General Electric Company (GE) released its first quarter 2011 earnings results before the opening bell today, reporting earnings per share from continuing operations of 33 cents, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 28 cents, up 48% year over year. This was the fourth consecutive quarter in which the company witnessed strong growth in earnings.
Revenue
Total revenue in the quarter were up 6% year over year to $ 38.4 billion, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $ 33.7 billion. The company continues to benefit from the improving economic environment.
Total order growth was healthy and the backlog at the end of the quarter was $ 177 billion.
GE Capital also had a strong first quarter, earning $ 1.8 billion after tax.
The company increased its R&D investment by 12% and launched nearly 50 new Healthcare and Energy products. Industrial segment operating profit margin declined 1.1% from the year-ago period to 14.3%.
Segment profit increased 36% compared with 1Q10, with increases of more than 200% at GE Capital, 37% at Transportation, 7% at Healthcare and 5% at Aviation offset a 7% earnings decline at Energy Infrastructure.
Cash generated from Industrial operating activities totaled $ 1.7 billion in the quarter, on track for full-year plan of $ 12-$ 13 billion. At the end of the quarter, GE had $ 82 billion of consolidated cash.
GE raised its quarterly dividend by 1cent to 15 cents per share to be effective in the third quarter of 2011.
GE has one of the best infrastructure franchises worldwide with solid organic growth rates, exposure to favorable secular trends and a large installed base supporting a growing annuity-like services business.
Infrastructure businesses from GE are helping build the energy, health, transportation and technology infrastructure of the new century. These businesses provide the products and services that help developing regions participate in the global economy, while also helping developed regions upgrade with cleaner, more efficient and better infrastructure technologies.
Financial business at GE offers an array of products and services aimed at enabling commercial businesses, consumers and markets worldwide to build a stronger, financially secure future.
The company has adopted strategic imperatives to strengthen its portfolio by building strong growth platforms and generating cash from low-return businesses. Its focus remains on accelerating organic growth and achieving technical and service excellence, while building enduring customer relationships around the world.
GE has products and services ranging from aircraft engines, power generation, water processing and security technology to medical imaging, business and consumer financing, media content and industrial products. Since its incorporation in 1892, the company has developed or acquired new technologies and services that have broadened considerably the scope of its activities. United Technologies Corporation (UTX) is a major competitor.
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on General Electric.
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