A as a percentage of total sales decreased to 14% as a result of global cost reduction initiatives, primarily at Power and Healthcare. This was partially offset by higher acquisition-related costs.
 

See the Other Consolidated Information section within the MD&A for a discussion of postretirement benefit plans costs, income taxes and geographic data.









*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 31

GE CAPITAL

CAPITAL SEGMENT AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

GE Capital results include continuing operations, which are reported in the Capital segment (see Segment discussion), and discontinued operations (see Discontinued Operations section and Note 2).

THE GE CAPITAL EXIT PLAN

SALES AGREEMENTS

During 2015, GE signed agreements to sell approximately $157 billion of ENI, excluding liquidity (as originally reported at December 31, 2014), of which approximately $98 billion, $34 billion and $25 billion related to our Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL), Real Estate and Consumer businesses, respectively.

Of the signed agreements, sales representing approximately $104 billion of ENI, excluding liquidity (as originally reported at December 31, 2014) have closed, including approximately $46 billion, $34 billion and $24 billion related to our CLL, Real Estate and Consumer businesses, respectively. Real Estate transactions that have closed included the majority of GE Capital's Real Estate debt and equity portfolio sold to funds managed by The Blackstone Group (which, in turn, sold a portion of this portfolio to Wells Fargo & Company). In connection with The Blackstone Group transactions, GE Capital provided $3.2 billion of seller financing to The Blackstone Group, which GE Capital intends to syndicate by the end of 2016. As of December 31, 2015, GE Capital has collected or sold approximately $2.3 billion of this seller financing.

AFTER-TAX CHARGES RELATED TO THE GE CAPITAL EXIT PLAN

In connection with the April 10, 2015 announcement of the GE Capital Exit Plan, the Company estimated that it would incur approximately $23 billion in after-tax charges through 2016, approximately $6 billion of which were expected to result in future net cash expenditures. These charges relate to: business dispositions, including goodwill allocations (approximately $13 billion), tax expense related to expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets (approximately $7 billion), and restructuring and other charges (approximately $3 billion).

During 2015, GE recorded $22.0 billion of after-tax charges related to the GE Capital Exit Plan, of which $7.7 billion was recorded in continuing operations and $14.3 billion was recorded in discontinued operations. A description of after-tax charges for 2015 is provided below.

$9.5 billion of net loss primarily related to the completed and planned dispositions of the Real Estate business, the Consumer business and most of the CLL business, which was recorded in discontinued operations under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.
$6.5 billion of tax expense related to expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets, of which $6.3 billion was recorded in continuing operations and reported in GE Capital's Corporate component and $0.1 billion was recorded in discontinued operations in our Consumer business under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.
$4.7 billion of net asset impairments due to shortened hold periods, of which $3.2 billion was recorded in discontinued operations in our Consumer business and $1.5 billion was recorded in discontinued operations in our CLL business, all under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.
$0.8 billion impairment charge of a coal-fired power plant in the U.S. related to a decision in the fourth quarter to exit the investment over time recorded in continuing operations in GE Capital's Corporate component under the caption "Other costs and expenses" in the Statement of Earnings.
$0.6 billion of restructuring and other charges, of which $0.5 billion was recorded in continuing operations in GE Capital's Corporate component under the captions "Selling, general and administrative expenses" and "Other costs and expenses" in the Statement of Earnings and less than $0.1 billion was recorded in discontinued operations under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 32

REORGANIZATION AND EXCHANGE OFFERS

During December 2015, General Electric Capital Corporation merged into GE. The merger and creation of a new intermediate holding company was part of a reorganization of GE Capital's businesses (the Reorganization) pursuant to which GE separated GE Capital's international and U.S. operations. GE Capital's international operations have been consolidated under a new international holding company (GE Capital International Holdings Limited), which has a separate capital structure and is supervised by the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority. The Reorganization, debt exchange offers (as described below) and establishment of GE Capital International Holdings Limited were intended, among other things, to establish an efficient and simplified capital structure that is satisfactory to GE Capital's regulators, a key step in terminating the nonbank SIFI designation for GE Capital. In addition, the debt exchange offers were designed to align the liabilities of GE Capital International Holdings Limited to its assets from a maturity profile and liquidity standpoint, taking into consideration asset sales, and where appropriate, shortening the maturity profile of targeted liabilities.

As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, on September 21, 2015, GE Capital commenced private offers to exchange (the Exchange Offers) up to $30 billion of certain outstanding debt for new notes with maturities of six months, five years, ten years or twenty years. On October 19, 2015, given the high level of participation, the offering was increased by $6 billion with the aggregate principal amount of $36 billion (representing $31 billion of outstanding principal and $5 billion of premium) of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange and settled on October 26, 2015. The new notes that were issued at closing are composed of $15.3 billion of 0.964% Six Month Notes due April 2016, £0.8 billion of 1.363% Six Month Notes due April 2016, $6.1 billion of 2.342% Notes due 2020, $2.0 billion of 3.373% Notes due 2025 and $11.5 billion of 4.418% Notes due 2035. Of the $16.2 billion exchanged into the Six Month Notes, $1.3 billion had been previously classified in short term borrowings. GE Capital will continue to evaluate the opportunity to repurchase debt while maintaining our liquidity at the levels communicated as part of the GE Capital Exit Plan. The new notes have been fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by GE.

Immediately prior to the Reorganization, GE Capital had $5.0 billion in aggregate liquidation preference of Series A, B and C preferred stock outstanding. In connection with the Reorganization, on December 3, 2015, holders who previously held GE Capital preferred stock were issued an aggregate liquidation preference of $5.9 billion of new GE Series A, B and C preferred stock. The Series A, B and C preferred stock bear an initial fixed interest rate of 4.00%, 4.10% and 4.20%, respectively, through their initial call date and are callable on June 15, 2022, December 15, 2022 and June 15, 2023, respectively. Subsequent to the call date, the Series A, B and C preferred stock will bear a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.28%, 2.32% and 2.37%, respectively, thereafter.

Subsequent to the issuance of the preferred stock on December 3, 2015, in response to investor feedback, GE launched an exchange offer on December 18, 2015 that allowed GE preferred stock investors to exchange their existing Series A, B and C preferred stock into a Series D GE preferred stock. These Series D instruments bear an initial fixed interest rate of 5.00% through January 21, 2021, will bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.33% thereafter and are callable on January 21, 2021. On January 20, 2016, $2.7 billion of Series A, $2.0 billion of Series B and $1.0 billion of Series C were exchanged into $5.7 billion Series D GE preferred stock. Following the exchange, $0.1 billion of Series A, $0.1 billion of Series B and $0.1 billion of Series C remain outstanding.

GUARANTEE
As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, on April 10, 2015, GE and GE Capital entered into an amendment to their existing financial support agreement. Under this amendment (the Amendment), the Company has provided a full and unconditional guarantee (the Guarantee) of the payment of principal and interest on all tradable senior and subordinated outstanding long-term debt securities and all commercial paper issued or guaranteed by GE Capital identified in the Amendment. In the aggregate, the Guarantee applied to approximately $85.8 billion of GE Capital debt as of December 31, 2015. The Guarantee replaced the requirement that the Company make certain income maintenance payments to GE Capital in certain circumstances. GE Capital's U.S. public indentures were concurrently amended to provide the full and unconditional guarantee by the Company set forth in the Guarantee.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 33


SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL EXCHANGE OFFER

On August 5, 2014, we completed the initial public offering (IPO) of our North American Retail Finance business, Synchrony Financial, as a first step in a planned, staged exit from that business. We received net proceeds from the IPO and underwriter's option of $2.8 billion and retained 84.6% of Synchrony Financial.

On October 19, 2015, GE commenced an offer to exchange GE common stock for common stock of GE Capital's approximately 84.6% owned subsidiary, Synchrony Financial. On November 17, 2015, we completed the split-off of Synchrony Financial, through which the Company accepted 671,366,809 shares of GE common stock from its shareholders in exchange for 705,270,833 shares of Synchrony Financial common stock that it owned and recorded an after-tax gain of $3.4 billion within discontinued operations. In connection with the public offering and sale of Synchrony Financial, GE Capital indemnified Synchrony Financial and its directors, officers, and employees against the liabilities of GECC's businesses other than historical liabilities of the businesses that are part of Synchrony Financial's ongoing operations. With the completion of the split-off and the Federal Reserve Board's (FRB) subsequent approval of GE Capital's application to deregister as a savings and loan holding company, GE Capital is no longer a savings and loan holding company.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 34

SEGMENT OPERATIONS

SEGMENT CHANGES

The Power segment (formerly Power & Water) was affected through the splitting out of the Renewable Energy business, principally the onshore wind business.
A new segment named Renewable Energy was created that includes GE's legacy onshore wind business and the wind and hydro businesses acquired from Alstom.
Energy Management was affected through the formation of a joint venture with Alstom.
Additionally, a portion of the Distributed Power business that provides turbines for oil & gas applications was realigned from the Power segment to the Oil & Gas segment.
Transportation sold its Signaling business to Alstom.
The remaining segments, Healthcare, Aviation, and Appliances & Lighting were not affected by any significant segment changes in 2015.
The financial services segment, previously referred to as GE Capital, is now called Capital. GE Capital now refers to GECC or its successor, GECGH.

REVENUES AND PROFIT

Segment revenues include revenues and other income related to the segment.

Segment profit is determined based on internal performance measures used by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to assess the performance of each business in a given period. In connection with that assessment, the CEO may exclude matters such as charges for restructuring; rationalization and other similar expenses; acquisition costs and other related charges; technology and product development costs; certain gains and losses from acquisitions or dispositions; and litigation settlements or other charges, for which responsibility preceded the current management team.

Segment profit excludes results reported as discontinued operations and material accounting changes. Segment profit also excludes the portion of earnings or loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries, and as such only includes the portion of earnings or loss attributable to our share of the consolidated earnings or loss of consolidated subsidiaries.

Segment profit excludes or includes interest and other financial charges and income taxes according to how a particular segment's management is measured:

Interest and other financial charges, income taxes and GE preferred stock dividends are excluded in determining segment profit (which we sometimes refer to as "operating profit") for the industrial segments.
Interest and other financial charges, income taxes and GE Capital preferred stock dividends are included in determining segment profit (which we sometimes refer to as "net earnings") for the Capital segment.

Certain corporate costs, such as shared services, employee benefits and information technology are allocated to our segments based on usage. A portion of the remaining corporate costs is allocated based on each segment's relative net cost of operations.

ALSTOM - ACQUISITION IMPACTING MULTIPLE SEGMENTS

On November 2, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses. The completion of the transaction followed the regulatory approval of the deal in over 20 countries and regions including the EU, U.S., China, India, Japan and Brazil. The purchase price was €9.2 billion (approximately $10.1 billion). The acquisition and alliances with Alstom affected our Power, Renewable Energy and Energy Management segments. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

For the two months that GE owned Alstom in 2015, the entity contributed $(0.2) billion of operating profit to the industrial segments and $(0.2) billion of operating profit at Corporate, resulting in an overall pre-tax loss of $(0.4) billion. Offsetting the pre-tax loss was $0.4 billion of increased tax benefits principally related to the integration of our existing services business with Alstom's services business.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 35

(Dollars in billions)
 
INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT EQUIPMENT
& SERVICES REVENUES
 
 
INDUSTRIAL SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE (SG&A) AS A % OF SALES
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment(a)
 
 
Services(b)
 
 
(a)  In 2015, $59.8 billion, excluding $1.1 billion related to Alstom
(b)  In 2015, $47.1 billion, excluding $0.8 billion related to Alstom
 
(a)  13.9% excluding $2.0 billion of Alstom sales and $0.4 billion of Alstom SG&A



SUMMARY OF OPERATING SEGMENTS
                             
 
General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
                             
Revenues
                           
Power
$
21,490
 
$
20,580
 
$
19,315
 
$
20,364
 
$
20,335
Renewable Energy
 
6,273
   
6,399
   
4,824
   
7,373
   
4,924
Oil & Gas
 
16,450
   
19,085
   
17,341
   
15,539
   
13,874
Energy Management
 
7,600
   
7,319
   
7,569
   
7,412
   
6,422
Aviation
 
24,660
   
23,990
   
21,911
   
19,994
   
18,859
Healthcare
 
17,639
   
18,299
   
18,200
   
18,290
   
18,083
Transportation
 
5,933
   
5,650
   
5,885
   
5,608
   
4,885
Appliances & Lighting
 
8,751
   
8,404
   
8,338
   
7,967
   
7,692
      Total industrial segment revenues
 
108,796
   
109,727
   
103,383
   
102,548
   
95,074
Capital
 
10,801
   
11,320
   
11,267
   
11,268
   
11,843
      Total segment revenues
 
119,597
   
121,047
   
114,650
   
113,816
   
106,918
Corporate items and eliminations
 
(2,211)
   
(3,863)
   
(1,405)
   
(1,228)
   
3,145
Consolidated revenues
$
117,386
 
$
117,184
 
$
113,245
 
$
112,588
 
$
110,062
                             
Segment profit
                           
Power
$
4,502
 
$
4,486
 
$
4,328
 
$
4,368
 
$
4,213
Renewable Energy
 
431
   
694
   
485
   
914
   
714
Oil & Gas
 
2,427
   
2,758
   
2,357
   
2,064
   
1,754
Energy Management
 
270
   
246
   
110
   
131
   
78
Aviation
 
5,507
   
4,973
   
4,345
   
3,747
   
3,512
Healthcare
 
2,882
   
3,047
   
3,048
   
2,920
   
2,803
Transportation
 
1,273
   
1,130
   
1,166
   
1,031
   
757
Appliances & Lighting
 
674
   
431
   
381
   
311
   
237
      Total industrial segment profit
 
17,966
   
17,764
   
16,220
   
15,487
   
14,067
Capital
 
(7,983)
   
1,209
   
401
   
1,245
   
1,469
      Total segment profit
 
9,983
   
18,973
   
16,621
   
16,731
   
15,536
Corporate items and eliminations
 
(5,108)
   
(6,225)
   
(6,002)
   
(4,719)
   
(1,317)
GE interest and other financial charges
 
(1,706)
   
(1,579)
   
(1,333)
   
(1,353)
   
(1,299)
GE provision for income taxes
 
(1,506)
   
(1,634)
   
(1,667)
   
(2,013)
   
(4,839)
Earnings from continuing operations
                           
   attributable to GE common shareowners
 
1,663
   
9,535
   
7,618
   
8,646
   
8,081
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
                           
   operations, net of taxes
 
(7,495)
   
5,855
   
5,475
   
5,047
   
5,143
   Less net earnings (loss) attributable to
                           
      noncontrolling interests, discontinued operations
 
312
   
157
   
36
   
53
   
104
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
                           
   net of tax and noncontrolling interest
 
(7,807)
   
5,698
   
5,439
   
4,995
   
5,039
Consolidated net earnings (loss)
                           
   attributable to GE common shareowners
$
(6,145)
 
$
15,233
 
$
13,057
 
$
13,641
 
$
13,120
                             
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 36

POWER

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Leader: Steve Bolze
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
 
    Senior Vice President, GE and President & CEO, GE Power
    Over 20 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    18% of segment revenues in 2015
    20% of industrial segment revenues
    25% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: Schenectady, NY
    Serving customers in 150+ countries
    Employees: approximately 62,000
 
Products & Services
 
 
 
 
 
 
Power serves power generation, industrial, government and other customers worldwide with products and services related to energy production and water reuse. Our products and technologies harness resources such as oil, gas, coal, diesel, nuclear and water to produce electric power and include gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software.
Gas Power Systems – offers a wide spectrum of heavy-duty and aeroderivative gas turbines for utilities, independent power producers and industrial application, from small, mobile power to utility scale power plants.
Steam Power Systems offers steam power technology for coal and nuclear applications including boilers, generators, steam turbines, and Air Quality Control Systems (AQCS) to help efficiently produce power and provide performance over the life of a power plant.
Power Services – delivers maintenance, service and upgrade solutions across total plant assets and over their operational lifecycle, leveraging the Industrial Internet to improve the performance of such solutions.
Distributed Powerprovides technology-based products and services to generate reliable and efficient power at or near the point of use. The product portfolio features highly efficient, fuel flexible industrial gas engines, including Jenbacher and Waukesha engines, which generate power for numerous industries globally.
Water & Process Technologies – provides comprehensive chemical and equipment solutions and services to help manage and optimize water resources across numerous industries and municipalities, including water treatment, wastewater treatment and process system solutions.
GE Hitachi Nuclear – offers advanced reactor technologies solutions, including reactors, fuels and support services for boiling water reactors, and is offered through joint ventures with Hitachi and Toshiba, for safety, reliability and performance for nuclear fleets.

Competition & Regulation

Worldwide competition for power generation products and services is intense. Demand for power generation is global and, as a result, is sensitive to the economic and political environments of each country in which we do business.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 37

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 21.5 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
(a) Includes $1.0 billion related to Alstom
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
Services
 
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
 
BACKLOG
 
(a) Includes Water & Process Technologies and GE Hitachi Nuclear
 
 
 
(a) Includes $15.5 billion related to Alstom
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
 
 
UNIT SALES
 
 
                                 Services  Equipment


SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

The business completed its acquisition of Alstom's thermal businesses on November 2, 2015. Alstom's Thermal business is complementary in technology, operations and geography to our business. We expect the integration to yield efficiencies in supply chain, service infrastructure, new product development and SG&A costs.
The Wind business was transferred to a new segment, Renewable Energy.
The business continues to invest in new product development, such as our new H-Turbine, reciprocating engines and advanced upgrades, to expand our equipment and services offerings.
Excess capacity in developed markets, continued pressure in oil and gas applications and macroeconomic and geopolitical environments result in uncertainty for the industry and business.
The Distributed Power business that provides turbines for oil and gas applications was realigned from the Power segment to the Oil & Gas segment.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 38

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
(a) $20.6 billion, excluding $0.9 billion related to Alstom*
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
 
(a) $4.6 billion, excluding $(0.1) billion related to Alstom*
 
 
(a) 22.3%, excluding (1.4)% related to Alstom*

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.9 billion (4%);
Segment profit was flat as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was mainly driven by higher volume, primarily at Power Services, as well as the effects of the Alstom acquisition, partially offset by the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.
Profit was flat as higher volume, the effects of deflation, higher prices, and favorable business mix were offset by lower productivity, including an increase in SG&A cost, the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, and the effects of the Alstom acquisition.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 20.6
$
4.5
Volume
 
 0.8
 
 0.2
Price
 
 0.1
 
 0.1
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.8)
 
 (0.1)
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 0.2
Mix
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 (0.4)
Other
 
 -
 
 -
Alstom
 
 0.9
 
 (0.1)
2015
$
 21.5
$
 4.5
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues up $1.3 billion (7%);
Segment profit up $0.2 billion (4%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was driven by higher volume, primarily higher equipment sales at Gas Power Systems, partially offset by lower prices and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.
The increase in profit was mainly due to the higher volume at Gas Power Systems, and higher productivity reflecting a reduction in SG&A cost, partially offset by negative business mix, driven by higher gas turbine shipments, and lower prices.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 19.3
$
 4.3
Volume
 
 1.7
 
 0.4
Price
 
 (0.2)
 
 (0.2)
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.1)
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Mix
 
N/A
 
 (0.2)
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.3
Other
 
 (0.2)
 
 (0.1)
2014
$
 20.6
$
4.5
           






*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 39

RENEWABLE ENERGY

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Leader: Jérôme Pécresse
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
 
    President & CEO, GE Renewable Energy
    Former Alstom Renewable Power Executive Vice President
 
 
 
    5% of segment revenues in 2015
    6% of industrial segment revenues
    2% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: Paris, France
    Serving customers in 40+ countries
    Employees: approximately 11,000
 
Products & Services
 
 
 
 
 
GE Renewable Energy makes renewable power sources affordable, accessible, and reliable for the benefit of people everywhere. With one of the broadest technology portfolios in the industry, Renewable Energy creates value for customers with solutions from onshore and offshore wind, hydro, and emerging low carbon technologies. With operations in 40+ countries around the world, Renewable Energy can deliver solutions to where its customers need them most.
Onshore Wind – provides technology and services for the onshore wind power industry by providing wind turbine platforms and hardware and software to optimize wind resources. Wind services help customers improve availability and value of their assets over the lifetime of the fleet. Digital Wind Farm is a site level solution, creating a dynamic, connected and adaptable ecosystem that improves our customers' fleet operations.
Offshore Wind offers its high-yield offshore wind turbine, Haliade 150-6MW, which is compatible with bottom fixed and floating foundations. It uses the innovative pure torque design and the Advanced High Density direct-drive Permanent Magnet Generator. Wind services support customers over the lifetime of their fleet.
Hydro – provides full range of solutions, products and services to serve the hydropower industry from initial design to final commissioning, from Low Head / Medium / High Head hydropower plants to pumped storage hydropower plants, small hydropower plants, concentrated solar power plants, geothermal power plants and biomass power plants.

Competition & Regulation

Renewable energy is now mainstream, able to compete with conventional options on an unsubsidized basis in many locations today. New innovations such as the digitization of renewable energy will continue to drive down costs. Worldwide competition for power generation products and services is intense. Demand for power generation is global and, as a result, is sensitive to the economic and political environments of each country in which we do business. Our Wind business is subject to certain global policies and regulation including the U.S. Production Tax Credit and incentive structures in China and various European countries. Changes in such policies may create unknown impacts or opportunities for the business.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 40

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 6.3 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
 
(a) Includes $0.5 billion related to Alstom
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
Services
 
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
 
BACKLOG
 
(a) Alstom business acquired in November 2015
 
 
 
(a) Includes $5.3 billion related to Alstom
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
 
 
UNIT SALES
 
 
                      Services  Equipment


SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

Renewable energy has experienced a surge of development in the last decade. Renewable energy capacity additions account for approximately half of all power plant additions worldwide.
We expanded our Renewable Energy portfolio with the recent acquisition of Alstom's Renewables business, which brought offshore wind, hydro, and emerging renewable technologies to the portfolio.
In our Onshore Wind business we continue to lead in digital innovation. The digital solutions we offer allow our customers to increase revenue and reduce cost and risk. We are expanding our digital capability into the newly acquired Alstom Offshore Wind and Hydro businesses.
Excess capacity in developed markets and macroeconomic and geopolitical environments result in uncertainty for the industry and business.
The Digital Wind Farm combines the new 2 and 3 MW wind turbine platforms with Predix software and diagnostics. Together, this hardware and software technology delivers up to 20% more annual energy production at the farm level over GE's previous machines.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 41

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
(a) $6.2 billion, excluding $0.1 billion related to Alstom*
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
 
Services
 
 
(a) $0.5 billion, excluding $(0.1) billion related to Alstom*
 
 
(a) 8.1%, excluding (1.2)% related to Alstom*

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues down $0.1 billion (2%);
Segment profit down $0.3 billion (38%) as a result of:
 
The decrease in revenues was primarily driven by the effects of a stronger U.S. dollar, partially offset by higher volume, driven by the sale of 2 MW onshore units, higher prices, the effects of the Alstom acquisition and other income.
The decrease in profit was due to lower productivity, primarily driven by a shift to new products and technology, the effects of inflation, the effects of the Alstom acquisition and negative business mix, partially offset by higher prices and other income.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 6.4
$
0.7
Volume
 
 0.3
 
 -
Price
 
 0.1
 
 0.1
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.6)
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 (0.1)
Mix
 
N/A
 
 (0.1)
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 (0.1)
Other
 
 0.1
 
 0.1
Alstom
 
 0.1
 
 (0.1)
2015
$
 6.3
$
 0.4
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues up $1.6 billion (33%);
Segment profit up $0.2 billion (43%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was driven by higher volume, partially offset by lower prices and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.
The increase in profit was mainly due to higher cost productivity and higher volume, partially offset by lower prices.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 4.8
$
 0.5
Volume
 
 2.0
 
 0.2
Price
 
 (0.2)
 
 (0.2)
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.1)
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.3
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2014
$
 6.4
$
0.7
           






*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 42

OIL & GAS

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 
Leader: Lorenzo Simonelli
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
   
    Senior Vice President, GE and President & CEO,
GE Oil & Gas
    21 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    14% of segment revenues in 2015
    15% of industrial segment revenues
    14% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: London, UK
    Serving customers in 140+ countries
    Employees: approximately 39,000
 
Products & Services
 
 
 
Oil & Gas serves all segments of the oil and gas industry, from drilling, completion, production and oil field operations, to transportation via liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipelines. In addition, Oil & Gas provides industrial power generation and compression solutions to the refining and petrochemicals segments. Oil & Gas also delivers pipeline integrity solutions and a wide range of sensing, inspection and monitoring technologies. Oil & Gas exploits technological innovation from other GE segments, such as Aviation and Healthcare, to continuously improve oil and gas industry performance, output and productivity.

Turbomachinery Solutions (TMS) provides equipment and related services for mechanical-drive, compression and power-generation applications across the oil and gas industry. Our designs deliver high capacities and efficiencies, increase product flow and decrease both operational and environmental risks in the most extreme conditions, pressures and temperatures. Our portfolio includes drivers (aero-derivative gas turbines, heavy-duty gas turbines and synchronous and induction electric motors), compressors (centrifugal and axial, direct drive high speed, integrated, subsea compressors and turbo expanders), and turn-key solutions (industrial modules and waste heat recovery).
Subsea Systems & Drilling (SS&D) – provides a broad portfolio of subsea products and services required to facilitate the safe and reliable flow of hydrocarbons from the subsea wellhead to the surface. In addition, the sub-segment designs and manufactures onshore and offshore drilling and production systems and equipment for floating production platforms and provides a full range of services related to onshore and offshore drilling activities.
Measurement & Controls (M&C)provides equipment and services for a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, metals, and transportation. The offerings include sensor-based measurement; non-destructive testing and inspection; turbine, generator and plant controls and condition monitoring, as well as pipeline integrity solutions.
Surface – provides products and services for onshore oil & gas wells and manufactures artificial lift equipment for extracting crude oil and other fluids from wells. Specific products include downhole tools for well integrity, dry trees and surface wellheads, electric submersible pumps, surface wellheads, wireline logging, artificial lift technologies, drilling pressure control equipment.
Downstream Technology Solutions (DTS) provides products and services to serve the downstream segments of the industry including refining, petrochemical, distributed gas, flow and process control and other industrial applications. Products include steam turbines, reciprocating and centrifugal compressors, pumps, valves, and compressed natural gas (CNG) and small-scale LNG solutions used primarily for shale oil and gas field development.

Competition & Regulation

Demand for oil and gas equipment and services is global and, as a result, is sensitive to the economic and political environment of each country in which we do business. We are subject to the regulatory bodies of the countries in which we operate. Our products are subject to regulation by U.S. and non-U.S. energy policies.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 43

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 16.5 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
Services
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
BACKLOG
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
Services
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
   
 
   
                             Services           Equipment

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

Lower oil prices leading to reductions in customers' forecasted capital expenditures create industry challenges, the effects of which are uncertain.
We are impacted by volatility in foreign currency exchange rates mainly due to a high concentration of non-U.S. dollar denominated business as well as long-term contracts denominated in multiple currencies.
In November 2015, we completed the acquisition of Advantec group for $0.1 billion. The group, mainly based in Norway, provides subsea intervention equipment and services to the oil and gas industry.
The Distributed Power business that provides turbines for oil and gas applications was realigned from the Power segment to the Oil & Gas segment.
In June 2014, we acquired Cameron's Reciprocating Compression division for $0.6 billion. The division provides reciprocating compression equipment and aftermarket services for oil and gas production, gas processing, gas distribution and independent power industries.
In July 2013, we completed the acquisition of Lufkin, a leading provider of artificial lift technologies for the oil and gas industry and a manufacturer of gears, for $3.3 billion. Results for Lufkin are included in the Surface sub-segment.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 44

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
 
 
 

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues down $2.6 billion (14%);
Segment profit down $0.3 billion (12%) as a result of:
 
The decrease in revenues was primarily due to the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and lower volume at Surface and SS&D, driven by lower oil prices. Organic revenues* were down 5% compared with prior year.
The decrease in profit was primarily due to the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and lower volume at Surface and SS&D, driven by lower oil prices, partially offset by the effects of deflation and cost productivity. Organic profit* increased 1% compared with prior year.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 19.1
$
 2.8
Volume
 
 (1.0)
 
 (0.1)
Price
 
 -
 
 -
Foreign Exchange
 
 (1.6)
 
 (0.3)
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2015
$
 16.5
$
 2.4
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues up $1.7 billion (10%);
Segment profit up $0.4 billion (17%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher volume, mainly driven by higher equipment sales at Surface, SS&D and TMS, as well as the $0.3 billion net impact of acquisitions, primarily Lufkin, and dispositions, primarily Wayne. These increases were partially offset by the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.
The increase in profit was primarily due to higher productivity, higher volume and higher prices. These increases were partially offset by negative business mix.
 
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 17.3
$
 2.4
Volume
 
 1.7
 
 0.2
Price
 
 0.1
 
 0.1
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.1)
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 (0.2)
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.3
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2014
$
 19.1
$
 2.8
           









*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 45

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Leader: Russell Stokes
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
 
    Senior Vice President, GE and President & CEO,
GE Energy Management
    19 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    6% of segment revenues in 2015
    7% of industrial segment revenues
    2% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: Atlanta, GA
    Serving customers in 150+ countries
    Employees: approximately 45,000
 
Products & Services
 
 
 
 
GE Energy Management designs and deploys industry-leading technologies that transport, convert, automate and optimize energy to ensure safe, efficient and reliable electrical power. Combining all the resources and scale of the world's digital industrial company, we connect brilliant machines, grids, and systems to power utility, oil & gas, marine, mining and renewables customers, that keep our world running. Beginning in 2016, this segment will be referred to as Energy Connections.

Industrial Solutions – creates advanced technologies that safely, reliably and efficiently distribute and control electricity to protect people, property and equipment. We provide high performance software and control solutions and offer products such as circuit breakers, relays, arresters, switchgear, panel boards and repair for the commercial, data center, healthcare, mining, renewables, oil & gas, water and telecommunication markets.
Grid Solutions – a GE and Alstom joint venture, equips 90% of power utilities worldwide to bring power from the point of generation to end consumers. With over 200 years combined experience in providing advanced energy solutions, our products and services enable more resilient, efficient and reliable power systems. Our products and services, such as high voltage equipment, power electronics, automation and protection equipment, software solutions, in addition to our robust projects and services capabilities modernize the grid. We serve industries such as generation, transmission, distribution, oil & gas, telecommunication, mining and water and our strategic partnership ventures, primarily in Mexico and China, allow us to support our customers through various product and service offerings.
Power Conversion – applies the science and systems of power conversion to help drive the electric transformation of the world's energy infrastructure. Our product portfolio includes motors, generators, automation and control equipment and drives for energy intensive industries such as marine, oil & gas, renewable energy, mining, rail, metals, test systems and water.

Competition & Regulation

Energy Management faces competition from businesses operating with global presence and with deep energy domain expertise. Our products and services sold to end customers are often subject to a number of regulatory specification and performance standards under different federal, state, foreign and energy industry standards.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 46

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 7.6 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
 
(a) Includes $1.1 billion related to Alstom
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
Services
 
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
 
BACKLOG
 
 
 
(a) Includes $8.4 billion related to Alstom
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
Services
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
   
 
   
                        Services  Equipment

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

On November 2, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Alstom's Grid business as part of the overall Alstom transaction. Our former Digital Energy business was combined with Alstom's Grid business to form Grid Solutions, a GE and Alstom joint venture.
The Intelligent Platforms Embedded Systems Products business of Industrial Solutions was sold in December 2015 for approximately $0.5 billion and the Electricity Meters business of Grid Solutions was sold in December 2015 for approximately $0.2 billion.
We are seeing growth in renewable energy industries, specifically wind & solar industries, which is driving demand in our Power Conversion business for equipment and services. This growth is offset by the decline in the oil & gas industry.
We see soft demand in the North American electrical distribution market, slow economic recovery in Europe, and continued soft demand in other parts of the developed world.
The U.S. electrical grid capacity is high and load growth is expected to be slow in the near term; spending by utilities in the U.S. continues to be focused more heavily on sustaining operations versus capital investment.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 47

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
(a) $6.6 billion, excluding $1.0 billion related to Alstom*
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
 
Services
 
 
 
(a) $0.3 billion, excluding an insignificant amount related to Alstom*
 
 
 
(a) 4.1%, excluding (0.5)% related to Alstom*

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
 
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
 
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.3 billion (4%);
Segment profit up (10%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher sales at Grid Solutions, driven by the effects of the Alstom acquisition, and a gain on the sale of a meters business, partially offset by the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar and lower volume at Industrial Solutions.
The increase in profit was primarily due to higher productivity, including a reduction in SG&A, partially offset by the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 7.3
$
 0.2
Volume
 
 (0.1)
 
 -
Price
 
 -
 
 -
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.5)
 
 (0.1)
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Other
 
 -
 
 -
Alstom
 
 1.0
 
 -
2015
$
 7.6
$
 0.3
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues down $0.3 billion (3%);
Segment profit up $0.1 billion as a result of:
 
The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower volume from weakness in North American utility and electrical distribution markets, partially offset by higher sales in Power Conversion.
The increase in profit was primarily due to higher productivity reflecting a reduction in SG&A cost.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 7.6
$
 0.1
Volume
 
 (0.2)
 
 -
Price
 
 -
 
 -
Foreign Exchange
 
 -
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2014
$
 7.3
$
 0.2
           




*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 48

            AVIATION

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 
Leader: David Joyce
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
 
 
    Senior Vice President, GE and President & CEO,
GE Aviation
    Over 30 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    21% of segment revenues in 2015
    23% of industrial segment revenues
    31% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: Cincinnati, OH
    Serving customers in 120+ countries
    Employees: approximately 45,000
 
Products & Services
   
 
 
 
Aviation designs and produces commercial and military aircraft engines, integrated digital components, electric power and mechanical aircraft systems. We also provide aftermarket services to support our products.
 
Commercial Enginesmanufactures jet engines and turboprops for commercial airframes. Our commercial engines power aircraft in all categories; regional, narrowbody and widebody. We also manufacture engines and components for Business and General Aviation segments.
Commercial Services provides maintenance, component repair and overhaul services (MRO), including sales of replacement parts.
Militarymanufactures jet engines for military airframes. Our military engines power a wide variety of military aircraft including fighters, bombers, tankers, helicopters and surveillance aircraft, as well as marine applications. We provide maintenance, component repair and overhaul services (MRO), including sales of replacement parts.
Systemsprovides components, systems and services for commercial and military segments. This includes avionics systems, aviation electric power systems, flight efficiency and intelligent operation services, aircraft structures and Avio Aero.
We also produce and market engines through CFM International, a company jointly owned by GE and Snecma, a subsidiary of SAFRAN of France, and Engine Alliance, LLC, a company jointly owned by GE and the Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies Corporation. New engines are also being designed and marketed in a joint venture with Honda Aero, Inc., a division of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Competition & Regulation

The global businesses for aircraft jet engines, maintenance component repair and overhaul services (including parts sales) are highly competitive. Both U.S. and non-U.S. markets are important to the growth and success of the business. Product development cycles are long and product quality and efficiency are critical to success. Research and development expenditures are important in this business, as are focused intellectual property strategies and protection of key aircraft engine design, manufacture, repair and product upgrade technologies. Aircraft engine orders and systems tend to follow civil air travel and demand and military procurement cycles.

Our product, services and activities are subject to a number of regulators such as by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other regulatory bodies.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 49

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

 
2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 24.7 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
Services
 
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
BACKLOG
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
 
UNIT SALES
 
 
 
(a)GEnx engines are a subset of commercial engines
(b)Commercial spares shipment rate in millions of dollars per day
                         Services  Equipment
 
SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS
 

Our digital industrial business is providing insights and operational value for our customers, unlocking opportunities to deliver more productivity beyond our traditional services and becoming a better partner as we work on solving our customers' toughest operational problems. Digital design tools, additive manufacturing, advanced automated machining, and advanced inspection, are all enabling our operations, partners and suppliers to dramatically reduce cycle time while improving quality.
The installed base continues to grow with new product launches. In 2016, through our CFM joint venture, we expect to launch the LEAP engine for application on the Airbus A320 NEO and the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. In addition, we are continuing development of the GE9X engine incorporating the latest technologies for application in the widebody aircraft space.
We expect military shipments to be lower due to continued pressure on the U.S. military budget but continue to work on next generation science and technology programs related to engine propulsion.
The reduction in fuel costs is expected to result in increased airline profitability and continued growth in passenger traffic and freight.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 50

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
 
Services
 
 

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.7 billion (3%);
Segment profit up $0.5 billion (11%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was due to higher prices in Commercial Engines and higher services volume, partially offset by decreased equipment sales.
The increase in profit was mainly due to higher prices, favorable business mix and higher cost productivity, partially offset by the effects of inflation and lower other income.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 24.0
$
 5.0
Volume
 
 0.1
 
 -
Price
 
 0.5
 
 0.5
Foreign Exchange
 
 -
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 (0.2)
Mix
 
N/A
 
 0.2
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Other
 
 -
 
 (0.1)
2015
$
 24.7
$
 5.5
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues up $2.1 billion (9%);
Segment profit up $0.6 billion (14%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was due to higher volume and higher prices driven by Commercial Engines volume, spare parts volume and the third-quarter 2013 acquisition of Avio.
The increase in profit was mainly due to higher prices in our Commercial Engines and Commercial Services businesses and higher volume discussed above. These increases were partially offset by effects of inflation and negative business mix.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 21.9
$
 4.3
Volume
 
 1.2
 
 0.2
Price
 
 0.8
 
 0.8
Foreign Exchange
 
 -
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 (0.3)
Mix
 
N/A
 
 (0.2)
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 -
Other
 
 0.1
 
 0.1
2014
$
 24.0
$
 5.0
           

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 51

HEALTHCARE

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

 
Leader: John L. Flannery
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
 
 
    Senior Vice President, GE and President & CEO,
GE Healthcare
    Over 25 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    15% of segment revenues in 2015
    16% of industrial segment revenues
    16% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: Chicago, IL
    Serving customers in 130+ countries
    Employees: approximately 52,000
 
Products & Services
   
 
 
 
Healthcare provides essential healthcare technologies to developed and emerging markets and has expertise in medical imaging, software and information technology (IT), patient monitoring and diagnostics, drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions. Products and services are sold worldwide primarily to hospitals, medical facilities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and to the life science research market.
Healthcare Systems – provides a wide range of technologies and services that include diagnostic imaging and clinical systems. Diagnostic imaging systems such as X-ray, digital mammography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), surgical and interventional imaging and molecular imaging technologies allow clinicians to see inside the human body more clearly. Clinical systems such as ultrasound, electrocardiography (ECG), bone densitometry, patient monitoring, incubators and infant warmers, respiratory care, and anesthesia management that enable clinicians to provide better care for patients every day - from wellness screening to advanced diagnostics to life-saving treatment. Healthcare systems also offers product services that include remote diagnostic and repair services for medical equipment manufactured by GE and by others.
Life Sciences  delivers products and services for drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing and cellular technologies, so scientists and specialists discover new ways to predict, diagnose and treat disease. It also researches, manufactures and markets innovative imaging agents used during medical scanning procedures to highlight organs, tissue and functions inside the human body, to aid physicians in the early detection, diagnosis and management of disease through advanced in-vivo diagnostics.
Healthcare IT  provides IT solutions including enterprise and departmental Information Technology products, Picture Archiving System (PACS), Radiology Information System (RIS), Cardiovascular Information System (CVIS), revenue cycle management and practice applications, to help customers streamline healthcare costs and improve the quality of care.

Competition & Regulation

Healthcare competes with a variety of U.S. and non-U.S. manufacturers and services providers. Customers require products and services that allow them to provide better access to healthcare, improve the affordability of care, and improve the quality of patient outcomes. Technology innovation to provide products that improve these customer requirements and competitive pricing are among the key factors affecting competition for these products and services. New technologies could make our products and services obsolete unless we continue to develop new and improved products and services.

Our products are subject to regulation by numerous government agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), as well as various laws and regulations that apply to claims submitted under Medicare, Medicaid or other government funded healthcare programs.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 52

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 17.6 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
BACKLOG
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
   
 
   
                           Services  Equipment

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

We continue to lead in technology innovation with greater focus on productivity based technology, services, and IT/cloud-based solutions as healthcare providers seek greater productivity and efficiency.
The U.S. market is improving but uncertainty remains regarding the impact of the Affordable Care Act. Emerging markets are expected to grow long-term with short-term volatility.
Life Sciences is expanding its business through bioprocess market growth and enterprise solutions.
Clarient, one of our Life Science businesses, was sold on December 30, 2015.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 53

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
 
 
 

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues down $0.7 billion (4%);
Segment profit down $0.2 (5%) as a result of:
 
The decrease in revenues was primarily due to the effects of a stronger U.S. dollar, as well as lower prices, mainly at Healthcare Systems, partially offset by higher volume in Life Sciences and Healthcare Systems.
The decrease in profit was primarily due to lower prices, mainly in Healthcare Systems, the effects of inflation and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, partially offset by higher productivity, as increased R&D and related costs were more than offset by higher cost productivity, and higher volume.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 18.3
$
 3.0
Volume
 
 0.8
 
 0.1
Price
 
 (0.3)
 
 (0.3)
Foreign Exchange
 
 (1.1)
 
 (0.1)
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
NA
 
 (0.2)
Mix
 
NA
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.3
Other
 
 (0.1)
 
 -
2015
$
 17.6
$
 2.9
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.1 billion (1%);
Segment profit flat as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was due to higher volume, driven by the higher sales in Life Sciences. This increase was partially offset by lower prices mainly at Healthcare Systems and the effects of a stronger U.S. dollar.
Profit was flat as higher productivity, driven by SG&A cost reductions, and higher volume, were offset by lower prices, mainly at Healthcare Systems, inflation and effects of a stronger U.S. dollar.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 18.2
$
 3.0
Volume
 
 0.6
 
 0.1
Price
 
 (0.3)
 
 (0.3)
Foreign Exchange
 
 (0.2)
 
 (0.1)
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 (0.2)
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.5
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2014
$
 18.3
$
 3.0
           

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 54

            TRANSPORTATION

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Leader: Jamie S. Miller
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
    Senior Vice President, GE and President & CEO,
GE Transportation
    7 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    5% of segment revenues in 2015
    5% of industrial segment revenues
    7% of industrial segment profit
    Headquarters: Chicago, IL
    Serving customers in 60+ countries
    Employees: approximately 12,000

Products & Services
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, mining, marine, stationary power and drilling industries. Products and services offered by Transportation include:




Locomotives – we provide freight and passenger locomotives as well as rail services to help solve rail challenges. We manufacture high-horsepower, diesel-electric locomotives including the Evolution Series TM, which meets or exceeds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4 requirements for freight and passenger applications.
Services – we develop partnerships that support advisory services, parts, integrated software solutions and data analytics. Our comprehensive offerings include tailored service programs, high-quality parts for GE and other locomotive platforms, overhaul, repair and upgrade services, and wreck repair. Our portfolio provides the people, partnerships and leading software to optimize operations and asset utilization.
Digital Solutions – we offer a suite of software-enabled solutions to help our customers lower operational costs, increase productivity and improve service quality and reliability.
Mining – we provide mining equipment and services. The portfolio includes drive systems for off-highway vehicles, mining equipment, mining power and productivity.
Marine, Stationary & Drilling – we offer marine diesel engines and stationary power diesel engines and motors for land and offshore drilling rigs.

Competition & Regulation

The competitive environment for locomotives and mining equipment and services consists of large global competitors. A number of smaller competitors compete in a limited-size product range and geographic regions. North America will remain a focus of the industry, due to the EPA Tier 4 emissions standard that went into effect in 2015.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 55

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 5.9 BILLION
 
ORDERS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
Services
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 
BACKLOG
 
(a) Includes Digital Solutions, Marine, Stationary & Drilling
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
Services
 
EQUIPMENT/SERVICES REVENUES
 
 
UNIT SALES
 
 
                      Services  Equipment

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS

Rail carload volumes, especially in North America, continue to decline and the number of parked locomotives increased throughout 2015.
Demand for natural resources remains low, driving a decline in the overall mining industry.
The Signaling business was sold to Alstom on November 2, 2015 for approximately $0.8 billion.
In 2015, we launched the new Tier 4 locomotive. A total of 756 Tier 4 compliant locomotives were shipped in 2015.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 56

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
 
Services
 
 


SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.3 billion (5%);
Segment profit up $0.1 (13%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher volume driven by Tier 4 locomotive sales, partially offset by the Signaling disposition.
The increase in profit was primarily due to higher productivity, including a reduction in SG&A cost, and higher volume driven by Tier 4 locomotive sales, partially offset by negative business mix.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 5.7
$
 1.1
Volume
 
 0.3
 
 0.1
Price
 
 -
 
 -
Foreign Exchange
 
 -
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 (0.2)
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.2
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2015
$
 5.9
$
 1.3
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues down $0.2 billion (4%);
Segment profit down 3% as a result of:
 
The decrease in revenues was due to lower volume, primarily in Mining reflecting weakness in the industry, partially offset by an increase in volume in the locomotive services business.
The decrease in profit was due to lower volume, primarily in Mining as discussed above, was partially offset by deflation and cost productivity.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 5.9
$
 1.2
Volume
 
 (0.2)
 
 -
Price
 
 -
 
 -
Foreign Exchange
 
 -
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
-
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2014
$
 5.7
$
 1.1
           

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 57

            APPLIANCES & LIGHTING

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Leaders: Chip Blankenship &
                 Maryrose Sylvester
 
 
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
    President & CEO, Appliances
    Over 20 years of service with General Electric
 
 
 
           President & CEO, Lighting
    Over 25 years of service with General Electric
 
    7% of segment revenues in 2015
    8% of industrial segment revenues
    4% of industrial segment profit
    Appliances HQ: Louisville, KY
    Lighting HQ: East Cleveland, OH
    Serving customers in 100+ countries
    Employees: approximately 24,000

Products & Services
 
 
 
Appliances & Lighting products, such as major appliances and a subset of lighting products, are primarily directed to consumer applications, while other lighting products are directed towards commercial and industrial applications. We also invest in the development of differentiated, premium products such as energy efficient solutions for both consumers and businesses.
 
Appliances – sells and services major home appliances including refrigerators, freezers, electric and gas ranges, cooktops, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, microwave ovens, room air conditioners, residential water systems for filtration, softening and heating and hybrid water heaters. Our brands include Monogram®, GE Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, GE Artistry™, and Hotpoint®. We also manufacture certain products and source finished product and component parts from third-party global manufacturers. A large portion of appliances sales is through a variety of retail outlets for replacement of installed units. Residential building contractors installing units in new construction is the second major U.S. channel. We offer one of the largest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service organizations in the appliances industry, providing in-home repair and aftermarket parts.
Lighting manufactures, sources and sells a variety of energy-efficient solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and consumer applications across the globe, utilizing light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent, halogen and high-intensity discharge (HID) technologies. In addition to growing our LED breadth, the business is focused on building lighting connected by state-of-the-art software that will unleash a whole new potential for how we light our world. The business sells products under the reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination,™ Albeo,™ TriGain™ and Tetra® commercial brands. GE Lighting offers a full range of solutions and services to outfit entire properties with lighting, from ceilings, parking lots, signage, displays, roadways, sports arenas and other areas.

Competition & Regulation


Cost control, including productivity, is key in the highly competitive marketplace in which Appliances & Lighting competes. GE Lighting operates in a complex, global marketplace. Energy regulations impacting traditional lighting technologies are moving demand to energy-saving products that last longer and cost less to operate over time. Evolving these technologies, as well as cost control, is key in the global arena in which the business operates.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 58

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollar in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $ 8.8 BILLION
 
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
 










 
SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS
 
During the third quarter of 2014, GE signed an agreement to sell its Appliances business to Electrolux AB for $3.3 billion. On July 1, 2015, GE was notified that the Department of Justice had initiated court proceedings seeking to enjoin the sale of Appliances to Electrolux AB. On December 7, 2015, GE announced that it had terminated its agreement to sell its Appliances business to Electrolux AB and would pursue other options to sell the Appliances business. GE received a break-up fee of $175 million from Electrolux AB.
On January 15, 2016, GE announced the signing of a definitive agreement to sell its Appliances business to Qingdao Haier Co., Ltd. (Haier) for $5.4 billion. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of GE and of Haier, and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including Haier shareholder approval, and regulatory approvals. The transaction is targeted to close in mid-2016. 
While the demand in the non-LED market segment is slowing, there is a strong global shift to energy efficient lighting including continued growth in LED products.
Launched Current, powered by GE, a digital power service business to deliver integrated energy systems combining LEDs, solar, storage and onsite power.
 
 
 



GE 2015 FORM 10-K 59

 
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollar in billions)
 
SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT
 
SEGMENT PROFIT MARGIN
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
Services
 
 

SEGMENT REVENUES & PROFIT WALK:
 
COMMENTARY:
2015 – 2014
2015 – 2014
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.3 billion (4%);
Segment profit up $0.2 billion (56%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher volume in Appliances and gains on asset sales in Lighting, partially offset by lower prices and the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar.
The increase in profit was primarily due to improved productivity, including the effects of classifying Appliances as a business held for sale, and the effects of deflation, partially offset by lower prices.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2014
$
 8.4
$
 0.4
Volume
 
 0.5
 
 -
Price
 
 (0.1)
 
 (0.1)
Foreign Exchange
 
(0.1)
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 0.1
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
 0.2
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2015
$
 8.8
$
 0.7
         
     
2014 – 2013
2014 – 2013
       
 
Segment revenues up $0.1 billion (1%);
Segment profit up $0.1 billion (13%) as a result of:
 
The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher volume driven by higher sales at Appliances.
The increase in profit was primarily due to improved productivity including the effects of classifying Appliances as a business held for sale in the third quarter of 2014.
 
 
Revenues
Profit
2013
$
 8.3
$
 0.4
Volume
 
 0.1
 
 -
Price
 
 -
 
 -
Foreign Exchange
 
 -
 
 -
(Inflation)/Deflation
 
N/A
 
 -
Mix
 
N/A
 
 -
Productivity
 
N/A
 
-
Other
 
 -
 
 -
2014
$
 8.4
$
 0.4
           

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 60

CAPITAL

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Leader: Keith Sherin
 
 
Headquarters & Operations
 
 
 
 
    Vice Chairman, GE and Chairman & CEO,
GE Capital
    Over 30 years of service with General Electric
 
 
    9% of segment revenues in 2015
    Headquarters: Norwalk, CT
    Employees: approximately 24,000
 
Products & Services
 
 
Capital's continuing financial services businesses and products are geared to utilize GE's industry-specific expertise in aviation, energy, infrastructure and healthcare to capitalize on market-specific opportunities and are further described below. In addition, we continue to operate our run-off insurance activities as part of our continuing operations. Collectively, we refer to these businesses as Verticals. Products and services include:

Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL) – offers capital and services to industrials served by GE, including the healthcare industry through its Healthcare Equipment Finance business. The CLL business also provides factoring solutions through its Working Capital Solutions business to the GE industrial businesses by purchasing GE customer receivables. Beginning in 2016, this business will be referred to as Industrial Finance.
Energy Financial Services (EFS) – invests in long-lived, capital intensive energy projects and companies by providing structured equity, debt, leasing, partnership financing, project finance and broad-based commercial finance.
GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) – offers commercial aircraft financing and leasing for a wide range of aircraft types and financing options.

As a result of the GE Capital Exit Plan, Capital's Real Estate business, Consumer business and most of its CLL business are classified as discontinued operations and are no longer reported as part of the Capital segment. All comparative prior period information has been reclassified to reflect Real Estate, Consumer and most of CLL as discontinued operations.

Competition & Regulation

The businesses in which we engage are subject to competition from various types of financial institutions, including commercial banks, investment banks, leasing companies, independent finance companies, finance companies associated with manufacturers and insurance and reinsurance companies.

GE Capital is a nonbank systemically important financial institution (nonbank SIFI) under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (DFA). As a result, GE Capital is subject to FRB supervision as described in Regulations and Supervision. GE has discussed the GE Capital Exit Plan with its regulators and staff of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and plans to file its application with the FSOC in early 2016 to terminate the FSOC's designation of GE Capital as a nonbank SIFI. With the completion of the Synchrony Financial split-off, and the FRB's subsequent approval of GE Capital's application to deregister as a saving and loan holding company, GE Capital is no longer a savings and loan holding company. In addition, in connection with the December 2015 reorganization described in The GE Capital Exit Plan section of the MD&A, GE Capital's international operations were consolidated under a new international holding company, GE Capital International Holdings Limited. GE Capital International Holdings Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE Capital with its own capital structure and is supervised by the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The PRA's supervision includes capital and liquidity standards that could impact the payment of dividends to GE Capital, and GE Capital International Holdings Limited will remain subject to such supervision even if GE Capital's designation as a nonbank SIFI is terminated.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 61

OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

2015 GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES: $10.8 BILLION
 
2015 SUB-SEGMENT REVENUES
ENDING NET INVESTMENT, EXCLUDING LIQUIDITY*
SUB-SEGMENT ASSET ALLOCATION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015
 
 
 
(a) As originally reported
(b) $167 billion including discontinued operations
 



SIGNIFICANT TRENDS & DEVELOPMENTS
The GE Capital Exit Plan - On April 10, 2015, the Company announced its plan to reduce the size of the financial services businesses through the sale of most of its assets over the following 24 months. It is expected that as a result of the GE Capital Exit Plan, the Capital businesses that will remain with GE will account for about $90 billion in ending net investment (ENI), excluding liquidity, including about $40 billion in the U.S. ENI is a metric used to measure the total capital invested in the financial services businesses. Capital's ENI, excluding liquidity* was $82 billion at December 31, 2015. Further information on the GE Capital Exit Plan is provided in the Consolidated Results section of the MD&A and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.
The GE Capital Exit Plan – As the GE Capital Exit Plan progresses, we will continue to incur interest on non-Verticals borrowings, restructuring costs and GE and GE Capital headquarters costs that are in excess of those allocated to the Verticals. These costs are recorded within other continuing operations within Capital.
Milestone Aviation Group – On January 30, 2015, we acquired Milestone Aviation Group, a helicopter leasing business, for approximately $1.8 billion.
Dividends - GE Capital paid $4.3 billion, $3.0 billion and $6.0 billion of dividends to GE in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.







*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 62

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
(Dollars in billions)

 SEGMENT REVENUES
 
SEGMENT PROFIT (LOSS)(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital
 
Other Continuing
 
 
Verticals
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital
Verticals
 
 
Other Continuing

(a)  Interest and other financial charges and income taxes are
included in determining segment profit for the Capital segment.
COMMENTARY:  2015 – 2014

Capital revenues decreased by $0.5 billion, or 5%, primarily as a result of organic revenue declines, primarily due to lower ENI, lower gains and higher impairments, partially offset by the effects of acquisitions and dispositions.
Within Capital, Verticals revenues decreased by $0.7 billion, or 6%, as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.9 billion), lower gains ($0.2 billion) and higher impairments ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the effects of acquisitions and dispositions ($0.5 billion).
CLL revenues increased by $0.1 billion, or 6%, as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the effects of currency exchange.
EFS revenues decreased by $0.7 billion, or 42%, as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.5 billion), lower gains ($0.3 billion) and higher impairments ($0.2 billion), partially offset by the effects of dispositions ($0.2 billion).
GECAS revenues increased by $0.1 billion, or 1%, as a result of the effects of acquisitions ($0.3 billion), lower impairments ($0.1 billion) and higher gains ($0.1 billion), partially offset by organic revenue declines ($0.4 billion).
Insurance revenues decreased $0.1 billion as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.1 billion) and lower gains.
Capital net earnings decreased by $9.2 billion primarily due to charges associated with the GE Capital Exit Plan.
Within Capital, Verticals net earnings increased by $0.1 billion, or 4%, as a result of lower equipment leased to others (ELTO) impairments ($0.1 billion) related to our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft and the effects of acquisitions and dispositions ($0.2 billion), partially offset by lower gains ($0.1 billion) and core decreases ($0.1 billion).
CLL net earnings increased by $0.1 billion, or 18%, as a result of core increases of $0.1 billion, partially offset by the effects of currency exchange.
EFS net earnings decreased by $0.3 billion, or 78%, as a result of lower gains ($0.2 billion), core decreases ($0.1 billion) and higher impairments ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the effects of dispositions ($0.1 billion).
GECAS net earnings increased by $0.3 billion, or 28%, as a result of ELTO impairments ($0.2 billion) related to our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft, the effects of acquisitions ($0.1 billion) and higher gains, partially offset by core decreases ($0.1 billion).
Insurance net earnings decreased $0.1 billion as a result of core decreases ($0.1 billion) and lower gains.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 63


Other Capital net earnings decreased by $9.3 billion primarily as a result of the GE Capital Exit Plan as follows:
Higher tax expenses of $7.0 billion primarily related to expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets related to the GE Capital Exit Plan.
Higher treasury operation expenses of $1.0 billion reflecting excess interest expense, including costs associated with the debt exchange completed in October 2015 and derivative activities that reduce or eliminate interest rate, currency or market risk between financial assets and liabilities. We expect to continue to have excess interest costs in 2016 as asset sales outpace our debt maturities. We may engage in liability management actions, such as buying back debt, based on market and economic conditions.
The 2015 $0.8 billion impairment of a coal-fired power plant in the U.S. related to a decision in the fourth quarter to exit the investment over time.
 
COMMENTARY:  2014 – 2013

Capital revenues increased $0.1 billion as a result of organic revenue growth and higher gains, partially offset by the effects of dispositions.
Within Capital, Verticals revenues increased as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.2 billion) and higher gains ($0.2 billion) offset by the effects of dispositions ($0.2 billion) and higher impairments ($0.1 billion).
CLL revenues increased 2% as a result of organic revenue growth.
EFS revenues increased by $0.2 billion, or 11%, as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.4 billion) and higher gains ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the effects of dispositions ($0.2 billion) and higher impairments ($0.2 billion).
GECAS revenues decreased by $0.1 billion, or 2%, as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.2 billion), partially offset by higher gains ($0.1 billion).
Insurance revenues decreased $0.1 billion as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.1 billion).
Capital net earnings increased by $0.8 billion as a result of core increases, ELTO impairments related to our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft, and higher gains, partially offset by the effects of dispositions.
Within Capital, Verticals net earnings increased by $0.2 billion, or 14%, as a result of higher gains ($0.1 billion), ELTO impairments ($0.1 billion) related to our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft, and core increases ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the effects of dispositions ($0.1 billion).
CLL net earnings increased slightly or 2% as a result of core increases.
EFS net earnings decreased slightly as a result of higher impairments ($0.1 billion) and the effects of dispositions ($0.1 billion) offset by core increases ($0.1 billion) and higher gains ($0.1 billion).
GECAS net earnings increased by $0.2 billion, or 17%, as a result of ELTO impairments ($0.2 billion) related to our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft, and higher gains, partially offset by core decreases ($0.1 billion).
Insurance net earnings increased as a result of core increases.
Other Capital net earnings increased by $0.6 billion primarily as a result of higher tax benefits of $0.6 billion and higher treasury operation income of $0.3 billion, partially offset by higher corporate headquarters expenses of $0.2 billion.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 64

GE CORPORATE ITEMS AND ELIMINATIONS

GE Corporate Items and Eliminations is a caption used in the Segment Operation Summary of Operating Segment table to reconcile the aggregated results of our segments to the consolidated results of the Company. As such, it includes corporate activities and the elimination of inter-segment activities. Specifically, the GE Corporate Items and Eliminations amounts related to revenues and earnings include the results of disposed businesses (such as NBCU LLC, which we sold in 2013), certain amounts not included in GE industrial operating segment results because they are excluded from measurement of their operating performance for internal and external purposes and the elimination of inter-segment activities. In addition, the GE Corporate Items and Eliminations amounts related to earnings include certain costs of our principal retirement plans, restructuring and other costs reported in corporate, and the unallocated portion of certain corporate costs (such as research and development spending and costs related to our Global Growth Organization).

REVENUES AND OPERATING PROFIT (COST)
               
                   
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                   
Revenues
               
 
Gains (losses) on disposed or held for sale businesses
$
1,047
 
$
91
 
$
453
 
NBCU settlement
 
450
   
-
   
-
 
NBCU LLC
 
-
   
 -
   
1,528
 
Eliminations and other
 
(3,708)
   
(3,954)
   
(3,386)
Total Corporate Items and Eliminations
$
(2,211)
 
$
(3,863)
 
$
(1,405)
                   
Operating profit (cost)
               
 
Gains (losses) on disposed or held for sale businesses
$
1,047
 
$
91
 
$
447
 
NBCU settlement
 
450
     -    
-
 
NBCU LLC
 
-
   
-
   
1,528
 
Principal retirement plans(a)
 
(2,760)
   
(2,313)
   
(3,222)
 
Restructuring and other charges
 
(1,734)
   
(1,788)
   
(1,992)
 
Eliminations and other
 
(2,111)
   
(2,215)
   
(2,763)
Total Corporate Items and Eliminations
$
(5,108)
 
$
(6,225)
 
$
(6,002)
                   
CORPORATE COSTS
               
           
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
   
2013
                   
Total Corporate Items and Eliminations
$
(5,108)
 
$
(6,225)
 
$
(6,002)
Less non-operating pension cost*
 
(2,764)
   
(2,120)
   
(2,624)
Total Corporate costs (operating)*
$
(2,344)
 
$
(4,105)
 
$
(3,378)
                   
Less, NBCU LLC, restructuring and other charges, gains and NBCU settlement
 
(237)
   
(1,697)
   
(17)
Adjusted Corporate costs (operating)*
$
(2,107)
 
$
(2,408)
 
$
(3,361)
                   
(a)
Included non-operating pension cost* of $2.8 billion, $2.1 billion and $2.6 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which includes expected return on plan assets, interest costs and non-cash amortization of actuarial gains and losses.
.















*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 65


2015 – 2014 COMMENTARY

Revenues and other income increased $1.7 billion, primarily a result of:
$1.0 billion of higher gains from disposed businesses, which included $0.2 billion of a break-up fee paid by Electrolux AB due to the termination of the agreement to acquire the GE Appliances business,
$0.5 billion higher other income from a settlement related to the NBCU transaction, and
$0.2 billion of lower eliminations and other, which was driven by $0.4 billion of lower inter-segment eliminations, partially offset by $0.2 billion lower licensing, asset management and other income.

Operating costs decreased $1.1 billion, primarily as a result of:
$1.0 billion of higher gains from disposed businesses, which included $0.2 billion of a break-up fee paid by Electrolux AB due to termination of the agreement to acquire the GE Appliances business,
$0.5 billion higher other income from a settlement related to the NBCU transaction, and
Lower headquarter functional costs offset by higher investment in Information Technology (IT) growth initiatives.

These decreases to operating costs were partially offset by $0.4 billion higher costs associated with our principal retirement plans including the effects of lower discount rates and updated mortality assumptions.

2014 – 2013 COMMENTARY

Revenues and other income decreased $2.5 billion, primarily a result of:
$1.5 billion lower revenues and other income related to NBCU LLC, which was disposed of in the first quarter of 2013,
$0.4 billion of lower gains from disposed businesses, and
$0.6 billion of higher eliminations and other, which was driven by $0.4 billion of higher inter-segment eliminations. Also contributing to the decrease in revenues and other income was a $0.2 billion impairment related to an investment security in 2014 compared with a $0.1 billion impairment of an investment in a Brazilian company in 2013.

Operating costs increased $0.2 billion, primarily as a result of:
$1.5 billion lower NBCU LLC related income, and
$0.4 billion of lower gains from disposed businesses.

These increases to operating costs were partially offset by the following:
$0.9 billion of lower costs of our principal retirement plans,
$0.2 billion of lower restructuring and other charges. Restructuring and other charges in 2014 included $0.2 billion of impairment related to an investment security at Power, $0.1 billion of asset write-offs at a consolidated nuclear joint venture in which we hold a 51% interest at Power and $0.1 billion curtailment loss on the principal retirement plans resulting from our plan to sell the Appliances business, and
$0.5 billion of lower eliminations and other, which was driven by $0.4 billion of lower corporate costs, which include research and development and functional spending in 2014. In 2013, eliminations and other costs included $0.1 billion impairment of an investment in a Brazilian company.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 66


COSTS AND GAINS NOT INCLUDED IN SEGMENT RESULTS

As discussed in the Segment Operations section within the MD&A, certain amounts are not included in industrial operating segment results because they are excluded from measurement of their operating performance for internal and external purposes. These amounts are included in GE Corporate Items & Eliminations and may include matters such as charges for restructuring; rationalization and other similar expenses; acquisition costs and related charges; technology and product development cost; certain gains and losses from acquisitions or dispositions; and litigation settlements or other charges, for which responsibility preceded the current management team. The amount of costs and gains not included in segment results follows.

COSTS
               
                 
(In billions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Power
$
0.3
 
$
0.5
 
$
0.3
Renewable Energy
 
0.2
   
0.1
   
0.1
Oil & Gas
 
0.5
   
0.3
   
0.3
Energy Management
 
0.2
   
0.2
   
0.2
Aviation
 
-
   
0.3
   
0.6
Healthcare
 
0.3
   
0.5
   
0.6
Transportation
 
0.1
   
-
   
0.1
Appliances & Lighting
 
0.1
   
0.1
   
0.2
Total
$
1.7
 
$
2.1
 
$
2.4
                 

GAINS(a)
               
                 
(In billions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Power
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
0.1
Renewable Energy
 
-
   
-
   
-
Oil & Gas
 
-
   
0.1
   
0.1
Energy Management(b)
 
0.1
   
-
   
-
Aviation
 
-
   
-
   
-
Healthcare(c)
 
0.1
   
-
   
0.2
Transportation(d)
 
0.6
   
-
   
-
Appliances & Lighting
 
-
   
-
   
-
Total
$
0.9
 
$
0.1
 
$
0.5
                 
(a)
Related to business dispositions.
(b)
Related to the Intelligent Platforms Embedded System Products business disposition in 2015.
(c)
(d)
Related to the Clarient business disposition in 2015.
Related to the Signaling business disposition in 2015.
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 67

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Discontinued operations primarily relate to our financial services businesses as a result of the GE Capital Exit Plan and include our Consumer business, most of our CLL business, our Real Estate business, and our U.S. mortgage business (WMC). All of these operations were previously reported in the Capital segment.

We have entered into Transitional Service Agreements (TSA) with and provided certain indemnifications to buyers of GE Capital's assets. Under the TSAs, GE Capital provides various services for terms generally between 12 and 24 months and receives a level of cost reimbursement from the buyers.

Indemnifications amount to $1.5 billion, for which we have recognized related liabilities of $0.1 billion at December 31, 2015. In addition, we provided $0.7 billion of credit support, the vast majority on behalf of certain CLL customers aligned with signed disposal transactions scheduled to close in 2016, and recognized an insignificant liability at December 31, 2015.

As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, we entered into hedges (on an after-tax basis) of our net investment in businesses that we plan to dispose. These derivatives are treated as standalone hedges and the mark to market valuation changes on the derivatives are recorded in earnings of discontinued operations.

Results of operations, financial position and cash flows for these businesses are separately reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
                 
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(7,495)
 
$
5,855
 
$
5,475
                 

The 2015 loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, primarily reflected the following:

$7.9 billion after-tax loss at our CLL business (including a $8.7 billion after-tax loss on disposals),
$2.0 billion after-tax loss at our Real Estate business primarily loss on disposals, and
$0.1 billion after-tax effect of incremental reserves related to retained representation and warranty obligations to repurchase previously sold loans on the 2007 sale of WMC.
2015 losses were partially offset by $2.5 billion after-tax earnings at our Consumer business, primarily $3.4 billion after-tax gain on the split-off of Synchrony Financial, $0.5 billion after-tax gain on other transactions closed, partially offset by $0.8 billion after-tax loss on disposals and $0.6 billion after-tax loss from operations.

The 2014 earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, primarily reflected the following:

$3.2 billion of after-tax earnings from operations at our Consumer business,
$1.8 billion of after-tax earnings from operations at our CLL business,
$1.0 billion of after-tax earnings from operations at our Real Estate business, and
$0.1 billion tax benefit related to the extinguishment of our loss-sharing arrangement for excess interest claims associated with the 2008 sale of GE Money Japan.
2014 earnings were partially offset by a $0.2 billion after-tax loss on incremental reserves related to retained representation and warranty obligations to repurchase previously sold loans on the 2007 sale of WMC.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 68


The 2013 earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, primarily reflected the following:

$4.3 billion of after-tax earnings from operations at our Consumer business,
$1.7 billion of after-tax earnings from operations at our Real Estate business, and
$1.5 billion of after-tax earnings from operations at our CLL business.
2013 earnings were partially offset by $1.6 billion after-tax effect of incremental reserves, primarily related to an agreement to extinguish our loss-sharing arrangement for excess interest claims associated with the 2008 sale of GE Money Japan,
$0.2 billion after-tax effect of incremental reserves related to retained representation and warranty obligations to repurchase previously sold loans on the 2007 sale of WMC, and
$0.2 billion after-tax loss on the disposal of Consumer Russia.

For additional information related to discontinued operations, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 69

OTHER CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION

INTEREST AND OTHER FINANCIAL CHARGES

Interest on borrowings and other financial charges amounted to $3.5 billion, $2.7 billion and $2.9 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Substantially all of our borrowings are in Financial Services, where interest expense was $2.3 billion (including $0.1 billion in debt extinguishment cost), $1.6 billion and $2.0 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. GE Capital average borrowings declined from 2014 to 2015 and from 2013 to 2014. Interest rates have been flat over the three-year period primarily attributable to a mix shift in funding sources, in addition to declining global benchmark interest rates. GE Capital average borrowings were $217.5 billion, $267.6 billion and $297.3 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The GE Capital average composite effective interest rate (including interest allocated to discontinued operations) was 2.6% in 2015, 2.6% in 2014 and 2.6% in 2013. In 2015, GE Capital average assets continue to decrease in line with the GE Capital Exit Plan. See the Liquidity and Borrowings section within the MD&A for a discussion of liquidity, borrowings and interest rate risk management.

It is our policy to allocate Capital interest expense that is either directly attributable or related to discontinued operations. The allocation is based on a market based leverage ratio, taking into consideration the underlying characteristics of the assets for the specific discontinued operations. Interest expense that is associated with debt that is not assumed by the buyer or required to be repaid as a result of the disposal transaction is reflected in continuing operations after the disposal occurs.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
(Dollars in billions)

   
PRINCIPAL PENSION PLANS
BENEFIT PLANS COST
 
DISCOUNT RATES (December 31)
 
EXPECTED RATE OF RETURN
 
 


2015 – 2014 COMMENTARY

Postretirement benefit plans cost increased in 2015, primarily because of the effects of lower discount rates and new mortality assumptions, which were partially offset by lower loss amortization related to our principal pension plans and by changes to principal retiree benefit plans.
In 2015, we amended our principal retiree benefit plans affecting post-65 retiree health and retiree life insurance for certain production participants. These plan amendments reduced our principal postretirement benefit obligations by approximately $3.3 billion.

2014 – 2013 COMMENTARY

Postretirement benefit plans cost decreased due to higher discount rates and lower loss amortization related to our principal pension plans, partially offset by a lower expected investment return on pension plan assets.
We updated our mortality assumptions at December 31, 2014 based on tables issued by the Society of Actuaries to reflect longer life expectancies. The new mortality assumptions increased our principal postretirement benefit obligations by $4.6 billion at year-end 2014.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 70


Looking forward, our key assumptions affecting 2016 postretirement benefits costs are as follows:

Discount rate at 4.38%, reflecting current long-term interest rates.
Assumed long-term return on our principal pension plan assets of 7.5%.

We expect postretirement benefit plans cost to decrease by approximately $1.0 billion in 2016.

PENSION COSTS

GAAP AND NON-GAAP PENSION COSTS
               
                 
(In billions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
GAAP principal pension plans' cost
$
4.5
 
$
3.6
 
$
4.4
Non-GAAP operating pension cost*
 
1.7
   
1.5
   
1.8
                 
Our operating pension cost for our principal pension plans includes only those components that relate to benefits earned by active employees during the period (service cost, prior service cost amortization and curtailment loss). Non-operating pension cost elements such as interest cost, expected return on plan assets and non-cash amortization of actuarial gains and losses are excluded from this measure. We expect operating pension cost will be about $1.5 billion in 2016.

FUNDED STATUS OF PLANS

The table below presents the funded status of our benefit plans. The funded status represents the fair value of plan assets less benefit obligations.

FUNDED STATUS
         
           
(In billions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
GE Pension Plan
$
(16.9)
 
$
(15.8)
GE Supplementary Pension Plan
 
(6.1)
   
(6.6)
Other pension plans
 
(4.3)
   
(3.2)
Principal retiree benefit plans
 
(6.1)
   
(9.9)
           
2015-2014 COMMENTARY

The GE Pension Plan deficit increased in 2015 primarily due to the growth in pension liabilities and plan amendments, partially offset by higher discount rates.
The increase in the underfunding of our other pension plans was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Alstom and liability growth, partially offset by higher discount rates, employer contributions and investment performance.
The decrease in the principal retiree benefit plans deficit was primarily attributable to plan amendments.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) determines minimum pension funding requirements in the U.S. We did not contribute to the GE Pension Plan in either 2015 or 2014. On an ERISA basis, our preliminary estimate is that the GE Pension Plan was approximately 98% funded at January 1, 2016. The ERISA funded status is higher than the GAAP funded status (73% funded) primarily because the ERISA prescribed interest rate is calculated using an average interest rate. As a result, the ERISA interest rate is higher than the year-end GAAP discount rate. The higher ERISA interest rate lowers pension liabilities for ERISA funding purposes. Our current estimate projects no required minimum pension funding contributions to the GE Pension Plan in 2016 and approximately $2.1 billion in projected contributions in 2017.







*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
 
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 71

We expect to contribute $0.9 billion to our other pension plans in 2016, as compared to $0.5 billion in 2015 and $0.7 billion in 2014. GE Capital is a member of certain GE pension plans. As a result of the GE Exit Plan, GE Capital will have additional funding obligations for these pension plans. These obligations do not relate to the Verticals and are recognized as an expense in GE Capital's other continuing operations when they become probable and estimable. In 2015, the additional funding obligations recognized by GE Capital was $0.1 billion. This additional funding is recorded as a contra expense for GE as GE's future pension obligations will be paid by GE Capital. On a consolidated basis, the additional required pension funding does not affect current period earnings but rather will be reflected as a reduction of the pension liability when paid.

We also expect to contribute $0.5 billion to our principal retiree benefit plans in 2016 similar to our actual contributions of $0.5 billion in both 2015 and 2014.

The funded status of our postretirement benefit plans and future effects on operating results depend on economic conditions and investment performance. For further information about our benefit plans and the effects of this activity on our financial statements see the Critical Accounting Estimates section within the MD&A and Notes 12 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

INCOME TAXES

GE pays the income taxes it owes in every country it does business.  While GE and GE Capital file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, many factors impact our income tax expense and cash tax payments.  The most significant factor is that we conduct business in approximately 180 countries and more than half of our revenue is earned outside the U.S., often in countries with lower tax rates than in the U.S.  We reinvest most of our foreign earnings overseas to be able to fund our active non-U.S. business operations.  Our tax liability is also affected by U.S. and foreign tax incentives designed to encourage certain investments, like research and development; and by acquisitions, dispositions and tax law changes.  Finally, our tax returns are routinely audited, and settlements of issues raised in these audits sometimes affect our tax rates.

GE and GE Capital file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. This enables GE and GE Capital to use tax deductions and credits of one member of the group to reduce the tax that otherwise would have been payable by another member of the group. The GE Capital effective tax rate reflects the benefit of these tax reductions in the consolidated return. GE makes cash payments to GE Capital for tax reductions and GE Capital pays for tax increases at the time GE's tax payments are due.

CONSOLIDATED
(Dollars in billions)

EFFECTIVE TAX RATE (ETR)
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
CASH INCOME TAXES PAID
 
 

2015 – 2014 COMMENTARY

The consolidated income tax rate for 2015 was greater than 35% due to charges associated with the GE Capital Exit Plan.
As discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2015 in conjunction with the GE Capital Exit Plan, we incurred tax expense of $6.3 billion related to expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets.
The increase in the income tax expense is primarily due to the tax expense incurred as part of the GE Capital Exit Plan.
The consolidated tax provision includes $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion for GE (excluding GE Capital) for 2014 and 2015, respectively.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 72


2014 – 2013 COMMENTARY

The decrease in the consolidated provision for income taxes was attributable to increased benefits from lower taxed global operations, excluding the benefit of audit resolutions.
This decrease was partially offset by an increase in income taxed at rates above the average rate.

On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted and the law extended several provisions, including a two-year extension of the U.S. tax provision deferring tax on active Financial Services income and certain U.S. business credits, retroactive to January 1, 2012. Under accounting rules, a tax law change is taken into account in calculating the income tax provision in the period enacted. Because the extension was enacted into law in 2013, tax expense in 2013 reflected retroactive extension of the previously expired provisions.

BENEFITS FROM GLOBAL OPERATIONS

Absent the effects of the GE Capital Exit Plan, our consolidated income tax rate is lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily because of benefits from lower-taxed global operations, including the use of global funding structures. There is a benefit from global operations as non-U.S. income is subject to local country tax rates that are significantly below the 35% U.S. statutory rate. These non-U.S. earnings have been indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. and are not subject to current U.S. income tax. Most of these earnings have been reinvested in active non-U.S. business operations and we do not intend to repatriate these earnings to fund U.S. operations. The rate of tax on our indefinitely reinvested non-U.S. earnings is below the 35% U.S. statutory rate because we have significant business operations subject to tax in countries where the tax on that income is lower than the U.S. statutory rate and because GE funds certain non-U.S. operations through foreign companies that are subject to low foreign taxes.

A substantial portion of the benefit related to business operations subject to tax in countries where the tax on that income is lower than the U.S. statutory rate is derived from our GECAS aircraft leasing operations located in Ireland and from our Power Services manufacturing operations located in Hungary. No other operation in any one country accounts for a material portion of the remaining balance of the benefit.

We expect our ability to benefit from non-U.S. income taxed at less than the U.S. rate to continue, subject to changes in U.S. or foreign law. In addition, since this benefit depends on management's intention to indefinitely reinvest amounts outside the U.S., our tax provision will increase to the extent we no longer indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings.

BENEFITS FROM LOWER-TAXED GLOBAL OPERATIONS
                 
(In billions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Benefit of lower foreign tax rate on indefinitely reinvested non-U.S. earnings
 
$
1.1
 
$
1.2
 
$
0.8
GE Capital Exit Plan
 
(6.1)
   
-
   
-
Benefit of audit resolutions
 
0.2
   
0.1
   
0.2
Other
 
0.4
   
0.5
   
-
Total
$
(4.4)
 
$
1.8
 
$
1.0

2015 – 2014 COMMENTARY

Our benefits from lower-taxed global operations decreased in 2015 because of the tax expense associated with the GE Capital Exit Plan.

2014 – 2013 COMMENTARY

Our benefits from lower-taxed global operations increased in 2014 because of benefits from indefinitely reinvested earnings taxed at less than the U.S. rate and the non-repeat of foreign valuation allowance increases.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 73


OTHER INFORMATION

To the extent non-U.S. operating income increases, we would expect tax benefits to increase, subject to management's intention to indefinitely reinvest those earnings. Included in 2015 is a tax expense of $6.1 billion related to the expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets in conjunction with the GE Capital Exit Plan.

The tax benefit from non-U.S. income taxed at a local country rather than the U.S. statutory tax rate is reported in the caption "Tax on global activities including exports" in the effective tax rate reconciliation in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

A more detailed analysis of differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate and the consolidated effective rate, as well as other information about our income tax provisions, is provided in the Critical Accounting Estimates section within the MD&A and Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. The nature of business activities and associated income taxes differ for GE and for GE Capital; therefore, a separate analysis of each is presented in the paragraphs that follow.

GE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE (EXCLUDING GE CAPITAL EARNINGS)
(Dollars in billions)

We believe that the GE effective tax rate and provision for income taxes are best analyzed in relation to GE earnings before income taxes excluding the GE Capital net earnings from continuing operations, as GE tax expense does not include taxes on GE Capital earnings. For further information on this calculation, see the Supplemental Information section within the MD&A.

GE ETR, EXCLUDING GE CAPITAL EARNINGS*
 
GE PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES


2015 – 2014 COMMENTARY

The GE provision for income taxes decreased in 2015 because of increased benefits from lower taxed global operations ($0.2 billion), including benefits from integrating our existing services business with Alstom's services business.
The GE provision for income taxes also decreased due to increases in the benefit of audit resolutions ($0.2 billion) shown below and deductible stock losses ($0.2 billion).
Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in income taxed at rates above the average tax rate ($0.5 billion).

2014 – 2013 COMMENTARY

The GE provision for income taxes decreased in 2014 primarily because of increased benefits from lower taxed global operations ($0.8 billion).
That decrease was partially offset by the decrease in the benefit of audit resolutions ($0.3 billion) shown below, an increase in income taxed at rates above the average tax rate ($0.3 billion), and the non-repeat of the 2013 benefit from the enactment of the extension of certain U.S. business credits ($0.1 billion), discussed above.



*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 74


Resolution of audit matters reduced the GE provision for income taxes by $0.3 billion, $0.1 billion and $0.4 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effects of such resolutions are included in the following captions in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

AUDIT RESOLUTIONS - EFFECT ON GE TAX RATE, EXCLUDING GE CAPITAL EARNINGS
 
             
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
             
Tax on global activities including exports
(1.5)
%
(0.2)
%
(2.4)
%
U.S. business credits
(0.5)
 
 -
 
(0.6)
 
All other - net
(0.3)
 
(0.7)
 
(1.0)
 
Total
(2.3)
%
(0.9)
%
(4.0)
%
             

GE CAPITAL EFFECTIVE TAX RATE
(Dollars in billions)

 
GE CAPITAL ETR
 
GE CAPITAL PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR
INCOME TAXES
 
 
 
2015 – 2014 COMMENTARY

The increase in the income tax expense from a benefit of $0.9 billion for 2014 to an expense of $5.0 billion for 2015 is primarily due to the tax expense, discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, related to the GE Capital Exit Plan.

2014 – 2013 COMMENTARY

The increase in tax benefit of $0.5 billion from 2013 to 2014 was primarily due to increased benefits from lower tax global operations ($0.2 billion), non-repeat of an expense for IRS audit resolutions ($0.2 billion) and increased state and local tax benefits ($0.1 billion).
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 75

GEOGRAPHIC DATA

Our global activities span all geographic regions and primarily encompass manufacturing for local and export markets, import and sale of products produced in other regions, leasing of aircraft, sourcing for our plants domiciled in other global regions and provision of financial services within these regional economies. Thus, when countries or regions experience currency and/or economic stress, we often have increased exposure to certain risks, but also often have new opportunities that include, among other things, expansion of industrial activities through purchases of companies or assets at reduced prices and lower U.S. debt financing costs.

Financial results of our non-U.S. activities reported in U.S. dollars are affected by currency exchange. We use a number of techniques to manage the effects of currency exchange, including selective borrowings in local currencies and selective hedging of significant cross-currency transactions. Such principal currencies are the euro, the pound sterling, the Brazilian real and the Chinese renminbi.

REVENUES

Revenues are classified according to the region to which products and services are sold. For purposes of this analysis, the U.S. is presented separately from the remainder of the Americas.

GEOGRAPHIC REVENUES
       
                   
V%
(Dollars in billions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
2015-2014
 
2014-2013
                         
U.S.
$
53.2
 
$
51.1
 
$
49.4
 
 4 %
 
 4 %
Non-U.S.
                       
   Europe
 
16.8
   
18.4
   
18.2
       
   Asia
 
19.3
   
20.2
   
20.9
       
   Americas
 
12.0
   
11.8
   
11.3
       
   Middle East and Africa
 
16.0
   
15.6
   
13.5
       
   Total Non-U.S.
 
64.1
   
66.0
   
63.9
 
 (3)%
 
 3 %
Total
$
117.4
 
$
117.2
 
$
113.2
 
 - %
 
 3 %
                         
Non-U.S. Revenues as a % of Consolidated Revenues
 
55%
   
56%
   
56%
       

NON-U.S. REVENUES

The decrease in non-U.S. revenues in 2015 was primarily due to decreases in growth markets of 11% in Canada and 29% in Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), partially offset by an increase of 2% in Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) and 1% in China.

The increase in 2014 was primarily due to increases in growth markets of 14% in MENAT, 28% in sub-Sahara, and 7% in Latin America, partially offset by a decrease of 15% in ANZ.

The effects of currency fluctuations on reported results were as follows:
Decreased revenues by $4.9 billion in 2015, primarily driven by the euro ($2.6 billion), the Brazilian real ($0.9 billion) and the Canadian dollar ($0.2 billion).
Decreased revenues by $0.6 billion in 2014, primarily driven by the Brazilian real ($0.2 billion), Canadian dollar ($0.1 billion) and Japanese yen ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the British pound ($0.1).
Decreased revenues by $0.4 billion in 2013, primarily driven by the Japanese yen ($0.3 billion) and Brazilian real ($0.2 billion), partially offset by the euro ($0.2 billion).

The effects of foreign currency fluctuations decreased earnings in 2015 by $0.7 billion, primarily driven by the euro ($0.6 billion) and Brazilian real ($0.1 billion). The effects of foreign currency fluctuations on earnings were minimal in 2014.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 76


ASSETS
We classify certain assets that cannot meaningfully be associated with specific geographic areas as "Other Global" for this purpose.

TOTAL ASSETS (CONTINUING OPERATIONS)
         
           
December 31 (In billions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
U.S.
$
177.3
 
$
171.8
Non-U.S.
         
   Europe
 
141.0
   
102.8
   Asia
 
22.0
   
26.1
   Americas
 
17.5
   
17.1
   Other Global
 
14.0
   
13.6
Total Non-U.S.
 
194.5
   
159.6
Total
$
371.7
 
$
331.4

The increase in total assets of non-U.S. operations on a continuing basis reflected an increase primarily in Europe driven by the Alstom acquisition, partially offset by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most major currencies.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 77

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Because GE and GE Capital share certain significant elements of their Statements of Financial Position, the following discussion addresses significant captions in the consolidated statement. Within the following discussions, however, we distinguish between GE and GE Capital activities in order to permit meaningful analysis of each individual consolidating statement.

MAJOR CHANGES IN OUR FINANCIAL POSITION DURING 2015

Cash and equivalents increased $0.5 billion. GE Cash and equivalents decreased $5.5 billion due to cash flows from operating activities of $16.4 billion, more than offset by $10.4 billion used to acquire businesses (primarily Alstom) and $12.1 billion cash returned to investors in the form of dividends of $9.3 billion and buyback of treasury stock of $2.8 billion (cash basis). GE Capital Cash and equivalents increased $6.0 billion primarily driven by $79.6 billion in proceeds from business dispositions, partially offset by $59.3 billion net repayment of debt and $4.6 billion in payments of dividends to shareowners. See the Statement of Cash Flows section for additional information.
Goodwill increased $12.3 billion, primarily as a result of the Alstom and Milestone acquisitions, partially offset by currency exchange effects of the stronger U.S. dollar and disposals.
All other assets increased $12.6 billion, primarily due to purchases of time deposits at GE Capital of $10.4 billion.
Assets of discontinued operations decreased $202.6 billion, primarily due to the disposition of Consumer businesses of $113.8 billion (including the Synchrony Financial split-off), CLL businesses of $56.1 billion and Real Estate of $33.0 billion. See Note 2 for additional information.
Other GE current liabilities increased $9.3 billion, primarily driven by the Alstom acquisition of $5.6 billion and taxes payable of $2.7 billion.
Borrowings decreased $63.1 billion, primarily due to net repayments on GE Capital borrowings of $55.3 billion, along with an $8.9 billion reduction in the balances driven by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against major currencies, partially offset by a net increase in borrowings by GE of $2.0 billion.
Liabilities of discontinued operations decreased $81.7 billion, primarily driven by the disposition of Consumer businesses of $69.1 billion (including the Synchrony Financial split-off), CLL businesses of $11.6 billion and Real Estate of $1.7 billion. See Note 2 for additional information.
Retained earnings decreased $15.3 billion, due to common stock dividends of $9.1 billion in addition to a net loss of $6.1 billion.
Common stock held in treasury increased $20.9 billion, primarily due to the Synchrony Financial share exchange of $20.4 billion and buyback of treasury stock of $3.3 billion (book basis). This was partially offset by treasury stock dispositions of $2.8 billion, primarily stock option exercises of $1.8 billion.
Noncontrolling interests decreased $6.8 billion, primarily due to the GE Capital preferred share exchange of $4.9 billion and the Synchrony Financial split-off of $2.8 billion, partially offset by noncontrolling interests related to the Alstom acquisition of $0.7 billion. The impact of the preferred share exchange is also the primary driver for the increase in Other capital of $4.7 billion. See Note 15 for additional information.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 78

FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

LIQUIDITY AND BORROWINGS

We maintain a strong focus on liquidity. At both GE and GE Capital we manage our liquidity to help provide access to sufficient funding to meet our business needs and financial obligations throughout business cycles.

Our liquidity and borrowing plans for GE and GE Capital are established within the context of our annual financial and strategic planning processes. At GE, our liquidity and funding plans take into account the liquidity necessary to fund our operating commitments, which include primarily purchase obligations for inventory and equipment, payroll and general expenses (including pension funding). We also take into account our capital allocation and growth objectives, including paying dividends, repurchasing shares, investing in research and development and acquiring industrial businesses. At GE, we rely primarily on cash generated through our operating activities, any dividend payments from GE Capital, and also have historically maintained a commercial paper program that we regularly use to fund operations in the U.S., principally within the quarters.

GE Capital has historically relied on the unsecured term debt markets, the global commercial paper markets, deposits, secured funding, retail funding products, bank borrowings and securitizations to fund its balance sheet. Subsequent to April 10, 2015 and with the execution of the GE Capital Exit Plan, we do not plan to issue any incremental GE Capital senior unsecured term debt for four years. Furthermore we have reduced our commercial paper from $25 billion to $5 billion as of December 31, 2015 and with our executed and current disposition plans we have substantially reduced our reliance on deposits and securitization. Today, we mainly rely on excess cash positions, cash generated through dispositions, and the cash flow from our Verticals business to fund our debt maturities and our operating and interest expense costs. GE Capital's liquidity position is targeted to meet its obligations under both normal and stressed conditions. We expect to maintain an elevated liquidity position as we generate cash from asset sales, returning to more normalized levels in 2019. During this period we expect to have excess interest costs as asset sales outpace our debt maturities. While we maintain elevated liquidity levels, we may engage in liability management actions, such as buying back debt, based on market and economic conditions in order to reduce our excess interest costs. In 2015, we repurchased $1 billion of long-term unsecured debt. In addition, we repurchased $0.8 billion of debt for which we had the right to call.

Our 2016 GE Capital funding plan anticipates repayment of principal on outstanding short-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term debt ($42.6 billion at December 31, 2015), principally through dispositions, asset sales and cash on hand. Long-term maturities and early redemptions were $41.3 billion in 2015.

We maintain a detailed liquidity policy for GE Capital that requires GE Capital to maintain a contingency funding plan. The liquidity policy defines GE Capital's liquidity risk tolerance under different stress scenarios based on its liquidity sources and also establishes procedures to escalate potential issues. We actively monitor GE Capital's access to funding markets and its liquidity profile through tracking external indicators and testing various stress scenarios. The contingency funding plan provides a framework for handling market disruptions and establishes escalation procedures in the event that such events or circumstances arise. GE Capital will continue to evaluate the need to modify the existing contingency funding plan due to the GE Capital Exit Plan.

As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, on September 21, 2015 GE Capital commenced private offers to exchange up to $30 billion of certain outstanding debt for new notes with maturities of six months, five years, ten years or twenty years. On October 19, 2015, given the high level of participation, the offering was increased by $6 billion with the aggregate principal amount of $36 billion (representing $31 billion of outstanding principal and $5 billion of premium) of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange and settled on October 26, 2015. The new notes that were issued at closing are composed of $15.3 billion of 0.964% Six Month Notes due April 2016, £0.8 billion of 1.363% Six Month Notes due April 2016, $6.1 billion of 2.342% Notes due 2020, $2.0 billion of 3.373% Notes due 2025 and $11.5 billion of 4.418% Notes due 2035. Of the $16.2 billion exchanged into Six Month Notes, $1.3 billion had been in short-term borrowings. GE Capital will continue to evaluate the opportunity to repurchase debt while maintaining our liquidity at the levels communicated as part of the GE Capital Exit Plan. The new notes have been fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by GE.

On December 2, 2015, $87.7 billion of senior unsecured notes and $4.9 billion of commercial paper was assumed by GE upon its merger with GE Capital. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.

On May 28, 2015, GE issued €3,150 million senior unsecured debt, composed of €650 million of Floating Rate Notes due 2020, €1,250 million of 1.250% Notes due 2023 and €1,250 million of 1.875% Notes due 2027. On October 9, 2015, $2.0 billion of long-term debt issued by GE matured.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 79

LIQUIDITY SOURCES

In addition to GE cash of $10.4 billion at December 31, 2015, GE Capital maintained liquidity sources of $90.9 billion that consisted of cash and equivalents of $60.1 billion, high-quality investments of $10.4 billion presented in Other Assets and cash and equivalents of $20.4 billion classified as discontinued operations. Additionally, we have $45.6 billion of committed unused credit lines.

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
               
December 31 (In billions)
 
2015
       
2015
               
GE(a)
$
10.4
   
U.S.
$
20.4
GE Capital(b)
 
60.1
   
Non-U.S.(c)
 
50.1
               
(a)
At December 31, 2015, $2.8 billion of GE cash and equivalents was held in countries with currency controls that may restrict the transfer of funds to the U.S. or limit our ability to transfer funds to the U.S. without incurring substantial costs. These funds are available to fund operations and growth in these countries and we do not currently anticipate a need to transfer these funds to the U.S.
(b)
At December 31, 2015, GE Capital cash and equivalents of about $0.7 billion were primarily in insurance entities and were subject to regulatory restrictions.
(c)
Of this amount at December 31, 2015, $3.5 billion is held outside of the U.S. and is available to fund operations and other growth of non-U.S. subsidiaries; it is also available to fund our needs in the U.S. on a short-term basis through short-term loans, without being subject to U.S. tax. Under the Internal Revenue Code, these loans are permitted to be outstanding for 30 days or less and the total of all such loans is required to be outstanding for less than 60 days during the year. If we were to repatriate this cash, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes.

COMMITTED UNUSED CREDIT LINES
     
December 31 (In billions)
2015
     
Revolving credit agreements (exceeding one year)
$
24.5
Revolving credit agreements (364-day line)(a)
 
21.1
Total(b)
$
45.6
     
(a)
Included $20.9 billion that contains a term-out feature that allows us to extend borrowings for two years from the date on which such borrowings would otherwise be due.
(b)
Total committed unused credit lines were extended to us by 48 financial institutions but can be drawn on and lent to GE Capital.

In conjunction with the GE Capital Exit Plan, we are currently evaluating the amount of credit lines we require in the future.

FUNDING PLAN

We reduced our Capital ENI, excluding liquidity*, to $82 billion at December 31, 2015.

During the first quarter of 2015, GE Capital completed issuances of $8.1 billion of senior unsecured debt (excluding securitizations described below) with maturities up to 10 years.

COMMERCIAL PAPER
           
(In billions)
GE
 
GE Capital
           
Average commercial paper borrowings during the fourth quarter of 2015
$
13.8
 
$
9.2
Maximum commercial paper borrowings outstanding during the fourth quarter of 2015
 
16.8
   
12.7
           
GE Capital commercial paper maturities have historically been funded principally through new commercial paper issuances and at GE are substantially repaid before quarter-end using indefinitely reinvested overseas cash, which as discussed above, is available for use in the U.S. on a short-term basis without being subject to U.S. tax. As of December 31, 2015, GE Capital reduced the outstanding commercial paper to $5 billion, consistent with the announced GE Capital Exit Plan.

We securitize financial assets as an alternative source of funding. During the first twelve months of 2015, we completed $2.1 billion of non-recourse issuances and $3.4 billion of non-recourse borrowings matured. At December 31, 2015, consolidated non-recourse securitization borrowings were $3.1 billion.



*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 80

We have eight deposit-taking banks outside of the U.S., which are classified as discontinued operations, and one deposit-taking bank in the U.S., GE Capital Bank, an industrial bank (IB), which is also classified as discontinued operations. The IB currently issues certificates of deposit (CDs) in maturity terms up to 10 years.

EXCHANGE RATE AND INTEREST RATE RISKS

Exchange rate and interest rate risks are managed with a variety of 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 originating. We apply strict policies to manage each of these risks, including prohibitions on 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 seek to model the effects of shifts in rates. Such tests are inherently limited based on the assumptions used (described further below) and should not be viewed as a forecast; actual effects would depend on many variables, including market factors and the composition of the Company's assets and liabilities at that time.

It is our policy to minimize exposure to interest rate changes. We fund our financial investments using debt or a combination of debt and hedging instruments so that the interest rates of our borrowings match the expected interest rate profile on our assets. To test the effectiveness of our hedging actions, we assumed that, on January 1, 2016, interest rates decreased by 100 basis points across the yield curve (a "parallel shift" in that curve) and further assumed that the decrease remained in place for the next 12 months. Based on the year-end 2015 portfolio and holding all other assumptions constant, we estimated that our consolidated net earnings for the next 12 months, starting in January 2016, would decline by less than $0.3 billion as a result of this parallel shift in the yield curve.
It is our policy to minimize currency exposures and to conduct operations either within functional currencies or using the protection of hedge strategies. We analyzed year-end 2015 consolidated currency exposures, including derivatives designated and effective as hedges, to identify assets and liabilities denominated in other than their relevant functional currencies. For such assets and liabilities, we then evaluated the effects of a 10% shift in exchange rates between those currencies and the U.S. dollar, holding all other assumptions constant. This analysis indicated that our 2016 consolidated net earnings would decline by less than $0.2 billion as a result of such a shift in exchange rates. This analysis excludes any translation impact from changes in exchange rates on our financial results.

DEBT AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS, GUARANTEES AND COVENANTS

CREDIT RATINGS

As of December 31, 2015, GE's and GE Capital's long-term unsecured debt ratings from Standard and Poor's Ratings Service (S&P) were AA+ and the short-term funding rating from S&P were A-1+. The rating outlook for GE was downgraded from stable to negative on October 7, 2015, while the rating outlook for GE Capital remains stable. On April 10, 2015, Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) downgraded the senior unsecured debt rating for GE to A1 from Aa3 following GE's April 10 announcement of the GE Capital Exit Plan. GE's P-1 short-term rating was affirmed. Moody's affirmed GE Capital's A1/P-1 ratings. The rating outlook for GE and GE Capital were stable. We are disclosing these ratings to enhance understanding of our sources of liquidity and the effects of our ratings on our costs of funds. Although we currently do not expect a downgrade in the credit ratings, our ratings may be subject to a revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

PRINCIPAL DEBT AND DERIVATIVE CONDITIONS

Certain of our derivative instruments can be terminated if specified credit ratings are not maintained and certain debt and derivatives agreements of other consolidated entities have provisions that are affected by these credit ratings.

Fair values of our derivatives can change significantly from period to period based on, among other factors, market movements and changes in our positions. We manage counterparty credit risk (the risk that counterparties will default and not make payments to us according to the terms of our standard master agreements) on an individual counterparty basis. Where we have agreed to netting of derivative exposures with a counterparty, we offset our exposures with that counterparty and apply the value of collateral posted to us to determine the net exposure. We actively monitor these net exposures against defined limits and take appropriate actions in response, including requiring additional collateral.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 81


Swap, forward and option contracts are executed under standard master agreements that typically contain mutual downgrade provisions that provide the ability of the counterparty to require termination if the long-term credit ratings of the applicable GE entity were to fall below A-/A3 or other ratings levels agreed upon with the counterparty. In certain of these master agreements, the counterparty also has the ability to require termination if the short-term ratings of the applicable GE entity were to fall below A-1/P-1. The net derivative liability after consideration of netting arrangements, outstanding interest payments and collateral posted by us under these master agreements was estimated to be $0.7 billion at December 31, 2015. See Notes 20 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

For further information about our risk exposures, our use of derivatives, and the effects of this activity on our financial statements see Notes 20 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

INCOME MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND GE GUARANTEE OF CERTAIN GE CAPITAL DEBT

GE provides implicit and explicit support to GE Capital through commitments, capital contributions and operating support. As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, on April 10, 2015, GE and GE Capital entered into an amendment to their existing financial support agreement. Under this amendment (the Amendment), the Company has provided a full and unconditional guarantee (the Guarantee) of the payment of principal and interest on all tradable senior and subordinated outstanding long-term debt securities and all commercial paper issued or guaranteed by GE Capital identified in the Amendment. The Guarantee replaced the requirement that the Company make certain income maintenance payments to GE Capital in certain circumstances. GE Capital's U.S. public indentures were concurrently amended to provide the full and unconditional guarantee by the Company set forth in the Guarantee. At December 31, 2015, the balance of this debt that GE assumed was $85.1 billion, and the Guarantee applied to approximately $85.8 billion of GE Capital debt.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS – OVERVIEW FROM 2013 THROUGH 2015

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

We evaluate our cash flow performance by reviewing our industrial (non-GE Capital) businesses and GE Capital 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.

GE CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in billions)
OPERATING CASH FLOWS
 
INVESTING CASH FLOWS
 
FINANCING CASH FLOWS
                     
 
  2013                2014                2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
2013
2014
     2015
 
2013
2014
           2015

With respect to GE CFOA, we believe that it is useful to supplement our GE Statement of Cash Flows and to examine in a broader context the business activities that provide and require cash.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 82

The most significant source of cash in GE CFOA is customer-related activities, the largest of which is collecting cash resulting from product or services sales. See the Intercompany Transactions and Eliminations section for information related to transactions between GE and GE Capital. The most significant operating use of cash is to pay our suppliers, employees, tax authorities and others for a wide range of material and services. Dividends from GE Capital represent the distribution of a portion of GE Capital retained earnings, and are distinct from cash from continuing operations within the GE Capital businesses.

2015–2014 COMMENTARY

GE cash from operating activities increased $1.2 billion primarily due to the following:
A decrease of operating cash collections of $0.4 billion to $109.3 billion in 2015, primarily due to lower GE segment revenues from sales of goods and services.
A decrease of operating cash payments of $0.3 billion to $97.2 billion in 2015, primarily driven by decreased inventory spend.
Further, GE Capital paid dividends totaling $4.3 billion and $3.0 billion to GE in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

GE cash used for investing activities increased $6.9 billion primarily due to the following:
Higher business acquisition activity of $8.3 billion is primarily driven by the 2015 acquisition of Alstom of $10.1 billion. This is partially offset by the 2014 acquisitions of certain Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. life-science businesses for $1.1 billion, Cameron's Reciprocating Compression Division for $0.6 billion and API Healthcare (API) for $0.3 billion.
This is partially offset by $1.1 billion higher proceeds from principal business dispositions and $0.3 billion higher proceeds from dispositions of property, plant and equipment.

GE cash used for financing activities increased $1.5 billion primarily due to the following:
The 2015 repayment of $2.0 billion of GE unsecured notes. This is partially offset by the 2015 issuance of unsecured notes of $3.4 billion compared with $3.0 billion in 2014.

2014–2013 COMMENTARY

GE cash from operating activities increased $0.9 billion primarily due to the following:
An increase of operating cash collections of $4.9 billion to $109.7 billion in 2014. This increase is consistent with comparable GE segment revenue increases from sales of goods and services and higher collections on current receivables. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in progress collections.
This increase is partially offset by an increase of operating cash payments of $1.0 billion to $97.5 billion in 2014 consistent with cost and expense increases, which was partially offset by the non-recurrence of payments made in 2013, including NBCU LLC deal-related tax payments, and payouts under our long-term incentive plan.
Further, GE Capital paid dividends totaling $3.0 billion and $6.0 billion to GE in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

GE cash used for investing activities decreased $10.7 billion primarily due to the following:
2013 proceeds of $16.7 billion from the sale of our remaining 49% common equity interest in NBCU LLC to Comcast Corporation.
This was partially offset by lower business acquisition activity of $5.9 billion primarily driven by the 2014 acquisitions of certain Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. life-science businesses for $1.1 billion, Cameron's Reciprocating Compression Division for $0.6 billion and API Healthcare (API) for $0.3 billion compared with the 2013 acquisitions of Avio for $4.4 billion and Lufkin for $3.3 billion.

GE cash used for financing activities decreased $14.2 billion primarily due to the following:
A decrease in net repurchases of GE shares for treasury in accordance with our share repurchase program of $8.1 billion.
The 2013 repayment of $5.0 billion of GE unsecured notes compared with the issuance of $3.0 billion of unsecured notes in 2014.
These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the dividends paid to shareowners of $1.0 billion.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 83

GE CAPITAL CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in billions)

OPERATING CASH FLOWS
 
INVESTING CASH FLOWS
 
FINANCING CASH FLOWS
                     
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2013  2014         2015    2013   2014              2015  
2013
2014
          2015
 
 
2015–2014 COMMENTARY

GE Capital cash from operating activities decreased $4.7 billion primarily due to the following:
A decrease in net cash collateral activity with counterparties on derivative contracts of $2.7 billion.
A decrease in accounts payable of $0.4 billion in addition to a decrease in cash generated from earnings and other activity.

GE Capital cash from investing activities increased $49.1 billion primarily due to the following:
In 2015, we closed the sale of certain of our CLL, Real Estate and Consumer businesses for proceeds of $35.2 billion, $27.7 billion and $16.7 billion, respectively.
This increase was partially offset by the investment in high quality interest bearing deposits that mature in April 2016 of $10.4 billion.
Lower aircraft sales deposits of $2.2 billion.
The net cash payment of $1.7 billion for the 2015 acquisition of Milestone Aviation Group.
Lower activity in other assets-investments of $1.2 billion driven by net activity of our equity-method investments.

GE Capital cash used for financing activities increased $27.7 billion primarily due to the following:
Higher net repayments of borrowings of $25.7 billion driven primarily by an increase in short-term and long-term debt maturities.
Higher dividends paid to GE totaling $4.3 billion and $3.0 billion in 2015 and 2014, respectively.


2014–2013 COMMENTARY

GE Capital cash from operating activities increased $1.0 billion primarily due to the following:
An increase in net cash collateral activity with counterparties on derivative contracts of $3.0 billion.
An increase in cash generated from earnings and other activity.
These increases were partially offset by a net decrease in tax activity of $3.9 billion driven by net tax payments in 2014 compared with net tax refunds in 2013.

GE Capital cash from investing activities decreased $15.7 billion primarily due to the following:
A net decrease in financing receivables activity of $3.2 billion driven by net originations of financing receivables in 2014 of $0.2 billion, compared with net collections (which includes sales) of financing receivables of $3.0 billion in 2013.
A net decrease in investment securities activity of $3.4 billion driven by net sales of $0.7 billion in 2014, compared with net sales of $4.1 billion in 2013.
Lower activity in other assets-investments of $0.5 billion driven by net activity of our equity-method investments.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 84


GE Capital cash used for financing activities increased $7.0 billion primarily due to the following:
Higher net repayments of borrowings, consisting primarily of lower issuances, of $9.2 billion.
Lower dividends paid to GE totaling $3.0 billion and $6.0 billion, including special dividends of $1.0 billion and $4.1 billion in 2014 and 2013, respectively.

INTERCOMPANY TRANSACTIONS AND ELIMINATIONS

Effects of transactions between related companies are made on an arms-length basis, are eliminated and consist primarily of GE Capital dividends to GE; GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital; GE Capital services for trade receivables management and material procurement; buildings and equipment leased between GE and GE Capital; information technology (IT) and other services sold to GE Capital by GE; aircraft engines manufactured by GE that are installed on aircraft purchased by GE Capital from third-party producers for lease to others; expenses related to parent-subsidiary pension plans, and various investments, loans and allocations of GE corporate overhead costs.

GE sells customer receivables to GE Capital in part to fund the growth of our industrial businesses. These transactions can result in cash generation or cash use. During any given period, GE receives cash from the sale of receivables to GE Capital. It also foregoes collection of cash on receivables sold. The incremental amount of cash received from sales of receivables in excess of the cash GE would have otherwise collected had those receivables not been sold, represents the cash generated or used in the period relating to this activity. The incremental cash generated in GE CFOA from selling these receivables to GE Capital increased GE's CFOA by $1.6 billion, $2.2 billion and $0.1 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

See Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about the eliminations of intercompany transactions between GE and GE Capital.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As defined by reporting regulations, our contractual obligations for future payments as of December 31, 2015, follow.

 
Payments due by period
                           
2021 and
(In billions)
 
Total
   
2016
   
2017-2018
   
2019-2020
   
thereafter
                             
Borrowings (Note 10)
$
198.3
 
$
50.8
 
$
43.0
 
$
28.2
 
$
76.3
Interest on borrowings
 
69.1
   
5.1
   
8.0
   
6.4
   
49.6
Purchase obligations(a)(b)
 
50.0
   
20.9
   
10.0
   
13.1
   
6.1
Insurance liabilities (Note 11)(c)
 
11.5
   
1.2
   
2.1
   
1.6
   
6.7
Operating lease obligations (Note 26)
 
4.2
   
0.8
   
1.3
   
1.0
   
1.1
Other liabilities(d)
 
79.9
   
5.2
   
12.1
   
9.8
   
52.8
Contractual obligations of discontinued operations(e)
 
46.5
   
46.5
   
-
   
-
   
-
                             
(a) Included all take-or-pay arrangements, capital expenditures, contractual commitments to purchase equipment that will be leased to others, contractual commitments related to factoring agreements, software acquisition/license commitments, contractual minimum programming commitments and any contractually required cash payments for acquisitions.
(b) Excluded funding commitments entered into in the ordinary course of business. For further information on these commitments and other guarantees, see Note 20 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements.
(c) Included contracts with reasonably determinable cash flows such as structured settlements, guaranteed investment contracts, and certain property and casualty contracts, and excluded long-term care, variable annuity and other life insurance contracts.
(d) Included an estimate of future expected funding requirements related to our postretirement benefit plans and included liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. Because their future cash outflows are uncertain, the following non-current liabilities are excluded from the table above: derivatives, deferred revenue and other sundry items. For further information on certain of these items, see Notes 14, 20 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.
(e) Included payments for other liabilities.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 85

EXPOSURES

VENEZUELA

The results of our Venezuelan businesses have been reported under highly inflationary accounting since the beginning of 2010, at which time the functional currency of our Venezuelan entities was changed from the bolivar to the U.S. dollar.

Our activities related to Venezuela generated revenues of less than one percent of consolidated revenues, consisting of both exports to and operations within the country. The majority of these revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars and euro but we also transact in bolivars for certain businesses.

For our operations in Venezuela, determining the appropriate exchange rate for remeasurement of bolivar-denominated net monetary assets into U.S. dollars continues to be subject to uncertainty. As of December 31, 2015 the Venezuelan government operated three different exchange mechanisms: the government-operated CENCOEX (the official exchange mechanism), the government-operated auction based SICAD mechanism and an open market Marginal Currency System (SIMADI). The SIMADI mechanism is intended to operate with fewer restrictions and its exchange rate on December 31, 2015 was approximately 198 bolivars per U.S. dollar compared to SICAD at 13.5 bolivars per U.S. dollar.

At the end of each period, we remeasure the net monetary assets of our Venezuelan businesses using the rate we expect to settle them at, including through the payment of dividends. The industries in which these businesses operate were not selected for participation in any SICAD auctions during 2015. In light of continued uncertainty regarding availability of exchange mechanisms and decreasing liquidity in those mechanisms, we completed an extensive review of each of our business activities within Venezuela during the fourth quarter of 2015. Based on that review, we decided to reduce certain business activities in Venezuela and to begin accessing the SIMADI market to obtain U.S. dollars, to the extent possible, for our residual Oil & Gas and Power operations. Our Appliances business in Venezuela, which is conducted through an equity method investment, similarly concluded that the SIMADI exchange mechanism provides the most appropriate rate for measuring its net monetary assets. We also concluded, based on our review, consolidating our remaining Venezuelan operations remains appropriate.

Use of the SIMADI rate to remeasure our Venezuelan net monetary assets at December 31, 2015 resulted in exchange rate losses of $83 million. Restructuring and impairment charges of $12 million also were recorded during the fourth quarter of 2015 as a result of the review discussed above. Net monetary assets subject to remeasurement at the SIMADI rate were approximately $5 million at December 31, 2015, including approximately $3 million within our Appliances equity method investment. In addition to our bolivar-denominated net monetary assets, we also have non-bolivar credit exposures of approximately $292 million at December 31, 2015 and recoverable amounts of non-monetary assets in Venezuela of approximately $89 million at December 31, 2015, which consists principally of inventory and property, plant and equipment.

OIL & GAS INDUSTRY

The sharp decline experienced in oil prices and the prospect of a continuation of prevailing oil prices could have mixed implications for the industries and countries in which we compete. In general, lower oil prices are expected to stimulate growth in oil importing countries while causing negative economic effects in many energy-exporting countries. In this environment, our Oil & Gas business continues to experience declines in orders, some project commencement delays and pricing pressures. In response to this uncertain industry outlook, we continue to execute cost actions with an increased focus on execution and productivity. We expect that ongoing low oil prices will provide some benefit to our businesses through lower direct material and other variable costs as well as through the expected stimulus-effect on growth in the U.S. and in other economies that rely on energy imports, including Europe, Japan and India.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 86

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an understanding of our financial statements because they involve significant judgments and uncertainties. Many of these estimates include determining fair value. All of these estimates reflect our best judgment about current, and for some estimates future, economic and market conditions and their potential effects based on information available as of the date of these financial statements. If these conditions change from those expected, it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described below could change, which may result in future impairments of investment securities, goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets, incremental losses on financing receivables, increases in reserves for contingencies, establishment of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets and increased tax liabilities, among other effects. Also see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, which discusses our most significant accounting policies.

REVENUE RECOGNITION ON LONG-TERM PRODUCT SERVICES AGREEMENTS

Revenue recognition on long-term product services agreements requires estimates of profits over the multiple-year terms of such agreements, considering factors such as the frequency and extent of future monitoring, maintenance and overhaul events; the amount of personnel, spare parts and other resources required to perform the services; and future billing rate, cost changes and customers' utilization of assets. We routinely review estimates under product services agreements and regularly revise them to adjust for changes in outlook.

We also regularly assess customer credit risk inherent in the carrying amounts of receivables and contract costs and estimated earnings, including the risk that contractual penalties may not be sufficient to offset our accumulated investment in the event of customer termination. We gain insight into future utilization and cost trends, as well as credit risk, through our knowledge of the installed base of equipment and the close interaction with our customers that comes with supplying critical services and parts over extended periods. Revisions may affect a product services agreement's total estimated profitability resulting in an adjustment of earnings; such adjustments increased earnings by $1.4 billion, $1.0 billion and $0.3 billion in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We provide for probable losses when they become evident.

Further information is provided in Notes 1 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

ASSET IMPAIRMENT

Asset impairment assessment involves various estimates and assumptions as follows:

INVESTMENTS

We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. For debt securities, if we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, we evaluate other qualitative criteria to determine whether a credit loss exists, such as the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer is in compliance with the terms and covenants of the security. Quantitative criteria include determining whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows. For equity securities, our criteria include the length of time and magnitude of the amount that each security is in an unrealized loss position. Our other-than-temporary 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. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, which discusses the determination of fair value of investment securities.

Further information about actual and potential impairment losses is provided in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 87


LONG-LIVED ASSETS

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which undiscounted cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount, and the asset's residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We derive the required undiscounted cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans. To determine fair value, we use quoted market prices when available, our internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate discount rate and independent appraisals, as appropriate.

Our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft is a significant concentration of assets in Capital, and is particularly subject to market fluctuations. Therefore, we test recoverability of each aircraft in our operating lease portfolio at least annually. Additionally, we perform quarterly evaluations in circumstances such as when aircraft are re-leased, current lease terms have changed or a specific lessee's credit standing changes. We consider market conditions, such as global demand for commercial aircraft. Estimates of future rentals and residual values are based on historical experience and information received routinely from independent appraisers. Estimated cash flows from future leases are reduced for expected downtime between leases and for estimated costs required to prepare aircraft to be redeployed. Fair value used to measure impairment is based on management's best estimates which are benchmarked against third-party appraiser current market values for aircraft of similar type and age.

Further information on impairment losses and our exposure to the commercial aviation industry is provided in Notes 7 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements.

GOODWILL AND OTHER IDENTIFIED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

We test goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter of each year using data as of July 1 of that year. The impairment test consists of two steps: in step one, the carrying value of the reporting unit is compared with its fair value; in step two, which is applied when the carrying value is more than its fair value, the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, is derived by deducting the fair value of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities from the fair value of its equity, and comparing that amount with the carrying amount of goodwill. We determined fair values for each of the reporting units using the market approach, when available and appropriate, or the income approach, or a combination of both. We assess the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time we perform the valuation. If multiple valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately.

Valuations using the market approach are derived from metrics of publicly traded companies or historically completed transactions of comparable businesses. The selection of comparable businesses is based on the markets in which the reporting units operate giving consideration to risk profiles, size, geography, and diversity of products and services. A market approach is limited to reporting units for which there are publicly traded companies that have the characteristics similar to our businesses.

Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for each business. Actual results may differ from those assumed in our forecasts. We derive our discount rates using a capital asset pricing model and analyzing published rates for industries relevant to our reporting units to estimate the cost of equity financing. We use discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective businesses and in our internally developed forecasts. Discount rates used in our reporting unit valuations ranged from 10.0% to 15.5%.

Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods.

During the third quarter of 2015, we performed our annual impairment test of goodwill for all of our reporting units. Based on the results of our step one testing, the fair values of each of the GE reporting units exceeded their carrying values; therefore, the second step of the impairment test was not required to be performed for any of our reporting units and no goodwill impairment was recognized.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 88


We review identified intangible assets with defined useful lives and subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment loss occurred requires comparing the carrying amount to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. We test intangible assets with indefinite lives annually for impairment using a fair value method such as discounted cash flows. For our insurance activities remaining in continuing operations, we periodically test for impairment our deferred acquisition costs and present value of future profits.

Further information is provided in Notes 1 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESSES AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Businesses held for sale represent components that meet the accounting requirements to be classified as held for sale and are presented as single asset and liability amounts in our financial statements with a valuation allowance, if necessary, to recognize the net carrying amount at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell. Financing receivables that no longer qualify to be presented as held for investment must be classified as held for sale and recognized in our financial statements at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell, with that amount representing a new cost basis at the date of transfer.

The determination of fair value for businesses and portfolios of financing receivables involves significant judgments and assumptions. Development of estimates of fair values in this circumstance is complex and is dependent upon, among other factors, the nature of the potential sales transaction (for example, asset sale versus sale of legal entity), composition of assets and/or businesses in the disposal group, the comparability of the disposal group to market transactions, negotiations with third party purchasers, etc. Such factors bear directly on the range of potential fair values and the selection of the best estimates. Key assumptions were developed based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction.

We review all businesses and assets held for sale each reporting period to determine whether the existing carrying amounts are fully recoverable in comparison to estimated fair values.

PENSION ASSUMPTIONS

Pension assumptions are significant inputs to the actuarial models that measure pension benefit obligations and related effects on operations. Two assumptions – discount rate and expected return on assets – are important elements of plan expense and asset/liability measurement. We evaluate these critical assumptions at least annually on a plan and country-specific basis. We periodically evaluate other assumptions involving demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality and turnover, and update them to reflect our experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.

Projected benefit obligations are measured as the present value of expected payments. We discount those cash payments using the weighted average of market-observed yields for high-quality fixed-income securities with maturities that correspond to the payment of benefits. Lower discount rates increase present values and subsequent-year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease present values and subsequent-year pension expense.

Our discount rates for principal pension plans at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were 4.38%, 4.02% and 4.85%, respectively, reflecting market interest rates.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 89

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider current and target asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. In developing future long-term return expectations for our principal benefit plans' assets, we formulate views on the future economic environment, both in the U.S. and abroad. We evaluate general market trends and historical relationships among a number of key variables that impact asset class returns such as expected earnings growth, inflation, valuations, yields and spreads, using both internal and external sources. We also take into account expected volatility by asset class and diversification across classes to determine expected overall portfolio results given current and target allocations. Assets in our principal pension plans earned 0.6% in 2015, and had average annual returns of 6.4%, 5.0%, and 8.5% per year in the 5-, 10- and 25-year periods ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The average historical 10- and 25- year returns were significantly affected by investment losses in 2008. Based on our analysis of future expectations of asset performance, past return results, and our current and target asset allocations, we have assumed a 7.5% long-term expected return on those assets for cost recognition in 2016 compared to 7.5% in 2015 and 2014 and 8.0% in 2013.

Changes in key assumptions for our principal pension plans would have the following effects.

Discount rate – A 25 basis point increase in discount rate would decrease pension cost in the following year by $0.2 billion and would decrease the pension benefit obligation at year-end by about $2.2 billion.
Expected return on assets – A 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension cost in the following year by $0.2 billion.
 
Further information on our pension plans is provided in the Other Consolidated Information – Postretirement Benefit Plans section within the MD&A and in Note 12 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

INCOME TAXES

Our annual tax rate is based on our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. Our income tax rate is significantly affected by the tax rate on our global operations. In addition to local country tax laws and regulations, this rate depends on the extent earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Indefinite reinvestment is determined by management's judgment about and intentions concerning the future operations of the Company. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $104 billion and $119 billion of earnings, respectively, have been indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Most of these earnings have been reinvested in active non-U.S. business operations, and we do not intend to repatriate these earnings to fund U.S. operations. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to determine the U.S. federal income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely.

Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short- and long-range business forecasts to provide insight. Further, our global and diversified business portfolio gives us the opportunity to employ various prudent and feasible tax planning strategies to facilitate the recoverability of future deductions. Amounts recorded for deferred tax assets related to non-U.S. net operating losses, net of valuation allowances, were $5.1 billion and $5.5 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, including $0.8 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, associated with losses reported in discontinued operations, primarily related to our Real Estate and Consumer businesses and our loss on the sale of GE Money Japan. Such year-end 2015 amounts are expected to be fully recoverable within the applicable statutory expiration periods. To the extent we do not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established.

Further information on income taxes is provided in the Other Consolidated Information – Income Taxes section within the MD&A and in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 90


DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

We use derivatives to manage a variety of risks, including risks related to interest rates, foreign exchange and commodity prices. Accounting for derivatives as hedges requires that, at inception and over the term of the arrangement, the hedged item and related derivative meet the requirements for hedge accounting. The rules and interpretations related to derivatives accounting are complex. Failure to apply this complex guidance correctly will result in all changes in the fair value of the derivative being reported in earnings, without regard to the offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged item.

In evaluating whether a particular relationship qualifies for hedge accounting, we test effectiveness at inception and each reporting period thereafter by determining whether changes in the fair value of the derivative offset, within a specified range, changes in the fair value of the hedged item. If fair value changes fail this test, we discontinue applying hedge accounting to that relationship prospectively. Fair values of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are calculated using internal valuation models incorporating market-based assumptions, subject to third-party confirmation, as applicable.

Further information about our use of derivatives is provided in Notes 1, 9, 20 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value every reporting period include investments in debt and equity securities and derivatives. Other assets and liabilities are subject to fair value measurements only in certain circumstances, including purchase accounting applied to assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, impaired loans that have been reduced based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, cost and equity method investments and long-lived assets that are written down to fair value when they are impaired. Upon closing an acquisition, we estimate the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired and integrate the acquisition as soon as practicable. The size, scope and complexity of an acquisition will affect the time it takes to obtain the necessary information to record the acquired assets and liabilities at fair value. It may take up to one year to finalize the initial fair value estimates used in the preliminary purchase accounting. Accordingly, it is reasonably likely that our initial estimates will be subsequently revised, which could affect carrying amounts of goodwill, intangibles and potentially other assets and liabilities in our financial statements. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs.

A fair value measurement is determined as the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for the identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date. The determination of fair value often involves significant judgments about assumptions such as determining an appropriate discount rate that factors in both risk and liquidity premiums, identifying the similarities and differences in market transactions, weighting those differences accordingly and then making the appropriate adjustments to those market transactions to reflect the risks specific to our asset being valued.

Further information on fair value measurements and related matters is provided in Notes 1, 8, 19, 20 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 91


OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES

Other loss contingencies are uncertain and unresolved matters that arise in the ordinary course of business and result from events or actions by others that have the potential to result in a future loss. Such contingencies include, but are not limited to environmental obligations, litigation, regulatory proceedings, product quality and losses resulting from other events and developments.

When a loss is considered probable and reasonably estimable, we record a liability in the amount of our best estimate for the ultimate loss. When there appears to be a range of possible costs with equal likelihood, liabilities are based on the low-end of such range. However, the likelihood of a loss with respect to a particular contingency is often difficult to predict and determining a meaningful estimate of the loss or a range of loss may not be practicable based on the information available and the potential effect of future events and decisions by third parties that will determine the ultimate resolution of the contingency. Moreover, it is not uncommon for such matters to be resolved over many years, during which time relevant developments and new information must be continuously evaluated to determine both the likelihood of potential loss and whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range of possible loss. When a loss is probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, disclosure is provided.

Disclosure also is provided when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or when it is reasonably possible that the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision. We regularly review all contingencies to determine whether the likelihood of loss has changed and to assess whether a reasonable estimate of the loss or range of loss can be made. As discussed above, development of a meaningful estimate of loss or a range of potential loss is complex when the outcome is directly dependent on negotiations with or decisions by third parties, such as regulatory agencies, the court system and other interested parties. Such factors bear directly on whether it is possible to reasonably estimate a range of potential loss and boundaries of high and low estimates.

Further information is provided in Notes 2, 13 and 22 to the consolidated financial statements.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 92

OTHER ITEMS

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of this standard, with a revised effective date for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, although not prior to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective (cumulative effect) transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method and continue to evaluate the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The ASU amends the consolidation guidance for VIEs and general partners' investments in limited partnerships and modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities. Upon adoption of the amendment on January 1, 2016, we will deconsolidate certain entities where we no longer meet the definition of primary beneficiary under the revised guidance. The effect of deconsolidation on total assets and liabilities, net of our investment in these entities, is expected to be immaterial. We do not expect to consolidate any incremental entities as a result of adoption. As a result of the modified evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, we will have incremental disclosure of unconsolidated VIEs.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The ASU eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The effect that the ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements will be dependent upon any measurement-period adjustments identified in future periods.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Our operations, like operations of other companies engaged in similar businesses, involve the use, disposal and cleanup of substances regulated under environmental protection laws. We are involved in a number of remediation actions to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Such statutes require that responsible parties fund remediation actions regardless of fault, legality of original disposal or ownership of a disposal site. Expenditures for site remediation actions amounted to approximately $0.3 billion in 2015 and approximately $0.4 billion in each of the years 2014 and 2013. We presently expect that such remediation actions will require average annual expenditures of about $0.3 billion in 2016 and $0.2 billion in 2017.

In 2006, we entered into a consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to dredge PCB-containing sediment from the upper Hudson River. The consent decree provided that the dredging would be performed in two phases. Phase 1 was completed in May through November of 2009. Following Phase 1, the EPA conducted a peer review of the project, made modifications and GE agreed to perform Phase 2. We increased our reserve by $0.8 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010 to account for the probable and estimable costs of completing Phase 2. Between 2012 and 2015, GE completed Phase 2 and the EPA confirms that all dredging has been performed in accordance with the aforementioned consent decree. As of December 31, 2015, the company retains sufficient reserves to address remaining operations and management obligations required for all post-dredging work.

As previously reported, in 2000, GE and the EPA entered into a consent decree relating to PCB cleanup of the Housatonic River in Massachusetts. In 2012, the EPA issued a status report describing potential conceptual approaches to a 10-mile stretch of the river downstream from a previously remediated area. In September 2015, the EPA released an intended final decision for the so called "Rest of River". This is not the EPA's final decision, rather, the consent decree provides for discussions and a detailed dispute resolution process between GE and the EPA, after which the EPA will issue its final decision. As of December 31, 2015, and based on its assessment of current facts and circumstances, GE believes that it has recorded adequate reserves to cover future obligations associated with an expected final remedy.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 93

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Total R&D
$
5,278
 
$
5,273
 
$
5,461
Less customer funded R&D (principally the U.S. Government)
 
(803)
   
(721)
   
(711)
Less partner funded R&D
 
(226)
   
(319)
   
(107)
GE funded R&D
$
4,249
 
$
4,233
 
$
4,643
                 

Aviation accounts for the largest share of GE's research and development expenditures with funding from both GE and external funds. Power and Healthcare also made significant expenditures funded primarily by GE.

OTHER

We own, or hold licenses to use, numerous patents. New patents are continuously being obtained through our research and development activities as existing patents expire. Patented inventions are used both within the Company and are licensed to others.

GE is a trademark and service mark of General Electric Company.

Because of the diversity of our products and services, as well as the wide geographic dispersion of our production facilities, we use numerous sources for the wide variety of raw materials needed for our operations. We have not been adversely affected by the inability to obtain raw materials.

Sales of goods and services to agencies of the U.S. Government as a percentage of revenues follow.

 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
                 
Total sales to U.S. Government agencies
3
%
 
3
%
 
4
%
Aviation segment defense-related sales
2
   
3
   
3
 
                 
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 94

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL MEASURES THAT SUPPLEMENT U.S. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES MEASURES (NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)

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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. Specifically, we have referred, in various sections of this report, to:

Industrial segment organic revenue growth
Oil & Gas organic revenue and operating profit growth
Operating and non-operating pension costs (income)
Adjusted Corporate costs (operating)
GE pre-tax earnings from continuing operations, excluding GE Capital earnings from continuing operations and the corresponding effective tax rates, and the reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to GE effective tax rate, excluding GE Capital earnings
Operating earnings, operating EPS and Industrial operating earnings
Industrial operating + Verticals earnings and EPS
Industrial operating profit and operating margin (excluding Alstom)
Industrial segment operating profit and operating margin (excluding Alstom)
Industrial segment gross margin (excluding Alstom)
Average GE shareowners' equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations
Average GE Capital shareowners' equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations
Industrial return on total capital (Industrial ROTC)
Industrial cash flows from operating activities (Industrial CFOA)
Free cash flow
Ratio of adjusted debt to equity at GE Capital, net of liquidity
Capital ending net investment (ENI), excluding liquidity
GE Capital Tier 1 common ratio estimate

The reasons we use these non-GAAP financial measures and the reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures follow.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 95

INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH
                 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
V%
                 
Industrial segment revenues
$
108,796
 
$
109,727
   
(1)%
Less the effects of:
               
     Acquisitions, business dispositions (other than dispositions of businesses acquired
               
         for investment) and currency exchange rates
 
(2,479)
   
1,270
     
Industrial segment revenues excluding effects of acquisitions, business dispositions
               
    (other than dispositions of businesses acquired for investment) and currency exchange
               
         rates (Industrial segment organic revenues)
$
111,276
 
$
108,457
   
3%
                 
                 
                 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2014
   
2013
   
V%
                 
Industrial segment revenues
$
109,727
 
$
103,383
   
6%
Less the effects of:
               
     Acquisitions, business dispositions (other than dispositions of businesses acquired
               
         for investment) and currency exchange rates
 
1,870
   
2,175
     
Industrial segment revenues excluding effects of acquisitions, business dispositions
               
    (other than dispositions of businesses acquired for investment) and currency exchange
               
         rates (Industrial segment organic revenues)
$
107,856
 
$
101,208
   
7%
                 
                 
                 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2013
   
2012
   
V%
                 
Industrial segment revenues
$
103,383
 
$
102,548
   
1%
Less the effects of:
               
     Acquisitions, business dispositions (other than dispositions of businesses acquired
               
         for investment) and currency exchange rates
 
1,566
   
842
     
Industrial segment revenues excluding effects of acquisitions, business dispositions
               
    (other than dispositions of businesses acquired for investment) and currency exchange
               
         rates (Industrial segment organic revenues)
$
101,816
 
$
101,707
   
0%
                 
Organic revenue growth measures revenue excluding the effects of acquisitions, business dispositions and currency exchange rates. We believe that this measure provides management and investors with a more complete understanding of underlying operating results and trends of established, ongoing operations by excluding the effect of acquisitions, dispositions and currency exchange, which activities are subject to volatility and can obscure underlying trends. We also believe that presenting organic revenue growth separately for our industrial businesses provides management and investors with useful information about the trends of our industrial businesses and enables a more direct comparison to other non-financial businesses and companies. Management recognizes that the term "organic revenue growth" may be interpreted differently by other companies and under different circumstances. Although this may have an effect on comparability of absolute percentage growth from company to company, we believe that these measures are useful in assessing trends of the respective businesses or companies and may therefore be a useful tool in assessing period-to-period performance trends.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 96

OIL & GAS ORGANIC REVENUE GROWTH
                             
     
(Dollars in millions)
               
2015
   
2014
 
V%
                             
Oil & Gas segment revenue
             
$
16,450
 
$
19,085
 
(14)%
Less the effects of:
                           
     Acquisitions, business dispositions (other than
                           
     dispositions of businesses acquired for investment)
                           
     and currency exchange rates
               
(1,427)
   
349
   
Oil & Gas revenues excluding effects of acquisitions,
                           
     business dispositions (other than dispositions of
                           
     businesses acquired for investment) and currency
                           
     exchange rates (Oil & Gas organic revenue)
             
$
17,878
 
$
18,735
 
(5)%
                             

OIL & GAS ORGANIC OPERATING PROFIT GROWTH
                 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
 
V%
 
                 
Oil & Gas segment profit
$
2,427
 
$
2,758
 
(12)%
 
Less the effects of:
               
     Acquisitions, business dispositions (other than
               
     dispositions of businesses acquired for investment)
               
     and currency exchange rates
 
(340)
   
18
     
Oil & Gas segment profit excluding effects of acquisitions,
               
     business dispositions (other than dispositions of
               
     businesses acquired for investment) and currency
               
     exchange rates (Oil & Gas organic operating profit)
$
2,768
 
$
2,739
 
1%
 
                 
Organic revenue and operating profit growth measure revenue and profit excluding the effects of acquisitions, business dispositions and currency exchange rates. We believe that these measures provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of underlying operating results and trends of established, ongoing operations by excluding the effect of acquisitions, dispositions and currency exchange, which activities are subject to volatility and can obscure underlying trends. Management recognizes that the terms "organic revenue growth" and "organic operating profit growth" may be interpreted differently by other companies and under different circumstances. Although this may have an effect on comparability of absolute percentage growth from company to company, we believe that these measures are useful in assessing trends of the Oil & Gas business and may therefore be a useful tool in assessing period-to-period performance trends.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 97

OPERATING AND NON-OPERATING PENSION COSTS (INCOME)
                 
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Service cost for benefits earned
$
1,424
 
$
1,205
 
$
1,535
Prior service cost amortization
 
205
   
214
   
246
Curtailment loss
 
105
   
65
   
-
Operating pension cost
 
1,734
   
1,484
   
1,781
                 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(3,302)
   
(3,190)
   
(3,500)
Interest cost on benefit obligations
 
2,778
   
2,745
   
2,460
Net actuarial loss amortization
 
3,288
   
2,565
   
3,664
Non-operating pension cost
 
2,764
   
2,120
   
2,624
Total principal pension plans cost
$
4,498
 
$
3,604
 
$
4,405
                 

We have provided the operating and non-operating components of cost for our principal pension plans. Operating pension cost comprise the service cost of benefits earned, prior service cost amortization and curtailment loss for our principal pension plans. Non-operating pension cost comprise the expected return on plan assets, interest cost on benefit obligations and net actuarial loss amortization for our principal pension plans. We believe that the operating components of pension cost better reflects the ongoing service-related cost of providing pension benefits to our employees. We believe that the operating and non-operating components of cost for our principal pension plans, considered along with the corresponding GAAP measure, provide management and investors with additional information for comparison of our pension plan cost and operating results with the pension plan cost and operating results of other companies.

ADJUSTED CORPORATE COSTS (OPERATING)
                     
(In millions)
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                     
Total Corporate Items and Eliminations
 
$
(5,108)
 
$
(6,225)
 
$
(6,002)
Less non-operating pension cost
   
(2,764)
   
(2,120)
   
(2,624)
Total Corporate costs (operating)
 
$
(2,344)
 
$
(4,105)
 
$
(3,378)
Less, NBCU LLC, restructuring and other charges, gains and NBCU settlement
   
(237)
   
(1,697)
   
(17)
Adjusted Corporate costs (operating)
 
$
(2,107)
 
$
(2,408)
 
$
(3,361)
                     

Operating corporate costs exclude non-service-related pension costs of our principal pension plans, which comprise interest costs, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains/losses.  Service cost, prior service cost and curtailment loss components of our principal pension plans are included in operating corporate costs.  We believe that these components of pension cost better reflect the ongoing service-related costs of providing pension benefits to our employees.  Accordingly, we believe that our measure of operating corporate costs provides management and investors with a useful measure of the operational costs incurred outside of our businesses.  We believe that this measure, considered along with the corresponding GAAP measure, provides management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating corporate costs to the operating corporate costs of other companies.

We also believe that adjusting operating corporate costs to exclude the effects of items that are not closely associated with ongoing corporate operations, such as earnings of previously divested businesses, gains and losses on disposed and held for sale businesses, restructuring and other charges, and a settlement provides management and investors with a meaningful measure that increases the period-to-period comparability of our ongoing corporate costs.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 98

GE PRE-TAX EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS, EXCLUDING GE CAPITAL EARNINGS FROM
CONTINUING OPERATIONS AND THE CORRESPONDING EFFECTIVE TAX RATES
                   
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
                   
GE earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
$
3,252
 
$
11,119
 
$
9,531
 
Less GE Capital earnings from continuing operations attributable to the Company
 
(7,672)
   
1,532
   
699
 
Less GE preferred dividend
 
18
   
-
   
-
 
Total
$
10,906
 
$
9,587
 
$
8,832
 
                   
GE provision for income taxes
$
1,506
 
$
1,634
 
$
1,667
 
GE effective tax rate, excluding GE Capital earnings
 
13.8
%
 
17.0
%
 
18.9
%
                   
                   
RECONCILIATION OF U.S. FEDERAL STATUTORY INCOME TAX RATE TO GE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE,
EXCLUDING GE CAPITAL EARNINGS
                   
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
                   
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
 
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
 
35.0
%
Reduction in rate resulting from
                 
   Tax on global activities including exports
 
(15.8)
   
(13.9)
   
(7.9)
 
   U.S. business credits
 
(1.2)
   
(1.1)
   
(2.8)
 
   All other – net
 
(4.2)
   
(3.0)
   
(5.4)
 
   
(21.2)
   
(18.0)
   
(16.1)
 
GE effective tax rate, excluding GE Capital earnings
 
13.8
%
 
17.0
%
 
18.9
%
                   

We believe that the GE effective tax rate is best analyzed in relation to GE earnings before income taxes excluding the GE Capital net earnings from continuing operations, as GE tax expense does not include taxes on GE Capital earnings. Management believes that in addition to the Consolidated and GE Capital tax rates shown in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, this supplemental measure provides investors with useful information as it presents the GE effective tax rate that can be used in comparing the GE results to other non-financial services businesses.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 99

OPERATING EARNINGS AND OPERATING EPS
                 
(In millions; except earnings per share)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to GE
               
   common shareowners
$
1,663
 
$
9,535
 
$
7,618
Adjustment (net of tax): non-operating pension costs (income)
 
1,797
   
1,378
   
1,705
Operating earnings
$
3,460
 
$
10,913
 
$
9,323
                 
Earnings per share – diluted(a)
               
Continuing earnings per share
$
0.17
 
$
0.94
 
$
0.74
Adjustment (net of tax): non-operating pension costs (income)
 
0.18
   
0.14
   
0.17
Operating earnings per share
$
0.35
 
$
1.08
 
$
0.90
                 
(a)
Earnings-per-share amounts are computed independently. As a result, the sum of per-share amounts may not equal the total.

INDUSTRIAL OPERATING EARNINGS
                 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to GE common shareowners
$
1,663
 
$
9,535
 
$
7,618
Adjustments (net of tax): non-operating pension costs (income)
 
1,797
   
1,378
   
1,705
Operating earnings
 
3,460
   
10,913
   
9,323
                 
Less GE Capital earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the Company
 
(7,654)
   
1,532
   
699
Less effect of GE Capital preferred stock dividends
 
(330)
   
(322)
   
(298)
                 
Operating earnings excluding GE Capital earnings (loss) from continuing operations
               
   and the effect of GE Capital preferred stock dividends (Industrial operating earnings)
$
11,443
 
$
9,705
 
$
8,922
                 

Operating earnings excludes non-service-related pension costs of our principal pension plans comprising interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of actuarial gains/losses. The service cost, prior service cost and curtailment loss components of our principal pension plans are included in operating earnings. We believe that these components of pension cost better reflect the ongoing service-related costs of providing pension benefits to our employees. As such, we believe that our measure of operating earnings provides management and investors with a useful measure of the operational results of our business. Other components of GAAP pension cost are mainly driven by capital allocation decisions and market performance, and we manage these separately from the operational performance of our businesses. Neither GAAP nor operating pension costs are necessarily indicative of the current or future cash flow requirements related to our pension plan. We also believe that this measure, considered along with the corresponding GAAP measure, provides management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results to the operating results of other companies. We believe that presenting operating earnings separately for our industrial businesses also provides management and investors with useful information about the relative size of our industrial and financial services businesses in relation to the total company.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 100

INDUSTRIAL OPERATING + VERTICALS EARNINGS AND EPS
     
                 
(Dollars in millions; except per share amounts)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
GE Capital earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable
               
   to GE common shareowners
$
(7,983)
 
$
1,209
 
$
401
Less: Verticals earnings(a)
 
1,666
   
1,608
   
1,410
Other Capital
 
(9,649)
   
(399)
   
(1,009)
                 
Industrial operating earnings
$
11,443
 
$
9,705
 
$
8,922
Verticals earnings(a)
 
1,666
   
1,608
   
1,410
Industrial operating earnings + Verticals earnings
$
13,109
 
$
11,313
 
$
10,332
                 
Earnings (loss) per share - diluted(b)
               
Industrial operating EPS
$
1.14
 
$
0.96
 
$
0.87
Verticals EPS
 
0.17
   
0.16
   
0.14
Industrial operating + Verticals EPS
$
1.31
 
$
1.12
 
$
1.00
                 
(a)
Verticals include businesses expected to be retained (GECAS, Energy Financial Services, Commercial Lending and Leasing and run-off insurance activities), including allocated corporate costs of $133 million, $233 million, and $233 million after tax for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(b)
Earnings per share amounts are computed independently. As a result, the sum of per-share amounts may not equal the total.

As described above, Verticals represents the GE Capital businesses that we expect to retain. We believe that presenting Industrial operating + Verticals earnings-per-share amounts provides management and investors with a useful measure to evaluate the performance of the businesses we expect to retain after the disposition of most of our financial services business.

See below for a graphic presentation of the reconciliation between GAAP EPS from continuing operations to the Industrial operating + Verticals EPS.


INDUSTRIAL OPERATING + VERTICALS EARNINGS AND EPS(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial operating & Verticals
$1.31
 
Non-operating pension & other Capital
$(1.14)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial operating & Verticals
$1.12
 
Non-operating pension & other Capital
$(0.18)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial operating & Verticals
$1.00
 
Non-operating pension & other Capital
$(0.27)
GAAP Continuing EPS
$0.17
 
$0.94
 
$0.74

(a)
  Earnings per share amounts are computed independently. As a result, the sum of per share amounts may not equal the total.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 101

INDUSTRIAL OPERATING PROFIT AND OPERATING PROFIT MARGIN (EXCLUDING ALSTOM)
                             
(Dollars in millions)
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
                             
Revenues
                           
   Total industrial segment revenues
$
108,796
 
$
109,727
 
$
103,383
 
$
102,548
 
$
95,074
                             
   Corporate items and eliminations
 
(2,211)
   
(3,863)
   
(1,405)
   
(1,228)
   
3,145
      Less: gains
 
1,497
   
91
   
1,981
   
1,801
   
5,686
      Less: GE-GECC eliminations
 
(1,786)
   
(2,150)
   
(1,922)
   
(2,212)
   
(2,086)
      Adjusted corporate items and eliminations
 
(1,922)
   
(1,804)
   
(1,464)
   
(817)
   
(455)
   Total Industrial operating revenues
 
106,874
   
107,923
   
101,919
   
101,731
   
94,619
   Less Alstom revenues
 
1,956
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   Total Industrial operating
                           
      revenues excluding Alstom
$
104,918
 
$
107,923
 
$
101,919
 
$
101,731
 
$
94,619
                             
                             
Segment profit (loss)
                           
   Total industrial segment profit
$
17,966
 
$
17,764
 
$
16,220
 
$
15,487
 
$
14,067
                             
   Corporate items and eliminations
 
(5,108)
   
(6,225)
   
(6,002)
   
(4,719)
   
(286)
      Less: gains
 
1,497
   
91
   
1,975
   
1,801
   
4,535
      Less: restructuring and other charges
 
(1,734)
   
(1,788)
   
(1,992)
   
(732)
   
(1,068)
      Less: non-operating pension costs (pre-tax)
 
(2,764)
   
(2,120)
   
(2,624)
   
(2,132)
   
(1,057)
      Adjusted corporate items and eliminations
 
(2,107)
   
(2,408)
   
(3,361)
   
(3,656)
   
(2,696)
  Total Industrial operating profit
 
15,859
   
15,356
   
12,859
   
11,831
   
11,371
   Less Alstom profit (loss)(a)
 
(154)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   Total Industrial operating profit
                           
      excluding Alstom
$
16,013
 
$
15,356
 
$
12,859
 
$
11,831
 
$
11,371
   Total Industrial operating profit margin
                           
     excluding Alstom
 
15.3%
   
14.2%
   
12.6%
   
11.6%
   
12.0%
   
.
                       
(a)
Loss from operations of the power and grid businesses of Alstom during the period of our ownership.

We have presented our Industrial operating profit and operating profit margin excluding restructuring, gains, and GE-GE Capital eliminations as well as the results of our fourth quarter 2015 Alstom power and grid acquisition. We believe that Industrial operating profit and operating profit margin adjusted for restructuring, gains and GE-GE Capital eliminations as well as the Alstom impacts are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results.

INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT OPERATING PROFIT AND OPERATING PROFIT MARGIN (EXCLUDING ALSTOM)
                           
(Dollars in millions)
2015
   
2014
 
2013
   
2012
   
2011
                           
Revenues
                         
   Total industrial segment revenues
$
108,796
 
$
109,727
$
103,383
 
$
102,548
 
$
95,074
   Less Alstom revenues
 
1,956
   
-
 
-
   
-
   
-
   Total industrial segment
                         
      revenues excluding Alstom
$
106,840
 
$
109,727
$
103,383
 
$
102,548
 
$
95,074
                           
                           
Segment operating profit (loss)
                         
   Total industrial segment operating profit
$
17,966
 
$
17,764
$
16,220
 
$
15,487
 
$
14,067
   Total industrial segment operating profit margin
 
16.5%
   
16.2%
 
15.7%
   
15.1%
   
14.8%
                           
   Less Alstom profit (loss)
$
(154)
 
$
-
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
   Total industrial segment operating profit
                         
      excluding Alstom
$
18,120
 
$
17,764
$
16,220
 
$
15,487
 
$
14,067
   Total industrial segment operating profit margin
                         
     excluding Alstom
 
17.0%
   
16.2%
 
15.7%
   
15.1%
   
14.8%
   
.
                     

We have presented our industrial segment operating profit and operating profit margin excluding the results of our fourth quarter 2015 Alstom power and grid acquisition. We believe that industrial segment operating profit and operating profit margin adjusted for the Alstom impacts are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 102

INDUSTRIAL SEGMENT GROSS MARGIN (EXCLUDING ALSTOM)
         
           
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Industrial Sales
$
106,206
 
$
107,308
Less: Corporate sales and eliminations
 
(1,858)
   
(1,767)
Industrial segment sales
 
108,064
   
109,075
Less: Alstom sales
 
1,953
   
-
Industrial segment sales excluding Alstom
$
106,111
 
$
109,075
           
Industrial cost of sales
$
80,828
 
$
81,876
Less: Corporate cost of sales and eliminations
 
2,026
   
1,775
Industrial segment cost of sales
 
78,802
   
80,101
Less: Alstom cost of sales
 
1,730
   
-
Industrial segment cost of sales excluding Alstom
$
77,072
 
$
80,101
           
Industrial segment gross margin
 
29,262
   
28,974
Industrial segment gross margin percentage
 
27.1%
   
26.6%
           
Industrial segment gross margin excluding Alstom
 
29,039
   
28,974
Industrial segment gross margin percentage excluding Alstom
 
27.4%
   
26.6%
           

We have presented our segment gross margin excluding the results of our fourth quarter 2015 Alstom power and grid acquisition. We believe that industrial segment gross margin adjusted for the Alstom impacts is a meaningful measure because it increases the comparability of period-to-period results.

Other measures excluding Alstom: We have also presented results of our Power, Renewable Energy and Energy Management segments excluding the effects of the fourth quarter Alstom power and grid acquisition.  These measurements included revenues, operating profit and margin excluding Alstom, the reconciliations for which are included in the segment sections within MD&A. We also presented Industrial SG&A as a percentage of sales excluding Alstom. We believe that these metrics adjusted for the Alstom impacts are meaningful measures because they increase the comparability of period-to-period results.

AVERAGE GE SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY, EXCLUDING EFFECTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS(a)
                             
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
                             
Average GE shareowners' equity(a)
$
111,140
 
$
131,914
 
$
124,501
 
$
120,401
 
$
122,289
Less the effects of the average net investment
                           
   in discontinued operations
 
27,910
   
45,455
   
44,948
   
41,399
   
38,130
Average GE shareowners' equity, excluding
                           
  effects of discontinued operations(b)
$
83,230
 
$
86,459
 
$
79,553
 
$
79,002
 
$
84,159
                             
(a)
On an annual basis, calculated using a five-point average.
(b)
Used for computing Industrial return on total capital (ROTC).

Our Industrial ROTC calculation excludes earnings (losses) of discontinued operations from the numerator because GAAP requires us to display those earnings (losses) in the Statement of Earnings. Those earnings (losses) from discontinued operations include an allocation of interest expense either directly attributable or related to discontinued operations. Net investment in discontinued operations is calculated as assets of discontinued operations less liabilities of discontinued operations, including an allocation of GE Capital debt. Our calculation of average GE shareowners' equity may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We believe that it is a clearer way to measure the ongoing trend in return on total capital for the continuing operations of our businesses given the extent that discontinued operations have affected our reported results. We believe that this results in a more relevant measure for management and investors to evaluate performance of our continuing operations, on a consistent basis, and to evaluate and compare the performance of our continuing operations with the ongoing operations of other businesses and companies.

Definitions indicating how the above-named ratios are calculated using average GE shareowners' equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations, can be found in the Other Items and Measures section within the MD&A.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 103

AVERAGE GE CAPITAL SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY, EXCLUDING EFFECTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS(a)
 
                               
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
 
                               
Average GE Capital shareowners' equity(a)
$
67,930
 
$
85,370
 
$
83,358
 
$
79,873
 
$
73,852
 
Less the effects of the average net
                             
    investment in discontinued operations
 
28,028
   
45,589
   
45,023
   
41,504
   
30,239
 
                               
Average GE Capital shareowners' equity,
                             
    excluding effects of discontinued operations(b)
$
39,902
 
$
39,781
 
$
38,335
 
$
38,369
 
$
43,613
 
                               
(a)
On an annual basis, calculated using a five-point average.
(b)
Used for computing Industrial return on total capital (ROTC).

Our Industrial ROTC calculation excludes earnings (losses) of discontinued operations from the numerator because GAAP requires us to display those earnings (losses) in the Statement of Earnings. Our calculation of average GE Capital shareowners' equity may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We believe that it is a clearer way to measure the ongoing trend in return on total capital for the continuing operations of our businesses given the extent that discontinued operations have affected our reported results. We believe that this results in a more relevant measure for management and investors to evaluate performance of our continuing operations, on a consistent basis, and to evaluate and compare the performance of our continuing operations with the ongoing operations of other businesses and companies.

INDUSTRIAL RETURN ON TOTAL CAPITAL (INDUSTRIAL ROTC)
                                       
(Dollars in millions)
 
2015
     
2014
     
2013
     
2012
     
2011
 
                                       
Earnings from continuing operations
$
1,700
   
$
9,490
   
$
7,881
   
$
8,816
   
$
9,301
 
Less GE Capital earnings (loss) from continuing operations
 
(7,718)
     
1,537
     
716
     
1,378
     
1,493
 
Plus GE after-tax interest
 
1,262
     
1,026
     
865
     
880
     
845
 
Adjusted Industrial return
$
10,680
   
$
8,979
   
$
8,030
   
$
8,318
   
$
8,653
 
                                       
Average GE shareholders' equity, excluding effects
                                     
   of discontinued operations(a)
$
83,230
   
$
86,459
   
$
79,553
   
$
79,002
   
$
84,159
 
Less average GE Capital's shareholders' equity,
                                     
   excluding effects of discontinued operations(a)
 
39,902
     
39,781
     
38,335
     
38,369
     
43,613
 
Average Industrial shareholders' equity, excluding
                                     
   effects of discontinued operations
 
43,328
     
46,678
     
41,218
     
40,633
     
40,546
 
Plus average debt(a)
 
18,465
     
15,770
     
13,665
     
12,908
     
10,734
 
Plus other, net(b)
 
1,536
     
1,743
     
1,367
     
(1,106)
     
5,682
 
Adjusted Industrial capital
$
63,329
   
$
64,191
   
$
56,250
   
$
52,435
   
$
56,962
 
                                       
Industrial ROTC
 
16.9
%
   
14.0
%
   
14.3
%
   
15.9
%
   
15.2
%
                                       
(a)
On an annual basis, calculated using a five-point average.
(b)
Includes average noncontrolling interests, calculated using a five-point average partially offset by the estimated value of assets held by GE to support GE Capital.

Our Industrial ROTC calculation excludes earnings (losses) of discontinued operations from the numerator. We believe that this is a clearer way to measure the ongoing trend in return on Industrial capital for the continuing operations of the business to the extent that discontinued operations have affected our reported results. Our Industrial shareowners' equity used in the denominator is adjusted for debt, redeemable noncontrolling interests, noncontrolling interests and the estimated value of assets held by the GE parent to support GE Capital. We believe that these adjustments provide a more meaningful denominator in measuring the return on our industrial businesses. Industrial ROTC was 16.9% in 2015 versus 14.0% in 2014 and 14.3% in 2013. In 2015, a 19% increase in the adjusted Industrial return was combined with a 1% decrease in the adjusted Industrial capital. This decrease in capital was principally driven by share buybacks and foreign currency translation exposure due to the strengthening U.S dollar. Our calculation of the return on Industrial capital may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We believe that the adjustments described above result in a more relevant measure for management and investors to evaluate performance of our Industrial continuing operations, on a consistent basis, and to evaluate and compare the performance of our Industrial continuing operations with the continuing operations of other businesses and companies.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 104

INDUSTRIAL CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (INDUSTRIAL CFOA)
                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Cash from GE's operating activities, as reported
$
16,354
 
$
15,171
 
$
14,255
Less dividends from GE Capital
 
4,300
   
3,000
   
5,985
Cash from GE's operating activities, excluding dividends
               
    from GE Capital (Industrial CFOA)
$
12,054
 
$
12,171
 
$
8,270
                 

We refer to cash generated by our industrial businesses as "Industrial CFOA," which we define as GE's cash from continuing operating activities less the amount of dividends received by GE from GE Capital. This includes the effects of intercompany transactions, including GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital; GE Capital services for trade receivables management and material procurement; buildings and equipment (including automobiles) leased between GE and GE Capital; information technology (IT) and other services sold to GE Capital by GE; aircraft engines manufactured by GE that are installed on aircraft purchased by GE Capital from third-party producers for lease to others; and various investments, loans and allocations of GE corporate overhead costs. We believe that investors may find it useful to compare GE's operating cash flows without the effect of GE Capital dividends, since these dividends are not representative of the operating cash flows of our industrial businesses and can vary from period-to-period based upon the results of the financial services businesses. Management recognizes that these measures may not be comparable to cash flow results of companies that contain both industrial and financial services businesses, but believes that this comparison is aided by the provision of additional information about the amounts of dividends paid by our financial services business and the separate presentation in our financial statements of the Financial Services (GE Capital) cash flows. We believe that our measures of Industrial CFOA provide management and investors with useful measures to compare the capacity of our industrial operations to generate operating cash flows with the operating cash flows of other non-financial businesses and companies and as such provide useful measures to supplement the reported GAAP CFOA measure.

FREE CASH FLOW
                           
(In millions)
           
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                           
Cash from GE's operating activities (continuing operations)
         
$
16,354
 
$
15,171
 
$
14,255
Less GE additions to property, plant and equipment
           
3,785
   
3,970
   
3,680
Plus GE dispositions of property, plant and equipment
           
939
   
615
   
381
Free cash flow
           
13,508
   
11,816
   
10,956
Plus GE proceeds from principal business dispositions
           
1,725
   
602
   
1,316
Free cash flow plus dispositions
           
15,233
   
12,418
   
12,272
                           

We define free cash flow as GE's cash from operating activities (continuing operations) less GE additions to property, plant and equipment and plus GE dispositions of property, plant and equipment, which are included in cash flows from investing activities. We believe that free cash flow is a useful financial metric to assess our ability to pursue opportunities to enhance our growth. We also believe that presenting free cash flow separately for our industrial businesses provides management and investors with useful information about the trends of our industrial businesses and enables a more direct comparison to other non-financial businesses and companies. We also believe that presenting free cash flow plus proceeds from business dispositions provides investors with useful information about the company's actual performance against performance targets. Management recognizes that the term free cash flow may be interpreted differently by other companies and under different circumstances. Although this may have an effect on comparability of absolute percentage growth from company to company, we believe that these measures are useful in assessing trends of the respective businesses or companies and may therefore be a useful tool in assessing period-to-period performance trends.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 105

RATIO OF ADJUSTED DEBT TO EQUITY AT GE CAPITAL, NET OF LIQUIDITY
                             
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
                             
GE Capital debt
$
180,795
 
$
245,992
 
$
284,686
 
$
316,186
 
$
364,266
Add debt of businesses held for sale
                           
      and discontinued operations
 
31,075
   
105,923
   
86,692
   
81,256
   
79,091
Adjusted GE Capital debt
 
211,870
   
351,915
   
371,379
   
397,442
   
443,357
Less liquidity(a)
 
70,497
   
55,361
   
65,492
   
52,810
   
69,219
Less cash of businesses held for
                           
      sale and discontinued operations
 
20,395
   
20,991
   
9,617
   
9,308
   
7,754
 
$
120,978
 
$
275,563
 
$
296,269
 
$
335,324
 
$
366,384
                             
GE Capital equity
$
46,227
 
$
87,499
 
$
82,694
 
$
81,889
 
$
77,110
                             
Ratio
 
2.62:1
   
3.15:1
   
3.58:1
   
4.09:1
   
4.75:1
                             
(a)
Liquidity includes cash and equivalents and $10.4 billion of high quality interest bearing deposits at December 31, 2015.

We have provided the GE Capital ratio of debt to equity on a basis that reflects the use of liquidity as a reduction of debt. For purposes of this ratio, we have also adjusted cash and debt balances to include amounts classified as assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale and discontinued operations. We believe that this is a useful comparison to a GAAP-based ratio of debt to equity because liquidity balances may be used to reduce debt. The usefulness of this supplemental measure may be limited, however, as the total amount of liquidity at any point in time may be different than the amount that could practically be applied to reduce outstanding debt. Despite this potential limitation, we believe that this measure, considered along with the corresponding GAAP measure, provides investors with additional information that may be more comparable to other financial institutions and businesses.

CAPITAL ENDING NET INVESTMENT (ENI), EXCLUDING LIQUIDITY
       
December 31 (In billions)
2015
 
2014(a)
           
Financial Services (GE Capital) total assets
$
312.1
 
$
494.0
Adjustment: deferred income taxes
 
4.6
   
6.2
GE Capital total assets
 
316.7
   
500.2
   Less assets of discontinued operations
 
120.9
   
1.2
   Less non-interest bearing liabilities
 
43.3
   
60.5
Capital ENI
 
152.4
   
438.5
   Less liquidity(b)
 
70.5
   
75.5
Capital ENI, excluding liquidity
$
81.9
 
$
363.0
           
   Discontinued operations, excluding liquidity
 
85.0
   
(0.1)
Capital ENI (excluding liquidity) including discontinued operations
$
166.9
   
362.9
           
(a)
As originally reported.
(b)
Liquidity includes cash and equivalents and $10.4 billion of high quality interest bearing deposits at December 31, 2015.

We use ENI to measure the size of our Capital segment. We believe that this measure is a useful indicator of the capital (debt or equity) required to fund a business as it adjusts for non-interest bearing current liabilities generated in the normal course of business that do not require a capital outlay. We also believe that by excluding liquidity, we provide a meaningful measure of assets requiring capital to fund our Capital segment as a substantial amount of liquidity resulted from debt issuances to pre-fund future debt maturities and will not be used to fund additional assets. Liquidity consists of cash and equivalents and certain high quality interest bearing deposits. As a general matter, investments included in liquidity are expected to be highly liquid, giving us the ability to readily convert them to cash. Providing this measure will help investors measure how we are performing against our previously communicated goal to reduce the size of our financial services business.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 106

GE CAPITAL TIER 1 COMMON RATIO ESTIMATE(a)
         
       
December 31 (Dollars in billions)
2015
 
2014
           
Shareowners' equity(b)
$
46.2
 
$
87.5
Adjustments:
         
   Preferred equity
 
(5.0)
   
(4.9)
   Goodwill and other intangible assets
 
(5.2)
   
(25.6)
   Other additions (deductions)
 
0.3
   
1.0
GE Capital Tier 1 common
 
36.4
   
58.0
Estimated risk-weighted assets(c)
 
251.1
   
445.9
GE Capital Tier 1 common ratio estimate
 
14.5%
   
13.0%
           
(a)
Includes discontinued operations.
(b)
Total equity excluding noncontrolling interests.
(c)
Based on Basel 3 risk-weighted assets estimates.

The GE Capital Tier 1 common ratio estimate is the ratio of Tier 1 common equity to total risk-weighted assets as calculated based on our interpretation of the standardized U.S. Basel 3 capital rules on a transitional basis, which is subject to review and consultation with our regulators. As such, the methodology of calculating this ratio may be refined over time as we discuss its interpretation and application with our regulators. As of December 31, 2015, we are not required by our regulators to disclose this capital ratio, and therefore this capital ratio is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe that this estimated capital ratio is a useful measure to investors because it is widely used by analysts and regulators to assess the capital position of financial services companies.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 107

OTHER FINANCIAL DATA

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
General Electric Company and Consolidated Affiliates
                             
   Revenues and other income
$
117,386
 
$
117,184
 
$
113,245
 
$
112,588
 
$
110,062
 
      Earnings from continuing operations attributable to the Company
 
1,681
   
9,535
   
7,618
   
8,646
   
9,113
 
    Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes,
                             
         attributable to the Company
 
(7,807)
   
5,698
   
5,439
   
4,995
   
5,039
 
   Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
 
(6,126)
   
15,233
   
13,057
   
13,641
   
14,152
 
   Dividends declared(a)
 
9,161
   
8,948
   
8,060
   
7,372
   
7,498
 
   Return on average GE shareowners' equity(b)
 
1.6
%
 
10.8
%
 
9.5
%
 
10.9
%
 
10.7
%
   Per common share
                             
      Earnings from continuing operations – diluted
$
0.17
 
$
0.94
 
$
0.74
 
$
0.82
 
$
0.76
 
      Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations – diluted
 
(0.78)
   
0.56
   
0.53
   
0.47
   
0.47
 
      Net earnings (loss) – diluted
 
(0.61)
   
1.50
   
1.27
   
1.29
   
1.23
 
      Earnings from continuing operations – basic
 
0.17
   
0.95
   
0.74
   
0.82
   
0.76
 
      Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations – basic
 
(0.78)
   
0.57
   
0.53
   
0.47
   
0.48
 
      Net earnings (loss) – basic
 
(0.62)
   
1.51
   
1.28
   
1.29
   
1.24
 
      Dividends declared
 
0.92
   
0.89
   
0.79
   
0.70
   
0.61
 
      Stock price range
31.49 -19.37
 
27.94-23.69
 
28.09-20.68
 
23.18-18.02
 
21.65-14.02
 
      Year-end closing stock price
 
31.15
   
25.27
   
28.03
   
20.99
   
17.91
 
   Cash and equivalents
 
70,483
   
70,025
   
79,175
   
68,225
   
77,018
 
   Total assets of continuing operations
 
371,741
   
331,425
   
333,896
   
339,725
   
349,103
 
   Total assets
 
492,692
   
654,954
   
663,247
   
691,492
   
723,907
 
   Long-term borrowings
 
145,301
   
186,596
   
217,516
   
229,479
   
236,003
 
   Common shares outstanding – average (in thousands)
 9,944,179
 
 10,044,995
 
 10,222,198
 
 10,522,922
 
10,591,146
 
   Common shareowner accounts – average
 
470,000
   
490,000
   
512,000
   
537,000
   
570,000
 
   Employees at year end
                             
     United States
 
125,000
   
136,000
   
135,000
   
134,000
   
131,000
 
     Other countries
 
208,000
   
169,000
   
172,000
   
171,000
   
170,000
 
Total employees(c)
 
333,000
   
305,000
   
307,000
   
305,000
   
301,000
 
GE data
                             
   Short-term borrowings(d)
$
19,799
 
$
3,872
 
$
1,841
 
$
6,041
 
$
2,184
 
   Long-term borrowings(d)
 
83,770
 
 
12,468
   
11,515
 
 
11,428
 
 
9,405
 
   Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
2,972
   
98
   
178
   
214
   
229
 
   Noncontrolling interests
 
1,378
 
 
825
   
835
 
 
777
 
 
1,006
 
   GE shareowners' equity
 
98,274
 
 
128,159
   
130,566
 
 
123,026
 
 
116,438
 
      Total capital invested
$
206,192
 
$
145,422
 
$
144,936
 
$
141,486
 
$
129,262
 
   Industrial return on total capital(b)*
 
16.9
%
 
14.0
%
 
14.3
%
 
15.9
%
 
15.2
%
   Borrowings as a percentage of total capital invested(b)
 
50.2
%
 
11.2
%
 
9.2
%
 
12.3
%
 
9.0
%
GE Capital data
                             
   Revenues
$
10,801
 
$
11,320
 
$
11,267
 
$
11,268
 
$
11,843
 
      Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to GE Capital
 
(7,654)
 
 
1,532
   
699
 
 
1,368
 
 
1,469
 
      Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes,
                             
         attributable to GE Capital
 
(7,485)
   
5,860
   
5,540
   
4,901
   
5,144
 
      Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests,
                             
         discontinued operations
 
312
   
157
   
36
   
53
   
104
 
   Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE Capital
 
(15,450)
 
 
7,234
   
6,204
 
 
6,216
 
 
6,510
 
   Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE Capital common shareowner
 
(15,780)
   
6,912
   
5,906
   
6,092
   
6,510
 
   GE Capital shareowners' equity
 
46,227
 
 
87,499
   
82,694
 
 
81,889
 
 
77,110
 
   Total borrowings(e)
 
180,795
   
245,992
   
284,686
 
 
316,186
 
 
364,266
 
   Ratio of debt to equity at GE Capital(f)
 
 3.91:1
   
2.81:1
   
3.44:1
   
3.86:1
   
4.72:1
 
   Total assets(g)
$
312,125
 
$
500,589
 
$
518,731
 
$
539,844
 
$
583,388
 
Transactions between GE and GE Capital have been eliminated from the consolidated information.
(a)
Included $18 million of preferred stock dividends in 2015 and $1,031 million of preferred stock dividends ($806 million related to our preferred stock redemption) in 2011.
(b)
Indicates terms are defined in the Other Items and Measures section within the MD&A.
(c)
For 2015, includes 55,500 employees as a result of the Alstom acquisition.
(d)
Excluding assumed debt of GE Capital, GE total borrowings is $18,455 million.
(e)
Included $85,114 million of GE Capital debt assumed by GE and maintained as intercompany payable to GE at December 31, 2015.
(f)
Ratios of 2.62:1, 3.15:1, 3.58:1, 4.09:1, and 4.75:1 for 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, net of liquidity*. For purposes of these ratios, cash and debt balances have been adjusted to include amounts classified as assets and liabilities of businesses held for sale and discontinued operations.
(g)
GE Capital's total assets includes deferred income tax liabilities, which are presented within assets for purposes of our consolidating balance sheet presentation.
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 108

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
                     
           
Approximate
 
           
dollar value
 
       
Total number
 
of shares that
 
       
of shares
 
may yet be
 
       
purchased
 
purchased
 
       
as part of
 
under our
 
 
Total number
Average
 
our share
 
share
 
 
of shares
price paid
 
repurchase
 
repurchase
 
Period
purchased(a)
per share
 
program(b)
 
program(b)
 
(Shares in thousands)
                   
                     
2015
                   
October
 
895
$
28.24
 
846
       
November
 
672,357
$
30.36
 
910
       
December
 
98,922
$
30.62
 
98,835
       
Total
 
772,174
$
30.39
 
100,591
$
46.7
 billion
 
                     
(a) This category included 583 thousand shares repurchased from our various benefit plans. On November 17, 2015, GE accepted 671,366,809 shares of GE common stock at a price of $30.36 per share in exchange for shares of Synchrony Financial common stock that it owned.
(b) Shares were repurchased through the 2015 GE Share Repurchase Program (the Program). As of December 31, 2015, we were authorized to repurchase up to $50 billion of our common stock through 2018 and we had repurchased a total of approximately $3.3 billion under the Program. The Program is flexible and shares will be 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.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 109

REGULATIONS AND SUPERVISION

GE Capital is a nonbank SIFI and as a result subject to FRB supervision. With the completion of the Synchrony Financial split-off, and the FRB's subsequent approval of GE Capital's application to deregister as a saving and loan holding company, GE Capital is no longer a savings and loan holding company.

On July 20, 2015 the Federal Reserve published a final order applying enhanced prudential standards to GE Capital as a nonbank SIFI.

The final order staggers the application of the enhanced prudential standards with the first set of standards becoming applicable on January 1, 2016 and the second set becoming applicable on January 1, 2018. Under the standards applicable on January 1, 2016 GE Capital became subject to the FRB's capital adequacy framework using the standardized approach to calculate risk weighted assets. GE Capital also became subject to a liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) of 90% until December 31, 2016. After December 31, 2016, GE Capital will need to maintain 100% LCR coverage.

If GE Capital is still a nonbank SIFI on January 1, 2018 the second set of enhanced prudential standards will apply. These standards include stress testing and capital planning requirements under the FRB's more formal comprehensive capital analysis and review (CCAR) regulations, enhanced leverage ratio requirements, enhanced governance requirements, daily liquidity calculations, additional reporting requirements and a market terms requirement for transactions between GE and GE Capital.

While the enhanced prudential standards do not subject GE Capital to the Federal Reserve's capital plan rule applicable to large bank holding companies until the capital planning cycle beginning January 1, 2018, GE Capital conducts at a minimum an annual review of their capital adequacy prior to establishing a plan for dividends to us, the parent. This review is based on a forward-looking assessment of their material enterprise risks and involves the consideration of a number of factors. This analysis also includes an assessment of their capital and liquidity levels, as well as incorporating risk management and governance considerations. The most recent capital adequacy review, which contemplated the GE Capital Exit Plan, was approved by the GE Capital board of directors and the GE Board of Directors Risk Committee in October 2015. While a nonbank SIFI like GE Capital is currently not required to obtain FRB approval to pay a dividend, it may not, under FRB regulations, conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner.

As a nonbank SIFI, GE Capital is also required to submit an annual resolution plan to the FRB and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). GE Capital submitted its first resolution plan to the FRB and FDIC on June 30, 2014 and feedback was provided on July 28, 2015. GE Capital's second Resolution Plan was submitted to the FRB and FDIC on December 31, 2015. GE Capital's resolution plan describes how GE Capital could be resolved under existing insolvency regimes in a manner that mitigates potential disruption to the U.S. financial system and the global financial markets without the use of government support or taxpayer funds. If the FRB and FDIC determine that their resolution plan is deficient, the DFA authorizes the FRB and FDIC to impose more stringent capital, leverage or liquidity requirements on GE Capital or restrict their growth or activities until they submit a plan remedying the deficiencies. If the FRB and FDIC ultimately determine that GE Capital has not adequately addressed the deficiencies, they could order GE Capital to divest assets or operations in order to facilitate their orderly resolution in the event of their failure.

GE Capital is also subject to the Volcker Rule, which U.S. regulators finalized on December 10, 2013. The rule prohibits companies that are affiliated with U.S. insured depository institutions from engaging in "proprietary trading" or acquiring or retaining ownership interest in, or sponsoring or engaging in certain transactions with, a "hedge fund" or a "private equity fund." Proprietary trading and fund investing, as prohibited by the rule, are not core activities for GE Capital.

As previously discussed, on April 10, 2015, the company announced the GE Capital Exit Plan to reduce the size of its financial services businesses. GE has discussed the GE Capital Exit Plan, with its regulators and staff of the FSOC and plans to file its application with the FSOC in early 2016 to terminate the FSOC's designation of GE Capital as a nonbank SIFI.

In addition, in connection with the December 2015 reorganization described in The GE Capital Exit Plan section of the MD&A, GE Capital's international operations were consolidated under a new international holding company, GE Capital International Holdings Limited. GE Capital International Holdings Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of GE Capital with its own capital structure, and it is supervised by the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). The PRA's supervision includes capital and liquidity standards that could impact the payment of dividends to GE Capital, and GE Capital International Holdings Limited will remain subject to such supervision even if GE Capital's designation as a nonbank SIFI is terminated.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 110

RISK MANAGEMENT
Refer to GE's 2016 Proxy Statement for Board committee changes effective March 1, 2016.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 111

A disciplined approach to risk is important in a diversified organization like ours in order to ensure that we are executing according to our strategic objectives and that we only accept risk for which we are adequately compensated. We evaluate risk at the individual transaction level, and evaluate aggregated risk at the customer, industry, geographic and collateral-type levels, where appropriate. This section describes our risk management practices during 2015; refer to GE's Proxy Statement for Board committee changes effective March 1, 2016.

RESPONSIBILITIES

GE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The GE Board of Directors (Board) has oversight for risk management with a focus on the most significant risks facing the Company, including strategic, operational, financial and legal and compliance risks. At the end of each year, management and the Board jointly develop a list of major risks that GE plans to prioritize in the next year. Throughout the year, the Board and the committees to which it has delegated responsibility dedicate a portion of their meetings to review and discuss specific risk topics in greater detail. Significant risks are presented and discussed in the context of the CEO's report on operations to the Board at regularly scheduled Board meetings and at presentations to the Board and its committees by the vice chairmen, chief risk officers (CROs), general counsel and other employees.

COMMITTEES

The Board has delegated responsibility for the oversight of specific risks to Board committees as follows:

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE oversees the policies, processes and risks relating to the financial statements, the financial reporting process, compliance, auditing and cybersecurity. The Audit Committee, discusses with management the Company's risk assessment and risk management practices and, when reviewing and approving the annual audit plan for the Company's and GE Capital's internal audit functions, prioritizes audit focus areas based on their potential risk. The Audit Committee also coordinates closely with the Risk Committee and periodically meets jointly with the Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board.

THE GOVERNANCE & PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE oversees risk related to the Company's governance structure and processes and risks arising from related-person transactions. It also reviews and discusses with management risks related to GE's public policy initiatives and activities and positions on corporate social responsibilities, and it oversees the Company's environmental, health and safety compliance and related risks.

THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT & COMPENSATION COMMITTEE oversees risk associated with management resources and structure, succession planning and management development and selection processes, and it reviews executive compensation practices at GE and GE Capital to confirm that pay arrangements incentivize leaders to improve the Company's competitive position without encouraging excessive risk taking. The Management Development and Compensation Committee reviews and discusses, at least annually, the relationship between risk management policies and practices, corporate strategy and senior executive compensation.

THE RISK COMMITTEE assists the Board in its oversight of the Company's risk management framework. Its role also includes the independent oversight of GE Capital, including the adequacy and effectiveness of GE Capital's risk management function and the GE Capital Exit Plan, and the Risk Committee regularly meets jointly with the GE Capital Board throughout the year. Significant risks are also discussed in full Board updates, Audit Committee updates and during director business visits.

THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE oversees the direction and effectiveness of the Company's R&D operations. It also reviews the Company's technology and innovation strategies and approaches, including the impact on the Company's performance, growth and competitive position. The Science & Technology Committee assists the Board in overseeing GE's investments and initiatives in science, technology and software and reviews science and technology trends that could significantly affect the Company and the industries in which it operates.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 112


SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The GE Board's risk oversight process builds upon management's risk assessment and mitigation processes, which include standardized reviews of long-term strategic and operational planning; executive development and evaluation; code of conduct compliance under the Company's The Spirit & The Letter; regulatory compliance; health, safety and environmental compliance; financial reporting and controllership; and information technology and security.

The Corporate Risk Function is responsible for overseeing and coordinating risk assessment and mitigation on an enterprise-wide basis. It is responsible for the identification of key business risks, providing for appropriate oversight of the businesses' management of these risks within GE Board guidelines, and enforcement through policies and procedures.

OPERATING REVIEWS

CORPORATE AUDIT STAFF & GE CAPITAL AUDIT are responsible for reviewing the governance, processes, controls and accuracy of GE's and GE Capital's financial and compliance reporting.

THE POLICY COMPLIANCE REVIEW BOARD is a management-level committee that further assists in assessing and mitigating risk. The Policy Compliance Review Board, members of which participated in eight compliance operating reviews in 2015, is chaired by the Company's general counsel and includes the Chief Financial Officer and other senior-level functional leaders. It has principal responsibility for monitoring compliance matters across the Company.

GE BLUEPRINT REVIEWS are integrated business planning reviews across GE that evaluate strategic objectives, operating and organizational performance, and enterprise risks. Blueprint reviews are held at least four times per year and include the most senior GE business leaders.

GE CAPITAL'S ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE oversees the implementation of GE Capital's risk appetite, and senior management's establishment of appropriate systems to ensure enterprise risks are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled. Additional information on GE Capital's Enterprise Risk Management Committee can be found in the GE Capital Risk Management and Mitigation section below.

RISK MANAGERS

Risk assessment and risk management are the responsibility of management and are carried out through risk managers who are operationally integrated into each of our businesses. These risk managers bring deep domain expertise to the businesses' operations and core processes. Both risk managers and the business leadership teams have specific, enterprise risk focused goals and objectives that are aligned with our overall risk framework.

RISK MITIGATION & COMMUNICATION

Risks identified through our risk management processes are prioritized and, depending on the probability and severity of the risk, escalated as appropriate. Senior management discusses these risks periodically and assigns responsibility for them to the businesses. The assigned owners continually monitor, evaluate and report on risks for which they bear responsibility. Enterprise risk leaders within each business and corporate function are responsible to present risk assessments and key risks to senior management at least annually. We have general response strategies for managing risks, which categorize risks according to whether the Company will avoid, transfer, reduce or accept the risk. These response strategies are tailored to ensure that risk levels are within the Company's risk appetite.

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Depending on the nature of the risk involved and the particular business or function affected, we use a wide variety of risk mitigation strategies, including delegations of authority, standardized processes and strategic planning reviews, operating reviews, insurance, and hedging. As a matter of policy, we generally hedge the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. Our service businesses employ a comprehensive tollgate process leading up to and through the execution of a contractual service agreement to mitigate legal, financial and operational risks. Furthermore, we centrally manage some risks by purchasing insurance, the amount of which is determined by balancing the level of risk retained or assumed with the cost of transferring risk to others. We manage the risk of fluctuations in economic activity and customer demand by monitoring industry dynamics and responding accordingly, including by adjusting capacity, implementing cost reductions and engaging in mergers, acquisitions and dispositions.

GE CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT & MITIGATION

GE Capital promotes a strong culture of risk management, combined with a risk framework that effectively supports appropriate risk awareness, behaviors and sound risk-based decision making. GE Capital's risk framework recognizes that effective and comprehensive risk management must include three distinct lines of defense made up of GE Capital's business units, Corporate Risk Management and internal audit function.

Business units own and manage risk as a first line of defense with deep risk expertise. The GE Capital Corporate Risk Management function provides independent oversight and challenge as a second line of defense. The senior risk professionals have, on average, over 30 years of experience. GE Capital Audit provides the third line of defense.

Corporate Risk Management leverages the risk infrastructure in each of GE Capital's business units, which have adopted an approach that corresponds to GE Capital's overall risk policies, procedures and review mechanisms. GE Capital's risk infrastructure is designed to manage all risks relevant to its business environment that, if they materialized, could prevent GE Capital from achieving its risk objectives or result in losses. These risks comprise GE Capital's enterprise risk universe, which includes the following risks: strategic, liquidity, credit and investment, market, compliance and operational (including financial, information technology, human resources and legal). Reputational risk is considered and managed across each of the categories.

GE Capital continues to enhance its risk management processes consistent with the heightened supervisory expectations applicable to it as a nonbank SIFI. As a result, GE Capital is executing on strategic programs and an extensive number of deliverables to improve data and reporting systems, risk and governance processes and other enterprise initiatives including capital planning, models, valuations and regulatory reporting.

The GE Risk Committee and GE Capital Board establish GE Capital's risk appetite and oversee its risk management framework and risk assessment and management processes.  All participants in the GE Capital risk management process must comply with approval limits established by the GE Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board or within the business units pursuant to delegations of authority, and the GE Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board retain approval authority for significant acquisitions, dispositions, borrowings and investments.

GE Capital's Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC), which comprises the most senior leaders of GE Capital, oversees the implementation of GE Capital's risk appetite, and senior management's establishment of appropriate systems (including policies, procedures, and management committees) to ensure enterprise risks are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled. The ERMC has delegated the management of specific risks to various sub-committees, including the Operational Risk Management Committee, Asset-Liability Committee, Capital Planning Committee, Allowance and Valuation Risk Committee, Credit and Investment Risk Committee, Model Risk Management Committee, New Product Introduction Committee and Compliance Committee. A similar committee structure, where appropriate, is replicated at the business unit level.

The GE Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board periodically review and approve key risk management policies and they meet with GE Capital senior management throughout the year. At these meetings, GE Capital senior management focuses on the risk issues, strategy and governance of the business.

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GE Capital's Corporate Risk function, in consultation with the ERMC, updates GE Capital's Enterprise Risk Appetite Statement annually. This document articulates the enterprise risk objectives, its key universe of risks and the supporting limit structure. GE Capital's risk appetite is determined relative to its desired risk objectives, including, but not limited to, credit ratings, capital levels, liquidity management, regulatory assessments, earnings, dividends and compliance. GE Capital determines its risk appetite through consideration of portfolio analytics, including stress testing and economic capital measurement, experience and judgment of senior risk officers, current portfolio levels, strategic planning, and regulatory and rating agency expectations.

The Enterprise Risk Appetite Statement is presented to the GE Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board for review and approval at least annually. On a quarterly basis, the status of GE Capital's performance against these limits is reviewed by the GE Risk Committee, the GE Capital Board and the ERMC.

GE Capital monitors its capital adequacy including through economic capital, regulatory capital, scenario analysis and enterprise stress testing methodologies. GE Capital's economic capital methodology uses internal models to estimate potential unexpected losses across different portfolios with a confidence level equivalent to an A credit agency rating. GE Capital is also subject to the FRB's capital adequacy framework using the standardized approach to calculate risk-weighted assets, and it uses scenario analysis and stress testing for risk, liquidity and capital adequacy assessment and management purposes and as an integral part of GE Capital's overall planning processes. Scenario analysis and stress testing results inform key strategic portfolio decisions such as the amount of capital required to maintain minimum expected regulatory capital levels in severe but plausible stresses, capital allocation, assist in developing the risk appetite and limits and help in assessing product specific risk to guide the development and modification of product structures. The GE Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board review these results and their expected impact on capital levels and metrics. The GE Risk Committee and the GE Capital Board are responsible for overseeing overall capital adequacy, and the capital adequacy process, as well as approving GE Capital's annual capital plan and capital actions. If GE Capital is still a non-bank SIFI on January 1, 2018, it will also become subject to stress testing and capital planning requirements under the FRB's more formal comprehensive capital analysis and review (CCAR) regulations, enhanced leverage ratio requirements, enhanced governance requirements, daily liquidity calculations, additional reporting requirements and a market terms requirement for transactions between GE and GE Capital.

For additional information about our risks, see the Risk Factors, Regulations and Supervision and Critical Accounting Estimates sections within the MD&A.
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RISK FACTORS


The following discussion of risk factors contains "forward-looking statements," as discussed in the Forward-Looking Statements section. These risk factors may be important to understanding any statement in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or elsewhere. The following information should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) section and the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

GE's Corporate Risk Function leverages the risk framework in each of our businesses, which have adopted an approach that corresponds to the Company's overall risk policies, guidelines and review mechanisms. Our risk framework operates at the business and functional levels and is designed to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks within each of the risk categories below.

Our businesses routinely encounter and address risks, some of which will cause our future results to be different – sometimes materially different – than we presently anticipate. Below, we describe certain important strategic, operational, financial, and legal and compliance risks. Our reactions to material future developments as well as our competitors' reactions to those developments will affect our future results.

STRATEGIC RISKS

Strategic risk relates to the Company's future business plans and strategies, including the risks associated with: the global macro-environment in which we operate; mergers and acquisitions and restructuring activity; intellectual property; and other risks, including the demand for our products and services, competitive threats, technology and product innovation, and public policy.

Global macro-environment - Our growth is subject to global economic and political risks.
We operate in virtually every part of the world and serve customers in approximately 180 countries. In 2015, approximately 55% of our revenue was attributable to activities outside the United States. Our operations and the execution of our business plans and strategies are subject to the effects of global competition and geopolitical risks. They are also affected by local economic environments, including inflation, recession, currency volatility, currency controls and actual or anticipated default on sovereign debt. 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 global economic and political 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 may decrease or become even more costly as a result of more volatile market conditions.

M&A/restructuring - The success of our business depends on achieving our strategic objectives, including through acquisitions, joint ventures, dispositions and restructurings.
With respect to acquisitions, joint ventures and restructuring actions, we may not achieve expected returns and other benefits as a result of various factors, including integration and collaboration challenges, such as personnel and technology. In addition, we may not achieve anticipated cost savings from restructuring actions, which could result in lower margin rates. For example, our anticipated returns from the Alstom acquisition include cost and growth synergy benefits over a multi-year period that we may not fully realize. We also participate in a number of joint ventures with other companies or government enterprises in various markets around the world, including joint ventures where we may have a lesser degree of control over the business operations, which may expose us to additional operational, financial, legal or compliance risks. We are selling financial assets and businesses in numerous transactions in connection with the GE Capital Exit Plan, and we also continue to evaluate the potential disposition of other 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 executing alternative exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the accomplishment of our strategic objectives. Alternatively, we may dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less than we had anticipated, or with the exclusion of assets that must be divested or run off separately. After reaching an agreement with a buyer or seller for the acquisition or disposition of a business, such as the proposed sale of Appliances to Haier, the transaction remains subject to necessary regulatory and governmental approvals on acceptable terms as well as the satisfaction of pre-closing conditions, which may prevent us from completing the transaction. Dispositions may also involve continued financial involvement in the divested business, such as through continuing equity ownership, transition service agreements, guarantees, indemnities or other current or contingent financial obligations. Under these arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or other conditions outside our control could affect our future financial results.
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Intellectual property - Our intellectual property portfolio may not prevent competitors from independently developing products and services similar to or duplicative to ours.
Our patents and other intellectual property may not prevent competitors from independently developing or selling products and services similar to or duplicative of ours, and there can be no assurance that the resources invested by us to protect our intellectual property will be sufficient or that our intellectual property portfolio will adequately deter misappropriation or improper use of our technology. We could also face competition in some countries where we have not invested in an intellectual property portfolio. We also face attempts to gain unauthorized access to our IT systems or products for the purpose of improperly acquiring our trade secrets or confidential business information. The theft or unauthorized use or publication of our trade secrets and other confidential business information as a result of such an incident could adversely affect our competitive position and the value of our investment in research and development. We may be unable to secure or retain ownership or rights to use data in certain software analytics or services offerings. In addition, we may be the target of aggressive and opportunistic enforcement of patents by third parties, including non-practicing entities. Regardless of the merit of such claims, responding to infringement claims can be expensive and time-consuming. If GE is found to infringe any third-party rights, we could be required to pay substantial damages or we could be enjoined from offering some of our products and services. Also, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or renew from third parties the licenses we need in the future, and there is no assurance that such licenses can be obtained on reasonable terms.

OPERATIONAL RISKS

Operational risk relates to risks arising from systems, processes, people and external events that affect the operation of our businesses. It includes product life cycle and execution; product safety and performance; information management and data protection and security, including cyber security; supply chain and business disruption; and other risks, including human resources and reputation.

Operations - We may face operational challenges that could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial position and results of operations, and we are dependent on maintenance of existing product lines, market acceptance of new product and service introductions and product and service innovations for continued revenue and earnings growth.
We produce highly sophisticated products and provide specialized services for both our and third-party products that incorporate or use leading-edge technology, including both hardware and software. While we have built extensive operational processes to ensure that our product design, manufacture and servicing, and other services that we provide, meet the most rigorous quality standards, there can be no assurance that we or our customers or other third parties will not experience operational process failures or other problems, including through cyber attacks and other intentional acts, that could result in potential product, safety, regulatory or environmental risks. Despite the existence of crisis management or business continuity plans, operational failures or quality issues, including as a result of organizational changes, attrition or labor relations, could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial position and results of operations. For projects where we take on the full scope of engineering, procurement, construction or other services, the potential risk is greater that operational, quality or other issues at particular projects could adversely affect GE's results of operations. In addition, the markets in which we operate are subject to technological change and require skilled talent. Our long-term operating results depend substantially upon our ability to continually develop, introduce, and market new and innovative products and services, to modify existing products and services, to customize products and services, to respond to technological change and to deliver products, services and outcomes in line with our projected performance and/or cost estimates.

Cybersecurity - Increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to our systems, networks, products, solutions, services and data. 
Increased global cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks pose a risk to the security of GE's and its customers', partners', suppliers' and third-party service providers' products, systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of GE's and its customers' data. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, monitoring and testing, and maintenance of protective systems and contingency plans, we remain potentially vulnerable to additional known or unknown threats. We also may have access to sensitive, confidential or personal data or information in certain of our businesses that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations and customer-imposed controls. Despite our efforts to protect sensitive, confidential or personal data or information, we may be vulnerable to material security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming errors, employee errors and/or malfeasance that could potentially lead to the compromising of sensitive, confidential or personal data or information, improper use of our systems, software solutions or networks, unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification or destruction of information, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions. In addition, a cyber-related attack could result in other negative consequences, including damage to our reputation or competitiveness, remediation or increased protection costs, litigation or regulatory action.


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Supply chain - Significant raw material shortages, supplier capacity constraints, supplier production disruptions, supplier quality and sourcing issues or price increases could increase our operating costs and adversely impact the competitive positions of our products.
Our reliance on third-party suppliers, contract manufacturers and service providers, and commodity markets to secure raw materials, parts, components and sub-systems used in our products exposes us to volatility in the prices and availability of these materials, parts, components, systems and services. Some of these suppliers or their sub-suppliers are limited- or sole-source suppliers. A disruption in deliveries from our third-party suppliers, contract manufacturers or service providers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, or decreased availability of raw materials or commodities, including as a result of catastrophic events, could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our commitments to customers or increase our operating costs. Quality and sourcing issues experienced by third-party providers can also adversely affect the quality and effectiveness of our products and services and result in liability and reputational harm.

FINANCIAL RISKS

Financial risk relates to our ability to meet financial obligations and mitigate exposure to broad market risks, including volatility in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and commodity prices; credit risk; and liquidity risk, including risk related to our credit ratings and our availability and cost of funding. Credit risk is the risk of financial loss arising from a customer or counterparty failure to meet its contractual obligations. We face credit risk in our industrial businesses, as well as in our GE Capital investing, lending and leasing activities and derivative financial instruments activities. Liquidity risk refers to the potential inability to meet contractual or contingent financial obligations (whether on- or off-balance sheet) as they arise, and could potentially impact an institution's financial condition or overall safety and soundness.

Economy/counter-parties - A deterioration of conditions in the global economy, the major industries we serve or the financial markets, or the soundness of financial institutions and governments we deal with, may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The business and operating results of our industrial businesses have been, and will continue to be, affected by worldwide economic conditions, including conditions in the air and rail transportation, power generation, oil and gas, renewables, healthcare, home building and other major industries we serve. Existing or potential customers may delay or cancel plans to purchase our products and services, including large infrastructure projects, and may not be able to fulfill their obligations to us in a timely fashion as a result of business deterioration, cash flow shortages, low oil prices or difficulty obtaining financing due to slower global economic growth and other challenges affecting the global economy. In particular, the airline industry is highly cyclical, and the level of demand for air travel is correlated to the strength of the U.S. and international economies. An extended period of slow growth in the U.S. or internationally that results in the loss of business and leisure traffic could have a material adverse effect on our airline customers and the viability of their business. Service contract cancellations or customer dynamics such as early aircraft retirements, reduced electricity demand in our Power and Renewable Energy businesses or declines in orders, project commencement delays and pricing pressures on our Oil & Gas business from low oil prices could affect our ability to fully recover our contract costs and estimated earnings. Further, our vendors may be experiencing similar conditions, which may impact their ability to fulfill their obligations to us. If slower growth in the global economy continues for a significant period or there is significant deterioration in the global economy, our results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.

If conditions in the financial markets deteriorate, there can be no assurance that we will be able to recover fully the value of certain assets, including goodwill, intangibles and tax assets. Deterioration in the economy and in default and recovery rates could require us to increase allowances for loan losses, impairments or write-offs, which, depending on the amount of the increase, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations.

In addition, GE Capital has exposure to many different industries and counterparties, including sovereign governments, 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 increased when the value of collateral held cannot be realized through sale or is liquidated at prices insufficient 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 cash on deposit and unsecured debt instruments held in its investment portfolios. GE Capital has policies relating to credit rating requirements and to exposure limits to counterparties (as described in Notes 20 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements), which are designed to limit credit and liquidity risk. There can be no assurance, however, that any losses or impairments to the carrying value of financial assets would not materially and adversely affect GE's or GE Capital's business, financial position and results of operations.
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Funding access/costs - Failure to maintain our credit ratings, or conditions in the financial and credit markets, could adversely affect our access to capital markets, funding costs and related margins, liquidity and competitive position.
The major debt rating agencies routinely evaluate our debt. 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. As of December 31, 2015, GE and GE Capital's long-term unsecured debt credit rating from Standard and Poor's Ratings Service (S&P) was AA+ (the second highest of 22 rating categories) with a negative outlook. The long-term unsecured debt credit rating from Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) for GE and for GE Capital was A1 (the fifth highest of 21 credit ratings), both with stable outlooks. As of December 31, 2015, GE and GE Capital's short-term credit rating from S&P was A-1+ (the highest rating category of six categories) and from Moody's was P-1 (the highest rating category of four categories). There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our credit ratings and failure to do so could adversely affect our cost of funds and related margins, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets. Various debt and derivative instruments, guarantees and covenants would require posting additional capital or collateral in the event of a ratings downgrade, which, depending on the extent of the downgrade, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital position.

Furthermore, to the extent that we rely on the availability of the unsecured debt markets to access funding for term and commercial paper maturities for 2016 and beyond, external conditions in the financial and credit markets may limit the availability of funding at particular times or increase the cost of funding, which could affect our overall profitability. Factors that may affect the availability of funding or cause an increase in our funding costs include decreased capacity and increased competition among commercial paper issuers, and potential impacts arising in the United States, Europe or China from developments in sovereign debt situations, currency movements or other potential market disruptions. If GE or GE Capital's cost of funding were to increase, it may adversely affect our competitive position and result in lower net interest margins, earnings and cash flows as well as lower returns on shareowners' equity and invested capital.

Social costs - Sustained increases in pension and healthcare benefits costs may reduce our profitability.
Our results of operations may be positively or negatively affected by the amount of income or expense we record for our defined benefit pension plans. GAAP requires that we calculate income or expense for the plans using actuarial valuations. These valuations reflect assumptions about financial market and other economic conditions, which may change based on changes in key economic indicators. The most significant year-end assumptions we use to estimate pension expense for 2016 are the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets. In addition, we are required to make an annual measurement of plan assets and liabilities, which may result in a significant reduction or increase to equity. At the end of 2015, the GE Pension Plan was underfunded, on a GAAP basis, by $16.9 billion, and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, an unfunded plan, had a projected benefit obligation of $6.1 billion. Although GAAP expense and pension funding contributions are not directly related, key economic factors that affect GAAP expense would also likely affect the amount of cash we would contribute to pension plans as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Failure to achieve expected returns on plan assets driven by various factors, which could include a continued environment of low interest rates or sustained market volatility, could also result in an increase to the amount of cash we would be required to contribute to pension plans. In addition, there may be upward pressure on the cost of providing healthcare benefits to current employees and retirees. Although we have actively sought to control increases in these costs, there can be no assurance that we will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce our profitability. For a discussion regarding how our financial statements can be affected by our pension and healthcare benefit obligations, see the Other Consolidated Information – Postretirement Benefit Plans section and Notes 12 and 27 to the consolidated financial statements. See also the Critical Accounting Estimates – Pension Assumptions section for a discussion regarding how our financial statements can be affected by our pension plan accounting policies.

LEGAL & COMPLIANCE RISKS

Legal and compliance risk relates to risks arising from the government and regulatory environment and action, including resulting from the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; and legal proceedings and compliance with integrity policies and procedures, including those relating to financial reporting, environmental health and safety. Government and regulatory risk includes the risk that the government or regulatory actions will impose additional cost on us or cause us to have to change our business models or practices.

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Regulatory - We are subject to a wide variety of laws, regulations and government policies that may change in significant ways.
Our businesses are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, regulations and policies. There can be no assurance that laws, regulations and policies will not be changed in ways that will require us to modify our business models and objectives or affect our returns on investments by restricting existing activities and products, subjecting them to escalating costs or prohibiting them outright. In particular, substantial revisions that U.S. and non-U.S. governments are undertaking or considering in areas such as the regulation and supervision of bank and non-bank financial institutions, consumer lending, foreign exchange intervention in response to currency volatility, trade controls, the over-the-counter derivatives market and tax laws and regulations may have an effect on GE's, GE Capital's or other regulated subsidiaries' structure, operations, sales, liquidity, capital requirements, effective tax rate and performance. For example, efforts by public and private sectors to control the growth of healthcare costs may lead to lower reimbursements and increased utilization controls related to the use of our products by healthcare providers. Continued government scrutiny, including reviews of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) medical device pre-market authorization and post-market surveillance processes, may impact the requirements for marketing our products and slow our ability to introduce new products, resulting in an adverse impact on our business. Furthermore, we have been, and expect to continue, participating in U.S. and international governmental programs, which require us to comply with strict governmental regulations. Inability to comply with these regulations could adversely affect our status in these projects and adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Dodd-Frank - Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, we are subject to prudential oversight by the Federal Reserve, as a result of GE Capital's designation as a nonbank systemically important financial institution (nonbank SIFI), which subjects us to increased and evolving regulatory requirements.
GE Capital is a nonbank SIFI and as a result is subject to Federal Reserve Board (FRB) supervision. On July 20, 2015 the FRB published a final order that applies enhanced prudential standards to GE Capital as a nonbank SIFI. The final order staggers the application of the enhanced prudential standards with the first set of standards becoming applicable on January 1, 2016 and the second set becoming applicable on January 1, 2018. Under the standards applicable on January 1, 2016 GE Capital became subject to the FRB's capital adequacy framework using the standardized approach to calculate risk-weighted assets, as well as to the maintenance of a 90% liquidity coverage ratio until December 31, 2016 and a 100% ratio thereafter. If GE Capital is still a nonbank SIFI on January 1, 2018 the second set of enhanced prudential standards will apply. These standards would include stress testing and capital planning requirements under the FRB's more formal comprehensive capital analysis and review (CCAR) regulations, enhanced leverage ratio requirements, enhanced governance requirements, daily liquidity calculations, additional reporting requirements and a market terms requirement for transactions between GE and GE Capital. GE Capital plans to file an application with the FSOC in early 2016 to terminate the FSOC's designation of GE Capital as a nonbank SIFI, but the timeline for the FSOC to act on the application will be uncertain and a favorable FSOC decision is not assured. Until the FSOC approves the termination of GE Capital's designation as a nonbank SIFI, GE Capital will remain subject to regulatory requirements and, depending on the timing of favorable FSOC action, may need to delay planned cost reductions and potential capital distributions.

Legal proceedings - We are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks.
We are subject to a variety of legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in virtually every part of the world, including the matters described in the Legal Proceedings section. We, our representatives, and the industries in which we operate are subject to continuing scrutiny by regulators and other governmental authorities, which may, in certain circumstances, lead to enforcement actions, changes in business practices, fines and penalties or the assertion of private litigation claims and damages. Since closing our acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses in November 2015, we are also subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in connection with legacy matters involving those businesses that were previously outside our control and that we are now independently assessing. In addition to commercial disputes arising in the ordinary course of business, there are Alstom legacy matters in a number of jurisdictions that include alleged anti-competitive activities or improper payments. Although the alleged conduct predated our acquisition of the relevant Alstom businesses, we may nevertheless be held liable for fines, judgments or settlements in connection with currently pending or future proceedings. Additionally, we and our subsidiaries are subject to remedial actions to clean up contaminated sites as required by federal and state laws, such as the dredging of a stretch of the upper Hudson River in New York State that we completed in 2015 and anticipated remediation for a stretch of the Housatonic River in Massachusetts, as described in the Environmental Matters section. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the global and diverse nature of our operations and the current enforcement environment mean that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist with respect to our continuing and discontinued operations, and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time.

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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are 14 lawsuits relating to pending mortgage loan repurchase claims in which WMC, our U.S. mortgage business that we sold in 2007, is a party. The adverse parties in these cases are securitization trustees or parties claiming to act on their behalf. While the alleged claims for relief vary from case to case, the complaints and counterclaims in these actions generally assert claims for breach of contract, indemnification, and/or declaratory judgment, and seek specific performance (repurchase) and/or monetary damages. Beginning in the fourth quarter 2013, WMC entered into settlements that reduced its exposure on claims asserted in certain securitizations, and the claim amounts reported herein reflect the effect of these settlements.
 
Five WMC cases are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Four of these cases were initiated in 2012, and one was initiated in the third quarter 2013. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (Deutsche Bank) is the adverse party in four cases, and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York (Law Debenture) is the adverse party in one case. The Deutsche Bank complaints assert claims on approximately $4,300 million of mortgage loans and seek to recover damages in excess of approximately $1,800 million. The Law Debenture complaint asserts claims on approximately $800 million of mortgage loans, and alleges losses on these loans in excess of approximately $425 million.
 
Four WMC cases are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against US Bank National Association (US Bank), one of which was initiated by WMC seeking declaratory judgment. Three of these cases were filed in 2012, and one was filed in 2011. The Minnesota cases involve claims on approximately $800 million of mortgage loans and do not specify the amount of damages sought. On September 8, 2014, US Bank filed a petition for instructions in the administration of trusts in Minnesota State Court seeking authorization and instruction for US Bank to implement the terms of a settlement agreement reached with WMC to compromise, settle, and release all claims arising out of the securitizations at issue in these four lawsuits. In February 2015, two bondholders filed objections to the proposed settlement, and in response the court held an evidentiary hearing on February 1, 2016. In light of the state court action seeking approval of the proposed settlement, the District Court has stayed further proceedings in the four cases until April 2016.

Four cases are pending against WMC in New York State Supreme Court, all of which were initiated by securitization trustees or securities administrators. These cases involve, in the aggregate, claims involving approximately $4,559 million of mortgage loans. One of these lawsuits was initiated by Deutsche Bank in the second quarter 2013 and names as defendants WMC and Barclays Bank PLC. It involves claims against WMC on approximately $1,000 million of mortgage loans and does not specify the amount of damages sought. The second case, in which the plaintiff is The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY), was initiated in the fourth quarter 2012 and names as defendants WMC, J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. BNY asserts claims on approximately $1,300 million of mortgage loans, and seeks to recover damages in excess of $650 million. The third case was initiated by BNY in November 2013 and names as defendants WMC, J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. In this case, BNY asserts claims on approximately $1,300 million of mortgage loans, and seeks to recover damages in excess of $600 million. On September 18, 2015, the court granted defendants' motion to dismiss this case on statute of limitations grounds, and the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal on October 21, 2015. The fourth case was filed in October 2014 and names as defendants WMC, J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. The plaintiff, BNY, asserts claims on approximately $959 million of mortgage loans and seeks to recover damages in excess of $475 million.
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 121

As previously reported, two cases were pending against WMC in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York at September 30, 2015. In the fourth quarter 2015, WMC concluded a settlement of one of these cases, resulting in the dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice. This case, which BNY filed in the third quarter 2012, involved claims on approximately $900 million of mortgage loans and alleged damages in excess of $378 million. In 2014, the parties reached a settlement in principle on the claims arising from a portion of the loans held in the trust, which became effective on September 16, 2015. On September 18, 2015, the parties reached a settlement in principle on the remaining claims in the case, and the securitization trustee declared this settlement effective October 20, 2015 and the case was formally dismissed on October 23, 2015. The remaining case was initiated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in the fourth quarter 2012. In the second quarter 2013, Deutsche Bank, in its role as securitization trustee, intervened as a plaintiff and filed a complaint relating to approximately $1,300 million of loans and alleging losses in excess of approximately $100 million. In December 2013, the District Court issued an order denying WMC's motion to dismiss but, on its own motion, ordered re-briefing on several issues raised by WMC's motion to dismiss in February 2015. On July 10, 2015, the District Court entered an order dismissing the lawsuit as time-barred under the applicable statute of limitations. Deutsche Bank filed a notice of appeal from this order of dismissal on August 13, 2015.
 
The amounts of the claims at issue in these cases (discussed above) reflect the purchase price or unpaid principal balances of the mortgage loans at issue at the time of purchase and do not give effect to pay downs, accrued interest or fees, or potential recoveries based upon the underlying collateral. All of the mortgage loans involved in these lawsuits are included in WMC's reported claims at December 31, 2015. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

In December 2015, we learned that, as part of continuing industry-wide investigation of subprime mortgages, the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating potential violations of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) by WMC and its affiliates arising out of the origination, purchase or sale of residential mortgage loans between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2007. The Justice Department subsequently issued subpoenas for documents to WMC and GE Capital in January 2016. We will cooperate with the Justice Department's investigation, which is at an early stage.

In connection with our acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses in November 2015, we are subject to legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in connection with legacy matters involving those businesses that were previously outside our control and that we are now independently assessing. As previously reported by Alstom, following a European Union investigation of alleged anti-competitive practices in the sale of gas-insulated switchgears that began in 2004 and concluded with Alstom's payment of a €79 million fine in 2014, in September 2013 the Israeli Antitrust Authority issued a decision whereby Alstom, Siemens AG and ABB Ltd. were held liable for an alleged anti-competitive arrangement in the gas-insulated switchgears market in Israel. While there is no fine in connection with that decision, claimants brought civil actions in 2013 seeking damages of approximately $950 million and $600 million, respectively, related to the alleged conduct underlying the decision that are currently pending before the Central District Court in Israel. In March 2015, the court consolidated the civil actions into one proceeding as to liability, but no trial date has yet been set.

As previously reported, in 2000, GE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entered into a consent decree relating to PCB cleanup of the Housatonic River in Massachusetts. In 2012, the EPA issued a status report describing potential conceptual approaches to a 10-mile stretch of the river downstream from a previously remediated area. In September 2015, the EPA released an intended final decision for the so called "Rest of River". This is not the EPA's final decision, rather, the consent decree provides for discussions and a detailed dispute resolution process between GE and EPA, after which the EPA will issue its final decision. As of December 31, 2015, and based on its assessment of current facts and circumstances, GE believes that it has recorded adequate reserves to cover future obligations associated with an expected final remedy.

The company is reporting the following matter in compliance with SEC requirements to disclose environmental proceedings where the government is a party potentially involving monetary sanctions of $100,000 or greater. As previously reported, in October 2014, the U.S. federal government informed the company that it was seeking penalties under the Clean Air and Resource and Conservation Recovery Acts in connection with a facility sold to Momentive Performance Materials, Inc. in 2006. The allegations relate to improper operation of pollution control monitoring equipment by incinerator operators. The matter was resolved through a consent decree with the U.S. federal government and the state of New York that was filed December 4, 2015, and pursuant to the agreement GE paid a penalty of $2.3 million on January 4, 2016.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 122

MANAGEMENT AND AUDITOR'S REPORTS


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We believe that great companies are built on a foundation of reliable financial information and compliance with the spirit and letter of the law. For General Electric Company, that foundation includes rigorous management oversight of, and an unyielding dedication to, controllership. The financial disclosures in this report are one product of our commitment to high-quality financial reporting. In addition, we make every effort to adopt appropriate accounting policies, we devote our full resources to ensuring that those policies are applied properly and consistently and we do our best to fairly present our financial results in a manner that is complete and understandable.

Members of our corporate leadership team review each of our businesses routinely on matters that range from overall strategy and financial performance to staffing and compliance. Our business leaders monitor financial and operating systems, enabling us to identify potential opportunities and concerns at an early stage and positioning us to respond rapidly. Our Board of Directors oversees management's business conduct, and our Audit Committee, which consists entirely of independent directors, oversees our internal control over financial reporting. We continually examine our governance practices in an effort to enhance investor trust and improve the Board's overall effectiveness. The Board and its committees annually conduct a performance self-evaluation and recommend improvements. Our lead director chaired three meetings of our independent directors this year, helping us sharpen our full Board meetings to better cover significant topics. Compensation policies for our executives are aligned with the long-term interests of GE investors.

We strive to maintain a dynamic system of internal controls and procedures—including internal control over financial reporting—designed to ensure reliable financial recordkeeping, transparent financial reporting and disclosure, and protection of physical and intellectual property. We recruit, develop and retain a world-class financial team. Our internal audit function, including members of our Corporate Audit Staff, conducts thousands of financial, compliance and process improvement audits each year. Our Audit Committee oversees the scope and evaluates the overall results of these audits, and members of that Committee regularly attend GE Capital Board of Directors, Corporate Audit Staff and Controllership Council meetings. Our global integrity policies—"The Spirit & The Letter"—require compliance with law and policy, and pertain to such vital issues as upholding financial integrity and avoiding conflicts of interest. These integrity policies are available in 35 languages, and are provided to all of our employees, holding each of them accountable for compliance. Our strong compliance culture reinforces these efforts by requiring employees to raise any compliance concerns and by prohibiting retribution for doing so. To facilitate open and candid communication, we have designated ombudspersons throughout the Company to act as independent resources for reporting integrity or compliance concerns. We hold our directors, consultants, agents and independent contractors to the same integrity standards.

We are keenly aware of the importance of full and open presentation of our financial position and operating results, and rely for this purpose on our disclosure controls and procedures, including our Disclosure Committee, which comprises senior executives with detailed knowledge of our businesses and the related needs of our investors. We ask this committee to review our compliance with accounting and disclosure requirements, to evaluate the fairness of our financial and non-financial disclosures, and to report their findings to us. In 2015, we further ensured strong disclosure by holding approximately 125 analyst and investor meetings with GE leadership present.

We welcome the strong oversight of our financial reporting activities by our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, engaged by and reporting directly to the Audit Committee. U.S. legislation requires management to report on internal control over financial reporting and for auditors to render an opinion on such controls. Our report and the KPMG LLP report for 2015 follow.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 123

MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With our participation, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting was conducted as of December 31, 2015, based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015.

On November 2, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses. As permitted for recently acquired businesses, management has excluded the acquired Alstom businesses from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting. The excluded Alstom businesses represent total assets and total revenues of 3.5 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year-ended December 31, 2015.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting. Their report follows.


/s/ Jeffrey R. Immelt
 
/s/ Jeffrey S. Bornstein
Jeffrey R. Immelt
 
Jeffrey S. Bornstein
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
 
February 26, 2016
 
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 


DISCLOSURE CONTROLS

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 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.

Other than as explained below, there have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

On November 2, 2015, we closed the acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewable, and Grid businesses.  As a result of the timing, breadth and complexity of the transaction, we increased the level of resources involved in the application of our internal processes and controls to the financial closing and reporting processes and to reach a preliminary purchase price allocation.  During 2016, we expect the following will occur with respect to these acquired businesses: (1) purchase price allocations will be finalized, (2) they will continue the transition to our accounting and reporting policies and processes, and (3) their systems and processes will be integrated into our framework of internal controls over financial reporting. These actions may precipitate changes in processes or controls.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 124

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Shareowners and Board of Directors
of General Electric Company:

We have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates (the "Company") as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareowners' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
On November 2, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Alstom's Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses (collectively, the "Acquired Businesses"), and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, the Acquired Businesses' internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets representing 3.5 percent of consolidated assets, and total revenues representing 1.7 percent of consolidated revenues and other income, included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of the Acquired Businesses.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying consolidating information appearing on pages 129, 133 and 135 is presented for purposes of additional analysis of the consolidated financial statements rather than to present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the individual entities. The consolidating information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

   /s/ KPMG LLP
 
KPMG LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2016
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 125


















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GE 2015 FORM 10-K 126

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES

Statement of Earnings
128
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
130
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareowners' Equity
131
Statement of Financial Position
132
Statement of Cash Flows
134
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
1
 
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
136
 
2
 
Businesses Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
147
 
3
 
Investment Securities
153
 
4
 
Current Receivables
 156
 
5
 
Inventories
156
 
6
 
GE Capital Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses on Financing Receivables
157
 
7
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
158
 
8
 
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
159
 
9
 
Contract Assets and All Other Assets
163
 
10
 
Borrowings
164
 
11
 
Investment Contracts, Insurance Liabilities and Insurance Annuity Benefits
166
 
12
 
Postretirement Benefit Plans
167
 
13
 
All Other Liabilities
171
 
14
 
Income Taxes
172
 
15
 
Shareowners' Equity
176
 
16
 
Other Stock-related Information
181
 
17
 
Other Income
184
 
18
 
Earnings Per Share Information
184
 
19
 
Fair Value Measurements
185
 
20
 
Financial Instruments
189
 
21
 
Variable Interest Entities
195
 
22
 
Commitments, Guarantees and Product Warranties
197
 
23
 
Intercompany Transactions
199
 
24
 
Operating Segments
200
 
25
 
Cash Flows Information
203
 
26
 
Cost Information
204
 
27
 
Supplemental Information
205
 
28
 
Quarterly Information (unaudited)
211
         

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 127

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
   
General Electric Company
   
and consolidated affiliates
For the years ended December 31 (In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Revenues and other income
               
Sales of goods
$
74,510
 
$
76,568
 
$
71,873
Sales of services
 
31,298
   
30,190
   
28,669
Other income (Note 17)
 
2,227
   
778
   
3,107
GE Capital earnings from continuing operations
 
-
   
-
   
-
GE Capital revenues from services
 
9,350
   
9,648
   
9,595
   Total revenues and other income
 
117,386
   
117,184
   
113,245
                 
Costs and expenses (Note 26)
               
Cost of goods sold
 
59,905
   
61,257
   
57,867
Cost of services sold
 
22,788
   
22,447
   
21,974
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
17,831
   
16,848
   
17,945
Interest and other financial charges
 
3,463
   
2,723
   
2,870
Investment contracts, insurance losses and
               
   insurance annuity benefits
 
2,605
   
2,530
   
2,661
Other costs and expenses
 
2,608
   
1,115
   
828
   Total costs and expenses
 
109,200
   
106,921
   
104,145
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
               
   before income taxes
 
8,186
   
10,263
   
9,100
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (Note 14)
 
(6,485)
   
(773)
   
(1,219)
Earnings from continuing operations
 
1,700
   
9,490
   
7,881
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
               
   net of taxes (Note 2)
 
(7,495)
   
5,855
   
5,475
Net earnings (loss)
 
(5,795)
   
15,345
   
13,355
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
332
   
112
   
298
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
 
(6,126)
   
15,233
   
13,057
Preferred stock dividends
 
(18)
   
-
   
-
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners
$
(6,145)
 
$
15,233
 
$
13,057
                 
Amounts attributable to GE common shareowners
               
   Earnings from continuing operations
$
1,700
 
$
9,490
 
$
7,881
   Less net earnings (loss) attributable to
               
      noncontrolling interests, continuing operations
 
19
   
(45)
   
262
   Earnings from continuing operations attributable
               
      to the Company
 
1,681
   
9,535
   
7,618
   Preferred stock dividends
 
(18)
   
-
   
-
   Earnings from continuing operations attributable
               
      to GE common shareowners
 
1,663
   
9,535
   
7,618
   Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
(7,495)
   
5,855
   
5,475
   Less net earnings (loss) attributable to
               
      noncontrolling interests, discontinued operations
 
312
   
157
   
36
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners
$
(6,145)
 
$
15,233
 
$
13,057
                 
Per-share amounts (Note 18)
               
   Earnings from continuing operations
               
      Diluted earnings per share
$
0.17
 
$
0.94
 
$
0.74
      Basic earnings per share
$
0.17
 
$
0.95
 
$
0.74
                 
   Net earnings (loss)
               
      Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.61)
 
$
1.50
 
$
1.27
      Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.62)
 
$
1.51
 
$
1.28
                 
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.92
 
$
0.89
 
$
0.79
                 
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See Note 3 for other-than-temporary impairment amounts on investment securities.

See accompanying notes.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 128



 
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS (CONTINUED)
                                   
For the years ended December 31
GE(a)
 
Financial Services (GE Capital)
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                                   
Revenues and other income
                                 
Sales of goods
$
74,565
 
$
76,715
 
$
71,951
 
$
79
 
$
121
 
$
126
Sales of services
 
31,641
   
30,594
   
29,063
   
-
   
-
   
-
Other income (Note 17)
 
2,165
   
707
   
2,886
   
-
   
-
   
-
GE Capital earnings from continuing operations
 
(7,672)
   
1,532
   
699
   
-
   
-
   
-
GE Capital revenues from services
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
10,722
   
11,199
   
11,141
   Total revenues and other income
 
100,700
   
109,546
   
104,599
   
10,801
   
11,320
   
11,267
                                   
Costs and expenses (Note 26)
                                 
Cost of goods sold
 
59,970
   
61,420
   
57,962
   
69
   
104
   
108
Cost of services sold
 
20,858
   
20,456
   
19,668
   
2,273
   
2,394
   
2,700
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
14,914
   
14,972
   
16,104
   
3,512
   
2,689
   
2,550
Interest and other financial charges
 
1,706
   
1,579
   
1,333
   
2,301
   
1,638
   
2,021
Investment contracts, insurance losses and
                                 
   insurance annuity benefits
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,737
   
2,660
   
2,764
Other costs and expenses
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
2,647
   
1,159
   
856
   Total costs and expenses
 
97,447
   
98,427
   
95,068
   
13,539
   
10,645
   
10,999
                                   
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
                                 
   before income taxes
 
3,252
   
11,119
   
9,531
   
(2,739)
   
676
   
268
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (Note 14)
 
(1,506)
   
(1,634)
   
(1,667)
   
(4,979)
   
861
   
448
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
 
1,746
   
9,485
   
7,864
   
(7,718)
   
1,537
   
716
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
                                 
   net of taxes (Note 2)
 
(7,807)
   
5,698
   
5,439
   
(7,485)
   
5,860
   
5,540
Net earnings (loss)
 
(6,061)
   
15,182
   
13,303
   
(15,202)
   
7,397
   
6,256
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
83
   
(50)
   
245
   
248
   
162
   
53
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
 
(6,145)
   
15,233
   
13,057
   
(15,450)
   
7,234
   
6,204
Preferred stock dividends
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(330)
   
(322)
   
(298)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners
$
(6,145)
 
$
15,233
 
$
13,057
 
$
(15,780)
 
$
6,912
 
$
5,906
                                   
Amounts attributable to GE common shareowners:
                                 
   Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
1,746
 
$
9,485
 
$
7,864
 
$
(7,718)
 
$
1,537
 
$
716
   Less net earnings (loss) attributable to
                                 
      noncontrolling interests, continuing operations
 
83
   
(50)
   
245
   
(64)
   
5
   
17
   Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable
                                 
      to the Company
 
1,663
   
9,535
   
7,618
   
(7,654)
   
1,532
   
699
Preferred stock dividends
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(330)
   
(322)
   
(298)
   Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable
                                 
      to GE common shareowners
 
1,663
   
9,535
   
7,618
   
(7,983)
   
1,209
   
401
   Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes 
 
(7,807)
   
5,698
   
5,439
   
(7,485)
   
5,860
   
5,540
   Less net earnings (loss) attributable to
                                 
      noncontrolling interests, discontinued operations
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
312
   
157
   
36
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners
$
(6,145)
 
$
15,233
 
$
13,057
 
$
(15,780)
 
$
6,912
 
$
5,906
                                   
(a)
Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except GE Capital, which is presented on a one-line basis. See Note 1.
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
In the consolidating data on this page, "GE" means the basis of consolidation as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements; "GE Capital" means General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC) and its successor GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC (GECGH) and all of their affiliates and associated companies. Separate information is shown for "GE" and "GE Capital." Transactions between GE and GE Capital have been eliminated from the "General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates" columns on the prior page.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 129

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
               
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
     
                 
For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Net earnings (loss)
$
(5,795)
 
$
15,345
 
$
13,355
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
332
   
112
   
298
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(6,126)
 
$
15,233
 
$
13,057
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
               
   Investment securities
$
(553)
 
$
708
 
$
(374)
  Currency translation adjustments
 
(3,137)
   
(2,730)
   
(308)
   Cash flow hedges
 
99
   
234
   
466
   Benefit plans
 
5,165
   
(7,278)
   
11,300
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
1,575
   
(9,066)
   
11,084
Less other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(69)
   
(13)
   
(25)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company
 
$
1,644
 
$
(9,053)
 
$
11,109
                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(4,220)
 
$
6,278
 
$
24,440
Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
263
   
99
   
273
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company
$
(4,483)
 
$
6,180
 
$
24,167
                 
Amounts presented net of taxes. See Note 15 for further information about other comprehensive income (loss) and noncontrolling interests.
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See accompanying notes.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 130

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
                 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
     
                   
(In millions)
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                   
GE shareowners' equity balance at January 1
 
$
128,159
 
$
130,566
 
$
123,026
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
   
(6,126)
   
15,233
   
13,057
Dividends and other transactions with shareowners
   
(9,155)
   
(8,948)
   
(8,060)
Redemption value adjustment for redeemable noncontrolling interests
   
(25)
   
(2)
   
(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company
   
1,644
   
(9,053)
   
11,109
Net sales (purchases) of shares for treasury(a)
   
(20,946)
   
(32)
   
(7,989)
Changes in other capital
   
4,724
   
396
   
(576)
Ending balance at December 31
   
98,274
   
128,159
   
130,566
Noncontrolling interests
   
1,864
   
8,674
   
6,217
Total equity balance at December 31
 
$
100,138
 
$
136,833
 
$
136,783
                   
(a)
2015 included $(20,383) million related to the split-off of Synchrony Financial from GE, where GE shares were exchanged for shares of Synchrony Financial.
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See Note 15 for further information about changes in shareowners' equity.
See accompanying notes.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 131

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
 
General Electric Company
 
 
and consolidated affiliates
At December 31 (In millions, except share amounts)
2015
 
2014
       
Assets
         
Cash and equivalents
$
70,483
 
$
70,025
Investment securities (Note 3)
 
31,973
   
35,505
Current receivables (Note 4)
 
27,022
   
23,237
Inventories (Note 5)
 
22,515
   
17,689
Financing receivables – net (Note 6)
 
12,052
   
13,445
Other GE Capital receivables
 
6,782
   
6,261
Property, plant and equipment – net (Note 7)
 
54,095
   
48,070
Receivable from GE Capital (debt assumption)
 
-
   
-
Investment in GE Capital
 
-
   
-
Goodwill (Note 8)
 
65,526
   
53,207
Other intangible assets – net (Note 8)
 
16,744
   
13,182
Contract assets (Note 9)
 
21,156
   
16,960
All other assets (Note 9)
 
37,471
   
24,836
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)
 
3,105
   
6,183
Assets of businesses held for sale (Note 2)
 
2,818
   
2,826
Assets of discontinued operations (Note 2)
 
120,951
   
323,529
Total assets(a)
$
492,692
 
$
654,954
           
Liabilities and equity
         
Short-term borrowings (Note 10)
$
49,892
 
$
70,425
Accounts payable, principally trade accounts
 
13,680
   
12,067
Progress collections and price adjustments accrued
 
15,776
   
12,537
Dividends payable
 
2,167
   
2,317
Other GE current liabilities
 
23,597
   
14,323
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities (Note 10)
 
3,083
   
4,403
Long-term borrowings (Note 10)
 
145,301
   
186,596
Investment contracts, insurance liabilities and insurance annuity benefits (Note 11)
 
25,692
   
27,432
Non-current compensation and benefits
 
40,487
   
42,238
All other liabilities (Note 13)
 
22,558
   
16,511
Liabilities of businesses held for sale (Note 2)
 
861
   
941
Liabilities of discontinued operations (Note 2)
 
46,487
   
128,233
Total liabilities(a)
 
389,582
   
518,023
           
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 15)
 
2,972
   
98
           
Preferred stock (5,944,250 shares outstanding at year-end 2015
         
   and no shares outstanding at year-end 2014)
 
6
   
-
GECC preferred stock (no shares outstanding at year-end 2015
         
   and 50,000 shares outstanding at year-end 2014)
 
-
   
-
Common stock (9,379,288,000 and 10,057,380,000 shares outstanding
         
   at year-end 2015 and 2014, respectively)
 
702
   
702
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – net attributable to GE(b)
         
   Investment securities
 
460
   
1,013
   Currency translation adjustments
 
(5,499)
   
(2,428)
   Cash flow hedges
 
(80)
   
(180)
   Benefit plans
 
(11,410)
   
(16,578)
Other capital
 
37,613
   
32,889
Retained earnings
 
140,020
   
155,333
Less common stock held in treasury
 
(63,539)
   
(42,593)
Total GE shareowners' equity
 
98,274
   
128,159
Noncontrolling interests(c) (Note 15)
 
1,864
   
8,674
Total equity (Note 15 and 16)
 
100,138
   
136,833
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity
$
492,692
 
$
654,954
           
(a) Our consolidated assets at December 31, 2015 included total assets of $8,542 million of certain variable interest entities (VIEs) that can only be used to settle the liabilities of those VIEs. These assets included current receivables and net financing receivables of $4,387 million and investment securities of $1,404 million within continuing operations and assets of discontinued operations of $1,798 million. Our consolidated liabilities at December 31, 2015 included liabilities of certain VIEs for which the VIE creditors do not have recourse to GE. These liabilities included non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities (CSEs) of $3,083 million within continuing operations and non-recourse borrowings of CSEs within discontinued operations of $794 million. See Note 21.
(b) The sum of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) attributable to the Company was $(16,529) million and $(18,172) million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(c) Included AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interests of $(264) million and $(194) million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See accompanying notes.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 132

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)
                       
 
GE(a)
 
Financial Services (GE Capital)
At December 31 (In millions, except share amounts)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
               
Assets
                     
Cash and equivalents
$
10,372
 
$
15,916
 
$
60,111
 
$
54,109
Investment securities (Note 3)
 
151
   
84
   
31,827
   
35,425
Current receivables (Note 4)
 
14,707
   
11,513
   
-
   
-
Inventories (Note 5)
 
22,449
   
17,639
   
66
   
50
Financing receivables - net (Note 6)
 
-
   
-
   
25,003
   
25,647
Other GE Capital receivables
 
-
   
-
   
15,865
   
13,848
Property, plant and equipment – net (Note 7)
 
20,145
   
17,207
   
34,781
   
31,253
Receivable from GE Capital (debt assumption)(b)
 
85,114
   
-
   
-
   
-
Investment in GE Capital
 
46,227
   
82,549
   
-
   
-
Goodwill (Note 8)
 
63,157
   
51,526
   
2,370
   
1,680
Other intangible assets – net (Note 8)
 
16,312
   
12,984
   
435
   
202
Contract assets (Note 9)
 
21,156
   
16,960
   
-
   
-
All other assets (Note 9)
 
13,281
   
7,722
   
25,287
   
17,445
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)
 
7,666
   
8,772
   
(4,561)
   
(2,590)
Assets of businesses held for sale (Note 2)
 
2,818
   
2,805
   
-
   
-
Assets of discontinued operations (Note2)
 
9
   
9
   
120,942
   
323,520
Total assets
$
323,562
 
$
245,686
 
$
312,125
 
$
500,589
                       
Liabilities and equity
                     
Short-term borrowings (Note 10)(b)
$
19,799
 
$
3,872
 
$
48,650
 
$
67,416
Accounts payable, principally trade accounts
 
19,250
   
16,511
   
1,745
   
1,905
Progress collections and price adjustments accrued
 
15,776
   
12,550
   
-
   
-
Dividends payable
 
2,167
   
2,317
   
-
   
-
Other GE current liabilities
 
23,595
   
14,322
   
-
   
-
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities (Note 10)
 
-
   
-
   
3,083
   
4,403
Long-term borrowings (Note10)(b)
 
83,770
   
12,468
   
129,062
   
174,174
Investment contracts, insurance liabilities and insurance annuity benefits (Note 11)
 
-
   
-
   
26,155
   
27,881
Non-current compensation and benefits
 
39,472
   
41,494
   
1,006
   
734
All other liabilities (Note 13)
 
15,573
   
11,429
   
9,351
   
5,583
Liabilities of businesses held for sale (Note 2)
 
1,409
   
1,504
   
-
   
-
Liabilities of discontinued operations (Note 2)
 
128
   
137
   
46,359
   
128,096
Total liabilities
 
220,938
   
116,604
   
265,411
   
410,191
                       
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 15)
 
2,972
   
98
   
-
   
-
                       
Preferred stock (5,944,250 shares outstanding at year-end 2015)
                     
     and no shares outstanding at year-end 2014)
 
6
   
-
   
6
   
-
GECC preferred stock (no shares outstanding at year-end 2015
                     
   and 50,000 shares outstanding at year-end 2014)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
Common stock (9,379,288,000 and 10,057,380,000 shares outstanding
                     
   at year-end 2015 and 2014, respectively)
 
702
   
702
   
-
   
-
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) - net attributable to GE
                     
   Investment securities
 
460
   
1,013
   
456
   
1,010
   Currency translation adjustments
 
(5,499)
   
(2,428)
   
(898)
   
(839)
   Cash flow hedges
 
(80)
   
(180)
   
(112)
   
(172)
   Benefit plans
 
(11,410)
   
(16,578)
   
(540)
   
(577)
Other capital
 
37,613
   
32,889
   
12,326
   
32,999
Retained earnings
 
140,020
   
155,333
   
34,988
   
55,077
Less common stock held in treasury
 
(63,539)
   
(42,593)
   
-
   
-
Total GE shareowners' equity
 
98,274
   
128,159
   
46,227
   
87,499
Noncontrolling interests (Note 15)
 
1,378
   
825
   
486
   
2,899
Total equity (Notes 15 and 16)
 
99,651
   
128,984
   
46,713
   
90,398
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity
$
323,562
 
$
245,686
 
$
312,125
 
$
500,589
                       
(a)
Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except GE Capital, which is presented on a one-line basis. See Note 1.
(b)
On December 2, 2015, senior unsecured notes and commercial paper was assumed by GE upon its merger with GE Capital resulting in an intercompany payable to GE. At December 31, 2015, this amounted to $17,649 million in short-term borrowings and $67,465 million in long-term borrowings. See Note 10 for additional information.
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
In the consolidating data on this page, "GE" means the basis of consolidation as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements; "GE Capital" means General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC) and its successor GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC (GECGH) and all of their affiliates and associated companies. Separate information is shown for "GE" and "GE Capital." Transactions between GE and GE Capital have been eliminated from the "General Electric Company and consolidated affiliates" columns on the prior page.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 133

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
General Electric Company
 
 and consolidated affiliates
For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Cash flows – operating activities
               
Net earnings (loss)
$
(5,795)
 
$
15,345
 
$
13,355
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
332
   
112
   
298
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
 
(6,126)
   
15,233
   
13,057
(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations
 
7,495
   
(5,855)
   
(5,475)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings attributable to the
               
   Company to cash provided from operating activities:
               
      Depreciation and amortization of property,
               
         plant and equipment
 
4,847
   
4,953
   
5,202
      Earnings from continuing operations retained by GE Capital
 
-
   
-
   
-
      Deferred income taxes
 
383
   
(882)
   
(3,540)
      Decrease (increase) in GE current receivables
 
(52)
   
(1,913)
   
(485)
      Decrease (increase) in inventories
 
(314)
   
(872)
   
(1,368)
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 
(541)
   
565
   
442
      Increase (decrease) in GE progress collections
 
(996)
   
(515)
   
1,892
      All other operating activities
 
7,160
   
5,318
   
4,672
Cash from (used for) operating activities – continuing operations
 
11,856
   
16,033
   
14,398
Cash from (used for) operating activities – discontinued operations
 
8,034
   
11,676
   
14,112
Cash from (used for) operating activities
 
19,891
   
27,709
   
28,510
                 
Cash flows – investing activities
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(7,309)
   
(7,134)
   
(6,754)
Dispositions of property, plant and equipment
 
3,020
   
2,923
   
2,716
Net decrease (increase) in GE Capital financing receivables
 
1,043
   
1,260
   
2,151
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
 
79,615
   
232
   
528
Proceeds from principal business dispositions
 
2,283
   
630
   
1,818
Proceeds from sale of equity interest in NBCU LLC
 
-
   
-
   
16,699
Net cash from (payments for) principal businesses purchased
 
(12,027)
   
(2,091)
   
(8,026)
All other investing activities
 
(5,013)
   
23,410
   
35,027
Cash from (used for) investing activities – continuing operations
 
61,613
   
19,229
   
44,159
Cash from (used for) investing activities – discontinued operations
 
(2,125)
   
(24,263)
   
(15,042)
Cash from (used for) investing activities
 
59,488
   
(5,034)
   
29,117
                 
Cash flows – financing activities
               
Net increase (decrease) in borrowings (maturities of
               
   90 days or less)
 
(24,459)
   
(6,409)
   
(14,048)
Newly issued debt (maturities longer than 90 days)
 
13,951
   
14,629
   
38,356
Repayments and other reductions (maturities longer than 90 days)
 
(47,038)
   
(38,410)
   
(53,624)
Proceeds from issuance of GE Capital preferred stock
 
-
   
-
   
990
Net dispositions (purchases) of GE shares for treasury
 
(1,099)
   
(1,218)
   
(9,278)
Dividends paid to shareowners
 
(9,295)
   
(8,852)
   
(7,821)
All other financing activities
 
(1,605)
   
(652)
   
(1,388)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – continuing operations
 
(69,547)
   
(40,912)
   
(46,813)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – discontinued operations
 
(6,507)
   
23,956
   
1,238
Cash from (used for) financing activities
 
(76,054)
   
(16,956)
   
(45,575)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
 
(3,464)
   
(3,492)
   
(795)
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
 
(138)
   
2,224
   
11,258
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
 
91,017
   
88,792
   
77,533
Cash and equivalents at end of year
 
90,879
   
91,017
   
88,792
Less cash and equivalents of discontinued operations
               
    at end of year
 
20,395
   
20,991
   
9,617
Cash and equivalents of continuing operations at end of year
$
70,483
 
$
70,025
 
$
79,173
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
               
Cash paid during the year for interest
$
(9,558)
 
$
(9,560)
 
$
(8,988)
Cash recovered (paid) during the year for income taxes
 
(2,486)
   
(2,955)
   
(2,487)
                 
Amounts may not add due to rounding.
See accompanying notes.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 134

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
                 
                                   
 
GE(a)
 
Financial Services (GE Capital)
For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                                   
Cash flows – operating activities
                                 
Net earnings (loss)
$
(6,061)
 
$
15,182
 
$
13,303
 
$
(15,202)
 
$
7,397
 
$
6,256
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
83
   
(50)
   
245
   
248
   
162
   
53
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
 
(6,145)
   
15,233
   
13,057
   
(15,450)
   
7,234
   
6,204
(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations
 
7,807
   
(5,698)
   
(5,439)
   
7,485
   
(5,860)
   
(5,540)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings attributable to the
                                 
   Company to cash provided from operating activities:
                                 
      Depreciation and amortization of property,
                                 
         plant and equipment
 
2,473
   
2,508
   
2,449
   
2,436
   
2,529
   
2,754
      Earnings from continuing operations retained by GE Capital(b)
 
12,284
   
1,625
   
5,321
   
-
   
-
   
-
      Deferred income taxes
 
(1,800)
   
(476)
   
(2,571)
   
2,183
   
(406)
   
(969)
      Decrease (increase) in GE current receivables
 
666
   
(473)
   
(1,432)
   
-
   
-
   
-
      Decrease (increase) in inventories
 
(282)
   
(877)
   
(1,351)
   
(14)
   
27
   
33
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 
276
   
884
   
809
   
(189)
   
258
   
155
      Increase (decrease) in GE progress collections
 
(1,010)
   
(528)
   
1,919
   
-
   
-
   
-
      All other operating activities
 
2,083
   
2,973
   
1,492
   
5,087
   
2,480
   
2,596
Cash from (used for) operating activities – continuing operations
 
16,354
   
15,171
   
14,255
   
1,537
   
6,263
   
5,232
Cash from (used for) operating activities – discontinued operations
 
(12)
   
(2)
   
(2)
   
8,046
   
11,678
   
14,113
Cash from (used for) operating activities
 
16,342
   
15,169
   
14,253
   
9,583
   
17,941
   
19,345
                                   
Cash flows – investing activities
                                 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(3,785)
   
(3,970)
   
(3,680)
   
(4,237)
   
(3,818)
   
(3,274)
Dispositions of property, plant and equipment
 
939
   
615
   
381
   
2,526
   
2,331
   
2,335
Net decrease (increase) in GE Capital financing receivables
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
226
   
(161)
   
3,022
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
79,615
   
232
   
528
Proceeds from principal business dispositions
 
1,725
   
602
   
1,316
   
532
   
-
   
477
Proceeds from sale of equity interest in NBCU LLC
 
-
   
-
   
16,699
   
-
   
-
   
-
Net cash from (payments for) principal businesses purchased
 
(10,350)
   
(2,091)
   
(8,026)
   
(1,677)
   
-
   
-
All other investing activities
 
(1,308)
   
(1,062)
   
(1,868)
   
(4,690)
   
24,574
   
35,756
Cash from (used for) investing activities – continuing operations
 
(12,779)
   
(5,906)
   
4,822
   
72,295
   
23,158
   
38,844
Cash from (used for) investing activities – discontinued operations
 
12
   
2
   
2
   
(2,137)
   
(24,263)
   
(15,043)
Cash from (used for) investing activities
 
(12,767)
   
(5,905)
   
4,823
   
70,158
   
(1,105)
   
23,801
                                   
Cash flows – financing activities
                                 
Net increase (decrease) in borrowings (maturities of
                                 
   90 days or less)
 
603
   
243
   
949
   
(24,834)
   
(7,078)
   
(13,710)
Newly issued debt (maturities longer than 90 days)
 
3,560
   
3,084
   
512
   
10,391
   
11,545
   
37,852
Repayments and other reductions (maturities longer than 90 days)
 
(2,190)
   
(323)
   
(5,032)
   
(44,848)
   
(38,087)
   
(48,592)
Proceeds from issuance of GE Capital preferred stock
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
990
Net dispositions (purchases) of GE shares for treasury
 
(1,099)
   
(1,218)
   
(9,278)
   
-
   
-
   
-
Dividends paid to shareowners
 
(9,289)
   
(8,851)
   
(7,821)
   
(4,620)
   
(3,322)
   
(6,283)
All other financing activities
 
203
   
346
   
(212)
   
(1,362)
   
(679)
   
(878)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – continuing operations
 
(8,211)
   
(6,719)
   
(20,881)
   
(65,273)
   
(37,621)
   
(30,621)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – discontinued operations
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6,507)
   
23,956
   
1,239
Cash from (used for) financing activities
 
(8,211)
   
(6,719)
   
(20,881)
   
(71,780)
   
(13,665)
   
(29,382)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
 
(908)
   
(312)
   
(22)
   
(2,556)
   
(3,180)
   
(773)
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
 
(5,544)
   
2,234
   
(1,827)
   
5,406
   
(9)
   
12,991
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
 
15,916
   
13,682
   
15,509
   
75,100
   
75,109
   
62,118
Cash and equivalents at end of year
 
10,372
   
15,916
   
13,682
   
80,506
   
75,100
   
75,109
Less cash and equivalents of discontinued operations
                                 
   at end of year
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
20,395
   
20,991
   
9,617
Cash and equivalents of continuing operations at end of year
$
10,372
 
$
15,916
 
$
13,682
 
$
60,111
 
$
54,109
 
$
65,492
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
                                 
Cash paid during the year for interest
$
(1,204)
 
$
(1,215)
 
$
(1,132)
 
$
(8,884)
 
$
(8,910)
 
$
(8,146)
Cash recovered (paid) during the year for income taxes
 
(1,636)
   
(1,337)
   
(4,753)
   
(850)
   
(1,618)
   
2,266
                                   
(a) Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except GE Capital, which is presented on a one-line basis.

(b) Represents GE Capital earnings/loss from continuing operations attributable to the Company, net of GE Capital dividends paid to GE.

Amounts may not add due to rounding.

In the consolidating data on this page, "GE" means the basis of consolidation as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements; "GE Capital" means General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC) and its successor GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC (GECGH) and all of their affiliates and associated companies. Separate information is shown for "GE" and "Financial Services (GE Capital)." Transactions between GE and GE Capital have been eliminated from the "Consolidated" columns and are discussed in Note 23.

See Note 25 for additional information regarding the Statement of Cash Flows.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 135

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CONSOLIDATION

Our financial statements consolidate all of our affiliates – entities in which we have a controlling financial interest, most often because we hold a majority voting interest. To determine if we hold a controlling financial interest in an entity, we first evaluate if we are required to apply the variable interest entity (VIE) model to the entity, otherwise, the entity is evaluated under the voting interest model.

Where we hold current or potential rights that give us the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses, we have a controlling financial interest in that VIE. Rights held by others to remove the party with power over the VIE are not considered unless one party can exercise those rights unilaterally. When changes occur to the design of an entity, we reconsider whether it is subject to the VIE model. We continuously evaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in a VIE.

We hold a controlling financial interest in other entities where we currently hold, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or where we exercise control through substantive participating rights or as a general partner. Where we are a general partner, we consider substantive removal rights held by other partners in determining if we hold a controlling financial interest. We reevaluate whether we have a controlling financial interest in these entities when our voting or substantive participating rights change.

Associated companies are unconsolidated VIEs and other entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but over which we have significant influence, most often because we hold a voting interest of 20% to 50%. Associated companies are accounted for as equity method investments. Results of associated companies are presented on a one-line basis. Investments in, and advances to, associated companies are presented on a one-line basis in the caption "All other assets" in our Statement of Financial Position, net of allowance for losses, which represents our best estimate of probable losses inherent in such assets.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

We have reclassified certain prior-year amounts to conform to the current-year's presentation. Certain columns and rows may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying numbers in millions.

Upon closing an acquisition, we consolidate the acquired business as soon as practicable. The size, scope and complexity of an acquisition can affect the time necessary to adjust the acquired company's accounting policies, procedures, and books and records to our standards. Accordingly, it is possible that changes will be necessary to the carrying amounts and presentation of assets and liabilities in our financial statements as the acquired company is fully assimilated.

Financial data and related measurements are presented in the following categories:

GE. This represents the adding together of all affiliates other than GE Capital, whose continuing operations are presented on a one-line basis, giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such affiliates.

GE Capital. This refers to General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC), or its successor GE Capital Global Holdings, LLC (GECGH), and is the adding together of all affiliates of GE Capital giving effect to the elimination of transactions among such affiliates.

Consolidated. This represents the adding together of GE and GE Capital, giving effect to the elimination of transactions between GE and GE Capital.

Operating Segments. These comprise our nine businesses, focused on the broad markets they serve: Power, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Energy Management, Aviation, Healthcare, Transportation, Appliances & Lighting and Capital.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 136

Unless otherwise indicated, information in these notes to consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations. Certain of our operations have been presented as discontinued. See Note 2.

The effects of translating to U.S. dollars the financial statements of non-U.S. affiliates whose functional currency is the local currency are included in shareowners' equity. Asset and liability accounts are translated at year-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the respective periods.

Preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires us to make estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates future, economic and market conditions (for example, unemployment, market liquidity, the real estate market, etc.), which affect reported amounts and related disclosures in our financial statements. Although our current estimates contemplate current conditions and how we expect them to change in the future, as appropriate, it is reasonably possible that in 2016 actual conditions could be worse than anticipated in those estimates, which could materially affect our results of operations and financial position. Among other effects, such changes could result in future impairments of investment securities, goodwill, intangibles and long-lived assets, incremental losses on financing receivables, establishment of valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, incremental fair value marks on businesses and assets held for sale carried at lower of cost or market, and increased tax liabilities.

THE GE CAPITAL EXIT PLAN

On April 10, 2015, the Company announced its plan (the GE Capital Exit Plan) to reduce the size of its financial services businesses through the sale of most of the assets of GE Capital over the following 24 months, and to focus on continued investment and growth in the Company's industrial businesses. Under the GE Capital Exit Plan, which was approved on April 2, 2015 and aspects of which were approved on March 31, 2015, the Company will retain certain GE Capital businesses, principally its vertical financing businesses—GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), Energy Financial Services (EFS) and Healthcare Equipment Finance—that directly relate to the Company's core industrial domain and other operations, including Working Capital Solutions, our run-off insurance activities, and allocated corporate costs (together referred to as GE Capital Verticals or Verticals). The assets planned for disposition include Real Estate, most of Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL) and all Consumer platforms (including all U.S. banking assets).

AFTER-TAX CHARGES RELATED TO THE GE CAPITAL EXIT PLAN

In connection with the announcement of the GE Capital Exit Plan, the Company estimated that it would incur approximately $23 billion in after-tax charges through 2016, approximately $6 billion of which were expected to result in future net cash expenditures. These charges relate to: business dispositions, including goodwill allocations (approximately $13 billion), tax expense related to expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets (approximately $7 billion), and restructuring and other charges (approximately $3 billion).

During 2015, GE recorded $22,030 million of after-tax charges related to the GE Capital Exit Plan, of which $7,687 million was recorded in continuing operations and $14,343 million was recorded in discontinued operations. A description of after-tax charges for 2015 is provided below.

$9,517 million of net loss primarily related to the completed and planned dispositions of the Real Estate business, the Consumer business and most of the CLL business, which was recorded in discontinued operations under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.
$6,467 million of tax expense related to expected repatriation of foreign earnings and write-off of deferred tax assets, of which $6,327 million was recorded in continuing operations and reported in GE Capital's Corporate component and $140 million was recorded in discontinued operations in our Consumer business under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.
$4,666 million of net asset impairments due to shortened hold periods, of which $3,151 million was recorded in discontinued operations in our Consumer business and $1,515 million was recorded in discontinued operations in our CLL business, all under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.
$818 million impairment charge of a coal-fired power plant in the U.S. related to a decision in the fourth quarter to exit the investment over time recorded in continuing operations in GE Capital's Corporate component under the caption "Other costs and expenses" in the Statement of Earnings.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 137

$561 million of restructuring and other charges, of which $541 million was recorded in continuing operations in GE Capital's Corporate component under the captions "Selling, general and administrative expenses" and "Other costs and expenses" in the Statement of Earnings and $20 million was recorded in discontinued operations under the caption "Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes" in the Statement of Earnings.

REORGANIZATION AND EXCHANGE OFFERS

During December 2015, General Electric Capital Corporation merged into GE. The merger and creation of a new intermediate holding company was part of a reorganization of GE Capital's businesses (the Reorganization) pursuant to which GE separated GE Capital's international and U.S. operations. GE Capital's international operations have been consolidated under a new international holding company (GE Capital International Holdings Limited), which has a separate capital structure and will be supervised by the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority. The Reorganization, debt exchange offers (as described below) and establishment of GE Capital International Holdings Limited were intended, among other things, to establish an efficient and simplified capital structure that is satisfactory to GE Capital's regulators, a key step in terminating the nonbank systemically important financial institution designation for GE Capital. In addition, the debt exchange offers were designed to align the liabilities of GE Capital International Holdings Limited to its assets from a maturity profile and liquidity standpoint, taking into consideration asset sales, and where appropriate, shortening the maturity profile of targeted liabilities.

As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, on September 21, 2015 GE Capital commenced private offers to exchange up to approximately $30,000 million of certain outstanding debt for new notes with maturities of six months, five years, ten years or twenty years. On October 19, 2015, given the high level of participation, the offering was increased by approximately $6,000 million with the aggregate principal amount of approximately $36,000 million (representing $31,000 million of outstanding principal and $5,000 million of premium) of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange and settled on October 26, 2015. The new notes that were issued at closing are composed of $15,268 million of 0.964% Six Month Notes due April 2016, £778 million of 1.363% Six Month Notes due April 2016, $6,107 million of 2.342% Notes due 2020, $1,979 million of 3.373% Notes due 2025 and $11,465 million of 4.418% Notes due 2035. Of the $16,160 million exchanged into the Six Month Notes, $1,297 million had been previously classified in short-term borrowings. GE Capital will continue to evaluate the opportunity to repurchase debt while maintaining our liquidity at the levels communicated as part of the GE Capital Exit Plan. The new notes have been fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by GE.

Immediately prior to the Reorganization, GE Capital had $5,000 million in aggregate liquidation preference of Series A, B and C preferred stock outstanding. In connection with the Reorganization, on December 3, 2015, holders who previously held GE Capital preferred stock were issued an aggregate liquidation preference of $5,950 million of new GE Series A, B and C preferred stock. The Series A, B and C preferred stock bear an initial fixed interest rate of 4.00%, 4.10% and 4.20%, respectively, through their initial call date and are callable on June 15, 2022, December 15, 2022 and June 15, 2023, respectively. Subsequent to the call date, the Series A, B and C preferred stock will bear a floating interest rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.28%, 2.32% and 2.37%, respectively, thereafter.

Subsequent to the issuance of the preferred stock on December 3, 2015, in response to investor feedback, GE launched an exchange offer on December 18, 2015 that allowed GE preferred stock investors to exchange their existing Series A, B and C preferred stock into a Series D GE preferred stock. These Series D instruments bear an initial fixed interest rate of 5.00% through January 21, 2021, will bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.33% thereafter and are callable on January 21, 2021. On January 20, 2016, $2,687 million of Series A, $2,008 million of Series B and $999 million of Series C were exchanged into $5,694 million Series D GE preferred stock. Post exchange, $91 million of Series A, $64 million of Series B and $95 million of Series C GE preferred stock remain outstanding.

GUARANTEE

As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, the Company and GE Capital entered into an amendment to their existing financial support agreement. Under this amendment (the Amendment), the Company has provided a full and unconditional guarantee (the Guarantee) of the payment of principal and interest on all tradable senior and subordinated outstanding long-term debt securities and all commercial paper issued or guaranteed by GE Capital identified in the Amendment. In the aggregate, the Guarantee applied to approximately $85,829 million of GE Capital debt as of December 31, 2015. The Guarantee replaced the requirement that the Company make certain income maintenance payments to GE Capital in certain circumstances. GE Capital's U.S. public indentures were concurrently amended to provide the full and unconditional guarantee by the Company set forth in the Guarantee.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 138

SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL EXCHANGE OFFER

On August 5, 2014, we completed the initial public offering (IPO) of our North American Retail Finance business, Synchrony Financial, as a first step in a planned, staged exit from that business. We received net proceeds from the IPO and Underwriter's Option of $2.8 billion and retained 84.6% of Synchrony Financial.

On October 19, 2015, GE commenced an offer to exchange GE common stock for common stock of GE Capital's approximately 84.6% owned subsidiary, Synchrony Financial. On November 17, 2015, we completed the split-off of Synchrony Financial, through which the Company accepted 671,366,809 shares of GE common stock from its shareholders in exchange for 705,270,833 shares of Synchrony Financial common stock that it owned and recorded an after-tax gain of $3,429 million within discontinued operations. In connection with the public offering and sale of Synchrony Financial, GE Capital indemnified Synchrony Financial and its directors, officers, and employees against the liabilities of GECC's businesses other than historical liabilities of the businesses that are part of Synchrony Financial's ongoing operations. With the completion of the split-off and the Federal Reserve Board's (FRB) subsequent approval of GE Capital's application to deregister as a savings and loan holding company, GE Capital is no longer a savings and loan holding company.

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP.

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 collectability of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured.

Arrangements for the sale of goods and services sometimes include multiple components. Most of our multiple component arrangements involve the sale of goods and services in the Healthcare segment. Our arrangements with multiple components usually involve an upfront deliverable of large machinery or equipment and future service deliverables such as installation, commissioning, training or the future delivery of ancillary products. In most cases, the relative values of the undelivered components are not significant to the overall arrangement and are typically delivered within three to six months after the core product has been delivered. In such agreements, selling price is determined for each component and any difference between the total of the separate selling prices and total contract consideration (i.e., discount) is allocated pro rata across each of the components in the arrangement. The value assigned to each component is objectively determined and obtained primarily from sources such as the separate selling price for that or a similar item or from competitor prices for similar items. If such evidence is not available, we use our best estimate of selling price, which is established consistent with the pricing strategy of the business and considers product configuration, geography, customer type, and other market specific factors.

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. We often sell consumer products 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. In situations where arrangements include customer acceptance provisions based on seller or customer-specified objective criteria, we recognize revenue when we have reliably demonstrated that all specified acceptance criteria have been met or when formal acceptance occurs, respectively. In arrangements where we provide goods for trial and evaluation purposes, we only recognize revenue after customer acceptance occurs. Unless otherwise noted, we do not provide for anticipated losses before we record sales.

 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 139


We recognize revenue on agreements for sales of goods and services under power generation unit and uprate contracts, nuclear fuel assemblies, larger oil drilling equipment projects, aeroderivative unit contracts, military development contracts, locomotive production contracts, and long-term construction projects, using long-term construction and production contract accounting. We estimate total long-term 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, aeroderivative unit contracts, military development contracts and locomotive production 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 toward contract completion measured by actual costs incurred in relation to our estimate of total expected costs. We measure long-term contract 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 and military propulsion equipment. Delivery of commercial engines and non-U.S. military equipment 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. Commercial aircraft engines are complex equipment manufactured to customer order under a variety of sometimes complex, long-term agreements. We measure sales of commercial aircraft engines by applying our contract-specific estimated margin rates to incurred costs. We routinely update our estimates of future revenues and costs for commercial aircraft engine agreements in process and report any cumulative effects of such adjustments in current operations. Significant components of our revenue and cost estimates include price concessions and performance-related guarantees as well as material, labor and overhead costs. We measure revenue for 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 aircraft engines, we make such provision only if such losses are not recoverable from future highly probable sales of spare parts and services for those engines.

We sell product services under long-term product maintenance or extended warranty agreements in our Aviation, Power, Oil & Gas and Transportation segments, where costs of performing services are incurred on other than a straight-line basis. We also sell similar long-term product services in our Healthcare and Renewable Energy segments, where such costs generally are expected to be on a straight-line basis. For the Aviation, Power, Oil & Gas and Transportation agreements, we recognize related sales based on the extent of our progress toward 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 and Renewable Energy 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.

GE CAPITAL REVENUES FROM SERVICES (EARNED INCOME)

We use the interest method to recognize income on loans. Interest on loans includes origination, commitment and other non-refundable fees related to funding (recorded in earned income on the interest method). We stop accruing interest at the earlier of the time at which collection of an account becomes doubtful or the account becomes 90 days past due. Previously recognized interest income that was accrued but not collected from the borrower is reversed, unless the terms of the loan agreement permit capitalization of accrued interest to the principal balance. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to reduce the principal balance of the loan.

We resume accruing interest on nonaccrual, non-restructured commercial loans only when (a) payments are brought current according to the loan's original terms and (b) future payments are reasonably assured. When we agree to restructured terms with the borrower, we resume accruing interest only when it is reasonably assured that we will recover full contractual payments, and such loans pass underwriting reviews equivalent to those applied to new loans.

We recognize financing lease income on the interest method to produce a level yield on funds not yet recovered. Estimated unguaranteed residual values are based upon management's best estimates of the value of the leased asset at the end of the lease term. We use various sources of data in determining these estimates, including information obtained from third parties, which is adjusted for the attributes of the specific asset under lease. Guarantees of residual values by unrelated third parties are considered part of minimum lease payments. Significant assumptions we use in estimating residual values include estimated net cash flows over the remaining lease term, anticipated results of future remarketing, and estimated future component part and scrap metal prices, discounted at an appropriate rate.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 140


We recognize operating lease income on a straight-line basis over the terms of underlying leases.

BUSINESSES AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Businesses held for sale represent components that meet accounting requirements to be classified as held for sale and are presented as single asset and liability amounts in our financial statements with a valuation allowance, if necessary, to recognize the net carrying amount at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell. Financing receivables that no longer qualify to be presented as held for investment must be classified as held for sale and recognized in our financial statements at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell, with that amount representing a new cost basis at the date of transfer.

The determination of fair value for businesses and portfolios of financing receivables involves significant judgments and assumptions. Development of estimates of fair values in this circumstance is complex and is dependent upon, among other factors, the nature of the potential sales transaction (for example, asset sale versus sale of legal entity), composition of assets and/or businesses in the disposal group, the comparability of the disposal group to market transactions, negotiations with third party purchasers etc. Such factors bear directly on the range of potential fair values and the selection of the best estimates. Key assumptions were developed based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction.

We review all businesses and assets held for sale each reporting period to determine whether the existing carrying amounts are fully recoverable in comparison to estimated fair values.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

The cost of GE manufacturing plant and equipment is depreciated over its estimated economic life. In 2015, we changed the method of depreciating its U.S. assets from an accelerated method based on a sum-of-the-years digits formula to a straight-line basis in order to align and harmonize our methodology for manufacturing plant and equipment. This change in estimate was made prospectively as of October 1, 2015, and had an immaterial impact for 2015. As a result, as of October 1, 2015, GE manufacturing plant and equipment is generally depreciated on a straight-line basis.

The cost of GE Capital equipment leased to others on operating leases is depreciated on a straight-line basis to estimated residual value over the lease term or over the estimated economic life of the equipment.

LOSSES ON FINANCING RECEIVABLES

Losses on financing receivables are recognized when they are incurred, which requires us to make our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio. The method for calculating the best estimate of losses depends on the size, type and risk characteristics of the related financing receivable. Such an estimate requires consideration of historical loss experience, adjusted for current conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions such as delinquency rates, financial health of specific customers and market sectors, collateral values, and the present and expected future levels of interest rates. The underlying assumptions, estimates and assessments we use to provide for losses are updated periodically to reflect our view of current conditions and are subject to the regulatory examination process, which can result in changes to our assumptions. Changes in such estimates can significantly affect the allowance and provision for losses. It is possible that we will experience credit losses that are different from our current estimates. Write-offs are deducted from the allowance for losses when we judge the principal to be uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance at the time cash is received on a written-off account.

"Impaired" loans are defined as larger-balance or restructured loans for which it is probable that the lender will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. A portion of our CLL nonaccrual receivables are excluded from this definition, as they represent smaller-balance homogeneous loans that we evaluate collectively by portfolio for impairment.

Specific reserves are recorded for individually impaired loans to the extent we have determined that it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Certain loans classified as impaired may not require a reserve because we believe that we will ultimately collect the unpaid balance (through collection or collateral repossession).

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 141

"Delinquent" receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due based on their contractual terms. Recently restructured financing receivables are not considered delinquent when payments are brought current according to the restructured terms, but may remain classified as nonaccrual until there has been a period of satisfactory payment performance by the borrower and future payments are reasonably assured of collection.

Our commercial loan and lease portfolio consists of a variety of loans and leases, including both larger-balance, non-homogeneous loans and leases and smaller-balance homogeneous loans and leases. Losses on such loans and leases are recorded when probable and estimable. We routinely evaluate our entire portfolio for potential specific credit or collection issues that might indicate an impairment.

For larger-balance, non-homogeneous loans and leases, we consider the financial status, payment history, collateral value, industry conditions and guarantor support related to specific customers. Any delinquencies or bankruptcies are indications of potential impairment requiring further assessment of collectability. We routinely receive financial as well as rating agency reports on our customers, and we elevate for further attention those customers whose operations we judge to be marginal or deteriorating. We also elevate customers for further attention when we observe a decline in collateral values for asset-based loans. While collateral values are not always available, when we observe such a decline, we evaluate relevant markets to assess recovery alternatives.

Measurement of the loss on our impaired commercial loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of collateral, net of expected selling costs, if the loan is determined to be collateral dependent. We determine whether a loan is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. After providing for specific incurred losses, we then determine an allowance for losses that have been incurred in the balance of the portfolio but cannot yet be identified to a specific loan or lease. This estimate is based upon various statistical analyses considering historical and projected default rates and loss severity and aging, as well as our view on current market and economic conditions. It is prepared by each respective line of business.

When we repossess collateral in satisfaction of a loan, we write down the receivable against the allowance for losses. Repossessed collateral is included in the caption "All other assets" in the Statement of Financial Position and carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less costs to sell.

Write-offs on larger-balance impaired commercial loans are based on amounts deemed uncollectible and are reviewed quarterly. Write-offs are determined based on the consideration of many factors, such as expectations of the workout plan or restructuring of the loan, valuation of the collateral and the prioritization of our claim in bankruptcy. Write-offs are recognized against the allowance for losses primarily in the reporting period in which management has deemed all or a portion of the financing receivable to be uncollectible. If foreclosure is probable, the write-off is determined based on the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. Smaller-balance, homogeneous commercial loans are written off at the earlier of when deemed uncollectible or at 180 days past due.

PARTIAL SALES OF BUSINESS INTERESTS

Gains or losses on sales of affiliate shares where we retain a controlling financial interest are recorded in equity. Gains or losses on sales that result in our loss of a controlling financial interest are recorded in earnings along with remeasurement gains or losses on any investments in the entity that we retained.

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

Debt securities and money market instruments with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash equivalents unless designated as available-for-sale and classified as investment securities.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 142


INVESTMENT SECURITIES

We report investments in debt and marketable equity securities, and certain other equity securities, at fair value. See Note 19 for further information on fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities are included in shareowners' equity, net of applicable taxes and other adjustments.

We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. For debt securities, if we do not intend to sell the security or it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of our amortized cost, we evaluate other qualitative criteria to determine whether we do not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of the security, such as the financial health of and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer is in compliance with the terms and covenants of the security. We also evaluate quantitative criteria including determining whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows. If we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, we consider the security to be other-than-temporarily impaired, and we record the difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its recoverable amount in earnings and the difference between the security's recoverable amount and fair value in other comprehensive income. If we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the security is also considered other-than-temporarily impaired and we recognize the entire difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value in earnings. For equity securities, we consider the length of time and magnitude of the amount that each security is in an unrealized loss position. If we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, we consider the security to be other-than-temporarily impaired, and we record the difference between the security's amortized cost basis and its fair value in earnings.

Realized gains and losses are accounted for on the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities classified as trading and certain retained interests are included in earnings.

INVENTORIES

All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or realizable values. Cost for a portion of GE U.S. inventories is determined on a last-in, first-out (LIFO) basis. Cost of other GE inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. LIFO was used for 34% and 40% of GE inventories at 2015 and 2014, respectively.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

We do not amortize goodwill, but test it at least annually for impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. We recognize an impairment charge if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value and the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill. We use a market approach, when available and appropriate, or the income approach, or a combination of both to establish fair values. When a portion of a reporting unit is disposed, goodwill is allocated to the gain or loss on disposition based on the relative fair values of the business or businesses disposed and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained.

We amortize the cost of other intangibles over their estimated useful lives unless such lives are deemed indefinite. The cost of intangible assets is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated economic life, except that individually significant customer-related intangible assets are amortized in relation to total related sales. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In these circumstances, they are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment and written down to fair value as required.

The cost of individually significant customer relationships is amortized in proportion to estimated total related sales; cost of other intangible assets is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated economic life. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 143


INVESTMENT CONTRACTS, INSURANCE LIABILITIES AND INSURANCE ANNUITY BENEFITS

Our run-off insurance activities include providing insurance and reinsurance for life and health risks and providing certain annuity products. Two primary product types are provided: traditional insurance contracts and investment contracts. Insurance contracts are contracts with significant mortality and/or morbidity risks, while investment contracts are contracts without such risks.

For short-duration insurance contracts, including accident and health insurance, we report premiums as earned income over the terms of the related agreements, generally on a pro-rata basis. For traditional long-duration insurance contracts, including long-term care, term, whole life and annuities payable for the life of the annuitant, we report premiums as earned income when due.

Premiums received on investment contracts (including annuities without significant mortality risk) are not reported as revenues but rather as deposit liabilities. We recognize revenues for charges and assessments on these contracts, mostly for mortality, contract initiation, administration and surrender. Amounts credited to policyholder accounts are charged to expense.

Liabilities for traditional long-duration insurance contracts represent the present value of such benefits less the present value of future net premiums based on mortality, morbidity, interest and other assumptions at the time the policies were issued or acquired. Liabilities for investment contracts equal the account value, that is, the amount that accrues to the benefit of the contract or policyholder including credited interest and assessments through the financial statement date.

Liabilities for unpaid claims and estimated claim settlement expenses represent our best estimate of the ultimate obligations for reported and incurred-but-not-reported claims and the related estimated claim settlement expenses. Liabilities for unpaid claims and estimated claim settlement expenses are continually reviewed and adjusted through current operations.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following sections describe the valuation methodologies we use to measure financial and non-financial instruments accounted for at fair value including certain assets within our pension plans and retiree benefit plans.

For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of active markets for the identical assets or liabilities, such measurements involve developing assumptions based on market observable data and, in the absence of such data, internal information that is consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction that occurs at the measurement date.

Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. Preference is given to observable inputs. 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. With regard to Level 3 valuations (including instruments valued by third parties), we perform a variety of procedures to assess the reasonableness of the valuations. Such reviews, which may be performed quarterly, monthly or weekly, include an evaluation of instruments whose fair value change exceeds predefined thresholds (and/or does not change) and consider the current interest rate, currency and credit environment, as well as other published data, such as rating agency market reports and current appraisals. These reviews are performed within each business by the asset and risk managers, pricing committees and valuation committees. A detailed review of methodologies and assumptions is performed by individuals independent of the business for individual measurements with a fair value exceeding predefined thresholds. This detailed review may include the use of a third-party valuation firm.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 144


RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following sections describe the valuation methodologies we use to measure different financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis.

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. Level 1 securities primarily include publicly traded equity securities.

For large numbers of investment securities for which market prices are observable for identical or similar investment securities but not readily accessible for each of those investments individually (that is, it is difficult to obtain pricing information for each individual investment security at the measurement date), we obtain pricing information from an independent pricing vendor. The pricing vendor uses various pricing models for each asset class that are consistent with what other market participants would use. The inputs and assumptions to the model of the pricing vendor are derived from market observable sources including: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers, and other market-related data. Since many fixed income securities do not trade on a daily basis, the methodology of the pricing vendor uses available information as applicable such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing. The pricing vendor considers available market observable inputs in determining the evaluation for a security. Thus, certain securities may not be priced using quoted prices, but rather determined from market observable information. 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.

Annually, we conduct reviews of our primary pricing vendor to validate that the inputs used in that vendor's pricing process are deemed to be market observable as defined in the standard. While we are not provided access to proprietary models of the vendor, our reviews have included on-site walk-throughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class and level for which prices are provided. Our reviews also include an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations, a process we perform each reporting period. 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. We believe that the prices received from our pricing vendor are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices) and are classified appropriately in the hierarchy.

We use non-binding broker quotes and other third-party pricing services 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. Investment securities priced using non-binding broker quotes and other third-party pricing services are included in Level 3. As is the case with our primary pricing vendor, third-party brokers and other third-party pricing services do not provide access to their proprietary valuation models, inputs and assumptions. Accordingly, our risk management personnel conduct reviews of vendors, as applicable, similar to the reviews performed of our primary pricing vendor. In addition, we conduct internal reviews of pricing for all such investment securities quarterly to ensure reasonableness 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. Based on the information available, we believe that the fair values provided by the brokers and other third-party pricing services are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices).

Derivatives. We use closing prices for derivatives included in Level 1, which are traded either on exchanges or liquid over-the-counter markets.

The majority of our derivatives are valued using internal models. The models maximize the use of 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.

Derivative assets and liabilities included in Level 3 primarily represent equity derivatives and interest rate products that contain embedded optionality or prepayment features.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 145


NON-RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. These assets can include loans and long-lived assets that have been reduced to fair value when they are held for sale, impaired loans that have been reduced based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, cost and equity method investments and long-lived assets that are written down to fair value when they are impaired and the remeasurement of retained investments in formerly consolidated subsidiaries upon a change in control that results in deconsolidation of a subsidiary, if we sell a controlling interest and retain a noncontrolling stake in the entity. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired and retained investments are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs.

The following sections describe the valuation methodologies we use to measure financial and non-financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a non-recurring basis and for certain assets within our pension plans and retiree benefit plans at each reporting period, as applicable.

Financing Receivables and Loans Held for Sale. When available, we use observable market data, including pricing on recent closed market transactions, to value loans that 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 may be valued using collateral values (see Long-Lived Assets below).

Cost and Equity Method Investments. Cost and equity method investments are valued using market observable data such as quoted prices when available. When market observable data is unavailable, investments are valued using a discounted cash flow model, comparative market multiples or a combination of both approaches as appropriate and other third-party pricing sources. These investments are generally included in Level 3.

Investments in private equity, real estate and collective funds are valued using net asset values. The net asset values are determined based on the fair values of the underlying investments in the funds. Investments in private equity and real estate funds are generally included in Level 3 because they are not redeemable at the measurement date. Investments in collective funds are included in Level 2.

Long-lived Assets. Fair values of long-lived assets, including aircraft and real estate, are primarily derived internally and are based on observed sales transactions for similar assets. In other instances, for example, collateral types for which we do not have comparable observed sales transaction data, collateral values are developed internally and corroborated by external appraisal information. Adjustments to third-party valuations may be performed in circumstances where market comparables are not specific to the attributes of the specific collateral or appraisal information may not be reflective of current market conditions due to the passage of time and the occurrence of market events since receipt of the information.

Retained Investments in Formerly Consolidated Subsidiaries. Upon a change in control that results in deconsolidation of a subsidiary, the fair value measurement of our retained noncontrolling stake is valued using market observable data such as quoted prices when available, or if not available, an income approach, a market approach, or a combination of both approaches as appropriate. In applying these methodologies, we rely on a number of factors, including actual operating results, future business plans, economic projections, market observable pricing multiples of similar businesses and comparable transactions, and possible control premium. These investments are generally included in Level 1 or Level 3, as appropriate, determined at the time of the transaction.

ACCOUNTING CHANGES

In the second quarter of 2014, the Company elected to early adopt Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. To be classified as a discontinued operation, the disposal of a component or group of components must represent a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The ASU also expanded the disclosure requirements for those transactions that meet the new criteria to be classified as discontinued operations. The revised accounting guidance applies prospectively to all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity and for businesses that, upon acquisition, are classified as held for sale on or after adoption. Early adoption was permitted for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that had not been previously
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 146


reported in financial statements. The effects of applying the revised guidance will vary based upon the nature and size of future disposal transactions. It is expected that fewer disposal transactions will meet the new criteria to be reported as discontinued operations.

On January 1, 2014, we adopted ASU 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity. Under the revised guidance, the entire amount of the cumulative translation adjustment associated with the foreign entity will be released into earnings in the following circumstances: (a) the sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity that represents a complete or substantially complete liquidation of that entity, (b) the loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, or (c) when the accounting for an investment in a foreign entity changes from the equity method to full consolidation. The revised guidance applies prospectively to transactions or events occurring on or after January 1, 2014.

On January 1, 2014, we adopted ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Under the new guidance, an unrecognized tax benefit is required to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset if the disallowance of the tax position would reduce the available tax loss or tax credit carryforward instead of resulting in a cash tax liability. The ASU applies prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist as of the adoption date and reduced both deferred tax assets and income tax liabilities (including amounts reported in assets and liabilities of discontinued operations) by $1,224 million as of January 1, 2014.


NOTE 2. BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

NBCU

As previously disclosed, Comcast Corporation was obligated to share with us potential tax savings associated with its purchase of our interest in NBCU LLC. During the second quarter of 2015, we recognized $450 million of pre-tax income related to the settlement of this obligation.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we signed an agreement to sell our Electricity Meters business within our Energy Management segment to Aclara Technologies, LLC and our Clarient business within our Healthcare segment to NeoGenomics, Inc. The sale of our Electricity Meters business was completed on December 21, 2015 for proceeds of $220 million. The sale of our Clarient business was completed on December 30, 2015 for proceeds of $255 million.

In the third quarter of 2015, we signed an agreement to sell our Intelligent Platforms Embedded Systems Products business within our Energy Management segment to Veritas Capital. The sale was completed on December 7, 2015 for proceeds of $515 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2014, we signed an agreement to sell our Signaling business within our Transportation segment to Alstom. The transaction closed on November 2, 2015 for proceeds of $800 million.

In the third quarter of 2014, we signed an agreement to sell our Appliances business to Electrolux. On July 1, 2015, we were notified that the Department of Justice had initiated court proceedings seeking to enjoin the sale of Appliances to Electrolux. On December 7, 2015, we announced the termination of our agreement to sell our Appliances business to Electrolux. We received a break-up fee of $175 million from Electrolux, which is recorded under the caption "Other income" in the consolidated Statement of Earnings.

On January 15, 2016, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement to sell our Appliances business with assets of $2,818 million and liabilities of $1,409 million, to Qingdao Haier Co., Ltd. (Haier) for approximately $5,400 million. The transaction has been approved by the board of directors of GE and Haier and remains subject to customary closing conditions, including Haier shareholder approval and regulatory approvals. The transaction is targeted to close in mid-2016.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 147

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE
       
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
         
Assets
         
Current receivables(a)
$
79
 
$
180
Inventories
 
583
   
588
Property, plant, and equipment – net
 
1,208
   
979
Goodwill
 
370
   
433
Other intangible assets – net
 
162
   
157
Other
 
416
 
 
489
Assets of businesses held for sale
$
2,818
 
$
2,826
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable(a)
$
503
 
$
506
Other current liabilities
 
325
   
346
Other
 
33
   
89
Liabilities of businesses held for sale
$
861
 
$
941
           
(a) Certain transactions at our Appliances and Signaling businesses are made on an arms-length basis with GE Capital, consisting primarily of GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital and GE Capital services for material procurement. These intercompany balances included within our held for sale businesses are reported in the GE and GE Capital columns of our financial statements, but are eliminated in deriving our consolidated financial statements.


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Discontinued operations primarily included our Consumer business, most of our CLL business, our Real Estate business, and our U.S. mortgage business (WMC). Results of operations, financial position and cash flows for these businesses are separately reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

We have entered into Transitional Service Agreements (TSA) with and provided certain indemnifications to buyers of GE Capital's assets. Under the TSAs, GE Capital provides various services for terms generally between 12 and 24 months and receives a level of cost reimbursement from the buyers.

Indemnifications amount to $1,543 million, for which we have recognized related liabilities of $62 million at December 31, 2015. In addition, we provided $736 million of credit support, the vast majority on behalf of certain CLL customers aligned with signed disposal transactions scheduled to close in 2016, and recognized an insignificant liability at December 31, 2015.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
     
                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Operations
               
Total revenues and other income (loss)
$
23,003
 
$
31,136
 
$
32,987
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes   
$
887
 
$
6,615
 
$
6,558
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(791)
   
(776)
   
699
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
96
 
$
5,839
 
$
7,257
                 
Disposal
               
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes
$
(6,612)
 
$
14
 
$
(2,027)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(979)
   
1
   
246
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes
$
(7,591)
 
$
15
 
$
(1,781)
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes(a)(b)
$
(7,495)
 
$
5,855
 
$
5,475
                 
(a)
The sum of GE industrial earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, and GE Capital earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, after adjusting for earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests related to discontinued operations, is reported within GE industrial earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings (Loss).
(b)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, before income taxes, was $(6,038) million, $6,472 million, and $4,495 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, respectively.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 148

December 31 (In millions)
       
2015
 
2014
                       
Assets
             
Cash and equivalents
           
$
20,395
 
$
20,991
Investment securities
             
8,478
   
13,349
Financing receivables – net
             
3,205
   
213,514
Other receivables
             
1,221
   
2,896
Property, plant and equipment – net
             
7,537
   
18,354
Goodwill
             
7,764
   
23,452
Other intangible assets - net
             
80
   
987
Deferred income taxes
             
2,447
   
3,530
Financing receivables held for sale
             
69,847
   
3,475
Valuation allowance on disposal group classified as discontinued operations
   
(6,374)
   
-
Other
   
6,350
   
22,980
Assets of discontinued operations
           
$
120,951
 
$
323,529
                       
Liabilities
                     
Short-term borrowings
           
$
739
 
$
3,780
Accounts payable
             
2,870
   
4,280
Non-recourse borrowings
             
3,994
   
25,536
Bank deposits
             
25,613
   
62,839
Long-term borrowings
             
730
   
13,767
All other liabilities
             
11,053
   
11,046
Deferred income taxes
             
1,437
   
6,810
Other
             
52
   
174
Liabilities of discontinued operations
           
$
46,487
 
$
128,233
                       

CONSUMER

In connection with the GE Capital Exit Plan, we announced the planned disposition of our Consumer business (including Synchrony Financial) and classified the business as discontinued operations. On November 17, 2015, we completed the split-off of Synchrony Financial through which GE accepted 671,366,809 shares of GE common stock from its shareholders in exchange for 705,270,833 shares of Synchrony Financial common stock that it owned. We closed certain of our other Consumer business dispositions for proceeds of $17,550 million (excluding Synchrony Financial) for the year ended December 31, 2015. We expect to dispose of substantially all of the remaining Consumer business in 2016.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CONSUMER
           
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Operations
               
Total revenues and other income (loss)
$
11,690
 
$
15,023
 
$
15,741
                 
Interest
$
(2,081)
 
$
(2,611)
 
$
(2,669)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
(3,940)
   
(4,572)
   
(4,349)
Cost of services sold
 
(1)
   
-
   
(1)
Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
(5,029)
   
(3,544)
   
(4,048)
Investment contracts, insurance losses and insurance annuity benefits
 
(12)
   
(18)
   
(15)
Other costs and expenses
 
(392)
   
(388)
   
(337)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
               
   before income taxes   
 
236
   
3,891
   
4,324
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(878)
   
(736)
   
7
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(642)
 
$
3,155
 
$
4,330
                 
Disposal
               
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes
$
2,739
 
$
-
 
$
-
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
363
   
-
   
-
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes(a)
$
3,102
 
$
-
 
$
-
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes(b)
$
2,460
 
$
3,155
 
$
4,330
                 
(a)
Included Synchrony Financial gain on sale of $3,429 million related to the share exchange.
(b)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, before income taxes, was $2,670 million, $3,752 million, and $4,312 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 149

COMMERCIAL LENDING AND LEASING

In connection with the GE Capital Exit Plan, we announced the planned disposition of most of our CLL business and classified this portion of the business as discontinued operations. We closed certain of our CLL business dispositions for proceeds of $48,068 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. We expect to dispose of substantially all of the remaining CLL business in 2016.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL LENDING AND LEASING
                   
       
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
                   
Operations
                 
Total revenues and other income (loss)
$
10,580
 
$
13,413
 
$
13,144
 
                   
Interest
$
(2,365)
 
$
(3,069)
 
$
(3,300)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(3,576)
   
(3,598)
   
(3,538)
 
Cost of services sold
 
(1,735)
   
(3,859)
   
(4,002)
 
Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
(1,753)
   
(456)
   
(736)
 
Other costs and expenses
 
(127)
   
(135)
   
(94)
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes   
 
1,024
   
2,296
   
1,474
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(186)
   
(487)
   
65
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
838
 
$
1,808
 
$
1,539
 
                   
Disposal
                 
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes
$
(8,013)
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(698)
   
-
   
-
 
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes
$
(8,711)
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
                   
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes(a)
$
(7,873)
 
$
1,808
 
$
1,539
 
                   
(a) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, before income taxes, was $(6,996) million, $2,279 million and $1,457 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.


REAL ESTATE

In connection with the GE Capital Exit Plan, we announced the planned disposition of our Real Estate business and classified the business as discontinued operations. We closed certain of our Real Estate business dispositions for proceeds of $31,601 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. We expect to dispose of substantially all of the remaining Real Estate business in 2016.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR REAL ESTATE
             
                   
       
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
                   
Operations
                 
Total revenues and other income (loss)
$
911
 
$
2,969
 
$
3,915
 
                   
Interest
$
(457)
 
$
(1,079)
 
$
(1,278)
 
Selling, general and administrative
 
(444)
   
(484)
   
(568)
 
Cost of services sold
 
(5)
   
-
   
-
 
Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
5
   
86
   
(28)
 
Other costs and expenses
 
(158)
   
(712)
   
(788)
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
                 
   before income taxes   
 
(149)
   
780
   
1,253
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
168
   
224
   
472
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
19
 
$
1,003
 
$
1,725
 
                   
Disposal
                 
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes
$
(1,338)
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
(639)
   
-
   
-
 
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes
$
(1,977)
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
                   
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes(a)
$
(1,958)
 
$
1,003
 
$
1,725
 
                   
(a) Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the Company, before income taxes, was $(1,486) million, $778 million and $1,246 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 150

WMC

During the fourth quarter of 2007, we completed the sale of WMC, our U.S. mortgage business. WMC substantially discontinued all new loan originations by the second quarter of 2007, and is not a loan servicer. In connection with the sale, WMC retained certain representation and warranty obligations related to loans sold to third parties prior to the disposal of the business and contractual obligations to repurchase previously sold loans that had an early payment default. All claims received by WMC for early payment default have either been resolved or are no longer being pursued.
 
The remaining active claims have been brought by securitization trustees or administrators seeking recovery from WMC for alleged breaches of representations and warranties on mortgage loans that serve as collateral for residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS). At December 31, 2015, such claims consisted of $2,887 million of individual claims generally submitted before the filing of a lawsuit (compared to $3,694 million at December 31, 2014) and $8,047 million of additional claims asserted against WMC in litigation without making a prior claim (Litigation Claims) (compared to $9,225 million at December 31, 2014). The total amount of these claims, $10,934 million, reflects the purchase price or unpaid principal balances of the loans at the time of purchase and does not give effect to pay downs or potential recoveries based upon the underlying collateral, which in many cases are substantial, nor to accrued interest or fees. As of December 31, 2015, these amounts do not include approximately $112 million of repurchase claims relating to alleged breaches of representations that are not in litigation and that are beyond the applicable statute of limitations. WMC believes that repurchase claims brought based upon representations and warranties made more than six years before WMC was notified of the claim would be disallowed in legal proceedings under applicable law and the June 11, 2015 decision of the New York Court of Appeals in ACE Securities Corp. v. DB Structured Products, Inc., on the statute of limitations period governing such claims.

Reserves related to repurchase claims made against WMC were $875 million at December 31, 2015, reflecting a net increase to reserves in the year December 31, 2015 of $66 million due to incremental provisions net of settlements. The reserve estimate takes into account recent settlement activity and is based upon WMC's evaluation of the remaining exposures as a percentage of estimated lifetime mortgage loan losses within the pool of loans supporting each securitization for which timely claims have been asserted in litigation against WMC. Settlements in prior periods reduced WMC's exposure on claims asserted in certain securitizations and the claim amounts reported above give effect to these settlements.

ROLLFORWARD OF THE RESERVE
           
     
December 31 (In millions)
   
2015
   
2014
             
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
809
 
$
800
Provision
   
212
   
365
Claim resolutions / rescissions
   
(146)
   
(356)
Balance, end of period
 
$
875
 
$
809
             
Given the significant litigation activity and WMC's continuing efforts to resolve the lawsuits involving claims made against WMC, it is difficult to assess whether future losses will be consistent with WMC's past experience. Adverse changes to WMC's assumptions supporting the reserve may result in an increase to these reserves. WMC estimates a range of reasonably possible loss from $0 to approximately $500 million over its recorded reserve at December 31, 2015. This estimate involves significant judgment and may not reflect the range of uncertainties and unpredictable outcomes inherent in litigation, including the matters discussed in Legal Proceedings and potential changes in WMC's legal strategy. This estimate excludes any possible loss associated with an adverse court decision on the applicable statute of limitations or an adverse outcome in the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) investigation discussed in Legal Proceedings, as WMC is unable at this time to develop such a meaningful estimate.

At December 31, 2015, there were 14 lawsuits involving claims made against WMC arising from alleged breaches of representations and warranties on mortgage loans included in 13 securitizations. The adverse parties in these cases are securitization trustees or parties claiming to act on their behalf. Although the alleged claims for relief vary from case to case, the complaints and counterclaims in these actions generally assert claims for breach of contract, indemnification, and/or declaratory judgment, and seek specific performance (repurchase of defective mortgage loan) and/or money damages. Adverse court decisions, including in cases not involving WMC, could result in new claims and lawsuits on additional loans. However, WMC continues to believe that it has defenses to the claims asserted in litigation, including, for example, based on causation and materiality requirements and applicable statutes of limitations. It is not possible to predict the outcome or impact of these defenses and other factors, any of which could materially affect the amount of any loss ultimately incurred by WMC on these claims.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 151

WMC has also received indemnification demands, nearly all of which are unspecified, from depositors/underwriters/sponsors of RMBS in connection with lawsuits brought by RMBS investors concerning alleged misrepresentations in the securitization offering documents to which WMC is not a party or, in two cases, involving mortgage loan repurchase claims made against RMBS sponsors. WMC believes that it has defenses to these demands.

To the extent WMC is required to repurchase loans, WMC's loss also would be affected by several factors, including pay downs, accrued interest and fees, and the value of the underlying collateral. The reserve and estimate of possible loss reflect judgment, based on currently available information, and a number of assumptions, including economic conditions, claim and settlement activity, pending and threatened litigation, court decisions regarding WMC's legal defenses, indemnification demands, government activity, and other variables in the mortgage industry. Actual losses arising from claims against WMC could exceed these amounts and additional claims and lawsuits could result if actual claim rates, governmental actions, litigation and indemnification activity, adverse court decisions, actual settlement rates or losses WMC incurs on repurchased loans differ from its assumptions.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR WMC
     
                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Total revenues and other income (loss)
$
(184)
 
$
(291)
 
$
(346)
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(146)
 
$
(199)
 
$
(232)

OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES

During the fourth quarter of 2013, we announced the planned disposition of Consumer Russia and classified the business as discontinued operations. We completed the sale in the first quarter of 2014 for proceeds of $232 million.

During the first quarter of 2013, we announced the planned disposition of CLL Trailer Services and classified the business as discontinued operations. We completed the sale in the fourth quarter of 2013 for proceeds of $528 million.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES
       
                   
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
 
                   
Total revenues and other income (loss)
$
8
 
$
23
 
$
532
 
                   
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes
$
-
 
$
15
 
$
(1,781)
(a)
                   
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
32
 
$
92
 
$
(1,823)
 
                   
(a) Primarily reflects agreement with the buyer of GE Money Japan to extinguish an obligation under terms specified in the 2008 sale agreement.


GE INDUSTRIAL

The sum of GE industrial earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, was $(10) million, $(5) million, and $(66) million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded an increase to our tax reserve related to Spanish taxes for the years prior to 2007 disposition of our Plastics business. GE Capital earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, after adjusting for earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests related to discontinued operations, is reported within GE industrial earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, on the Statement of Earnings.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 152

NOTE 3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Substantially all of our investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and comprise mainly investment-grade debt securities supporting obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance operations. We do not have any securities classified as held-to-maturity.

 
2015
 
2014
     
Gross
 
Gross
         
Gross
 
Gross
   
 
Amortized
 
unrealized
 
unrealized
 
Estimated
 
Amortized
 
unrealized
 
unrealized
 
Estimated
December 31 (In millions)
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
fair value
 
cost
 
gains
 
losses
 
fair value
                                               
GE
                                             
Debt
                                             
    U.S. corporate
$
2
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
3
 
$
12
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
12
    Corporate – non-U.S.
 
1
   
-
   
-
   
1
   
1
   
-
   
-
   
1
    U.S. government and federal
                                             
       agency
 
49
   
-
   
-
   
49
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
    Equity
 
87
   
13
   
(2)
   
98
   
69
   
4
   
(2)
   
71
   
139
   
14
   
(2)
   
151
   
82
   
4
   
(2)
   
84
                                               
GE Capital
                                             
Debt
                                             
    U.S. corporate
 
19,971
   
2,669
   
(285)
   
22,355
   
19,801
   
3,961
   
(70)
   
23,692
    State and municipal
 
3,910
   
407
   
(73)
   
4,245
   
4,116
   
554
   
(52)
   
4,618
    Mortgage and asset-backed(a)
 
2,995
   
157
   
(35)
   
3,116
   
4,478
   
328
   
(29)
   
4,777
    Corporate – non-U.S.
 
759
   
96
   
(9)
   
846
   
844
   
109
   
(1)
   
952
    Government – non-U.S.
 
279
   
136
   
-
   
415
   
362
   
129
   
-
   
491
    U.S. government and federal
                                             
       agency
 
623
   
104
   
-
   
727
   
705
   
56
   
-
   
761
Equity
 
112
   
16
   
(4)
   
123
   
112
   
23
   
(1)
   
134
   
28,648
   
3,585
   
(407)
   
31,827
   
30,417
   
5,160
   
(153)
   
35,425
                                               
Eliminations
 
(4)
   
-
   
-
   
(4)
   
(4)
   
-
   
-
   
(4)
Total
$
28,783
 
$
3,599
 
$
(409)
 
$
31,973
 
$
30,496
 
$
5,164
 
$
(155)
 
$
35,505
                                               
(a) Included residential mortgage-backed securities substantially collateralized by U.S. mortgages. At December 31, 2015, $587 million related to securities issued by government-sponsored entities and $30 million related to securities of private-label issuers. Securities issued by private-label issuers are collateralized primarily by pools of individual direct mortgage loans of financial institutions.



The fair value of investment securities decreased to $31,973 million at December 31, 2015, from $35,505 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decline in unrealized gains resulting from higher interest rates, and net sales, primarily related to mortgage-backed securities.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 153

ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE AND GROSS UNREALIZED LOSSES OF AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT SECURITIES
                         
 
In loss position for
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
     
Gross
     
Gross
 
 
Estimated
 
unrealized
 
Estimated
 
unrealized
 
(In millions)
fair value(a)
 
losses(a)(b)
 
fair value
 
losses(b)
 
                         
December 31, 2015
                       
Debt
                       
   U.S. corporate
$
2,966
 
$
(218)
 
$
433
 
$
(67)
 
   State and municipal
 
494
   
(20)
   
155
   
(53)
 
   Mortgage and asset-backed
 
719
   
(20)
   
84
   
(16)
 
   Corporate – non-U.S.
 
56
   
(4)
   
14
   
(4)
 
Equity
 
36
   
(6)
   
-
   
-
 
Total
$
4,273
 
$
(269)
 
$
686
 
$
(140)
(c)
                         
December 31, 2014
                       
Debt
                       
   U.S. corporate
$
556
 
$
(17)
 
$
836
 
$
(53)
 
   State and municipal
 
67
   
(1)
   
274
   
(51)
 
   Mortgage and asset-backed
 
174
   
(1)
   
307
   
(28)
 
   Corporate – non-U.S.
 
39
   
(1)
   
-
   
-
 
Equity
 
10
   
(3)
   
-
   
-
 
Total
$
846
 
$
(22)
 
$
1,417
 
$
(132)
 
                         
(a) Includes the estimated fair value of and gross unrealized losses on equity securities held by GE. At December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of and gross unrealized losses on equity securities were $6 million and $(2) million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of and gross unrealized losses on equity securities were $4 million and $(2) million, respectively.
(b) Included gross unrealized losses of $(1) million related to securities that had other-than-temporary impairments previously recognized at December 31, 2015.
(c) Includes debt securities held to support obligations to holders of Guaranteed Investment Contracts (GICs) all of which are considered to be investment-grade by the major rating agencies at December 31, 2015.


Unrealized losses are not indicative of the amount of credit loss that would be recognized and at December 31, 2015 are primarily due to increases in market yields subsequent to our purchase of the securities. We presently do not intend to sell the vast majority of our debt securities that are in an unrealized loss position and believe that it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the vast majority of these securities before anticipated recovery of our amortized cost. The methodologies and significant inputs used to measure the amount of credit loss for our investment securities during 2015 have not changed.

Our corporate debt portfolio comprises securities issued by public and private corporations in various industries, primarily in the U.S. Substantially all of our corporate debt securities are rated investment grade by the major rating agencies.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities primarily comprise commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities.

Our commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) portfolio is collateralized by both diversified pools of mortgages that were originated for securitization (conduit CMBS) and pools of large loans backed by high-quality properties (large loan CMBS), about half of which were originated in 2008 and prior. The vast majority of the securities in our CMBS portfolio have investment-grade credit ratings.

Our residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) portfolio is collateralized primarily by pools of individual, direct mortgage loans, of which substantially all are in a senior position in the capital structure of the deals, not other structured products such as collateralized debt obligations. Of the total RMBS held at December 31, 2015, $587 million and $30 million related to agency and non-agency securities, respectively. Additionally, $57 million was related to residential subprime credit securities, primarily supporting obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance operations. Substantially all of the subprime exposure is related to securities backed by mortgage loans originated in 2005 and prior and are investment grade.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 154

PRE-TAX, OTHER-THAN-TEMPORARY IMPAIRMENTS ON INVESTMENT SECURITIES
                   
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                   
Total pre-tax, OTTI recognized
 
$
64
 
$
316
 
$
201
Pre-tax, OTTI recognized in AOCI
   
-
   
(4)
   
(31)
Pre-tax, OTTI recognized in earnings(a)
 
$
64
 
$
312
 
$
170
                   
(a) Included pre-tax, other-than-temporary impairments recorded in earnings related to equity securities of $5 million, $219 million and an insignificant amount in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

CHANGES IN CUMULATIVE CREDIT LOSS IMPAIRMENTS RECOGNIZED ON DEBT SECURITIES STILL HELD
                 
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Cumulative credit loss impairments recognized, beginning of period
$
176
 
$
473
 
$
391
Credit loss impairments recognized on securities not previously impaired
 
31
   
1
   
120
Incremental credit loss impairments recognized
               
   on securities previously impaired
 
-
   
4
   
25
Less credit loss impairments previously recognized on securities sold
               
   during the period or that we intend to sell
 
3
   
301
   
63
Cumulative credit loss impairments recognized, end of period
$
205
 
$
176
 
$
473
                 

CONTRACTUAL MATURITIES OF INVESTMENT IN AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE DEBT SECURITIES
(EXCLUDING MORTGAGE AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES)
           
 
Amortized
 
Estimated
(In millions)
cost
 
fair value
           
Due
         
  Within one year
$
495
 
$
501
  After one year through five years
 
2,556
   
2,745
  After five years through ten years
 
4,846
   
5,097
  After ten years
 
17,648
   
20,248
           

We expect actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

GROSS REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENT SECURITIES
     
                   
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                   
GE
                 
Gains
 
$
7
 
$
3
 
$
1
Losses, including impairments
   
(36)
   
(218)
   
(20)
Net
   
(29)
   
(215)
   
(19)
                   
GE Capital
                 
Gains
   
121
   
87
   
128
Losses, including impairments
   
(51)
   
(104)
   
(156)
Net
   
70
   
(16)
   
(28)
Total
 
$
41
 
$
(231)
 
$
(47)
                   

Although we generally do not have the intent to sell any specific securities at the end of the period, in the ordinary course of managing our investment securities portfolio, we may sell securities prior to their maturities for a variety of reasons, including diversification, credit quality, yield and liquidity requirements and the funding of claims and obligations to policyholders.

Proceeds from investment securities sales and early redemptions by issuers totaled $5,746 million, $1,898 million and $6,406 million for the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2015, investment securities sales of U.S. government and federal agency securities, CMBS, and RMBS at Trinity totaled $4,254 million.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 155

NOTE 4. CURRENT RECEIVABLES

 
Consolidated(a)
 
GE(b)
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
   
2015
 
2014
                       
Power
$
6,675
 
$
4,071
 
$
4,377
 
$
2,149
Renewable Energy
 
2,336
   
895
   
1,418
   
616
Oil & Gas
 
4,958
   
5,793
   
2,764
   
3,233
Energy Management
 
2,930
   
1,655
   
1,980
   
731
Aviation
 
4,133
   
4,656
   
1,876
   
1,997
Healthcare
 
4,022
   
4,350
   
1,943
   
2,241
Transportation
 
609
   
454
   
193
   
351
Appliances & Lighting
 
1,502
   
1,466
   
194
   
214
Corporate items and eliminations
 
372
   
391
   
464
   
466
   
27,538
   
23,732
   
15,209
   
11,998
Less Allowance for Losses
 
(515)
   
(495)
   
(502)
   
(485)
Total
$
27,022
 
$
23,237
 
$
14,707
 
$
11,513
                       
(a)
Includes GE industrial customer receivables factored through a GE Capital affiliate and reported as financing receivables by GE Capital of $13,042 million and $12,533 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(b)
GE current receivables of $251 million and $254 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, arose from sales, principally of Aviation goods and services, on open account to various agencies of the U.S. government. As a percentage of GE revenues, approximately 4% of GE sales of goods and services were to the U.S. government in 2015, compared with 3% in 2014 and 4% in 2013.

GE current receivables balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014, before allowance for losses, included $10,535 million and $7,808 million, respectively, from sales of goods and services to customers, and $17 million and $22 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from transactions with associated companies. The remainder of the balances primarily relates to supplier advances, revenue sharing programs and other non-income based tax receivables.



NOTE 5. INVENTORIES
       
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
GE
         
Raw materials and work in process
$
13,415
 
$
9,963
Finished goods
 
8,199
   
6,982
Unbilled shipments
 
628
   
755
   
22,243
   
17,701
Revaluation to LIFO
 
207
   
(62)
Total GE
 
22,449
   
17,639
           
GE Capital
         
Finished goods
 
66
   
50
Total consolidated
$
22,515
 
$
17,689

Inventory increased $4,826 million in 2015 primarily due to the Alstom acquisition of $4,298 million.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 156

NOTE 6. GE CAPITAL FINANCING RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES ON FINANCING RECEIVABLES

FINANCING RECEIVABLES, NET
           
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Loans, net of deferred income
$
20,115
 
$
20,270
Investment in financing leases, net of deferred income
 
4,969
   
5,471
   
25,084
   
25,741
Allowance for losses
 
(81)
   
(93)
Financing receivables – net
$
25,003
 
$
25,647
           

NET INVESTMENT IN FINANCING LEASES
                                   
 
Total financing leases
 
Direct financing leases(a)
 
Leveraged leases(b)
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
                                   
Total minimum lease payments receivable
$
5,901
 
$
6,755
 
$
3,251
 
$
3,669
 
$
2,649
 
$
3,086
 Less principal and interest on third-party
                                 
    non-recourse debt
 
(1,482)
   
(1,868)
   
-
   
-
   
(1,482)
   
(1,868)
Net rentals receivables
 
4,419
   
4,887
   
3,251
   
3,669
   
1,167
   
1,218
Estimated unguaranteed residual value
                                 
     of leased assets
 
2,057
   
2,371
   
928
   
1,138
   
1,129
   
1,233
Less deferred income
 
(1,507)
   
(1,787)
   
(913)
   
(1,101)
   
(593)
   
(686)
Investment in financing leases, net of
                                 
    deferred income
 
4,969
   
5,471
   
3,266
   
3,706
   
1,703
   
1,765
Less amounts to arrive at net investment
                                 
    Allowance for losses
 
(27)
   
(29)
   
(15)
   
(14)
   
(13)
   
(15)
    Deferred taxes
 
(1,665)
   
(1,899)
   
(593)
   
(697)
   
(1,071)
   
(1,202)
Net investment in financing leases
$
3,277
 
$
3,543
 
$
2,658
 
$
2,995
 
$
619
 
$
548
                                   
(a)
Included $24 million and $33 million of initial direct costs on direct financing leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(b)
Included pre-tax income of $61 million and $53 million and income tax of $23 million and $20 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively. Net investment credits recognized on leveraged leases during 2015 and 2014 were insignificant.

CONTRACTUAL MATURITIES
         
           
 
Total
 
Net rentals
(In millions)
loans
 
receivable
           
Due in
         
    2016
$
13,937
 
$
821
    2017
 
1,299
   
719
    2018
 
769
   
715
    2019
 
1,428
   
564
    2020
 
722
   
425
    2021 and later
 
1,959
   
1,174
Total
$
20,115
 
$
4,419
           
We expect actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES
                                   
(In millions)
           
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                                   
Beginning balance
                 
$
93
 
$
44
 
$
43
Provision
                   
48
   
79
   
4
Net write-offs(a)
                   
(60)
   
(27)
   
(4)
Other(b)
                   
(1)
   
(3)
   
1
Ending balance
                 
$
81
 
$
93
 
$
44
                                   
(a)
Net write-offs (gross write-offs less recoveries) in certain portfolios may exceed the beginning allowance for losses as a result of losses that are incurred subsequent to the beginning of the fiscal year due to information becoming available during the current year, which may identify further deterioration on existing financing receivables.
(b)
Other primarily includes effects of currency exchange.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 157

We manage our financing receivable portfolios using delinquency and nonaccrual data as key performance indicators. Substantially all of our financing receivables are secured at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

At December 31, 2015, $622 million (2.5%), $201 million (0.8%) and $256 million (1.0%) of financing receivables were over 30 days past due, over 90 days past due and on nonaccrual, respectively. At December 31, 2014, $610 million (2.4%), $131 million (0.5%) and $512 million (2.0%) of financing receivables were over 30 days past due, over 90 days past due and on nonaccrual, respectively. The vast majority of nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014, which are primarily at GECAS, are currently paying in accordance with their contractual terms.

The recorded investment in impaired loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $175 million and $412 million, respectively, primarily in GECAS, and included $2 million and $20 million of impaired loans with specific allowances of $1 and $16 million, respectively, primarily at EFS. The method used to measure impairment for these loans is primarily based on collateral value. At December 31, 2015, troubled debt restructurings included in impaired loans were $116 million, the vast majority at GECAS.


NOTE 7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

   
Depreciable
                         
   
lives-new
   
Original Cost
 
Net Carrying Value
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
(in years)
     
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
                                 
GE
                             
 
Land and improvements
 
8
(a)
 
$
888
 
$
690
 
$
870
 
$
698
 
Buildings, structures and related equipment
 
8-40
     
10,050
   
8,740
   
5,440
   
4,131
 
Machinery and equipment
 
4-20
     
24,515
   
23,370
   
9,986
   
9,040
 
Leasehold costs and manufacturing plant under construction
 
1-10
     
4,359
   
3,751
   
3,849
   
3,338
             
39,812
   
36,551
   
20,145
   
17,207
                                 
GE Capital(b)
                             
 
Land and improvements, buildings, structures and related equipment
 
1-35
(a)
   
267
   
318
   
101
   
142
 
Equipment leased to others
                             
 
   Aircraft(c)
 
15-20
     
50,339
   
46,017
   
34,316
   
30,573
 
   All other
 
3-35
     
543
   
767
   
364
   
539
             
51,149
   
47,102
   
34,781
   
31,253
Eliminations
         
(939)
   
(462)
   
(831)
   
(390)
Total
       
$
90,022
 
$
83,191
 
$
54,095
 
$
48,070
                                 
(a) Depreciable lives exclude land.
(b) Included $1,024 million and $731 million of original cost of assets leased to GE with accumulated amortization of $83 million and $60 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(c) The GECAS business of Capital recognized impairment losses of $168 million and $445 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively. These losses are recorded in the caption "Cost of services sold" in the Statement of Earnings to reflect adjustments to fair value based on management's best estimates, which are benchmarked against third-party appraiser current market values for aircraft of similar type and age.


Consolidated depreciation and amortization related to property, plant and equipment was $4,847 million, $4,953 million and $5,202 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization of GE Capital equipment leased to others was $2,266 million, $2,386 million and $2,693 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Noncancellable future rentals due from customers for equipment on operating leases at December 31, 2015, are as follows:

(In millions)
   
     
Due in
   
    2016
$
4,162
    2017
 
3,876
    2018
 
3,378
    2019
 
2,920
    2020
 
2,455
    2021 and later
 
7,128
Total
$
23,919
     
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 158

NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

ACQUISITIONS

On November 2, 2015, we acquired the Thermal, Renewables and Grid businesses from Alstom. The purchase price was €9,200 million ($10,135 million), net of cash acquired of approximately €1,600 million ($1,765 million). As further discussed below and elsewhere in this report, the acquired Alstom businesses had a significant impact on our industrial businesses, directly affecting accounting and reporting related to three of our operating segments, as well as the creation of several new, jointly-owned entities. Given the timing and complexity of the acquisition, the presentation of these businesses in our financial statements, including the allocation of the purchase price, is preliminary and likely to change in future reporting periods. We will complete our post-closing procedures and purchase price allocation no later than the fourth quarter of 2016.

As noted above, we formed three consolidated joint ventures with Alstom in grid technology, renewable energy, and global nuclear and French steam power. In addition, GE contributed its Digital Energy business to the grid technology joint venture.

Alstom holds redemption rights with respect to its interest in each joint venture, which, if exercised, would require us to purchase all of their interest during September 2018 or September 2019 for the grid technology and renewable energy joint ventures. Alstom also holds similar redemption rights for the global nuclear and French steam power joint venture, that are exercisable during the first full calendar quarter immediately following the fifth or sixth anniversary of the acquisition date. The redemption price would generally be equal to Alstom's initial investment plus annual accretion of 3% for the grid technology and renewable energy joint ventures and plus annual accretion of 2% for the nuclear and French steam power joint venture, with potential upside sharing based on an EBITDA multiple. Alstom also holds additional redemption rights in other limited circumstances as well as a call option to require GE to sell all of its interests in the renewable energy joint venture at the higher of fair value or Alstom's initial investment plus annual accretion of 3% during the month of May in the years 2016 through 2019 and also upon a decision to IPO the joint venture.

GE holds a call option on Alstom's interest in the global nuclear and French steam power joint venture at the same amount as Alstom's redemption price in the event that Alstom exercises its put option in the grid technology or renewable energy joint ventures. GE also has call options on Alstom's interest in the three joint ventures in other limited circumstances. In addition, the French Government holds a preferred interest in the global nuclear and French steam power joint venture, giving it certain protective rights.

The acquisition and alliances with Alstom affected our Power, Energy Management and Renewable Energy segments. The financial impact of acquired businesses on individual segments will be affected by a number of variables, including operating performance, purchase accounting effects and expected synergies. In addition, due to the amount of time that elapsed between signing and closing, the commercial operations of the businesses were negatively affected primarily as a result of uncertainty among Alstom customers regarding the execution of the transaction. This affected the overall valuation of the acquired businesses at the time of close and, accordingly, is reflected in the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities recorded in purchase accounting. The fair value of the acquired businesses, including a preliminary valuation of non-controlling interest, at the time of close was approximately $13,700 million, net of cash acquired. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in approximately $13,500 million of goodwill and $4,065 million of amortizable intangible assets. The preliminary fair value of the associated non-controlling interest is approximately $3,600 million, which consists of approximately $2,900 million for Alstom's redeemable non-controlling interest in the three joint ventures (presented separately from total equity in the consolidated balance sheet) and $700 million for all other non-controlling interest.

In order to obtain approval by the European Commission and the Department of Justice, GE pledged to sell certain of Alstom's gas-turbine assets and its Power Systems Manufacturing subsidiary to Ansaldo Energia SpA (Ansaldo) after the close of the transaction for approximately €120 million. The purchase price will be paid by Ansaldo over a period of five years. The transaction closed on February 25, 2016.

On January 30, 2015, we acquired Milestone Aviation Group (Milestone Aviation), a helicopter leasing business, for approximately $1,750 million, which is included in our Capital segment. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $730 million and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $345 million.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 159

On June 2, 2014, we acquired Cameron's Reciprocating Compression division for $550 million. The division provides reciprocating compression equipment and aftermarket services for oil and gas production, gas processing, gas distribution and independent power industries. The division is included in our Oil & Gas segment. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $280 million and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $95 million.

In the first quarter of 2014, we acquired several businesses in our Healthcare segment. On February 12, 2014, we acquired API Healthcare (API) for $340 million in cash. API is a healthcare workforce management software and analytics solutions provider. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $270 million and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $125 million. On March 21, 2014, we acquired certain Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. life-science businesses for $1,065 million in cash. The primary business acquired, Hyclone, is a leading manufacturer of products used to support biopharmaceutical research and production. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of approximately $695 million and amortizable intangible assets of approximately $320 million.

GOODWILL

CHANGES IN GOODWILL BALANCES
                                               
 
2015
 
2014
           
Dispositions,
                 
Dispositions,
     
         
currency
                 
currency
     
 
Balance at
     
exchange
 
Balance at
 
Balance at
     
exchange
 
Balance at
(In millions)
January 1
 
Acquisitions(a)
 
and other
 
December 31
 
January 1
 
Acquisitions
 
and other
 
December 31
                                               
Power
$
7,769
 
$
9,582
 
$
(615)
 
$
16,736
 
$
7,852
 
$
21
 
$
(104)
 
$
7,769
Renewable Energy
 
984
   
1,631
   
(35)
   
2,580
   
970
   
-
   
14
   
984
Oil & Gas
 
10,572
   
22
   
-
   
10,594
   
10,516
   
276
   
(220)
   
10,572
Energy Management
 
4,570
   
2,314
   
(657)
   
6,227
   
4,748
   
-
   
(178)
   
4,570
Aviation
 
8,952
   
-
   
(385)
   
8,567
   
9,103
   
-
   
(151)
   
8,952
Healthcare
 
17,532
   
11
   
(190)
   
17,353
   
16,643
   
1,004
   
(115)
   
17,532
Transportation
 
887
   
-
   
(36)
   
851
   
1,012
   
2
   
(127)
   
887
Appliances & Lighting
 
226
   
-
   
(12)
   
214
   
606
   
-
   
(380)
   
226
Capital
 
1,680
   
728
   
(37)
   
2,370
   
1,684
   
-
   
(3)
   
1,680
Corporate
 
34
   
-
   
-
   
34
   
3
   
31
   
-
   
34
Total
$
53,207
 
$
14,287
 
$
(1,968)
 
$
65,526
 
$
53,137
 
$
1,334
 
$
(1,264)
 
$
53,207
                                               
(a)            Goodwill balances associated with Alstom and their allocations to segments are preliminary.

Goodwill balances increased by $12,319 million in 2015, primarily as a result of the Alstom and Milestone Aviation acquisitions, partially offset by currency exchange effects of the stronger U.S dollar and disposals.

Goodwill balances increased $70 million in 2014, primarily as a result of acquisitions at Healthcare and Oil & Gas partially offset by currency exchange effects of a stronger U.S. dollar.

We test goodwill for impairment annually in the third quarter of each year using data as of July 1 of that year. The impairment test consists of two steps: in step one, the carrying value of the reporting unit is compared with its fair value; in step two, which is applied when the carrying value is more than its fair value, the amount of goodwill impairment, if any, is derived by deducting the fair value of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities from the fair value of its equity, and comparing that amount with the carrying amount of goodwill. We determined fair values for each of the reporting units using the market approach, when available and appropriate, or the income approach, or a combination of both. We assess the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time we perform the valuation. If multiple valuation methodologies are used, the results are weighted appropriately.

Valuations using the market approach are derived from metrics of publicly traded companies or historically completed transactions of comparable businesses. The selection of comparable businesses is based on the markets in which the reporting units operate giving consideration to risk profiles, size, geography, and diversity of products and services. A market approach is limited to reporting units for which there are publicly traded companies that have the characteristics similar to our businesses.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 160


Under the income approach, fair value is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate. We use our internal forecasts to estimate future cash flows and include an estimate of long-term future growth rates based on our most recent views of the long-term outlook for each business. Actual results may differ from those assumed in our forecasts. We derive our discount rates using a capital asset pricing model and analyzing published rates for industries relevant to our reporting units to estimate the cost of equity financing. We use discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective businesses and in our internally developed forecasts. Discount rates used in our reporting unit valuations ranged from 10.0% to 15.5%.

During the third quarter of 2015, we performed our annual impairment test of goodwill for all of our reporting units. Based on the results of our step one testing, the fair values of each of the GE reporting units exceeded their carrying values; therefore, the second step of the impairment test was not required to be performed for any of our reporting units and no goodwill impairment was recognized.

While all of our reporting units passed step one of our annual impairment testing in 2015, we identified one reporting unit for which the fair value was not substantially in excess of its carrying value. Due to the sharp decline experienced in oil prices and the prospect of a continuation of prevailing oil prices, the fair value of our Energy Financial Services reporting unit, within our Capital operating segment, has been impacted and was in excess of its carrying value by approximately 13%. Due to the continued decline in oil prices, we performed an impairment test in the fourth quarter using data as of December 31, 2015, which resulted in the fair value of our Energy Financial Services reporting unit being in excess of its carrying value by approximately 12%. The goodwill associated with our Energy Financial Services reporting unit was $1,386 million at December 31, 2015, representing approximately 2% of our total goodwill. Our Oil & Gas business has also experienced declines in orders, project commencement delays and pricing pressures, which affect the fair value of our Oil & Gas reporting units. While the goodwill of these reporting units is not currently impaired, we will continue to monitor the oil & gas industry and the impact it may have on these businesses.

As of December 31, 2015, we believe that the goodwill is recoverable for all of the reporting units; however, there can be no assurances that the goodwill will not be impaired in future periods.

In 2014, we identified one reporting unit for which the fair value was not substantially in excess of its carrying value. Within our Energy Management operating segment, the Power Conversion reporting unit was determined to have a fair value in excess of its carrying value by approximately 10%. In the current year, the fair value of the Power Conversion reporting unit significantly exceeded its carrying value. The increase in fair value over its carrying value was driven primarily by a stabilization of the business and cost cutting measures. In addition, our carrying value has decreased due to currency effects of a stronger U.S. dollar.

Estimating the fair value of reporting units requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors including actual operating results. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 161

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - NET
 
       
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Intangible assets subject to amortization
$
16,634
 
$
13,052
Indefinite-lived intangible assets(a)
 
109
   
130
Total
$
16,744
 
$
13,182
           
(a) Indefinite-lived intangible assets principally comprise trademarks and in-process research and development.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS SUBJECT TO AMORTIZATION
                                   
 
2015
 
2014
 
Gross
         
Gross
       
 
carrying
 
Accumulated
     
carrying
 
Accumulated
   
December 31 (In millions)
amount
 
amortization
 
Net
 
amount
 
amortization
 
Net
                                   
Customer-related
$
8,650
 
$
(2,059)
 
$
6,591
 
$
7,139
 
$
(1,772)
 
$
5,367
Patents and technology
 
8,543
   
(3,096)
   
5,447
   
6,685
   
(2,894)
   
3,791
Capitalized software
 
7,375
   
(4,136)
   
3,239
   
6,509
   
(3,547)
   
2,962
Trademarks
 
1,337
   
(282)
   
1,055
   
1,129
   
(251)
   
878
Lease valuations
 
167
   
(22)
   
145
   
-
   
-
   
-
Present value of future profits(a)
 
651
   
(651)
   
-
   
614
   
(614)
   
-
All other
 
267
   
(108)
   
159
   
107
   
(53)
   
54
Total
$
26,990
 
$
(10,354)
 
$
16,634
 
$
22,183
 
$
(9,131)
 
$
13,052
                                   
 (a) Balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 reflect adjustments of $266 million and $293 million, respectively, to the present value of future profits in our run-off insurance operation to reflect the effects that would have been recognized had the related unrealized investment securities holding gains and losses actually been realized.

During 2015, we recorded additions to intangible assets subject to amortization of $5,764 million, primarily driven by Alstom, capitalized software across all business lines and Milestone Aviation. The components of finite-lived intangible assets acquired during 2015 and their respective weighted average amortizable period follow.

COMPONENTS OF FINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS ACQUIRED DURING 2015
             
       
Weighted-average
   
Gross
 
amortizable period
(In millions)
 
carrying value
 
(in years)
             
Customer-related
 
$
1,737
   
8.5
Patents and technology
   
2,213
   
10.2
Capitalized software
   
1,196
   
7.0
Trademarks
   
223
   
6.3
Lease valuations
   
167
   
4.7
All other
   
227
   
9.5
             
GE amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization was $1,505 million, $1,386 million and $1,286 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. GE Capital amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization was $148 million, $84 million and $93 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Estimated GE Consolidated annual pre-tax amortization for intangible assets over the next five calendar years follows.

ESTIMATED 5 YEAR CONSOLIDATED AMORTIZATION
   
                             
(In millions)
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
2020
                             
Estimated annual pre-tax amortization
$
1,952
 
$
1,853
 
$
1,851
 
$
1,725
 
$
1,591
                             
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 162

NOTE 9. CONTRACT ASSETS AND ALL OTHER ASSETS

December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
GE
         
Contract assets
$
21,156
 
$
16,960
           
           
Contract assets reflect revenues earned in excess of billings on our long-term contracts to construct technically complex equipment (such as gas power systems and aircraft engines), long-term product maintenance or extended warranty arrangements and other deferred contract related costs. Long-term product maintenance amounts are presented net of related billings in excess of revenues of $2,602 million and $2,329 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in contract assets at December 31, 2015, is $1,979 million related to the Alstom acquisition.

December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Investments
         
   Associated companies
$
3,582
 
$
3,384
   Other
 
718
   
613
   
4,300
   
3,997
Long-term receivables, including notes
 
2,310
   
766
Derivative instruments
 
733
   
783
Other
 
5,937
   
2,175
   
13,281
   
7,722
GE Capital
         
Investments
         
   Associated companies
 
8,373
   
8,651
   Assets held for sale(a)
 
857
   
1,414
   Time deposits(b)
 
10,386
   
-
   Other
 
543
   
138
   
20,159
   
10,203
Derivative instruments
 
549
   
1,434
Advances to suppliers
 
1,809
   
1,372
Deferred borrowing costs
 
199
   
662
Other(c)
 
2,571
   
3,774
   
25,287
   
17,445
Eliminations
 
(1,097)
   
(331)
All Other Assets
$
37,471
 
$
24,836
           
(a) Assets were classified as held for sale on the date a decision was made to dispose of them through sale or other means. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, such assets consisted primarily of loans, aircraft and equipment, and were accounted for at the lower of carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell.
(b) Balances at December 31, 2015 included $10,386 million of high quality interest bearing deposits with European branches of global banks, predominantly in the UK, that mature in April 2016.
(c) Balances at December 31, 2015 and 2014 included $6 million and $7 million, respectively of deferred acquisition cost that reflect adjustments of $544 million and $624 million, respectively, to deferred acquisition costs in our run-off insurance operations to reflect the effects that would have been recognized had the related unrealized investment securities holding gains and losses actually been realized.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 163

NOTE 10. BORROWINGS

December 31 (Dollars in millions)
2015
   
2014
                         
Short-term borrowings
   
Amount
 
Average Rate(a)
     
Amount
 
Average Rate(a)
 
GE
                       
Commercial paper
 
$
500
 
0.15
%
 
$
500
 
0.10
%
Current portion of long-term borrowings
   
17,777
 
2.10
     
2,068
 
1.05
 
Other
   
1,522
         
1,304
     
Total GE short-term borrowings(b)
   
19,799
         
3,872
     
                         
GE Capital
                       
Commercial paper
                       
   U.S.
   
650
 
0.46
     
22,019
 
0.19
 
   Non-U.S.
   
4,351
 
0.01
     
2,993
 
0.25
 
Current portion of long-term borrowings(c)
   
24,996
 
4.28
     
36,920
 
2.15
 
Intercompany payable to GE(d)
   
17,649
         
-
     
GE interest plus notes(f)
   
-
         
5,467
 
1.01
 
Other(e)
   
1,005
         
16
     
Total GE Capital short-term borrowings
   
48,650
         
67,416
     
                         
Eliminations(d)
   
(18,556)
         
(863)
     
Total short-term borrowings
 
$
49,892
       
$
70,425
     
                         
Long-term borrowings
Maturities
 
Amount
 
Average Rate(a)
     
Amount
 
Average Rate(a)
 
GE
                       
Senior notes
2017-2055
$
72,840
 
3.23
%
 
$
11,945
 
4.25
%
Subordinated notes
2021-2037
 
2,954
 
3.68
     
-
     
Subordinated debentures(g)
2066-2067
 
6,678
 
6.14
     
-
     
Other
   
1,298
         
523
     
Total GE long-term borrowings(b)
   
83,770
         
12,468
     
                         
GE Capital
                       
Senior notes(c)
2017-2039
 
59,254
 
2.54
     
158,600
 
2.65
 
Subordinated notes
   
249
         
4,804
 
3.36
 
Subordinated debentures(g)
   
-
         
7,085
 
5.88
 
Intercompany payable to GE(d)
   
67,465
         
-
     
Other(e)
   
2,094
         
3,686
     
Total GE Capital long-term borrowings
   
129,062
         
174,174
     
                         
Eliminations(d)
   
(67,531)
         
(46)
     
Total long-term borrowings
 
$
145,301
       
$
186,596
     
Non-recourse borrowings of
                       
   consolidated securitization entities(h)
2016-2017
$
3,083
 
1.00
%
 
$
4,403
 
0.97
%
Total borrowings
 
$
198,276
       
$
261,424
     
                         
(a)
Based on year-end balances and year-end local currency effective interest rates, including the effects from hedging.
(b)
Excluding assumed debt of GE Capital, GE total borrowings is $18,455 million.
(c)
Included $160 million and $439 million of obligations to holders of GICs at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These obligations included conditions under which certain GIC holders could require immediate repayment of their investment should the long-term credit ratings of GE Capital fall below AA-/Aa3. The remaining outstanding GICs will continue to be subject to their scheduled maturities and individual terms, which may include provisions permitting redemption upon a downgrade of one or more of GE Capital's ratings, among other things.
(d)
Included $85,114 million of GE Capital debt assumed by GE and maintained as intercompany payable to GE at December 31, 2015.
(e)
Included $2,721 million and $3,830 million of funding secured by aircraft and other collateral at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of which $1,537 million and $1,183 million is non-recourse to GE Capital at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(f)
Entirely variable denomination floating-rate demand notes. The GE Interest Plus program was closed effective August 31, 2015.
(g)
Included $2,587 million of subordinated debentures, which constitute the sole assets of trusts that have issued trust preferred securities and where GE owns 100% of the common securities of the trusts. Obligations associated with these trusts are unconditionally guaranteed by GE.
(h)
Included $918 million and $773 million of current portion of long-term borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 21.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 164

On May 28, 2015, GE issued €3,150 million senior unsecured debt, composed of €650 million of Floating Rate Notes due 2020, €1,250 million of 1.250% Notes due 2023 and €1,250 million of 1.875% Notes due 2027. On October 9, 2015, $2.0 billion of long-term debt issued by GE matured.

On April 10, 2015, GE provided a full and unconditional guarantee on the payment of the principal and interest on all tradable senior and subordinated outstanding long-term debt securities and all commercial paper issued or guaranteed by GE Capital. $92.6 billion of such debt was assumed by GE on December 2, 2015 upon its merger with GE Capital resulting in an intercompany payable to GE. Prior to the merger $36 billion notional of GE Capital debt was exchanged into a new GE Capital international entity, including $16.2 billion which was exchanged into Six Month Notes and of which $14.9 billion was classified in long-term borrowings prior to exchange.
As part of the GE Capital Exit Plan, on September 21, 2015 GE Capital commenced private offers to exchange up to $30 billion of certain outstanding debt for new notes with maturities of six months, five years, ten years or twenty years. On October 19, 2015, given the high level of participation, the offering was increased by $6 billion with the aggregate principal amount of $36 billion of outstanding notes (representing $31 billion of outstanding principal and $5 billion of premium) being tendered for exchange and settled on October 26, 2015. The new notes that were issued at closing are composed of $15.3 billion of 0.964% Six Month Notes due April 2016, £0.8 billion of 1.363% Six Month Notes due April 2016, $6.1 billion of 2.342% Notes due 2020, $2.0 billion of 3.373% Notes due 2025 and $11.5 billion of 4.418% Notes due 2035.

December 31 (in millions)
 
2015
             
   
Borrowings from
debt exchange(a)
 
Borrowings assumed by GE
 
Borrowings guaranteed by GE
Short-term borrowings
           
GE
           
Current portion of long-term borrowings
$
-
$
17,649
$
-
GE Capital
           
Commercial paper-Non U.S.
 
-
 
-
 
4,351
Current portion of long-term borrowings
 
15,430
 
-
 
24,334
Other
 
789
 
-
 
789
Total short-term borrowings
$
16,219
$
17,649
$
29,474
             
Long-term borrowings
           
GE
           
Senior unsecured notes
$
-
$
57,433
$
-
Subordinated notes
 
-
 
2,954
 
-
Subordinated debentures
 
-
 
6,678
 
-
Other
 
-
 
400
 
-
GE Capital
           
Senior unsecured notes
 
16,756
 
-
 
56,355
Other
 
-
 
-
 
-
Total long-term borrowings
$
16,756
$
67,465
$
56,355
Total borrowings
$
32,975
$
85,114
$
85,829
             
(a) Included $4.5 billion in additional bonds issued as a premium that will accrete up to face value ($36 billion) to the maturity date.


Additional information about borrowings and associated swaps can be found in Notes 20 and 27.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 165


Liquidity is affected by debt maturities and our ability to repay or refinance such debt. Long-term debt maturities over the next five years follow.


(In millions)
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
2020
                             
GE(a)
$
17,777
 
$
16,723
 
$
7,953
 
$
3,749
 
$
7,306
GE Capital
 
24,996
(b)
 
8,520
   
7,681
   
5,714
   
11,419
                             
(a)
Included borrowings assumed by GE as part of the merger, for which GE has an offsetting amount due from GE Capital, of $17,649 million, $12,454 million, $7,898 million, $3,707 million and $6,548 million in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively.
(b)
Fixed and floating rate notes of $458 million contain put options with exercise dates in 2016, and which have final maturity beyond 2019

Committed credit lines totaling $45.6 billion had been extended to us by 48 banks at year-end 2015. $45.6 billion under these credit lines can be on-lent to GE Capital. The GE lines include $24.5 billion of revolving credit agreements under which we can borrow funds for periods exceeding one year. Additionally, $20.9 billion are 364-day lines that contain a term-out feature that allows us to extend the borrowings for two years from the date on which such borrowings would otherwise be due.



NOTE 11. INVESTMENT CONTRACTS, INSURANCE LIABILITIES AND INSURANCE ANNUITY BENEFITS

Investment contracts, insurance liabilities and insurance annuity benefits comprise mainly obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance operations.


December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Life insurance benefits(a)
$
19,978
 
$
20,688
Investment contracts
 
2,955
   
3,970
Other(b)
 
3,223
   
3,224
   
26,155
   
27,881
Eliminations
 
(463)
   
(449)
Total
$
25,692
 
$
27,432
           
(a)
Life insurance benefits are accounted for mainly by a net-level-premium method using estimated yields generally ranging from 3.0% to 8.5% in both 2015 and 2014.
(b)
Substantially all unpaid claims and claims adjustment expenses and unearned premiums.

When insurance affiliates cede insurance risk to third parties, such as reinsurers, they are not relieved of their primary obligation to policyholders. When losses on ceded risks give rise to claims for recovery, we establish allowances for probable losses on such receivables from reinsurers as required. Reinsurance recoverables are included in the caption "Other GE Capital receivables" on our Statement of Financial Position, and amounted to $1,880 million and $1,742 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively.

We recognize reinsurance recoveries as a reduction of the Statement of Earnings caption "Investment contracts, insurance losses and insurance annuity benefits." Reinsurance recoveries were $295 million, $240 million and $250 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 166

NOTE 12. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

ABOUT OUR PLANS

We sponsor a number of pension plans, including our two principal pension plans for certain U.S. employees as well as other affiliate pension plans. Our principal pension plans, the GE Pension Plan and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, are discussed below. A summary of other postretirement plans is also provided.

The GE Pension Plan is a defined benefit plan that covers 231,000 retirees and beneficiaries, 167,000 vested former employees and 75,000 active employees. This plan is closed to new participants. The GE Supplementary Pension Plan is an unfunded plan that provides supplementary benefits to higher-level, longer-service employees. The GE Supplementary Pension Plan annuity benefit is closed to new participants and has been replaced by an installment benefit. We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans.

On our balance sheet, we measure our plan assets at fair value and the obligations at the present value of the estimated payments to plan participants. Participants earn benefits based on their service and pay. Those estimated payment amounts are determined based on assumptions. Differences between our actual results and what we assumed are recorded in a separate component of equity each period. These differences are amortized into earnings over the remaining average future service of active employees or the expected life of participants, as applicable, who participate in the plan.

THE COST OF OUR PLANS

The amount we report in our earnings as pension cost consists of the following components:

Service cost - the cost of benefits earned.
Prior service cost amortization – the effect of benefit changes resulting from plan amendments.
Expected return on plan assets – the return we expect to earn on plan investments.
Interest cost – the accrual of interest on the pension obligation due to the passage of time.
Net actuarial loss amortization – changes in estimates of the amount of the net pension obligation (based on assumption changes and actual experience).
Curtailment loss – immediate recognition of amounts previously deferred (due to an event, such as the sale of a business, which shortens future service or eliminates future benefits).

Pension cost components follow.

COST OF PENSION PLANS
                   
                     
 
Principal pension plans
(In millions)
 
2015
     
2014
     
2013
                     
Service cost for benefits earned
$
1,424
   
$
1,205
   
$
1,535
Prior service cost amortization
 
205
     
214
     
246
Expected return on plan assets
 
(3,302)
     
(3,190)
     
(3,500)
Interest cost on benefit obligations
 
2,778
     
2,745
     
2,460
Net actuarial loss amortization
 
3,288
     
2,565
     
3,664
Curtailment loss
 
105
     
65
     
-
Pension cost
$
4,498
   
$
3,604
   
$
4,405
                     

ASSUMPTIONS USED IN PENSION CALCULATIONS

Accounting requirements necessitate the use of assumptions to reflect the uncertainties and the length of time over which the pension obligations will be paid. The actual amount of future benefit payments will depend upon when participants retire, the amount of their benefit at retirement and how long they live. To reflect the obligation in today's dollars, we discount the future payments using a rate that matches the time frame over which the payments will be made. We also need to assume a long-term rate of return that will be earned on investments used to fund these payments.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 167


The assumptions used to measure our pension benefit obligations (PBO) follow.

ASSUMPTIONS USED TO MEASURE PENSION BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
           
 
Principal pension plans
December 31
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
             
Discount rate
4.38
%
4.02
%
4.85
%
Compensation increases
3.80
 
4.10
 
4.00
 
             

The discount rate used to measure the pension obligation at the end of the year is also used to measure pension cost in the following year. The assumptions used to measure pension costs follow.

ASSUMPTIONS USED TO MEASURE PENSION COST
           
 
Principal pension plans
December 31
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
             
Discount rate
4.02
%
4.85
%
3.96
%
Expected return on assets
7.50
 
7.50
 
8.00
 
             

We evaluate these assumptions annually. We evaluate other assumptions periodically, such as retirement age, mortality and turnover, and update them as necessary to reflect our actual experience and expectations for the future.

The Society of Actuaries issued new mortality tables in 2014 projecting longer life expectancies that resulted in higher postretirement benefit obligations for U.S. companies. We updated our mortality assumptions as of December 31, 2014, which resulted in an increase of $3,953 million in our principal pension plans' benefit obligations.

We determine the discount rate using the weighted average yields on high-quality fixed-income securities that have maturities consistent with the timing of benefit payments. Lower discount rates increase the size of the benefit obligation and pension expense in the following year; higher discount rates reduce the size of the benefit obligation and subsequent-year pension expense.

The expected return on plan assets is the estimated long-term rate of return that will be earned on the investments used to fund the pension obligation. To determine this rate, we consider the current and target composition of plan investments, our historical returns earned, and our expectations about the future.

The compensation assumption is used to estimate the annual rate at which pay of plan participants will grow. If the rate of growth assumed increases, the size of the pension obligation will increase, as will the amount recorded in shareowners' equity and amortized to earnings in subsequent periods.

Further information about our pension assumptions, including a sensitivity analysis of certain assumptions, can be found in the Critical Accounting Estimates Pension Assumptions within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A).

FUNDED STATUS
             
               
 
Principal pension plans
   
December 31 (in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
               
Projected benefit obligations
$
68,722
 
$
70,735
   
Fair value of plan assets
 
45,720
   
48,280
   
Underfunded
$
23,002
 
$
22,455
   
               
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 168

PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
           
             
 
Principal pension plans
 
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
             
Balance at January 1
$
70,735
 
$
58,113
 
Service cost for benefits earned
 
1,424
   
1,205
 
Interest cost on benefit obligations
 
2,778
   
2,745
 
Participant contributions
 
155
   
153
 
Plan amendments
 
902
   
-
 
Actuarial loss (gain)
 
(4,017)
(a)
 
11,718
(b)
Benefits paid
 
(3,255)
   
(3,199)
 
Balance at December 31(c)
$
68,722
 
$
70,735
 
             
(a)
Principally associated with discount rate changes.
(b)
Principally associated with discount rate and mortality assumption changes.
(c)
The PBO for the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, which is an unfunded plan, was $6,099 million and $6,632 million at year-end 2015 and 2014, respectively.

THE COMPOSITION OF OUR PLAN ASSETS

The fair value of our pension plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of these assets are described in Note 1 and have been applied consistently.

 
Principal pension plans
December 31 (in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Equity securities
         
   U.S. equity securities(a)
$
12,447
 
$
12,956
   Non-U.S. equity securities(a)
 
9,088
   
9,153
Debt securities
         
   Fixed income and cash investment funds
 
3,252
   
4,500
   U.S. corporate(b)
 
5,529
   
5,155
   Other debt securities(c)
 
5,131
   
5,729
Private equities(a)
 
4,885
   
5,249
Real estate(a)
 
3,186
   
3,129
Other investments(d)
 
2,202
   
2,409
Total plan assets
$
45,720
 
$
48,280
           
(a) Included direct investments and investment funds.
(b) Primarily represented investment-grade bonds of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.
(c) Primarily represented investments in residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, non-U.S. corporate and government bonds and U.S. government, federal agency, state and municipal debt.

(d) Substantially all represented hedge fund investments.
   


Virtually all of the private equity, real estate and other investments are considered Level 3 investments. The remaining investments are substantially all considered Level 1 or Level 2. A description of the fair value leveling hierarchy is provided in the Accounting Principles and Policy section of Note 1.

FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS
         
           
 
Principal pension plans
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Balance at January 1
$
48,280
 
$
48,297
Actual gain on plan assets
 
307
   
2,793
Employer contributions
 
233
   
236
Participant contributions
 
155
   
153
Benefits paid
 
(3,255)
   
(3,199)
Balance at December 31
$
45,720
 
$
48,280
           
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 169

AMOUNTS INCLUDED IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

Amounts included in shareowners' equity that will be amortized in future reporting periods follow.

 
Principal pension plans
December 31 (in millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Prior service cost
$
1,473
 
$
881
Net actuarial loss
 
16,795
   
21,105
Total
$
18,268
 
$
21,986
           
In 2016, we estimate that we will amortize $300 million of prior service cost and $2,450 million of net actuarial loss from shareowners' equity into pension cost. Comparable amounts amortized in 2015 were $205 million and $3,288 million, respectively.

OTHER PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

We also administer other pension plans, including legacy plans that were part of acquisitions. Other pension plans in 2015 included 53 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with assets or obligations greater than $50 million. These other pension plans cover 60,000 retirees and beneficiaries, 58,000 vested former employees and 39,000 active employees. We also sponsor a number of postretirement health and life insurance benefit plans (retiree benefit plans). Principal retiree benefit plans cover approximately 189,000 retirees and dependents.

In June 2015, we amended our principal retiree benefit plans such that, effective January 1, 2016, our current post-65 retiree health plans will be closed to certain production retirees, employees, and their eligible dependents. In lieu of current post-65 retiree health benefits, current retired production participants and their eligible dependents who are 65 on or before January 1, 2018, will receive a Retirement Reimbursement Account (RRA) to help pay for eligible expenses incurred for coverage purchased through a private exchange. In addition, production employees eligible for current post-65 retiree healthcare benefits who retire by June 23, 2019 and their eligible dependents will also receive the RRA when they turn age 65 and enroll in individual Medicare coverage purchased through a private exchange. Also, in June 2015, we amended our company-provided retiree life insurance so that it will be closed to production employees who retire after June 23, 2019. These plan amendments reduced our principal retiree benefit obligations by approximately $3,300 million.

Summarized information about these plans follows.

COST OF BENEFIT PLANS
                                   
                                     
 
Other pension plans
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
(In millions)
 
2015
     
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                                     
Benefit plan cost
$
373
   
$
412
 
$
645
 
$
174
 
$
789
 
$
927
                                     

FUNDED STATUS
                       
                         
               
Principal retiree
 
Other pension plans
 
benefit plans
(In millions)
 
2015
     
2014
   
2015
   
2014
                         
Benefit obligations
$
21,618
   
$
15,589
 
$
6,757
 
$
10,703
Fair value of plan assets
 
17,368
     
12,386
   
695
   
813
Underfunded
$
4,250
   
$
3,203
 
$
6,062
 
$
9,890
                         
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 170

AMOUNTS INCLUDED IN SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

Amounts included in shareowners' equity that will be amortized in future reporting periods follow.

               
Principal retiree
 
Other pension plans
 
benefit plans
December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
     
2014
   
2015
   
2014
                         
Prior service cost (credit)
$
(29)
   
$
(23)
 
$
(3,132)
 
$
(24)
Net actuarial loss (gain)
 
3,080
     
3,533
   
(464)
   
(71)
Total
$
3,051
   
$
3,510
 
$
(3,596)
 
$
(95)
                         
In 2016, we estimate that we will amortize $1 million of prior service cost and $275 million of net actuarial loss for the other pension plans from shareowners' equity into pension cost. For principal retiree benefit plans, the estimated prior service credit and net actuarial gain to be amortized in 2016 will be $165 million and $55 million, respectively. Comparable amounts amortized in 2015, respectively, were an insignificant amount and $289 million of net actuarial loss for the other pension plans and $8 million of prior service credit and $25 million of net actuarial gain for the principal retiree benefit plans.

OUR FUNDING POLICY

Our policy for funding the GE Pension Plan is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet minimum funding requirements under employee benefit and tax laws. We may decide to contribute additional amounts beyond this level. We did not make contributions to the GE Pension Plan in 2015 and 2014. The minimum funding requirements under U.S. law do not require a contribution to be made in 2016.

We expect to pay approximately $250 million for benefit payments under our GE Supplementary Pension Plan and administrative expenses of our principal pension plans and expect to contribute approximately $930 million to other pension plans in 2016. In 2015, comparative amounts were $233 million and $549 million, respectively.

We fund retiree health benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis and the retiree life insurance trust at our discretion. We expect to contribute approximately $490 million in 2016 to fund such benefits. In 2015, we contributed $501 million for these plans.

Further information about our pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans can be found in Note 27.



NOTE 13. ALL OTHER LIABILITIES

This caption includes liabilities for various items including deferred income, interest on tax liabilities, unrecognized tax benefits, environmental remediation, asset retirement obligations, derivative instruments, product warranties and a variety of sundry items.

We are involved in numerous remediation actions to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. Liabilities for remediation costs exclude possible insurance recoveries and, when dates and amounts of such costs are not known, are not discounted. When there appears to be a range of possible costs with equal likelihood, liabilities are based on the low end of such range. It is reasonably possible that our environmental remediation exposure will exceed amounts accrued. However, due to uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations, technology and information related to individual sites, such amounts are not reasonably estimable. Total reserves related to environmental remediation and asbestos claims, were $1,869 million at December 31, 2015.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 171

NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES

GE and GE Capital file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. This enables GE and GE Capital to use tax deductions and credits of one member of the group to reduce the tax that otherwise would have been payable by another member of the group. The GE Capital effective tax rate reflects the benefit of these tax reductions in the consolidated return. GE makes cash payments to GE Capital for tax reductions and GE Capital pays for tax increases at the time GE's tax payments are due.

Our businesses are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal, state and foreign tax laws, regulations and policies. Changes to these laws or regulations may affect our tax liability, return on investments and business operations.

THE GE CAPITAL EXIT PLAN

In conjunction with the GE Capital Exit Plan, GE Capital will significantly reduce its non-U.S. assets while continuing to operate appropriately capitalized non-U.S. businesses with substantial assets related to GE Capital's vertical financing businesses, Energy Financial Services, GECAS and Healthcare Equipment Finance. As a result of the GE Capital Exit Plan, GE Capital recognized a tax expense of $6,327 million in continuing operations during 2015. This primarily consisted of $3,548 million of tax expense related to the repatriation of excess foreign cash and the write-off of deferred tax assets of $2,779 million that will no longer be supported under this plan.

The repatriation of cash includes approximately $10 billion of foreign earnings that, prior to the approval of the GE Capital Exit Plan, were indefinitely reinvested in GE Capital's international operations. GE Capital's indefinitely reinvested earnings have also been reduced by charges recognized in connection with the disposition of international assets. The remainder of the indefinitely reinvested earnings will continue to be reinvested in the significant international base of assets that will remain after the GE Capital Exit Plan is fully executed. The write-off of deferred tax assets largely relates to our Treasury operations in Ireland where the tax benefits will no longer be apparent to be realized upon implementation of the GE Capital Exit Plan. These charges, which increase the 2015 Consolidated effective tax rate by 77.3 percentage points, are reported in the lines "Tax on global activities including exports", and "All other-net" in the Reconciliation of U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to actual income tax rate."

(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
GE
               
Current tax expense
$
3,307
 
$
2,110
 
$
4,238
Deferred tax expense (benefit) from temporary differences
 
(1,800)
   
(476)
   
(2,571)
   
1,506
   
1,634
   
1,667
GE Capital
               
Current tax expense (benefit)
 
2,796
   
(455)
   
521
Deferred tax expense (benefit) from temporary differences
 
2,183
   
(406)
   
(969)
   
4,979
   
(861)
   
(448)
Consolidated
               
Current tax expense
 
6,103
   
1,655
   
4,759
Deferred tax expense (benefit) from temporary differences
 
383
   
(882)
   
(3,540)
Total
$
6,485
 
$
773
 
$
1,219
                 

CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
U.S. earnings
$
(309)
 
$
3,176
 
$
6,066
Non-U.S. earnings
 
8,495
   
7,087
   
3,034
Total
$
8,186
 
$
10,263
 
$
9,100
                 
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 172

CONSOLIDATED (BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
                   
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                   
U.S. Federal
               
 
Current
$
1,549
 
$
(122)
 
$
2,005
 
Deferred
 
492
   
261
   
(2,571)
Non - U.S.
               
 
Current
 
4,867
   
2,035
   
2,703
 
Deferred
 
(121)
   
(982)
   
(1,004)
Other
 
(302)
   
(419)
   
86
Total
$
6,485
 
$
773
 
$
1,219
                   

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. FEDERAL STATUTORY INCOME TAX RATE TO ACTUAL INCOME TAX RATE
 
                                     
 
Consolidated
 
GE
 
GE Capital
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                                     
                                     
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
35.0
%
   Increase (reduction) in rate resulting from
                                   
    inclusion of after-tax earnings of GE Capital in
                                   
         before-tax earnings of GE
-
 
-
 
-
 
82.4
 
(4.8)
 
(2.6)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
   Tax on global activities including exports(a)
54.1
 
(17.7)
 
(11.4)
 
(52.8)
 
(12.0)
 
(7.4)
 
(224.5)
 
(72.0)
 
(126.9)
 
   U.S. business credits(b)
(4.7)
 
(3.3)
 
(4.9)
 
(4.1)
 
(1.0)
 
(2.6)
 
9.2
 
(34.5)
 
(74.3)
 
   All other – net(c)
(5.2)
 
(6.5)
 
(5.3)
 
(14.2)
 
(2.5)
 
(4.9)
 
(1.5)
 
(55.9)
 
(1.0)
 
 
44.2
 
(27.5)
 
(21.6)
 
11.3
 
(20.3)
 
(17.5)
 
(216.8)
 
(162.4)
 
(202.2)
 
Actual income tax rate
79.2
%
7.5
%
13.4
%
46.3
%
14.7
%
17.5
%
(181.8)
%
(127.4)
%
(167.2)
%
                                     
(a)
Included 2.9% and 2.7% in consolidated and GE, respectively, related to repatriation of prior year's non-U.S. earnings in 2013.
(b)
U.S. general business credits, primarily the credit for manufacture of energy efficient appliances, the credit for energy produced from renewable sources, the advanced energy project credit and the credit for research performed in the U.S.
(c)
Included (4.2)% and (10.6)% in consolidated and GE, respectively, related to deductible stock losses in 2015. Also includes, for each period, the expense or (benefit) for "Other" taxes reported above in the consolidated (benefit) provision for income taxes, net of 35% federal effect.

UNRECOGNIZED TAX POSITIONS

Annually, we file over 5,500 income tax returns in over 300 global taxing jurisdictions. We are under examination or engaged in tax litigation in many of these jurisdictions. During 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed the audit of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2010-2011, except for certain issues that remain under examination. During 2013, the IRS completed the audit of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2008-2009, except for certain issues that remain under examination. In addition, certain other U.S. tax deficiency issues and refund claims for previous years were unresolved. The IRS has disallowed the tax loss on our 2003 disposition of ERC Life Reinsurance Corporation. We have contested the disallowance of this loss. It is reasonably possible that the unresolved items could be resolved during the next 12 months, which could result in a decrease in our balance of "unrecognized tax benefits" – that is, the aggregate tax effect of differences between tax return positions and the benefits recognized in our financial statements. 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. Resolution of audit matters, including the IRS audit of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2008-2011, reduced our 2015 and 2013 consolidated income tax rates by 4.4 and 1.9 percentage points, respectively.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 173


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:

UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS
 
       
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Unrecognized tax benefits
$
6,778
 
$
5,619
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(a)
 
4,723
   
4,059
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits
 
805
   
807
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits
 
98
   
103
Reasonably possible reduction to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits
         
   in succeeding 12 months
 
0-700
   
0-900
Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(a)
 
0-200
   
0-300
           
(a) Some portion of such reduction may be reported as discontinued operations.


UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS RECONCILIATION
           
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Balance at January 1
$
5,619
 
$
5,816
Additions for tax positions of the current year
 
720
   
234
Additions for tax positions of prior years
 
1,296
   
673
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
 
(754)
   
(761)
Settlements with tax authorities
 
(70)
   
(305)
Expiration of the statute of limitations
 
(33)
   
(38)
Balance at December 31
$
6,778
 
$
5,619
           

For 2015, the amount shown as "additions for tax positions of prior years" relates primarily ($1,054 million) to the preliminary estimate of uncertain tax liabilities for acquired Alstom businesses.  Of the total 2015 additions for tax positions of prior years, $445 million relates to amounts that would not affect tax expense if recognized.

We classify interest on tax deficiencies as interest expense; we classify income tax penalties as provision for income taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, $48 million, $(68) million and $22 million of interest expense (income), respectively, and $(4) million, $(45) million and an insignificant amount of tax expense (income) related to penalties, respectively, were recognized in the Statement of Earnings.

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. To the extent we do not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established.

We have not provided U.S. deferred taxes on cumulative earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies that have been reinvested indefinitely. These earnings relate to ongoing operations and, at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were approximately $104 billion and $119 billion, respectively. Most of these earnings have been reinvested in active non-U.S. business operations and we do not intend to repatriate these earnings to fund U.S. operations. Because of the availability of U.S. foreign tax credits, it is not practicable to determine the U.S. federal income tax liability that would be payable if such earnings were not reinvested indefinitely. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings of non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies when we plan to remit those earnings.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 174



Aggregated deferred income tax amounts are summarized below.

December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Assets
         
GE
$
20,539
 
$
19,942
GE Capital
 
4,643
   
8,048
   
25,182
   
27,990
Liabilities
         
GE
 
(12,873)
   
(11,170)
GE Capital
 
(9,204)
   
(10,638)
   
(22,077)
   
(21,808)
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
$
3,105
 
$
6,183
           

COMPONENTS OF THE NET DEFERRED INCOME TAX ASSET (LIABILITY)
           
December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
GE
         
Principal pension plans
$
8,051
 
$
7,859
Other non-current compensation and benefits
 
4,133
   
3,427
Provision for expenses
 
2,827
   
2,765
Retiree insurance plans
 
2,122
   
3,462
Non-U.S. loss carryforwards(a)
 
1,940
   
738
Contract assets
 
(5,143)
   
(4,539)
Intangible assets
 
(3,192)
   
(2,364)
Depreciation
 
(1,688)
   
(1,226)
Investment in global subsidiaries
 
(915)
   
(979)
Other – net
 
(469)
   
(371)
   
7,666
   
8,772
GE Capital
         
Operating leases
 
(3,863)
   
(3,763)
Financing leases
 
(1,665)
   
(1,899)
Intangible assets
 
(103)
   
(53)
Non-U.S. loss carryforwards(a)
 
2,262
   
2,974
Investment in global subsidiaries
 
5
   
2,060
Other – net
 
(1,197)
   
(1,909)
   
(4,561)
   
(2,590)
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)
$
3,105
 
$
6,183
           
(a) Net of valuation allowances of $2,184 million and $2,015 million for GE and $109 million and $19 million for GE Capital, for 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2015, of $4,202 million, $10 million relates to net operating loss carryforwards that expire in various years ending from December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2018; $472 million relates to net operating losses that expire in various years ending from December 31, 2019 through December 31, 2035 and $3,720 million relates to net operating loss carryforwards that may be carried forward indefinitely.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 175

NOTE 15. SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY

(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Preferred stock issued
$
6
 
$
-
 
$
-
Common stock issued
$
702
 
$
702
 
$
702
Accumulated other comprehensive income
               
Balance at January 1
$
(18,172)
 
$
(9,119)
 
$
(20,229)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
(3,312)
   
(12,088)
   
8,844
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income
 
4,956
   
3,035
   
2,265
Other comprehensive income, net, attributable to GE
 
1,644
   
(9,053)
   
11,109
Balance at December 31
$
(16,529)
 
$
(18,172)
 
$
(9,119)
Other capital
               
Balance at January 1
$
32,889
 
$
32,494
 
$
33,070
Gains (losses) on treasury stock dispositions and other(a)(b)
 
4,724
   
396
   
(576)
Balance at December 31
$
37,613
 
$
32,889
 
$
32,494
Retained earnings
               
Balance at January 1
$
155,333
 
$
149,051
 
$
144,055
Net earnings (loss) attributable to the Company
 
(6,126)
   
15,233
   
13,057
Dividends and other transactions with shareowners
 
(9,161)
   
(8,948)
   
(8,060)
Redemption value adjustment on redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
(25)
   
(2)
   
(1)
Balance at December 31
$
140,020
 
$
155,333
 
$
149,051
Common stock held in treasury
               
Balance at January 1
$
(42,593)
 
$
(42,561)
 
$
(34,571)
Purchases(c)
 
(23,762)
   
(1,950)
   
(10,466)
Dispositions
 
2,816
   
1,917
   
2,477
Balance at December 31
$
(63,539)
 
$
(42,593)
 
$
(42,561)
Total equity
               
GE shareowners' equity balance at December 31
$
98,274
 
$
128,159
 
$
130,566
Noncontrolling interests balance at December 31
 
1,864
   
8,674
   
6,217
Total equity balance at December 31
$
100,138
 
$
136,833
 
$
136,783
                 
(a)
2014 included $440 million related to the excess of the net proceeds from the Synchrony Financial IPO over the carrying value of the interest sold.
(b)
2015 included $4,949 million related to issuance of new preferred stock in exchange for existing GE Capital preferred stock.
(c)
2015 included $(20,383) million related to the split-off of Synchrony Financial from GE, where GE shares were exchanged for shares of Synchrony Financial.

SHARES OF GE PREFERRED STOCK

At December 31, 2014 GECC had outstanding 50,000 shares of non-cumulative A, B and C Series perpetual preferred stock at an average dividend rate of 6.44% with a face value of $5,000 million. In connection with the GE Capital Exit Plan, on December 3, 2015, these shares were converted into a corresponding Series A, B, and C of fixed-to-floating rate non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock issued by GE with face value of $2,778 million, $2,073 million, $1,094 million, respectively, for a cumulative face value of $5,944 million with terms as follows:

Series A: 2,777,625 shares bearing an initial fixed interest rate of 4.00% through June 15, 2022, and a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.28% thereafter, callable on June 15, 2022.

Series B: 2,072,525 shares bearing an initial fixed interest rate of 4.10% through June 15, 2022, and a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.32% thereafter, callable on December 15, 2022.

Series C: 1,094,100 shares bearing an initial fixed interest rate of 4.20% through June 15, 2022, and a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 2.37% thereafter, callable on June 15, 2023.

The incremental shares were issued in order to compensate preferred holders for the lower dividend rate.

In conjunction with the exchange of the GE Capital Preferred stock into GE Preferred stock, GE Capital issued preferred stock to GE for which the amount and terms mirror the GE preferred stock held by external investors ($4,949 million carrying value at exchange).

 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 176

Subsequent to the issuance of the preferred stock on December 3, 2015, in response to investor feedback, GE launched an exchange offer on December 18, 2015 that allowed GE preferred stock investors to exchange their existing Series A, B and C preferred stock into a Series D GE preferred stock. These Series D instruments bear an initial fixed interest rate of 5.00% through January 21, 2021, will bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.33% thereafter and are callable on January 21, 2021. On January 20, 2016, $2,687 million of Series A, $2,008 million of Series B and $999 million of Series C were exchanged into $5,694 million Series D GE preferred stock. Post exchange, $91 million of Series A, $64 million of Series B and $95 million of Series C GE preferred stock remain outstanding. The carrying value of the GE preferred stock at December 31, 2015 was $4,960 million and will increase to $5,944 million through periodic accretion to the respective call dates of each series. Principal and accretion for the preferred stock is recorded in other capital in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

On October 16, 2008, we issued 30,000 shares of 10% cumulative perpetual preferred stock and warrants to purchase 134,831,460 shares of common stock to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire Hathaway). On October 16, 2013, Berkshire Hathaway exercised their warrants and GE delivered 10.7 million shares to Berkshire Hathaway. The transaction had equal and offsetting effects on other capital and common stock held in treasury.

GE has 50 million authorized shares of preferred stock ($1.00 par value). 5,944,250 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015. No shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

SHARES OF GE COMMON STOCK

On April 10, 2015, the GE Board has authorized a new repurchase program of up to $50 billion in common stock, excluding the Synchrony Financial exchange. On November 17, 2015, we completed the split-off of Synchrony Financial through which we acquired 671,366,809 shares of GE common stock from our shareholders in exchange for 705,270,833 shares of Synchrony Financial stock we held. Under our share purchase programs, on a book basis, we repurchased shares of 109.8 million, 73.6 million and 432.6 million for a total of $3,320 million, $1,901 million and $10,375 million for the years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

GE's authorized common stock consists of 13,200,000,000 shares having a par value of $0.06 each.

Common shares issued and outstanding are summarized in the following table.

             
December 31 (In thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
             
Issued
 
11,693,841
 
11,693,841
 
11,693,841
In treasury(a)
 
(2,314,553)
 
(1,636,461)
 
(1,632,960)
Outstanding
 
9,379,288
 
10,057,380
 
10,060,881
             
(a) 2015 included (671,366,809) shares related to the split-off of Synchrony Financial from GE, where GE shares were exchanged for shares of Synchrony Financial.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 177

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
               
                 
       
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Investment securities
               
Balance at January 1
$
1,013
 
$
307
 
$
677
Other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI) before reclassifications –
               
    net of deferred taxes of $(270), $352 and $(408)(a)
 
(486)
   
562
   
(692)
Reclassifications from OCI – net of deferred taxes
               
    of $(36), $85 and $223
 
(67)
   
146
   
318
Other comprehensive income (loss)(b)
 
(553)
   
708
   
(374)
Less OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(1)
   
2
   
(4)
Balance at December 31
$
460
 
$
1,013
 
$
307
                 
Currency translation adjustments (CTA)
               
Balance at January 1(c)
$
(2,428)
 
$
283
 
$
413
OCI before reclassifications – net of deferred taxes
 
(4,932)
   
(2,600)
   
510
    of $1,348, $(129) and $(613)
               
Reclassifications from OCI – net of deferred taxes
               
    of $(1,489), $213 and $793
 
1,794
   
(129)
   
(818)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(b)
 
(3,137)
   
(2,730)
   
(308)
Less OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(66)
   
(19)
   
(22)
Balance at December 31
$
(5,499)
 
$
(2,428)
 
$
126
                 
Cash flow hedges
               
Balance at January 1(c)
$
(180)
 
$
(414)
 
$
(722)
OCI before reclassifications – net of deferred taxes
 
(732)
   
(609)
   
737
    of $(21), $22 and $251
               
Reclassifications from OCI – net of deferred taxes
               
    of $86, $34 and $(176)
 
831
   
844
   
(271)
Other comprehensive income (loss)(b)
 
99
   
234
   
466
Less OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
-
   
-
   
2
Balance at December 31
$
(80)
 
$
(180)
 
$
(257)
                 
Benefit plans
               
Balance at January 1
$
(16,578)
 
$
(9,296)
 
$
(20,597)
Prior service credit (costs) - net of deferred taxes
               
    of $859, $219 and $(5)
 
1,541
   
396
   
(6)
Net actuarial gain (loss) – net of deferred taxes
               
    of $647, $(5,332) and $4,506
 
1,227
   
(9,849)
   
8,269
Net curtailment/settlement - net of deferred taxes
               
    of $(42), $41 and $0
 
(76)
   
72
   
-
Prior service cost amortization – net of deferred taxes
               
    of $103, $241 and $267
 
100
   
349
   
397
Net actuarial loss amortization – net of deferred taxes
               
    of $1,199, $859 and $1,343
 
2,373
   
1,753
   
2,640
Other comprehensive income (loss)(b)
 
5,165
   
(7,278)
   
11,300
Less OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(3)
   
3
   
(1)
Balance at December 31
$
(11,410)
 
$
(16,578)
 
$
(9,296)
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31
$
(16,529)
 
$
(18,172)
 
$
(9,119)
                 
(a) Included adjustments of $(611) million, $960 million and $(1,171) million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to deferred acquisition costs, present value of future profits, and investment contracts, insurance liabilities and insurance annuity benefits in our run-off insurance operations to reflect the effects that would have been recognized had the related unrealized investment securities holding gains and losses actually been realized.
(b) Total other comprehensive income (loss) was $1,575 million, $(9,066) million and $11,084 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(c) Included a $157 million reclassification between 2014 opening balances in Currency Translation Adjustments and Cash Flow Hedges.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 178

RECLASSIFICATION OUT OF AOCI
                   
                     
               
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Statement of earnings caption
                     
Available-for-sale securities
                   
   Realized gains (losses) on
                   
      sale/impairment of securities
$
103
 
$
(231)
 
$
(541)
 
Total revenue and other income (a)
   
(36)
   
85
   
223
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (b)
 
$
67
 
$
(146)
 
$
(318)
 
Net of tax
Currency translation adjustments
                   
   Gains (losses) on dispositions
$
(305)
 
$
(85)
 
$
25
 
Total revenues and other income(c)
   
(1,489)
   
213
   
793
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes(d)
 
$
(1,794)
 
$
129
 
$
818
 
Net of tax
Cash flow hedges
                   
  Gains (losses) on interest rate
     derivatives
$
(130)
 
$
(234)
 
$
(364)
 
Interest and other financial charges
  Foreign exchange contracts
 
(801)
   
(666)
   
564
 
(e)
  Other
 
13
   
22
   
248
 
(f)
   
(918)
   
(878)
   
447
 
Total before tax
   
86
   
34
   
(176)
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
$
(831)
 
$
(844)
 
$
271
 
Net of tax
Benefit plan items
                   
  Curtailment gain (loss)
$
118
 
$
(113)
 
$
-
 
(g)
  Amortization of prior service costs
 
(203)
   
(590)
   
(664)
 
(g)
  Amortization of actuarial gains (losses)
 
(3,572)
   
(2,612)
   
(3,983)
 
(g)
   
(3,657)
   
(3,315)
   
(4,647)
 
Total before tax
   
1,260
   
1,141
   
1,610
 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
$
(2,397)
 
$
(2,174)
 
$
(3,037)
 
Net of tax
                     
Total reclassification adjustments
$
(4,956)
 
$
(3,035)
 
$
(2,266)
 
Net of tax
                     
(a)
Included $61 million, an insignificant amount and $(497) million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.
(b)
Included $(30) million, $3 million and $204 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.
(c)
Included $(224) million, $(51) million and $62 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.
(d)
Included $(1,506) million, $213 million and $802 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.
(e)
Included $(758) million, $(607) million and $608 million in GE Capital revenues from services and $(43) million, $(59) million and $(44) million in interest and other financial charges in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(f)
Primarily recorded in costs and expenses.
(g)
Curtailment gain (loss), amortization of prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses reclassified out of AOCI are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. See Notes 12 and 27 for further information.

NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated affiliates includes common shares in consolidated affiliates and preferred stock issued by our affiliates.

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2015, the preferred stock issued by GECC was classified as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated Statement of Financial Position, with dividends presented as noncontrolling interest in our consolidated Statement of Earnings. As discussed previously in this note, this preferred stock was converted to a corresponding series of preferred stock issued by GE and on January 20, 2016 a substantial majority of those shares were exchanged into GE Series D preferred stock. Effective with these changes, the preferred stock issued by GE is reflected in our shareowners' equity and dividends are presented as a reduction of net earnings attributable to GE in the statement of earnings (under the caption "Preferred stock dividends") for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequently.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 179

December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
GECC preferred stock
$
-
 
$
4,949
Synchrony Financial
 
-
   
2,531
Other noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates(a)
 
1,864
 
 
1,194
Total
$
1,864
 
$
8,674
           
(a) Consisted of a number of individually insignificant noncontrolling interests in partnerships and consolidated affiliates. 2015 included $695 million related to the Alstom acquisition.


CHANGES TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
                   
(In millions)
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                   
Beginning balance
 
$
8,674
 
$
6,217
 
$
5,444
Net earnings
   
377
   
183
   
312
GECC preferred stock(a)
   
(4,949)
   
-
   
990
GECC preferred stock dividend
   
(311)
   
(322)
   
(298)
Dividends
   
(43)
   
(74)
   
(80)
Dispositions
   
189
   
(81)
   
(175)
Synchrony Financial(b)
   
(2,840)
   
2,393
   
-
Other (including AOCI)(c)(d)
   
767
   
358
   
24
Ending balance
 
$
1,864
 
$
8,674
 
$
6,217
                   
(a) 2015 included $(4,949) million related to the issuance of GE preferred stock in exchange for existing GECC preferred stock. GE preferred stock is reflected in shareowners' equity in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
(b) 2015 related to the split-off on Synchrony Financial from GE, where GE shares were exchanged for shares of Synchrony Financial; 2014 related to the Synchrony Financial IPO.

(c)            Includes research & development partner funding arrangements, acquisitions and eliminations.
(d)            2015 included $695 million related to the Alstom acquisition.


REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

Redeemable noncontrolling interest presented in our statement of financial position includes common shares issued by our affiliates that are redeemable at the option of the holder of those interests.

As part of the Alstom acquisition, we formed three joint ventures in which the noncontrolling interests hold certain redemption rights. These joint ventures and the associated redemption rights are discussed in Note 8. Our retained earnings will be adjusted for subsequent changes in the redemption value of the noncontrolling interest in these entities to the extent that the redemption value exceeds the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest.

(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Beginning balance
$
98
 
$
178
 
$
214
Net earnings
 
(46)
   
(71)
   
(14)
Dividends
 
(11)
   
(12)
   
(14)
Dispositions
 
1
   
-
   
-
Redemption value adjustment
 
25
   
2
   
1
Other(a)
 
2,905
   
1
   
(8)
Ending balance
$
2,972
 
$
98
 
$
178
                 
(a) 2015 included $2,875 million related to joint ventures formed by GE and Alstom as part of the Alstom acquisition.



OTHER

Common dividends from GE Capital totaled $4,311 million, $2,000 million and $1,930 million to GE during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. GE Capital did not pay any special dividends to GE during 2015. GE Capital paid special dividends of $1,000 million and $4,055 million to GE during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 180

NOTE 16. OTHER STOCK-RELATED INFORMATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We grant stock options, restricted stock units and performance share units to employees under the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Grants made under all plans must be approved by the Management Development and Compensation Committee of GE's Board of Directors, which is composed entirely of independent directors.

STOCK OPTIONS

Under our stock option program, an employee receives an award that provides the opportunity in the future to purchase GE shares at the market price of our stock on the date the award is granted (the strike price). The options become exercisable in equal amounts over a five-year vesting period and expire 10 years from the grant date if they are not exercised. Stock options have no financial statement effect on the date they are granted but rather are reflected over time through recording compensation expense and increasing shareowners' equity. We record compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of the awards expected to vest, and that amount is amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year vesting period. Accordingly, total expense related to the award is reduced by the fair value of options that are expected to be forfeited by employees that leave GE prior to vesting. We estimate forfeitures based on our experience and adjust the expense to reflect actual forfeitures over the vesting period. The offset to the expense we record is reflected as an increase in the "Other capital" component of shareowners' equity.

                 
(In millions, after tax)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
Compensation Expense
$
234
 
$
215
 
$
231
                 
We estimate the fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The table below provides the weighted average grant date fair values, key assumptions and other inputs into the pricing model. With the exception of the dividend yield assumption, an increase in any individual assumption will increase the estimated fair value of the option, all other things being equal.
                   
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                   
Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options
$
4.64
 
$
5.26
 
$
4.52
 
                   
Stock Option Valuation Assumptions:
                 
   Risk-free interest rate
 
2.0
%
 
2.3
%
 
2.5
%
   Dividend yield
 
3.4
%
 
3.1
%
 
4.0
%
   Expected volatility
 
25.0
%
 
26.0
%
 
28.0
%
   Expected option life (in years)
 
6.8
   
7.3
   
7.5
 
                   
Other pricing model inputs:
                 
   Weighted average grant-date market price of GE stock (strike price)
$
25.79
 
$
26.11
 
$
23.80
 
                   
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 181

The table below shows the amount and weighted average strike price of options granted during 2015, as well as those outstanding and exercisable at year-end 2015.
     
As of December 31, 2015 unless, otherwise stated (in thousands, except per share data)
 
     
Stock options granted during 2015
 
52,561
Weighted average strike price of awards granted in 2015
$
25.79
Stock options outstanding
 
467,922
Weighted average strike price of stock options outstanding
$
21.72
Stock options exercisable
 
298,199
Weighted average strike price of stock options exercisable
$
20.14
     
When an employee exercises an option, we issue treasury shares to satisfy the requirements of the option.
                   
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                   
Stock options exercised (in thousands)
 
65,764
   
30,433
   
36,191
 
Cash received from stock options exercised (in millions)
$
1,098
 
$
439
 
$
490
 
                   
Outstanding stock option awards may be dilutive to earnings per share when they are in the money (the market price of GE stock is greater than the strike price of the option). When an option is dilutive, it increases the number of shares used in the diluted earnings per share calculation, which will decrease earnings per share. However, the effect stock options have on the number of shares added to the diluted earnings per share calculation is not one for one. The average amount of unrecognized compensation expense (the portion of the fair value of these option awards not yet amortized), potential option-related excess tax benefits and the market price of GE stock during the reporting period affect how many of these potential shares are included in the calculation. The calculation assumes that the proceeds received from the exercise, the unrecognized compensation expense and any potential excess tax benefits are used to buy back shares, which reduces the dilutive impact.

As of December 31, 2015, there was $628 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options, which will be amortized over the remaining vesting period (the weighted average period is approximately 2 years). Of that total, approximately $159 million, after tax, is estimated to be recorded as compensation expense in 2016.

The dilutive effect of in the money options on our earnings per share from continuing operations has been $0.01 or less per share (1% or less) for the last three years. For additional information about earnings per share see Note 18.

RESTRICTED STOCK

A restricted stock award provides an employee with the right to receive shares of GE stock when the restrictions lapse, which occurs in equal amounts over the vesting period. Upon vesting, each unit of restricted stock is converted into GE common stock on a one for one basis using treasury stock shares. The expense to be recognized on restricted stock is based upon the market price on the grant date (which is its fair value) times the number of units expected to vest. Accordingly, total expense related to the award is reduced by the fair value of restricted stock units that are expected to be forfeited by employees that leave GE prior to lapse of the restrictions. That amount is amortized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year vesting period. We estimate forfeitures based on our experience and adjust the expense to reflect actual forfeitures over the vesting period. The offset to compensation expense is an increase in the "Other capital" component of shareowners' equity.

                   
(In millions, after tax)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                   
Compensation expense(a)
$
72
 
$
56
 
$
62
 
                   
(a)            Includes $5.7 million of compensation expense related to performance share units.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 182


The fair value of a restricted stock unit at the grant date is equal to the market price of our stock on the grant date.
                   
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                   
Weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards
$
26.74
 
$
26.08
 
$
24.54
 
                   
       
As of December 31, 2015, unless otherwise stated (in thousands, except per share data)
   
       
Restricted stock granted during 2015
 
3,756
 
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding
 
13,941
 
Weighted average fair value at grant date of non-vested stock
$
25.05
 
       
The table below provides information about the units of restricted stock that vested for each of the years presented.
                   
(In thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                   
Restricted stock vested during the year ended
 
3,899
   
3,305
   
4,583
 
                   
As of December 31, 2015, there was $221 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock, which will be amortized over the remaining vesting period (the weighted average period is approximately 2 years). Of that total, approximately $55 million, after tax, is estimated to be recorded as compensation expense in 2016.

OTHER INFORMATION

When options are exercised and restricted stock vests, we issue shares from treasury stock, which increases shares outstanding. The "Other capital" component of shareowners' equity is adjusted for differences between the strike price of GE stock and the average cost of our treasury stock. We also record the difference between the tax benefits assumed (based on the fair value of the award on the grant date) and the actual tax benefit in the "Other capital" component of shareowners' equity. Any excess tax benefit is recorded as a cash flow from financing activities in our statement of cash flows. The table below provides information about tax benefits related to all share-based compensation arrangements.
                   
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                   
Income tax benefit recognized in earnings
$
148
 
$
147
 
$
145
 
Excess of actual tax deductions over amounts assumed recognized in equity
 
167
   
86
   
86
 
                   
Share based compensation programs serve as a means to attract and retain talented employees and are an important element of their total compensation. The intrinsic value of a stock option award is the amount by which the award is in the money and represents the potential value to the employee upon exercise of the option. The intrinsic value of restricted stock is the value of the shares awarded at the current market price. The table below provides information about the intrinsic value of option and restricted stock awards.

 
Aggregate
 
 
intrinsic
 
As of December 31, 2015, unless otherwise stated (in millions)
value
 
       
Stock options outstanding
$
4,534
 
Stock options exercised in 2015
 
746
 
Non-vested restricted stock outstanding
 
434
 
Restricted stock vested in 2015
 
102
 
       
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 183

NOTE 17. OTHER INCOME

(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                 
GE
               
Purchases and sales of business interests(a)
$
1,020
 
$
188
 
$
1,750
Licensing and royalty income
 
168
   
288
   
320
Associated companies
 
45
   
176
   
40
Net interest and investment income(b)
 
65
   
(77)
   
116
Other items(c)
 
868
   
132
   
660
   
2,165
   
707
   
2,886
Eliminations
 
62
   
71
   
221
Total
$
2,227
 
$
778
 
$
3,107
                 
(a) Included a pre-tax gain of $623 million on the sale of our Signaling business in 2015 and a pre-tax gain of $1,096 million on the sale of our 49% common equity interest in NBCU LLC in 2013. See Note 2.

(b) Included other-than-temporary impairments on investment securities of $(217) million in 2014.
(c) Included the $450 million NBCU tax settlement and the $175 million break-up fee from Electrolux in 2015. Included net gains on asset sales of $90 million, $127 million and $357 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.




NOTE 18. EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION

 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
Basic
                                   
Amounts attributable to the Company:
                                 
Consolidated
                                 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations for
                                 
   per-share calculation(a)
$
1,680
 
$
1,679
 
$
9,523
 
$
9,523
 
$
7,596
 
$
7,609
Preferred stock dividends declared
 
(18)
   
(18)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to
                                 
   common shareowners for per-share calculation(a)(b)
$
1,662
 
$
1,661
 
$
9,523
 
$
9,523
 
$
7,596
 
$
7,609
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
                                 
   for per-share calculation(a)(b)
 
(7,795)
   
(7,795)
   
5,691
   
5,691
   
5,420
   
5,432
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common
                                 
   shareowners for per-share calculation(a)(b)
$
(6,135)
 
$
(6,135)
 
$
15,213
 
$
15,212
 
$
13,028
 
$
13,040
                                   
Average equivalent shares
                                 
Shares of GE common stock outstanding
 
9,944
   
9,944
   
10,045
   
10,045
   
10,222
   
10,222
Employee compensation-related shares (including
                                 
   stock options) and warrants
 
72
   
-
   
78
   
-
   
67
   
-
Total average equivalent shares
 
10,016
   
9,944
   
10,123
   
10,045
   
10,289
   
10,222
                                   
Per-share amounts
                                 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
0.17
 
$
0.17
 
$
0.94
 
$
0.95
 
$
0.74
 
$
0.74
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
 
(0.78)
   
(0.78)
   
0.56
   
0.57
   
0.53
   
0.53
Net earnings (loss)
 
(0.61)
   
(0.62)
   
1.50
   
1.51
   
1.27
   
1.28
                                   
Our unvested restricted stock unit awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and, therefore, are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. Application of this treatment had an insignificant effect.

(a)
Included an insignificant amount of dividend equivalents in each of the three years presented.
(b)
Included in 2013 is a dilutive adjustment for the change in income for forward purchase contracts that may be settled in stock.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, there were approximately 97 million, 98 million and 121 million, respectively, of outstanding stock awards that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was antidilutive.

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.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 184

NOTE 19. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include investment securities primarily supporting obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance operations and derivatives.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE ON A RECURRING BASIS
           
                             
             
Netting
   
(In millions)
Level 1
(a)
Level 2
(a)
Level 3
 
adjustment
(b)
Net balance
December 31, 2015
                           
Assets
                           
Investment securities
                           
   Debt
                           
      U.S. corporate
$
-
 
$
19,351
 
$
3,006
 
$
-
 
$
22,358
      State and municipal
 
-
   
4,215
   
30
   
-
   
4,245
      Mortgage and asset-backed
 
-
   
3,084
   
32
   
-
   
3,116
      Corporate – non-U.S.
 
12
   
544
   
290
   
-
   
847
      Government – non-U.S.
 
5
   
410
   
-
   
-
   
415
      U.S. government and federal agency
 
49
   
404
   
323
   
-
   
776
   Equity
 
194
   
9
   
13
   
-
   
216
Derivatives(c)
 
-
   
7,312
   
79
   
(6,110)
   
1,281
Other(d)
 
-
   
-
   
259
   
-
   
259
Total
$
260
 
$
35,331
 
$
4,033
 
$
(6,110)
 
$
33,512
                             
Liabilities
                           
Derivatives
$
-
 
$
5,677
 
$
4
 
$
(4,968)
 
$
713
Other(e)
 
-
   
1,182
   
-
   
-
   
1,182
Total
$
-
 
$
6,860
 
$
4
 
$
(4,968)
 
$
1,895
December 31, 2014
                           
Assets
                           
Investment securities
                           
   Debt
                           
      U.S. corporate
$
-
 
$
20,651
 
$
3,053
 
$
-
 
$
23,704
      State and municipal
 
-
   
4,560
   
58
   
-
   
4,618
      Mortgage and asset-backed
 
-
   
4,632
   
146
   
-
   
4,777
      Corporate – non-U.S.
 
-
   
615
   
337
   
-
   
953
      Government – non-U.S.
 
-
   
489
   
2
   
-
   
491
      U.S. government and federal agency
 
-
   
496
   
266
   
-
   
761
   Equity
 
176
   
16
   
9
   
-
   
201
Derivatives(c)
 
-
   
9,881
   
30
   
(7,570)
   
2,341
Other(d)
 
-
   
-
   
277
   
-
   
277
Total
$
176
 
$
41,340
 
$
4,177
 
$
(7,570)
 
$
38,122
Liabilities
                           
Derivatives
$
-
 
$
4,840
 
$
11
 
$
(4,337)
 
$
514
Other(e)
 
-
   
1,179
   
-
   
-
   
1,179
Total
$
-
 
$
6,018
 
$
11
 
$
(4,337)
 
$
1,692
                             
(a) There were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
(b) The netting of derivative receivables and payables (including the effects of any collateral posted or received) is permitted when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists.
(c) The fair value of derivatives includes an adjustment for non-performance risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the cumulative adjustment for non-performance risk was insignificant and $16 million, respectively. See Notes 20 and 27 for additional information on the composition of our derivative portfolio.
(d) Includes private equity investments.
(e) Primarily represented the liability associated with certain of our deferred incentive compensation plans.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 185

LEVEL 3 INSTRUMENTS

The majority of our Level 3 balances consist of investment securities classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recorded in shareowners' equity.

CHANGES IN LEVEL 3 INSTRUMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                     
Net
                                     
change in
     
Net
 
Net
                           
unrealized
   
realized/
 
 realized/
                           
gains
   
unrealized
unrealized
                           
(losses)
     
gains
 
gains
                           
relating to
     
(losses)
 
(losses)
               
Transfers
 
Transfers
     
instruments
 
Balance at
included in
 
included
               
into
 
out of
 
Balance at
 
still held at
(In millions)
January 1
earnings(a)
 
in AOCI
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Level 3(b)
 
Level 3(b)
 
December 31
 
December 31(c)
2015
                                                     
Investment securities   
                                                     
  Debt
                                                     
    U.S. corporate
$
3,053
$
3
$
(165)
 
$
362
 
$
(80)
 
$
(137)
 
$
-
 
$
(30)
 
$
3,006
 
$
-
    State and municipal
 
58
 
-
 
(2)
   
-
   
-
   
(9)
   
-
   
(17)
   
30
   
-
    Mortgage and
                                                     
       asset-backed
 
146
 
(19)
 
(9)
   
-
   
(32)
   
(4)
   
-
   
(49)
   
32
   
-
    Corporate – non-U.S.
 
337
 
-
 
(6)
   
9
   
(49)
   
(1)
   
-
   
-
   
290
   
-
    Government – non-U.S.
 
2
 
-
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(2)
   
-
   
-
    U.S. government and
                                                     
       federal agency
 
266
 
-
 
58
   
-
   
-
   
(1)
   
-
   
-
   
323
   
-
    Equity
 
9
 
2
 
(5)
   
-
   
-
   
(4)
   
10
   
-
   
13
   
-
Derivatives(d)(e)
 
29
 
25
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
(6)
   
40
   
-
   
88
   
22
Other
 
277
 
8
 
-
   
-
   
(26)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
259
   
5
Total
$
4,175
$
19
$
(128)
 
$
370
 
$
(187)
 
$
(161)
 
$
51
 
$
(98)
 
$
4,042
 
$
27
2014
                                                     
Investment securities   
                                                     
  Debt
                                                     
    U.S. corporate
$
2,787
$
18
$
131
 
$
541
 
$
(227)
 
$
(212)
 
$
175
 
$
(159)
 
$
3,053
 
$
-
    State and municipal
 
50
 
-
 
6
   
3
   
-
   
(1)
   
-
   
-
   
58
   
-
    Mortgage and
                                                     
       asset-backed
 
238
 
3
 
6
   
-
   
(16)
   
(31)
   
2
   
(57)
   
146
   
-
    Corporate – non-U.S.
 
515
 
64
 
4
   
167
   
(248)
   
(149)
   
1
   
(19)
   
337
   
-
    Government – non-U.S.
 
30
 
-
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
2
   
(30)
   
2
   
-
    U.S. government and
                                                     
       federal agency
 
225
 
-
 
34
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
9
   
(2)
   
266
   
-
    Equity
 
11
 
-
 
-
   
2
   
(2)
   
-
   
-
   
(2)
   
9
   
-
Derivatives(d)(e)
 
11
 
13
 
-
   
(1)
   
-
   
3
   
3
   
(1)
   
29
   
12
Other
 
201
 
85
 
-
   
33
   
(41)
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
277
   
73
Total
$
4,068
$
182
$
181
 
$
744
 
$
(534)
 
$
(390)
 
$
192
 
$
(269)
 
$
4,175
 
$
85
                                                       
(a)
Earnings effects are primarily included in the "GE Capital revenues from services" and "Interest and other financial charges" captions in the Statement of Earnings.
(b)
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are considered to occur at the beginning of the period. Transfers out of Level 3 were primarily a result of increased use of quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity.
(c)
Represents the amount of unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings.
(d)
Represents derivative assets net of derivative liabilities and included cash accruals of $13 million and $9 million not reflected in the fair value hierarchy table during 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(e)
Gains (losses) included in net realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings were offset by the earnings effects from the underlying items that were economically hedged. See Notes 20 and 27.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 186


The following table represents non-recurring fair value amounts (as measured at the time of the adjustment) for those assets remeasured to fair value on a non-recurring basis during the fiscal year and still held at December 31, 2015 and 2014.


 
Remeasured during the years ended December 31
 
2015
 
2014
(In millions)
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
                       
Financing receivables and financing receivables held for sale
$
-
 
$
154
 
$
1
 
$
8
Cost and equity method investments
 
1
   
436
   
-
   
346
Long-lived assets
 
2
   
882
   
102
   
689
Total
$
3
 
$
1,471
 
$
103
 
$
1,044
                       

The following table represents the fair value adjustments to assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and still held at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 
Years ended December 31
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Financing receivables and financing receivables held for sale
$
(69)
 
$
(16)
Cost and equity method investments
 
(506)
   
(286)
Long-lived assets
 
(1,603)
   
(427)
Total
$
(2,177)
 
$
(729)
           
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 187

LEVEL 3 MEASUREMENTS - SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
                   
               
Range
(Dollars in millions)
 
Fair value
 
Valuation technique
 
Unobservable inputs
 
(weighted average)
                   
December 31, 2015
                 
Recurring fair value measurements
                 
Investment securities – Debt
                 
      U.S. corporate
 
$
834
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
1.7%-14.1% (8.6%)
      Mortgage and asset-backed
   
31
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
5.0%-12.0% (10.5%)
      Corporate – non-U.S.
   
236
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
6.5%-14.0% (7.5%)
Other financial assets
   
259
 
Income approach,
 
EBITDA multiple
 
6.1X-15.0X (9.9X)
         
   Market comparables
 
Capitalization rate
 
7.8%-7.8% (7.8%)
                   
Non-recurring fair value measurements
Financing receivables and
 
$
146
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
6.5%-30.0% (10.7%)
 financing receivables held for sale
                 
                   
Cost and equity method investments
   
293
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
9.5%-35.0% (14.4%)
                   
Long-lived assets
   
830
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
1.8%-11.7% (10.5%)
                   
                   
December 31, 2014
                 
Recurring fair value measurements
                 
Investment securities – Debt
                 
      U.S. corporate
 
$
917
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
1.5%-14.8% (6.6%)
      State and municipal
   
17
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
4.9%-4.9% (4.9%)
      Mortgage and asset-backed
   
102
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
4.3%-9.0% (5.6%)
      Corporate – non-U.S.
   
278
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
3.3%-14.0% (6.5%)
Other financial assets
   
117
 
Income approach,
 
EBITDA multiple
 
5.4X-9.1X (7.7X)
         
   Market comparables
 
Capitalization rate
 
6.5%-7.8% (7.7%)
                   
Non-recurring fair value measurements
Cost and equity method investments
 
$
309
 
Income approach,
 
Discount rate(a)
 
8.0%-10.0% (9.4%)
         
   Market comparables
 
EBITDA multiple
 
1.8X-5.2X (4.8X)
                   
Long-lived assets
   
664
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate(a)
 
2.0%-10.8% (6.7%)
                   
                   
(a) Discount rates are determined based on inputs that market participants would use when pricing investments, including credit and liquidity risk. An increase in the discount rate would result in a decrease in the fair value.


At December 31, 2015 and 2014, other Level 3 recurring fair value measurements of $2,637 million and $2,532 million, respectively, and non-recurring measurements of $122 million and $55 million, respectively, are valued using non-binding broker quotes or other third-party sources. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, other recurring fair value measurements of $32 million and $203 million, respectively, and non-recurring fair value measurements of $80 million and $16 million, respectively, were individually insignificant and utilize a number of different unobservable inputs not subject to meaningful aggregation.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 188

NOTE 20. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table provides information about assets and liabilities not carried at fair value. The table excludes finance leases and non-financial assets and liabilities. Substantially all of the assets discussed below are considered to be Level 3. The vast majority of our liabilities' fair value can be determined based on significant observable inputs and thus considered Level 2. For those instruments that are not actively traded their fair values must often be determined using financial models. Realization of the fair value of these instruments depends upon market forces beyond our control, including marketplace liquidity.

   
2015
 
2014
   
Assets (liabilities)
 
Assets (liabilities)
   
Carrying
     
Carrying
   
   
amount
 
Estimated
 
amount
 
Estimated
December 31 (In millions)
 
(net)
 
fair value
 
(net)
 
fair value
                         
GE
                       
Assets
                       
   Investments and notes receivable
 
$
1,104
 
$
1,174
 
$
502
 
$
551
Liabilities
                       
   Borrowings(a)(b)
   
(18,455)
   
(19,011)
   
(16,340)
   
(17,503)
   Borrowings (debt assumed)(a)(c)
   
(85,114)
   
(92,641)
   
-
   
-
                         
GE Capital
                       
Assets
                       
   Loans
   
20,061
   
19,774
   
20,153
   
20,182
   Time deposits(d)
   
10,386
   
10,386
   
-
   
-
   Other commercial mortgages
   
1,381
   
1,447
   
1,427
   
1,508
   Loans held for sale
   
342
   
342
   
419
   
419
   Other financial instruments(e)
   
94
   
110
   
103
   
113
Liabilities
                       
   Borrowings(a)(f)(g)(h)
   
(95,681)
   
(99,602)
   
(245,993)
   
(261,569)
   Investment contracts
   
(2,955)
   
(3,441)
   
(3,970)
   
(4,596)
                         
(a)            See Note 10.

(b)            Included $116 million and $94 million of accrued interest in estimated fair value at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
(c) Included $1,006 million of accrued interest in estimated fair value at December 31, 2015.
(d) Balances at December 31, 2015 included $10,386 million of high quality interest bearing deposits with European branches of global banks, predominantly in the UK, that mature in April 2016.
(e) Principally comprises cost method investments.
(f) Fair values exclude interest rate and currency derivatives designated as hedges of borrowings. Had they been included, the fair value of borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 would have been reduced by $3,001 million and $5,020 million, respectively.
(g) Included $1,103 million and $2,888 million of accrued interest in estimated fair value at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(h) Excluded $85,114 million of intercompany payable to GE related to the debt assumption at December 31, 2015.

A description of how we estimate fair values follows:


Loans. Based on a discounted future cash flows methodology, using current market interest rate data adjusted for inherent credit risk or quoted market prices and recent transactions, if available.

Borrowings. Based on valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data that are comparable to market quotes adjusted for our non-performance risk.

Investment contracts. Based on expected future cash flows, discounted at currently offered rates for immediate annuity contracts or the income approach for single premium deferred annuities.

Time deposits. Carrying value approximates fair value as these financial instruments have limited credit risk, short-term maturities and interest rates that approximate market.

All other instruments. Based on observable market transaction and/or valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data adjusted for inherent credit risk.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 189


Assets and liabilities that are reflected in the accompanying financial statements at fair value are not included in the above disclosures; such items include cash and equivalents, investment securities and derivative financial instruments.

Additional information about Notional Amounts of Loan Commitments follows.

NOTIONAL AMOUNTS OF LOAN COMMITMENTS
           
             
December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
           
Ordinary course of business lending commitments(a)
 
$
531
 
$
762
Unused revolving credit lines Commercial
   
279
   
282
             
(a) Excluded investment commitments of $782 million and $812 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.



SECURITIES REPURCHASE AND REVERSE REPURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS

Our issuances of securities repurchase agreements are insignificant and are limited to activities at certain of our foreign banks primarily for purposes of liquidity management. Any such agreements are reported in short-term borrowings on the financial statements. No repurchase agreements were accounted for as off-book financing and we do not engage in securities lending transactions. At December 31, 2015, we were party to no repurchase agreements.

We also enter into reverse securities repurchase agreements, primarily for short-term investment with maturities of 90 days or less. At December 31, 2015, we were party to reverse repurchase agreements totaling $11.3 billion, which were reported in cash and equivalents on the financial statements. Under these reverse securities repurchase agreements, we typically lend available cash at a specified rate of interest and hold U.S. or highly-rated European government securities as collateral during the term of the agreement. Collateral value is in excess of amounts loaned under the agreements.

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

In this section, we explain how we use derivatives to manage our risks and how these financial instruments are reflected in our financial statements. Our use of derivatives relates solely to risk management; we do not use derivatives for speculation. As discussed elsewhere in this report, we are executing a plan to reduce the size and scope of our financial services business, with the intention of principally retaining those activities that support our industrial businesses. The affected businesses have either been sold or are held for sale and are presented as discontinued operations in our financial statements as of December 31, 2015. As a result of these actions, the significance of financial services hedging activity will diminish significantly in the future.

RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

In our industrial businesses, we buy, manufacture and sell components and products across global markets. These activities expose us to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices, which can adversely affect revenues earned and costs of operating our industrial businesses. When the currency in which we sell equipment differs from the primary currency of one of our industrial businesses (known as its functional currency) and the exchange rate fluctuates, it will affect the revenue we earn on the sale. These sales and purchase transactions also create receivables and payables denominated in foreign currencies, which expose us to foreign currency gains and losses based on changes in exchange rates. Changes in the price of a raw material that we use in manufacturing can affect the cost of manufacturing. We use derivatives to mitigate or eliminate these exposures.

With respect to our ongoing financial services activities, our key exposures relate to interest rate and currency risk. To the extent feasible, we seek to ensure that the characteristics of the debt we have issued align with the assets being funded. The form (fixed rate or floating rate) and currency denomination of the debt we issue depends on a number of considerations, the most important of which are market factors (demand, pricing, etc.) that affect the economics of the issuance. If the form and currency denomination of the debt does not match the assets being funded, we typically execute derivatives to meet this objective within defined limits.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 190


FORMS OF HEDGING

In this section we explain the hedging methods we use and their effects on our financial statements.

Cash flow hedges – We use cash flow hedging primarily to reduce or eliminate the effects of foreign exchange rate changes on purchase and sale contracts in our industrial businesses and to convert foreign currency debt that we have issued in our financial services business back to our functional currency. Accordingly, the vast majority of our derivative activity in this category consists of currency exchange contracts. As a result of acquisitions in our industrial businesses, we expect to significantly expand our foreign currency hedging activity related to long-term contracts. We also use commodity derivatives to reduce or eliminate price risk on raw materials purchased for use in manufacturing.

Under hedge accounting, the derivative carrying amount is measured at fair value each period and any resulting gain or loss is recorded in a separate component of shareowners' equity. Differences between the derivative and the hedged item may cause changes in their fair values to not offset completely, which is referred to as ineffectiveness. When the hedged transaction occurs, these amounts are released from shareowners' equity, in order that the transaction will be reflected in earnings at the rate locked in by the derivative. The effect of the hedge is reported in the same financial statement line item as the earnings effects of the hedged transaction. The table below summarizes how the derivative is reflected in the balance sheet and in earnings under hedge accounting. The effect of the hedged forecasted transaction is not presented in this table but offsets the earnings effect of the derivative.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT EFFECTS - CASH FLOW HEDGES
           
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Balance sheet changes
         
   Fair value of derivatives increase (decrease)
$
(911)
 
$
(546)
   Shareowners' equity (increase) decrease
 
913
   
546
           
Earnings (loss) related to ineffectiveness
 
2
   
1
Earnings (loss) effect of derivatives(a)
 
(918)
   
(878)
           
(a) Offsets earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transaction
         

The following table explains the effect of changes in market rates on the fair value of derivatives we use most commonly in cash flow hedging arrangements.

Interest rate forwards/swaps
 
Interest rate increases
 
Interest rate decreases
   Pay fixed rate/receive floating rate
 
Fair value increases
 
Fair value decreases
         
Currency forwards/swaps
 
U.S. dollar strengthens
 
U.S. dollar weakens
   Pay U.S. dollars/receive foreign currency
 
Fair value decreases
 
Fair value increases
         
Commodity derivatives
 
Price increases
 
Price decreases
   Receive commodity/ pay fixed price
 
Fair value increases
 
Fair value decreases
         

Fair value hedges – These derivatives are used to hedge the effects of interest rate and currency exchange rate changes on debt that we have issued. We have issued mostly fixed rate debt that is used to fund both fixed and floating rate assets. In instances where fixed rate debt is funding floating rate assets, we have an exposure to changes in interest rates. We enter into interest rate swaps that receive a fixed rate and pay a floating rate of interest to align with that portion of our debt which funds floating rate assets. These swaps typically match the maturity of the associated debt being hedged.

Under hedge accounting, the derivative is measured at fair value and the carrying amount of the hedged debt is adjusted for the change in value related to the exposure being hedged, with both adjustments offset to earnings as interest expense. For example, the earnings effect of an increase in the fair value of the derivative will be largely offset by the earnings effect of an increase in the carrying amount of the hedged debt. Differences between the terms of the derivative and the hedged debt may cause changes in their fair values to not offset completely, which is referred to as ineffectiveness. The table below summarizes how the derivative and the hedged debt are reflected in the balance sheet and in earnings under hedge accounting. The effect on interest expense of changing from the fixed rate on the debt to the floating rate on the swap is not shown in this table.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 191

FINANCIAL STATEMENT EFFECTS - FAIR VALUE HEDGES
         
           
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Balance sheet changes
         
   Fair value of derivative increase (decrease)
$
(151)
 
$
3,863
   Adjustment to carrying amount of hedged debt (increase) decrease
 
75
   
(3,939)
           
Earnings (loss) related to hedge ineffectiveness
 
(75)
   
(76)
           

The effect of changes in market interest rates on the fair value of derivatives we use most commonly in fair value hedging arrangements is presented below.

Interest rate forwards/swaps
 
Interest rate increases
 
Interest rate decreases
   Pay floating rate/receive fixed rate
 
Fair value decreases
 
Fair value increases
         

Net investment hedges – We invest in foreign operations that conduct their financial services activities in currencies other than the US dollar. We hedge the currency risk associated with those investments primarily using short-term currency exchange contracts under which we receive US dollars and pay foreign currency and non-derivatives instruments such as debt denominated in a foreign currency.

Under hedge accounting, the portion of the fair value change of the derivative or debt instrument that relates to changes in spot currency exchange rates is offset in a separate component of shareowners' equity. For example, an increase in the fair value of the derivative related to changes in spot exchange rates will be offset by a corresponding increase in the currency translation component of shareowners' equity. The portion of the fair value change of the derivative related to differences between spot and forward rates, which primarily relates to the interest component, is recorded in earnings each period as interest expense. As a result of this hedging strategy, the investments in foreign operations of our financial services business are largely unaffected by changes in currency exchange rates. The amounts recorded in shareowners' equity only affect earnings if the hedged investment is sold, substantially liquidated, or control is lost.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT EFFECTS - NET INVESTMENT HEDGES
           
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Balance sheet changes
         
   Fair value of derivatives increase (decrease)
$
4,871
 
$
5,192
   Fair value of non-derivatives (increase) decrease
 
(849)
   
-
   Shareowners' equity (increase) decrease
 
(4,131)
   
(5,741)
           
Earnings (loss) related to spot-forward differences
 
(109)
   
(549)
Earnings (loss) related to reclassification upon sale or liquidation(a)
 
4,547
   
88
           
(a)            Included $4,549 million gain and $88 million gain recorded in discontinued operations in 2015 and 2014, respectively.


The effect of changes in currency exchange rates on the fair value of derivatives we use in net investment hedging arrangements is presented below.

Currency forwards/swaps
 
U.S. dollar strengthens
 
U.S. dollar weakens
   Receive U.S. dollars/pay foreign currency
 
Fair value increases
 
Fair value decreases
         
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 192

Economic Hedges - These derivatives are not designated as hedges from an accounting standpoint (and therefore we do not apply hedge accounting to the relationship) but otherwise serve the same economic purpose as other hedging arrangements. Economic hedges are used when changes in the carrying amount of the hedged item are already recorded in earnings in the same period as the derivative, making hedge accounting unnecessary. For example, in our Industrial businesses we record the effects of spot exchange rate changes on our foreign currency payables and receivables in earnings each period along with the fair value changes on the foreign currency forward contracts used as economic hedges. In these cases, the earnings effects of the derivative and hedged item largely offset. We also use economic hedges when we have exposures to currency exchange risk for which we are unable to meet the requirements for hedge accounting. For example, we use currency forwards as an economic hedge of forecasted foreign currency cash flows under long-term contracts. In this case, the forecast period is so long that it is difficult to meet the hedge accounting requirement that the occurrence of the hedged transactions is probable. For these types of economic hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in earnings currently but changes in the value of the forecasted foreign currency cash flows are only recognized in earnings when they occur. As a result, even though the derivative is an effective economic hedge, there is a net effect on earnings in each period due to differences in the timing of earnings recognition between the derivative and the hedged item.

The table below provides information about the earnings effects of all derivatives that serve as economic hedges. These derivatives are marked to fair value through earnings each period. For our financial services business, these gains and losses are reported in "GE Capital revenues from services". For our industrial businesses, the effects are reported in "Other income" or "Other costs and expenses". The offsetting earnings effects associated with hedged assets and liabilities are also displayed in the table below. In general, the earnings effects of the hedged item are recorded in the same financial statement line as the derivative. The earnings effect of economic hedges, after considering offsets related to earnings effects of hedged assets and liabilities, is substantially offset by changes in the fair value of forecasted transactions that have not yet affected earnings.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT EFFECTS - ECONOMIC HEDGES
         
           
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Balance sheet changes
         
   Change in fair value of economic hedge increase (decrease)
$
(2,720)
 
$
(2,198)
   Change in carrying amount of item being hedged increase (decrease)
 
2,543
   
2,083
           
Earnings (loss) effect of economic hedges(a)
 
(177)
   
(116)
           
(a)            Offset by the future earnings effects of economically hedged item.

The table below explains the effects of market rate changes on the fair value of derivatives we use most commonly as economic hedges.

Interest rate forwards/swaps interest rate
 
Interest rate increases
 
Interest rate decreases
   Pay floating rate/receive fixed rate
 
Fair value decreases
 
Fair value increases
         
Currency forwards/swaps
 
U.S. dollar strengthens
 
U.S. dollar weakens
   Pay U.S. dollars/receive foreign currency
 
Fair value decreases
 
Fair value increases
   Receive U.S. dollars/pay foreign currency
 
Fair value increases
 
Fair value decreases
         
Commodity derivatives
 
Price increases
 
Price decreases
   Receive commodity/ pay fixed price
 
Fair value increases
 
Fair value decreases
         
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 193

NOTIONAL AMOUNT OF DERIVATIVES

The notional amount of a derivative is the number of units of the underlying (for example, the notional principal amount of the debt in an interest rate swap). The notional amount is used to compute interest or other payment streams to be made under the contract and is a measure of our level of activity. We generally disclose derivative notional amounts on a gross basis. A substantial majority of the outstanding notional amount of $245 billion at December 31, 2015 is related to managing interest rate and currency risk between financial assets and liabilities in our financial services business. The remaining derivative notional primarily relates to hedges of anticipated sales and purchases in foreign currency, commodity purchases and contractual terms in contracts that are considered embedded derivatives.

The table below provides additional information about how derivatives are reflected in our financial statements. Derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value exclusive of interest earned or owed on interest rate derivatives, which is presented separately on our balance sheet. Cash collateral and securities held as collateral represent assets that have been provided by our derivative counterparties as security for amounts they owe us (derivatives that are in an asset position).

CARRYING AMOUNTS RELATED TO DERIVATIVES
         
           
December 31 (in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
           
Derivative assets
$
7,391
 
$
9,911
Derivative liabilities
 
(5,681)
   
(4,851)
Accrued interest
 
1,014
   
1,419
Cash collateral & credit valuation adjustment
 
(1,141)
   
(3,233)
Net Derivatives
 
1,583
   
3,246
Securities held as collateral
 
(1,277)
   
(3,114)
Net carrying amount
$
306
 
$
132
           

EFFECTS OF DERIVATIVES ON EARNINGS

All derivatives are marked to fair value on our balance sheet, whether they are designated in a hedging relationship for accounting purposes or are used as economic hedges. As discussed in the previous sections, each type of hedge affects the financial statements differently. In fair value and economic hedges, both the hedged item and the hedging derivative largely offset in earnings each period. In cash flow and net investment hedges, the effective portion of the hedging derivative is offset in separate components of shareowners' equity and ineffectiveness is recognized in earnings. The table below summarizes these offsets and the net effect on earnings.

(In millions)
 
Effect on hedging instrument
   
Effect on underlying
   
Effect on earnings
                 
2015
               
Cash flow hedges
$
(911)
 
$
913
 
$
2
Fair value hedges
 
(151)
   
75
   
(75)
Net investment hedges(a)
 
4,022
   
(4,131)
   
(109)
Economic hedges(b)
 
(2,720)
   
2,543
   
(177)
Total
           
$
(359)
                 

2014
               
Cash flow hedges
$
(546)
 
$
546
 
$
1
Fair value hedges
 
3,863
   
(3,939)
   
(76)
Net investment hedges(a)
 
5,192
   
(5,741)
   
(549)
Economic hedges(b)
 
(2,198)
   
2,083
   
(116)
Total
           
$
(740)
                 
The amounts in the table above generally do not include associated derivative accruals in income or expense.

(a)                Both derivatives and non-derivatives hedging instruments are included.
(b)                Net effect is substantially offset by the change in fair value of the hedged item that will affect earnings in future periods.

Note 15 provides additional information about changes in shareowners' equity related to hedging and amounts released to earnings. Other supplemental information about derivatives and hedging can be found in Note 27.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 194

NOTE 21. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We use variable interest entities primarily to securitize financial assets and arrange other forms of asset-backed financing in the ordinary course of business. Investors in these entities only have recourse to the assets owned by the entity and not to our general credit. We do not have implicit support arrangements with any VIE. We did not provide non-contractual support for previously transferred financing receivables to any VIE in 2015 or 2014.
In evaluating whether we have the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, we consider the purpose for which the VIE was created, the importance of each of the activities in which it is engaged and our decision-making role, if any, in those activities that significantly determine the entity's economic performance as compared to other economic interest holders. This evaluation requires consideration of all facts and circumstances relevant to decision-making that affects the entity's future performance and the exercise of professional judgment in deciding which decision-making rights are most important.
In determining whether we have the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE, we evaluate all of our economic interests in the entity, regardless of form (debt, equity, management and servicing fees, and other contractual arrangements). This evaluation considers all relevant factors of the entity's design, including: the entity's capital structure, contractual rights to earnings (losses), subordination of our interests relative to those of other investors, contingent payments, as well as other contractual arrangements that have the potential to be economically significant. The evaluation of each of these factors in reaching a conclusion about the potential significance of our economic interests is a matter that requires the exercise of professional judgment.
CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Our most significant consolidated VIEs are the three joint ventures we formed with Alstom to facilitate the Alstom acquisition. These joint ventures include grid technology, renewable energy, and global nuclear and French steam power. The assets, liabilities and redeemable non-controlling interest in the joint ventures as of December 31, 2015 was $11,536 million, $8,739 million and $2,859 million, respectively.  Further information about the formation of the Alstom joint ventures is provided in Note 8. These joint ventures are VIEs due to the nature of the exit mechanisms held by Alstom and are consolidated by GE because we control all significant activities of the joint ventures. As these joint ventures are businesses, would otherwise be consolidated under the voting model and their assets can be used for purposes other than settlement of the joint ventures' obligations, there is no continuing VIE disclosure requirement for these consolidated joint ventures.

The Consolidated VIEs for which we have continuing disclosure requirements fall into three main groups. We consolidate VIEs because we have the power to direct the activities that significantly affect the VIE's economic performance, typically because of our role as either servicer or manager for the VIE, which are further described below:

Trinity comprises two consolidated entities that hold investment securities, the majority of which are investment-grade, and were funded by the issuance of GICs. The GICs include conditions under which certain holders could require immediate repayment of their investment should the long-term credit ratings of GE Capital fall below AA-/Aa3 or the short-term credit ratings fall below A-1+/P-1. The outstanding GICs are subject to their scheduled maturities and individual terms, which may include provisions permitting redemption upon a downgrade of one or more of GE Capital's ratings, among other things, and are reported in investment contracts, insurance liabilities and insurance annuity benefits.
A Securitization Entity was created to facilitate securitization of trade receivables that serve as an alternative funding source by providing access to variable funding notes and term markets. The securitization transactions executed with this entity are similar to those used by many financial institutions and all are non-recourse. We provide servicing for substantially all of the assets in this entity.
The trade receivables in this entity have similar risks and characteristics to our other trade receivables and were underwritten to the same standard. Accordingly, the performance of these assets has been similar to our other trade receivables; however, the blended performance of the pools of receivables in this entity reflects the eligibility criteria that we apply to determine which receivables are selected for transfer. Contractually the cash flows from these trade receivables must first be used to pay third-party debt holders as well as other expenses of the entity. Excess cash flows are available to GE. The creditors of this entity have no claim on other assets of GE.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 195

Other remaining assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs relate primarily to three categories of entities: (1) joint ventures that lease equipment with $821 million of assets and $818 million of liabilities; (2) other entities that are involved in power generating and leasing activities with $1,151 million of assets and $1,079 million of liabilities; and (3) insurance entities that, among other lines of business, provide property and casualty and workers' compensation coverage for GE with $1,114 million of assets and $532 million of liabilities.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF CONSOLIDATED VIEs
                       
         
Trade
         
       
receivables
       
(In millions)
Trinity(a)
   
securitization(b)
   
Other
 
Total
                       
December 31, 2015
                     
Assets(c)
                     
Financing receivables, net
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
882
 
$
882
Current receivables
 
-
   
3,506
(d)
 
361
   
3,867
Investment securities
 
409
   
-
   
995
   
1,404
Other assets
 
46
   
24
   
2,934
   
3,004
Total
$
455
 
$
3,530
 
$
5,172
 
$
9,157
                       
Liabilities(c)
                     
Borrowings
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
1,297
 
$
1,297
Non-recourse borrowings
 
-
   
3,022
   
61
   
3,083
Other liabilities
 
184
   
34
   
1,654
   
1,872
Total
$
184
 
$
3,056
 
$
3,012
 
$
6,252
                       
December 31, 2014
                     
Assets(c)
                     
Financing receivables, net
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
1,030
 
$
1,030
Current receivables
 
-
   
3,028
(d)
 
278
   
3,306
Investment securities
 
2,369
   
-
   
1,005
   
3,374
Other assets
 
17
   
2
   
2,259
   
2,278
Total
$
2,386
 
$
3,030
 
$
4,572
 
$
9,988
                       
Liabilities(c)
                     
Borrowings
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
517
 
$
517
Non-recourse borrowings
 
-
   
2,692
   
436
   
3,128
Other liabilities
 
1,022
   
26
   
1,325
   
2,373
Total
$
1,022
 
$
2,718
 
$
2,278
 
$
6,018
                       
(a)
Excluded intercompany advances from GE Capital to Trinity, which were eliminated in consolidation of $30 million and $1,565 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(b)
We provide servicing to the trade receivable securitization (TRS) and are contractually permitted to commingle cash collected from customers on financing receivables sold to the TRS investors with our own cash prior to payment to the TRS, provided our short-term credit rating does not fall below A-1/P-1. The TRS also owes us amounts for purchased financial assets and scheduled interest and principal payments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the amounts of commingled cash owed to the TRS were $1,093 million and $856 million, respectively, and the amounts owed to us by the TRS were $7 million and $2 million, respectively.
(c)
Asset amounts exclude intercompany receivables for cash collected on behalf of the entities by GE Capital as servicer, which are eliminated in consolidation. Such receivables provide the cash to repay the entities' liabilities. If these intercompany receivables were included in the table above, assets would be higher. In addition, other assets, borrowings and other liabilities exclude intercompany balances that are eliminated in consolidation.
(d)
Included $737 million and $686 million of receivables at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, originated by Appliances. We require third party debt holder consent to sell these assets. The receivables will be included in assets of businesses held for sale when the consent is received.

Total revenues from our consolidated VIEs were $1,638 million, $1,457 million and $994 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of cost of goods and services of $1,232 million, $823 million and $675 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These amounts do not include intercompany revenues and costs, which are eliminated in consolidation.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 196

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Our involvement with unconsolidated VIEs consists of the following activities: assisting in the formation and financing of the entity; providing recourse and/or liquidity support; servicing the assets; and receiving variable fees for services provided. We are not required to consolidate these entities because the nature of our involvement with the activities of the VIEs does not give us power over decisions that significantly affect their economic performance.

The classification of our variable interests in these entities in our financial statements is based on the nature of the entity and the characteristics of the investment we hold.

INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED VIEs
           
December 31 (In millions)
2015
 
2014
           
Other assets and investment securities
$
745
 
$
704
Financing receivables – net
 
13
   
109
Total investments
 
758
   
813
Contractual obligations to fund investments, guarantees or revolving lines of credit
 
29
   
11
Total
$
787
 
$
824
           

In addition to the entities included in the table above, we also hold passive investments in investment securities issued by VIEs. Such investments were, by design, investment-grade at issuance and held by a diverse group of investors. Further information about such investments is provided in Note 3.



NOTE 22. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND PRODUCT WARRANTIES

COMMITMENTS

The GECAS business in Capital had placed multiple-year orders for various Boeing, Airbus and other aircraft manufacturers with list prices approximating $27,115 million and secondary orders with airlines for used aircraft of approximately $766 million at December 31, 2015. In our Aviation segment, we had committed to provide financing assistance on $2,565 million of future customer acquisitions of aircraft equipped with our engines, including commitments made to airlines in 2015 for future sales under our GE90 and GEnx engine campaigns.

GUARANTEES

Our guarantees are provided in the ordinary course of business. We underwrite these guarantees considering economic, liquidity and credit risk of the counterparty. We believe that the likelihood is remote that any such arrangements could have a significant adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. We record liabilities for guarantees at estimated fair value, generally the amount of the premium received, or if we do not receive a premium, the amount based on appraisal, observed market values or discounted cash flows. Any associated expected recoveries from third parties are recorded as other receivables, not netted against the liabilities.

At December 31, 2015, we were committed under the following guarantee arrangements beyond those provided on behalf of VIEs. See Note 21.

Credit Support. We have provided $816 million of credit support on behalf of certain customers or associated companies, predominantly joint ventures and partnerships, using arrangements such as standby letters of credit and performance guarantees. These arrangements enable these customers and associated companies to execute transactions or obtain desired financing arrangements with third parties. Should the customer or associated company fail to perform under the terms of the transaction or financing arrangement, we would be required to perform on their behalf. Under most such arrangements, our guarantee is secured, usually by the asset being purchased or financed, or possibly by certain other assets of the customer or associated company. The length of these credit support arrangements parallels the length of the related financing arrangements or transactions. The liability for such credit support was $36 million at December 31, 2015.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 197

Indemnification Agreements. We have agreements that require us to fund up to $23 million at December 31, 2015 under residual value guarantees on a variety of leased equipment. Under most of our residual value guarantees, our commitment is secured by the leased asset. The liability for these indemnification agreements was $10 million at December 31, 2015.

At December 31, 2015, we also had $449 million of other indemnification commitments, substantially all of which relate to representations and warranties in sales of businesses or assets. The liability for these indemnification commitments was $347 million at December 31, 2015.

Contingent Consideration. These are agreements to provide additional consideration to a buyer or seller in a business combination if contractually specified conditions related to the acquisition or disposition are achieved. Amount of contingent consideration was insignificant at December 31, 2015.

PRODUCT WARRANTIES

We provide for estimated product warranty expenses when we sell the related products. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information – mostly historical claims experience – claims costs may differ from amounts provided. An analysis of changes in the liability for product warranties follows.


(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Balance at January 1
$
1,199
 
$
1,370
 
$
1,429
Current-year provisions
 
649
   
593
   
798
Expenditures
 
(718)
   
(714)
   
(867)
Other changes (a)
 
593
   
(50)
   
10
Balance at December 31
$
1,723
 
$
1,199
 
$
1,370
                 
(a)            2015 included $634 million related to Alstom acquisition.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 198

NOTE 23. INTERCOMPANY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions between related companies are made on an arms-length basis, are eliminated and consist primarily of GE Capital dividends to GE; GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital; GE Capital services for trade receivables management and material procurement; buildings and equipment leased between GE and GE Capital; information technology (IT) and other services sold to GE Capital by GE; aircraft engines manufactured by GE that are installed on aircraft purchased by GE Capital from third-party producers for lease to others; expenses related to parent-subsidiary pension plans, and various investments, loans and allocations of GE corporate overhead costs.

These intercompany transactions are reported in the GE and GE Capital columns of our financial statements, but are eliminated in deriving our consolidated financial statements. Effects of these eliminations on our consolidated cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities are $(6,035) million, $2,097 million and $3,937 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, and $(5,404) million, $1,978 million and $3,426 million in the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, $(5,088) million, $492 million and $4,690 million for 2013, respectively. Details of these eliminations are shown below.

(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
                   
Cash from (used for) operating activities-continuing operations
                 
Combined
 
$
17,891
 
$
21,434
 
$
19,487
   GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital
   
(914)
   
(1,918)
   
360
   GE Capital dividends to GE
   
(4,300)
   
(3,000)
   
(5,985)
   Other reclassifications and eliminations
   
(821)
   
(486)
   
537
   
$
11,856
 
$
16,033
 
$
14,398
Cash from (used for) investing activities-continuing operations
                 
Combined
 
$
59,516
 
$
17,252
 
$
43,666
   GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital
   
1,319
   
1,766
   
262
   Other reclassifications and eliminations
   
778
   
212
   
230
   
$
61,613
 
$
19,229
 
$
44,159
Cash from (used for) financing activities-continuing operations
                 
Combined
 
$
(73,484)
 
$
(44,340)
 
$
(51,502)
   GE customer receivables sold to GE Capital
   
(405)
   
152
   
(622)
   GE Capital dividends to GE
   
4,300
   
3,000
   
5,985
   Other reclassifications and eliminations
   
42
   
274
   
(673)
   
$
(69,547)
 
$
(40,912)
 
$
(46,813)
                   
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 199

NOTE 24. OPERATING SEGMENTS

BASIS FOR PRESENTATION

Our operating businesses are organized based on the nature of markets and customers. Segment accounting policies are the same as described and referenced in Note 1. Segment results for our financial services businesses reflect the discrete tax effect of transactions.

Results of our equity method investment in NBCU LLC, which we sold in the first quarter of 2013 are reported in the Corporate items and eliminations line on the Summary of Operating Segments.

A description of our operating segments as of December 31, 2015, can be found below, and details of segment profit by operating segment can be found in the Summary of Operating Segments table in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section in this Form 10-K Report.

POWER

Power plant products and services, including design, installation, operation and maintenance services are sold into global markets. Gas, steam and aeroderivative turbines, nuclear reactors, generators, combined cycle systems, controls and related services, including total asset optimization solutions, equipment upgrades and long-term maintenance service agreements are sold to power generation and other industrial customers. Water treatment services and equipment include specialty chemical treatment programs, water purification equipment, mobile treatment systems and desalination processes.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable Energy makes power from renewable sources affordable, accessible, and reliable for the benefit of people everywhere. With one of the broadest technology portfolios in the industry, Renewable Energy creates value for customers by providing technology and services in the Onshore Wind Power industry, high-yield offshore wind turbines as well as a full range of solutions, products and services to serve the hydropower industry, from initial design to final commissioning.

OIL & GAS

Oil & Gas supplies mission critical equipment for the global oil and gas industry, used in applications spanning the entire value chain from drilling and completion through production, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipeline compression, pipeline inspection, and including downstream processing in refineries and petrochemical plants. The business designs and manufactures surface and subsea drilling and production systems, equipment for floating production platforms, compressors, turbines, turboexpanders, high pressure reactors, industrial power generation and a broad portfolio of auxiliary equipment.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Energy Management is GE's electrification business. Global teams design leading technology solutions for the delivery, management, conversion and optimization of electrical power for customers across multiple energy-intensive industries. GE has invested in our Energy Management capabilities, with strategic acquisitions and joint ventures that enable GE to increase its offerings to the utility, industrial, renewable energy, oil and gas, marine, metals and mining industries. Plant automation hardware, software and embedded computing systems including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, operator interfaces and industrial computers are also provided by Energy Management.

AVIATION

Aviation products and services include jet engines, aerospace systems and equipment, replacement parts and repair and maintenance services for all categories of commercial aircraft; for a wide variety of military aircraft, including fighters, bombers, tankers and helicopters; for marine applications; and for executive and regional aircraft. Products and services are sold worldwide to airframe manufacturers, airlines and government agencies.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 200


HEALTHCARE

Healthcare products include diagnostic imaging systems such as magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, X-ray, surgical & interventional imaging, nuclear imaging, digital mammography and molecular imaging technologies. Healthcare-manufactured technologies include patient and resident monitoring, diagnostic cardiology, ultrasound, bone densitometry, anesthesiology and oxygen therapy, and neonatal and critical care devices. Related services include equipment monitoring and repair, information technologies and customer productivity services. Products also include diagnostic imaging agents used in medical scanning procedures, drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing and purification, and tools for protein and cellular analysis for pharmaceutical and academic research, including a pipeline of precision molecular diagnostics in development for neurology, cardiology and oncology applications. Products and services are sold worldwide to hospitals, medical facilities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and to the life science research market.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is a global technology leader and supplier to the railroad, mining, marine and drilling industries. GE provides freight and passenger locomotives, diesel engines for rail, marine and stationary power applications, railway signaling and communications systems, underground mining equipment, motorized drive systems for mining trucks, information technology solutions, high-quality replacement parts and value added services.

APPLIANCES & LIGHTING

Products include major appliances and related services for products such as refrigerators, freezers, electric and gas ranges, cooktops, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, microwave ovens, room air conditioners, residential water systems for filtration, softening and heating, and hybrid water heaters. These products are distributed both to retail outlets and direct to consumers, mainly for the replacement market, and to building contractors and distributors for new installations. Lighting manufactures, sources and sells a variety of energy-efficient solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and consumer applications, utilizing light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent, halogen and high-intensity discharge (HID) technologies. Products and services are sold in North America and in global markets under various GE and private-label brands.

CAPITAL

Capital's continuing financial services businesses and products are geared to utilize GE's industry-specific expertise in aviation, energy, infrastructure and healthcare to capitalize on market-specific opportunities. In addition, we continue to operate our run-off insurance activities as part of our continuing operations. Products and services are primarily offered in North America and in global markets through its Vertical financing businesses.

REVENUES
                                                   
                                                     
 
Total revenues(a)
 
Intersegment revenues(b)
 
External revenues
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                                                     
Power
$
21,490
 
$
20,580
 
$
19,315
 
$
762
 
$
778
 
$
700
 
$
20,728
 
$
19,802
 
$
18,615
Renewable Energy
 
6,273
   
6,399
   
4,824
   
12
   
14
   
17
   
6,261
   
6,386
   
4,807
Oil & Gas
 
16,450
   
19,085
   
17,341
   
387
   
402
   
371
   
16,063
   
18,683
   
16,970
Energy Management
 
7,600
   
7,319
   
7,569
   
1,000
   
890
   
848
   
6,600
   
6,429
   
6,720
Aviation
 
24,660
   
23,990
   
21,911
   
418
   
692
   
500
   
24,242
   
23,298
   
21,411
Healthcare
 
17,639
   
18,299
   
18,200
   
7
   
6
   
14
   
17,633
   
18,293
   
18,186
Transportation
 
5,933
   
5,650
   
5,885
   
1
   
(2)
   
12
   
5,932
   
5,652
   
5,874
Appliances & Lighting
 
8,751
   
8,404
   
8,338
   
22
   
22
   
25
   
8,729
   
8,383
   
8,313
   Total industrial
 
108,796
   
109,727
   
103,383
   
2,608
   
2,801
   
2,486
   
106,188
   
106,926
   
100,896
Capital
 
10,801
   
11,320
   
11,267
   
1,151
   
1,037
   
841
   
9,650
   
10,283
   
10,427
Corporate items
                                                   
   and eliminations(c)
 
(2,211)
   
(3,863)
   
(1,405)
   
(3,759)
   
(3,838)
   
(3,327)
   
1,548
   
(25)
   
1,922
Total
$
117,386
 
$
117,184
 
$
113,245
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
117,386
 
$
117,184
 
$
113,245
                                                     
(a) Revenues of GE businesses include income from sales of goods and services to customers and other income.
(b) Sales from one component to another generally are priced at equivalent commercial selling prices.
(c) Includes the results of our former equity method investment in NBCUniversal LLC.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 201


Revenues from customers located in the United States were $53,238 million, $51,147 million and $49,356 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Revenues from customers located outside the United States were $64,148 million, $66,038 million and $63,888 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

     
Property, plant and
   
 
Assets(a)(b)
 
equipment additions(c)
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
At December 31
 
For the years ended December 31
 
For the years ended December 31
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                                                     
Power
$
51,674
 
$
26,698
 
$
26,168
 
$
2,122
 
$
578
 
$
685
 
$
712
 
$
563
 
$
593
Renewable Energy
 
8,726
   
3,572
   
3,269
   
999
   
41
   
23
   
116
   
113
   
73
Oil & Gas
 
26,126
   
27,329
   
26,250
   
422
   
656
   
1,191
   
596
   
585
   
481
Energy Management
 
16,808
   
10,976
   
10,305
   
1,073
   
176
   
137
   
322
   
313
   
323
Aviation
 
34,524
   
33,716
   
32,273
   
1,260
   
1,197
   
1,178
   
855
   
824
   
677
Healthcare
 
28,162
   
29,227
   
27,858
   
284
   
405
   
316
   
799
   
843
   
861
Transportation
 
4,368
   
4,449
   
4,418
   
202
   
128
   
282
   
179
   
169
   
166
Appliances & Lighting
 
4,702
   
4,560
   
4,306
   
275
   
359
   
405
   
103
   
235
   
300
Capital(d)
 
316,686
   
503,179
   
520,399
   
7,570
   
3,818
   
3,274
   
2,584
   
2,612
   
2,847
Corporate items
                                                   
   and eliminations(e)
 
916
   
11,249
   
8,001
   
(297)
   
(111)
   
194
   
231
   
164
   
258
Total
$
492,692
 
$
654,954
 
$
663,247
 
$
13,911
 
$
7,247
 
$
7,685
 
$
6,499
 
$
6,421
 
$
6,581
                                                     
(a)
Assets of industrial discontinued operations, NBCU (our formerly consolidated subsidiary) and our former equity method investment in NBCUniversal LLC are included in Corporate items and eliminations for all periods presented.
(b)
Total assets of Power, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Energy Management, Aviation, Healthcare, Transportation, Appliances & Lighting and Capital operating segments at December 31, 2015, include investment in and advances to associated companies of $469 million, $36 million, $143 million, $743 million, $1,400 million, $571 million, $6 million, $59 million and $7,546 million, respectively. Investments in and advances to associated companies contributed approximately $31 million, $(1) million, $7 million, $17 million, $88 million, $(43) million, $60 million and $347 million to segment pre-tax income of Power, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Energy Management, Aviation, Healthcare, Appliances & Lighting and Capital operating segments, respectively, and Transportation an insignificant amount, for the year ended December 31, 2015.
(c)
Additions to property, plant and equipment include amounts relating to principal businesses purchased.
(d)
Includes Capital discontinued operations
(e)
Includes deferred income taxes that are presented as assets for purposes of our consolidating balance sheet presentation.

 
Interest and other financial charges
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                                   
Capital
$
2,301
 
$
1,638
 
$
2,021
 
$
4,979
 
$
(861)
 
$
(448)
Corporate items and eliminations(a)
 
1,162
   
1,085
   
849
   
1,506
   
1,634
   
1,667
Total
$
3,463
 
$
2,723
 
$
2,870
 
$
6,485
 
$
773
 
$
1,219
                                   
(a) Included amounts for Power, Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Energy Management, Aviation, Healthcare, Transportation and Appliances & Lighting, for which our measure of segment profit excludes interest and other financial charges and income taxes.


Property, plant and equipment – net associated with operations based in the United States were $14,273 million, $9,868 million and $10,065 million at year-end 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Property, plant and equipment – net associated with operations based outside the United States were $39,822 million, $38,202 million and $40,165 million at year-end 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 202

NOTE 25. CASH FLOWS INFORMATION

Changes in operating assets and liabilities are net of acquisitions and dispositions of principal businesses.

Amounts reported in the "Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations" and "Proceeds from principal business dispositions" lines in the Statement of Cash Flows are net of cash disposed and included certain deal-related costs. Amounts reported in the "Net cash from (payments for) principal businesses purchased" line is net of cash acquired and included certain deal-related costs and debt assumed and immediately repaid in acquisitions. Amounts reported in the "Proceeds from sale of equity interest in NBCU LLC" line included certain deal-related costs.

Amounts reported in the "All other operating activities" line in the Statement of Cash Flows consist primarily of adjustments to current and noncurrent accruals, deferrals of costs and expenses and adjustments to assets. Certain supplemental information related to our cash flows is shown below.

For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
GE
               
Net dispositions (purchases) of GE shares for treasury
               
   Open market purchases under share repurchase program
$
(2,709)
 
$
(2,211)
 
$
(10,225)
   Other purchases
 
(58)
   
(49)
   
(91)
   Dispositions
 
1,668
   
1042
   
1,038
 
$
(1,099)
 
$
(1,218)
 
$
(9,278)
GE Capital
               
All other operating activities
               
   Cash collateral on derivative contracts
 
(1,936)
   
738
   
(2,285)
   Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
4,860
   
(3,331)
   
1,886
   Other
 
2,163
   
5,073
   
2,995
 
$
5,087
 
$
2,480
 
$
2,596
Net decrease (increase) in GE Capital financing receivables
               
   Increase in loans to customers
$
(65,306)
 
$
(64,843)
 
$
(58,535)
   Principal collections from customers - loans
 
60,292
   
60,764
   
58,667
   Investment in equipment for financing leases
 
(417)
   
(535)
   
(592)
   Principal collections from customers - financing leases
 
734
   
841
   
1,335
   Sales of financing receivables
 
4,923
   
3,612
   
2,147
 
$
226
 
$
(161)
 
$
3,022
All other investing activities
               
   Purchases of investment securities
$
(7,790)
 
$
(2,008)
 
$
(3,293)
   Dispositions and maturities of investment securities
 
9,587
   
2,723
   
7,360
   Decrease (increase) in other assets - investments
 
(1,439)
   
(287)
   
183
   Other(a)
 
(5,048)
   
24,146
   
31,506
 
$
(4,690)
 
$
24,574
 
$
35,756
Repayments and other reductions (maturities longer than 90 days)
               
   Short-term (91 to 365 days)
$
(42,110)
 
$
(36,919)
 
$
(44,296)
   Long-term (longer than one year)
 
(2,455)
   
(864)
   
(3,862)
   Principal payments - non-recourse, leveraged leases
 
(283)
   
(304)
   
(434)
 
$
(44,848)
 
$
(38,087)
 
$
(48,592)
All other financing activities
               
   Proceeds from sales of investment contracts
$
163
 
$
322
 
$
491
   Redemption of investment contracts
 
(1,235)
   
(1,113)
   
(980)
   Other
 
(290)
   
112
   
(389)
 
$
(1,362)
 
$
(679)
 
$
(878)
                 
(a) Other primarily included net activity related to settlements between our continuing operations (primarily our treasury operations) and businesses in discontinued operations.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 203

NOTE 26. COST INFORMATION

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

We conduct research and development (R&D) activities to continually enhance our existing products and services, develop new product and services to meet our customer's changing needs and requirements, and address new market opportunities.

Research and development expenses are classified in cost of goods and services sold in the Statement of Earnings. In addition, research and development funding from customers, principally the U.S. government, is recorded as an offset to such costs. We also enter into research and development arrangements with unrelated investors, which are generally formed through partnerships and consolidated within GE's financial statements. Research and development funded through consolidated partnerships is classified within net earnings/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.

                 
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
Total R&D
$
5,278
 
$
5,273
 
$
5,461
Less customer funded R&D (principally the U.S. Government)
 
(803)
   
(721)
   
(711)
Less partner funded R&D
 
(226)
   
(319)
   
(107)
GE funded R&D
$
4,249
 
$
4,233
 
$
4,643
                 

COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

Our businesses enter into collaborative arrangements primarily with manufacturers and suppliers of components used to build and maintain certain engines, under which GE and these participants share in risks and rewards of these product programs. GE's payments to participants are recorded as cost of services sold ($788 million, $873 million and $820 million for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively) or as cost of goods sold ($2,736 million, $2,660 million and $2,613 million for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively).

RENTAL EXPENSE

Rental expense under operating leases is shown below.

(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                 
GE
$
1,258
 
$
1,356
 
$
1,380
GE Capital
 
107
   
123
   
124
   
1,365
   
1,479
   
1,504
Eliminations
 
(169)
   
(223)
   
(198)
Total
$
1,196
 
$
1,256
 
$
1,306
                 

At December 31, 2015, minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases aggregated $4,946 million and $310 million for GE and GE Capital, respectively. Amounts payable over the next five years follow.

(In millions)
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
2020
                             
GE
$
909
 
$
819
 
$
699
 
$
615
 
$
547
GE Capital
 
29
   
24
   
20
   
19
   
18
   
938
   
843
   
719
   
634
   
565
Eliminations
 
(144)
   
(136)
   
(128)
   
(115)
   
(109)
Total
$
794
 
$
707
 
$
591
 
$
519
 
$
456
                             
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 204

NOTE 27. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

As discussed in Note 12, we sponsor a number of pension plans which consist of the two principal pension plans for certain U.S. employees as well as other affiliate pension plans. In addition, we sponsor a number of postretirement health and life insurance benefit plans (retiree benefit plans).

The accounting requirements and concepts discussed in Note 12 Postretirement Benefit Plans are the same for other pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans and are consistently applied.

The following disclosures provide additional information with respect to our pension plans and principal retiree benefit plans.

Other pension plans in 2015 included 53 U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans with pension assets or obligations greater than $50 million.

Principal Retiree Benefit Plans provide health and life insurance benefits to eligible participants and these participants share in the cost of healthcare benefits.

COST OF BENEFIT PLANS
                                 
                                   
 
Other pension plans
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
(In millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
                                   
Service cost for benefits earned
$
416
 
$
403
 
$
435
 
$
145
 
$
164
 
$
229
Prior service cost (credit) amortization
 
-
   
6
   
7
   
(8)
   
353
   
393
Expected return on plan assets
 
(881)
   
(789)
   
(663)
   
(48)
   
(50)
   
(60)
Interest cost on benefit obligations
 
555
   
587
   
523
   
335
   
424
   
410
Net actuarial loss (gain) amortization
 
289
   
205
   
343
   
(25)
   
(150)
   
(45)
Curtailment loss (gain)
 
(6)
   
-
   
-
   
(225)
(a)
 
48
   
-
Benefit plans cost
$
373
 
$
412
 
$
645
 
$
174
 
$
789
 
$
927
                                   
(a)            Gain principally resulting from life insurance amendment.

ASSUMPTION USED IN BENEFIT CALCULATIONS

The accounting assumptions in the table below are those that are significant to the measurement of our benefit obligations.

ASSUMPTIONS USED TO MEASURE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
                           
 
Other pension plans (weighted average)
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
December 31
2015
 
2014
 
2013
   
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
                           
Discount rate
3.33
%
3.53
%
4.39
%
 
3.93
%
3.89
%
4.61
%
Compensation increases
3.32
 
3.60
 
3.76
   
3.80
 
4.10
 
4.00
 
Initial healthcare trend rate
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
   
6.00
(a)
6.00
 
6.00
 
                           
(a)            For 2015, ultimately declining to 5% for 2030 and thereafter.

The healthcare trend assumptions for 2015 apply to our pre-65 retiree medical plans. Our post-65 retiree plan has a fixed subsidy and therefore is not subject to healthcare inflation.

The discount rate used to measure the benefit obligation at the end of the year is also used to measure benefit cost in the following year. The assumptions used to measure benefit cost follow.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 205

ASSUMPTIONS USED TO MEASURE BENEFIT COST
                                 
 
Other pension plans (weighted average)
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
December 31
2015
 
2014
 
2013
   
2015
   
2014
   
2013
   
                                 
Discount rate
3.53
%
4.39
%
3.92
%
 
3.89
%
(a)
4.61
%
(a)
3.74
%
(a)
Expected return on assets
6.95
 
6.92
 
6.82
   
7.00
   
7.00
   
7.00
   
                                 
(a) Weighted average discount rates of 3.92%, 4.47% and 3.77% were used for determination of costs in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The Society of Actuaries issued new mortality tables in 2014 projecting longer life expectancies that resulted in higher postretirement obligations for U.S. companies. We updated our mortality assumptions as of December 31, 2014, which resulted in an increase of $612 million in our principal retiree benefit obligations.

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
                       
                         
 
Other pension plans
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
 
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
                         
Balance at January 1
$
15,589
 
$
13,535
 
$
10,703
 
$
9,913
 
Service cost for benefits earned
 
416
   
403
   
145
   
164
 
Interest cost on benefit obligations
 
555
   
587
   
335
   
424
 
Participant contributions
 
15
   
9
   
50
   
52
 
Plan amendments
 
(12)
   
(29)
   
(3,291)
(a)
 
(586)
 
Actuarial loss (gain)
 
(406)
(b)
 
2,170
(b)
 
(444)
(b)
 
1,440
(c)
Benefits paid
 
(576)
   
(493)
   
(691)
   
(704)
 
Acquisitions (dispositions)/ other - net
 
6,859
(d)
 
48
   
(50)
   
-
 
Exchange rate adjustments
 
(822)
   
(641)
   
-
   
-
 
Balance at December 31(e)
$
21,618
 
$
15,589
 
$
6,757
 
$
10,703
 
                         
(a)
Principally related to plan amendments affecting post-65 retiree health and retiree life insurance for certain production participants.
(b)
Primarily associated with discount rate changes.
(c)
Principally associated with discount rate and mortality assumption changes.
(d)
Substantially all related to Alstom acquisition.
(e)
The benefit obligation for retiree health plans was $4,838 million and $8,445 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

THE COMPOSITION OF OUR PLAN ASSETS

The fair value of other pension plans' and principal retiree benefit plans' investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets are consistently applied and described in Note 1.

 
Other pension plans
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
December 31 (in millions)
 
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
                       
Equity securities
                     
   U.S. equity securities
$
667
 
$
635
 
$
203
 
$
205
   Non-U.S. equity securities
 
6,323
   
5,285
   
162
   
125
Debt securities
                     
   Fixed income and cash investment funds
 
6,258
   
4,071
   
84
   
133
   U.S. corporate
 
242
   
222
   
52
   
47
   Other debt securities
 
551
   
365
   
93
   
103
Private equities
 
703
   
262
   
75
   
94
Real estate
 
1,358
   
690
   
6
   
64
Other investments
 
1,266
   
856
   
20
   
42
Total plan assets
$
17,368
 
$
12,386
 
$
695
 
$
813
                       

Virtually all of the private equity, real estate and the majority of other investments are considered level 3 investments. The remaining investments are substantially all considered level 1 or level 2. A description of the fair value leveling hierarchy is provided in the Accounting Principles and Policy section of Note 1.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 206

FAIR VALUE OF PLAN ASSETS
                     
                       
 
Other pension plans
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
                       
Balance at January 1
$
12,386
 
$
11,059
 
$
813
 
$
903
Actual gain on plan assets
 
381
   
1,537
   
22
   
44
Employer contributions
 
549
   
726
   
501
   
518
Participant contributions
 
15
   
9
   
50
   
52
Benefits paid
 
(576)
   
(493)
   
(691)
   
(704)
Acquisitions (dispositions) / other - net
 
5,207
(a)
 
-
   
-
   
-
Exchange rate adjustments
 
(594)
   
(452)
   
-
   
-
Balance at December 31
$
17,368
 
$
12,386
 
$
695
 
$
813
                       
(a)            Substantially all related to Alstom acquisition.

ASSET ALLOCATION
                       
                         
         
Other pension plans
 
Principal retiree
 
 
Principal pension plans
 
(weighted average)
 
benefit plans
 
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
 
Target
 
Actual
 
Target
 
Actual
 
Target
 
Actual
 
December 31
allocation
 
allocation
 
allocation
 
allocation
 
allocation
 
allocation
 
                         
Equity securities
17 - 57
%
47
%
37
%
40
%
35 - 75
%
59
%
Debt securities (including cash equivalents)
13 - 53
 
29
 
37
 
40
 
11 - 46
 
27
 
Private equities
8 - 18
 
11
 
5
 
4
 
0 - 25
 
11
 
Real estate
2 - 12
 
7
 
9
 
8
 
0 - 12
 
1
 
Other investments
3 - 13
 
6
 
12
 
8
 
0 - 10
 
2
 
                         
Plan fiduciaries of the GE Pension Plan set investment policies and strategies for the GE Pension Trust and oversee its investment allocation, which includes selecting investment managers and setting long-term strategic targets. The primary strategic investment objectives are balancing investment risk and return and monitoring the plan's liquidity position in order to meet the near-term benefit payment and other cash needs. Target allocation percentages are established at an asset class level by plan fiduciaries. Target allocation ranges are guidelines, not limitations, and occasionally plan fiduciaries will approve allocations above or below a target range.

According to statute, the aggregate holdings of all qualifying employer securities (e.g., GE common stock) and qualifying employer real property may not exceed 10% of the fair value of trust assets at the time of purchase. GE securities represented 3.7% and 3.8% of the GE Pension Trust assets at year-end 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The GE Pension Plan has a broadly diversified portfolio of investments in equities, fixed income, private equities, real estate and hedge funds; these investments are both U.S. and non-U.S. in nature. As of December 31, 2015, no sector concentration of assets exceeded 15% of total GE Pension Plan assets.

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 investments for the GE Pension Plan.
 
CHANGES IN LEVEL 3 INVESTMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015
                           
               
Purchases,
 
Transfers
   
                 
issuances
 
in and/or
   
 
January 1,
 
Net realized
 
Net unrealized
 
and
 
out of
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
gains (losses)
 
gains (losses)
 
settlements
 
Level 3
 
2015
                                   
Debt securities
$
6
 
$
(3)
 
$
3
 
$
(3)
 
$
(1)
 
$
2
Private equities
 
5,217
   
432
   
189
   
(968)
   
-
   
4,870
Real estate
 
3,129
   
122
   
246
   
(360)
   
49
   
3,186
Other investments
 
2,248
   
22
   
(52)
   
71
   
6
   
2,295
 
$
10,600
 
$
573
 
$
386
 
$
(1,260)
 
$
54
 
$
10,353
                                   

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 207

 
CHANGES IN LEVEL 3 INVESTMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
                           
               
Purchases,
 
Transfers
   
                 
issuances
 
in and/or
   
 
January 1,
 
Net realized
 
Net unrealized
 
and
 
out of
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2014
 
gains (losses)
 
gains (losses)
 
settlements
 
Level 3
 
2014
                                   
Debt securities
$
-
 
$
(9)
 
$
11
 
$
4
 
$
-
 
$
6
Private equities
 
6,269
   
592
   
(54)
   
(1,565)
   
(25)
   
5,217
Real estate
 
3,354
   
36
   
334
   
(595)
   
-
   
3,129
Other investments
 
1,622
   
47
   
86
   
194
   
299
   
2,248
 
$
11,245
 
$
666
 
$
377
 
$
(1,962)
 
$
274
 
$
10,600
                                   

ESTIMATED FUTURE BENEFIT PAYMENTS
 
                                 
2021 -
 
(In millions)
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
   
2019
   
2020
   
2025
 
                                     
Principal pension plans
$
3,395
 
$
3,485
 
$
3,610
 
$
3,705
 
$
3,785
 
$
20,145
 
Other pension plans
 
855
   
870
   
875
   
885
   
905
   
4,835
 
Principal retiree benefit plans
 
625
   
600
   
590
   
575
   
560
   
2,500
 
                                     

2015 COST OF POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS AND CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                       
                   
Principal
 
Total
 
Principal
 
Other
   
retiree
 
postretirement
 
pension
 
pension
 
benefit
(In millions)
benefit plans
 
plans
 
plans
 
plans
                       
Cost of postretirement benefit plans
$
5,045
 
$
4,498
 
$
373
 
$
174
Changes in other comprehensive income
                     
      Prior service cost (credit) – current year
 
(2,401)
   
902
   
(12)
   
(3,291)
      Net actuarial loss (gain) – current year
 
(1,604)
   
(1,022)
   
(164)
   
(418)
      Net curtailment/gain (loss)
 
76
   
(105)
   
6
   
175
      Prior service credit (cost) amortization
 
(197)
   
(205)
   
-
   
8
      Net actuarial gain (loss) amortization
 
(3,552)
   
(3,288)
   
(289)
   
25
Total changes in other comprehensive income
 
(7,678)
   
(3,718)
   
(459)
   
(3,501)
Cost of postretirement benefit plans and
                     
   changes in other comprehensive income
$
(2,633)
 
$
780
 
$
(86)
 
$
(3,327)
                       
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 208

DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING

Note 20 provides the primary information related to our derivatives and hedging activity. This section provides certain supplemental information about this topic.

As described in Note 20, changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in a separate component of equity (referred to below as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, or AOCI) and are recorded in earnings in the period in which the hedged transaction occurs. The table below summarizes this activity by hedging instrument.

FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVES
 
                       
 
2015
 
2014
December 31 (In millions)
 
Assets
   
Liabilities
   
Assets
   
Liabilities
                       
Derivatives accounted for as hedges
                     
    Interest rate contracts
$
4,132
 
$
158
 
$
5,835
 
$
461
    Currency exchange contracts
 
1,109
   
1,383
   
2,579
   
884
    Other contracts
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
2
   
5,241
   
1,541
   
8,414
   
1,347
                       
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
                     
    Interest rate contracts
 
119
   
44
   
79
   
24
    Currency exchange contracts
 
1,715
   
4,048
   
1,182
   
3,439
    Other contracts
 
315
   
49
   
237
   
40
   
2,149
   
4,141
   
1,498
   
3,503
                       
Gross derivatives recognized in statement of
                     
  financial position
                     
     Gross derivatives
 
7,391
   
5,681
   
9,911
   
4,851
     Gross accrued interest
 
1,001
   
(13)
   
1,389
   
(30)
   
8,392
   
5,668
   
11,300
   
4,821
                       
Amounts offset in statement of financial position
                     
     Netting adjustments(a)
 
(4,326)
   
(4,326)
   
(3,875)
   
(3,892)
     Cash collateral(b)
 
(1,784)
   
(642)
   
(3,695)
   
(445)
   
(6,110)
   
(4,968)
   
(7,570)
   
(4,337)
                       
Net derivatives recognized in statement of
                     
  financial position
                     
     Net derivatives
 
2,282
   
700
   
3,731
   
485
                       
Amounts not offset in statement of
                     
  financial position
                     
     Securities held as collateral(c)
 
(1,277)
   
-
   
(3,114)
   
-
                       
Net amount
$
1,005
 
$
700
 
$
617
 
$
485
                       
Derivatives are classified in the captions "All other assets" and "All other liabilities" and the related accrued interest is classified in "Other GE Capital receivables" and "All other liabilities" in our financial statements.

(a) The netting of derivative receivables and payables is permitted when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists. Amounts include fair value adjustments related to our own and counterparty non-performance risk. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the cumulative adjustment for non-performance risk was insignificant and $16 million, respectively.
(b) Excluded excess cash collateral received and posted of $48 million and $379 million at December 31, 2015, respectively, and $63 million and $195 million at December 31, 2014, respectively.
(c) Excluded excess securities collateral received of $107 million and $471 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 209

CASH FLOW HEDGE ACTIVITY
                     
             
Gain (loss) reclassified
 
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI
 
from AOCI into earnings
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
                       
Interest rate contracts
$
(1)
 
$
(1)
 
$
(130)
 
$
(234)
Currency exchange contracts
 
(907)
   
(541)
   
(784)
   
(641)
Commodity contracts
 
(5)
   
(4)
   
(4)
   
(3)
Total(a)
$
(913)
 
$
(546)
 
$
(918)
 
$
(878)
                       
(a) Gain (loss) is recorded in GE Capital revenues from services, interest and other financial charges, and other costs and expenses when reclassified to earnings.


The total pre-tax amount in AOCI related to cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions was a $49 million loss at December 31, 2015. We expect to transfer $134 million to earnings as an expense in the next 12 months contemporaneously with the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions. In both 2015 and 2014, we recognized insignificant gains and losses related to hedged forecasted transactions and firm commitments that did not occur by the end of the originally specified period. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the maximum term of derivative instruments that hedge forecasted transactions was 17 years and 18 years, respectively. See Note15 for additional information about reclassifications out of AOCI.

For cash flow hedges, the amount of ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship and amount of the changes in fair value of the derivatives that are not included in the measurement of ineffectiveness were insignificant for each reporting period.

COUNTERPARTY CREDIT RISK

Fair values of our derivatives can change significantly from period to period based on, among other factors, market movements and changes in our positions. We manage counterparty credit risk (the risk that counterparties will default and not make payments to us according to the terms of our agreements) on an individual counterparty basis. Where we have agreed to netting of derivative exposures with a counterparty, we net our exposures with that counterparty and apply the value of collateral posted to us to determine the exposure. We actively monitor these net exposures against defined limits and take appropriate actions in response, including requiring additional collateral.

As discussed above, we have provisions in certain of our master agreements that require counterparties to post collateral (typically, cash or U.S. Treasury securities) when our receivable due from the counterparty, measured at current market value, exceeds a specified limit. The fair value of such collateral was $3,061 million at December 31, 2015, of which $1,784 million was cash and $1,277 million was in the form of securities held by a custodian for our benefit. Under certain of these same agreements, we post collateral to our counterparties for our derivative obligations, the fair value of which was $642 million at December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, our exposure to counterparties (including accrued interest), net of collateral we hold, was $836 million. This excludes exposure related to embedded derivatives.

Additionally, our master agreements typically contain mutual downgrade provisions that provide the ability of each party to require termination if the long-term credit rating of the counterparty were to fall below A-/A3 or other ratings levels agreed upon with the counterparty. In certain of these master agreements, each party also has the ability to require termination if the short-term rating of the counterparty were to fall below A-1/P-1. Our master agreements also typically contain provisions that provide termination rights upon the occurrence of certain other events, such as a bankruptcy or events of default by one of the parties. If an agreement was terminated under any of these circumstances, the termination amount payable would be determined on a net basis and could also take into account any collateral posted. The net amount of our derivative liability, after consideration of collateral posted by us and outstanding interest payments was $690 million at December 31, 2015. This excludes embedded derivatives.


GE 2015 FORM 10-K 210

NOTE 28. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 
First quarter
 
Second quarter
 
Third quarter
 
Fourth quarter
(In millions; per-share amounts in dollars)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
                                               
Consolidated operations
                                             
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
$
(4,673)
 
$
1,491
 
$
1,813
 
$
2,180
 
$
1,915
 
$
2,130
 
$
2,645
 
$
3,690
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
                                             
   operations
 
(8,936)
   
1,461
   
(2,947)
   
1,367
   
629
   
1,378
   
3,758
   
1,649
Net earnings (loss)
 
(13,608)
   
2,952
   
(1,134)
   
3,546
   
2,545
   
3,508
   
6,403
   
5,339
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to
                                             
   noncontrolling interests
 
(35)
   
(47)
   
225
   
-
   
39
   
(29)
   
103
   
187
Net earnings (loss) attributable to
                                             
   the Company
$
(13,573)
 
$
2,999
 
$
(1,360)
 
$
3,546
 
$
2,506
 
$
3,536
 
$
6,301
 
$
5,152
Per-share amounts – earnings (loss) from
                                             
   continuing operations
                                             
      Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.45)
 
$
0.15
 
$
0.17
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.19
 
$
0.22
 
$
0.26
 
$
0.35
      Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
(0.45)
   
0.15
   
0.17
   
0.22
   
0.19
   
0.22
   
0.26
   
0.36
Per-share amounts – earnings (loss)
                                             
   from discontinued operations
                                             
      Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
(0.90)
   
0.14
   
(0.30)
   
0.13
   
0.05
   
0.13
   
0.38
   
0.15
      Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
(0.90)
   
0.14
   
(0.30)
   
0.14
   
0.05
   
0.13
   
0.38
   
0.16
Per-share amounts – net earnings (loss)
                                             
      Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
(1.35)
   
0.30
   
(0.13)
   
0.35
   
0.25
   
0.35
   
0.64
   
0.51
      Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
(1.35)
   
0.30
   
(0.13)
   
0.35
   
0.25
   
0.35
   
0.64
   
0.51
                                               
                                               
Selected data
                                             
GE
                                             
   Sales of goods and services
$
23,839
 
$
24,011
 
$
26,141
 
$
26,225
 
$
25,612
 
$
26,025
 
$
30,614
 
$
31,046
   Gross profit from sales
 
5,514
   
5,327
   
6,033
   
6,089
   
6,275
   
6,146
   
7,556
   
7,870
GE Capital
                                             
   Total revenues
 
2,866
   
2,963
   
2,690
   
2,676
   
2,660
   
2,763
   
2,585
   
2,919
   Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
                                             
      attributable to the Company
 
(5,721)
   
489
   
(332)
   
468
   
(154)
   
226
   
(1,447)
   
348
                                               
For GE, gross profit from sales is sales of goods and services less costs of goods and services sold.

Earnings-per-share amounts are computed independently each quarter for earnings (loss) from continuing operations, earnings (loss) from discontinued operations and net earnings. As a result, the sum of each quarter's per-share amount may not equal the total per-share amount for the respective year; and the sum of per-share amounts from continuing operations and discontinued operations may not equal the total per-share amounts for net earnings (loss) for the respective quarters.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 211

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Executive Officers of the Registrant (As of February 1, 2016)
         
   
Date assumed
           
Executive
Name
   
Position
   
Age
 
Officer Position
             
Jeffrey R. Immelt
 
Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer
 
59
 
January 1997
Jeffrey S. Bornstein
 
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer   
 
50
 
July 2013
Elizabeth J. Comstock
 
Vice Chairman, Business Innovations
 
55
 
April 2013
Alexander Dimitrief
 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
 
57
 
November 2015
Jan R. Hauser
 
Vice President, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer
 
56
 
April 2013
Susan P. Peters
 
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
 
62
 
August 2013
John G. Rice
 
Vice Chairman of General Electric Company;
 
59
 
September 1997
   
   President & CEO, Global Growth Organization
       
Keith S. Sherin
 
Vice Chairman of General Electric Company; CEO,
  GE Capital
 
57
 
January 1999

All Executive Officers are elected by the Board of Directors for an initial term that continues until the Board meeting immediately preceding the next annual statutory meeting of shareowners, and thereafter are elected for one-year terms or until their successors have been elected. All Executive Officers have been executives of General Electric Company for the last five years except for Ms. Hauser. Prior to joining GE in April 2013, Ms. Hauser served as a partner, Accounting Services, National Professional Services Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

The remaining information called for by this item is incorporated by reference to "Election of Directors," "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," "Other Governance Policies and Practices" and "Board Committees" in our definitive proxy statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners to be held April 27, 2016, which will be filed within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (the 2016 Proxy Statement).
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 212

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)1. Financial Statements

         Included in the "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" section of this report:

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Statement of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareowners' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2015 and 2014
Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to consolidated financial statements
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Summary of Operating Segments

(a)2.  Financial Statement Schedules

The schedules listed in Reg. 210.5-04 have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(a)3. Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number
 
 
Description
 
2(a)
 
Master Agreement dated as of December 3, 2009 by and among General Electric Company, NBC Universal, Inc., Comcast Corporation and Navy, LLC. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009).
 
3(i)
 
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of General Electric Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013), as amended by the Certificate of Amendment, dated December 2, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to General Electric's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 3, 2015), and as further amended by the Certificate of Amendment, dated January 19, 2016 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to General Electric's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 20, 2016) (in each case, under Commission file number 001-00035).
 
3(ii)
 
The By-Laws, as amended, of General Electric Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of General Electric's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 11, 2015 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
4(a)
 
Amended and Restated General Electric Capital Corporation Standard Global Multiple Series Indenture Provisions dated as of February 27, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-59707 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
4(b)
 
Third Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997, between General Electric Capital Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-59707 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
4(c)
 
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 3, 1999, supplemental to Third Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(dd) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-76479 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
4(d)
 
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 2, 2001, supplemental to Third Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-40880 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 213

 
4(e)
 
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 22, 2002, supplemental to Third Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(cc) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333100527 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
4(f)
 
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 24, 2007, supplemental to Third Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(g) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File number 333-156929 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
 
4(g)
 
Letter from the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of General Electric to General Electric Capital Corporation dated September 15, 2006, with respect to returning dividends, distributions or other payments to General Electric Capital Corporation in certain circumstances described in the Indenture for Subordinated Debentures dated September 1, 2006, between General Electric Capital Corporation and the Bank of New York, as successor trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to General Electric Capital Corporation's Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-132807 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
     
4(h)
 
Indenture dated as of October 26, 2015, among GE Capital International Funding Company, as issuer, General Electric Company and General Electric Capital Corporation, as guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to General Electric's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2015 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
     
4 (i)
 
Global Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 10, 2015, among General Electric Capital Corporation, General Electric Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee.*
     
4(j)
 
Second Global Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 2, 2015, among General Electric Capital Corporation, General Electric Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to General Electric's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2015 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
4(k)
 
 
Agreement to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request a copy of instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of the registrant and consolidated subsidiaries.*
 
(10)
 
Except for 10(v), (w) and (x) below, all of the following exhibits consist of Executive Compensation Plans or Arrangements:
 
   
(a)
General Electric Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended effective July 1, 1991 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991).
 
   
(b)
General Electric Financial Planning Program, as amended through September 1993 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).
 
   
(c)
General Electric Supplemental Life Insurance Program, as amended February 8, 1991 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1990).
 
   
(d)
General Electric Directors' Charitable Gift Plan, as amended through December 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
 
   
(e)
General Electric Leadership Life Insurance Program, effective January 1, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(r) to General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993).
 
   
(f)
General Electric Supplementary Pension Plan, as amended effective July 1, 2015. *
 
   
(g)
General Electric 2003 Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of December 12, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 000-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
 
   
(h)
Amendment to Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans, dated as of December 14, 2004 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(w) to the General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004).
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 214

 
 
     
(i)
GE Retirement for the Good of the Company Program, as amended effective January 1, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
 
 
     
(j)
GE Excess Benefits Plan, effective January 1, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008).
 
 
     
(k)
General Electric 2006 Executive Deferred Salary Plan, as amended January 1, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008).
 
 
     
(l)
General Electric Company 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated April 25, 2012) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to General Electric's Registration Statement on Form S-8, dated May 4, 2012, File number 333-181177 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
 
     
(m)
Form of Agreement for Stock Option Grants to Executive Officers under the General Electric Company 2007 Long-term Incentive Plan, as amended January 1, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(n) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008).
 
 
     
(n)
Form of Agreement for Annual Restricted Stock Unit Grants to Executive Officers under the General Electric Company 2007 Long-term Incentive Plan, as amended February 7, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
 
     
(o)
Form of Agreement for Periodic Restricted Stock Unit Grants to Executive Officers under the General Electric Company 2007 Long-term Incentive Plan, as amended February 7, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
 
     
(p)
Form of Agreement for Long Term Performance Award Grants to Executive Officers under the General Electric Company 2007 Long-term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated April 25, 2012) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
 
     
(q)
Form of Agreement for Performance Stock Unit Grants to Executive Officers under the General Electric Company 2007 Long-term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 (a) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
 
     
(r)
First Restatement of the General Electric International Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective May 1, 2002 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to General Electric's Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-163106 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
         
     
(s)
Time Sharing Agreement dated November 22, 2010 between General Electric Company and Jeffrey R. Immelt (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(z) to General Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
     
(t)
 
 
 
(u)
 
 
 
Non-Competition Agreement between General Electric Company and John Krenicki effective July 24, 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
Time Sharing Agreement dated March 13, 2013 between General Electric Company and Brackett B. Denniston III (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
   
     
(v)
Amended and Restated Agreement, dated April 10, 2015, between General Electric Company and General Electric Capital Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of General Electric's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 10, 2015 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
     
(w)
Transaction Agreement dated as of February 12, 2013 among General Electric Company, Comcast Corporation, National Broadcasting Company Holding, Inc., Navy Holdings, Inc., NBCUniversal, LLC and NBCUniversal Media, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 (Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
 
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 215

   
(x)
Amendment dated as of March 19, 2013 to the Transaction Agreement dated as of February 12, 2013 by and among General Electric Company, Comcast Corporation, NBCUniversal, LLC, NBCUniversal Media, LLC, National Broadcasting Company Holding, Inc. and Navy Holdings, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) of General Electric's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013(Commission file number 001-00035)).
 
   
(y)
Time Sharing Agreement dated April 30, 2014 between General Electric Company and Keith S. Sherin (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) of General Electric's quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 ( Commission File number 001-00035)).
 
 
(11)
 
Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings.**
 
12(a)
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*
 
12(b)
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.*
 
(21)
 
Subsidiaries of Registrant.*
 
(23)
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.*
 
(24)
 
Power of Attorney.*
 
31(a)
 
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
 
31(b)
 
Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
 
(32)
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.*
 
99(a)
 
Undertaking for Inclusion in Registration Statements on Form S-8 of General Electric Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(b) to General Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission file number 001-00035) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1992).
     
99(b) 
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12(a) to GE Capital's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
     
99(c) 
 
Supplement to Present Required Information in Searchable Format*
     
(101)
 
The following materials from General Electric Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Statement of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (ii) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareowners' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iv) Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2015 and 2014, (v) Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*
 
*
Filed electronically herewith.
**
Information required to be presented in Exhibit 11 is provided in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K Report in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 260, Earnings Per Share.

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 216

FORM 10-K CROSS REFERENCE INDEX

Item Number
 
Page(s)
Part I
       
Item 1.
 
Business
 
19-22, 35-69, 76-77, 93-94, 110
         
Item 1A.
 
Risk Factors
 
116-120
Item 1B.
 
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
             Not applicable
         
Item 2.
 
Properties
 
21
         
Item 3.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
121-122
         
Item 4.
 
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable
         
Part II
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
28, 109
         
Item 6.
 
Selected Financial Data
 
108
         
Item 7.
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
23-107
         
Item 7A.
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
81, 111-115
         
Item 8.
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
125-211
         
Item 9.
 
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
Not applicable
         
Item 9A.
 
Controls and Procedures
 
124
         
Item 9B.
 
Other Information
 
Not applicable
Part III
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
 
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
212
         
Item 11.
 
Executive Compensation
 
(a)
         
Item 12.
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
(b), Note 16
         
Item 13.
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
(c)
         
Item 14.
 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
(d)
Part IV
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
213-216
         
Signatures
   
218

(a)
Incorporated by reference to "Compensation" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
(b)
Incorporated by reference to "Stock Ownership Information" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
(c)
Incorporated by reference to "Related Person Transactions" and "How We Assess Director Independence" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
(d)
Incorporated by reference to "Independent Auditor Information" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
GE 2015 FORM 10-K 217

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, and in the capacities indicated, thereunto duly authorized in the Town of Fairfield and State of Connecticut on the 26th day of February 2016.

General Electric Company
(Registrant)


By    /s/ Jeffrey S. Bornstein
        Jeffrey S. Bornstein
        Senior Vice President and
        Chief Financial Officer
        (Principal Financial Officer)


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 
Signer
 
Title
 
Date
           
 
/s/ Jeffrey S. Bornstein
 
Principal Financial Officer
 
February 26, 2016
 
Jeffrey S. Bornstein
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
       
 
         
 
/s/ Jan R. Hauser
 
Principal Accounting Officer
 
February 26, 2016
 
Jan R. Hauser
Vice President and Controller
       
           
 
/s/ Jeffrey R. Immelt
Jeffrey R. Immelt*
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
Principal Executive Officer
 
 
February 26, 2016
 
 
       
 
W. Geoffrey Beattie*
John J. Brennan*
 
Director
Director
   
 
James I. Cash, Jr.*
Francisco D'Souza*
Marijn E. Dekkers*
 
Director
Director
Director
   
 
Susan Hockfield*
 
Director
   
 
Andrea Jung*
 
Director
   
 
Robert W. Lane*
 
Director
   
 
Rochelle B. Lazarus*
 
Director
   
 
James J. Mulva*
 
Director
   
 
James E. Rohr*
 
Director
   
 
Mary L. Schapiro*
 
Director
   
 
Robert J. Swieringa*
 
Director
   
 
James S. Tisch*
 
Director
   
 
Douglas A. Warner III*
 
Director
   
           
 
A majority of the Board of Directors
       
 
         
           
*By
/s/ Christoph A. Pereira
       
 
Christoph A. Pereira
Attorney-in-fact
February 26, 2016
       

GE 2015 FORM 10-K 218