General Electric Company
17 September 2001
GE Estimates Third-Quarter Financial Effect of Terrorist Attack
Fairfield, CT, September 14, 2001 - General Electric will incur losses through
its Employers Reinsurance Corporation (ERC) as a result of the terrorist
attacks against the World Trade Center, and the losses will affect the
Company's third-quarter results.
ERC's preliminary estimate of its net losses is approximately $600 million, or
approximately $400 million after taxes. Before the attacks, GE was on track
to meet the First Call consensus estimate for third quarter of 37 cents per
share, up 16 percent from last year. However, ERC's losses could reduce
third-quarter net income by 4 cents to 33 cents per share, up 3 percent from
2000.
'Our insurance losses are merely monetary, and they cannot compare with those
suffered by the victims of this shameful attack against the World Trade
Center,' said GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. 'GE and its employees are
doing whatever they can to help, from providing emergency medical and power
generation equipment to donating to blood drives and disaster relief funds.
ERC has contacted all of its affected clients and is giving their claims first
priority.
'We also want to give investors some measure of assurance. However, there is
still uncertainty about the import of this extraordinary event. We are
providing the best estimates we can make at this time.'
ERC is among the numerous companies providing insurance and reinsurance
coverage of the World Trade Center and the four aircraft used in Tuesday's
terrorist acts. ERC's exposure reflects its share of industry coverage and is
in line with overall industry expectations. ERC's viability is not affected,
nor does it expect its industry ratings to be affected.
Immelt said, 'GE's fundamental financial strengths are unchanged. Our concern
right now is to help people get through this terrible tragedy.'
GE (NYSE:GE), with 2000 revenues of $130 billion, is a diversified technology,
services and manufacturing company with a commitment to achieving customer
success. GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs 313,000 people
worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at
http://www.ge.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This document includes certain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are
based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and
changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these
expectations due to changes in global economic, business, competitive market
and regulatory factors. More detailed information about those factors is
contained in GE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact: David Frail, (203) 373-3387
David.frail@corporate.ge.com
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