BOSTON — GE today provided an update on its financial guidance and first-quarter performance.
Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time, GE cannot forecast with reasonable accuracy the full duration, magnitude, and pace of recovery across our end markets, operations, and supply chains. Therefore, the Company believes it is prudent to withdraw guidance for 2020.
For the first quarter ended March 31, 2020, GE preliminarily expects adjusted EPS* to be materially below its prior guidance of about $0.10, which the Company had shared on March 4, 2020. GE preliminarily expects Industrial free cash flow* to be near the prior guidance of about negative $2 billion. Total company adjusted EPS* deteriorated to a greater extent than Industrial free cash flow* primarily due to non-cash and timing items in Aviation, Renewable Energy, and GE Capital (JAMTF).
GE Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said, “We are taking swift actions across the company to position GE to come out stronger on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis. With net proceeds of about $20 billion from the BioPharma transaction now in hand, we have more flexibility to de-risk and further strengthen our balance sheet. We are committed to bringing down our leverage over time as we navigate this period of uncertainty and position ourselves for the future.”
GE remains focused on the safety of its employees, serving customers in their time of need, and preserving the Company’s strength. Each of GE’s businesses and Corporate are taking cost and cash actions to manage risk and proactively mitigate the financial impacts from COVID-19.
Culp continued, “The entire GE team is proudly supporting those on the front lines across the globe, helping clinicians, communities, and the broader healthcare ecosystem combat COVID-19 while continuing to support and deliver critical infrastructure across our businesses. We will continue to rise to the challenge of helping our customers adapt through this time of uncertainty as well as the eventual recovery.”
GE plans to hold its first-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at 8:00 AM ET, where it will share additional details.
For more on the Company’s efforts and contributions in the fight against COVID-19, visit GE Reports here.
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