gecc10k123112.htm

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012
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 1-6461
 
General Electric Capital Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

Delaware
     
13-1500700
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
     
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
         
901 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT
 
06851-1168
 
203/840-6300
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(Registrant’s Telephone No., including area code)
         
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
4.875% Notes Due October 15, 2052
6.50% GE Capital InterNotes Due August 15, 2048
4.875% Notes Due January 29, 2053
7½% Guaranteed Subordinated Notes Due August 21, 2035
 
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
(Title of class)
NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ  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 þ
 
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 þ 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 þNo ¨
 
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 10-K. þ
 
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 þ
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
 
Aggregate market value of the outstanding common equity held by nonaffiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter: None.
 
At February 15, 2013, 1,000 shares of voting common stock, which constitute all of the outstanding common equity, with a par value of $14 per share were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The consolidated financial statements of General Electric Company, set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of General Electric Company for the year ended December 31, 2012, are incorporated by reference into Part IV hereof.

REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION I(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM 10-K WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.

 
 
 
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General Electric Capital Corporation
 
Table of Contents
 
Part I
 
Page
       
Item 1.
Business
 
3
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
8
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
 
13
Item 2.
Properties
 
13
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
 
13
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
14
       
Part II
   
       
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and
   
 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
15
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 
15
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
15
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
53
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
54
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
125
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
 
126
Item 9B.
Other Information
 
126
       
Part III
   
       
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
126
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
 
126
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
126
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
126
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
126
       
Part IV
   
       
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
127
 
Signatures
   
 
135
       
 

 

 
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PART I
 
 
Item 1. Business.
 

General Electric Capital Corporation
 
General Electric Capital Corporation (GE Capital or GECC) was incorporated in 1943 in the State of New York under the provisions of the New York Banking Law relating to investment companies, as successor to General Electric Contracts Corporation, which was formed in 1932. Until November 1987, our name was General Electric Credit Corporation. On July 2, 2001, we changed our state of incorporation to Delaware. As of December 31, 2012, all of our outstanding common stock was wholly-owned by General Electric Company (GE Company or GE). Financing and services offered by GE Capital are diversified, a significant change from the original business of GE Capital, which was, financing distribution and sale of consumer and other GE products. Currently, GE manufactures few of the products financed by GE Capital.

We operate in five segments described in the Operating Segments Section beginning on page 4. These operations are subject to a variety of regulations in their respective jurisdictions. Our operations are located in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Our principal executive offices are located at 901 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851-1168. At December 31, 2012, our employment totaled approximately 50,000.

On February 22, 2012, our former parent, General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS), merged with and into GECC. The merger simplified GE’s financial services’ corporate structure by consolidating financial services entities and assets within our organization and simplifying Securities and Exchange Commission and regulatory reporting. Upon completion of the merger, (i) all outstanding shares of GECC common stock were cancelled, (ii) all outstanding GECS common stock and all GECS preferred stock held by GE were converted into an aggregate of 1,000 shares of GECC common stock, and (iii) all treasury shares of GECS and all outstanding preferred stock of GECS held by GECC were cancelled. As a result, GECC became the surviving corporation, assumed all of GECS’ rights and obligations and became wholly-owned directly by GE.

Because both GECS and GECC were wholly-owned either directly or indirectly by GE, the merger was accounted for as a transfer of assets between entities under common control. Transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control are accounted for at historical value, and as if the transfer occurred at the beginning of the period. Prior period results are retrospectively adjusted to furnish comparative information. GECC’s continuing operations now include the run-off insurance operations previously held and managed in our former parent, GECS, and which are reported in corporate items and eliminations. The operating businesses that are reported as segments, including CLL, Consumer, Real Estate, Energy Financial Services and GECAS, are not affected by the merger. Unless otherwise indicated, references to GECC and the GE Capital segment in this Form 10-K Report relate to the entity or segment as they exist subsequent to the February 22, 2012 merger.

Our financial information, including filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is available at www.ge.com/secreports. 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 regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. References to our website addressed in this report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be viewed as, an incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.
 
 

 
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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,” or “will.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include: current economic and financial conditions, including volatility in interest and exchange rates, commodity and equity prices and the value of financial assets; potential market disruptions or other impacts arising in the United States or Europe from developments in sovereign debt situations; the impact of conditions in the financial and credit markets on the availability and cost of our funding and on our ability to reduce our asset levels as planned; the impact of conditions in the housing market and unemployment rates on the level of commercial and consumer credit defaults; changes in Japanese consumer behavior that may affect our estimates of liability for excess interest refund claims (GE Money Japan); pending and future mortgage securitization claims and litigation 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 GE’s cash flows and earnings and other conditions which may affect GE’s ability to pay its quarterly dividend at the planned level or to repurchase shares at planned levels; our ability to pay dividends to GE at the planned level; GE’s ability to convert pre-order commitments into orders; the level of demand and financial performance of the major industries GE serves, including, without limitation, air and rail transportation, energy generation, real estate and healthcare; the impact of regulation and regulatory, investigative and legal proceedings and legal compliance risks, including the impact of financial services regulation; GE’s capital allocation plans, as such plans may change and affect planned share repurchases and strategic actions, including acquisitions, joint ventures and dispositions; our success in completing announced transactions and integrating acquired businesses; the impact of potential information technology or data security breaches; and numerous other matters of national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business and competitive nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. These uncertainties are described in more detail in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K Report. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

Operating Segments
 
Segment revenue and profit information and additional financial data and commentary on recent financial results for operating segments are provided in the Segment Operations section in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Operating businesses that are reported as segments include Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL), Consumer, Real Estate, Energy Financial Services and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). A summary description of each of our operating segments follows.

GE Capital businesses offer a broad range of financial services and products worldwide for businesses of all sizes. Services include commercial loans and leases, fleet management, financial programs, home loans, credit cards, personal loans and other financial services. GE Capital also develops strategic partnerships and joint ventures that utilize GE’s industry-specific expertise in aviation, energy, infrastructure and healthcare to capitalize on market-specific opportunities.

During 2012, GE Capital provided approximately $107 billion of new financings in the U.S. to various companies, infrastructure projects and municipalities. Additionally, we extended approximately $96 billion of credit to approximately 57 million U.S. consumers. GE Capital provided credit to approximately 37,100 new commercial customers and 34,000 new small businesses in the U.S. during 2012 and ended the period with outstanding credit to more than 243,000 commercial customers and 201,000 small businesses through retail programs in the U.S.

We have communicated our goal of reducing our ending net investment (ENI). To achieve this goal, we are more aggressively focusing our businesses on selective financial services products where we have domain knowledge, broad distribution, and the ability to earn a consistent return on capital, while managing our overall balance sheet size and risk. We have a strategy of exiting those businesses that are underperforming or that are deemed to be non-strategic. We have completed a number of dispositions in our businesses in the past and will continue to evaluate options going forward.

We also continue our longstanding practice of providing supplemental information for certain businesses within the segments.
 

 
 
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Commercial Lending and Leasing
 
CLL provides customers around the world with a broad range of financing solutions. We have particular mid-market expertise, and primarily offer collateralized loans, leases and other financial services to customers, including manufacturers, distributors and end-users for a variety of equipment and major capital assets. These assets include industrial-related facilities and equipment; vehicles; corporate aircraft; and equipment used in many industries, including the construction, manufacturing, transportation, media, communications, entertainment and healthcare industries.

In 2011, we completed the sale of our CLL marine container leasing business, which consists of our controlling interests in the GE SeaCo joint venture along with other owned marine container assets, and our CLL trailer fleet services business in Mexico.

We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors include commercial banks, investment banks, leasing companies, financing companies associated with manufacturers, and independent finance companies. Competition related to our lending and leasing operations is based on price, that is, interest rates and fees, as well as deal structure and terms. In recent years, there has been a disruption in the capital markets and in access to and availability of capital as well as the exit of some competitors. Profitability is affected not only by broad economic conditions that affect customer credit quality and the availability and cost of capital funding, but also by successful management of credit risk, operating risk and market risks such as interest rate and currency exchange risks. Success requires high quality risk management systems, customer and industry specific knowledge, diversification, service and distribution channels, strong collateral and asset management knowledge, deal structuring expertise and the ability to reduce costs through technology and productivity.

Consumer
 
Consumer, through consolidated entities and associated companies, is a leading provider of financial services to consumers and retailers around the world. We offer a full range of financial products to suit customers’ needs. These products include, on a global basis, private-label credit cards; personal loans; bank cards; auto loans and leases; mortgages; debt consolidation; home equity loans; deposit and other savings products; and small and medium enterprise lending.

In January 2013, we acquired the deposit business of MetLife Bank, N.A., which is an online banking platform with approximately $6.4 billion in U.S. retail deposits that will allow us to better serve our customers.

In 2011, we entered into agreements to sell our Consumer Singapore business and our Consumer home lending operations in Australia and New Zealand (Australian Home Lending) and classified them as discontinued operations. Both dispositions were completed during 2011.

In the first quarter of 2011, we sold a substantial portion of our Garanti Bank equity investment. During 2012, we sold our remaining equity interest in Garanti Bank, which was classified as an available-for-sale security.

In 2010, we entered into agreements to sell our U.S. recreational vehicle and marine equipment financing portfolio (Consumer RV Marine) and Consumer Mexico and classified them as discontinued operations. Both dispositions were completed during 2011.

In 2010, we committed to sell our Consumer business in Canada, which was completed during 2011; in 2010, we also purchased sales finance portfolios from Citi Retail Partner Cards, which provides consumer financing programs and related services to small to mid-sized retailers and dealers.

Our operations are subject to a variety of bank and consumer protection regulations. Further, a number of countries have ceilings on rates chargeable to consumers in financial service transactions. We are subject to competition from various types of financial institutions including commercial banks, leasing companies, consumer loan companies, independent finance companies, finance companies associated with manufacturers, and insurance companies. Industry participants compete on the basis of price, servicing capability, promotional marketing, risk management, and cross selling. The markets in which we operate are also subject to the risks from fluctuations in retail sales, interest and currency exchange rates, and the consumer’s capacity to repay debt.
 
 
 
 
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Real Estate
 
Real Estate offers a range of capital and investment solutions, including equity capital for acquisition or development, as well as fixed and floating rate mortgages for new acquisitions or re-capitalizations of commercial real estate worldwide. Our business finances, with both equity and loan structures, the acquisition, refinancing and renovation of office buildings, apartment buildings, retail facilities, hotels and industrial properties. Our typical real estate loans are intermediate term, senior, fixed or floating-rate, and are secured by existing income-producing commercial properties. We invest in, and provide restructuring financing for, portfolios of commercial mortgage loans, limited partnerships and tax-exempt bonds.

We own and operate a global portfolio of real estate with the objective of maximizing property cash flows and asset values. In the normal course of our business operations, we sell certain real estate equity investments when it is economically advantageous for us to do so. However, as real estate values are affected by certain forces beyond our control (e.g., market fundamentals and demographic conditions), it is difficult to predict with certainty the level of future sales, sales prices, impairments or write-offs.

In 2012, we completed the sale of a portion of our Business Properties portfolio (Business Property), including certain commercial loans, the origination and servicing platforms and the servicing rights on loans previously securitized by GECC. The portion retained comprises our owner occupied/credit tenant portfolio.

Our competitors include banks, financial institutions, real estate companies, real estate investment funds and other financial companies. Competition in our equity investment business is primarily based on price, and competition in our lending business is primarily based on interest rates and fees, as well as deal structure and terms. As we compete globally, our success is sensitive to the economic and political environment of each country in which we do business.

Energy Financial Services
 
Energy Financial Services 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. We also invest in early-to-later-stage companies that are pursuing new technologies and services in the energy industry. In May 2010, we sold our general partnership interest in Regency Energy Partners L.P. (Regency), a midstream natural gas services provider, and retained a limited partnership interest. This resulted in the deconsolidation of Regency.

We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors include banks, financial institutions, energy companies, and other finance and leasing companies. Competition is primarily based on price, that is, interest rates and fees, as well as deal structure and terms. As we compete globally, our success is sensitive to the economic and political environment of each country in which we do business.

GE Capital Aviation Services
 
GECAS engages in commercial aircraft leasing and finance, delivering fleet and financing services to companies across the spectrum of the aviation industry. Our product offerings include leases and secured loans on commercial passenger aircraft, freighters and regional jets; engine leasing and financing services; aircraft parts solutions; and airport equity and debt financing. We also co-sponsor an infrastructure private equity fund, which invests in large infrastructure projects including gateway airports.

We operate in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors include aircraft manufacturers, banks, financial institutions, equity investors, and other finance and leasing companies. Competition is based on lease rate financing terms, aircraft delivery dates, condition and availability, as well as available capital demand for financing.

GECC Corporate Items and Eliminations
 
GECC Corporate Items and Eliminations primarily include unallocated Treasury and Tax operations; Trinity, a group of run-off sponsored special purpose entities; the effects of eliminating transactions between GE Capital’s five operating businesses; results of our run-off insurance operations remaining in continuing operations attributable to GECC; unallocated corporate costs; and certain non-allocated amounts determined by the GECC Chairman.
 
 

 
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Discontinued Operations
 
Discontinued operations primarily comprised GE Money Japan (our Japanese personal loan business, Lake, and our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, excluding our investment in GE Nissen Credit Co., Ltd.), our U.S. mortgage business (WMC), BAC Credomatic GECF Inc. (BAC) (our Central American bank and card business), Consumer RV Marine, Consumer Mexico, Consumer Singapore, Australian Home Lending and Consumer Ireland.

For further information about discontinued operations, see Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Geographic Data
 
Geographic data is reported in Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Additional financial data about our geographic operations is provided in the Geographic Operations section in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K Report.

Regulations and Competition
 
Our activities are subject to a variety of U.S. federal and state regulations including, at the federal level, the Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and certain regulations issued by the Federal Trade Commission. A majority of states have ceilings on rates chargeable to customers on retail loan transactions, installment loans and revolving credit financing. Our insurance activities are regulated by various state insurance commissions and non-U.S. regulatory authorities. We are a savings and loan holding company under U.S. law and became subject to Federal Reserve Board (FRB) supervision on July 21, 2011, the one-year anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (DFA). The FRB has recently finalized a regulation that requires certain organizations it supervises to submit annual capital plans for review, including institutions’ plans to make capital distributions, such as dividend payments. The applicability and timing of this proposed regulation to GECC is not yet determined; however, the FRB has indicated that it expects to extend these requirements to large savings and loan holding companies through separate rulemaking or by order. While GECC is not yet subject to this regulation, GECC’s capital allocation planning is still subject to FRB review. The FRB recently proposed regulations to revise and replace its current rules on capital adequacy and we have taken the proposed regulations into consideration in our current capital planning. The proposed regulations would apply to savings and loan holding companies like GECC. The transition period for achieving compliance with the proposed regulations following final adoption is unclear. As expected, the U.S. Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) recently notified GECC that it is under consideration for a proposed determination as a nonbank systemically important financial institution (nonbank SIFI) under the DFA. While not final, such a determination would subject GECC to proposed enhanced supervisory standards.

The businesses in which we engage are highly competitive. We are subject to competition from various types of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, investment banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, leasing companies, consumer loan companies, independent finance companies, finance companies associated with manufacturers and insurance and reinsurance companies.

Business and Economic Conditions
 
Our businesses are generally affected by general business and economic conditions in countries in which we conduct business. When overall economic conditions deteriorate in those countries, there generally are adverse effects on our operations, although those effects are dynamic and complex. For example, a downturn in employment or economic growth in a particular national or regional economy will generally increase the pressure on customers, which generally will result in deterioration of repayment patterns and a reduction in the value of collateral. However, in such a downturn, demand for loans and other products and services we offer may actually increase. Interest rates, another macro-economic factor, are important to our businesses. In the lending and leasing businesses, higher real interest rates increase our cost to borrow funds, but also provide higher levels of return on new investments. For our operations, such as the insurance activities, that are linked less directly to interest rates, rate changes generally affect returns on investment portfolios.
 
 
 
 
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
The following discussion of risk factors contains “forward-looking statements,” as discussed in Item 1. “Business”. 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 Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (MD&A), and the consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
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. Discussion about important operational risks that our businesses encounter can be found in the MD&A section and in the business descriptions in Item 1. “Business” of this Form 10-K Report. Below, we describe certain important operational and strategic risks. Our reactions to material future developments as well as our competitors’ reactions to those developments will affect our future results.
 
Our growth is subject to global economic and political risks.
 
We operate in virtually every part of the world and serve customers in more than 100 countries. In 2012, approximately 43% of our revenue was attributable to activities outside the United States. Our operations are subject to the effects of global competition and geopolitical risks. They are also affected by local economic environments, including inflation, recession, currency volatility 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.

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, U.S. and non-U.S. governments are undertaking a substantial revision of the regulation and supervision of bank and non-bank financial institutions, consumer lending, the over-the-counter derivatives market and tax laws and regulations, which changes may have an effect on GE’s and GE Capital’s structure, operations, liquidity, capital requirements, effective tax rate and performance. For example, under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, GE Capital is subject to prudential oversight by the Federal Reserve, which subjects us to increased and evolving regulatory requirements. We are also subject to a number of trade control laws and regulations that may affect our ability to sell our products in global markets. In addition, we are subject to regulatory risks from laws that reduce the allowable lending rate or limit consumer borrowing, local capital requirements that may increase the risk of not being able to retrieve assets, and changes to tax law that may affect our return on investments. For example, GE’s effective tax rate is reduced because active business income earned and indefinitely reinvested outside the United States is taxed at less than the U.S. rate. A significant portion of this reduction depends upon a provision of U.S. tax law that defers the imposition of U.S. tax on certain active financial services income until that income is repatriated to the United States as a dividend. This provision is consistent with international tax norms and permits U.S. financial services companies to compete more effectively with non-U.S. financial institutions in global markets. This provision, which had expired at the end of 2011, was reinstated in January 2013 retroactively for two years through the end of 2013. This provision also had been scheduled to expire and had been extended by Congress on six previous occasions, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to be extended. In the event the provision is not extended after 2013, the current U.S. tax imposed on active financial services income earned outside the United States would increase, making it more difficult for U.S. financial services companies to compete in global markets. If this provision is not extended, we expect our effective tax rate to increase significantly after 2014. In addition, 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 GE’s products and slow its ability to introduce new products, resulting in an adverse impact on GE’s 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.

 
 
 
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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. We, our representatives, and the industries in which we operate are at times being reviewed or investigated by regulators and other governmental authorities, which could lead to enforcement actions, fines and penalties or the assertion of private litigation claims and damages. Additionally, GE and its subsidiaries are involved in a sizable number of remediation actions to clean up hazardous wastes as required by federal and state laws. These include the dredging of polychlorinated biphenyls from a 40-mile stretch of the upper Hudson River in New York State. We are also subject to certain other legal proceedings described in Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” of this Form 10-K Report. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the global and diverse nature of our operations means that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist and additional legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time.
 
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. 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 also continue to evaluate the potential disposition of 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 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. After reaching an agreement with a buyer or seller for the acquisition or disposition of a business, we are subject to satisfaction of pre-closing conditions as well as to necessary regulatory and governmental approvals on acceptable terms, 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, guarantees, indemnities or other financial obligations. Under these arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or other conditions outside our control could affect our future financial results.
 
Sustained increases in costs of pension and healthcare benefits may reduce GE’s profitability.
 
Our results of operations may be positively or negatively affected by the amount of income or expense GE records for its defined benefit pension plans. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) require 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 GE uses to estimate pension expense for 2013 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 change to equity through a reduction or increase to Accumulated gains (losses) – net, Benefit plans. At the end of 2012, the GE Pension Plan was underfunded, on a U.S. GAAP basis, by $13.3 billion, and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, an unfunded plan, had a projected benefit obligation of $5.5 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 GE 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 GE would be required to contribute to pension plans. In addition, upward pressure on the cost of providing healthcare benefits to current employees and retirees may increase future funding obligations. Although GE has actively sought to control increases in these costs, there can be no assurance that GE will succeed in limiting cost increases, and continued upward pressure could reduce GE’s profitability.
 

 
 
 
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Conditions in the financial and credit markets may affect the availability and cost of funding.
 
As disclosed in more detail in the Liquidity and Borrowings section in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K Report, a large portion of our borrowings is in the form of commercial paper and long-term debt. We continue to rely on the availability of the unsecured debt markets to access funding for term and commercial paper maturities for 2013 and beyond and to fund our operations without incurring additional U.S. tax. In addition, we rely on the availability of the commercial paper markets to refinance maturing commercial paper debt throughout the year. In order to further diversify our funding sources, GE Capital continues to expand its reliance on alternative sources of funding, including bank deposits, securitizations and other asset-based funding. There can be no assurance that we will succeed in increasing the diversification of our funding sources or that the short and long-term credit markets will be available or, if available, that the cost of funding will not substantially increase and affect our overall profitability. Factors that may affect the availability of funding or cause an increase in our funding costs include: a decreased reliance on short-term funding, such as commercial paper, in favor of longer-term funding arrangements; decreased capacity and increased competition among debt issuers; increased competition for deposits in our affiliate banks’ markets; and potential market disruptions or other impacts arising in the United States or Europe from developments in sovereign debt situations. If GE Capital’s cost of funding were to increase, it may adversely affect its competitive position and result in lower net interest margins, earnings and cash flows as well as lower returns on its shareowner’s equity and invested capital.
 
If conditions in the financial markets deteriorate, they may adversely affect the business and results of operations of GE Capital as well as the soundness of financial institutions and governments we deal with.
 
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. In addition, 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 our 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 us. 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 Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report), 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 Capital’s business, financial position and results of operations.
 
The real estate markets in which GE Capital participates are highly dependent on economic conditions, the deterioration of which may adversely affect GE Capital’s business, financial position and results of operations.
 
GE Capital participates in the commercial real estate market in two ways: we provide financing for the acquisition, refinancing and renovation of various types of properties, and, in a limited number of markets, we also acquire equity positions in various types of properties or real estate investments. The profitability of real estate investments is largely dependent upon the economic conditions in specific geographic markets in which the properties are located and the perceived value of those markets at the time of sale. The level of transactions for real estate assets continues to remain below historical norms in several markets in which we operate. High levels of unemployment, slowdown in business activity, excess inventory capacity and limited availability of credit may continue to adversely affect the value of real estate assets and collateral to real estate loans GE Capital holds. Under current market and credit conditions, there can be no assurance as to the level of sales GE Capital will complete or the net sales proceeds we will realize. Also, occupancy rates and market rent levels may worsen, which may result in impairments to the carrying value of equity investments or increases in the allowance for loan losses on commercial real estate loans.
 

 
 
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GE Capital is also a residential mortgage lender in certain geographic markets outside the United States that have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by declines in real estate values and home sale volumes, job losses, government austerity measures and mandated programs, consumer bankruptcies and other factors that may negatively impact the credit performance of our mortgage loans. Our allowance for loan losses on these mortgage loans is based on our analysis of current and historical delinquency, property values and loan performance, as well as other management assumptions that may be inaccurate predictors of credit performance in this environment. There can be no assurance that, in this environment, credit performance will not be materially worse than anticipated and, as a result, materially and adversely affect GE Capital’s business, financial position and results of operations.
 
Failure to maintain our credit ratings could adversely affect our cost of funds and related margins, liquidity, competitive position and access to capital markets.
 
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, 2012, GE and GECC’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 stable outlook. The long-term unsecured debt credit rating from Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) for GE was Aa3 (the fourth highest of 21 rating categories) and for GECC was A1 (the fifth highest of 21 credit ratings), both with stable outlooks. As of December 31, 2012, GE and GECC’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.

Current conditions in the global economy and the major industries we serve also may materially and adversely affect the business and results of operations of GE’s non-financial businesses.
 
The business and operating results of GE’s industrial businesses have been, and will continue to be, affected by worldwide economic conditions, including conditions in the air and rail transportation, energy generation, healthcare, home building and other major industries GE serves. As a result of slower global economic growth, the credit market crisis, declining consumer and business confidence, continued high unemployment levels, reduced levels of capital expenditures, fluctuating commodity prices, bankruptcies, government deficit reduction and austerity measures, including sequestrations, and other challenges affecting the global economy, some of GE’s government and non-government customers have experienced deterioration of their businesses, cash flow shortages, and difficulty obtaining financing. As a result, existing or potential customers may delay or cancel plans to purchase GE’s products and services, including large infrastructure projects, and may not be able to fulfill their obligations to GE in a timely fashion. 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 could affect GE’s ability to fully recover its contract costs and estimated earnings. Further, our vendors may be experiencing similar conditions, which may impact their ability to fulfill their obligations to GE. If slower growth in the global economy continues for a significant period or there is additional significant deterioration in the global economy, GE’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
 
 
 
 
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Increased IT security 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 IT security vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted IT-related attacks pose a risk to the security of our and our customers’ and suppliers’ systems and networks and the confidentiality, availability and integrity of our data. While we attempt to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employee training, comprehensive monitoring of our networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems, our systems, networks, products, solutions and services 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, our facilities and systems and those of our customers, suppliers and third-party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, theft, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors 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, which in turn could adversely affect our reputation, competitiveness and results of operations.

GE 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 introductions and product innovations for continued revenue growth.
 
GE produces highly sophisticated products and provides specialized services for both GE and third-party products that incorporate or use leading-edge technology, including both hardware and software. While GE has built extensive operational processes to ensure that the design, manufacture and servicing of such products meet the most rigorous quality standards, there can be no assurance that GE or its customers or other third-parties will not experience operational process failures or other problems, including through intentional acts, that could result in potential product, safety, regulatory or environmental risks. Such operational failures or quality issues could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial position and 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, to modify existing products, to customize products, to respond to technological change and to execute our product development in line with GE’s projected cost estimates.

Our intellectual property portfolio may not prevent competitors from independently developing products and services similar to or duplicative to GE’s.
 
Our patents and other intellectual property may not prevent competitors from independently developing or selling products and services similar to or duplicative of GE’s, 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. GE also faces attempts by third parties to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems for the purpose of improperly acquiring our trade secrets or confidential business information. The theft or unauthorized use or publication of GE’s trade secrets and other confidential business information as a result of such an incident could adversely affect GE’s competitive position and the value of its investment in research and development. 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, GE could be required to pay substantial damages or GE could be enjoined from offering some of its products and services. Also, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or re-new from third parties the licenses we need in the future, and there is no assurance that such licenses can be obtained on reasonable terms.

 
 
 
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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 GE’s products.
 
GE’s reliance on third-party suppliers, contract manufacturers and service providers, and commodity markets to secure raw materials, parts, components and sub-systems used in its products exposes GE 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 GE’s 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 GE’s ability to meet its commitments to customers or increase its operating costs. Quality and sourcing issues experienced by third-party providers can also adversely affect the quality and effectiveness of GE’s products and services and result in liability and reputational harm.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties.
 
We conduct our business from various facilities, most of which are leased. The locations of our primary facilities are described in Item 1. “Business” of this Form 10-K Report.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
 
As previously reported, in March and April 2009, shareholders filed purported class actions under the federal securities laws in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York naming as defendants GE, a number of GE officers (including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer) and our directors. The complaints, which have now been consolidated, seek unspecified damages based on allegations related to statements regarding the GE dividend and projected losses and earnings for GECC in 2009. In January 2012, the District Court granted in part, and denied in part, our motion to dismiss. In April 2012, the District Court granted a portion of our motion for reconsideration, resulting in the dismissal of plaintiffs’ claims under the Securities Act of 1933. In July 2012, the District Court denied plaintiffs’ motion seeking to amend their complaint to include the alleged claims under the Securities Act of 1933. In January 2013, plaintiffs attempted unsuccessfully to file a new amended complaint. We have filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings.

As also previously reported, in March 2010, a shareholder derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York naming as defendants GE, a number of GE officers (including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer) and our directors. The complaint seeks unspecified damages and principally alleges breaches of fiduciary duty and other causes of action related to the GE dividend and SEC matter which GE resolved in August 2009 and alleged mismanagement of our financial services businesses. In September 2011, our motion to dismiss was granted. In June 2012, plaintiff’s motion to file an amended complaint was denied. The plaintiff has filed an appeal.

As also previously reported, in February and March 2012, two shareholder derivative actions were filed in New York Supreme Court naming as defendants GE, a number of GE officers (including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer) and our directors. The complaints seek unspecified damages and principally allege breaches of fiduciary duty and other causes of action related to 2009 earnings forecasts for GE Capital, changes in the GE dividend and GE’s credit rating in 2009 and GE’s 2008 commercial paper program. In June 2012, these two cases were consolidated into a single action. GE filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated action in December 2012.
 
 
We sold WMC, our U.S. mortgage business, in 2007. WMC substantially discontinued all new loan originations in 2007, and was 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.

WMC is a party to 15 lawsuits relating to mortgage loan repurchase claims. The adverse parties in these cases are trustees to private label residential mortgage-backed securitization trusts 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.
 

 
 
 
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Four WMC cases are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. All of these cases were initiated in 2012, including two in the fourth quarter. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company (Deutsche Bank) is the adverse party in three 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 $2,700 million of mortgage loans and seek to recover damages on these loans in excess of approximately $1,300 million. The Law Debenture complaint asserts claims on approximately $1,000 million of mortgage loans, and seeks to recover damages on these loans in excess of approximately $425 million. GECC was initially named a defendant in each of the Connecticut cases and has been dismissed from all of those cases without prejudice.

Seven WMC cases are pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota against US Bank National Association (US Bank), of which four were initiated by WMC seeking declaratory judgment. Six of these cases were filed in 2012 (including one in the fourth quarter), and one was filed in 2011. The Minnesota cases involve claims on approximately $1,800 million of mortgage loans and do not specify the amount of damages plaintiffs seek to recover.

One WMC case is pending in New York State Supreme Court and was initiated in the fourth quarter 2012.  This action was filed by BNY and names as defendants WMC, GECC, J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.  This case arises from the same securitization as one of the Minnesota cases.  BNY asserts claims on approximately $1,900 million of mortgage loans, and seeks to recover damages in excess of $550 million.

Three WMC cases are pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. One case in which the plaintiff is The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) was filed in the third quarter 2012, asserts claims on approximately $800 million of mortgage loans, and seeks to recover damages in excess of $278 million. Two of the cases were filed by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), claiming to act on behalf of a securitization trustee, in the fourth quarter 2012. The summonses with notice filed by the FHFA do not allege the amount of loans at issue in the cases or allege the amount of any damages.

The amounts of the mortgage loans at issue in these cases (discussed above) reflect the purchase price or unpaid principal balances of the loans 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. Of the mortgage loans involved in these lawsuits, approximately $3,800 million were included in WMC’s pending claims at December 31, 2012. The claims relating to other mortgage loans not included in WMC’s pending claims consist of sampling-based claims in two cases on approximately $900 million of mortgage loans and, in six cases, claims for repurchase or damages based on the alleged failure to provide notice of defective loans, breach of a corporate representation and warranty, and/or non-specific claims for rescissionary damages on approximately $3,100 million of mortgage loans. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report for additional information.

GECC 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 June 2008, EPA issued a notice of violation and in January 2011 filed a complaint alleging non-compliance with the Clean Air Act at a power cogeneration plant in Homer City, PA. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the New York Attorney General’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have intervened in the EPA case. The plant is operated exclusively by EME Homer City Generation L.P., and is owned and leased to EME Homer City Generation L.P. by subsidiaries of GECC and one other entity. EME Homer City Generation L.P. has entered into an agreement with Homer City Generation L.P., a subsidiary of GECC, to transfer the operational control of the plant to Homer City Generation L.P. upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The complaints did not indicate a specific penalty amount but make reference to statutory fines. In October 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania granted a motion to dismiss the matter with prejudice with regard to all federal counts, and with leave to re-file in state court for the non-federal counts. On December 8, 2011, EPA filed notice of its intent to appeal. NY, NJ and PA filed similar notices on December 9, 2011.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable.
 
 
 
 
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PART II
 
 
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
See Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. Our common stock is owned entirely by General Electric Company and, therefore, there is no trading market in such stock.

 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(Dollars in millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2008 
 
                               
Revenues
$
46,039 
 
$
49,068 
 
$
49,856 
 
$
51,776 
 
$
68,541 
 
Earnings from continuing operations
                             
    attributable to GECC
 
7,401 
   
6,584 
   
3,120 
   
1,253 
   
7,470 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
                             
    operations, net of taxes attributable to GECC
 
(1,186)
   
(74)
   
(965)
   
162 
   
(415)
 
Net earnings attributable to GECC
 
6,215 
   
6,510 
   
2,155 
   
1,415 
   
7,055 
 
Net earnings attributable to GECC common shareowner
 
6,092 
   
6,510 
   
2,155 
   
1,415 
   
7,055 
 
Shareowners' equity
 
81,890 
   
77,110 
   
68,984 
   
70,833 
   
53,279 
 
Short-term borrowings
 
95,940 
   
136,333 
   
118,797 
   
130,754 
   
159,904 
 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated
                             
    securitization entities
 
30,123 
   
29,258 
   
30,018 
   
3,622 
   
4,464 
 
Bank deposits
 
46,461 
   
43,115 
   
37,298 
   
33,519 
   
36,854 
 
Long-term borrowings
 
224,776 
   
234,391 
   
284,407 
   
325,429 
   
311,523 
 
Return on average shareowners' equity(a)
 
9.06 
%
 
9.57 
%
 
5.72 
%
 
2.66 
%
 
15.74 
%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 
1.62 
   
1.51 
   
1.12 
   
0.82 
   
1.23 
 
Ratio of debt to equity at GECC
 
4.85:1
(b)
 
5.75:1
(b)
 
6.82:1
(b)
 
6.96:1
   
9.62:1
 
Financing receivables - net
 
268,951 
   
288,847 
   
311,606 
   
316,358 
   
352,627 
 
Total assets
$
539,223 
 
$
584,536 
 
$
605,255 
 
$
650,372 
 
$
661,009 
 
                               
                               
(a)
Represents earnings from continuing operations before accounting changes divided by average total shareowners’ equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations (on an annual basis, calculated using a five-point average). Average total shareowners’ equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations, as of the end of each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2012, is described in the Supplemental Information section in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
(b)  
Ratios of 3.66:1, 4.23:1 and 5.25:1 for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, net of cash and equivalents and with classification of hybrid debt as equity.
 
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Operations
 
In the accompanying analysis of financial information, 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 the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. For such measures, we have provided supplemental explanations and reconciliations in the Supplemental Information section.

We present Management’s Discussion of Operations in four parts: Overview of Our Earnings from 2010 through 2012, Global Risk Management, Segment Operations and Geographic Operations. Unless otherwise indicated, we refer to captions such as revenues and earnings from continuing operations attributable to General Electric Capital Corporation (GE Capital or GECC) simply as “revenues” and “earnings” throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Similarly, discussion of other matters in our consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations unless otherwise indicated.
 

 
 
 
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On February 22, 2012, our parent, General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GE Capital Services or GECS) was merged with and into, GECC. The merger simplified General Electric Company’s (GE Company or GE) financial services’ corporate structure by consolidating financial services entities and assets within its organization and simplifying Securities and Exchange Commission and regulatory reporting. As a result, GECC became the surviving corporation and assumed all of GECS’ rights and obligations and became wholly-owned directly by GE. GECC’s continuing operations now include the run-off insurance operations previously held and managed in GECS, and which are reported in corporate items and eliminations. Unless otherwise indicated, references to GECC and the GE Capital segment in this Form 10-K Report relate to the entity or segment as they exist subsequent to the February 22, 2012 merger.

Overview of Our Earnings from 2010 through 2012
 
Our earnings increased to $7.4 billion in 2012 and $6.6 billion in 2011 due to the continued stabilization in the overall economic environment. Increased stability in the financial markets has contributed to lower losses and a significant increase in segment profit in 2012 and 2011. GE also reduced the GE Capital ending net investment (ENI), excluding cash and equivalents, from $513 billion at January 1, 2009 to $419 billion at December 31, 2012. We are a diversely funded and smaller, more focused finance company with strong positions in several commercial mid-market and consumer financing segments.

Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL) (37% and 35% of total three-year revenues and segment profit, respectively) earnings decreased by $0.3 billion in 2012, primarily due to lower ENI, and increased by $1.2 billion in 2011, reflecting lower delinquencies, losses and impairments. CLL continues to originate at consistent returns and apply its disciplined risk management practices while integrating acquisitions to the portfolio and reducing costs through technology and productivity in order to grow in 2013 and beyond by reinvesting in higher returning core businesses. During 2011, we completed the sale of our CLL marine container leasing business, which consists of our controlling interests in the GE SeaCo joint venture along with other owned marine container assets, and our CLL trailer fleet services business in Mexico.

Consumer (34% and 50% of total three-year revenues and total segment profit, respectively) earnings decreased by $0.5 billion in 2012, primarily due to the absence of the 2011 gain on the Garanti Bank transaction and higher provisions for losses on financing receivables, and increased by $1.1 billion in 2011, reflecting lower delinquencies, losses and impairments. In response to the credit market decline that started in 2008, Consumer continued to reassess strategic alternatives and tighten underwriting, increased focus on collection effectiveness and adjusted reserve levels in response to when it is probable that losses have been incurred in the respective portfolios. During 2012, we used a more granular portfolio segmentation approach, by loss type, in determining the incurred loss period in our U.S. Installment and Revolving Credit portfolio. This resulted in a higher provision for losses on financing receivables, which is reflected in our earnings performance. Also, during 2012, we completed the sale of our Consumer Ireland business. During 2011, we completed the sale of our U.S. recreational vehicle and marine equipment finance business (Consumer RV Marine), Consumer Mexico, Consumer Singapore, our Consumer home lending operations in Australia and New Zealand (Australian Home Lending) and our Consumer business in Canada. Also, during 2011, we sold a substantial portion of our Garanti Bank equity investment and recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.7 billion. During 2012, we sold our remaining equity interest in Garanti Bank, which was classified as an available-for-sale security. During 2010, we completed the sale of our Central American bank and card business, BAC Credomatic GECF, Inc. (BAC).

Real Estate (8% and (10)% of total three-year revenues and total segment profit, respectively) earnings increased by $1.7 billion and $0.8 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively. In response to the real estate and credit market decline that began in 2008, Real Estate re-aligned its business strategy to a longer-term hold model utilizing its operating skills and global asset management resources to maximize existing portfolio value. During 2012, we completed the sale of a portion of our Business Properties portfolio (Business Property), including certain commercial loans, the origination and servicing platforms and the servicing rights on loans previously securitized by GECC. During 2012, commercial real estate markets continued to show signs of improved stability resulting in increased transaction volume; however, the pace of improvement varied significantly by asset class and market and the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Given the current market conditions, there continues to be risk and uncertainty surrounding commercial real estate values, and despite indications of some market improvement, real estate liquidity remains limited in certain markets. Slow economic recovery could result in a continuation of elevated delinquency levels, provisions for losses on financing receivables and real estate investment impairments, which could result in further earnings declines.
 

 
 
 
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Energy Financial Services (3% and 6% of total three-year revenues and total segment profit, respectively) earnings decreased by an insignificant amount in 2012 after increasing by $0.1 billion in 2011. Energy Financial Services has over $19 billion in energy investments, often financed for 20 to 30 year terms, about 15% of its assets are held outside of the U.S.

GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) (11% and 19% of total three-year revenues and total segment profit, respectively) is a leader in commercial aircraft leasing and finance. In a competitive and challenging environment, this business’ earnings increased by $0.1 billion in 2012 after decreasing by an insignificant amount in 2011. At December 31, 2012, we owned 1,535 commercial aircraft, of which all but two were on lease, and we held $26.8 billion (list price) of multiple-year orders for various Boeing, Airbus and other aircraft, including 91 aircraft ($4.0 billion list price) scheduled for delivery in 2013, all under agreement to commence operations with commercial airline customers.

Overall, acquisitions contributed $0.1 billion, $0.3 billion and $0.2 billion to total revenues in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our earnings included an insignificant amount, $0.1 billion and $0.1 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, from acquired businesses. We integrate acquisitions as quickly as possible. Only revenues and earnings from the date we complete the acquisition through the end of the fourth following quarter are attributed to such businesses. Dispositions also affected our ongoing results through lower revenues of $0.6 billion, $1.1 billion and $2.1 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. This resulted in lower earnings of $0.1 billion, an insignificant amount and $0.3 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Significant matters relating to our Statement of Earnings are explained below.

Discontinued Operations. Consistent with our goal of reducing GECC ENI and focusing our businesses on selective financial services products where we have domain knowledge, broad distribution, and the ability to earn a consistent return on capital, while managing our overall balance sheet size and risk, in 2012, we sold Consumer Ireland. Discontinued operations also includes GE Money Japan (our Japanese personal loan business, Lake, and our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, excluding our investment in GE Nissen Credit Co., Ltd.), our U.S. mortgage business (WMC), BAC, Consumer RV Marine, Consumer Mexico, Consumer Singapore and Australian Home Lending. All of these operations were previously reported in the Consumer segment.

We reported the operations described above as discontinued operations for all periods presented. For further information about discontinued operations, see the Discontinued Operations section in this Item and Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Interest on borrowings amounted to $11.7 billion, $13.9 billion and $14.5 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Average borrowings declined from 2011 to 2012 and from 2010 to 2011, in line with changes in average assets. Interest rates have decreased over the three-year period primarily attributable to declining global benchmark interest rates. Our average borrowings were $421.9 billion, $452.7 billion and $472.0 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our average composite effective interest rate was 2.8% in 2012, 3.1% in 2011 and 3.1% in 2010. In 2012, our average assets of $562.1 billion were 5% lower than in 2011, which in turn were 3% lower than in 2010. See the Liquidity and Borrowings section for a discussion of liquidity, borrowings and interest rate risk management.

Income taxes have a significant effect on our net earnings. As a global commercial enterprise, our tax rates are affected by many factors, including our global mix of earnings, the extent to which those global earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States, legislation, acquisitions, dispositions and tax characteristics of our income. Our tax rates are also affected by tax incentives introduced in the U.S. and other countries to encourage and support certain types of activity. Our tax returns are routinely audited and settlements of issues raised in these audits sometimes affect our tax provisions.

Our effective 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 tax 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. 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 GECC funds the majority of its non-U.S. operations through foreign companies that are subject to low foreign taxes.

 
 
 
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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, including the expiration of the U.S. tax law provision deferring tax on active financial services income, as discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. 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.

Our benefits from lower taxed global operations were higher at $1.5 billion in 2012 principally because of the realization of benefits for prior year losses and a decrease in current year losses for which there was not a full tax benefit. To the extent global interest rates and operating income increase we would expect tax benefits to increase, subject to management’s intention to indefinitely reinvest those earnings.

Our benefit from lower taxed global operations included the effect of the lower foreign tax rate on our indefinitely reinvested non-U.S. earnings which provided a tax benefit of $0.9 billion in 2012 and $1.3 billion in 2011. 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 effective tax rate reconciliation in the line “Tax on global activities including exports.”

Our benefit from lower-taxed global operations included the effect of the lower foreign tax rate on our indefinitely reinvested non-U.S. earnings which provided a tax benefit of $1.3 billion in 2011 and $1.5 billion in 2010. 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 effective tax rate reconciliation in the line “Tax on global activities including exports.”

GE and GECC file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. This enables GE to use GECC tax deductions and credits to reduce the tax that otherwise would have been payable by GE. The GECC effective tax rate for each period reflects the benefit of these tax reductions in the consolidated return. GE makes cash payments to GECC for these tax reductions at the time GE’s tax payments are due. The effect of GECC on the amount of the consolidated tax liability from the formation of the NBC Universal (NBCU) joint venture will be settled in cash no later than when GECC tax deductions and credits otherwise would have reduced the liability of the group absent the tax on joint venture formation.

Our effective tax rate was 6.2% in 2012, compared with 11.8% in 2011 and (45.8)% in 2010. Comparing a tax benefit to pre-tax income resulted in a negative tax rate in 2010. Our tax expense of $0.5 billion in 2012 decreased by $0.4 billion from $0.9 billion in 2011. The lower 2012 tax expense resulted principally from the benefit attributable to the high-tax basis in the entity sold in the Business Property disposition ($0.3 billion), increased benefits from low-taxed global operations ($0.3 billion) and the absence of the 2011 high-taxed disposition of Garanti Bank ($0.1 billion). Partially offsetting the decrease in tax expense was the absence in 2012 of the 2011 benefit from resolution of the 2006-2007 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit ($0.2 billion) which is reported in the caption “All other-net” in the effective tax rate reconciliation in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report, and from higher pre-tax income in 2012 than in 2011, which increased pre-tax income $0.3 billion and increased the expense ($0.1 billion).
 
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 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 in which enacted. Because the extension was enacted into law after the end of 2012, tax expense for 2012 does not reflect retroactive extension of expired provisions.
 
Our effective tax rate was 11.8% in 2011, compared with (45.8)% in 2010. Comparing a tax benefit to pre-tax income resulted in a negative tax rate in 2010. The GECC tax expense of $0.9 billion in 2011 increased by $1.9 billion from a $1.0 billion benefit in 2010. The higher 2011 tax expense resulted principally from higher pre-tax income in 2011 than in 2010 of $5.5 billion, which increased the tax expense ($1.9 billion). Also increasing the expense was a benefit from resolution of the 2006-2007 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit ($0.2 billion) that was less than the benefit from resolution of the 2003-2005 IRS audit ($0.3 billion) both of which are reported in the caption “All other-net” in the effective tax rate reconciliation in Note10 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
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Global Risk Management
 
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.

Risk assessment and risk management are the responsibility of management. 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. Strategic, operational and reputational 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 Officer (CRO), general counsel and other employees. The Board has delegated responsibility for the oversight of specific risks to Board committees as follows:

·  
The Risk Committee of the GE Board (GE Risk Committee) oversees GE’s risk management of key risks, including strategic, operational (including product risk), financial (including credit, liquidity and exposure to broad market risk) and reputational risks, and the guidelines, policies and processes for monitoring and mitigating such risks. The GE Risk Committee also oversees risks related to GE Capital and jointly meets with the GECC Board of Directors (GECC Board) at least four times a year.

·  
The Audit Committee oversees GE’s and GE Capital’s policies and processes relating to the financial statements, the financial reporting process, compliance and auditing. The GE Audit Committee monitors ongoing compliance issues and matters, and also semi-annually conducts an assessment of compliance issues and programs. The Audit Committee jointly meets with the GECC Board once a year.

·  
The Public Responsibilities Committee oversees risk management related to GE’s public policy initiatives, the environment and similar matters, and monitors GE’s environmental, health and safety compliance.

·  
The Management Development and Compensation Committee oversees the risk management associated with management resources, structure, succession planning, management development and selection processes, and includes a review of incentive compensation arrangements to confirm that incentive pay does not encourage unnecessary risk taking and to review and discuss, at least annually, the relationship between risk management policies and practices, corporate strategy and senior executive compensation.

·  
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee oversees risk related to the company’s governance structure and processes and risks arising from related-person transactions.

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 GE’s The Spirit & The Letter; regulatory compliance; health, safety and environmental compliance; financial reporting and controllership; and information technology and security. GE’s CRO is responsible for overseeing and coordinating risk assessment and mitigation on an enterprise-wide basis. The CRO leads the Corporate Risk Function and is responsible for the identification of key business risks, providing for appropriate management of these risks within GE Board guidelines, and enforcement through policies and procedures. Management has two committees to further assist it in assessing and mitigating risk. The Corporate Risk Committee (CRC) meets at least four times per year, is chaired by the CRO and comprises the Chairman and CEO, vice chairmen, general counsel and other senior level business and functional leaders. It has principal responsibility for evaluating and addressing risks escalated to the CRO and Corporate Risk Function. The Policy Compliance Review Board met 16 times in 2012, 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's Corporate Risk Function leverages the risk infrastructures 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 infrastructure operates at the business and functional levels and is designed to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks within each of the following categories:
 
 
 
 
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·  
Strategic. Strategic risk relates to the company’s future business plans and strategies, including the risks associated with the markets and industries in which we operate, demand for our products and services, competitive threats, technology and product innovation, mergers and acquisitions and public policy.
 
·  
Operational. Operational risk relates to risks (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, business disruption, human resources and reputation.

·  
Financial. Financial risk relates to our ability to meet financial obligations and mitigate credit risk, liquidity risk and exposure to broad market risks, including volatility in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates and commodity prices. Liquidity risk is the risk of being unable to accommodate liability maturities, fund asset growth and meet contractual obligations through access to funding at reasonable market rates, and 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.

·  
Legal and Compliance. Legal and compliance risk relates to risks arising from the government and regulatory environment and action, compliance with integrity policies and procedures, including those relating to financial reporting, environmental health and safety, and intellectual property risks. 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.

Risks identified through our risk management processes are prioritized and, depending on the probability and severity of the risk, escalated to the CRO. The CRO, in coordination with the CRC, assigns responsibility for the risks to the business or functional leader most suited to manage the risk. Assigned owners are required to 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 to the CRO and CRC risk assessments and key risks 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 risks are within acceptable GE Board general guidelines.

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 delegation of authorities, 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. GE’s 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 and Oversight
 
GE Capital acknowledges risk-taking as a fundamental characteristic of providing financial services. It is inherent to its business and arises in lending, leasing and investment transactions undertaken by GE Capital. GE Capital operates within the parameters of its established risk appetite in pursuit of its strategic goals and objectives.

GE Capital has robust risk infrastructure and processes to manage risks related to its businesses, and the GE Corporate Risk Function relies upon them in fulfilling its mission.

The GE Risk Committee was established to oversee GE Capital’s risk appetite, risk assessment and management processes. The GECC Board oversees the GE Capital risk management framework, and approves all significant acquisitions and dispositions as well as significant borrowings and investments. The GECC Board exercises oversight of investment activities in the business units through delegations of authority. All participants in the GE Capital risk management process must comply with approval limits established by the GECC Board.
 

 
 
 
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The Enterprise Risk Management Committee (ERMC), which comprises the most senior leaders in GE Capital as well as the GE CRO, 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. Day-to-day risk oversight for GE Capital is provided by an independent global risk management organization that includes the GE Capital corporate function in addition to independent risk officers embedded in the individual business units.

GE Capital’s risk management approach rests upon three major tenets: a broad spread of risk based on managed exposure limits; senior secured commercial financings; and a hold-to-maturity model with transactions underwritten to “on-book” standards. Dedicated risk professionals across the businesses include underwriters, portfolio managers, collectors, environmental or engineering specialists, and specialized asset managers. The senior risk officers have, on average, over 25 years of experience.

GE Capital manages all risks relevant to its business environment, which if materialized, could prevent GE Capital from achieving its risk objectives and/or result in losses. These risks are defined as GE Capital’s Enterprise Risk Universe, which includes the following risks: strategic, liquidity, credit and investment, market and operational (including financial, compliance, information technology, human resources and legal). Reputational risk is considered and managed across each of the categories. GE Capital continues to make significant investments in resources to enhance its evolving risk management infrastructure.

GE Capital’s Corporate Risk function, in consultation with the ERMC, updates the 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 is presented to the GECC Board and the GE Risk Committee 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.

GE Capital monitors its capital adequacy including through economic capital, regulatory capital 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 interval equivalent to an AA agency rating. Although GE Capital is not currently subject to risk-based capital standards, GE Capital estimates capital adequacy based on both the Basel 1 U.S. and Basel 3 International frameworks. GE Capital uses stress testing for risk, liquidity and capital adequacy assessment and management purposes, and as an integral part of GE Capital’s overall planning processes. Stress testing results inform key strategic portfolio decisions such as 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 GECC Board review stress test results and their expected impact on capital levels and metrics. The GE Risk Committee and the GECC Board are responsible for overseeing the overall capital adequacy process, as well as approving GE Capital’s annual capital plan and capital actions. Operational risks are inherent in GE Capital’s business activities and are typical of any large enterprise. GE Capital’s operational risk management program seeks to effectively manage operational risk to reduce the potential for significant unexpected losses, and to minimize the impact of losses experienced in the normal course of business.

Key risk management policies are approved by the GECC Board and the GE Risk Committee at least annually. GE Capital, in coordination with the GE CRO, meets with the GE Risk Committee at least four times a year. At these meetings, GE Capital senior management focuses on the risk issues, strategy and governance of the business.

Additional information about our liquidity and how we manage this risk can be found in the Financial Resources and Liquidity section. Additional information about our credit risk and our portfolio can be found in the Financial Resources and Liquidity and Critical Accounting Estimates sections. Additional information about our market risk and how we manage this risk can be found in the Financial Resources and Liquidity section.

 
 
 
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Segment Operations
 
Operating segments comprise our five segments focused on the broad markets they serve: CLL, Consumer, Real Estate, Energy Financial Services and GECAS. The Chairman allocates resources to, and assesses the performance of, these five businesses. In addition to providing information on segments in their entirety, we have also provided supplemental information for the geographic regions within the CLL segment.

Corporate items and eliminations include unallocated Treasury and Tax operations; Trinity, a group of sponsored special purpose entities; certain consolidated liquidating securitization entities; the effects of eliminating transactions between operating segments; results of our run-off insurance operations remaining in continuing operations attributable to GECC; unallocated corporate costs; certain non-allocated amounts determined by the Chairman; and a variety of sundry items. Corporate items and eliminations is not an operating segment. Rather, it is added to operating segment totals to reconcile to consolidated totals on the financial statements.

Segment profit is determined based on internal performance measures used by the Chairman to assess the performance of each business in a given period. In connection with that assessment, the Chairman 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, responsibility for which preceded the current management team.

Segment profit excludes results reported as discontinued operations, earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries GECC preferred stock dividends declared and accounting changes. Segment profit, which we sometimes refer to as “net earnings”, includes interest and income taxes. GE allocates certain corporate costs to its segments based on an estimate of expected benefit to the respective segment relative to total GE. Factors considered in the determination of relative benefit include a segment’s direct costs and number of employees compared to the total direct costs and number of employees for all segments. Prior to January 1, 2011, segment profit excluded the effects of principal pension plans. Beginning January 1, 2011, GE began allocating service costs related to its principal pension plans and GE no longer allocates the retiree costs of its postretirement healthcare benefits to its segments. This revised allocation methodology better aligns segment operating costs to the active employee costs, which are managed by the segments. This change does not significantly affect reported segment results.

On February 22, 2012, our former parent, General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS), merged with and into General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC). GECC’s continuing operations include the run-off insurance operations previously held and managed in our former parent, GECS, and which are reported in corporate items and eliminations. The operating businesses that are reported as segments, including CLL, Consumer, Real Estate, Energy Financial Services and GECAS, are not affected by the merger. Unless otherwise indicated, references to GECC and the GE Capital segment in this Form 10-K Report related to the entity or segment as they exist subsequent to the February 22, 2012 merger.

We have reclassified certain prior-period amounts to conform to the current-period presentation. For additional information about our segments, see Part I, Item 1. “Business” and Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
 
 
 
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Summary of Operating Segments

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
               
CLL
$
 16,857 
 
$
18,178 
 
$
18,447 
Consumer
 
 15,579 
   
16,767 
   
17,180 
Real Estate
 
 3,654 
   
3,712 
   
3,744 
Energy Financial Services
 
 1,508 
   
1,223 
   
1,957 
GECAS
 
 5,294 
   
5,262 
   
5,127 
      Total segment revenues
 
 42,892 
   
45,142 
   
46,455 
GECC corporate items and eliminations
 
 3,147 
   
3,926 
   
3,401 
Total revenues in GECC
$
 46,039 
 
$
49,068 
 
$
49,856 
                 
Segment profit (loss)
               
CLL
$
 2,423 
 
$
2,720 
 
$
1,554 
Consumer
 
 3,240 
   
3,703 
   
2,619 
Real Estate
 
 803 
   
(928)
   
(1,741)
Energy Financial Services
 
 432 
   
440 
   
367 
GECAS
 
 1,220 
   
1,150 
   
1,195 
      Total segment profit
 
 8,118 
   
7,085 
   
3,994 
GECC corporate items and eliminations(a)(b)
 
 (717)
   
(501)
   
(874)
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to GECC
 
 7,401 
   
6,584 
   
3,120 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes,
               
     attributable to GECC
 
 (1,186)
   
(74)
   
(965)
Total net earnings attributable to GECC
$
 6,215 
 
$
6,510 
 
$
2,155 
                 
                 

(a)  
Included restructuring and other charges for 2012, 2011 and 2010 of $0.1 billion, $0.1 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, primarily related to CLL business exits.
 
(b)  
Included $0.2 billion of net losses during each of the years 2012, 2011 and 2010, related to our treasury operations.
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
 
 
 
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CLL
 

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
$
16,857 
 
$
18,178 
 
$
18,447 
                 
Segment profit
$
2,423 
 
$
2,720 
 
$
1,554 
                 
           
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
                 
Total assets
$
182,432 
 
$
193,869 
     
                 
                 
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
               
   Americas
$
10,666 
 
$
10,621 
 
$
10,556 
   Europe
 
3,278 
   
3,811 
   
4,140 
   Asia
 
2,095 
   
2,281 
   
2,202 
   Other
 
818 
   
1,465 
   
1,549 
                 
Segment profit (loss)
               
   Americas
$
2,069 
 
$
2,118 
 
$
1,262 
   Europe
 
238 
   
402 
   
393 
   Asia
 
170 
   
234 
   
246 
   Other
 
(54)
   
(34)
   
(347)
                 
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
                 
Total assets
               
   Americas
$
108,895 
 
$
116,034 
     
   Europe
 
47,995 
   
46,590 
     
   Asia
 
16,831 
   
17,807 
     
   Other
 
8,711 
   
13,438 
     


CLL 2012 revenues decreased 7% and net earnings decreased 11% compared with 2011. Revenues were reduced by $0.4 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues also decreased as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.6 billion), primarily due to lower ENI ($0.6 billion), and the stronger U.S. dollar ($0.3 billion). Net earnings decreased reflecting core decreases ($0.2 billion) and dispositions ($0.1 billion).

CLL 2011 revenues decreased 1% and net earnings increased 75% compared with 2010. Revenues decreased as a result of organic revenue declines ($1.1 billion), primarily due to lower ENI, partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.5 billion) and higher gains and investment income ($0.4 billion). Net earnings increased in 2011, reflecting lower provisions for losses on financing receivables ($0.6 billion), higher gains and investment income ($0.3 billion), core increases ($0.2 billion) and lower impairments ($0.1 billion).
 
 
 
 
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Consumer
 

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
2010 
                 
Revenues
$
15,579 
 
$
16,767 
 
$
17,180 
                 
Segment profit
$
3,240 
 
$
3,703 
 
$
2,619 
                 
                 
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
                 
Total assets
$
138,997 
 
$
138,534 
     
                 

Consumer 2012 revenues decreased 7% and net earnings decreased 13% compared with 2011. Revenues included $0.1 billion from acquisitions and were reduced by $0.1 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues in 2012 also decreased as a result of the absence of the 2011 gain on the Garanti Bank transaction ($0.7 billion), the stronger U.S. dollar ($0.4 billion) and organic revenue declines ($0.2 billion). The decrease in net earnings resulted primarily from the absence of the 2011 gain on the Garanti Bank transaction and operations ($0.4 billion), dispositions ($0.1 billion) and core decreases, which included higher provisions for losses on financing receivables ($0.2 billion). The higher provisions for losses on financing receivables reflected the use of a more granular portfolio segmentation approach, by loss type, in determining the incurred loss period in our U.S. Installment and Revolving Credit portfolio.

Consumer 2011 revenues decreased 2% and net earnings increased 41% compared with 2010. Revenues included $0.3 billion from acquisitions and were reduced by $0.4 billion as a result of dispositions. Revenues in 2011 also decreased $0.3 billion as a result of organic revenue declines ($1.4 billion), primarily due to lower ENI, and higher impairments ($0.1 billion), partially offset by the gain on the Garanti Bank transaction ($0.7 billion), the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.5 billion) and higher gains ($0.1 billion). The increase in net earnings resulted primarily from lower provisions for losses on financing receivables ($1.0 billion), the gain on the Garanti Bank transaction ($0.3 billion), acquisitions ($0.1 billion) and the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion), partially offset by lower Garanti results ($0.2 billion), and core decreases ($0.2 billion).

Real Estate
 

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
$
3,654 
 
$
3,712 
 
$
3,744 
                 
Segment profit (loss)
$
803 
 
$
(928)
 
$
(1,741)
                 
                 
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
                 
Total assets
$
46,247 
 
$
60,873 
     
                 

Real Estate 2012 revenues decreased 2% and net earnings were favorable compared with 2011. Revenues decreased as a result of organic revenue declines ($0.2 billion), primarily due to lower ENI, and the stronger U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion), partially offset by increases in net gains on property sales ($0.2 billion). Real Estate net earnings increased as a result of lower impairments ($0.7 billion), core increases ($0.7 billion) including higher tax benefits of $0.5 billion, lower provisions for losses on financing receivables ($0.2 billion) and increases in net gains on property sales ($0.1 billion). Depreciation expense on real estate equity investments totaled $0.8 billion and $0.9 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Real Estate 2011 revenues decreased 1% and net earnings increased 47% compared with 2010. Revenues decreased as organic revenue declines ($0.4 billion), primarily due to lower ENI, were partially offset by increases in net gains on property sales ($0.2 billion) and the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.1 billion). Real Estate net earnings increased compared with 2010, as lower impairments ($0.7 billion), a decrease in provisions for losses on financing receivables ($0.4 billion) and increases in net gains on property sales ($0.2 billion) were partially offset by core declines ($0.4 billion). Depreciation expense on real estate equity investments totaled $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
 
 
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Energy Financial Services
 

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
$
1,508 
 
$
1,223 
 
$
1,957 
                 
Segment profit
$
432 
 
$
440 
 
$
367 
                 
                 
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
                 
Total assets
$
19,185 
 
$
18,357 
     
                 

Energy Financial Services 2012 revenues increased 23% and net earnings decreased 2% compared with 2011. Revenues increased primarily as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.3 billion), including the consolidation of an entity involved in power generating activities and asset sales by investees, and higher gains.

Energy Financial Services 2011 revenues decreased 38% and net earnings increased 20% compared with 2010. Revenues decreased primarily as a result of the deconsolidation of Regency Energy Partners L.P. (Regency) ($0.7 billion) and organic revenue declines ($0.3 billion), primarily from an asset sale in 2010 by an investee. These decreases were partially offset by higher gains ($0.2 billion). The increase in net earnings resulted primarily from higher gains ($0.2 billion), partially offset by the deconsolidation of Regency ($0.1 billion) and core decreases, primarily from an asset sale in 2010 by an investee.

GECAS

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
$
5,294 
 
$
5,262 
 
$
5,127 
                 
Segment profit
$
1,220 
 
$
1,150 
 
$
1,195 
                 
                 
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
   
                 
Total assets
$
49,420 
 
$
48,821 
     
                 

GECAS 2012 revenues increased 1% and net earnings increased 6% compared with 2011. Revenues increased as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.2 billion) and higher gains, partially offset by higher impairments ($0.2 billion). The increase in net earnings resulted primarily from core increases ($0.1 billion) and higher gains, partially offset by higher impairments ($0.1 billion).

GECAS 2011 revenues increased 3% and net earnings decreased 4% compared with 2010. Revenues for 2011 increased compared with 2010 as a result of organic revenue growth ($0.1 billion). The decrease in net earnings resulted primarily from core decreases ($0.1 billion), reflecting the 2010 benefit from resolution of the 2003-2005 IRS audit, partially offset by lower impairments ($0.1 billion).

Corporate Items and Eliminations
 
Corporate items and eliminations included Treasury operation expenses for both 2012 and 2011 of $0.2 billion. These Treasury results were primarily related to derivative activities that reduce or eliminate interest rate, currency or market risk between financial assets and liabilities.

Corporate items and eliminations included $0.2 billion and $0.3 billion of net unallocated tax benefits for 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily attributable to the high tax basis in the entity being sold in the Business Property disposition in 2012 and the resolution of certain IRS audits in 2011.

Certain amounts included in corporate items and eliminations are not allocated to the five operating businesses because they are excluded from the measurement of their operating performance for internal purposes. Unallocated costs included $0.1 billion for both 2012 and 2011, primarily related to restructuring and other charges.
 
 
 
 
(26)
 
 
 
Discontinued Operations
 

 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
(In millions)
               
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
               
    net of taxes
$
(1,186)
 
$
(74)
 
$
(965)
                 

Discontinued operations primarily comprised GE Money Japan, WMC, BAC, Consumer RV Marine, Consumer Mexico, Consumer Singapore, Australian Home Lending and Consumer Ireland. Associated results of operations, financial position and cash flows are separately reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

In 2012, loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, primarily reflected a $0.6 billion after-tax effect of incremental reserves for excess interest claims related to our loss-sharing arrangement on the 2008 sale of GE Money Japan, a $0.3 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 a $0.2 billion loss (which includes a $0.1 billion loss on disposal) related to Consumer Ireland.

In 2011, loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, included a $0.2 billion loss from operations at Consumer Ireland, a $0.2 billion after-tax effect of incremental reserves for excess interest claims related to our loss-sharing arrangement on the 2008 sale of GE Money Japan and a $0.1 billion loss on the sale of Australian Home Lending, partially offset by a $0.3 billion gain related to the sale of Consumer Singapore and $0.1 billion of earnings from operations at Australian Home Lending.

In 2010, loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes, primarily reflected the after-tax effect of incremental reserves for excess interest claims related to our loss-sharing arrangement on the 2008 sale of GE Money Japan of $1.7 billion, estimated after-tax losses of $0.2 billion and $0.1 billion on the planned sales of Consumer Mexico and Consumer RV Marine, respectively, and a $0.1 billion loss from operations at Consumer Ireland, partially offset by an after-tax gain on the sale of BAC of $0.8 billion and earnings from operations at Consumer Mexico of $0.2 billion and at BAC of $0.1 billion.
 
 
For additional information related to discontinued operations, see Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Geographic Operations
 
Our global activities span all geographic regions and primarily encompass leasing of aircraft 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, more opportunities for expansion of our activities through purchases of companies or assets at reduced prices and lower U.S. debt financing costs.

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.
 

 
 
 
(27)
 
 
 
Geographic Revenues
 

(In billions)
               
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
U.S.
$
26.4 
 
$
25.9 
 
$
25.2 
Europe
 
9.7 
   
11.5 
   
12.5 
Pacific Basin
 
6.3 
   
6.5 
   
7.2 
Americas
 
2.8 
   
3.7 
   
3.8 
Middle East and Africa
 
0.8 
   
1.5 
   
1.2 
Total
$
46.0 
 
$
49.1 
 
$
49.9 
                 

Global revenues decreased 15% to $19.7 billion in 2012, compared with $23.2 billion and $24.7 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively, primarily as a result of decreases in Europe. Global revenues as a percentage of total revenues were 43% in 2012, compared with 47% and 50% in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Global revenues decreased by 6% in 2011 from $24.7 billion in 2010, primarily as a result of decreases in Europe. The effects of currency fluctuations on reported results decreased revenues by $0.7 billion in 2012, increased revenues by $1.1 billion and $0.8 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Total Assets (continuing operations)
 

December 31 (In billions)
         
 
2012 
 
2011 
           
U.S.
$
260.5 
 
$
264.0 
Europe
 
150.6 
   
175.0 
Pacific Basin
 
49.2 
   
54.8 
Americas
 
28.0 
   
36.2 
Middle East and Africa
 
49.8 
   
52.9 
Total
$
538.1 
 
$
582.9 
           

Our global assets on a continuing basis of $277.6 billion at the end of 2012 were 13% lower than at the end of 2011, reflecting declines in Europe, primarily due to repayment of long-term debt, decreases in the fair value of derivative instruments and dispositions and portfolio run-off in various businesses at Consumer. See GECC Selected European Exposures section of this Item.

Financial results of our global 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 pound sterling, the euro, the Japanese yen, the Canadian dollar and the Australian dollar.

Financial Resources and Liquidity
 
This discussion of financial resources and liquidity addresses the Statement of Financial Position, Liquidity and Borrowings, Debt and Derivative Instruments, Guarantees and Covenants, the Statement of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows, Contractual Obligations, and Variable Interest Entities (VIEs).

Overview of Financial Position
 
Major changes to our shareowners’ equity are discussed in the Shareowners’ Equity section. In addition, other significant changes to balances in our Statement of Financial Position follow.
 

 
 
 
(28)
 
 

Statement of Financial Position
 
Investment securities comprise mainly investment grade debt securities supporting obligations to annuitants, policyholders and holders of guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) in our run-off insurance operations and Trinity, investment securities at our treasury operations and investments held in our CLL business collateralized by senior secured loans of high-quality, middle-market companies in a variety of industries. The fair value of investment securities increased to $48.4 billion at December 31, 2012 from $47.4 billion at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the impact of lower interest rates and improved market conditions. Of the amount at December 31, 2012, we held debt securities with an estimated fair value of $47.6 billion, which included corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities (ABS), residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) with estimated fair values of $26.5 billion, $5.7 billion, $2.3 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. Net unrealized gains on debt securities were $4.8 billion and $3.0 billion at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. This amount included unrealized losses on corporate debt securities, ABS, RMBS and CMBS of $0.4 billion, $0.1 billion, $0.1 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2012, as compared with $0.6 billion, $0.2 billion, $0.3 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2011.

We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. For debt securities, our qualitative review considers our intent to sell the security and 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. Our quantitative review considers whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows. Unrealized losses are not indicative of the amount of credit loss that would be recognized. 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 recovery of our amortized cost. For equity securities, we consider the length of time and magnitude of the amount that each security is in an unrealized loss position. We believe that the unrealized loss associated with our equity securities will be recovered within the foreseeable future. Uncertainty in the capital markets may cause increased levels of other-than-temporary impairments. For additional information relating to how credit losses are calculated, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Our RMBS portfolio is collateralized primarily by pools of individual, direct mortgage loans (a majority of which were originated in 2006 and 2005), not other structured products such as collateralized debt obligations. Substantially all of our RMBS are in a senior position in the capital structure of the deals and more than 70% are agency bonds or insured by Monoline insurers (Monolines) (on which we continue to place reliance). Of our total RMBS portfolio at both December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $0.5 billion relates to residential subprime credit, primarily supporting our guaranteed investment contracts. A majority of this exposure is related to investment securities backed by mortgage loans originated in 2006 and 2005. Substantially all of the subprime RMBS were investment grade at the time of purchase and approximately 70% have been subsequently downgraded to below investment grade.

Our 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), a majority of which were originated in 2007 and 2006. The vast majority of the securities in our CMBS portfolio have investment grade credit ratings and the vast majority of the securities are in a senior position in the capital structure of the deals.

Our ABS portfolio is collateralized by senior secured loans of high-quality, middle-market companies in a variety of industries, as well as a variety of diversified pools of assets such as student loans and credit cards. The vast majority of the securities in our ABS portfolio are in a senior position in the capital structure of the deals. In addition, substantially all of the securities that are below investment grade are in an unrealized gain position.

If there has been an adverse change in cash flows for RMBS, management considers credit enhancements such as Monoline insurance (which are features of a specific security). In evaluating the overall creditworthiness of the Monoline, we use an analysis that is similar to the approach we use for corporate bonds, including an evaluation of the sufficiency of the Monoline’s cash reserves and capital, ratings activity, whether the Monoline is in default or default appears imminent, and the potential for intervention by an insurance or other regulator.
 

 
 
 
(29)
 
 

Monolines provide credit enhancement for certain of our investment securities, primarily RMBS and municipal securities. The credit enhancement is a feature of each specific security that guarantees the payment of all contractual cash flows, and is not purchased separately by GE. The Monoline industry continues to experience financial stress from increasing delinquencies and defaults on the individual loans underlying insured securities. We continue to rely on Monolines with adequate capital and claims paying resources. We have reduced our reliance on Monolines that do not have adequate capital or have experienced regulator intervention. At December 31, 2012, our investment securities insured by Monolines on which we continue to place reliance were $1.4 billion, including $0.2 billion of our $0.5 billion investment in subprime RMBS. At December 31, 2012, the unrealized loss associated with securities subject to Monoline credit enhancement, for which there is an expected credit loss, was $0.2 billion.

Total pre-tax, other-than-temporary impairment losses during 2012 were $0.2 billion, of which $0.1 billion was recognized in earnings and primarily relates to credit losses on non-U.S. corporate, U.S. corporate and RMBS securities and other-than-temporary losses on equity securities and $0.1 billion primarily relates to non-credit related losses on RMBS and is included within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI).

Total pre-tax, other-than-temporary impairment losses during 2011 were $0.5 billion, of which $0.4 billion was recognized in earnings and primarily relates to credit losses on non-U.S. government and non-U.S. corporate securities and other-than-temporary losses on equity securities and $0.1 billion primarily relates to non-credit related losses on RMBS and is included within AOCI.

At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, unrealized losses on investment securities totaled $0.8 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, including $0.8 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, aged 12 months or longer. Of the amount aged 12 months or longer at December 31, 2012, more than 64% are debt securities that were considered to be investment grade by the major rating agencies. In addition, of the amount aged 12 months or longer, $0.3 billion and $0.4 billion related to structured securities (mortgage-backed and asset-backed) and corporate debt securities, respectively. With respect to our investment securities that are in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2012, the majority relate to debt securities held to support obligations to holders of GICs. 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 these securities before recovery of our amortized cost. For additional information, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Fair Value Measurements. 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. Additional information about our application of this guidance is provided in Notes 1 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. At December 31, 2012, the aggregate amount of investments that are measured at fair value through earnings totaled $5.1 billion and consisted primarily of various assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business, as well as equity investments.

Financing receivables is our largest category of assets and represents one of our primary sources of revenues. Our portfolio of financing receivables is diverse and not directly comparable to major U.S. banks. A discussion of the quality of certain elements of the financing receivables portfolio follows.

Our consumer portfolio is composed primarily of non-U.S. mortgage, sales finance, auto and personal loans in various European and Asian countries and U.S. consumer credit card and sales finance receivables. In 2007, we exited the U.S. mortgage business and we have no U.S. auto or student loans.
 

 
 
 
(30)
 
 

Our commercial portfolio primarily comprises senior secured positions with comparatively low loss history. The secured receivables in this portfolio are collateralized by a variety of asset classes, which for our CLL business primarily include: industrial-related facilities and equipment, vehicles, corporate aircraft, and equipment used in many industries, including the construction, manufacturing, transportation, media, communications, entertainment, and healthcare industries. The portfolios in our Real Estate, GECAS and Energy Financial Services businesses are collateralized by commercial real estate, commercial aircraft and operating assets in the global energy and water industries, respectively. We are in a secured position for substantially all of our commercial portfolio.

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 (including housing price indices as applicable), 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 examinations 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 to experience credit losses that are different from our current estimates.

Our risk management process includes standards and policies for reviewing major risk exposures and concentrations, and evaluates relevant data either for individual loans or financing leases, or on a portfolio basis, as appropriate.

Loans acquired in a business acquisition are recorded at fair value, which incorporates our estimate at the acquisition date of the credit losses over the remaining life of the portfolio. As a result, the allowance for losses is not carried over at acquisition. This may have the effect of causing lower reserve coverage ratios for those portfolios.

For purposes of the discussion that follows, “delinquent” receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due based on their contractual terms; and “nonearning” receivables are those that are 90 days or more past due (or for which collection is otherwise doubtful). Nonearning receivables exclude loans purchased at a discount (unless they have deteriorated post acquisition). Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 310, Receivables, these loans are initially recorded at fair value and accrete interest income over the estimated life of the loan based on reasonably estimable cash flows even if the underlying loans are contractually delinquent at acquisition. In addition, nonearning receivables exclude loans that are paying on a cash accounting basis but classified as nonaccrual and impaired. “Nonaccrual” financing receivables include all nonearning receivables and are those on which we have stopped accruing interest. 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. 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.

Further information on the determination of the allowance for losses on financing receivables and the credit quality and categorization of our financing receivables is provided in the Critical Accounting Estimates section and Notes 1, 4 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
 
 
(31)
 
 


 
Financing receivables at
 
Nonearning receivables at
 
Allowance for losses at
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
                                   
Commercial
                                 
CLL
                                 
Americas
$
72,517 
 
$
80,505 
 
$
1,333 
 
$
1,862 
 
$
490 
 
$
889 
Europe
 
37,035 
   
36,899 
   
1,299 
   
1,167 
   
445 
   
400 
Asia
 
11,401 
   
11,635 
   
193 
   
269 
   
80 
   
157 
Other
 
605 
   
436 
   
52 
   
11 
   
   
Total CLL
 
121,558 
   
129,475 
   
2,877 
   
3,309 
   
1,021 
   
1,450 
                                   
Energy
                                 
  Financial
                                 
     Services
 
4,851 
   
5,912 
   
– 
   
22 
   
   
26 
                                   
GECAS
 
10,915 
   
11,901 
   
– 
   
55 
   
   
17 
                                   
Other
 
486 
   
1,282 
   
13 
   
65 
   
   
37 
Total
                                 
  Commercial
 
137,810 
   
148,570 
   
2,890 
   
3,451 
   
1,041 
   
1,530 
                                   
Real Estate
                                 
Debt(a)
 
19,746 
   
24,501 
   
321 
   
541 
   
279 
   
949 
Business
                                 
  Properties(b)
 
1,200 
   
8,248 
   
123 
   
249 
   
41 
   
140 
Total Real Estate
 
20,946 
   
32,749 
   
444 
   
790 
   
320 
   
1,089 
                                   
Consumer
                                 
Non-U.S.
                                 
  residential
                                 
    mortgages(c)
 
33,451 
   
35,550 
   
2,569 
   
2,870 
   
480 
   
546 
Non-U.S.
                                 
    installment
                                 
      and revolving
                                 
        credit
 
18,546 
   
18,544 
   
224 
   
263 
   
623 
   
717 
U.S. installment
                                 
  and revolving
                                 
    credit
 
50,853 
   
46,689 
   
1,026 
   
990 
   
2,282 
   
2,008 
Non-U.S. auto
 
4,260 
   
5,691 
   
24 
   
43 
   
67 
   
101 
Other
 
8,070 
   
7,244 
   
351 
   
419 
   
172 
   
199 
Total Consumer
 
115,180 
   
113,718 
   
4,194 
   
4,585 
   
3,624 
   
3,571 
Total
$
273,936 
 
$
295,037 
 
$
7,528 
 
$
8,826 
 
$
4,985 
 
$
6,190 
                                   
                                   
(a)  
Financing receivables included no construction loans at December 31, 2012 and $0.1 billion of construction loans at December 31, 2011.
 
(b)  
Our Business Properties portfolio is underwritten primarily by the credit quality of the borrower and secured by tenant and owner-occupied commercial properties. In 2012, we completed the sale of a portion of our Business Properties portfolio.
 
(c)  
At December 31, 2012, net of credit insurance, about 40% of our Consumer non-U.S. residential mortgage portfolio comprised loans with introductory, below market rates that are scheduled to adjust at future dates; with high loan-to-value ratios at inception (greater than 90%); whose terms permitted interest-only payments; or whose terms resulted in negative amortization. At origination, we underwrite loans with an adjustable rate to the reset value. Of these loans, about 85% are in our U.K. and France portfolios, which comprise mainly loans with interest-only payments, high loan-to-value ratios at inception and introductory below market rates, have a delinquency rate of 15%, have a loan-to-value ratio at origination of 82% and have re-indexed loan-to-value ratios of 91% and 64%, respectively. At December 31, 2012, 10% (based on dollar values) of these loans in our U.K. and France portfolios have been restructured.
 

 
 
(32)
 
 

The portfolio of financing receivables, before allowance for losses, was $273.9 billion at December 31, 2012, and $295.0 billion at December 31, 2011. Financing receivables, before allowance for losses, decreased $21.1 billion from December 31, 2011, primarily as a result of write-offs ($6.6 billion), dispositions ($5.7 billion), collections (which includes sales) exceeding originations ($5.4 billion), partially offset by the weaker U.S. dollar ($2.7 billion).

Related nonearning receivables totaled $7.5 billion (2.7% of outstanding receivables) at December 31, 2012, compared with $8.8 billion (3.0% of outstanding receivables) at December 31, 2011. Nonearning receivables decreased from December 31, 2011, primarily due to write-offs at CLL, write-offs and discounted payoffs at Real Estate and improved economic conditions in our non-U.S. residential mortgage portfolio.

The allowance for losses at December 31, 2012 totaled $5.0 billion compared with $6.2 billion at December 31, 2011, representing our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio. Allowance for losses decreased $1.2 billion from December 31, 2011, primarily because provisions were lower than write-offs, net of recoveries by $1.1 billion, which is attributable to a reduction in the overall financing receivables balance and an improvement in the overall credit environment. The allowance for losses as a percent of total financing receivables decreased from 2.1% at December 31, 2011 to 1.8% at December 31, 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the allowance for losses as discussed above, partially offset by a decline in the overall financing receivables balance as collections exceeded originations. Further information surrounding the allowance for losses related to each of our portfolios is detailed below.
 

 
 
 
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The following table provides information surrounding selected ratios related to nonearning financing receivables and the allowance for losses.

 
Nonearning financing receivables
   
Allowance for losses
   
Allowance for losses
 
 
as a percent of
   
as a percent of
   
as a percent of
 
 
financing receivables at
   
nonearning financing receivables at
   
total financing receivables at
 
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
2012 
   
2011 
   
2012 
   
2011 
   
2012 
   
2011 
 
Commercial
                                 
CLL
                                 
Americas
1.8 
%
 
2.3 
%
 
36.8 
%
 
47.7 
%
 
0.7 
%
 
1.1 
%
Europe
3.5 
   
3.2 
   
34.3 
   
34.3 
   
1.2 
   
1.1 
 
Asia
1.7 
   
2.3 
   
41.5 
   
58.4 
   
0.7 
   
1.3 
 
Other
8.6 
   
2.5 
   
11.5 
   
36.4 
   
1.0 
   
0.9 
 
Total CLL
2.4 
   
2.6 
   
35.5 
   
43.8 
   
0.8 
   
1.1 
 
                                   
Energy Financial Services
– 
   
0.4 
   
– 
   
118.2 
   
0.2 
   
0.4 
 
                                   
GECAS
– 
   
0.5 
   
– 
   
30.9 
   
0.1 
   
0.1 
 
                                   
Other
2.7 
   
5.1 
   
23.1 
   
56.9 
   
0.6 
   
2.9 
 
                                   
Total Commercial
2.1 
   
2.3 
   
36.0 
   
44.3 
   
0.8 
   
1.0 
 
                                   
Real Estate
                                 
Debt
1.6 
   
2.2 
   
86.9 
   
175.4 
   
1.4 
   
3.9 
 
Business Properties
10.3 
   
3.0 
   
33.3 
   
56.2 
   
3.4 
   
1.7 
 
                                   
Total Real Estate
2.1 
   
2.4 
   
72.1 
   
137.8 
   
1.5 
   
3.3 
 
                                   
Consumer
                                 
Non-U.S.
                                 
  residential mortgages
7.7 
   
8.1 
   
18.7 
   
19.0 
   
1.4 
   
1.5 
 
Non-U.S.
                                 
  installment and
                                 
    revolving credit
1.2 
   
1.4 
   
278.1 
   
272.6 
   
3.4 
   
3.9 
 
U.S. installment
                                 
 and revolving credit
2.0 
   
2.1 
   
222.4 
   
202.8 
   
4.5 
   
4.3 
 
Non-U.S. auto
0.6 
   
0.8 
   
279.2 
   
234.9 
   
1.6 
   
1.8 
 
Other
4.3 
   
5.8 
   
49.0 
   
47.5 
   
2.1 
   
2.7 
 
                                   
Total Consumer
3.6 
   
4.0 
   
86.4 
   
77.9 
   
3.1 
   
3.1 
 
                                   
Total
2.7 
   
3.0 
   
66.2 
   
70.1 
   
1.8 
   
2.1 
 
                                   

Included below is a discussion of financing receivables, allowance for losses, nonearning receivables and related metrics for each of our significant portfolios.

CLL − Americas. Nonearning receivables of $1.3 billion represented 17.7% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables decreased from 47.7% at December 31, 2011, to 36.8% at December 31, 2012, reflecting an overall improvement in the credit quality of the remaining portfolio and an overall decrease in nonearning receivables. The ratio of nonearning receivables as a percent of financing receivables decreased from 2.3% at December 31, 2011, to 1.8% at December 31, 2012, primarily due to reduced nonearning exposures in most of our portfolios, partially offset by declines in overall financing receivables. Collateral supporting these nonearning financing receivables primarily includes assets in the restaurant and hospitality, trucking and industrial equipment industries and corporate aircraft, and for our leveraged finance business, equity of the underlying businesses.
 

 
 
 
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CLL – Europe.
 Nonearning receivables of $1.3 billion represented 17.3% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables remained constant at 34.3% at December 31, 2012, reflecting increases in allowance for losses in our Interbanca S.p.A. and acquisition finance portfolios, offset by an increase in nonearning receivables in our Interbanca S.p.A. and asset-backed lending portfolios. The majority of our CLL – Europe nonearning receivables are attributable to the Interbanca S.p.A. portfolio, which was acquired in 2009. The loans acquired with Interbanca S.p.A. were recorded at fair value, which incorporates an estimate at the acquisition date of credit losses over their remaining life. Accordingly, these loans generally have a lower ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables compared to the remaining portfolio. Excluding the nonearning loans attributable to the 2009 acquisition of Interbanca S.p.A., the ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables increased from 55.9% at December 31, 2011, to 58.4% at December 31, 2012, primarily due to an increase in the allowance for losses in our acquisition finance portfolio. The ratio of nonearning receivables as a percent of financing receivables increased from 3.2% at December 31, 2011, to 3.5% at December 31, 2012, for the reasons described above. Collateral supporting these secured nonearning financing receivables are primarily equity of the underlying businesses for our Interbanca S.p.A. business and equipment for our equipment finance portfolio.

CLL – Asia. Nonearning receivables of $0.2 billion represented 2.6% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables decreased from 58.4% at December 31, 2011, to 41.5% at December 31, 2012, primarily due to a decline in allowance for losses as a result of write-offs in Japan, partially offset by collections and write-offs of nonearning receivables in our asset-based financing businesses in Japan. The ratio of nonearning receivables as a percent of financing receivables decreased from 2.3% at December 31, 2011, to 1.7% at December 31, 2012, primarily due to write-offs of nonearning receivables related to our asset-based financing businesses in Japan. Collateral supporting these nonearning financing receivables is primarily manufacturing equipment, commercial real estate, corporate aircraft and assets in the auto industry.

Real Estate – Debt. Nonearning receivables of $0.3 billion represented 4.3% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The decrease in nonearning receivables from December 31, 2011, was driven primarily by the resolution of North American nonearning loans across all asset classes and European multi-family loans through write-offs, payoffs and foreclosures, partially offset by new European retail nonearning loans. Write-offs increased by approximately $0.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2012 due to a change in our write-off policies for collateral dependent loans, requiring write-offs for loans with specific reserves aged greater than 360 days. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables decreased from 175.4% to 86.9% reflecting write-offs and resolution of nonearning loans as mentioned above. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of total financing receivables decreased from 3.9% at December 31, 2011 to 1.4% at December 31, 2012, driven primarily by the write-offs mentioned above and transactional events such as settlements and payoffs from impaired loan borrowers and improvement in collateral values.

The Real Estate financing receivables portfolio is collateralized by income-producing or owner-occupied commercial properties across a variety of asset classes and markets. At December 31, 2012, total Real Estate financing receivables of $20.9 billion were primarily collateralized by office buildings ($5.2 billion), apartment buildings ($3.4 billion), hotel properties ($3.2 billion) and retail facilities ($2.9 billion). In 2012, commercial real estate markets continue to show signs of improved stability and liquidity in certain markets; however, the pace of improvement varies significantly by asset class and market and the long-term outlook remains uncertain. We have and continue to maintain an intense focus on operations and risk management. Loan loss reserves related to our Real Estate–Debt financing receivables are particularly sensitive to declines in underlying property values. Assuming global property values decline an incremental 1% or 5%, and that decline occurs evenly across geographies and asset classes, we estimate incremental loan loss reserves would be required of less than $0.1 billion and approximately $0.2 billion, respectively. Estimating the impact of global property values on loss performance across our portfolio depends on a number of factors, including macroeconomic conditions, property level operating performance, local market dynamics and individual borrower behavior. As a result, any sensitivity analyses or attempts to forecast potential losses carry a high degree of imprecision and are subject to change. At December 31, 2012, we had 94 foreclosed commercial real estate properties totaling $0.9 billion.
 

 
 
 
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Consumer − Non-U.S. residential mortgages
. Nonearning receivables of $2.6 billion represented 34.1% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables decreased from 19.0% at December 31, 2011, to 18.7% at December 31, 2012. In the year ended 2012, our nonearning receivables decreased primarily as a result of improved portfolio quality in the U.K. Our non-U.S. mortgage portfolio has a loan-to-value ratio of approximately 76% at origination and the vast majority are first lien positions. Our U.K. and France portfolios, which comprise a majority of our total mortgage portfolio, have reindexed loan-to-value ratios of 83% and 56%, respectively. About 6% of these loans are without mortgage insurance and have a reindexed loan-to-value ratio equal to or greater than 100%. Loan-to-value information is updated on a quarterly basis for a majority of our loans and considers economic factors such as the housing price index. At December 31, 2012, we had in repossession stock 490 houses in the U.K., which had a value of approximately $0.1 billion. The ratio of nonearning receivables as a percent of financing receivables decreased from 8.1% at December 31, 2011 to 7.7% at December 31, 2012 for the reasons described above.

Consumer − Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit. Nonearning receivables of $0.2 billion represented 3.0% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables increased from 272.6% at December 31, 2011 to 278.1% at December 31, 2012, reflecting lower nonearning receivables due to improved delinquencies, collections and write-offs primarily in Australia and New Zealand.

Consumer − U.S. installment and revolving credit. Nonearning receivables of $1.0 billion represented 13.6% of total nonearning receivables at December 31, 2012. The ratio of allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning receivables increased from 202.8% at December 31, 2011, to 222.4% at December 31, 2012, reflecting an increase in the allowance for losses primarily due to the use of a more granular portfolio segmentation approach, by loss type, in determining the incurred loss period, partially offset by an increase in the nonearning receivables balance. The ratio of nonearning receivables as a percentage of financing receivables decreased from 2.1% at December 31, 2011 to 2.0% at December 31, 2012, primarily due to a higher financing receivables balance, partially offset by an increase in the nonearning receivables balance.

Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
 
The following table provides details related to our nonaccrual and nonearning financing receivables. Nonaccrual financing receivables include all nonearning receivables and are those on which we have stopped accruing interest. We stop accruing interest at the earlier of the time at which collection becomes doubtful or the account becomes 90 days past due. Substantially all of the differences between nonearning and nonaccrual financing receivables relate to loans which are classified as nonaccrual financing receivables but are paying on a cash accounting basis, and therefore excluded from nonearning receivables. Of our $13.4 billion nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2012, $10.5 billion are currently paying in accordance with their contractual terms.
 

 
Nonaccrual
 
Nonearning
 
financing
 
financing
December 31, 2012 (In millions)
receivables
 
receivables
           
Commercial
         
CLL
$
4,138 
 
$
2,877 
Energy Financial Services
 
– 
   
– 
GECAS
 
   
– 
Other
 
25 
   
13 
Total Commercial
 
4,166 
   
2,890 
           
Real Estate
 
4,885 
   
444 
           
Consumer
 
4,301 
   
4,194 
Total
$
13,352 
 
$
7,528 
           

Impaired Loans
 
“Impaired” loans in the table below 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 original contractual terms of the loan agreement. The vast majority of our Consumer and 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.

 
 
 
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Impaired loans include nonearning receivables on larger balance or restructured loans, loans that are currently paying interest under the cash basis (but are excluded from the nonearning category), and loans paying currently but which have been previously restructured.

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).
 
Further information pertaining to loans classified as impaired and specific reserves is included in the table below.
 

       
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Loans requiring allowance for losses
         
   Commercial(a)
$
1,372 
 
$
2,357 
   Real Estate
 
2,202 
   
4,957 
   Consumer
 
3,115 
   
2,824 
Total loans requiring allowance for losses
 
6,689 
   
10,138 
           
Loans expected to be fully recoverable
         
   Commercial(a)
 
3,697 
   
3,305 
   Real Estate
 
3,491 
   
3,790 
   Consumer
 
105 
   
69 
Total loans expected to be fully recoverable
 
7,293 
   
7,164 
Total impaired loans
$
13,982 
 
$
17,302 
           
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)
         
   Commercial(a)
$
487 
 
$
812 
   Real Estate(b)
 
188 
   
822 
   Consumer
 
674 
   
680 
Total allowance for losses (specific reserves)
$
1,349 
 
$
2,314 
           
Average investment during the period
$
16,269 
 
$
18,167 
Interest income earned while impaired(c)
 
751 
   
733 
           
           
(a)  
Includes CLL, Energy Financial Services, GECAS and Other.
 
(b)  
Specific reserves declined approximately $0.3 billion in 2012 attributable to a change in our write-off policies for collateral dependent loans, requiring write-offs for loans with specific reserves aged greater than 360 days.
 
(c)
Recognized principally on a cash basis.
 
 
We regularly review our Real Estate loans for impairment using both quantitative and qualitative factors, such as debt service coverage and loan-to-value ratios. We classify Real Estate loans as impaired when the most recent valuation reflects a projected loan-to-value ratio at maturity in excess of 100%, even if the loan is currently paying in accordance with contractual terms.

Of our $5.7 billion impaired loans at Real Estate at December 31, 2012, $5.3 billion are currently paying in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan and are typically loans where the borrower has adequate debt service coverage to meet contractual interest obligations. Impaired loans at CLL primarily represent senior secured lending positions.
 
 
 
 
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Our impaired loan balance at December 31, 2012 and 2011, classified by the method used to measure impairment was as follows.

December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Method used to measure impairment
         
Discounted cash flow
$
 6,704 
 
$
8,858 
Collateral value
 
 7,278 
   
8,444 
Total
$
 13,982 
 
$
17,302 

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Our loss mitigation strategy is intended to minimize economic loss and, at times, can result in rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extensions, forbearance or other actions, which may cause the related loan to be classified as a troubled debt restructuring (TDR), and also as impaired. Changes to Real Estate’s loans primarily include maturity extensions, principal payment acceleration, changes to collateral terms and cash sweeps, which are in addition to, or sometimes in lieu of, fees and rate increases. The determination of whether these changes to the terms and conditions of our commercial loans meet the TDR criteria includes our consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances. At December 31, 2012, TDRs included in impaired loans were $12.1 billion, primarily relating to Real Estate ($5.1 billion), CLL ($3.9 billion) and Consumer ($3.1 billion).

Real Estate TDRs decreased from $7.0 billion at December 31, 2011 to $5.1 billion at December 31, 2012, primarily driven by resolution of TDRs through paydowns, restructuring, foreclosures and write-offs, partially offset by extensions of loans scheduled to mature during 2012, some of which were classified as TDRs upon modification. For borrowers with demonstrated operating capabilities, we work to restructure loans when the cash flow and projected value of the underlying collateral support repayment over the modified term. We deem loan modifications to be TDRs when we have granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty and we do not receive adequate compensation in the form of an effective interest rate that is at current market rates of interest given the risk characteristics of the loan or other consideration that compensates us for the value of the concession. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we modified $4.4 billion of loans classified as TDRs, substantially all in our Debt portfolio. Changes to these loans primarily included maturity extensions, principal payment acceleration, changes to collateral or covenant terms and cash sweeps, which are in addition to, or sometimes in lieu of, fees and rate increases. The limited liquidity and higher return requirements in the real estate market for loans with higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios has typically resulted in the conclusion that the modified terms are not at current market rates of interest, even if the modified loans are expected to be fully recoverable. We received the same or additional compensation in the form of rate increases and fees for the majority of these TDRs. Of our $4.4 billion of modifications classified as TDRs in the last twelve months, $0.2 billion have subsequently experienced a payment default.

The substantial majority of the Real Estate TDRs have reserves determined based upon collateral value. Our specific reserves on Real Estate TDRs were $0.2 billion at December 31, 2012 and $0.6 billion at December 31, 2011, and were 3.1% and 8.4%, respectively, of Real Estate TDRs. In many situations these loans did not require a specific reserve as collateral value adequately covered our recorded investment in the loan. While these modified loans had adequate collateral coverage, we were still required to complete our TDR classification evaluation on each of the modifications without regard to collateral adequacy.

We utilize certain short-term (three months or less) loan modification programs for borrowers experiencing temporary financial difficulties in our Consumer loan portfolio. These loan modification programs are primarily concentrated in our non-U.S. residential mortgage and non-U.S. installment and revolving portfolios. We sold our U.S. residential mortgage business in 2007 and as such, do not participate in the U.S. government-sponsored mortgage modification programs. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we provided short-term modifications of approximately $0.3 billion of consumer loans for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, substantially all in our non-U.S. residential mortgage, credit card and personal loan portfolios, which are not classified as TDRs. For these modified loans, we provided insignificant interest rate reductions and payment deferrals, which were not part of the terms of the original contract. We expect borrowers whose loans have been modified under these short-term programs to continue to be able to meet their contractual obligations upon the conclusion of the short-term modification. In addition, we have modified $1.8 billion of Consumer loans for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are classified as TDRs. Further information on Consumer impaired loans is provided in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 

 
 
 
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Delinquencies
 
For additional information on delinquency rates at each of our major portfolios, see Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

GECC Selected European Exposures
 
At December 31, 2012, we had $88.9 billion in financing receivables to consumer and commercial customers in Europe. The GECC financing receivables portfolio in Europe is well diversified across European geographies and customers. Approximately 87% of the portfolio is secured by collateral and represents approximately 500,000 commercial customers. Several European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Hungary (“focus countries”), have been subject to credit deterioration due to weaknesses in their economic and fiscal situations. The carrying value of GECC funded exposures in these focus countries and in the rest of Europe comprised the following at December 31, 2012.

                                     
Rest of
 
Total
December 31, 2012 (In millions)
Spain
 
Portugal
 
Ireland
 
Italy
 
Greece
 
Hungary
 
Europe
 
Europe
                                               
Financing receivables,
                                             
    before allowance
                                             
    for losses on
                                             
    financing receivables
$
 1,871 
 
$
 471 
 
$
 275 
 
$
 7,161 
 
$
 56 
 
$
 3,207 
 
$
 77,480 
 
$
 90,521 
                                               
Allowance for losses on
                                             
    financing receivables
 
 (102)
   
 (28)
   
 (9)
   
 (241)
   
 - 
   
 (112)
   
 (1,176)
   
 (1,668)
                                               
Financing receivables,
                                             
    net of allowance
                                             
    for losses on
                                             
    financing receivables(a)(b)
 
 1,769 
   
 443 
   
 266 
   
 6,920 
   
 56 
   
 3,095 
   
 76,304 
   
 88,853 
                                               
Investments(c)(d)
 
 119 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 497 
   
 - 
   
 257 
   
 1,401 
   
 2,274 
                                               
Cost and equity method
                                             
    investments(e)
 
 441 
   
 21 
   
 360 
   
 64 
   
 33 
   
 3 
   
 652 
   
 1,574 
                                               
Derivatives,
                                             
    net of collateral(c)(f)
 
 3 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 90 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 176 
   
 269 
                                               
ELTO(g)
 
 524 
   
 65 
   
 374 
   
 853 
   
 253 
   
 345 
   
 9,901 
   
 12,315 
                                               
Real estate held for
                                             
    investment(g)
 
 791 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 410 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 6,014 
   
 7,215 
                                               
Total funded exposures(h)
$
 3,647 
 
$
 529 
 
$
 1,000 
 
$
 8,834 
 
$
 342 
 
$
 3,700 
 
$
 94,448 
 
$
 112,500 
                                               
Unfunded commitments(i)
$
 17 
 
$
 8 
 
$
 177 
 
$
 297 
 
$
 5 
 
$
 683 
 
$
 8,376 
 
$
 9,563 
                                               
                                               
(a)  
Financing receivable amounts are classified based on the location or nature of the related obligor.
 
(b)  
Substantially all relates to non-sovereign obligors. Includes residential mortgage loans of approximately $33.2 billion before consideration of purchased credit protection. We have third-party mortgage insurance for less than 15% of these residential mortgage loans, substantially all of which were originated in the U.K., Poland and France.
 
(c)  
Investments and derivatives are classified based on the location of the parent of the obligor or issuer.
 
(d)  
Includes $0.9 billion related to financial institutions, $0.2 billion related to non-financial institutions and $1.2 billion related to sovereign issuers. Sovereign issuances totaled $0.1 billion and $0.2 billion related to Italy and Hungary, respectively. We held no investments issued by sovereign entities in the other focus countries.
 
(e)  
Substantially all is non-sovereign.
 
(f)  
Net of cash collateral; entire amount is non-sovereign.
 
(g)  
These assets are held under long-term investment and operating strategies, and our equipment leased to others (ELTO) strategies contemplate an ability to redeploy assets under lease should default by the lessee occur. The values of these assets could be subject to decline or impairment in the current environment.
 
(h)  
Excludes $29.9 billion of cash and equivalents, which is composed of $17.4 billion of cash on short-term placement with highly rated global financial institutions based in Europe, sovereign central banks and agencies or supranational entities, of which $1.4 billion is in focus countries, and $12.5 billion of cash and equivalents placed with highly rated European financial institutions on a short-term basis, secured by U.S. Treasury securities ($9.7 billion) and sovereign bonds of non-focus countries ($2.8 billion), where the value of our collateral exceeds the amount of our cash exposure.
 
(i)  
Includes ordinary course of business lending commitments, commercial and consumer unused revolving credit lines, inventory financing arrangements and investment commitments.
 

 
 
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We manage counterparty exposure, including credit risk, on an individual counterparty basis. We place defined risk limits around each obligor and review our risk exposure on the basis of both the primary and parent obligor, as well as the issuer of securities held as collateral. These limits are adjusted on an ongoing basis based on our continuing assessment of the credit risk of the obligor or issuer. In setting our counterparty risk limits, we focus on high quality credits and diversification through spread of risk in an effort to actively manage our overall exposure. We actively monitor each exposure against these limits and take appropriate action when we believe that risk limits have been exceeded or there are excess risk concentrations. Our collateral position and ability to work out problem accounts has historically mitigated our actual loss experience. Delinquency experience has been relatively stable in our European commercial and consumer platforms in the aggregate, and we actively monitor and take action to reduce exposures where appropriate. Uncertainties surrounding European markets could have an impact on the judgments and estimates used in determining the carrying value of these assets.
 
Other receivables totaled $14.0 billion at December 31, 2012 and $13.4 billion at December 31, 2011, and consisted of insurance receivables, amounts due from GE (primarily related to material procurement programs of $3.5 billion at both December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011), nonfinancing customer receivables, amounts due under operating leases, amounts accrued from investment income, tax receivables and various sundry items.

Property, plant and equipment totaled $53.7 billion at December 31, 2012, up $2.3 billion from 2011, primarily reflecting an increase in equipment leased to others principally as a result of aircraft acquisitions at our GECAS leasing business. Property, plant and equipment consisted primarily of equipment provided to third parties on operating leases. Details by category of investment are presented in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. Additions to property, plant and equipment were $11.9 billion and $9.9 billion during 2012 and 2011, respectively, primarily reflecting additions of commercial aircraft at GECAS.

Goodwill and other intangible assets totaled $27.3 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2012. Goodwill increased $0.1 billion from 2011, primarily from the weaker U.S. dollar ($0.2 billion), partially offset by dispositions ($0.1 billion). Other intangible assets decreased $0.3 billion from 2011, primarily from amortization expense. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Other assets comprise mainly real estate equity properties and investments, equity and cost method investments, derivative instruments and assets held for sale, and totaled $62.2 billion at December 31, 2012, a decrease of $13.4 billion, primarily related to decreases in the fair value of derivative instruments ($6.1 billion), the sale of certain held-for-sale real estate and aircraft ($4.8 billion) and decreases in our Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. (PTL) investment ($4.5 billion), partially offset by the consolidation of an entity involved in power generating activities ($1.6 billion). During 2012, we recognized $0.1 billion of other-than-temporary impairments of cost and equity method investments, excluding those related to real estate.

Included in other assets are Real Estate equity investments of $20.7 billion and $23.9 billion at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Our portfolio is diversified, both geographically and by asset type. We review the estimated values of our commercial real estate investments annually, or more frequently as conditions warrant. Based on the most recent valuation estimates available, the carrying value of our Real Estate investments exceeded their estimated value by about $1.1 billion. This amount is subject to variation and dependent on economic and market conditions, changes in cash flow estimates and composition of our portfolio, including sales. Commercial real estate valuations have shown signs of improved stability and liquidity in certain markets, primarily in the U.S.; however, the pace of improvement varies significantly by asset class and market. Accordingly, there continues to be risk and uncertainty surrounding commercial real estate values. Declines in estimated value of real estate below carrying amount result in impairment losses when the aggregate undiscounted cash flow estimates used in the estimated value measurement are below the carrying amount. As such, estimated losses in the portfolio will not necessarily result in recognized impairment losses. During 2012, Real Estate recognized pre-tax impairments of $0.1 billion in its real estate held for investment, which were primarily driven by declining cash flow projections for properties in Japan and Europe, as well as strategic decisions to sell portfolios in Asia and Europe. Real Estate investments with undiscounted cash flows in excess of carrying value of 0% to 5% at December 31, 2012 had a carrying value of $2.1 billion and an associated estimated unrealized loss of an insignificant amount. Continued deterioration in economic conditions or prolonged market illiquidity may result in further impairments being recognized. On February 12, 2013, in connection with GE's agreement to sell its remaining 49% interest in NBCUniversal LLC to Comcast Corporation, we entered into a transaction to sell real estate including certain floors located at 30 Rockefeller Center, New York to an affiliate of NBC Universal.
 
 
 
 
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Liquidity and Borrowings
 
We maintain a strong focus on liquidity. 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 GECC 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 GECC, and also have historically maintained a commercial paper program that we regularly use to fund operations in the U.S., principally within fiscal quarters. During 2012, we paid dividends of $1.9 billion and special dividends of $4.5 billion to GE.

GECC’s liquidity position is targeted to meet our obligations under both normal and stressed conditions. GECC establishes a funding plan annually that is based on the projected asset size and cash needs of GE, which over the past few years, has included GE’s strategy to reduce its ending net investment in GE Capital. GECC relies on a diversified source of funding, including 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, in addition to cash generated through collection of principal, interest and other payments on our existing portfolio of loans and leases to fund its operating and interest expense costs.

Our 2013 funding plan anticipates repayment of principal on outstanding short-term borrowings, including the current portion of long-term debt ($44.3 billion at December 31, 2012), through issuance of long-term debt and reissuance of commercial paper, cash on hand, collections of financing receivables exceeding originations, dispositions, asset sales, and deposits and other alternative sources of funding. Long-term maturities and early redemptions were $88 billion in 2012. Interest on borrowings is primarily repaid through interest earned on existing financing receivables. During 2012, we earned interest income on financing receivables of $21.0 billion, which more than offset interest expense of $11.7 billion.

We maintain a detailed liquidity policy for GECC which includes a requirement to maintain a contingency funding plan. The liquidity policy defines our liquidity risk tolerance under different stress scenarios based on our liquidity sources and also establishes procedures to escalate potential issues. We actively monitor our access to funding markets and our 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.

We are a savings and loan holding company under U.S. law and became subject to Federal Reserve Board (FRB) supervision on July 21, 2011, the one-year anniversary of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (DFA). The FRB has recently finalized a regulation that requires certain organizations it supervises to submit annual capital plans for review, including institutions’ plans to make capital distributions, such as dividend payments. The applicability and timing of this proposed regulation to GECC is not yet determined; however, the FRB has indicated that it expects to extend these requirements to large savings and loan holding companies through separate rulemaking or by order. While GECC is not yet subject to this regulation, GECC’s capital allocation planning is still subject to FRB review. The FRB recently proposed regulations to revise and replace its current rules on capital adequacy and we have taken the proposed regulations into consideration in our current capital planning. The proposed regulations would apply to savings and loan holding companies like GECC. The transition period for achieving compliance with the proposed regulations following final adoption is unclear. As expected, the U.S. Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) recently notified GECC that it is under consideration for a proposed determination as a nonbank systemically important financial institution (nonbank SIFI) under the DFA. While not final, such a determination would subject GECC to proposed enhanced supervisory standards.

Actions taken to strengthen and maintain our liquidity are described in the following section.
 

 
 
 
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Liquidity Sources
 
GE maintains liquidity sources that consist of cash and equivalents and a portfolio of high-quality, liquid investments and committed unused credit lines.

GE has consolidated cash and equivalents of $77.4 billion at December 31, 2012, which is available to meet its needs. Of this, approximately $16 billion is held at GE and approximately $62 billion is held at GECC.

In addition to GE’s $77.4 billion of cash and equivalents, we have a centrally managed portfolio of high-quality, liquid investments at GECC with a fair value of $3.1 billion at December 31, 2012. This portfolio is used to manage liquidity and meet our operating needs under both normal and stress scenarios. The investments consist of unencumbered U.S. government securities, U.S. agency securities, securities guaranteed by the government, supranational securities, and a select group of non-U.S. government securities. We believe that we can readily obtain cash for these securities, even in stressed market conditions.

We have committed, unused credit lines totaling $48.2 billion that have been extended to us by 51 financial institutions at December 31, 2012. GECC can borrow up to $48.2 billion under all of these credit lines. GE can borrow up to $12.0 billion under certain of these credit lines. These lines include $30.3 billion of revolving credit agreements under which we can borrow funds for periods exceeding one year. Additionally, $17.9 billion are 364-day lines that contain a term-out feature that allows us to extend borrowings for one or two years from the date of expiration of the lending agreement.

GE consolidated cash and equivalents of $53.2 billion at December 31, 2012 are held outside of the U.S. Of this amount at year-end, $14.4 billion is indefinitely reinvested. Indefinitely reinvested cash held outside of the U.S. is available to fund operations and other growth of non-U.S. subsidiaries; it is also used 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 are required to be outstanding for less than 60 days during the year.

$1.8 billion of GE cash and equivalents is 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.

At GECC, about $10 billion of cash and equivalents are in regulated banks and insurance entities and are subject to regulatory restrictions.

If we were to repatriate indefinitely reinvested cash held outside the U.S., we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes.

Funding Plan
 
GE has reduced its GE Capital ending net investment, excluding cash and equivalents, from $513 billion at January 1, 2009 to $419 billion at December 31, 2012.

During 2012, we completed issuances of $33.9 billion of senior unsecured debt and $1.7 billion of secured debt, (excluding securitizations described below), with maturities up to 40 years (and subsequent to December 31, 2012, an additional $13.1 billion). Average commercial paper borrowings during the fourth quarter were $40.4 billion and the maximum amount of commercial paper borrowings outstanding during the fourth quarter was $43.1 billion. Our commercial paper maturities are funded principally through new commercial paper issuances.

Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP), the FDIC guaranteed certain senior, unsecured debt issued by GECC on or before October 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2012, our TLGP-guaranteed debt was fully repaid.

We securitize financial assets as an alternative source of funding. During 2012, we completed $15.8 billion of non-recourse issuances and had maturities and deconsolidations of $14.9 billion. At December 31, 2012, consolidated non-recourse borrowings were $30.1 billion.
 
 
 
 
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We have deposit-taking capability at 12 banks outside of the U.S. and two banks in the U.S. – GE Capital Retail Bank, a Federal Savings Bank (FSB), and GE Capital Financial Inc., an industrial bank (IB). The FSB and IB currently issue certificates of deposit (CDs) in maturity terms from two months to ten years. On January 11, 2013, the FSB acquired the deposit business of MetLife Bank, N.A. This acquisition adds approximately $6.4 billion in deposits and an online banking platform.

Total alternative funding at December 31, 2012 was $101 billion, composed mainly of $46 billion of bank deposits, $30 billion of non-recourse securitization borrowings, $10 billion of funding secured by real estate, aircraft and other collateral and $8 billion of GE Interest Plus notes. The comparable amount at December 31, 2011 was $96 billion.

As a matter of general practice, we routinely evaluate the economic impact of calling debt instruments where we have the right to exercise a call. In determining whether to call debt, we consider the economic benefit to GECC of calling debt, the effect of calling debt on our liquidity profile and other factors. In 2012, we called $8.6 billion of long-term debt, of which $4.5 billion was settled before year end.

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 our 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 fixed rate positions, we assumed that, on January 1, 2013, interest rates increased by 100 basis points across the yield curve (a “parallel shift” in that curve) and further assumed that the increase remained in place for 2013. We estimated, based on the year-end 2012 portfolio and holding all other assumptions constant, that our 2013 consolidated net earnings would decline by less than $0.1 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 2012 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 2013 consolidated net earnings would decline by less than $0.1 billion as a result of such a shift in exchange rates.

Debt and Derivative Instruments, Guarantees and Covenants
 
Credit Ratings
 
On April 3, 2012, Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) announced that it had downgraded the senior unsecured debt rating of GE by one notch from Aa2 to Aa3 and the senior unsecured debt rating of GECC by two notches from Aa2 to A1. The ratings downgrade did not affect GE’s and GECC’s short-term funding ratings of P-1, which were affirmed by Moody’s. Moody’s ratings outlook for GE and GECC is stable. We did not experience any material operational, funding or liquidity impacts from this ratings downgrade. As of December 31, 2012, GE’s and GECC’s long-term unsecured debt ratings from Standard and Poor’s Ratings Service (S&P) were AA+ with a stable outlook and their short-term funding ratings from S&P were A-1+. 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.

Substantially all GICs were affected by the downgrade and are more fully discussed in the Principal Debt and Derivative Conditions section. Additionally, there were other contracts affected by the downgrade with provisions requiring us to provide additional funding, post collateral and make other payments. The total cash and collateral impact of these contracts was less than $0.5 billion.
 

 
 
 
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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.

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. 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 $0.3 billion at December 31, 2012. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
Other debt and derivative agreements of consolidated entities include Trinity, which comprises two entities that hold investment securities, the majority of which are investment grade, and were funded by the issuance of GICs. These GICs included conditions under which certain holders could require immediate repayment of their investment should the long-term credit ratings of GECC fall below AA-/Aa3 or the short-term credit ratings fall below A-1+/P-1. The Trinity assets and liabilities are disclosed in note (a) on our Statement of Financial Position in the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. Another consolidated entity also had issued GICs where proceeds are loaned to GECC. These GICs included conditions under which certain holders could require immediate repayment of their investment should the long-term credit ratings of GECC fall below AA-/Aa3. These obligations are included in long-term borrowings on our Statement of Financial Position in the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report. These three consolidated entities ceased issuing GICs in 2010.

Following the April 3, 2012 Moody’s downgrade of GECC’s long-term credit rating to A1, substantially all of these GICs became redeemable by their holders. In 2012, holders of $2.4 billion in principal amount of GICs redeemed their holdings and GECC made related cash payments. 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 GECC’s ratings, among other things.

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, Income Maintenance Agreement and Subordinated Debentures
 
On March 28, 1991, GE entered into an agreement with GECC to make payments to GECC, constituting additions to pre-tax income under the agreement, to the extent necessary to cause the ratio of earnings to fixed charges of GECC and consolidated affiliates (determined on a consolidated basis) to be not less than 1.10:1 for the period, as a single aggregation, of each GECC fiscal year commencing with fiscal year 1991. GECC’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 1.64:1 for 2012. No payment is required in 2013 pursuant to this agreement.

Any payment made under the Income Maintenance Agreement will not affect the ratio of earnings to fixed charges as determined in accordance with current SEC rules because it does not constitute an addition to pre-tax income under current U.S. GAAP.

In addition, in connection with certain subordinated debentures of GECC that may be classified as equity (hybrid debt), during events of default or interest deferral periods under such subordinated debentures, GECC has agreed not to declare or pay any dividends or distributions or make certain other payments with respect to its capital stock, and GE has agreed to promptly return any payments made to GE in violation of this agreement. There were $7.3 billion of such debentures outstanding at December 31, 2012. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
 
 
 
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Statement of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity
 

Effective with 2012 reporting, activity affecting shareowners’ equity is presented in two statements: the Statement of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity and the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

The elements of other comprehensive income previously disclosed in the Statement of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity are now presented in the new Statement of Comprehensive Income, which combines those elements with net earnings. An analysis of changes in the elements of shareowners’ equity, as presented in these two statements follows.

Shareowners’ equity increased $4.8 billion and $8.1 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively, and decreased $1.8 billion in 2010.

Net earnings increased GECC shareowners’ equity by $6.2 billion, $6.5 billion and $2.2 billion in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In 2012, we paid dividends of $1.9 billion and special dividends of $4.5 billion to GE. We also paid $0.1 billion to our preferred stock shareowners. There were no dividends declared in 2011 and 2010.

Elements of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) increased shareowners’ equity by $1.2 billion in 2012 and $1.6 billion in 2011, as compared with a decrease of $2.2 billion in 2010, inclusive of changes in accounting principles. The components of these changes are as follows:

·  
Changes in AOCI related to investment securities increased shareowners’ equity by $0.7 billion and $0.6 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively, reflecting the effects of lower interest rates and improved market conditions on U.S. corporate securities, partially offset by adjustments to reflect the effect of the unrealized gains on insurance-related assets and equity. Investment securities increased shareowners’ equity by an insignificant amount in 2010. Further information about investment securities is provided in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

·  
Changes in AOCI related to the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges increased shareowners’ equity by $0.4 billion in 2012, primarily reflecting releases from AOCI contemporaneous with the earnings effects of the related hedged items, principally as an adjustment of interest expense on borrowings. Cash flow hedges increased shareowners’ equity by $0.2 billion and $0.5 billion in 2011 and 2010, respectively. Further information about the fair value of derivatives is provided in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

·  
Changes in AOCI related to currency translation adjustments increased shareowners’ equity by $0.3 billion and $1.0 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively, and decreased equity by $2.7 billion in 2010. Changes in currency translation adjustments reflect the effects of changes in currency exchange rates on our net investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries that have functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar. At year-end 2012, the U.S. dollar weakened against most major currencies, including the pound sterling and the euro, and strengthened against the Japanese yen resulting in increases in currency translation adjustments which were partially offset by releases from AOCI related to dispositions. At year-end 2011 and 2010, the dollar strengthened against most major currencies, including the pound sterling and the euro, and weakened against the Australian dollar and the Japanese yen.

During the third quarter of 2012, we issued 17,500 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $0.01 par value for proceeds of $1,733 million. The preferred shares bear an initial fixed interest rate of 6.25% through December 15, 2022, bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 4.704% thereafter and are callable on December 15, 2022. During the second quarter of 2012, we issued 22,500 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $0.01 par value for proceeds of $2,227 million. The preferred shares bear an initial fixed interest rate of 7.125% through June 12, 2022, bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 5.296% thereafter and are callable on June 15, 2022. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable semi-annually beginning in December 2012.

Statement of Cash Flows – Overview from 2010 through 2012
 
GECC cash and equivalents were $61.9 billion at December 31, 2012, compared with $76.7 billion at December 31, 2011. GECC cash from operating activities totaled $22.0 billion for 2012, compared with cash from operating activities of $21.1 billion for the same period of 2011. This was primarily due to increases, compared to the prior year, in net cash collateral held from counterparties on derivative contracts of $1.7 billion, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable of $0.9 billion.

 
 
 
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Consistent with our plan to reduce GECC asset levels, cash from investing activities was $14.5 billion in 2012, primarily resulting from a $5.4 billion reduction in financing receivables due to collections (which includes sales) exceeding originations, $4.7 billion related to net loan repayments from our equity method investments, proceeds from principal business dispositions of $2.9 billion and $2.8 billion from sales of real estate held for investment and equity method investments. These increases were partially offset by $5.7 billion of net purchases of equipment leased to others (ELTO).

GECC cash used for financing activities in 2012 of $52.5 billion related primarily to a $49.5 billion reduction in total borrowings, consisting primarily of net reductions in long-term borrowings and commercial paper, $6.5 billion of dividends paid to shareowners (including $0.1 billion paid to preferred shareowners), and $2.0 billion of redemptions of guaranteed investment contracts at Trinity, partially offset by $4.0 billion of proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock and $2.4 billion of higher deposits at our banks. Dividends of $6.4 billion paid to GE represent the distribution of a portion of GECC retained earnings. Beginning in the second quarter of 2012, GECC restarted its dividend to GE and paid dividends of $1.9 billion and special dividends of $4.5 billion to GE. No dividends were paid to GE in 2011 and 2010.

Contractual Obligations
 
As defined by reporting regulations, our contractual obligations for future payments as of December 31, 2012, follow.

 
Payments due by period
                           
2018 and
(In billions)
Total
 
2013 
 
2014-2015
 
2016-2017
 
thereafter
                             
Borrowings and bank deposits (Note 8)
$
397.3 
 
$
133.7 
 
$
101.2 
 
$
56.8 
 
$
105.6 
Interest on borrowings and bank deposits
 
87.3 
   
9.0 
   
13.3 
   
9.3 
   
55.7 
Purchase obligations(a)(b)
 
35.8 
   
11.8 
   
9.3 
   
3.3 
   
11.4 
Insurance liabilities (Note 9)(c)
 
14.0 
   
1.6 
   
2.9 
   
2.0 
   
7.5 
Operating lease obligations (Note 13)
 
1.6 
   
0.3 
   
0.5 
   
0.3 
   
0.5 
Other liabilities(d)
 
16.5 
   
14.9 
   
0.4 
   
0.2 
   
1.0 
Contractual obligations of
                           
    discontinued operations(e)
 
1.9 
   
1.9 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
                             
                             
(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 and any contractually required cash payments for acquisitions.
 
(b)
Excluded funding commitments entered into in the ordinary course of business. Further information on these commitments and other guarantees is provided in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
(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 pension and 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: deferred taxes, derivatives, deferred revenue and other sundry items. For further information on certain of these items, see Notes 10 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
(e)  
Included payments for other liabilities.
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
We securitize financial assets and arrange other forms of asset-backed financing in the ordinary course of business as an alternative source of funding. The securitization transactions we engage in are similar to those used by many financial institutions.
 
 
The assets we currently securitize include: receivables secured by equipment, credit card receivables, floorplan inventory receivables, GE trade receivables and other assets originated and underwritten by us in the ordinary course of business. The securitizations are funded with variable funding notes and term debt.

Substantially all of our securitization VIEs are consolidated because we are considered to be the primary beneficiary of the entity. Our interests in other VIEs for which we are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for as investment securities, financing receivables or equity method investments depending on the nature of our involvement.
 

 
 
 
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At December 31, 2012, consolidated variable interest entity assets and liabilities were $47.9 billion and $33.0 billion, respectively, an increase of $1.6 billion and a decrease of $2.5 billion from 2011, respectively. Assets held by these entities are of equivalent credit quality to our other assets. We monitor the underlying credit quality in accordance with our role as servicer and apply rigorous controls to the execution of securitization transactions. With the exception of credit and liquidity support discussed below, investors in these entities have recourse only to the underlying assets.

At December 31, 2012, investments in unconsolidated VIEs, including our noncontrolling interest in PTL, were $13.0 billion, a decrease of $3.9 billion from 2011, primarily related to a decrease of $5.0 billion in PTL, partially offset by an increase of $1.0 billion in an investment in asset-backed securities issued by a senior secured loan fund. In addition to our existing investments, we have contractual obligations to fund additional investments in the unconsolidated VIEs to fund new asset origination. At December 31, 2012, these contractual obligations were $2.7 billion, a decrease of $1.6 billion from 2011.

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 either 2012 or 2011.

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 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 in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report, which discusses the significant accounting policies that we have selected from acceptable alternatives.

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 (including housing price indices as applicable), 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 in both our consumer and commercial portfolios can also reflect both losses that are incurred subsequent to the beginning of a fiscal year and information becoming available during that fiscal year which may identify further deterioration on exposures existing prior to the beginning of that fiscal year, and for which reserves could not have been previously recognized. Our risk management process includes standards and policies for reviewing major risk exposures and concentrations, and evaluates relevant data either for individual loans or financing leases, or on a portfolio basis, as appropriate.

Further information is provided in the Global Risk Management section and Financial Resources and Liquidity – Financing Receivables section of this Item, the Asset impairment section that follows and in Notes 1, 4 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

 
 
 
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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 in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report, which discusses the determination of fair value of investment securities.

Further information about actual and potential impairment losses is provided in the Financial Resources and Liquidity – Investment Securities section of this Item and in Notes 1, 3 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

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 interest rate and independent appraisals, as appropriate.

Our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft is a significant concentration of assets in GECAS, 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 technical costs required to prepare aircraft to be redeployed. Fair value used to measure impairment is based on management’s best estimate. In determining its best estimate, management evaluates average current market values (obtained from third parties) of similar type and age aircraft, which are adjusted for the attributes of the specific aircraft under lease.

We recognized impairment losses on our operating lease portfolio of commercial aircraft of $0.2 billion and $0.3 billion in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Provisions for losses on financing receivables related to commercial aircraft were an insignificant amount for both 2012 and 2011.

Further information on impairment losses and our exposure to the commercial aviation industry is provided in the Operations – Overview section of this Item and in Notes 5 and 18 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
 
 
 
(48)
 
 

Real Estate.
We review the estimated value of our commercial real estate investments annually, or more frequently as conditions warrant. The cash flow estimates used for both estimating value and the recoverability analysis are inherently judgmental, and reflect current and projected lease profiles, available industry information about expected trends in rental, occupancy and capitalization rates and expected business plans, which include our estimated holding period for the asset. Our portfolio is diversified, both geographically and by asset type. However, the global real estate market is subject to periodic cycles that can cause significant fluctuations in market values. Based on the most recent valuation estimates available, the carrying value of our Real Estate investments exceeded their estimated value by about $1.1 billion. This amount is subject to variations dependent on the assumptions described above, changes in economic and market conditions and composition of our portfolio, including sales. Commercial real estate valuations have shown signs of improved stability and liquidity in certain markets, primarily in the U.S.; however, the pace of improvement varies significantly by asset class and market. Accordingly, there continues to be risk and uncertainty surrounding commercial real estate values. Declines in the estimated value of real estate below carrying amount result in impairment losses when the aggregate undiscounted cash flow estimates used in the estimated value measurement are below the carrying amount. As such, estimated losses in the portfolio will not necessarily result in recognized impairment losses. When we recognize an impairment, the impairment is measured using the estimated fair value of the underlying asset, which is based upon cash flow estimates that reflect current and projected lease profiles and available industry information about capitalization rates and expected trends in rents and occupancy and is corroborated by external appraisals. During 2012, Real Estate recognized pre-tax impairments of $0.1 billion in its real estate held for investment, as compared to $1.2 billion in 2011. Continued deterioration in economic conditions or prolonged market illiquidity may result in further impairments being recognized. Furthermore, significant judgment and uncertainty related to forecasted valuation trends, especially in illiquid markets, results in inherent imprecision in real estate value estimates. Further information is provided in the Global Risk Management and the Other assets sections of this Item and in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Goodwill and Other Identified Intangible Assets. We test goodwill for impairment annually and more frequently if circumstances warrant. We determine fair values for each of the reporting units using an income approach. When available and appropriate, we use comparative market multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results. For purposes of 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 11% to 12.75%. Valuations using the market approach reflect prices and other relevant observable information generated by market transactions involving comparable businesses.

Compared to the market approach, the income approach more closely aligns each reporting unit valuation to our business profile, including geographic markets served and product offerings. Required rates of return, along with uncertainty inherent in the forecasts of future cash flows, are reflected in the selection of the discount rate. Equally important, under this approach, reasonably likely scenarios and associated sensitivities can be developed for alternative future states that may not be reflected in an observable market price. A market approach allows for comparison to actual market transactions and multiples. It can be somewhat more limited in its application because the population of potential comparables is often limited to publicly traded companies where the characteristics of the comparative business and ours can be significantly different, market data is usually not available for divisions within larger conglomerates or non-public subsidiaries that could otherwise qualify as comparable, and the specific circumstances surrounding a market transaction (e.g., synergies between the parties, terms and conditions of the transaction, etc.) may be different or irrelevant with respect to our business. It can also be difficult, under certain market conditions, to identify orderly transactions between market participants in similar businesses. We assess the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time we perform the valuation and weight the methodologies appropriately.

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. If current conditions persist longer or deteriorate further than expected, it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods.

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.
 
 
 
 
 
(49)
 
 
 
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. 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 the Financial Resources and Liquidity – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets section of this Item and in Notes 1 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

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, 2012 and 2011, approximately $72 billion and $68 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 $3.9 billion and $3.8 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, including $0.8 billion and $0.9 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, associated with losses reported in discontinued operations, primarily related to our loss on the sale of GE Money Japan. Such year-end 2012 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 Operations – Overview section of this Item and in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

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.

At December 31, 2012, derivative assets and liabilities were $3.6 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. Further information about our use of derivatives is provided in Notes 1, 7, 14 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.
 

 
 
 
(50)
 
 

Fair Value Measurements.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value every reporting period include investments in debt and equity securities and derivatives. Assets that are not measured at fair value every reporting period but that are subject to fair value measurements in certain circumstances 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.

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 is provided in Notes 1, 14 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

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 and 18 to the consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Other Information
 
New Accounting Standards
 
In January 2013, the FASB issued amendments to existing standards for reporting comprehensive income. The amendments expand disclosures about amounts that are reclassified out of accumulated comprehensive income during the reporting period. The amendments do not change existing recognition and measurement requirements that determine net earnings and are effective for our first quarter 2013 reporting.

 
 
 
(51)
 
 

In January 2013, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a final consensus that resolves conflicting guidance between ASC Subtopics 810-10, Consolidation, and 830-30, Foreign Currency Matters – Translation of Financial Statements, with regard to the release of currency translation adjustments in certain circumstances. The Task Force concluded that release upon substantial liquidation applies to events occurring within a foreign entity and that the loss of control model applies to events related to investments in a foreign entity. The revised guidance will apply prospectively to transactions or events occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013.

In December 2011, the FASB issued amendments to existing disclosure requirements for assets and liabilities that are offset in the statement of financial position, which are effective for the first quarter of 2013. In January 2013, the FASB clarified the scope of the amendments to limit application of the disclosure requirements to derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse purchase agreements, securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are presented on a net basis in the statement of financial position or are permitted to be netted under agreements with counterparties. The amendments require expanded disclosures about gross and net amounts of instruments that fall within the scope of the amendment.

Supplemental Information
 
Financial Measures that Supplement Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
 
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 Form 10-K Report, to:

·  
Average total GECC shareowners’ equity, excluding effects of discontinued operations

·  
Ratio of debt to equity, net of cash and equivalents and with classification of hybrid debt as equity

·  
GE Capital ending net investment (ENI), excluding cash and equivalents

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

Average Total GECC Shareowners’ Equity, Excluding Effects of Discontinued Operations(a)
 

                             
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
2008 
                             
Average total GECC shareowners' equity(b)
$
 79,956 
 
$
 73,852 
 
$
 68,490 
 
$
 64,689 
 
$
 56,896 
Less the effects of the average net
                           
    investment in discontinued operations
 
 (373)
   
 5,033 
   
 13,935 
   
 17,546 
   
 9,425 
Average total GECC shareowners' equity,
                           
    excluding effects of discontinued
                           
      operations(a)
$
 80,329 
 
$
 68,819 
 
$
 54,555 
 
$
 47,143 
 
$
 47,471 
                             
                             
(a)
Used for computing return on average shareowners’ equity and return on average total capital invested (ROTC).
 
(b)
On an annual basis, calculated using a five-point average.
 

Our ROTC calculation excludes earnings (losses) of discontinued operations from the numerator because U.S. GAAP requires us to display those earnings (losses) in the Statement of Earnings. Our calculation of average total GECC 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.
 
 
 
 
(52)
 
 

Ratio of Debt to Equity, Net of Cash and Equivalents and with Classification of Hybrid Debt as Equity

December 31 (Dollars in millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
GECC debt
$
397,300 
 
$
443,097 
 
$
470,520 
    Less cash and equivalents
 
61,941 
   
76,702 
   
60,257 
    Less hybrid debt
 
7,725 
   
7,725 
   
7,725 
 
$
327,634 
 
$
358,670 
 
$
402,538 
                 
GECC equity
$
81,890 
 
$
77,110 
 
$
68,984 
    Plus hybrid debt
 
7,725 
   
7,725 
   
7,725 
 
$
89,615 
 
$
84,835 
 
$
76,709 
                 
Ratio
 
3.66:1
   
4.23:1
   
5.25:1
                 

We have provided the GECC ratio of debt to equity on a basis that reflects the use of cash and equivalents to reduce debt, and with long-term debt due in 2066 and 2067 classified as equity. We believe that this is a useful comparison to a GAAP-based ratio of debt to equity because cash balances may be used to reduce debt and because this long-term debt has equity-like characteristics. The usefulness of this supplemental measure may be limited, however, as the total amount of cash and equivalents at any point in time may be different than the amount that could practically be applied to reduce outstanding debt, and it may not be advantageous or practical to replace certain long-term debt with equity. Despite these potential limitations, 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.

GE Capital Ending Net Investment (ENI), Excluding Cash and Equivalents
 

 
December 31,
 
January 1,
 
(In billions)
2012 
 
2009 
(a)
             
GECC total assets
$
539.2 
 
$
661.0 
 
   Less assets of discontinued operations
 
1.1 
   
25.1 
 
   Less non-interest bearing liabilities
 
57.6 
   
85.4 
 
GE Capital ENI
 
480.5 
   
550.5 
 
   Less cash and equivalents
 
61.9 
   
37.7 
 
GE Capital ENI, excluding cash and equivalents
$
418.6 
 
$
512.8 
 
             
             
(a)  
As originally reported.

GE uses ENI to measure the size of its GE Capital segment. GE believes 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. GE also believes that by excluding cash and equivalents, it provides a meaningful measure of assets requiring capital to fund its GE Capital segment, as a substantial amount of this cash and equivalents resulted from debt issuances to pre-fund future debt maturities and will not be used to fund additional assets. Providing this measure will help investors measure how we are performing against our previously communicated goal to reduce the size of our financial services segment.

 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
Information about our global risk management can be found in the Operations – Global Risk Management and Financial Resources and Liquidity – Exchange Rate and Interest Rate Risks sections in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K Report.
 
 
 
 
(53)
 
 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
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, 2012, based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework 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, 2012.

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




/s/ Michael A. Neal
 
/s/ Jeffrey S. Bornstein
Michael A. Neal
 
Jeffrey S. Bornstein
Chief Executive Officer
 
Chief Financial Officer


February 26, 2013
 
 
 
 
(54)
 
 





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Board of Directors of
General Electric Capital Corporation:


We have audited the accompanying statement of financial position of General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates (“GECC”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2012. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed in Item 15. We also have audited GECC’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). GECC’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.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and schedule referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of GECC as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, GECC maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
 

 
 
 
(55)
 
 

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, GECC, in 2010, changed its method of accounting for consolidation of variable interest entities.

/s/ KPMG LLP                                           
KPMG LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
February 26, 2013
 
 
 
 
(56)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Statement of Earnings
 

   
For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
 
2012 
   
2011 
   
2010 
                 
Revenues
               
Revenues from services (Note 12)(a)
$
 46,060 
 
$
 49,307 
 
$
 49,576 
Other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities:
               
   Total other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities
 
 (192)
   
 (467)
   
 (460)
      Less: Portion of other-than-temporary impairment recognized in
               
         accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 52 
   
 80 
   
 207 
Net other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities
               
   recognized in earnings
 
 (140)
   
 (387)
   
 (253)
Revenues from services (Note 12)
 
 45,920 
   
 48,920 
   
 49,323 
Sales of goods
 
 119 
   
 148 
   
 533 
   Total revenues
 
 46,039 
   
 49,068 
   
 49,856 
                 
Costs and expenses
               
Interest
 
 11,697 
   
 13,866 
   
 14,510 
Operating and administrative (Note 13)
 
 12,358 
   
 13,330 
   
 14,660 
Cost of goods sold
 
 99 
   
 135 
   
 501 
Investment contracts, insurance losses and insurance annuity benefits
 
 2,984 
   
 3,059 
   
 3,197 
Provision for losses on financing receivables (Note 4)
 
 3,891 
   
 3,951 
   
 7,085 
Depreciation and amortization (Note 5)
 
 7,055 
   
 7,117 
   
 7,752 
   Total costs and expenses
 
 38,084 
   
 41,458 
   
 47,705 
                 
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
 7,955 
   
 7,610 
   
 2,151 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (Note 10)
 
 (491)
   
 (899)
   
 985 
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
 
 7,464 
   
 6,711 
   
 3,136 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (Note 2)
 
 (1,186)
   
 (74)
   
 (965)
Net earnings (loss)
 
 6,278 
   
 6,637 
   
 2,171 
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 63 
   
 127 
   
 16 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GECC
 
 6,215 
   
 6,510 
   
 2,155 
Preferred stock dividends declared
 
 (123)
   
 – 
   
 – 
Net earnings attributable to GECC common shareowner
$
 6,092 
 
$
 6,510 
 
$
 2,155 
                 
Amounts attributable to GECC
               
Earnings from continuing operations
$
 7,401 
 
$
 6,584 
 
$
 3,120 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
 
 (1,186)
   
 (74)
   
 (965)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GECC
$
 6,215 
 
$
 6,510 
 
$
 2,155 
                 
                 
(a)  
Excluding net other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities.
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
 
(57)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
Statement of Comprehensive Income


                 
For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
 
2012 
   
2011 
   
2010 
                 
Net earnings
$
6,278 
 
$
6,637 
 
$
2,171 
Less: net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
63 
   
127 
   
16 
Net earnings attributable to GECC
$
6,215 
 
$
6,510 
 
$
2,155 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
               
 Investment securities
$
707 
 
$
606 
 
$
14 
 Currency translation adjustments
 
280 
   
984 
   
(2,729)
 Cash flow hedges
 
354 
   
194 
   
539 
 Benefit plans
 
(173)
   
(183)
   
54 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
1,168 
   
1,601 
   
(2,122)
Less: other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12 
   
(14)
   
57 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GECC
$
1,156 
 
$
1,615 
 
$
(2,179)
                 
Comprehensive income
$
7,446 
 
$
8,238 
 
$
49 
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
75 
   
113 
   
73 
Comprehensive income attributable to GECC
$
7,371 
 
$
8,125 
 
$
(24)
                 
 
Amounts presented net of taxes. See Note 11 for further information about other comprehensive income and noncontrolling interests.
 
See accompanying notes.
 



General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
Statement of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity

                       
(In millions)
       
2012 
   
2011 
   
2010 
                       
Beginning balance at January 1
     
$
77,110 
 
$
68,984 
 
$
70,833 
Increases from net earnings attributable to GECC
       
6,215 
   
6,510 
   
2,155 
Dividends and other
       
(6,549)
   
– 
   
50 
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GECC
       
1,156 
   
1,615 
   
(2,179)
Changes in additional paid-in capital
       
3,958 
   
   
35 
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles(a)
       
– 
   
– 
   
(1,910)
Ending balance at December 31
       
81,890 
   
77,110 
   
68,984 
Noncontrolling interests
       
707 
   
690 
   
1,164 
Total equity balance at December 31
     
$
82,597 
 
$
77,800 
 
$
70,148 
                       
 
 
See Note 11 for further information about changes in shareowners’ equity.
 
(a)
On January 1, 2010, we adopted amendments to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 860, Transfers and Servicing, and ASC 810, Consolidation, and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment. See Notes 11 and 17.
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
(58)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Statement of Financial Position
 

At December 31 (In millions, except share amounts)
2012 
 
2011 
       
Assets
         
Cash and equivalents
$
 61,941 
 
$
 76,702 
Investment securities (Note 3)
 
 48,439 
   
 47,359 
Inventories
 
 79 
   
 51 
Financing receivables – net (Notes 4 and 16)
 
 268,951 
   
 288,847 
Other receivables
 
 13,988 
   
 13,390 
Property, plant and equipment– net (Note 5)
 
 53,673 
   
 51,419 
Goodwill (Note 6)
 
 27,304 
   
 27,230 
Other intangible assets – net (Note 6)
 
 1,294 
   
 1,546 
Other assets (Note 7)
 
 62,217 
   
 75,612 
Assets of businesses held for sale (Note 2)
 
 211 
   
 711 
Assets of discontinued operations (Note 2)
 
 1,126 
   
 1,669 
Total assets(a)
$
 539,223 
 
$
 584,536 
           
Liabilities and equity
         
Short-term borrowings (Note 8)
$
 95,940 
 
$
 136,333 
Accounts payable
 
 6,277 
   
 7,239 
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities (Note 8)
 
 30,123 
   
 29,258 
Bank deposits (Note 8)
 
 46,461 
   
 43,115 
Long-term borrowings (Note 8)
 
 224,776 
   
 234,391 
Investment contracts, insurance liabilities and insurance annuity benefits (Note 9)
 
 28,696 
   
 30,198 
Other liabilities
 
 16,050 
   
 17,334 
Deferred income taxes (Note 10)
 
 5,871 
   
 7,052 
Liabilities of businesses held for sale (Note 2)
 
 157 
   
 345 
Liabilities of discontinued operations (Note 2)
 
 2,275 
   
 1,471 
Total liabilities(a)
 
 456,626 
   
 506,736 
           
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value (750,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2012 and 2011,
         
    and 40,000 shares and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012
         
        and 2011, respectively)
 
 – 
   
 – 
Common stock, $14 par value (4,166,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2012 and 2011,
         
    and 1,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively)
 
 – 
   
 – 
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to GECC(b)
         
   Investment securities
 
 673 
   
 (33)
   Currency translation adjustments
 
 (131)
   
 (399)
   Cash flow hedges
 
 (746)
   
 (1,101)
   Benefit plans
 
 (736)
   
 (563)
Additional paid-in capital
 
 31,586 
   
 27,628 
Retained earnings
 
 51,244 
   
 51,578 
Total GECC shareowners' equity
 
 81,890 
   
 77,110 
Noncontrolling interests(c) (Note 11)
 
 707 
   
 690 
Total equity (Note 11)
 
 82,597 
   
 77,800 
Total liabilities and equity
$
 539,223 
 
$
 584,536 
           
           
(a)  
Our consolidated assets at December 31, 2012 include total assets of $45,814 million of certain variable interest entities (VIEs) that can only be used to settle the liabilities of those VIEs. These assets include net financing receivables of $40,287 million and investment securities of $3,419 million. Our consolidated liabilities at December 31, 2012 include liabilities of certain VIEs for which the VIE creditors do not have recourse to General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC). These liabilities include non-recourse borrowings of consolidated securitization entities (CSEs) of $29,123 million. See Note 17.
 
(b)  
The sum of accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to GECC was $(940) million and $(2,096) million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(c)  
Included accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $(129) million and $(141) million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
 
(59)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Statement of Cash Flows
 

For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Cash flows – operating activities
               
Net earnings
$
6,278 
 
$
6,637 
 
$
2,171 
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
63 
   
127 
   
16 
Net earnings attributable to GECC
 
6,215 
   
6,510 
   
2,155 
(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations
 
1,186 
   
74 
   
965 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings attributable to GECC
               
   to cash provided from operating activities
               
      Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment
 
7,055 
   
7,117 
   
7,752 
      Deferred income taxes
 
(877)
   
124 
   
1,307 
      Decrease (increase) in inventories
 
(27)
   
15 
   
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
 
(867)
   
50 
   
(116)
      Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
3,891 
   
3,951 
   
7,085 
      All other operating activities (Note 19)
 
5,392 
   
3,282 
   
2,482 
Cash from (used for) operating activities – continuing operations
 
21,968 
   
21,123 
   
21,635 
Cash from (used for) operating activities – discontinued operations
 
79 
   
737 
   
(133)
Cash from (used for) operating activities
 
22,047 
   
21,860 
   
21,502 
                 
Cash flows – investing activities
               
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(11,886)
   
(9,882)
   
(7,674)
Dispositions of property, plant and equipment
 
6,200 
   
5,896 
   
7,208 
Net decrease (increase) in financing receivables (Note 19)
 
5,383 
   
14,370 
   
23,046 
Proceeds from sales of discontinued operations
 
227 
   
8,950 
   
2,510 
Proceeds from principal business dispositions
 
2,863 
   
2,623 
   
1,171 
Payments for principal businesses purchased
 
– 
   
(50)
   
(559)
All other investing activities (Note 19)
 
11,701 
   
7,301 
   
9,960 
Cash from (used for) investing activities – continuing operations
 
14,488 
   
29,208 
   
35,662 
Cash from (used for) investing activities – discontinued operations
 
(97)
   
(714)
   
(1,352)
Cash from (used for) investing activities
 
14,391 
   
28,494 
   
34,310 
                 
Cash flows – financing activities
               
Net increase (decrease) in borrowings (maturities of 90 days or less)
 
(1,401)
   
4,393 
   
(652)
Net increase (decrease) in bank deposits
 
2,432 
   
6,748 
   
4,603 
Newly issued debt (maturities longer than 90 days) (Note 19)
 
55,841 
   
43,267 
   
37,971 
Repayments and other debt reductions (maturities longer than 90 days) (Note 19)
 
(103,908)
   
(85,436)
   
(97,379)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
 
3,960 
   
– 
   
– 
Dividends paid to shareowners
 
(6,549)
   
– 
   
– 
Purchases of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests
 
– 
   
(275)
   
(633)
All other financing activities (Note 19)
 
(2,868)
   
(1,792)
   
(3,318)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – continuing operations
 
(52,493)
   
(33,095)
   
(59,408)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – discontinued operations
 
– 
   
(44)
   
(337)
Cash from (used for) financing activities
 
(52,493)
   
(33,139)
   
(59,745)
                 
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents
 
1,276 
   
(791)
   
(208)
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents
 
(14,779)
   
16,424 
   
(4,141)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
 
76,823 
   
60,399 
   
64,540 
Cash and equivalents at end of year
 
62,044 
   
76,823 
   
60,399 
Less cash and equivalents of discontinued operations at end of year
 
103 
   
121 
   
142 
Cash and equivalents of continuing operations at end of year
$
61,941 
 
$
76,702 
 
$
60,257 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
               
Cash paid during the year for interest
$
(12,172)
 
$
(15,018)
 
$
(16,401)
Cash recovered (paid) during the year for income taxes
 
(250)
   
(616)
   
104 
                 
                 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
 
(60)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 

Accounting Principles
 
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Consolidation
 
At December 31, 2012, all of our outstanding common stock was owned by General Electric Company (GE Company or GE). 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. We also consolidate the economic interests we hold in certain businesses within companies in which we hold a voting equity interest and are majority owned by our ultimate parent, but which we have agreed to actively manage and control.

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 “Other assets” in our Statement of Financial Position, net of allowance for losses, that 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.

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

Consolidated - This represents the adding together of all affiliates, giving effect to the elimination of transactions between affiliates.

Operating Segments - These comprise our five businesses, focused on the broad markets they serve: Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL), Consumer, Real Estate, Energy Financial Services and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). Prior-period information has been reclassified to be consistent with how we managed our businesses in 2012.

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.
 

 
 
 
(61)
 
 

On February 22, 2012, our former parent, General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS), merged with and into GECC. The merger simplified GE’s financial services’ corporate structure by consolidating financial services entities and assets within our organization and simplifying Securities and Exchange Commission and regulatory reporting. Upon completion of the merger, (i) all outstanding shares of GECC common stock were cancelled, (ii) all outstanding GECS common stock and all GECS preferred stock held by GE were converted into an aggregate of 1,000 shares of GECC common stock, and (iii) all treasury shares of GECS and all outstanding preferred stock of GECS held by GECC were cancelled. As a result, GECC became the surviving corporation, assumed all of GECS’ rights and obligations and became wholly-owned directly by GE.

Because both GECS and GECC were wholly-owned either directly or indirectly by GE, the merger was accounted for as a transfer of assets between entities under common control. Transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control are accounted for at historical value, and as if the transfer occurred at the beginning of the period. Prior period results are retrospectively adjusted to furnish comparative information. GECC’s continuing operations now include the run-off insurance operations previously held and managed in our former parent, GECS, and which are reported in corporate items and eliminations. The operating businesses that are reported as segments, including CLL, Consumer, Real Estate, Energy Financial Services and GECAS, are not affected by the merger. Unless otherwise indicated, references to GECC and the GE Capital segment in this Form 10-K Report relate to the entity or segment as they exist subsequent to the February 22, 2012 merger.

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. 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 2013 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 and increased tax liabilities.

Sales of Goods
 
We record all sales of goods only when a firm sales agreement is in place, delivery has occurred and collectibility of the fixed or determinable sales price is reasonably assured. If customer acceptance of goods is not assured, we record sales only upon formal customer acceptance.

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, and at that time, 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. Although we stop accruing interest in advance of payments, we recognize interest income as cash is collected when appropriate, provided the amount does not exceed that which would have been earned at the historical effective interest rate; otherwise, payments received are applied to reduce the principal balance of the loan.
 

 
 
 
(62)
 
 

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 resume accruing interest on nonaccrual consumer loans when the customer’s account is less than 90 days past due and collection of such amounts is probable. Interest accruals on modified consumer loans that are not considered to be troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) may return to current status (re-aged) only after receipt of at least three consecutive minimum monthly payments or the equivalent cumulative amount, subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period.

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 this estimate, 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.

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

Fees include commitment fees related to loans that we do not expect to fund and line-of-credit fees. We record these fees in earned income on a straight-line basis over the period to which they relate. We record syndication fees in earned income at the time related services are performed, unless significant contingencies exist.

Depreciation and Amortization
 
The cost of our 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.

The cost of acquired real estate investments is depreciated on a straight-line basis to the estimated salvage value over the expected useful life or the estimated proceeds upon sale of the investment at the end of the expected holding period if that approach produces a higher measure of depreciation expense.

The cost of 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. See Notes 5 and 6.

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 (including housing price indices as applicable), 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.

“Troubled debt restructurings” (TDRs) are those loans for which we have granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where we do not receive adequate compensation. Such loans are classified as impaired, and are individually reviewed for specific reserves.

 
 
 
(63)
 
 

“Nonaccrual financing receivables” are those on which we have stopped accruing interest. 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. Although we stop accruing interest in advance of payments, we recognize interest income as cash is collected when appropriate provided the amount does not exceed that which would have been earned at the historical effective interest rate. 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.

“Nonearning financing receivables” are a subset of nonaccrual financing receivables for which cash payments are not being received or for which we are on the cost recovery method of accounting (i.e., any payments are accounted for as a reduction of principal). This category excludes loans purchased at a discount (unless they have deteriorated post acquisition). Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 310, Receivables, these loans are initially recorded at fair value and accrete interest income over the estimated life of the loan based on reasonably estimable cash flows even if the underlying loans are contractually delinquent at acquisition.

“Delinquent” receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due based on their contractual terms.

The same financing receivable may meet more than one of the definitions above. Accordingly, these categories are not mutually exclusive and it is possible for a particular loan to meet the definitions of a TDR, impaired loan, nonaccrual loan and nonearning loan and be included in each of these categories. The categorization of a particular loan also may not be indicative of the potential for loss.

Our consumer loan portfolio consists of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, including credit card receivables, installment loans, auto loans and leases and residential mortgages. We collectively evaluate each portfolio for impairment quarterly. The allowance for losses on these receivables is established through a process that estimates the probable losses inherent in the portfolio based upon statistical analyses of portfolio data. These analyses include migration analysis, in which historical delinquency and credit loss experience is applied to the current aging of the portfolio, together with other analyses that reflect current trends and conditions. We also consider our historical loss experience to date based on actual defaulted loans and overall portfolio indicators including nonearning loans, trends in loan volume and lending terms, credit policies and other observable environmental factors such as unemployment rates and home price indices.

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 collectibility. 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 – for example, for real estate loans, relevant markets are local; for commercial aircraft loans, relevant markets are global.

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. Our review process can often result in reserves being established in advance of a modification of terms or designation as a TDR. 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. For Real Estate, this includes assessing the probability of default and the loss given default based on loss history of our portfolio for loans with similar loan metrics and attributes.

 
 
 
(64)
 
 

We consider multiple factors in evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for losses on Real Estate financing receivables, including loan-to-value ratios, collateral values at the individual loan level, debt service coverage ratios, delinquency status, and economic factors including interest rate and real estate market forecasts. In addition to evaluating these factors, we deem a Real Estate loan to be impaired if its projected loan-to-value ratio at maturity is in excess of 100%, even if the loan is currently paying in accordance with its contractual terms. Substantially all of the loans in the Real Estate portfolio are considered collateral dependent and are measured for impairment based on the fair value of collateral. If foreclosure is deemed probable or if repayment is dependent solely on the sale of collateral, we also include estimated selling costs in our reserve. Collateral values for our Real Estate loans are determined based upon internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate rate and corroborated by external appraisals, as appropriate. Collateral valuations are routinely monitored and updated annually, or more frequently for changes in collateral, market and economic conditions. Further discussion on determination of fair value is in the Fair Value Measurements section below.

Experience is not available for new products; therefore, while we are developing that experience, we set loss allowances based on our experience with the most closely analogous products in our portfolio.

Our loss mitigation strategy intends to minimize economic loss and, at times, can result in rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extensions, forbearance or other actions, which may cause the related loan to be classified as a TDR.

We utilize certain loan modification programs for borrowers experiencing temporary financial difficulties in our Consumer loan portfolio. These loan modification programs are primarily concentrated in our non-U.S. residential mortgage and non-U.S. installment and revolving portfolios and include short-term (three months or less) interest rate reductions and payment deferrals, which were not part of the terms of the original contract. We sold our U.S. residential mortgage business in 2007 and as such, do not participate in the U.S. government-sponsored mortgage modification programs.

Our allowance for losses on financing receivables on these modified consumer loans is determined based upon a formulaic approach that estimates the probable losses inherent in the portfolio based upon statistical analyses of the portfolio. Data related to redefault experience is also considered in our overall reserve adequacy review. Once the loan has been modified, it returns to current status (re-aged) only after receipt of at least three consecutive minimum monthly payments or the equivalent cumulative amount, subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidelines on Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management policy issued in June 2000. We believe that the allowance for losses would not be materially different had we not re-aged these accounts.

For commercial loans, we evaluate changes in terms and conditions to determine whether those changes meet the criteria for classification as a TDR on a loan-by-loan basis. In Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL), these changes primarily include: changes to covenants, short-term payment deferrals and maturity extensions. For these changes, we receive economic consideration, including additional fees and/or increased interest rates, and evaluate them under our normal underwriting standards and criteria. Changes to Real Estates loans primarily include maturity extensions, principal payment acceleration, changes to collateral terms, and cash sweeps, which are in addition to, or sometimes in lieu of, fees and rate increases. The determination of whether these changes to the terms and conditions of our commercial loans meet the TDR criteria includes our consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances. When the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, we carefully evaluate these changes to determine whether they meet the form of a concession. In these circumstances, if the change is deemed to be a concession, we classify the loan as a TDR.

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 “Other assets” in the Statement of Financial Position and carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less costs to sell.

For Consumer loans, we write off unsecured closed-end installment loans when they are 120 days contractually past due and unsecured open-ended revolving loans at 180 days contractually past due. We write down consumer loans secured by collateral other than residential real estate when such loans are 120 days past due. Consumer loans secured by residential real estate (both revolving and closed-end loans) are written down to the fair value of collateral, less costs to sell, no later than when they become 360 days past due. Unsecured consumer loans in bankruptcy are written off within 60 days of notification of filing by the bankruptcy court or within contractual write-off periods, whichever occurs earlier.

 
 
 
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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 at the earlier of transaction confirmation (e.g., discounted pay-off, restructuring, foreclosure, etc.) or not later than 360 days after initial recognition of a specific reserve for a collateral dependent loan. 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.

Investment Securities
 
We report investments in debt and marketable equity securities, and certain other equity securities, at fair value. See Note 14 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. Our inventories consist of finished products held for sale; cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis.

 
 
 
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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 a business 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 discounted cash flows to establish fair values. When available and as appropriate, we use comparative market multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results. When all or 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 disposed and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained.

We amortize the cost of other intangibles over their estimated useful lives. The cost of intangible assets is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated economic life. Amortizable intangible assets 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.

Investment Contracts, Insurance Liabilities and Insurance Annuity Benefits
 
Certain entities, which we consolidate, provide guaranteed investment contracts, primarily to states, municipalities and municipal authorities.

Our insurance activities also include providing insurance and reinsurance for life and health risks and providing certain annuity products. Two primary product groups 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. For guaranteed investment contracts, the liability is also adjusted as a result of fair value hedging activity.

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
 
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.
 
 
 
 
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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 regards 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.

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.
 

 
 
 
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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 interest rate products that contain embedded optionality or prepayment features.

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.

Loans. 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.

 
 
 
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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. For real estate, fair values are based on discounted cash flow estimates which reflect current and projected lease profiles and available industry information about capitalization rates and expected trends in rents and occupancy and are corroborated by external appraisals. These investments are generally included in Level 3.

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 in the former subsidiary is valued using 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 included in Level 1 or Level 3, as appropriate, determined at the time of the transaction.

Accounting Changes
 
On January 1, 2012, we adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-05, an amendment to ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 introduced a new statement, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The amendments affect only the display of those components of equity categorized as other comprehensive income and do not change existing recognition and measurement requirements that determine net earnings.

On January 1, 2012, we adopted FASB ASU 2011-04, an amendment to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. ASU 2011-04 clarifies or changes the application of existing fair value measurements, including: that the highest and best use valuation premise in a fair value measurement is relevant only when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets; that a reporting entity should measure the fair value of its own equity instrument from the perspective of a market participant that holds that instrument as an asset; to permit an entity to measure the fair value of certain financial instruments on a net basis rather than based on its gross exposure when the reporting entity manages its financial instruments on the basis of such net exposure; that in the absence of a Level 1 input, a reporting entity should apply premiums and discounts when market participants would do so when pricing the asset or liability consistent with the unit of account; and that premiums and discounts related to size as a characteristic of the reporting entity’s holding are not permitted in a fair value measurement. Adopting these amendments had no effect on the financial statements.

On July 1, 2011, we adopted FASB ASU 2011-02, an amendment to ASC 310, Receivables. This ASU provides guidance for determining whether the restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR and requires that such actions be classified as a TDR when there is both a concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendment also clarifies guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession. The amendment applies to restructurings that have occurred subsequent to January 1, 2011. As a result of adopting these amendments on July 1, 2011, we have classified an additional $271 million of financing receivables as TDRs and have recorded an increase of $77 million to our allowance for losses on financing receivables. See Note 16.

On January 1, 2010, we adopted ASU 2009-16 and ASU 2009-17, amendments to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, and ASC 810, Consolidation, respectively (ASU 2009-16 & 17). ASU 2009-16 eliminated the Qualified Special Purpose Entity (QSPE) concept, and ASU 2009-17 required that all such entities be evaluated for consolidation as VIEs. Adoption of these amendments resulted in the consolidation of all of our sponsored QSPEs. In addition, we consolidated assets of VIEs related to direct investments in entities that hold loans and fixed income securities and a small number of companies to which we have extended loans in the ordinary course of business and subsequently were subject to a TDR.

We consolidated the assets and liabilities of these entities at amounts at which they would have been reported in our financial statements had we always consolidated them. We also deconsolidated certain entities where we did not meet the definition of the primary beneficiary under the revised guidance; however, the effect was insignificant at January 1, 2010. The incremental effect on total assets and liabilities, net of our investment in these entities, was an increase of $30,572 million and $32,359 million, respectively, at January 1, 2010. The net reduction of total equity (including noncontrolling interests) was $1,787 million at January 1, 2010, principally related to the reversal of previously recognized securitization gains as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. See Note 17 for additional information.

 
 
 
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NOTE 2. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
Assets and Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale
 

In the third quarter of 2012, we completed the sale of our CLL business in South Korea for proceeds of $168 million.

In the second quarter of 2012, we committed to sell a portion of our Business Properties portfolio (Business Property) in Real Estate, including certain commercial loans, the origination and servicing platforms and the servicing rights on loans previously securitized by GECC. We completed the sale of Business Property on October 1, 2012 for proceeds of $2,406 million. We deconsolidated substantially all Real Estate securitization entities in the fourth quarter of 2012 as servicing rights related to these entities were transferred to the buyer at closing.

Summarized financial information for businesses held for sale is shown below.

December 31 (In millions)
2012
 
2011
   
           
     
Assets
 
           
     
Cash and equivalents
$
74 
 
$
149 
Financing receivables – net
 
47 
   
412 
Property, plant and equipment – net
 
31 
 
 
81 
All other
 
59 
   
69 
Assets of businesses held for sale
$
211 
 
$
711 
           
Liabilities
         
Short-term borrowings
$
138 
 
$
252 
All other
 
19 
 
 
93 
Liabilities of businesses held for sale
$
157 
 
$
345 
           

Discontinued Operations
 
Discontinued operations primarily comprised GE Money Japan (our Japanese personal loan business, Lake, and our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, excluding our investment in GE Nissen Credit Co., Ltd.), our U.S. mortgage business (WMC), BAC Credomatic GECF Inc. (BAC) (our Central American bank and card business), our U.S. recreational vehicle and marine equipment financing business (Consumer RV Marine), Consumer Mexico, Consumer Singapore, our Consumer home lending operations in Australia and New Zealand (Australian Home Lending) and Consumer Ireland. Associated results of operations, financial position and cash flows are separately reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
 
 
 
 
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Summarized financial information for discontinued operations is shown below.

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Operations
               
Total revenues
$
(486)
 
$
329 
 
$
2,060 
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
$
(612)
 
$
(187)
 
$
118 
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
169 
   
91 
   
101 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(443)
 
$
(96)
 
$
219 
                 
Disposal
               
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes
$
(792)
 
$
(329)
 
$
(1,420)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
 
49 
   
351 
   
236 
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes
$
(743)
 
$
22 
 
$
(1,184)
                 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
(1,186)
 
$
(74)
 
$
(965)
                 
         
     
December 31,
 
December 31,
     
2012 
 
2011 
Assets
               
Cash and equivalents
     
$
103 
 
$
121 
Financing receivables - net
       
   
521 
Other
       
1,020 
   
1,027 
Assets of discontinued operations
     
$
1,126 
 
$
1,669 
                 
Liabilities
               
Deferred income taxes
     
$
374 
 
$
207 
Other
       
1,901 
   
1,264 
Liabilities of discontinued operations
     
$
2,275 
 
$
1,471 
                 

Assets at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, primarily comprised cash, financing receivables and a deferred tax asset for a loss carryforward, which expires principally in 2017 and in part in 2019, related to the sale of our GE Money Japan business.

GE Money Japan
 
During the third quarter of 2007, we committed to a plan to sell our Japanese personal loan business, Lake, upon determining that, despite restructuring, Japanese regulatory limits for interest charges on unsecured personal loans did not permit us to earn an acceptable return. During the third quarter of 2008, we completed the sale of GE Money Japan, which included Lake, along with our Japanese mortgage and card businesses, excluding our investment in GE Nissen Credit Co., Ltd. In connection with the sale, we reduced the proceeds from the sale for estimated interest refund claims in excess of the statutory interest rate. Proceeds from the sale were to be increased or decreased based on the actual claims experienced in accordance with loss-sharing terms specified in the sale agreement, with all claims in excess of 258 billion Japanese yen (approximately $3,000 million) remaining our responsibility. The underlying portfolio to which this obligation relates is in runoff and interest rates were capped for all designated accounts by mid-2009. In the third quarter of 2010, we began making reimbursements under this arrangement.
 

 
 
 
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Overall, excess interest refund claims experience has developed unfavorably. We believe that the level of excess interest refund claims has been affected by the challenging global economic conditions over the last few years, in addition to the financial status of other Japanese personal lenders and consumer behavior. In 2010, a large independent personal loan company in Japan filed for bankruptcy, which precipitated a significant amount of publicity surrounding excess interest refund claims in the Japanese marketplace, along with substantial ongoing legal advertising. These factors led to substantial increases in claims in 2010 and early 2011 and significant volatility in claims patterns. We recorded a provision of $630 million during 2012, including $286 million in the fourth quarter, as a result of an excess of claims activity over our previous estimates and revisions to our assumptions about the level of future claim activity. At December 31, 2012, our reserve for these claims was $700 million. In determining reserve levels, we consider analyses of recent and historical claims experience, as well as pending and estimated future refund requests, adjusted for the estimated percentage of customers who present valid requests and associated estimated payments. We determined our reserve assuming the pace of incoming claims will decelerate, that average exposure per claim remains consistent with recent experience, and that we continue to see the impact of loss mitigation efforts. Since our disposition of the business, incoming claims have continued to decline, however, it is highly variable and difficult to predict the pace and pattern of that decline and such assumptions have a significant effect on the total amount of our liability. Holding all other assumptions constant, an adverse change of 20% and 50% in assumed incoming daily claim rate reduction (resulting in an extension of the claim period and higher incoming claims), would result in an increase to our reserve of approximately $75 million and $400 million, respectively. We continue to closely monitor and evaluate claims activity.

Based on the uncertainties discussed above, and considering other environmental factors in Japan, including the runoff status of the underlying book of business, challenging economic conditions, the impact of laws and regulations (including consideration of proposed legislation that could impose a framework for collective legal action proceedings), and the financial status of other local personal lending companies, it is difficult to develop a meaningful estimate of the aggregate possible claims exposure. These uncertainties and factors could have an adverse effect on claims development.

GE Money Japan losses from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $649 million, $238 million and $1,671 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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 as to which there was an early payment default. All claims received by WMC for early payment default have either been resolved or are no longer being pursued.
 
Pending repurchase claims based upon representations and warranties made in connection with loan sales were $5,357 million at December 31, 2012, $705 million at December 31, 2011 and $347 million at December 31, 2010. Pending claims represent those active repurchase claims that identify the specific loans tendered for repurchase and, for each loan, the alleged breach of a representation or warranty. As such, they do not include unspecified repurchase claims, such as the Litigation Claims discussed below. WMC believes that these types of unspecified repurchase claims do not meet the substantive and procedural requirements for tender under the governing agreements or are otherwise invalid. The amounts reported in pending claims reflect the purchase price or unpaid principal balances of the loans 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. Historically, a small percentage of the total loans WMC originated and sold have qualified as “validly tendered,” meaning the loans sold did not satisfy contractual obligations. The volume of claims since the second quarter of 2012 reflects increased industry-wide activity by securitization trustees and investors in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) issued in 2006 and 2007, and, WMC believes, reflect applicable statutes of limitations considerations.
 

 
 
 
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Reserves related to WMC pending claims were $633 million at December 31, 2012, reflecting an increase to reserves in the fourth quarter of 2012 of $25 million due to higher pending claims. The amount of these reserves is based upon pending and estimated future loan repurchase requests and WMC’s historical loss experience on loans tendered for repurchase. Given the significant recent activity in pending claims and related litigation filed in connection with such claims, 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 for pending and estimated future repurchase claims may result in an increase to these reserves. For example, a 50% increase to the estimate of future loan repurchase requests and a 100% increase to the estimated loss rate on loans tendered, would result in an increase to the reserves of approximately $700 million.

WMC is a party to 15 lawsuits involving repurchase claims on loans included in 12 securitizations in which the adverse parties are securitization trustees or parties claiming to act on their behalf, four of which were initiated by WMC. In eight of these lawsuits, the adverse parties allege that WMC is contractually required to repurchase mortgage loans beyond those included in WMC’s previously discussed pending claims at December 31, 2012 (Litigation Claims). These Litigation Claims consist of sampling-based claims in two cases on approximately $900 million of mortgage loans  and, in the other six cases, claims for repurchase or damages based on the alleged failure to provide notice of defective loans, breach of a corporate representation and warranty, and/or non-specific claims for rescissionary damages on approximately $3,100 million of mortgage loans. These claims reflect the purchase price or unpaid principal balances of the loans 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. As noted above, WMC believes that the Litigation Claims are disallowed by the governing agreements and applicable law. As a result, WMC has not included the Litigation Claims in its pending claims or in its estimates of future loan repurchase requests and holds no related reserve as of December 31, 2012.

At this point, WMC is unable to develop a meaningful estimate of reasonably possible loss in connection with the Litigation Claims described above due to a number of factors, including the extent to which courts will agree with the theories supporting the Litigation Claims. Specifically, while several courts in cases not involving WMC have supported some of those theories, other courts have rejected them. In addition, WMC lacks experience resolving such claims, and there are few public industry settlements that may serve as benchmarks to estimate a reasonably possible loss. An adverse court decision allowing plaintiffs to pursue such claims could increase WMC’s exposure in some or all of the 15 lawsuits and result in additional claims and lawsuits. However, WMC believes that it has defenses to all the claims asserted in litigation, including causation and materiality requirements, limitations on remedies for breach of representations and warranties, and the applicable statutes of limitations. 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. It is not possible to predict the outcome or impact of these defenses and other factors, any one of which could materially affect the amount of any loss ultimately incurred by WMC on these claims.

WMC has also received unspecified indemnification demands from depositors/underwriters/sponsors of RMBS in connection with lawsuits brought by RMBS investors to which WMC is not a party. WMC believes that it has strong defenses to these demands.

The reserve estimates reflect judgment, based on currently available information, and a number of assumptions, including economic conditions, claim activity, pending and threatened litigation and indemnification demands, estimated repurchase rates, and other activity in the mortgage industry. Actual losses arising from claims against WMC could exceed the reserve amount if actual claim rates, governmental actions, litigation and indemnification activity, actual repurchase rates or losses WMC incurs on repurchased loans differ from its assumptions. It is difficult to develop a meaningful estimate of aggregate possible claims exposure because of uncertainties surrounding economic conditions, the ability and propensity of mortgage holders to present valid claims, governmental actions, mortgage industry activity, as well as pending and threatened litigation and indemnification demands against WMC.
 
 
WMC revenues (loss) from discontinued operations were $(500) million, $(42) million and $(4) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In total, WMC’s losses from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $337 million, $34 million and $7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
 
 
(74)
 
 

Other
 
In the first quarter of 2012, we announced the planned disposition of Consumer Ireland and classified the business as discontinued operations. We completed the sale in the third quarter of 2012 for proceeds of $227 million. Consumer Ireland revenues from discontinued operations were $7 million, $13 million and $25 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Consumer Ireland losses from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $195 million (including a $121 million loss on disposal), $153 million and $96 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In the second quarter of 2011, we entered into an agreement to sell our Australian Home Lending operations and classified it as discontinued operations. As a result, we recognized an after-tax loss of $148 million in 2011. We completed the sale in the third quarter of 2011 for proceeds of approximately $4,577 million. Australian Home Lending revenues from discontinued operations were $4 million, $250 million and $510 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Australian Home Lending earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $6 million, $(65) million and $70 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an agreement to sell our Consumer Singapore business for $692 million. The sale was completed in the second quarter of 2011 and resulted in the recognition of a gain on disposal, net of taxes, of $319 million. Consumer Singapore revenues from discontinued operations were an insignificant amount, $30 million and $108 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Consumer Singapore earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $2 million, $333 million and $36 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

In 2010, we sold our interest in BAC and recognized an after-tax gain of $780 million. BAC revenues and total earnings from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $983 million and $854 million, respectively, in 2010.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, we entered into agreements to sell our Consumer RV Marine portfolio and Consumer Mexico business. The Consumer RV Marine and Consumer Mexico dispositions were completed during the first quarter and the second quarter of 2011, respectively, for proceeds of $2,365 million and $1,943 million, respectively. Consumer RV Marine revenues from discontinued operations were $1 million, $11 million and $210 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Consumer RV Marine earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were an insignificant amount, $2 million and $(99) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Consumer Mexico revenues from discontinued operations were $2 million, $67 million and $228 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Consumer Mexico earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, were $(12) million, $30 million and $(59) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

NOTE 3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
 
Substantially all of our investment securities are classified as available-for-sale. These comprise mainly investment grade debt securities supporting obligations to annuitants, policyholders and holders of guaranteed investment contracts (GICs) in our run-off insurance operations and Trinity, investment securities at our treasury operations and investments held in our CLL business collateralized by senior secured loans of high-quality, middle-market companies in a variety of industries. We do not have any securities classified as held-to-maturity.
 
 
 
 
(75)
 
 


 
2012 
 
2011 
     
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
                                               
Debt
                                             
   U.S. corporate
$
 20,233 
 
$
 4,201 
 
$
 (302)
 
$
 24,132 
 
$
20,748 
 
$
3,432 
 
$
 (410)
 
$
 23,770 
   State and municipal
 
 4,084 
   
 575 
   
 (113)
   
 4,546 
   
3,027 
   
350 
   
 (143)
   
 3,234 
   Residential
                                             
      mortgage-backed(a)
 
 2,198 
   
 183 
   
 (119)
   
 2,262 
   
2,711 
   
184 
   
 (286)
   
 2,609 
   Commercial
                                             
      mortgage-backed
 
 2,930 
   
 259 
   
 (95)
   
 3,094 
   
2,913 
   
162 
   
 (247)
   
 2,828 
   Asset-backed
 
 5,784 
   
 31 
   
 (77)
   
 5,738 
   
5,102 
   
32 
   
 (164)
   
 4,970 
   Corporate – non-U.S.
 
 2,391 
   
 150 
   
 (126)
   
 2,415 
   
2,414 
   
126 
   
 (207)
   
 2,333 
   Government – non-U.S.
 
 1,617 
   
 149 
   
 (3)
   
 1,763 
   
2,488 
   
129 
   
 (86)
   
 2,531 
   U.S. government and
                                             
       federal agency
 
 3,462 
   
 103 
   
 –
   
 3,565 
   
3,974 
   
84 
   
 - 
   
 4,058 
Retained interests
 
 76 
   
 7 
   
 –
   
 83 
   
25 
   
10 
   
 - 
   
 35 
Equity
                                             
   Available-for-sale
 
 513 
   
 86 
   
 (3)
   
 596 
   
713 
   
75 
   
 (38)
   
 750 
   Trading
 
 245 
   
 –
   
 –
   
 245 
   
 241 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 241 
Total
$
 43,533 
 
$
 5,744 
 
$
 (838)
 
$
 48,439 
 
$
44,356 
 
$
4,584 
 
$
 (1,581)
 
$
 47,359 
                                               
                                               
(a)  
Substantially collateralized by U.S. mortgages. Of our total RMBS portfolio at December 31, 2012, $1,441 million relates to securities issued by government-sponsored entities and $821 million relates 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 increased to $48,439 million at December 31, 2012, from $47,359 million at December 31, 2011, primarily due to the impact of lower interest rates and improved market conditions.

The following tables present the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses of our available-for-sale investment securities.
 
 
 
 
(76)
 
 

 
In loss position for
 
 
Less than 12 months
 
12 months or more
 
     
Gross
   
 
Gross
 
 
Estimated
 
unrealized
 
Estimated
unrealized
 
December 31 (In millions)
fair value
 
losses
(a)
fair value
losses
(a)
                         
2012 
                       
Debt
                       
   U.S. corporate
$
434 
 
$
(7)
 
$
813 
 
$
(295)
 
   State and municipal
 
146 
   
(2)
   
326 
   
(111)
 
   Residential mortgage-backed
 
98 
   
(1)
   
691 
   
(118)
 
   Commercial mortgage-backed
 
37 
   
– 
   
979 
   
(95)
 
   Asset-backed
 
18 
   
(1)
   
658 
   
(76)
 
   Corporate – non-U.S.
 
167 
   
(8)
   
602 
   
(118)
 
   Government – non-U.S.
 
201 
   
(1)
   
37 
   
(2)
 
   U.S. government and federal agency
 
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
 
Retained interests
 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
 
Equity
 
26 
   
(3)
   
– 
   
– 
 
Total
$
1,130 
 
$
(23)
 
$
4,106 
 
$
(815)
 
                         
2011 
                       
Debt
                       
   U.S. corporate
$
1,435 
 
$
(241)
 
$
836 
 
$
(169)
 
   State and municipal
 
87 
   
(1)
   
307 
   
(142)
 
   Residential mortgage-backed
 
219 
   
(9)
   
825 
   
(277)
 
   Commercial mortgage-backed
 
244 
   
(23)
   
1,320 
   
(224)
 
   Asset-backed
 
100 
   
(7)
   
850 
   
(157)
 
   Corporate – non-U.S.
 
330 
   
 (28)
   
607 
   
(179)
 
   Government – non-U.S.
 
906 
   
(5)
   
203 
   
(81)
 
   U.S. government and federal agency
 
502 
   
 –
   
 –
   
 –
 
Retained interests
 
 –
   
 –
   
 –
   
 –
 
Equity
 
440 
   
(38)
   
 –
   
 –
 
Total
$
4,263 
 
$
(352)
 
$
4,948 
 
$
(1,229)
 
                         
                         
(a)  
Includes gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2012 of $(157) million related to securities that had other-than-temporary impairments previously recognized.
 

We regularly review investment securities for impairment using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. 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 these securities before recovery of our amortized cost. We believe that the unrealized loss associated with our equity securities will be recovered within the foreseeable future.

Substantially all of our U.S. corporate debt securities are rated investment grade by the major rating agencies. We evaluate U.S. corporate debt securities based on a variety of factors, 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. In the event a U.S. corporate debt security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, we isolate the credit portion of the impairment by comparing the present value of our expectation of cash flows to the amortized cost of the security. We discount the cash flows using the original effective interest rate of the security.

The vast majority of our RMBS have investment grade credit ratings from the major rating agencies and are in a senior position in the capital structure of the deal. Of our total RMBS at December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $471 million and $515 million, respectively, relate to residential subprime credit, primarily supporting our guaranteed investment contracts. These are collateralized primarily by pools of individual, direct mortgage loans (a majority of which were originated in 2006 and 2005), not other structured products such as collateralized debt obligations. In addition, of the total residential subprime credit exposure at December 31, 2012 and 2011, approximately $219 million and $277 million, respectively, was insured by Monoline insurers (Monolines) on which we continue to place reliance.

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), a majority of which were originated in 2007 and 2006. The vast majority of the securities in our CMBS portfolio have investment grade credit ratings and the vast majority of the securities are in a senior position in the capital structure.

 
 
 
(77)
 
 

Our asset-backed securities (ABS) portfolio is collateralized by senior secured loans of high-quality, middle-market companies in a variety of industries, as well as a variety of diversified pools of assets such as student loans and credit cards. The vast majority of our ABS are in a senior position in the capital structure of the deals. In addition, substantially all of the securities that are below investment grade are in an unrealized gain position.

For ABS and RMBS, we estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit using a discounted cash flow model that considers estimates of cash flows generated from the underlying collateral. Estimates of cash flows consider credit risk, interest rate and prepayment assumptions that incorporate management’s best estimate of key assumptions of the underlying collateral, including default rates, loss severity and prepayment rates. For CMBS, we estimate the portion of loss attributable to credit by evaluating potential losses on each of the underlying loans in the security. Collateral cash flows are considered in the context of our position in the capital structure of the deals. Assumptions can vary widely depending upon the collateral type, geographic concentrations and vintage.

If there has been an adverse change in cash flows for RMBS, management considers credit enhancements such as monoline insurance (which are features of a specific security). In evaluating the overall credit worthiness of the Monoline, we use an analysis that is similar to the approach we use for corporate bonds, including an evaluation of the sufficiency of the Monoline’s cash reserves and capital, ratings activity, whether the Monoline is in default or default appears imminent, and the potential for intervention by an insurance or other regulator.

During 2012, we recorded pre-tax, other-than-temporary impairments of $192 million, of which $140 million was recorded through earnings ($38 million relates to equity securities) and $52 million was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). At January 1, 2012, cumulative impairments recognized in earnings associated with debt securities still held were $558 million. During 2012, we recognized first-time impairments of $27 million and incremental charges on previously impaired securities of $40 million. These amounts included $219 million related to securities that were subsequently sold.

During 2011, we recorded pre-tax, other-than-temporary impairments of $467 million, of which $387 million was recorded through earnings ($81 million relates to equity securities) and $80 million was recorded in AOCI. At January 1, 2011, cumulative impairments recognized in earnings associated with debt securities still held were $332 million. During 2011, we recognized first-time impairments of $58 million and incremental charges on previously impaired securities of $230 million. These amounts included $62 million related to securities that were subsequently sold.

During 2010, we recorded pre-tax, other-than-temporary impairments of $460 million, of which $253 million was recorded through earnings ($35 million relates to equity securities) and $207 million was recorded in AOCI. At January 1, 2010, cumulative impairments recognized in earnings associated with debt securities still held were $172 million. During 2010, we recognized first-time impairments of $164 million and incremental charges on previously impaired securities of $38 million.  These amounts included $41 million related to securities that were subsequently sold.
 
 
 
 
(78)
 
 

Contractual Maturities of our Investment in Available-for-Sale Debt Securities (Excluding Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities)
 

 
Amortized
 
Estimated
(In millions)
cost
 
fair value
           
Due in
         
    2013
$
 1,937 
 
$
 1,960 
    2014-2017
 
 7,167 
   
 7,180 
    2018-2022
 
 4,782 
   
 5,283 
    2023 and later
 
 17,901 
   
 21,998 
           

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

Supplemental information about gross realized gains and losses on available-for-sale investment securities follows.

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Gains
$
177 
 
$
205 
 
$
190 
Losses, including impairments
 
(211)
   
(402)
   
(281)
   Net
$
(34)
 
$
(197)
 
$
(91)
                 

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. In some of our bank subsidiaries, we maintain a certain level of purchases and sales volume principally of non-U.S. government debt securities. In these situations, fair value approximates carrying value for these securities.

Proceeds from investment securities sales and early redemptions by issuers totaled $12,792 million, $15,606 million and $16,221 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, principally from the sales of short-term securities in our bank subsidiaries and treasury operations.

We recognized pre-tax gains (losses) on trading securities of $20 million, $22 million and $(7) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

NOTE 4. FINANCING RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES ON FINANCING RECEIVABLES
 

   
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Loans, net of deferred income(a)
$
241,465 
 
$
256,895 
Investment in financing leases, net of deferred income
 
32,471 
   
38,142 
   
273,936 
   
295,037 
Less allowance for losses
 
(4,985)
   
(6,190)
Financing receivables – net(b)
$
268,951 
 
$
288,847 
           
           
(a)  
Deferred income was $2,182 million and $2,329 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.
 
(b)  
Financing receivables at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 included $750 million and $1,062 million, respectively, relating to loans that had been acquired in a transfer but have been subject to credit deterioration since origination per ASC 310, Receivables.
 

GECC financing receivables include both loans and financing leases. Loans represent transactions in a variety of forms, including revolving charge and credit, mortgages, installment loans, intermediate-term loans and revolving loans secured by business assets. The portfolio includes loans carried at the principal amount on which finance charges are billed periodically, and loans carried at gross book value, which includes finance charges.
 

 
 
 
(79)
 
 

Investment in financing leases consists of direct financing and leveraged leases of aircraft, railroad rolling stock, autos, other transportation equipment, data processing equipment, medical equipment, commercial real estate and other manufacturing, power generation, and commercial equipment and facilities.

For federal income tax purposes, the leveraged leases and the majority of the direct financing leases are leases in which GECC depreciates the leased assets and is taxed upon the accrual of rental income. Certain direct financing leases are loans for federal income tax purposes. For these transactions, GECC is taxed only on the portion of each payment that constitutes interest, unless the interest is tax-exempt (e.g., certain obligations of state governments).

Investment in direct financing and leveraged leases represents net unpaid rentals and estimated unguaranteed residual values of leased equipment, less related deferred income. GECC has no general obligation for principal and interest on notes and other instruments representing third-party participation related to leveraged leases; such notes and other instruments have not been included in liabilities but have been offset against the related rentals receivable. The GECC share of rentals receivable on leveraged leases is subordinate to the share of other participants who also have security interests in the leased equipment. For federal income tax purposes, GECC is entitled to deduct the interest expense accruing on non-recourse financing related to leveraged leases.

Net Investment in Financing Leases
 

 
Total financing leases
 
Direct financing leases(a)
 
Leveraged leases(b)
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
                                   
Total minimum lease payments receivable
$
 36,451 
 
$
44,157 
 
$
 29,416 
 
$
33,667 
 
$
 7,035 
 
$
10,490 
 Less principal and interest on third-party
                                 
    non-recourse debt
 
 (4,662)
   
(6,812)
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 (4,662)
   
(6,812)
Net rentals receivables
 
 31,789 
   
37,345 
   
 29,416 
   
33,667 
   
 2,373 
   
3,678 
Estimated unguaranteed residual value of
                                 
    leased assets
 
 6,346 
   
7,592 
   
 4,272 
   
5,140 
   
 2,074 
   
2,452 
Less deferred income
 
 (5,664)
   
(6,795)
   
 (4,453)
   
(5,219)
   
 (1,211)
   
(1,576)
Investment in financing leases, net of
                                 
    deferred income
 
 32,471 
   
38,142 
   
 29,235 
   
33,588 
   
 3,236 
   
4,554 
Less amounts to arrive at net investment
                                 
      Allowance for losses
 
 (198)
   
(294)
   
 (193)
   
(281)
   
 (5)
   
(13)
      Deferred taxes
 
 (4,506)
   
(6,718)
   
 (2,245)
   
(2,938)
   
 (2,261)
   
(3,780)
Net investment in financing leases
$
 27,767 
 
$
31,130 
 
$
 26,797 
 
$
30,369 
 
$
 970 
 
$
761 
                                   
                                   
(a)
Included $330 million and $413 million of initial direct costs on direct financing leases at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(b)
Included pre-tax income of $81 million and $116 million and income tax of $32 million and $45 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively. Net investment credits recognized on leveraged leases during 2012 and 2011 were insignificant.
 

Contractual Maturities
 

 
Total
 
Net rentals
(In millions)
loans
 
receivable
           
Due in
         
    2013
$
56,668 
 
$
8,700 
    2014
 
22,076 
   
6,633 
    2015
 
19,889 
   
5,235 
    2016
 
18,214 
   
3,751 
    2017
 
17,114 
   
2,234 
    2018 and later
 
48,593 
   
5,236 
   
182,554 
   
31,789 
    Consumer revolving loans
 
58,911 
   
 - 
Total
$
241,465 
 
$
31,789 
           

We expect actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities.
 
 
 
 
(80)
 
 

The following tables provide additional information about our financing receivables and related activity in the allowance for losses for our Commercial, Real Estate and Consumer portfolios.

 
Financing Receivables – net
 

       
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Commercial
         
CLL
         
Americas
$
72,517 
 
$
80,505 
Europe
 
37,035 
   
36,899 
Asia
 
11,401 
   
11,635 
Other
 
605 
   
436 
Total CLL
 
121,558 
   
129,475 
           
Energy Financial Services
 
4,851 
   
5,912 
           
GECAS
 
10,915 
   
11,901 
           
Other
 
486 
   
1,282 
Total Commercial financing receivables
 
137,810 
   
148,570 
           
Real Estate
         
Debt
 
19,746 
   
24,501 
Business Properties(a)
 
1,200 
   
8,248 
Total Real Estate financing receivables
 
20,946 
   
32,749 
           
Consumer
         
Non-U.S. residential mortgages
 
33,451 
   
35,550 
Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
18,546 
   
18,544 
U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
50,853 
   
46,689 
Non-U.S. auto
 
4,260 
   
5,691 
Other
 
8,070 
   
7,244 
Total Consumer financing receivables
 
115,180 
   
113,718 
           
Total financing receivables
 
273,936 
   
295,037 
           
Less allowance for losses
 
(4,985)
   
(6,190)
Total financing receivables – net
$
268,951 
 
$
288,847 
           
           
(a)  
In 2012, we completed the sale of a portion of our Business Properties portfolio.
 

 
 
(81)
 
 

Allowance for Losses on Financing Receivables
 

 
Balance at
 
Provision
             
Balance at
 
January 1,
 
charged to
     
Gross
     
December 31,
(In millions)
2012 
 
operations
 
Other
(a)
write-offs
(b)
Recoveries
(b)
2012 
                                   
Commercial
                                 
CLL
                                 
Americas
$
889 
 
$
109 
 
$
(51)
 
$
(568)
 
$
111 
 
$
490 
Europe
 
400 
   
374 
   
(3)
   
(390)
   
64 
   
445 
Asia
 
157 
   
37 
   
(3)
   
(134)
   
23 
   
80 
Other
 
   
13 
   
(1)
   
(10)
   
– 
   
Total CLL
 
1,450 
   
533 
   
(58)
   
(1,102)
   
198 
   
1,021 
                                   
                                   
Energy Financial Services
 
26 
   
   
– 
   
(24)
   
   
                                   
GECAS
 
17 
   
   
– 
   
(13)
   
– 
   
                                   
Other
 
37 
   
   
(20)
   
(17)
   
   
Total Commercial
 
1,530 
   
542 
   
(78)
   
(1,156)
   
203 
   
1,041 
                                   
Real Estate
                                 
Debt
 
949 
   
29 
   
(6)
   
(703)
   
10 
   
279 
Business Properties(c)
 
140 
   
43 
   
(38)
   
(107)
   
   
41 
Total Real Estate
 
1,089 
   
72 
   
(44)
   
(810)
   
13 
   
320 
                                   
Consumer
                                 
Non-U.S. residential
                                 
   mortgages
 
546 
   
111 
   
   
(261)
   
76 
   
480 
Non-U.S. installment
                                 
   and revolving credit
 
717 
   
350 
   
26 
   
(1,046)
   
576 
   
623 
U.S. installment and
                                 
   revolving credit
 
2,008 
   
2,666 
   
(24)
   
(2,906)
   
538 
   
2,282 
Non-U.S. auto
 
101 
   
18 
   
(4)
   
(146)
   
98 
   
67 
Other
 
199 
   
132 
   
18 
   
(257)
   
80 
   
172 
Total Consumer
 
3,571 
   
3,277 
   
24 
   
(4,616)
   
1,368 
   
3,624 
Total
$
6,190 
 
$
3,891 
 
$
(98)
 
$
(6,582)
 
$
1,584 
 
$
4,985 
                                   
                                   
(a)  
Other primarily included transfers to held-for-sale and the effects of currency exchange.
 
(b)  
Net write-offs (gross write-offs less recoveries) in certain portfolios may exceed the beginning allowance for losses as our revolving credit portfolios turn over more than once per year or, in all portfolios, can reflect 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.
 
(c)  
In 2012, we completed the sale of a portion of our Business Properties portfolio.
 
 
 
 
(82)
 
 


 
Balance at
 
Provision
             
Balance at
 
January 1,
 
charged to
     
Gross
     
December 31,
(In millions)
2011 
 
operations
(a)
Other
(b)
write-offs
(c)
Recoveries
(c)
2011 
                                   
Commercial
                                 
CLL
                                 
Americas
$
1,288 
 
$
281 
 
$
(96)
 
$
(700)
 
$
116 
 
$
889 
Europe
 
429 
   
195 
   
(5)
   
(286)
   
67 
   
400 
Asia
 
222 
   
105 
   
13 
   
(214)
   
31 
   
157 
Other
 
   
   
(3)
   
(2)
   
– 
   
Total CLL
 
1,945 
   
584 
   
(91)
   
(1,202)
   
214 
   
1,450 
                                   
Energy Financial
                                 
   Services
 
22 
   
 –
   
(1)
   
(4)
   
   
26 
                                   
GECAS
 
20 
   
 –
   
 –
   
(3)
   
 –
   
17 
                                   
Other
 
58 
   
23 
   
– 
   
(47)
   
   
37 
Total Commercial
 
2,045 
   
607 
   
(92)
   
(1,256)
   
226 
   
1,530 
                                   
Real Estate
                                 
Debt
 
1,292 
   
242 
   
   
(603)
   
16 
   
949 
Business Properties
 
196 
   
82 
   
 –
   
(144)
   
   
140 
Total Real Estate
 
1,488 
   
324 
   
   
(747)
   
22 
   
1,089 
                                   
Consumer
                                 
Non-U.S. residential
                                 
   mortgages
 
689 
   
117 
   
(13)
   
(296)
   
49 
   
546 
Non-U.S. installment
                                 
   and revolving credit
 
937 
   
490 
   
(30)
   
(1,257)
   
577 
   
717 
U.S. installment and
                                 
   revolving credit
 
2,333 
   
2,241 
   
   
(3,095)
   
528 
   
2,008 
Non-U.S. auto
 
168 
   
30 
   
(4)
   
(216)
   
123 
   
101 
Other
 
259 
   
142 
   
(20)
   
(272)
   
90 
   
199 
Total Consumer
 
4,386 
   
3,020 
   
(66)
   
(5,136)
   
1,367 
   
3,571 
Total
$
7,919 
 
$
3,951 
 
$
(156)
 
$
(7,139)
 
$
1,615 
 
$
6,190 
                                   
                                   
(a)  
Included a provision of $77 million at Consumer related to the July 1, 2011 adoption of ASU 2011-02.
 
(b)  
Other primarily included transfers to held-for-sale and the effects of currency exchange.
 
(c)  
Net write-offs (gross write-offs less recoveries) in certain portfolios may exceed the beginning allowance for losses as our revolving credit portfolios turn over more than once per year or, in all portfolios, can reflect 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.
 
 
 
 
(83)
 
 


 
Balance at
 
Provision
             
Balance at
 
January 1,
 
charged to
     
Gross
     
December 31,
(In millions)
2010(a)
 
operations
 
Other
(b)
write-offs
(c)
Recoveries
(c)
2010 
                                   
Commercial
                                 
CLL
                                 
Americas
$
1,246 
 
$
1,059 
 
$
(11)
 
$
(1,136)
 
$
130 
 
$
1,288 
Europe
 
575 
   
269 
   
(37)
   
(440)
   
62 
   
429 
Asia
 
234 
   
153 
   
(6)
   
(181)
   
22 
   
222 
Other
 
10 
   
(2)
   
(1)
   
(1)
   
– 
   
Total CLL
 
2,065 
   
1,479 
   
(55)
   
(1,758)
   
214 
   
1,945 
                                   
                                   
Energy Financial Services
 
28 
   
65 
   
– 
   
(72)
   
   
22 
                                   
GECAS
 
104 
   
12 
   
– 
   
(96)
   
– 
   
20 
                                   
Other
 
34 
   
33 
   
– 
   
(9)
   
– 
   
58 
Total Commercial
 
2,231 
   
1,589 
   
(55)
   
(1,935)
   
215 
   
2,045 
                                   
Real Estate
                                 
Debt
 
1,355 
   
764 
   
10 
   
(838)
   
   
1,292 
Business Properties
 
181 
   
146 
   
(8)
   
(126)
   
   
196 
Total Real Estate
 
1,536 
   
910 
   
   
(964)
   
   
1,488 
                                   
Consumer
                                 
Non-U.S. residential
                                 
   mortgages
 
825 
   
165 
   
(38)
   
(338)
   
75 
   
689 
Non-U.S. installment
                                 
   and revolving credit
 
1,106 
   
1,047 
   
(68)
   
(1,733)
   
585 
   
937 
U.S. installment and
                                 
   revolving credit
 
3,153 
   
3,018 
   
(6)
   
(4,300)
   
468 
   
2,333 
Non-U.S. auto
 
292 
   
91 
   
(61)
   
(313)
   
159 
   
168 
Other
 
292 
   
265 
   
   
(394)
   
91 
   
259 
Total Consumer
 
5,668 
   
4,586 
   
(168)
   
(7,078)
   
1,378 
   
4,386 
Total
$
9,435 
 
$
7,085 
 
$
(221)
 
$
(9,977)
 
$
1,597 
 
$
7,919 
                                   
                                   
(a)  
Reflects the effects of our adoption of ASU 2009-16 & 17 on January 1, 2010.
 
(b)  
Other primarily included the effects of currency exchange.
 
(c)  
Net write-offs (gross write-offs less recoveries) in certain portfolios may exceed the beginning allowance for losses as our revolving credit portfolios turn over more than once per year or, in all portfolios, can reflect 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.
 
 
See Note 16 for supplemental information about the credit quality of financing receivables and allowance for losses on financing receivables.
 
 
 
 
(84)
 
 
  
NOTE 5. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 

 
Depreciable
       
 
lives-new
       
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
(in years)
 
2012 
 
2011 
                 
Original cost(b)
               
Land and improvements, buildings, structures and
               
    related equipment
 
1-36
(a)
$
 2,624 
 
$
 3,110 
Equipment leased to others
               
    Aircraft
 
19-21
   
 49,954 
   
 46,240 
    Vehicles
 
1-28
   
 17,574 
   
 15,278 
    Railroad rolling stock
 
4-50
   
 4,210 
   
 4,324 
    Construction and manufacturing
 
1-30
   
 3,055 
   
 2,644 
    All other
 
3-27
   
 3,427 
   
 3,438 
Total
     
$
 80,844 
 
$
 75,034 
                 
Net carrying value(b)
               
Land and improvements, buildings, structures and
               
    related equipment
     
$
 1,074 
 
$
 1,499 
Equipment leased to others
               
    Aircraft(c)
       
 36,231 
   
 34,271 
    Vehicles
       
 9,263 
   
 8,772 
    Railroad rolling stock
       
 2,746 
   
 2,853 
    Construction and manufacturing
       
 2,069 
   
 1,670 
    All other
       
 2,290 
   
 2,354 
Total
     
$
 53,673 
 
$
 51,419 
                 
                 
(a)  
Depreciable lives exclude land.
 
(b)  
Included $1,467 million and $1,570 million of original cost of assets leased to GE with accumulated amortization of $452 million and $445 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(c)  
GECAS recognized impairment losses of $242 million in 2012 and $301 million in 2011 recorded in the caption “Depreciation and amortization” in the Statement of Earnings to reflect adjustments to fair value based on an evaluation of average current market values (obtained from third parties) of similar type and age aircraft, which are adjusted for the attributes of the specific aircraft under lease.
 

Amortization of equipment leased to others was $6,243 million, $6,253 million and $6,786 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Noncancellable future rentals due from customers for equipment on operating leases at December 31, 2012, are as follows:

(In millions)
   
     
Due in
   
    2013
$
7,507 
    2014
 
6,168 
    2015
 
4,946 
    2016
 
3,863 
    2017
 
3,000 
    2018 and later
 
8,286 
Total
$
33,770 
     
 
 
 
 
(85)
 
 

NOTE 6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
 
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Goodwill
$
 27,304 
 
$
27,230 
           
Other intangible assets
         
    Intangible assets subject to amortization
$
 1,294 
 
$
1,546 
           

Changes in goodwill balances follow.

 
2012 
 
2011 
           
Dispositions,
               
Dispositions,
   
           
currency
                 
currency
   
 
Balance at
   
exchange
 
Balance at
Balance at
     
exchange
 
Balance at
(In millions)
January 1
 
Acquisitions
 
and other
 
December 31
 
January 1
 
Acquisitions
 
and other
 
December 31
                                               
CLL
$
13,745 
 
$
– 
 
$
(19)
 
$
13,726 
 
$
13,893 
 
$
 
$
(154)
 
$
13,745 
Consumer
 
10,775 
   
– 
   
168 
   
10,943 
   
10,817 
   
– 
   
(42)
   
10,775 
Real Estate
 
1,001 
   
– 
   
(75)
   
926 
   
1,089 
   
– 
   
(88)
   
1,001 
Energy Financial Services
 
1,562 
   
– 
   
– 
   
1,562 
   
1,562 
   
– 
   
– 
   
1,562 
GECAS
 
147 
   
– 
   
– 
   
147 
   
147 
   
– 
   
– 
   
147 
Total
$
27,230 
 
$
– 
 
$
74 
 
$
27,304 
 
$
27,508 
 
$
 
$
(284)
 
$
27,230 
                                               

Upon closing an acquisition, we estimate the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired and consolidate the acquisition as quickly as possible. Given the time it takes to obtain pertinent information to finalize the acquired company’s balance sheet, then to adjust the acquired company’s accounting policies, procedures, and books and records to our standards, it is often several quarters before we are able to finalize those initial fair value estimates. Accordingly, it is not uncommon for our initial estimates to be subsequently revised.

Goodwill balances increased $74 million in 2012, primarily as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar ($180 million), partially offset by dispositions ($107 million). Our reporting units and related goodwill balances are CLL ($13,726 million), Consumer ($10,943 million), Real Estate ($926 million), Energy Financial Services ($1,562 million) and GECAS ($147 million) at December 31, 2012.

Goodwill balances decreased $278 million in 2011, primarily as a result of dispositions ($216 million) and the stronger U.S. dollar ($89 million).

We test goodwill for impairment annually and more frequently if circumstances warrant. We determine fair values for each of the reporting units using an income approach. When available and appropriate, we use comparative market multiples to corroborate discounted cash flow results. For purposes of 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 11.0% to 12.75%. Valuations using the market approach reflect prices and other relevant observable information generated by market transactions involving comparable businesses.

 
 
 
(86)
 
 

Compared to the market approach, the income approach more closely aligns each reporting unit valuation to our business profile, including geographic markets served and product offerings. Required rates of return, along with uncertainty inherent in the forecasts of future cash flows, are reflected in the selection of the discount rate. Equally important, under this approach, reasonably likely scenarios and associated sensitivities can be developed for alternative future states that may not be reflected in an observable market price. A market approach allows for comparison to actual market transactions and multiples. It can be somewhat more limited in its application because the population of potential comparables is often limited to publicly traded companies where the characteristics of the comparative business and ours can be significantly different, market data is usually not available for divisions within larger conglomerates or non-public subsidiaries that could otherwise qualify as comparable, and the specific circumstances surrounding a market transaction (e.g., synergies between the parties, terms and conditions of the transaction, etc.) may be different or irrelevant with respect to our business. It can also be difficult, under certain market conditions, to identify orderly transactions between market participants in similar businesses. We assess the valuation methodology based upon the relevance and availability of the data at the time we perform the valuation and weight the methodologies appropriately.

We performed our annual impairment test of goodwill for all of our reporting units in the third quarter using data as of July 1, 2012. The impairment test consists of two steps: in step one, the carrying value (including goodwill) of the reporting unit is compared with its fair value, as if it were being acquired in a business combination; in step two, which is applied when the carrying value (including goodwill) of the reporting unit 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 (net assets) as determined in step one to derive the implied fair value of goodwill, and then comparing that implied amount with the carrying amount of goodwill. In performing the valuations, we used cash flows that reflected management’s forecasts and discount rates that included risk adjustments consistent with the current market conditions. Based on the results of our step one testing, the fair values of each of the CLL, Consumer, Energy Financial Services and GECAS reporting units exceeded their carrying values; therefore, the second step of the impairment test was not required to be performed and no goodwill impairment was recognized.

Our Real Estate reporting unit had a goodwill balance of $926 million at December 31, 2012. As of July 1, 2012, the carrying amount exceeded the estimated fair value of our Real Estate reporting unit by approximately $1.8 billion. The estimated fair value of the Real Estate reporting unit is based on a number of assumptions about future business performance and investment, including loss estimates for the existing finance receivable and investment portfolio, new debt origination volume and margins, and stabilization of the real estate market allowing for sales of real estate investments at normalized margins. Our assumed discount rate was 11% and was derived by applying a capital asset pricing model and corroborated using equity analyst research reports and implied cost of equity based on forecasted price to earnings per share multiples for similar companies. Given the volatility and uncertainty in the current commercial real estate environment, there is uncertainty about a number of assumptions upon which the estimated fair value is based. Different loss estimates for the existing portfolio, changes in the new debt origination volume and margin assumptions, changes in the expected pace of the commercial real estate market recovery, or changes in the equity return expectation of market participants may result in changes in the estimated fair value of the Real Estate reporting unit.

Based on the results of the step one testing, we performed the second step of the impairment test described above as of July 1, 2012. Based on the results of the second step analysis for the Real Estate reporting unit, the estimated implied fair value of goodwill exceeded the carrying value of goodwill by approximately $1.7 billion. Accordingly, no goodwill impairment was required. In the second step, unrealized losses are reflected in the fair values of an entity’s assets and have the effect of reducing or eliminating the potential goodwill impairment identified in step one. The results of the second step analysis were attributable to several factors. The primary drivers were the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of our Real Estate Equity Investments, which approximated $2.6 billion at that time, and the fair value premium on the Real Estate reporting unit allocated debt. The results of the second step analysis are highly sensitive to these measurements, as well as the key assumptions used in determining the estimated fair value of the Real Estate reporting unit.

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. If current conditions persist longer or deteriorate further than expected, it is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates described above could change in future periods.
 

 
 
(87)
 
 

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
 

 
2012 
 
2011 
 
Gross
         
Gross
       
 
carrying
 
Accumulated
     
carrying
 
Accumulated
   
December 31 (In millions)
amount
 
amortization
 
Net
 
amount
 
amortization
 
Net
                                   
                                   
Customer-related
$
 1,227 
 
$
 (808)
 
$
 419 
 
$
 1,186 
 
$
 (697)
 
$
 489 
Patents, licenses and trademarks
 
 191 
   
 (160)
   
 31 
   
 250 
   
 (208)
   
 42 
Capitalized software
 
 2,126 
   
 (1,681)
   
 445 
   
 2,048 
   
 (1,597)
   
 451 
Lease valuations
 
 1,163 
   
 (792)
   
 371 
   
 1,470 
   
 (944)
   
 526 
Present value of future profits (a)
 
 530 
   
 (530)
   
 - 
   
 491 
   
 (491)
   
 - 
All other
 
 283 
   
 (255)
   
 28 
   
 327 
   
 (289)
   
 38 
Total
$
 5,520 
 
$
 (4,226)
 
$
 1,294 
 
$
 5,772 
 
$
 (4,226)
 
$
 1,546 
                                   

(a)  
Balances at December 31, 2012 and 2011 reflect adjustments of $353 million and $391 million, respectively, to the present value of future profits 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 in accordance with ASC 320-10-S99-2.

During 2012, we recorded additions to intangible assets subject to amortization of $182 million. The components of finite-lived intangible assets acquired during 2012 and their respective weighted-average amortizable period are: $143 million – Capitalized software (4.2 years); $33 million – Customer-related (7.0 years); and $6 million – All other (6.7 years).

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $450 million, $566 million and $653 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is recorded in the caption “Operating and administrative” in the Statement of Earnings. We estimate annual pre-tax amortization for intangible assets over the next five calendar years to be as follows: 2013 – $420 million; 2014 – $299 million; 2015 – $231 million; 2016 – $176 million; and 2017 – $124 million.
 
 
 
 
(88)
 
 
  
NOTE 7. OTHER ASSETS
 

December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Investments
         
    Real estate(a)(b)
$
25,154 
 
$
28,255 
    Associated companies
 
19,119 
   
23,589 
    Assets held for sale(c)
 
4,205 
   
4,525 
    Cost method(b)
 
1,665 
   
1,882 
    Other
 
1,446 
   
1,722 
   
51,589 
   
59,973 
           
Derivative instruments
 
3,557 
   
9,671 
Advances to suppliers
 
1,813 
   
1,560 
Deferred borrowing costs(d)
 
940 
   
1,327 
Deferred acquisition costs(e)
 
46 
   
55 
Other
 
4,272 
   
3,026 
Total
$
62,217 
 
$
75,612 
           
           
(a)  
Our investment in real estate consisted principally of two categories: real estate held for investment and equity method investments. Both categories contained a wide range of properties including the following at December 31, 2012: office buildings (48%), apartment buildings (14%), retail facilities (9%), franchise properties (9%), industrial properties (8%) and other (12%). At December 31, 2012, investments were located in the Americas (45%), Europe (28%) and Asia (27%).
 
(b)  
The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months at December 31, 2012, were $142 million and $37 million, respectively. The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for 12 months or more at December 31, 2012, were $2 million and an insignificant amount, respectively. The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for less than 12 months at December 31, 2011, were $425 million and $61 million, respectively. The fair value of and unrealized loss on cost method investments in a continuous loss position for 12 months or more at December 31, 2011, were $65 million and $3 million, respectively.
 
(c)  
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, 2012 and 2011, such assets consisted primarily of loans, aircraft, equipment and real estate properties, and were accounted for at the lower of carrying amount or estimated fair value less costs to sell. These amounts are net of valuation allowances of $200 million and $122 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(d)  
Included $329 million at December 31, 2011 of unamortized fees related to our participation in the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). At December 31, 2012, our debt under TLGP was fully repaid.
 
(e)  
Balances at December 31, 2012 and 2011 reflect adjustments of $764 million and $810 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 in accordance with ASC 320-10-S99-2.
 
 
 
 
(89)
 
 
  
NOTE 8. BORROWINGS AND BANK DEPOSITS
 
 
                         
Short-term Borrowings
   
2012 
 
2011 
 
           
Average
       
Average
 
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
   
Amount
 
rate(a)
 
Amount
 
rate(a)
 
                         
Commercial paper
                       
       U.S.
   
$
33,686 
 
0.22 
%
$
33,591 
 
0.23 
%
       Non-U.S.
     
9,370 
 
0.92 
   
10,569 
 
1.67 
 
Current portion of long-term
                       
       borrowings(b)(c)(d)(e)
     
44,264 
 
2.85 
   
82,650 
 
2.72 
 
GE Interest Plus notes(f)
     
8,189 
 
1.20 
   
8,474 
 
1.32 
 
Other(d)
     
431 
       
1,049 
     
Total short-term borrowings
   
$
95,940 
     
$
136,333 
     
                         
                         
Long-term Borrowings
   
2012 
 
2011 
 
           
Average
       
Average
 
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
Maturities
   
Amount
 
rate(a)
   
Amount
 
rate(a)
 
                         
Senior unsecured notes(c)
2014-2055
 
$
199,646 
 
2.95 
%
$
210,154 
 
3.49 
%
Subordinated notes(e)
2014-2037
   
4,965 
 
2.92 
   
4,862 
 
3.42 
 
Subordinated debentures(g)(h)
2066-2067
   
7,286 
 
5.78 
   
7,215 
 
6.66 
 
Other(d)
     
12,879 
       
12,160 
     
Total long-term borrowings
   
$
224,776 
     
$
234,391 
     
                         
Non-recourse borrowings of consolidated
                       
   securitization entities (i)
2013-2019
 
$
30,123 
 
1.12 
 
$
29,258 
 
1.40 
 
                         
Bank deposits(j)
   
$
46,461 
     
$
43,115 
     
                         
Total borrowings and bank deposits
   
$
397,300 
     
$
443,097 
     
                         
                         
(a)  
Based on year-end balances and year-end local currency effective interest rates, including the effects from hedging.
 
(b)  
GECC had issued and outstanding $35,040 million of senior, unsecured debt that was guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program at December 31, 2011. No such debt was outstanding at December 31, 2012.
 
(c)  
Included in total long-term borrowings were $604 million and $1,845 million of obligations to holders of GICs at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These obligations included conditions under which certain GIC holders could require immediate repayment of their investment should the long-term credit ratings of GECC fall below AA-/Aa3. Following the April 3, 2012 Moody’s downgrade of GECC’s long-term credit rating to A1, substantially all of these GICs became redeemable by their holders. In 2012, holders of $386 million in principal amount of GICs redeemed their holdings and GECC made related cash payments. 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 GECC’s ratings, among other things.
 
(d)  
Included $9,757 million and $8,538 million of funding secured by real estate, aircraft and other collateral at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of which $3,294 million and $2,983 million is non-recourse to GECC at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(e)  
Included $300 million and $417 million of subordinated notes guaranteed by GE at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of which $117 million was included in current portion of long-term borrowings at December 31, 2011.
 
(f)  
Entirely variable denomination floating-rate demand notes.
 
(g)  
Subordinated debentures receive rating agency equity credit and were hedged at issuance to the U.S. dollar equivalent of $7,725 million.
 
(h)  
Includes $2,889 million of subordinated debentures, which constitute the sole assets of wholly-owned trusts who have issued trust preferred securities. Obligations associated with these trusts are unconditionally guaranteed by GECC.
 
(i)  
Included at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $9,095 million and $10,714 million of current portion of long-term borrowings, respectively, and $21,028 million and $18,544 million of long-term borrowings, respectively. See Note 17.
 
(j)  
Included $16,157 million and $16,281 million of deposits in non-U.S. banks at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $17,291 million and $17,201 million of certificates of deposits with maturities greater than one year at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
 
 
(90)
 
 

Additional information about borrowings and associated swaps can be found in Note 15.

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

                             
(In millions)
2013 
 
2014 
 
2015 
 
2016 
 
2017 
                             
 
$
44,264 
(a)
$
38,783 
 
$
36,252 
 
$
23,047 
 
$
24,775 
                             
                             
(a)
Fixed and floating rate notes of $914 million contain put options with exercise dates in 2013, and which have final maturity beyond 2017.
 

Committed credit lines totaling $48.2 billion had been extended to us by 51 banks at year-end 2012. GECC can borrow up to $48.2 billion under all of these credit lines. GE can borrow up to $12.0 billion under certain of these credit lines. Our lines include $30.3 billion of revolving credit agreements under which we can borrow funds for periods exceeding one year. Additionally, $17.9 billion are 364-day lines that contain a term-out feature that allows us to extend the borrowings for one or two years from the date of expiration of the lending agreement.

NOTE 9. 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 and holders of guaranteed investment contracts.

December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Investment contracts
$
3,321 
 
$
3,493 
Guaranteed investment contracts
 
1,644 
   
4,226 
    Total investment contracts
 
4,965 
   
7,719 
Life insurance benefits(a)
 
20,427 
   
19,257 
Other(b)
 
3,304 
   
3,222 
Total
$
28,696 
 
$
30,198 
           
           
(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 2012 and 2011.
 
(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 receivables” on our Statement of Financial Position, and amounted to $1,542 million and $1,411 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, 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 $234 million, $224 million and $174 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
 
 
(91)
 
 

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Current tax expense (benefit)
$
1,368 
 
$
775 
 
$
(2,292)
Deferred tax expense (benefit) from temporary differences
 
(877)
   
124 
   
1,307 
Total
$
491 
 
$
899 
 
$
(985)
                 

GE and GECC file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return. The provision for current tax expense includes our effect on the consolidated return. Our effect on the consolidated liability is generally settled in cash as GE tax payments are due. The effect of GECC on the amount of the consolidated tax liability from the formation of the NBC Universal joint venture will be settled in cash no later than when GECC tax deductions and credits otherwise would have reduced the liability of the group absent the tax on formation.

U.S. earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes were $4,618 million and $3,111 million in 2012 and 2011 and $(174) million in 2010. The corresponding amounts for non-U.S.-based operations were $3,337 million in 2012, $4,499 million in 2011 and $2,325 million in 2010.

Current tax expense (benefit) includes amounts applicable to U.S. federal income taxes of $(40) million, $(2,104) million and $(3,760) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the benefit from our deductions and credits applied against GE’s current U.S. tax expense. Current tax expense amounts applicable to non-U.S. jurisdictions were $1,460 million, $3,032 million and $1,589 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Deferred taxes related to U.S. federal income taxes were an expense of $30 million, $1,613 million and $2,099 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and amounts applicable to non-U.S. jurisdictions of a benefit of $(834) million, $(1,620) million and $(913) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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.

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. For example, GE’s effective tax rate is reduced because active business income earned and indefinitely reinvested outside the United States is taxed at less than the U.S. rate. A significant portion of this reduction depends upon a provision of U.S. tax law that defers the imposition of U.S. tax on certain active financial services income until that income is repatriated to the United States as a dividend. This provision is consistent with international tax norms and permits U.S. financial services companies to compete more effectively with foreign banks and other foreign financial institutions in global markets. This provision, which had expired at the end of 2011, was reinstated in January 2013 retroactively for two years through the end of 2013. The provision had been scheduled to expire and had been extended by Congress on six previous occasions, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to be extended. In the event the provision is not extended after 2013, the current U.S. tax imposed on active financial services income earned outside the United States would increase, making it more difficult for U.S. financial services companies to compete in global markets. If this provision is not extended, we expect our effective tax rate to increase significantly after 2014.

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, 2012 and December 31, 2011, were approximately $72 billion and $68 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.

 
 
 
(92)
 
 

Annually, GE files over 5,900 income tax returns in over 250 global taxing jurisdictions a substantial portion of which includes our activities. We are under examination or engaged in tax litigation in many of these jurisdictions. During 2011, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed the audit of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2006-2007, except for certain issues that remain under examination. During 2010, the IRS completed the audit of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2003-2005. At December 31, 2012, the IRS was auditing our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2008-2009. 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 expect to contest 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 2006-2007, reduced our 2011 consolidated income tax rate by 3.0 percentage points. Resolution of audit matters, including the IRS audit of our consolidated U.S. income tax returns for 2003-2005, reduced our 2010 consolidated effective tax rate by 12.8 percentage points.

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:

December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Unrecognized tax benefits
$
3,106 
 
$
2,932 
   Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(a)
 
2,253 
   
2,209 
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits
 
559 
   
579 
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits
 
101 
   
65 
Reasonably possible reduction to the balance of unrecognized
         
   tax benefits in succeeding 12 months
 
0-400
   
0-600
   Portion that, if recognized, would reduce tax expense and effective tax rate(a)
 
0-350
   
0-150
           
           
(a)  
Some portion of such reduction might be reported as discontinued operations.
 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Balance at January 1
$
2,932 
 
$
3,904 
Additions for tax positions of the current year
 
181 
   
124 
Reductions for tax positions of the current year
 
(9)
   
(13)
Additions for tax positions of prior years
 
522 
   
423 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
 
(377)
   
(1,471)
Settlements with tax authorities
 
(141)
   
(30)
Expiration of the statute of limitations
 
(2)
   
(5)
Balance at December 31
$
3,106 
 
$
2,932 
           
           
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, 2012, 2011 and 2010, $(20) million, $(254) million and  $(86) million of interest expense (income), respectively, and $22 million, $(8) million and $0 million of tax expense (income) related to penalties, respectively,  were recognized in the Statement of Earnings.
 
 
 
 
(93)
 
 

A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the actual income tax rate is provided below.

Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Actual Income Tax Rate
 

 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
                   
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
 
 35.0 
%
 
 35.0 
%
 
 35.0 
%
Increase (reduction) in rate resulting from
                 
    Tax on global activities including exports
 
 (18.9)
   
 (15.0)
   
 (54.8)
 
    U.S. business credits(a)
 
 (4.3)
   
 (4.7)
   
 (13.5)
 
Business Property disposition
 
 (4.2)
   
 - 
   
 - 
 
    All other - net
 
 (1.4)
   
 (3.5)
   
 (12.5)
 
   
 (28.8)
   
 (23.2)
   
 (80.8)
 
Actual income tax rate
 
 6.2 
%
 
 11.8 
%
 
 (45.8)
%
                   
                   
(a)  
U.S. general business credits, primarily the credit for energy produced from renewable sources, the advanced energy project credit and the low-income housing credit.
 

Deferred Income Taxes
 
Principal components of our net liability (asset) representing deferred income tax balances are as follows:

December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Assets
         
Allowance for losses
$
 (1,964)
 
$
 (2,949)
Non-U.S. loss carryforwards(a)
 
 (3,115)
   
 (2,861)
Investment in global subsidiaries
 
 (1,451)
   
 - 
Net unrealized losses on securities
 
 - 
   
 (64)
Cash flow hedges
 
 - 
   
 (104)
Other - net
 
 (5,655)
   
 (4,941)
Total deferred income tax assets
 
 (12,185)
   
 (10,919)
           
Liabilities
         
Financing leases
 
 4,506 
   
 6,718 
Operating leases
 
 5,939 
   
 5,030 
Intangible assets
 
 1,657 
   
 1,689 
Investment in global subsidiaries
 
 - 
   
 85 
Net unrealized gains on securities
 
 321 
   
 - 
Cash flow hedges
 
 119 
   
 - 
Other - net
 
 5,514 
   
 4,449 
Total deferred income tax liabilities
 
 18,056 
   
 17,971 
           
Net deferred income tax liability
$
 5,871 
 
$
 7,052 
           
           
(a)
Net of valuation allowances of $628 million and $613 million for 2012 and 2011, respectively. Of the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2012, of $3,115 million, $76 million relates to net operating loss carryforwards that expire in various years ending from December 31, 2013, through December 31, 2015; $178 million relates to net operating losses that expire in various years ending from December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2027 and $2,861 million relates to net operating loss carryforwards that may be carried forward indefinitely.
 

 
 
(94)
 
 

NOTE 11. SHAREOWNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Preferred stock issued
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
                 
Common stock issued
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
               
Balance at January 1(a)
$
(2,096)
 
$
(3,711)
 
$
(1,532)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
 
800 
   
76 
   
(3,306)
Reclassifications from other comprehensive income
 
356 
   
1,539 
   
1,127 
Other comprehensive income, net, attributable to GECC
 
1,156 
   
1,615 
   
(2,179)
Balance at December 31
$
(940)
 
$
(2,096)
 
$
(3,711)
                 
Additional paid-in capital
               
Balance at January 1
$
27,628 
 
$
27,627 
 
$
27,592 
Contributions and other
 
3,958 
   
   
35 
Balance at December 31
$
31,586 
 
$
27,628 
 
$
27,627 
                 
Retained earnings
               
Balance at January 1(b)
$
51,578 
 
$
45,068 
 
$
42,863 
Net earnings
 
6,215 
   
6,510 
   
2,155 
Dividends and other(c)
 
(6,549)
   
– 
   
50 
Balance at December 31
$
51,244 
 
$
51,578 
 
$
45,068 
                 
Total equity
               
GECC shareowners' equity balance at December 31
$
81,890 
 
$
77,110 
 
$
68,984 
Noncontrolling interests balance at December 31
 
707 
   
690 
   
1,164 
Total equity balance at December 31
$
82,597 
 
$
77,800 
 
$
70,148 
                 
                 
(a)  
The 2010 opening balance was adjusted as of January 1, 2010, for the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles of $265 million related to the adoption of ASU 2009-16 & 17.
 
(b)  
The 2010 opening balance was adjusted as of January 1, 2010, for the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles of $1,645 million related to the adoption of ASU 2009-16 & 17.
 
(c)  
Included the effects of accretion of redeemable securities to their redemption value of $38 million in 2010.
 
At December 31, 2011, all of our outstanding common stock was owned by our former parent, GECS, however, upon the completion of the merger, (i) all outstanding shares of GECC common stock were cancelled, (ii) all outstanding shares of common stock of GECS and all outstanding shares of preferred stock of GECS held by GE were converted into an aggregate of 1,000 shares of common stock of GECC and (iii) all treasury shares of GECS and all outstanding shares of preferred stock of GECS held by GECC were cancelled. As a result, GECC, which previously has been an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of GE, became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GE. See Note 1. 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.

During 2012, we issued 40,000 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $0.01 par value for proceeds of $3,960 million. Of these shares, 22,500 bear an initial fixed interest rate of 7.125% through June 12, 2022, bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 5.296% thereafter and are callable on June 15, 2022 and 17,500 shares bear an initial fixed interest rate of 6.25% through December 15, 2022, bear a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 4.704% thereafter and are callable on December 15, 2022. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable semi-annually with the first payment made in December 2012. During 2012, we paid preferred stock dividends of $123 million.

During 2012, we paid dividends of $1,926 million and special dividends of $4,500 million to GE. No dividends were paid during 2011 or 2010.
 
 
 
 
(95)
 
 
 
Activities of our financial services consolidated affiliates include lending, leasing and other traditional financial services transactions and relate to approximately $166.8 billion of our total assets. These consolidated affiliates may be subject to regulation by various national authorities including banking, financial services and insurance regulators, and are restricted from remitting certain funds to us in the form of dividends or loans. However, such funds are available for use by these affiliates, without restriction, to repay borrowings, to fund new loans, or for other normal business purposes. Our regulated bank subsidiaries are also subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements and we have also committed to maintain the total capital level for our run-off insurance operations at 300% of the regulatory minimum required level. In February 2012, we contributed cash of $0.8 billion to these operations. At December 31, 2012, restricted net assets of our financial services consolidated affiliates were approximately $19.9 billion.

At both December 31, 2012 and 2011, the aggregate statutory capital and surplus of the insurance activities totaled $1.6 billion. Accounting practices prescribed by statutory authorities are used in preparing statutory statements.

Accumulated other comprehensive income

(In millions)
 
2012 
   
2011 
   
2010 
 
               
Investment securities
               
Balance at January 1
$
(33)
 
$
(639)
 
$
(653)
OCI before reclassifications – net of deferred taxes of $386, $341 and $72(a)
 
685 
   
575 
   
(45)
Reclassifications from OCI – net of deferred taxes of $12, $1 and $32
 
22 
   
31 
   
59 
Other comprehensive income(b)
 
707 
   
606 
   
14 
Less: OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
   
– 
   
– 
Balance at December 31
$
673 
 
$
(33)
 
$
(639)
                 
Currency translation adjustments
               
Balance at January 1
$
(399)
 
$
(1,411)
 
$
1,324 
OCI before reclassifications –net of deferred taxes of $(261), $(705) and $2,165
 
411 
   
603 
   
(2,787)
Reclassifications from OCI – net of deferred taxes of $55, $357 and $22
 
(131)
   
381 
   
58 
Other comprehensive income(b)
 
280 
   
984 
   
(2,729)
Less: OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
12 
   
(28)
   
Balance at December 31
$
(131)
 
$
(399)
 
$
(1,411)
                 
Cash flow hedges
               
Balance at January 1
$
(1,101)
 
$
(1,281)
 
$
(1,769)
OCI before reclassifications – net of deferred taxes of $203, $248 and $(498)
 
(78)
   
(910)
   
(437)
Reclassifications from OCI – net of deferred taxes of $(75), $204 and $720
 
432 
   
1,104 
   
976 
Other comprehensive income(b)
 
354 
   
194 
   
539 
Less: OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(1)
   
14 
   
51 
Balance at December 31
$
(746)
 
$
(1,101)
 
$
(1,281)
                 
Benefit plans
               
Balance at January 1
$
(563)
 
$
(380)
 
$
(434)
Prior service credit (cost) – net of deferred taxes of $0, $(3) and $5
 
– 
   
(6)
   
10 
Net actuarial gain (loss) – net of deferred taxes of $(86), $(104) and $5
 
(206)
   
(198)
   
10 
Prior service cost amortization – net of deferred taxes of $0, $0 and $0
 
– 
   
(2)
   
– 
Net actuarial loss amortization – net of deferred taxes of $10, $11 and $17
 
33 
   
23 
   
34 
Other comprehensive income(b)
 
(173)
   
(183)
   
54 
Less: OCI attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
– 
   
– 
   
– 
Balance at December 31
$
(736)
 
$
(563)
 
$
(380)
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31
$
(940)
 
$
(2,096)
 
$
(3,711)
                 
                 
(a)  
Includes adjustments of $527 million, $786 million and $1,171 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, 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 in accordance with ASC 320-10-S99-2.
 
(b)  
Total other comprehensive income was $1,168 million, $1,601 million and $(2,122) million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
 
 
(96)
 
 

Noncontrolling Interests
 
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated affiliates includes common shares in consolidated affiliates and preferred stock issued by our affiliates. Preferred shares that we are required to redeem at a specified or determinable date are classified as liabilities. The balance is summarized as follows:
 

December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated affiliates(a)
$
707 
 
$
690 
           
           
           
(a)  
Consisted of a number of individually insignificant noncontrolling interests in partnerships and consolidated affiliates.
 

Changes to noncontrolling interests are as follows.

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Beginning balance
$
690 
 
$
1,164 
 
$
2,048 
Net earnings
 
63 
   
127 
   
16 
Dividends
 
(19)
   
(20)
   
(7)
Dispositions(a)
 
– 
   
(586)
   
(979)
AOCI and other
 
(27)
   
   
86 
Ending balance
$
707 
 
$
690 
 
$
1,164 
                 
                 
(a)  
Includes noncontrolling interests related to the sale of GE SeaCo of $311 million and the redemption of Heller Financial preferred stock of $275 million in 2011, as well as the deconsolidation of Regency Energy Partners L.P. (Regency) of $979 million in 2010. 
 

NOTE 12. REVENUES FROM SERVICES
 
 
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
                   
Interest on loans
$
19,074 
 
$
20,056 
 
$
20,810 
 
Equipment leased to others
 
10,855 
   
11,343 
   
11,116 
 
Fees
 
4,732 
   
4,698 
   
4,734 
 
Investment income
 
2,630 
   
2,500 
   
2,185 
 
Financing leases
 
1,888 
   
2,378 
   
2,749 
 
Associated companies(a)
 
1,538 
   
2,337 
   
2,035 
 
Premiums earned by insurance activities
 
1,714 
   
1,905 
   
2,014 
 
Real estate investments
 
1,709 
   
1,625 
   
1,240 
 
Other items
 
1,780 
   
2,078 
   
2,440 
 
Total
$
45,920 
 
$
 48,920 
 
$
 49,323 
 
                   
                   
(a)  
During 2011, we sold an 18.6% equity interest in Garanti Bank and recorded a pre-tax gain of $690 million. During 2012, we sold our remaining equity interest in Garanti Bank, which was classified as an available-for-sale security.
 

NOTE 13. OPERATING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
 
Our employees and retirees are covered under a number of pension, stock compensation, health and life insurance plans. The principal pension plans are the GE Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan for U.S. employees and the GE Supplementary Pension Plan, an unfunded plan providing supplementary benefits to higher-level, longer-service U.S. employees. Employees of certain affiliates are covered under separate pension plans which are not significant individually or in the aggregate. We provide health and life insurance benefits to certain of our retired employees, principally through GE Company’s benefit program. The annual cost to us of providing these benefits is not material.

Rental expense under operating leases is shown below.

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Equipment for sublease
$
151 
 
$
159 
 
$
184 
Other rental expense
 
410 
   
456 
   
453 
                 
 
 
 
 
(97)
 
 

At December 31, 2012, minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases aggregated $1,583 million. Amounts payable over the next five years follow.

(In millions)
                           
2013 
 
2014 
 
2015 
 
2016 
 
2017 
$
318 
 
$
245 
 
$
201 
 
$
164 
 
$
136 
                           

NOTE 14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
For a description of how we estimate fair value, see Note 1.

The following tables present our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Included in the tables are investment securities primarily supporting obligations to annuitants and policyholders in our run-off insurance operations and supporting obligations to holders of GICs in Trinity (which ceased issuing new investment contracts beginning in the first quarter of 2010), investment securities held at our treasury operations and investments held in our CLL business collateralized by senior secured loans of high-quality, middle-market companies in a variety of industries. Such securities are mainly investment grade.
 
 
 
 
(98)
 
 

                   
Netting
     
(In millions)
Level 1
(a)
Level 2
(a)
Level 3
(b)
 
adjustment
(c)
Net balance
                             
December 31, 2012
                           
                             
Assets
                           
Investment securities
                           
    Debt
                           
       U.S. corporate
$
– 
 
$
20,580 
 
$
3,552 
 
$
– 
 
$
24,132 
       State and municipal
 
– 
   
4,469 
   
77 
   
– 
   
4,546 
       Residential mortgage-backed
 
– 
   
2,162 
   
100 
   
– 
   
2,262 
       Commercial mortgage-backed
 
– 
   
3,088 
   
   
– 
   
3,094 
       Asset-backed(d)
 
– 
   
715 
   
5,023 
   
– 
   
5,738 
       Corporate - non-U.S.
 
71 
   
1,132 
   
1,212 
   
– 
   
2,415 
       Government - non-U.S.
 
702 
   
1,019 
   
42 
   
– 
   
1,763 
       U.S. government and federal agency
 
– 
   
3,288 
   
277 
   
– 
   
3,565 
   Retained interests
 
– 
   
– 
   
83 
   
– 
   
83 
   Equity
                           
        Available-for-sale
 
569 
   
14 
   
13 
   
– 
   
596 
        Trading
 
245 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
245 
Derivatives(d)
 
– 
   
10,934 
   
280 
   
(7,657)
   
3,557 
Other(e)
 
– 
   
– 
   
432 
   
– 
   
432 
Total
$
1,587 
 
$
47,401 
 
$
11,097 
 
$
(7,657)
 
$
52,428 
                             
Liabilities
                           
Derivatives
$
– 
 
$
3,040 
 
$
20 
 
$
(2,908)
 
$
152 
Other
 
– 
   
23 
   
– 
   
– 
   
23 
Total
$
– 
 
$
3,063 
 
$
20 
 
$
(2,908)
 
$
175 
                             
December 31, 2011
                           
                             
Assets
                           
Investment securities
                           
    Debt
                           
       U.S. corporate
$
– 
 
$
20,535 
 
$
3,235 
 
$
– 
 
$
23,770 
       State and municipal
 
– 
   
3,157 
   
77 
   
– 
   
3,234 
       Residential mortgage-backed
 
– 
   
2,568 
   
41 
   
– 
   
2,609 
        Commercial mortgage-backed
 
– 
   
2,824 
   
   
– 
   
2,828 
       Asset-backed
 
– 
   
930 
   
4,040 
   
– 
   
4,970 
       Corporate - non-U.S.
 
71 
   
1,058 
   
1,204 
   
– 
   
2,333 
       Government - non-U.S.
 
1,003 
   
1,444 
   
84 
   
– 
   
2,531 
       U.S. government and federal agency
 
– 
   
3,805 
   
253 
   
– 
   
4,058 
    Retained interests
 
– 
   
– 
   
35 
   
– 
   
35 
    Equity
                           
       Available-for-sale
 
715 
   
18 
   
17 
   
– 
   
750 
       Trading
 
241 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
241 
Derivatives(d)
 
– 
   
14,830 
   
160 
   
(5,319)
   
9,671 
Other(e)
 
– 
   
– 
   
388 
   
– 
   
388 
Total
$
2,030 
 
$
51,169 
 
$
9,538 
 
$
(5,319)
 
$
57,418 
                             
Liabilities
                           
Derivatives
$
– 
 
$
4,503 
 
$
20 
 
$
(4,025)
 
$
498 
Other
 
– 
   
25 
   
– 
   
– 
   
25 
Total
$
– 
 
$
4,528 
 
$
20 
 
$
(4,025)
 
$
523 
                             
                             
(a)  
There were no securities transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2012.
 
(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)  
Includes investments in our CLL business in asset-backed securities collateralized by senior secured loans of high quality, middle-market companies in a variety of industries.
 
(d)  
The fair value of derivatives included an adjustment for non-performance risk. The cumulative adjustment was a gain (loss) of $(15) million at December 31, 2012 and $(11) million at December 31, 2011. See Note 15 for additional information on the composition of our derivative portfolio.
 
(e)  
Included private equity investments and loans designated under the fair value option.
 

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 instruments measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 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.

 
 
(99)
 
 

Changes in Level 3 Instruments for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
 

                                       
Net
 
(In millions)
                                     
change in
 
         
Net realized/
                           
unrealized
 
     
Net
 
unrealized
                           
gains
 
     
realized/
 
gains (losses)
                           
(losses)
 
     
unrealized
 
included in
                           
relating to
 
     
gains
 
accumulated
                           
instruments
 
 
Balance at
 
(losses)
 
other
             
Transfers
 
Transfers
 
Balance at
   
still held at
 
 
January 1,
 
included in
 
comprehensive
             
into
 
out of
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
2012 
 
earnings
(a)
income
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Level 3
(b)
Level 3
(b)
2012 
   
2012 
(c)
                                                               
Investment securities   
                                                             
   Debt
                                                             
      U.S. corporate
$
3,235 
 
$
66 
 
$
32 
 
$
444 
 
$
(214)
 
$
(110)
 
$
299 
 
$
(200)
 
$
3,552 
   
$
– 
 
      State and municipal
 
77 
   
– 
   
10 
   
16 
   
– 
   
(1)
   
78 
   
(103)
   
77 
     
– 
 
      Residential
                                                             
          mortgage-backed
 
41 
   
(3)
   
   
   
– 
   
(3)
   
135 
   
(77)
   
100 
     
– 
 
      Commercial
                                                             
          mortgage-backed
 
   
– 
   
(1)
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
   
(3)
   
     
– 
 
      Asset-backed
 
4,040 
   
   
(25)
   
1,490 
   
(502)
   
– 
   
25 
   
(6)
   
5,023 
     
– 
 
      Corporate – non-U.S.
 
1,204 
   
(11)
   
19 
   
335 
   
(51)
   
(172)
   
24 
   
(136)
   
1,212 
     
– 
 
      Government
                                                             
         – non-U.S.
 
84 
   
(33)
   
38 
   
65 
   
(72)
   
(40)
   
– 
   
– 
   
42 
     
– 
 
     U.S. government and
                                                             
         federal agency
 
253 
   
– 
   
24 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
277 
     
– 
 
   Retained interests
 
35 
   
(1)
   
(3)
   
16 
   
(6)
   
(12)
   
54 
   
– 
   
83 
     
– 
 
   Equity
                                                             
      Available-for-sale
 
17 
   
– 
   
(1)
   
   
(3)
   
(1)
   
   
(4)
   
13 
     
– 
 
      Trading
 
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
     
– 
 
Derivatives(d)(e)
 
141 
   
(11)
   
(1)
   
(2)
   
– 
   
(39)
   
178 
   
(4)
   
262 
     
160 
 
Other
 
388 
   
   
   
152 
   
(70)
   
– 
   
– 
   
(42)
   
432 
     
(1)
 
Total
$
9,519 
 
$
10 
 
$
95 
 
$
2,525 
 
$
(918)
 
$
(378)
 
$
801 
 
$
(575)
 
$
11,079 
   
$
159 
 
                                                               
                                                               
(a)  
Earnings effects are primarily included in the “Revenues from services” and “Interest” 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 a result of increased use of quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity.
 
(c)  
Represented the amount of unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings.
 
(d)  
Represented derivative assets net of derivative liabilities and included cash accruals of $2 million not reflected in the fair value hierarchy table.
 
(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 Note 15.
 

 
 
(100)
 
 

Changes in Level 3 Instruments for the Year Ended December 31, 2011
 

                                       
Net
 
(In millions)
                                     
change in
 
         
Net realized/
                           
unrealized
 
     
Net
 
unrealized
                           
gains
 
     
realized/
 
gains (losses)
                           
(losses)
 
     
unrealized
 
included in
                           
relating to
 
     
gains
 
accumulated
                           
instruments
 
 
Balance at
 
(losses)
 
other
             
Transfers
 
Transfers
 
Balance at
   
still held at
 
 
January 1,
 
included in
 
comprehensive
             
into
 
out of
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
 
2011 
 
earnings
(a)
income
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Settlements
 
Level 3
(b)
Level 3
(b)
2011 
   
2011 
(c)
                                                               
Investment securities   
                                                             
   Debt
                                                             
      U.S. corporate
$
3,198 
 
$
78 
 
$
(157)
 
$
235 
 
$
(182)
 
$
(112)
 
$
182 
 
$
(7)
 
$
3,235 
   
$
– 
 
      State and municipal
 
225 
   
– 
   
– 
   
12 
   
– 
   
(8)
   
– 
   
(152)
   
77 
     
– 
 
      Residential
                                                             
          mortgage-backed
 
66 
   
(3)
   
   
   
(5)
   
(1)
   
71 
   
(90)
   
41 
     
– 
 
      Commercial
                                                             
          mortgage-backed
 
49 
   
– 
   
– 
   
   
– 
   
(4)
   
   
(50)
   
     
– 
 
      Asset-backed
 
2,540 
   
(10)
   
61 
   
2,157 
   
(185)
   
(11)
   
   
(513)
   
4,040 
     
– 
 
      Corporate – non-U.S.
 
1,486 
   
(47)
   
(91)
   
25 
   
(55)
   
(118)
   
85 
   
(81)
   
1,204 
     
– 
 
      Government
                                                             
         – non-U.S.
 
156 
   
(100)
   
48 
   
41 
   
(1)
   
(27)
   
107 
   
(140)
   
84 
     
– 
 
     U.S. government and
                                                             
         federal agency
 
210 
   
– 
   
43 
   
500 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
(500)
   
253 
     
– 
 
   Retained interests
 
39 
   
(28)
   
26 
   
   
(5)
   
(5)
   
– 
   
– 
   
35 
     
– 
 
   Equity
                                                             
      Available-for-sale
 
24 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
   
(11)
   
17 
     
– 
 
      Trading
 
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
     
– 
 
Derivatives(d)(e)
 
227 
   
102 
   
   
   
– 
   
(198)
   
– 
   
   
141 
     
81 
 
Other
 
450 
   
   
(9)
   
149 
   
(145)
   
(6)
   
– 
   
(55)
   
388 
     
– 
 
Total
$
8,670 
 
$
(4)
 
$
(76)
 
$
3,137 
 
$
(578)
 
$
(490)
 
$
453 
 
$
(1,593)
 
$
9,519 
   
$
81 
 
                                                               
                                                               
(a)  
Earnings effects are primarily included in the “Revenues from services” and “Interest” 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 a result of increased use of quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity.
 
(c)  
Represented the amount of unrealized gains or losses for the period included in earnings.
 
(d)  
Represented derivative assets net of derivative liabilities and included cash accruals of $1 million not reflected in the fair value hierarchy table.
 
(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 Note 15.
 
 
 
 
(101)
 
 

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
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, 2012 and 2011. 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.

 
Remeasured during the year ended December 31,
 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
(In millions)
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
                         
Financing receivables and loans held for sale
$
366 
 
$
4,094 
 
$
158 
 
$
5,159 
 
Cost and equity method investments(a)
 
   
313 
   
– 
   
402 
 
Long-lived assets, including real estate
 
702 
   
2,184 
   
1,343 
   
3,254 
 
Total
$
1,076 
 
$
6,591 
 
$
1,501 
 
$
8,815 
 
                         
                         
(a)  
Includes the fair value of private equity and real estate funds included in Level 3 of $84 million and $123 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 

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, 2012 and 2011.

 
Year ended December 31,
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Financing receivables and loans held for sale
$
(595)
 
$
(857)
Cost and equity method investments(a)
 
(153)
   
(272)
Long-lived assets, including real estate(b)
 
(624)
   
(1,410)
Total
$
(1,372)
 
$
(2,539)
           
           
(a)  
Includes fair value adjustments associated with private equity and real estate funds of $(33) million and $(24) million during 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(b)  
Includes impairments related to real estate equity properties and investments recorded in operating and administrative expenses of $218 million and $976 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
 
 
(102)
 
 

Level 3 Measurements
 
The following table presents information relating to the significant unobservable inputs of our Level 3 recurring and non-recurring measurements.

                   
   
Fair value at
         
Range
   
December 31,
 
Valuation
 
Unobservable
 
(weighted
(Dollars in millions)
 
2012 
 
technique
 
inputs
 
average)
                   
Recurring fair value measurements
                 
                   
Investment securities
                 
                   
  Debt
                 
                   
      U.S. corporate
 
$
 1,652 
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate
(a)
1.3%-29.9% (11.1%)
                   
      Asset-backed
   
 4,977 
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate
(a)
2.1%-13.1% (3.8%)
                   
      Corporate Non-U.S.
   
 865 
 
Income approach
 
Discount rate
(a)
1.5%-25.0% (13.2%)
                   
  Other financial assets
   
 360 
 
Income approach
 
Weighted average
 
8.7%-10.2% (8.7%)
             
cost of capital
   
Non-recurring fair value measurements
                 
                   
Financing receivables and loans held for sale
 
$
 2,633 
 
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
(b)
3.8%-14.0% (8.0%)
                   
     
 202 
 
Business enterprise
 
EBITDA multiple
 
2.0X-6.0X (4.8X)
         
value
       
                   
Cost and equity method investments
   
 72 
 
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
(b)
9.2%-12.8% (12.0%)
                   
Long-lived assets, including real estate
   
 985 
 
Income approach
 
Capitalization rate
(b)
4.8%-14.6% (7.3%)
                   

(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.
 
(b)  
Represents the rate of return on net operating income which is considered acceptable for an investor and is used to determine a property’s capitalized value. An increase in the capitalization rate would result in a decrease in the fair value.
 

Other Level 3 recurring fair value measurements of $2,990 million and non-recurring measurements of $2,412 million are valued using non-binding broker quotes or other third-party sources. For a description of our process to evaluate third-party pricing servicers, see Note 1. Other recurring fair value measurements of $233 million and non-recurring fair value measurements of $287 million were individually insignificant and utilize a number of different unobservable inputs not subject to meaningful aggregation. 
 
 
 
 
(103)
 
 

NOTE 15. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The following table provides information about the assets and liabilities not carried at fair value in our Statement of Financial Position. Consistent with ASC 825, Financial Instruments, the table excludes finance leases and non-financial assets and liabilities. Substantially all of the assets discussed below are considered to be Level 3 in accordance with ASC 820.  The vast majority of our liabilities’ fair value can be determined based on significant observable inputs and thus considered Level 2 in accordance with ASC 820. Few of the instruments are actively traded and 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.
 
   
2012 
   
2011 
         
Assets (liabilities)
         
Assets (liabilities)
   
Notional
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Notional
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
December 31 (In millions)
 
amount
   
amount (net)
   
fair value
   
amount
   
amount (net)
   
fair value
                                   
Assets
 
 
                             
    Loans
$
(a)
 
$
236,678 
 
$
239,084 
 
$
(a)
 
$
250,999 
 
$
251,433 
    Other commercial mortgages
 
(a)
   
2,222 
   
2,249 
   
(a)
   
1,494 
   
1,537 
    Loans held for sale
 
(a)
   
1,180 
   
1,181 
   
(a)
   
496 
   
497 
    Other financial instruments(c)
 
(a)
   
1,858 
   
2,276 
   
(a)
   
2,071 
   
2,534 
Liabilities
                                 
    Borrowings and
                                 
        bank deposits(b)(d)
 
(a)
   
(397,300)
   
(414,533)
   
(a)
   
(443,097)
   
(449,403)
Investment contract benefits
 
(a)
   
(3,321)
   
(4,150)
   
(a)
   
(3,493)
   
(4,240)
    Guaranteed investment contracts
 
(a)
   
(1,644)
   
(1,674)
   
(a)
   
(4,226)
   
(4,266)
    Insurance - credit life(e)
 
2,277 
   
(120)
   
(104)
   
1,944 
   
(106)
   
(88)
                                   
                                   
(a)  
These financial instruments do not have notional amounts.
 
(b)  
See Note 8.
 
(c)  
Principally cost method investments.
 
(d)  
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, 2012 and 2011 would have been reduced by $7,937 million and $9,051 million, respectively.
 
(e)  
Net of reinsurance of $2,000 million at both December 31, 2012 and 2011.
 

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 and bank deposits
 
Based on valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data which are comparable to market quotes adjusted for our non-performance risk.

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

 
Guaranteed investment contracts
 
Based on valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data, adjusted for our non-performance risk.

All other instruments
 
Based on observable market transactions and/or valuation methodologies using current market interest rate data adjusted for inherent credit risk.

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.
 

 
 
 
(104)
 
 

Additional information about certain categories in the table above follows.

Insurance – credit life
 
Certain insurance affiliates, primarily in Consumer, issue credit life insurance designed to pay the balance due on a loan if the borrower dies before the loan is repaid. As part of our overall risk management process, we cede to third parties a portion of this associated risk, but are not relieved of our primary obligation to policyholders.

Loan Commitments
 
   
Notional amount
December 31 (In millions)
 
2012 
   
2011 
           
Ordinary course of business lending commitments(a)
$
3,708 
 
$
3,756 
Unused revolving credit lines(b)
         
    Commercial(c)
 
17,929 
   
18,757 
    Consumer - principally credit cards
 
271,387 
   
257,646 
           
           
(a)  
Excluded investment commitments of $1,276 million and $2,064 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(b)  
Excluded inventory financing arrangements, which may be withdrawn at our option, of $12,813 million and $12,354 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(c)  
Included commitments of $12,923 million and $14,057 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, associated with secured financing arrangements that could have increased to a maximum of $15,731 million and $17,344 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, based on asset volume under the arrangement.
 

Derivatives and hedging
 
As a matter of policy, we use derivatives for risk management purposes, and we do not use derivatives for speculative purposes. A key risk management objective for our financial services businesses is to mitigate interest rate and currency risk by seeking to ensure that the characteristics of the debt match the assets they are funding. If the form (fixed versus floating) and currency denomination of the debt we issue do not match the related assets, we typically execute derivatives to adjust the nature and tenor of funding to meet this objective. The determination of whether we enter into a derivative transaction or issue debt directly to achieve this objective depends on a number of factors, including market related factors that affect the type of debt we can issue.
 
The notional amounts of derivative contracts represent the basis upon which interest and other payments are calculated and are reported gross, except for offsetting foreign currency forward contracts that are executed in order to manage our currency risk of net investment in foreign subsidiaries. Of the outstanding notional amount of $292,000 million, approximately 96% or $282,000 million, is associated with reducing or eliminating the interest rate, currency or market risk between financial assets and liabilities in our financial services businesses. The instruments used in these activities are designated as hedges when practicable. When we are not able to apply hedge accounting, or when the derivative and the hedged item are both recorded in earnings concurrently, the derivatives are deemed economic hedges and hedge accounting is not applied. This most frequently occurs when we hedge a recognized foreign currency transaction (e.g., a receivable or payable) with a derivative. Since the effects of changes in exchange rates are reflected concurrently in earnings for both the derivative and the transaction, the economic hedge does not require hedge accounting.

 
 
 
(105)
 
 

The following table provides information about the fair value of our derivatives, by contract type, separating those accounted for as hedges and those that are not.

 
2012
 
2011
 
Fair value
 
Fair value
December 31 (In millions)
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
                       
                       
   Interest rate contracts
$
8,443 
 
$
719 
 
$
9,445 
 
$
1,049 
   Currency exchange contracts
 
827 
   
1,762 
   
3,720 
   
2,239 
   Other contracts
 
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
9,270 
   
2,481 
   
13,165 
   
3,288 
Derivatives not accounted for as hedges
                     
   Interest rate contracts
 
452 
   
195 
   
314 
   
241 
   Currency exchange contracts
 
1,457 
   
358 
   
1,440 
   
972 
   Other contracts
 
35 
   
26 
   
71 
   
22 
   
1,944 
   
579 
   
1,825 
   
1,235 
                       
Netting adjustments(a)
 
(2,532)
   
(2,517)
   
(3,009)
   
(2,998)
                       
Cash collateral(b)(c)
 
(5,125)
   
(391)
   
(2,310)
   
(1,027)
Total
$
3,557 
 
$
152 
 
$
9,671 
 
$
498 
                       
                       
Derivatives are classified in the captions “Other assets” and “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 included fair value adjustments related to our own and counterparty non-performance risk. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the cumulative adjustment for non-performance risk was a gain (loss) of $(15) million and $(11) million, respectively.
 
(b)  
Excludes excess cash collateral received of $42 million and $579 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Excludes excess cash collateral posted of $10 million at December 31, 2012.
 
(c)  
Excludes securities pledged to us as collateral of $5,419 million and $10,346 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which includes excess securities collateral of $359 million at December 31, 2012.
 

Fair value hedges
 
We use interest rate and currency exchange derivatives to hedge the fair value effects of interest rate and currency exchange rate changes on local and non-functional currency denominated fixed-rate debt. For relationships designated as fair value hedges, changes in fair value of the derivatives are recorded in earnings within interest along with offsetting adjustments to the carrying amount of the hedged debt. The following table provides information about the earnings effects of our fair value hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

       
 
2012 
 
2011
(In millions)
Gain (loss)
 
Gain (loss)
 
Gain (loss)
 
Gain (loss)
 
on hedging
 
on hedged
 
on hedging
 
on hedged
 
derivatives
 
items
 
derivatives
 
items
                       
Interest rate contracts
$
708 
 
$
(1,041)
 
$
5,888 
 
$
 (6,322)
Currency exchange contracts
 
(169)
   
199 
   
119 
   
 (144)
                       
                       
Fair value hedges resulted in $(303) million and $(459) million of ineffectiveness in 2012 and 2011, respectively. In both 2012 and 2011, there were insignificant amounts excluded from the assessment of effectiveness.
 
 
 
 
(106)
 
 

Cash flow hedges
 
We use interest rate, currency exchange and commodity derivatives to reduce the variability of expected future cash flows associated with variable rate borrowings and commercial purchase and sale transactions, including commodities. For derivatives that are designated in a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is reported as a component of AOCI and reclassified into earnings contemporaneously and in the same caption with the earnings effects of the hedged transaction.

The following table provides information about the amounts recorded in AOCI, as well as the gain (loss) recorded in earnings, primarily in interest, when reclassified out of AOCI, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
               
       
     
Gain (loss) reclassified
 
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI
 
from AOCI into earnings
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
     
     
         
   
   
                       
Interest rate contracts
$
 (158)
 
$
 (302)
 
$
 (494)
 
$
 (821)
Currency exchange contracts
 
 359 
   
 (338)
   
 137 
   
 (487)
                       
Total
$
 201 
 
$
 (640)
 
$
 (357)
 
$
 (1,308)
                       
                       
The total pre-tax amount in AOCI related to cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions was a $831 million loss at December 31, 2012. We expect to transfer $419 million to earnings as an expense in the next 12 months contemporaneously with the earnings effects of the related forecasted transactions. In 2012, 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, 2012 and 2011, the maximum term of derivative instruments that hedge forecasted transactions was 20 years and 21 years, respectively.
 
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 are both reflected in earnings each reporting period. These amounts are primarily reported in revenues from services and totaled $4 million and $31 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net investment hedges in foreign operations
 
We use currency exchange derivatives to protect our net investments in global operations conducted in non-U.S. dollar currencies. For derivatives that are designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign operation, we assess effectiveness based on changes in spot currency exchange rates. Changes in spot rates on the derivative are recorded as a component of AOCI until such time as the foreign entity is substantially liquidated or sold. The change in fair value of the forward points, which reflects the interest rate differential between the two countries on the derivative, is excluded from the effectiveness assessment.

The following table provides information about the amounts recorded in AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, as well as the gain (loss) recorded in revenues from services when reclassified out of AOCI.

               
 
 
   
 
Gain (loss) recognized in CTA
 
Gain (loss) reclassified from CTA
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
                       
                       
Currency exchange contracts
$
(2,905)
 
$
1,232 
 
$
27 
 
$
(716)
                       

The amounts related to the change in the fair value of the forward points that are excluded from the measure of effectiveness were $(874) million and $(1,345) million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are recorded in interest.
 

 
 
 
(107)
 
 

Free-standing derivatives
 
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recorded in earnings each period. As discussed above, these derivatives are typically entered into as economic hedges of changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity prices and other risks. Gains or losses related to the derivative are typically recorded in revenues from services, based on our accounting policy. In general, the earnings effects of the item that represent the economic risk exposure are recorded in the same caption as the derivative. Losses for the year ended December 31, 2012 on derivatives not designated as hedges were $(608) million composed of amounts related to interest rate contracts of $(291) million, currency exchange contracts of $(310) million, and other derivatives of $(7) million. These losses more than offset the earnings effects from the underlying items that were economically hedged. Losses for the year ended December 31, 2011 on derivatives not designated as hedges were $(667) million composed of amounts related to interest rate contracts of $(25) million, currency exchange contracts of $(666) million, and other derivatives of $24 million. These losses were more than offset by the earnings effects from the underlying items that were economically hedged.

 
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. At December 31, 2012, our exposure to counterparties, including interest due, net of collateral we hold, was $375 million. The fair value of such collateral was $10,185 million, of which $5,125 million was cash and $5,060 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 $391 million at December 31, 2012.

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. 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. The net amount relating to our derivative liability subject to these provisions, after consideration of collateral posted by us, and outstanding interest payments, was $249 million at December 31, 2012.
 

NOTE 16. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CREDIT QUALITY OF FINANCING RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOSSES ON FINANCING RECEIVABLES
 
We provide further detailed information about the credit quality of our Commercial, Real Estate and Consumer financing receivables portfolios. For each portfolio, we describe the characteristics of the financing receivables and provide information about collateral, payment performance, credit quality indicators, and impairment. We manage these portfolios using delinquency and nonearning data as key performance indicators. The categories used within this section such as impaired loans, TDR and nonaccrual financing receivables are defined by the authoritative guidance and we base our categorization on the related scope and definitions contained in the related standards. The categories of nonearning and delinquent are defined by us and are used in our process for managing our financing receivables. Definitions of these categories are provided in Note 1.
 
 
 
 
(108)
 
 
  
COMMERCIAL
 
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
 
The following table provides further information about general and specific reserves related to Commercial financing receivables.
 

 
Financing receivables
       
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
CLL
         
    Americas
$
72,517 
 
$
80,505 
    Europe
 
37,035 
   
36,899 
    Asia
 
11,401 
   
11,635 
    Other
 
605 
   
436 
Total CLL
 
121,558 
   
129,475 
           
Energy Financial Services
 
4,851 
   
5,912 
           
GECAS
 
10,915 
   
11,901 
           
Other
 
486 
   
1,282 
           
Total Commercial financing receivables, before allowance for losses
$
137,810 
 
$
148,570 
           
Non-impaired financing receivables
$
132,741 
 
$
142,908 
General reserves
 
554 
   
718 
           
Impaired loans
 
5,069 
   
5,662 
Specific reserves
 
487 
   
812 
           
           

Past Due Financing Receivables
 
The following table displays payment performance of Commercial financing receivables.
 

       
   
2012 
   
2011 
 
   
Over 30 days
   
Over 90 days
   
Over 30 days
   
Over 90 days
 
December 31
 
past due
   
past due
   
past due
   
past due
 
                         
CLL
                       
    Americas
 
1.1 
%
 
0.5 
%
 
1.3 
%
 
0.8 
%
    Europe
 
3.7 
   
2.1 
   
3.8 
   
2.1 
 
    Asia
 
0.9 
   
0.6 
   
1.3 
   
1.0 
 
    Other
 
0.1 
   
– 
   
2.0 
   
0.1 
 
Total CLL
 
1.9 
   
1.0 
   
2.0 
   
1.2 
 
                         
Energy Financial Services
 
– 
   
– 
   
0.3 
   
0.3 
 
                         
GECAS
 
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
 
                         
Other
 
2.8 
   
2.8 
   
3.7 
   
3.5 
 
                         
Total
 
1.7 
   
0.9 
   
1.8 
   
1.1 
 
                         
 
 
(109)
 
 


Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
 
The following table provides further information about Commercial financing receivables that are classified as nonaccrual. Of our $4,166 million and $4,718 million of nonaccrual financing receivables at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, $2,647 million and $1,227 million are currently paying in accordance with their contractual terms, respectively.
 

 
Nonaccrual financing
 
Nonearning financing
 
 
receivables
 
receivables
 
                 
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
                         
CLL
                       
    Americas
$
1,951 
 
$
2,417 
 
$
1,333 
 
$
1,862 
 
    Europe
 
1,740 
   
1,599 
   
1,299 
   
1,167 
 
    Asia
 
395 
   
428 
   
193 
   
269 
 
    Other
 
52 
   
68 
   
52 
   
11 
 
Total CLL
 
4,138 
   
4,512 
   
2,877 
   
3,309 
 
                         
Energy Financial Services
 
– 
   
22 
   
– 
   
22 
 
                         
GECAS
 
   
69 
   
– 
   
55 
 
                         
Other
 
25 
   
115 
   
13 
   
65 
 
Total
$
4,166 
 
$
4,718 
 
$
2,890 
 
$
3,451 
 
                         
Allowance for losses percentage
 
25.0 
%
 
32.4 
%
 
36.0 
%
 
44.3 
%
                         

Impaired Loans
 
The following table provides information about loans classified as impaired and specific reserves related to Commercial.
 

 
With no specific allowance
 
With a specific allowance
   
Recorded
 
Unpaid
 
Average
   
Recorded
 
Unpaid
     
Average
 
investment
 
principal
 
investment in
 
investment
 
principal
 
Associated
 
investment in
December 31 (In millions)
in loans
 
balance
 
loans
 
in loans
 
balance
 
allowance
 
loans
                                         
2012 
                                       
                                         
CLL
                                       
    Americas
$
2,487 
 
$
2,927 
 
$
2,535 
 
$
557 
 
$
681 
 
$
178 
 
$
987 
    Europe
 
1,131 
   
1,901 
   
1,009 
   
643 
   
978 
   
278 
   
805 
    Asia
 
62 
   
64 
   
62 
   
109 
   
120 
   
23 
   
134 
    Other
 
– 
   
– 
   
43 
   
52 
   
68 
   
   
16 
Total CLL
 
3,680 
   
4,892 
   
3,649 
   
1,361 
   
1,847 
   
485 
   
1,942 
Energy Financial Services
 
– 
   
– 
   
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
GECAS
 
– 
   
– 
   
17 
   
   
   
– 
   
Other
 
17 
   
28 
   
26 
   
   
   
   
40 
Total
$
3,697 
 
$
4,920 
 
$
3,694 
 
$
1,372 
 
$
1,858 
 
$
487 
 
$
1,994 
                                         

2011
                                       
                                         
CLL
                                       
    Americas
$
2,136 
 
$
2,219 
 
$
2,128 
 
$
1,367 
 
$
1,415 
 
$
425 
 
$
1,468 
    Europe
 
936 
   
1,060 
   
1,001 
   
730 
   
717 
   
263 
   
602 
    Asia
 
85 
   
83 
   
94 
   
156 
   
128 
   
84 
   
214 
    Other
 
54 
   
58 
   
13 
   
11 
   
11 
   
   
Total CLL
 
3,211 
   
3,420 
   
3,236 
   
2,264 
   
2,271 
   
774 
   
2,289 
Energy Financial Services
 
   
   
20 
   
18 
   
18 
   
   
87 
GECAS
 
28 
   
28 
   
59 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
11 
Other
 
62 
   
63 
   
67 
   
75 
   
75 
   
29 
   
97 
Total
$
3,305 
 
$
3,515 
 
$
3,382 
 
$
2,357 
 
$
2,364 
 
$
812 
 
$
2,484 
                                         
                                         
 

 
 
 
(110)
 
 

We recognized $253 million and $193 million of interest income, including $92 million and $59 million on a cash basis, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, principally in our CLL Americas business. The total average investment in impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $5,688 million and $5,866 million, respectively.

Impaired loans classified as TDRs in our CLL business were $3,872 million and $3,642 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and were primarily attributable to CLL Americas ($2,577 million and $2,746 million, respectively). For the year ended December 31, 2012, we modified $2,935 million of loans classified as TDRs, primarily in CLL Americas ($1,739 million) and CLL EMEA ($992 million). Changes to these loans primarily included debt to equity exchange, extensions, interest-only payment periods and forbearance or other actions, which are in addition to, or sometimes in lieu of, fees and rate increases. Of our $2,935 million of modifications classified as TDRs during 2012, $217 million have subsequently experienced a payment default in 2012. Of our $1,856 million of modifications classified as TDRs during 2011, $101 million have subsequently experienced a payment default in 2011.

Credit Quality Indicators
 
Substantially all of our Commercial financing receivables portfolio is secured lending and we assess the overall quality of the portfolio based on the potential risk of loss measure. The metric incorporates both the borrower’s credit quality along with any related collateral protection.

Our internal risk ratings process is an important source of information in determining our allowance for losses and represents a comprehensive, statistically validated approach to evaluate risk in our financing receivables portfolios. In deriving our internal risk ratings, we stratify our Commercial portfolios into 21 categories of default risk and/or six categories of loss given default to group into three categories: A, B and C. Our process starts by developing an internal risk rating for our borrowers, which are based upon our proprietary models using data derived from borrower financial statements, agency ratings, payment history information, equity prices and other commercial borrower characteristics. We then evaluate the potential risk of loss for the specific lending transaction in the event of borrower default, which takes into account such factors as applicable collateral value, historical loss and recovery rates for similar transactions, and our collection capabilities. Our internal risk ratings process and the models we use are subject to regular monitoring and validation controls. The frequency of rating updates is set by our credit risk policy, which requires annual Risk Committee approval. The models are updated on a regular basis and statistically validated annually, or more frequently as circumstances warrant.

The table below summarizes our Commercial financing receivables by risk category. As described above, financing receivables are assigned one of 21 risk ratings based on our process and then these are grouped by similar characteristics into three categories in the table below. Category A is characterized by either high credit quality borrowers or transactions with significant collateral coverage which substantially reduces or eliminates the risk of loss in the event of borrower default. Category B is characterized by borrowers with weaker credit quality than those in Category A, or transactions with moderately strong collateral coverage which minimizes but may not fully mitigate the risk of loss in the event of default. Category C is characterized by borrowers with higher levels of default risk relative to our overall portfolio or transactions where collateral coverage may not fully mitigate a loss in the event of default.
 
 
 
 
(111)
 
 


 
Secured
December 31 (In millions)
A
 
B
 
C
 
Total
                       
2012 
                     
                       
CLL
                     
    Americas
$
68,360 
 
$
1,775 
 
$
2,382 
 
$
72,517 
    Europe
 
33,754 
   
1,188 
   
1,256 
   
36,198 
    Asia
 
10,732 
   
117 
   
372 
   
11,221 
    Other
 
161 
   
– 
   
94 
   
255 
Total CLL
 
113,007 
   
3,080 
   
4,104 
   
120,191 
                       
Energy Financial Services
 
4,725 
   
– 
   
– 
   
4,725 
                       
GECAS
 
10,681 
   
223 
   
11 
   
10,915 
                       
Other
 
486 
   
– 
   
– 
   
486 
Total
$
128,899 
 
$
3,303 
 
$
4,115 
 
$
136,317 

2011 
                     
                       
CLL
                     
    Americas
$
73,103 
 
$
2,816 
 
$
4,586 
 
$
80,505 
    Europe
 
33,481 
   
1,080 
   
1,002 
   
35,563 
    Asia
 
10,644 
   
116 
   
685 
   
11,445 
    Other
 
345 
   
– 
   
91 
   
436 
Total CLL
 
117,573 
   
4,012 
   
6,364 
   
127,949 
                       
Energy Financial Services
 
5,727 
   
24 
   
18 
   
5,769 
                       
GECAS
 
10,881 
   
970 
   
50 
   
11,901 
                       
Other
 
1,282 
   
– 
   
– 
   
1,282 
Total
$
135,463 
 
$
5,006 
 
$
6,432 
 
$
146,901 
                       


For our secured financing receivables portfolio, our collateral position and ability to work out problem accounts mitigates our losses. Our asset managers have deep industry expertise that enables us to identify the optimum approach to default situations. We price risk premiums for weaker credits at origination, closely monitor changes in creditworthiness through our risk ratings and watch list process, and are engaged early with deteriorating credits to minimize economic loss. Secured financing receivables within risk Category C are predominantly in our CLL businesses and are primarily composed of senior term lending facilities and factoring programs secured by various asset types including inventory, accounts receivable, cash, equipment and related business facilities as well as franchise finance activities secured by underlying equipment.

Loans within Category C are reviewed and monitored regularly, and classified as impaired when it is probable that they will not pay in accordance with contractual terms. Our internal risk rating process identifies credits warranting closer monitoring; and as such, these loans are not necessarily classified as nonearning or impaired.

Our unsecured Commercial financing receivables portfolio is primarily attributable to our Interbanca S.p.A. and GE Sanyo Credit acquisitions in Europe and Asia, respectively. At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, these financing receivables included $458 million and $325 million rated A, $583 million and $748 million rated B, and $452 million and $596 million rated C, respectively.
 
 
 
 
(112)
 
 

REAL ESTATE
 

Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
 
The following table provides further information about general and specific reserves related to Real Estate financing receivables.
 

 
Financing receivables
 
             
December 31 (In millions)
 
2012 
   
2011 
 
             
Debt
$
19,746 
 
$
24,501 
 
Business Properties(a)
 
1,200 
   
8,248 
 
             
Total Real Estate financing receivables, before allowance for losses
$
20,946 
 
$
32,749 
 
             
Non-impaired financing receivables
$
15,253 
 
$
24,002 
 
General reserves
 
132 
   
267 
 
             
Impaired loans
 
5,693 
   
8,747 
 
Specific reserves
 
188 
   
822 
 
             

(a)  
In 2012, we completed the sale of a portion of our Business Properties portfolio.
 

 
Past Due Financing Receivables
 
The following table displays payment performance of Real Estate financing receivables.
 

     
   
2012 
   
2011 
 
   
Over 30 days
 
Over 90 days
   
Over 30 days
 
Over 90 days
 
December 31
 
past due
 
past due
   
past due
 
past due
 
                         
Debt
 
1.7 
%
 
1.7 
%
 
2.4 
%
 
2.3 
%
Business Properties
 
10.8 
   
10.2 
   
3.9 
   
3.0 
 
Total
 
2.3 
   
2.2 
   
2.8 
   
2.5 
 

Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
 
The following table provides further information about Real Estate financing receivables that are classified as nonaccrual. Of our $4,885 million and $6,949 million of nonaccrual financing receivables at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, $4,461 million and $6,061 million are currently paying in accordance with their contractual terms, respectively.
 

 
Nonaccrual financing
 
Nonearning financing
 
 
receivables
 
receivables
 
                 
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
                         
Debt
$
4,576 
 
$
6,351 
 
$
321 
 
$
541 
 
Business Properties
 
309 
   
598 
   
123 
   
249 
 
Total
$
4,885 
 
$
6,949 
 
$
444 
 
$
790 
 
                         
Allowance for losses percentage
 
6.6 
%
 
15.7 
%
 
72.1 
%
 
137.8 
%
                         
 
 
 
 
(113)
 
 
 
Impaired Loans
 
The following table provides information about loans classified as impaired and specific reserves related to Real Estate.
 

 
With no specific allowance
 
With a specific allowance
 
Recorded
 
Unpaid
 
Average
 
Recorded
 
Unpaid
     
Average
 
investment
 
principal
 
investment
 
investment
 
principal
 
Associated
 
investment
December 31 (In millions)
in loans
 
balance
 
in loans
 
in loans
 
balance
 
allowance
 
in loans
                                         
2012 
                                       
                                         
Debt
$
3,294 
 
$
3,515 
 
$
3,575 
 
$
2,077 
 
$
2,682 
 
$
156 
 
$
3,455 
Business Properties
 
197 
   
197 
   
198 
   
125 
   
125 
   
32 
   
297 
Total
$
3,491 
 
$
3,712 
 
$
3,773 
 
$
2,202 
 
$
2,807 
 
$
188 
 
$
3,752 
                                         

2011 
                                       
                                         
Debt
$
3,558 
 
$
3,614 
 
$
3,568 
 
$
4,560 
 
$
4,652 
 
$
717 
 
$
5,435 
Business Properties
 
232 
   
232 
   
215 
   
397 
   
397 
   
105 
   
460 
Total
$
3,790 
 
$
3,846 
 
$
3,783 
 
$
4,957 
 
$
5,049 
 
$
822 
 
$
5,895 
                                         
                                         

We recognized $329 million and $399 million of interest income, including $237 million and $339 million on a cash basis, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, principally in our Real Estate-Debt portfolio. The total average investment in impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $7,525 million and $9,678 million, respectively.

Real Estate TDRs decreased from $7,006 million at December 31, 2011 to $5,146 million at December 31, 2012, primarily driven by resolution of TDRs through paydowns, restructurings, foreclosures and write-offs, partially offset by extensions of loans scheduled to mature during 2012, some of which were classified as TDRs upon modification. We deem loan modifications to be TDRs when we have granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty and we do not receive adequate compensation in the form of an effective interest rate that is at current market rates of interest given the risk characteristics of the loan or other consideration that compensates us for the value of the concession. The limited liquidity and higher return requirements in the real estate market for loans with higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios has typically resulted in the conclusion that the modified terms are not at current market rates of interest, even if the modified loans are expected to be fully recoverable. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we modified $4,351 million of loans classified as TDRs, substantially all in our Debt portfolio. Changes to these loans primarily included maturity extensions, principal payment acceleration, changes to collateral or covenant terms and cash sweeps, which are in addition to, or sometimes in lieu of, fees and rate increases. Of our $4,351 million of modifications classified as TDRs during 2012, $210 million have subsequently experienced a payment default in 2012. Of our $3,965 million of modifications classified as TDRs during 2011, $140 million have subsequently experienced a payment default in 2011.

Credit Quality Indicators
 
Due to the primarily non-recourse nature of our Debt portfolio, loan-to-value ratios provide the best indicators of the credit quality of the portfolio. By contrast, the credit quality of the Business Properties portfolio is primarily influenced by the strength of the borrower’s general credit quality, which is reflected in our internal risk rating process, consistent with the process we use for our Commercial portfolio.

 
Loan-to-value ratio
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
Less than
 
80% to
 
Greater than
 
Less than
 
80% to
 
Greater than
December 31 (In millions)
80%
 
95%
 
95%
 
80%
 
95%
 
95%
                                   
Debt
$
13,570 
 
$
2,572 
 
$
3,604 
 
$
14,454 
 
$
4,593 
 
$
5,454 
                                   
 

 
 
 
(114)
 
 

At December 31, 2012, Business Properties receivables of $956 million, $25 million and $219 million were rated A, B and C, respectively. At December 31, 2011, Business Properties receivables of $7,628 million, $110 million and $510 million were rated A, B and C, respectively.

Within Real Estate–Debt, these financing receivables are primarily concentrated in our North American and European Lending platforms and are secured by various property types. A substantial majority of the Real Estate–Debt financing receivables with loan-to-value ratios greater than 95% are paying in accordance with contractual terms. Substantially all of these loans and the majority of the Real Estate-Business Properties financing receivables included in Category C are impaired loans which are subject to the specific reserve evaluation process described in Note 1. The ultimate recoverability of impaired loans is driven by collection strategies that do not necessarily depend on the sale of the underlying collateral and include full or partial repayments through third-party refinancing and restructurings.

CONSUMER
 
At December 31, 2012, our U.S. consumer financing receivables included private-label credit card and sales financing for approximately 57 million customers across the U.S. with no metropolitan area accounting for more than 6% of the portfolio. Of the total U.S. consumer financing receivables, approximately 66% relate to credit card loans, which are often subject to profit and loss-sharing arrangements with the retailer (which are recorded in revenues), and the remaining 34% are sales finance receivables, which provide financing to customers in areas such as electronics, recreation, medical and home improvement.

 
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
 
The following table provides further information about general and specific reserves related to Consumer financing receivables.
 

 
Financing receivables
       
December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Non-U.S. residential mortgages
$
33,451 
 
$
35,550 
Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
18,546 
   
18,544 
U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
50,853 
   
46,689 
Non-U.S. auto
 
4,260 
   
5,691 
Other
 
8,070 
   
7,244 
Total Consumer financing receivables, before allowance for losses
$
115,180 
 
$
113,718 
           
Non-impaired financing receivables
$
111,960 
 
$
110,825 
General reserves
 
2,950 
   
2,891 
           
Impaired loans
 
3,220 
   
2,893 
Specific reserves
 
674 
   
680 
           
           

Past Due Financing Receivables
 
The following table displays payment performance of Consumer financing receivables.
 

       
   
2012 
   
2011 
 
   
Over 30 days
   
Over 90 days
   
Over 30 days
   
Over 90 days
 
December 31
 
past due
   
past due(a)
   
past due
   
past due(a)
 
                         
Non-U.S. residential mortgages
 
12.0 
%
 
7.5 
%
 
12.3 
%
 
7.9 
%
Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
3.9 
   
1.1 
   
4.1 
   
1.2 
 
U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
4.6 
   
2.0 
   
5.0 
   
2.2 
 
Non-U.S. auto
 
3.1 
   
0.5 
   
3.1 
   
0.6 
 
Other
 
2.8 
   
1.7 
   
3.5 
   
2.0 
 
Total
 
6.5 
   
3.4 
   
6.9 
   
3.7 
 
                         
                         
(a)  
Included $24 million and $45 million of loans at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, which are over 90 days past due and accruing interest, mainly representing accretion on loans acquired at a discount.
 
 
 
 
(115)
 
 

Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
 
The following table provides further information about Consumer financing receivables that are classified as nonaccrual.
 

 
Nonaccrual financing
 
Nonearning financing
 
 
receivables
 
receivables
 
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
                         
Non-U.S. residential mortgages
$
2,600 
 
$
2,995 
 
$
2,569 
 
$
2,870 
 
Non-U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
224 
   
321 
   
224 
   
263 
 
U.S. installment and revolving credit
 
1,026 
   
990 
   
1,026 
   
990 
 
Non-U.S. auto
 
24 
   
43 
   
24 
   
43 
 
Other
 
427 
   
487 
   
351 
   
419 
 
Total
$
4,301 
 
$
4,836 
 
$
4,194 
 
$
4,585 
 
                         
Allowance for losses percentage
 
84.3 
%
 
73.8 
%
 
86.4 
%
 
77.9 
%
                         

Impaired Loans
 
The vast majority of our Consumer nonaccrual financing receivables are smaller balance homogeneous loans evaluated collectively, by portfolio, for impairment and therefore are outside the scope of the disclosure requirement for impaired loans. Accordingly, impaired loans in our Consumer business represent restructured smaller balance homogeneous loans meeting the definition of a TDR, and are therefore subject to the disclosure requirement for impaired loans, and commercial loans in our Consumer–Other portfolio. The recorded investment of these impaired loans totaled $3,220 million (with an unpaid principal balance of $3,269 million) and comprised $105 million with no specific allowance, primarily all in our Consumer–Other portfolio, and $3,115 million with a specific allowance of $674 million at December 31, 2012. The impaired loans with a specific allowance included $309 million with a specific allowance of $83 million in our Consumer–Other portfolio and $2,806 million with a specific allowance of $591 million across the remaining Consumer business and had an unpaid principal balance and average investment of $3,152 million and $2,956 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. We recognized $169 million and $141 million of interest income, including $5 million and $15 million on a cash basis, for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, principally in our Consumer –Non-U.S. and U.S. installment and revolving credit portfolios. The total average investment in impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $3,056 million and $2,623 million, respectively.

Impaired loans classified as TDRs in our Consumer business were $3,053 million and $2,723 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We utilize certain loan modification programs for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties in our Consumer loan portfolio. These loan modification programs primarily include interest rate reductions and payment deferrals in excess of three months, which were not part of the terms of the original contract, and are primarily concentrated in our non-U.S. residential mortgage and U.S. credit card portfolios. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we modified $1,756 million of consumer loans for borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, which are classified as TDRs, and included $1,186 million of non-U.S. consumer loans, primarily residential mortgages, credit cards and personal loans and $570 million of U.S. consumer loans, primarily credit cards. We expect borrowers whose loans have been modified under these programs to continue to be able to meet their contractual obligations upon the conclusion of the modification. Of our $1,756 million of modifications classified as TDRs during 2012, $334 million have subsequently experienced a payment default in 2012, primarily in our installment and revolving credit portfolios. Of our $1,924 million of modifications classified as TDRs during 2011, $240 million have subsequently experienced a payment default in 2011.

Credit Quality Indicators
 
Our Consumer financing receivables portfolio comprises both secured and unsecured lending. Secured financing receivables comprise residential loans and lending to small and medium-sized enterprises predominantly secured by auto and equipment, inventory finance and cash flow loans. Unsecured financing receivables include private-label credit card financing. A substantial majority of these cards are not for general use and are limited to the products and services sold by the retailer. The private label portfolio is diverse with no metropolitan area accounting for more than 5% of the related portfolio.
 

 
 
 
(116)
 
 

Non-U.S. residential mortgages
 
For our secured non-U.S. residential mortgage book, we assess the overall credit quality of the portfolio through loan-to-value ratios (the ratio of the outstanding debt on a property to the value of that property at origination). In the event of default and repossession of the underlying collateral, we have the ability to remarket and sell the properties to eliminate or mitigate the potential risk of loss. The table below provides additional information about our non-U.S. residential mortgages based on loan-to-value ratios.
 

 
Loan-to-value ratio
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
80% or
 
Greater than
 
Greater than
 
80% or
 
Greater than
 
Greater than
December 31 (In millions)
less
 
80% to 90%
 
90%
 
less
 
80% to 90%
 
90%
                                   
Non-U.S. residential mortgages
$
18,613 
 
$
5,739 
 
$
9,099 
 
$
19,834 
 
$
6,087 
 
$
9,629 

The majority of these financing receivables are in our U.K. and France portfolios and have re-indexed loan-to-value ratios of 83% and 56%, respectively. We have third-party mortgage insurance for about 35% of the balance of Consumer non-U.S. residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios greater than 90% at December 31, 2012. Such loans were primarily originated in Poland, France and the U.K.

Installment and Revolving Credit
 
For our unsecured lending products, including the non-U.S. and U.S. installment and revolving credit and non-U.S. auto portfolios, we assess overall credit quality using internal and external credit scores. Our internal credit scores imply a probability of default which we consistently translate into three approximate credit bureau equivalent credit score categories, including (a) 681 or higher, which are considered the strongest credits; (b) 615 to 680, considered moderate credit risk; and (c) 614 or less, which are considered weaker credits.
 

 
Internal ratings translated to approximate credit bureau equivalent score
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
681 or
 
615 to
 
614 or
 
681 or
 
615 to
 
614 or
(In millions)
higher
 
680 
 
less
 
higher
 
680 
 
less
                                   
Non-U.S. installment and
                                 
    revolving credit
$
10,493 
 
$
4,496 
 
$
3,557 
 
$
9,913 
 
$
4,838 
 
$
3,793 
U.S. installment and
                                 
    revolving credit
 
33,204 
   
9,753 
   
7,896 
   
28,918 
   
9,398 
   
8,373 
Non-U.S. auto
 
3,141 
   
666 
   
453 
   
3,927 
   
1,092 
   
672 

Of those financing receivable accounts with credit bureau equivalent scores of 614 or less at December 31, 2012, 96% relate to installment and revolving credit accounts. These smaller balance accounts have an average outstanding balance less than one thousand U.S. dollars and are primarily concentrated in our retail card and sales finance receivables in the U.S. (which are often subject to profit and loss-sharing arrangements), and closed-end loans outside the U.S., which minimizes the potential for loss in the event of default. For lower credit scores, we adequately price for the incremental risk at origination and monitor credit migration through our risk ratings process. We continuously adjust our credit line underwriting management and collection strategies based on customer behavior and risk profile changes.

Consumer – Other
 
Secured lending in Consumer – Other comprises loans to small and medium-sized enterprises predominantly secured by auto and equipment, inventory finance and cash flow loans. We develop our internal risk ratings for this portfolio in a manner consistent with the process used to develop our Commercial credit quality indicators, described above. We use the borrower’s credit quality and underlying collateral strength to determine the potential risk of loss from these activities.

At December 31, 2012, Consumer – Other financing receivables of $6,873 million, $451 million and $746 million were rated A, B, and C, respectively. At December 31, 2011, Consumer – Other financing receivables of $5,580 million, $757 million and $907 million were rated A, B, and C, respectively.
 

 
 
 
(117)
 
 

NOTE 17. 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. Except as noted below, 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 2012 or 2011.

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 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
 
We consolidate VIEs because we have the power to direct the activities that significantly affect the VIEs economic performance, typically because of our role as either servicer or manager for the VIE. Our consolidated VIEs fall into three main groups, 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 included conditions under which certain holders could require immediate repayment of their investment should the long-term credit ratings of GECC fall below AA-/Aa3 or the short-term credit ratings fall below A-1+/P-1. Following the April 3, 2012 Moody’s downgrade of GECC’s long-term credit rating to A1, substantially all of these GICs became redeemable by their holders. In 2012, holders of $1,981 million in principal amount of GICs redeemed their holdings. The redemption was funded primarily through advances from GECC. 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 GECC’s ratings, among other things.

·  
Consolidated Securitization Entities (CSEs) comprise primarily our previously unconsolidated QSPEs that were consolidated on January 1, 2010 in connection with our adoption of ASU 2009-16 & 17. These entities were created to facilitate securitization of financial assets and other forms of asset-backed financing which serve as an alternative funding source by providing access to variable funding notes and term markets. The securitization transactions executed with these entities are similar to those used by many financial institutions and substantially all are non-recourse. We provide servicing for substantially all of the assets in these entities.

The financing receivables in these entities have similar risks and characteristics to our other financing receivables and were underwritten to the same standard. Accordingly, the performance of these assets has been similar to our other financing receivables; however, the blended performance of the pools of receivables in these entities reflects the eligibility criteria that we apply to determine which receivables are selected for transfer. Contractually the cash flows from these financing 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 GECC. The creditors of these entities have no claim on other assets of GECC.

·  
Other remaining assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs relate primarily to three categories of entities: (1) joint ventures that lease light industrial equipment of $1,438 million of assets and $836 million of liabilities; (2) other entities that are involved in power generating and leasing activities of $891 million of assets and no liabilities; and (3) insurance entities that, among other lines of business, provide property and casualty and workers’ compensation coverage for GE of $1,193 million of assets and $588 million of liabilities.

 
 
 
(118)
 
 

The table below summarizes the assets and liabilities of consolidated VIEs described above.

     
Consolidated Securitization Entities
       
                                         
       
Credit
             
Trade
           
(In millions)
Trinity
(a)
cards
(b)
Equipment
(b)
Real estate
(c)
receivables
 
Other
 
Total
                                         
December 31, 2012
                                       
Assets(d)
                                       
Financing receivables, net
$
 –
 
$
 24,169 
 
$
 12,456 
 
$
 50 
 
$
 2,339 
 
$
 1,902 
 
$
 40,916 
Investment securities
 
 3,435 
   
 –
   
 –
   
 –
   
 –
   
 1,051 
   
 4,486 
Other assets
 
 217 
   
 29 
   
 360 
   
 –
   
 –
   
 1,873 
   
 2,479 
Total
$
 3,652 
 
$
 24,198 
 
$
 12,816 
 
$
 50 
 
$
 2,339 
 
$
 4,826 
 
$
 47,881 
                                         
Liabilities(d)
                                       
Borrowings
$
 –
 
$
 –
 
$
 –
 
$
 –
 
$
 –
 
$
 707 
 
$
 707 
Non-recourse borrowings
 
 –
   
 17,208 
   
 9,811 
   
 54 
   
 2,050 
   
 –
   
 29,123 
Other liabilities
 
 1,656 
   
 146 
   
 11 
   
 2 
   
 8 
   
 1,313 
   
 3,136 
Total
$
 1,656 
 
$
 17,354 
 
$
 9,822 
 
$
 56 
 
$
 2,058 
 
$
 2,020 
 
$
 32,966 
                                         
December 31, 2011
                                       
Assets(d)
                                       
Financing receivables, net
$
– 
 
$
19,229 
 
$
10,523 
 
$
3,521 
 
$
1,614 
 
$
2,973 
 
$
37,860 
Investment securities
 
4,289 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
1,031 
   
5,320 
Other assets
 
389 
   
17 
   
283 
   
210 
   
– 
   
2,250 
   
3,149 
Total
$
4,678 
 
$
19,246 
 
$
10,806 
 
$
3,731 
 
$
1,614 
 
$
6,254 
 
$
46,329 
                                         
Liabilities(d)
                                       
Borrowings
$
– 
 
$
– 
 
$
 
$
25 
 
$
– 
 
$
821 
 
$
848 
Non-recourse borrowings
 
– 
   
14,184 
   
8,166 
   
3,659 
   
1,769 
   
980 
   
28,758 
Other liabilities
 
4,456 
   
37 
   
– 
   
19 
   
23 
   
1,312 
   
5,847 
Total
$
4,456 
 
$
14,221 
 
$
8,168 
 
$
3,703 
 
$
1,792 
 
$
3,113 
 
$
35,453 
                                         
                                         
(a)  
Excludes intercompany advances from GECC to Trinity, which are eliminated in consolidation of $2,441 million and $1,006 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
(b)  
We provide servicing to the CSEs and are contractually permitted to commingle cash collected from customers on financing receivables sold to CSE investors with our own cash prior to payment to a CSE, provided our short-term credit rating does not fall below A-1/P-1. These CSEs also owe us amounts for purchased financial assets and scheduled interest and principal payments. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the amounts of commingled cash owed to the CSEs were $6,225 million and $5,655 million, respectively, and the amounts owed to us by CSEs were $6,143 million and $5,165 million, respectively.
 
(c)  
On October 1, 2012, we completed the sale of our Business Property business, which included servicing rights for its CSEs. We deconsolidated the Business Properties CSEs in the fourth quarter of 2012 as we no longer have the power to direct the activities of these entities.
 
(d)  
Asset amounts exclude intercompany receivables for cash collected on behalf of the entities by GE 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.
 

Revenues from services from our consolidated VIEs were $6,638 million, $6,162 million and $6,914 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Related expenses consisted primarily of provisions for losses of $1,171 million, $1,146 million and $1,596 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and interest of $541 million, $593 million and $765 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These amounts do not include intercompany revenues and costs, principally fees and interest between GECC and the VIEs, which are eliminated in consolidation.

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.

 
 
 
(119)
 
 

Prior to June 30, 2012, the largest unconsolidated VIE with which we were involved was Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. (PTL), a joint venture and limited partnership formed in 1988 between Penske Truck Leasing Corporation (PTLC) and GE. PTLC is the sole general partner of PTL and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Corporation. PTL is engaged in truck leasing and support services, including full-service leasing, dedicated logistics support and contract maintenance programs, as well as rental operations serving commercial and consumer customers. Our direct and indirect interest in PTL is accounted for using the equity method. During the second quarter of 2012, PTL effected a recapitalization and subsequently acquired third-party financing which, through the fourth quarter of 2012, was used to repay $5,392 million of its outstanding debt owed to GECC. At December 31, 2012, our direct and indirect investment in PTL of $2,080 million primarily comprised partnership interests of $825 million and loans and advances of $1,218 million. During the first quarter of 2013, PTL repaid all of its outstanding debt owed to GECC.

Our largest exposure to any single unconsolidated VIE at December 31, 2012 is an investment in asset-backed securities issued by a senior secured loan fund, which invests in high-quality senior secured debt of various middle-market companies ($5,030 million). Other significant unconsolidated VIEs include investments in real estate entities ($2,639 million), which generally consist of passive limited partnership investments in tax-advantaged, multi-family real estate and investments in various European real estate entities; and exposures to joint ventures that purchase factored receivables ($2,218 million). The vast majority of our other unconsolidated entities consist of passive investments in various asset-backed financing entities.

The classification of our variable interests in these entities in our financial statements is based on the nature of the entity and the type of investment we hold. Variable interests in partnerships and corporate entities are classified as either equity method or cost method investments. In the ordinary course of business, we also make investments in entities in which we are not the primary beneficiary but may hold a variable interest such as limited partner interests or mezzanine debt investments. These investments are classified in two captions in our financial statements: “Other assets” for investments accounted for under the equity method, and “Financing receivables – net” for debt financing provided to these entities. Our investments in unconsolidated VIEs at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 follow.

   
 
2012 
 
2011 
December 31 (In millions)
PTL
 
All other
 
Total
 
PTL
 
All other
 
Total
                                   
Other assets and investment
                                 
    securities
$
2,080 
 
$
8,306 
 
$
10,386 
 
$
7,038 
 
$
7,318 
 
$
14,356 
Financing receivables – net
 
– 
   
2,654 
   
2,654 
   
– 
   
2,507 
   
2,507 
Total investments
 
2,080 
   
10,960 
   
13,040 
   
7,038 
   
9,825 
   
16,863 
Contractual obligations to fund
                                 
    investments or guarantees
 
140 
   
2,462 
   
2,602 
   
600 
   
2,244 
   
2,844 
Revolving lines of credit
 
– 
   
41 
   
41 
   
1,356 
   
92 
   
1,448 
Total
$
2,220 
 
$
13,463 
 
$
15,683 
 
$
8,994 
 
$
12,161 
 
$
21,155 
                                   

In addition to the entities included in the table above, we also hold passive investments in RMBS, CMBS and ABS 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.
 
 
 
 
(120)
 
 

NOTE 18. COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES
 
Commitments
 
GECAS had placed multiple-year orders for various Boeing, Airbus and other aircraft with list prices approximating $25,735 million and secondary orders with airlines for used aircraft of approximately $1,098 million at December 31, 2012.

Guarantees
 
At December 31, 2012, we were committed under the following guarantee arrangements beyond those provided on behalf of VIEs. See Note 17.

·  
Credit Support. We have provided $2,973 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 $34 million at December 31, 2012.

·  
Indemnification Agreements. We have agreements that require us to fund up to $9 million at December 31, 2012 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 $4 million at December 31, 2012. We also had $2,741 million of other indemnification commitments, substantially all of which relate to standard representations and warranties in sales of businesses or assets.

·  
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. Adjustments to the proceeds from our sale of GE Money Japan are further discussed in Note 2. All other potential payments related to contingent consideration are insignificant.

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.

NOTE 19. SUPPLEMENTAL 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. Amounts reported in the “Payments for principal businesses purchased” line is net of cash acquired and included debt assumed and immediately repaid in acquisitions.

Amounts reported in the “All other operating activities” line in the Statement of Cash Flows consists primarily of adjustments to current and noncurrent accruals and deferrals of costs and expenses, adjustments for gains and losses on assets and adjustments to assets. GECC had non-cash transactions related to foreclosed properties and repossessed assets totaling $839 million, $859 million and $1,915 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 
 
 
(121)
 
 

Certain supplemental information related to our cash flows is shown below.

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
All other operating activities
               
Net change in other assets
$
203 
 
$
215 
 
$
28 
Amortization of intangible assets
 
450 
   
566 
   
653 
Net realized losses on investment securities
 
34 
   
197 
   
91 
Cash collateral on derivative contracts
 
2,900 
   
1,247 
   
– 
Change in other liabilities
 
524 
   
(1,229)
   
(2,709)
Other
 
1,281 
   
2,286 
   
4,419 
 
$
5,392 
 
$
3,282 
 
$
2,482 
                 
Net decrease (increase) in financing receivables
               
Increase in loans to customers
$
(308,727)
 
$
(322,853)
 
$
(309,548)
Principal collections from customers - loans
 
307,711 
   
332,548 
   
327,139 
Investment in equipment for financing leases
 
(9,192)
   
(9,610)
   
(10,065)
Principal collections from customers - financing leases
 
10,976 
   
12,431 
   
14,743 
Net change in credit card receivables
 
(8,027)
   
(6,263)
   
(4,554)
Sales of financing receivables
 
12,642 
   
8,117 
   
5,331 
 
$
5,383 
 
$
14,370 
 
$
23,046 
All other investing activities
               
Purchases of securities by insurance activities
$
(2,645)
 
$
(1,786)
 
$
(1,712)
Dispositions and maturities of securities by insurance activities
 
2,999 
   
2,856 
   
3,136 
Other assets - investments
 
7,714 
   
5,822 
   
1,536 
Change in other receivables
 
123 
   
(128)
   
525 
Other
 
3,510 
   
537 
   
6,475 
 
$
11,701 
 
$
7,301 
 
$
9,960 
Newly issued debt (maturities longer than 90 days)
               
Short-term (91 to 365 days)
$
59 
 
$
10 
 
$
2,496 
Long-term (longer than one year)
 
55,782 
   
43,257 
   
35,475 
 
$
55,841 
 
$
43,267 
 
$
37,971 
Repayments and other debt reductions (maturities
               
    longer than 90 days)
               
Short-term (91 to 365 days)
$
(94,114)
 
$
(81,918)
 
$
(95,170)
Long-term (longer than one year)
 
(9,368)
   
(2,786)
   
(1,571)
Principal payments - non-recourse, leveraged leases
 
(426)
   
(732)
   
(638)
 
$
(103,908)
 
$
(85,436)
 
$
(97,379)
All other financing activities
               
Proceeds from sales of investment contracts
$
2,697 
 
$
4,396 
 
$
5,337 
Redemption of investment contracts
 
(5,515)
   
(6,230)
   
(8,647)
Other
 
(50)
   
42 
   
(8)
 
$
(2,868)
 
$
(1,792)
 
$
(3,318)
                 
 
 
 
 
(122)
 
 
  
NOTE 20. 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 in Note 1. Segment results include an allocation for a portion of corporate overhead costs, which include such items as employee compensation and benefits. Segment results reflect the discrete tax effect of transactions, but the intraperiod tax allocation is reflected outside of the segment unless otherwise noted in segment results.

Effects of transactions between related companies are made on an arms-length basis and are eliminated. As a wholly-owned subsidiary, GECC enters into various operating and financing arrangements with GE. These arrangements are made on an arms-length basis but are related party transactions and therefore require the following disclosures. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, financing receivables included $7,131 million and $6,043 million, respectively, of receivables from GE customers. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, other receivables included $5,274 million and $5,016 million, respectively, of receivables from GE. Property, plant and equipment included $1,015 million and $1,100 million, respectively, of property, plant and equipment leased to GE, net of accumulated depreciation. Borrowings included $1,061 million and $3,044 million, respectively, of amounts held by GE.

On February 22, 2012, our parent, General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GE Capital Services or GECS) was merged with and into, GECC. GECC’s continuing operations now include the run-off insurance operations previously held and managed in GECS, and which are reported in corporate items and eliminations. Unless otherwise indicated, references to GECC and the GE Capital segment in this Form 10-K Report relate to the entity or segment as they exist subsequent to the February 22, 2012 merger.

A description of our operating segments as of December 31, 2012, can be found below, and details of segment profit by operating segment can be found in the Summary of Operating Segments table in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

CLL has particular mid-market expertise, and primarily offers collateralized loans, leases and other financial services to customers, includ­ing manufacturers, distributors and end-users for a variety of equipment and major capital assets. These assets include indus­trial-related facilities and equipment; vehicles; corporate aircraft; and equipment used in many industries, including the construction, manufacturing, transportation, media, communications, entertainment and healthcare industries.

Consumer offers a full range of financial products including private-label credit cards; personal loans; bank cards; auto loans and leases; mortgages; debt consolidation; home equity loans; deposit and other savings products; and small and medium enterprise lending on a global basis.

Real Estate offers a comprehensive range of capital and investment solutions and finances, with both equity and loan structures, the acquisition, refinancing and renovation of office buildings, apartment buildings, retail facilities, hotels and industrial properties.

Energy Financial Services offers financial products to the global energy industry including structured equity, debt, leasing, partnership financing, product finance, and broad-based commercial finance.

GECAS provides financial products to airlines, aircraft operators, owners, lend­ers and investors, including leases and secured loans on commercial passenger aircraft, freighters and regional jets; engine leasing and financing services; aircraft parts solutions; and airport equity and debt financing.
 

 
 
 
(123)
 
 

Revenues
 

 
Total revenues
 
Intersegment revenues(a)
 
External revenues
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                                                     
CLL
$
16,857 
 
$
18,178 
 
$
18,447 
 
$
47 
 
$
78 
 
$
40 
 
$
16,810 
 
$
18,100 
 
$
18,407 
Consumer
 
15,579 
   
16,767 
   
17,180 
   
   
10 
   
17 
   
15,576 
   
16,757 
   
17,163 
Real Estate
 
3,654 
   
3,712 
   
3,744 
   
22 
   
17 
   
14 
   
3,632 
   
3,695 
   
3,730 
Energy Financial
                                                   
    Services
 
1,508 
   
1,223 
   
1,957 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
1,508 
   
1,223 
   
1,957 
GECAS
 
5,294 
   
5,262 
   
5,127 
   
– 
   
– 
   
– 
   
5,294 
   
5,262 
   
5,127 
GECC corporate
                                                   
    items and
                                                   
      eliminations
 
3,147 
   
3,926 
   
3,401 
   
(72)
   
(105)
   
(71)
   
3,219 
   
4,031 
   
3,472 
Total
$
46,039 
 
$
49,068 
 
$
49,856 
 
$
– 
 
$
– 
 
$
– 
 
$
46,039 
 
$
49,068 
 
$
49,856 
                                                     
                                                     
(a)  
Sales from one component to another generally are priced at equivalent commercial selling prices.
 

Revenues from customers located in the United States were $26,375 million, $25,891 million and $25,196 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Revenues from customers located outside the United States were $19,664 million, $23,177 million and $24,660 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

                                   
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                                   
CLL
$
4,413 
 
$
4,533 
 
$
4,966 
 
$
710 
 
$
742 
 
$
280 
Consumer
 
235 
   
268 
   
279 
   
1,143 
   
1,345 
   
867 
Real Estate
 
639 
   
707 
   
801 
   
(562)
   
(730)
   
(1,555)
Energy Financial Services
 
64 
   
48 
   
205 
   
(186)
   
(115)
   
(44)
GECAS
 
2,065 
   
2,045 
   
2,080 
   
   
96 
   
(99)
GECC corporate items
                                 
    and eliminations
 
89 
   
82 
   
74 
   
(619)
   
(439)
   
(434)
Total
$
7,505 
 
$
7,683 
 
$
8,405 
 
$
491 
 
$
899 
 
$
(985)
                                   
                                   
 
Interest on loans(a)
 
Interest expense(b)
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                                   
CLL
$
5,121 
 
$
5,628 
 
$
5,984 
 
$
4,551 
 
$
5,093 
 
$
5,638 
Consumer
 
11,861 
   
11,965 
   
12,008 
   
3,360 
   
4,012 
   
4,419 
Real Estate
 
1,494 
   
1,822 
   
2,119 
   
1,883 
   
2,407 
   
2,578 
Energy Financial Services
 
136 
   
169 
   
215 
   
675 
   
662 
   
706 
GECAS
 
398 
   
364 
   
346 
   
1,520 
   
1,504 
   
1,441 
GECC corporate items
                                 
    and eliminations
 
64 
   
108 
   
138 
   
(292)
   
188 
   
(272)
Total
$
19,074 
 
$
20,056 
 
$
20,810 
 
$
11,697 
 
$
13,866 
 
$
14,510 
                                   
                                   
(a)  
Represents one component of Revenues from services, see Note 12.
 
(b)  
Represents total interest expense, see Statement of Earnings.
 
 
 
(124)
 
 


 
 
Assets(a)(b)(c)
 
Property, plant and equipment additions
 
At December 31,
 
For the years ended December 31,
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                                   
CLL
$
182,432 
 
$
193,869 
 
$
202,650 
 
$
6,833 
 
$
6,741 
 
$
3,941 
Consumer
 
138,997 
   
138,534 
   
146,691 
   
79 
   
78 
   
44 
Real Estate
 
46,247 
   
60,873 
   
72,630 
   
   
   
17 
Energy Financial Services
 
19,185 
   
18,357 
   
19,549 
   
– 
   
   
82 
GECAS
 
49,420 
   
48,821 
   
49,106 
   
4,944 
   
3,029 
   
3,582 
GECC corporate items
                                 
    and eliminations
 
102,942 
   
124,082 
   
114,629 
   
27 
   
29 
   
Total
$
539,223 
 
$
584,536 
 
$
605,255 
 
$
11,886 
 
$
9,882 
 
$
7,674 
                                   
                                   
(a)  
Assets of discontinued operations are included in GECC corporate items and eliminations for all periods presented.
 
(b)  
Total assets of the CLL, Consumer, Energy Financial Services and GECAS operating segments at December 31, 2012, include investment in and advances to associated companies of $5,662 million, $5,205 million, $7,475 million and $777 million, respectively. Investments in and advances to associated companies contributed approximately $265 million, $534 million, $585 million and $155 million, respectively, to segment pre-tax income of the CLL, Consumer, Energy Financial Services and GECAS operating segments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
(c)  
Aggregate summarized financial information for significant associated companies assuming a 100% ownership interest included total assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 of $110,695 million and $104,554 million, respectively. Assets were primarily financing receivables of $66,878 million and $57,477 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total liabilities at December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $81,784 million and $77,208 million, respectively, comprised primarily of bank deposits of $26,386 million and $20,980 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and debt of $42,664 million and $46,170 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled $17,592 million, $15,898 million and $18,618 million, respectively, and net earnings for 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled $2,861 million, $2,178 million and $3,811 million, respectively.
 

Property, plant and equipment – net associated with operations based in the United States were $11,207 million, $11,292 million and $10,803 million at year-end 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Property, plant and equipment – net associated with operations based outside the United States were $42,466 million, $40,127 million and $42,965 million at year-end 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

NOTE 21. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 
First quarter
 
Second quarter
 
Third quarter
 
Fourth quarter
(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2011 
                                               
Total revenues
$
 11,442 
 
$
 13,036 
 
$
 11,458 
 
$
 12,440 
 
$
 11,369 
 
$
 12,015 
 
$
 11,770 
 
$
 11,577 
Earnings (loss) from continuing
                                             
    operations before
                                             
        income taxes
 
 1,991 
   
 2,250 
   
 2,238 
   
 1,981 
   
 1,777 
   
 1,616 
   
 1,949 
   
 1,763 
Benefit (provision) for income
                                             
    taxes
 
 (187)
   
 (429)
   
 (102)
   
 (346)
   
 (78)
   
 (59)
   
 (124)
   
 (65)
Earnings from continuing
                                             
    operations
 
 1,804 
   
 1,821 
   
 2,136 
   
 1,635 
   
 1,699 
   
 1,557 
   
 1,825 
   
 1,698 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued
                                             
    operations, net of taxes
 
 (217)
   
 35 
   
 (553)
   
 195 
   
 (111)
   
 (64)
   
 (305)
   
 (240)
Net earnings (loss)
 
 1,587 
   
 1,856 
   
 1,583 
   
 1,830 
   
 1,588 
   
 1,493 
   
 1,520 
   
 1,458 
Less net earnings (loss)
                                             
    attributable to noncontrolling
                                             
        interests
 
 12 
   
 31 
   
 14 
   
 20 
   
 20 
   
 38 
   
 17 
   
 38 
Net earnings (loss) attributable
                                             
    to GECC
$
 1,575 
 
$
 1,825 
 
$
 1,569 
 
$
 1,810 
 
$
 1,568 
 
$
 1,455 
 
$
 1,503 
 
$
 1,420 
                                               

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
 
Not applicable.
 
 
 
 
(125)
 
 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
 
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 (i) our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012, and (ii) no change in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2012, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting and the report of our independent registered public accounting firm appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Form 10-K Report.

Item 9B. Other Information.
 
Not applicable.

 
PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
Not required by this form.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.
 
Not required by this form.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
Not required by this form.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
Not required by this form.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
 
The aggregate fees billed for professional services by KPMG LLP, in 2012 and 2011 were:

(In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Type of fees
         
Audit fees
$
31.2 
 
$
35.1 
Audit-related fees
 
4.3 
   
7.7 
Tax fees
 
4.6 
   
2.9 
Total
$
40.1 
 
$
45.7 
           

In the above table, in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s definitions and rules, “Audit fees” are fees we paid KPMG for professional services for the audit of our annual financial statements included in the Form 10-K and review of financial statements included in the Form 10-Qs; for the audit of our internal control over financial reporting with the objective of obtaining reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects; and for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. “Audit-related fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or the review of our financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, including services in connection with assisting the company in its compliance with its obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations. “Audit-related fees” also include merger and acquisition due diligence and audit services and employee benefit plan audits. “Tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
 
 
 
 
(126)
 
 
PART IV
 
 
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
 
(a) 1.
Financial Statements
 
   
 
Included in Part II of this report:
 
   
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Statement of Earnings for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended
     December 31, 2012
Statement of Changes in Shareowners’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period
     ended December 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2012 and 2011
Statement of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period
 ended December 31, 2012
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
   
 
Incorporated by reference:
 
   
   
The consolidated financial statements of General Electric Company, set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of General Electric Company (S.E.C. File No. 001-00035) for the year ended December 31, 2012 (pages 24 through 193), Exhibit 12(a) (Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges) and Exhibit 12(b) (Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends) of General Electric Company.
 
   
(a) 2.
Financial Statement Schedules
 
     
 
Schedule I
Condensed financial information of registrant.
 
       
   
All other schedules listed in Reg. 210.5-04 have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
   
(a) 3.
Exhibit Index
 
   
 
The exhibits listed below, as part of Form 10-K, are numbered in conformity with the numbering used in Item 601 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
   
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
   
 
2(a)
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated June 25, 2001, between GECC and GECS Merger Sub, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of GECC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of July 3, 2001 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
3(i)
 
A complete copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of GECC consisting of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of GECC as filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, State of Delaware on April 1, 2008, as amended by the Certificates of Designations of GECC with respect to the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock as filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, State of Delaware on June 8, 2012 and July 25, 2012, respectively (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to GECC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
3(ii)
 
A complete copy of the Amended and Restated By-Laws of GECC as last amended on February 21, 2008, and currently in effect (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of GECC’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
         
   4(a)   Form of Certificate representing the Series A Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of GECC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of June 8, 2012 (Commission file number 001-06461)).  
         
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(127)
 
 

  4(b)    Form of Certificate representing the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of GECC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of July 25, 2012 (Commission file number 001-06461)).  
         
  4(c)   Amended and Restated General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC) Standard Global Multiple Series Indenture Provisions dated as of February 27, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-59707 (Commission file number 001-06461)).  
         
 
4(d)
  Third Amended and Restated Indenture dated as of February 27, 1997, between GECC and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-59707 (Commission file number 001-06461)).  
         
 
4(e)
 
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 GECC’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-76479 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
 
   
 
4(f)
 
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 GECC’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-40880 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(g)
 
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 GECC’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-100527 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(h)
 
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 GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-156929 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(i)
 
Eleventh Amended and Restated Fiscal and Paying Agency Agreement among GECC, GE Capital Australia Funding Pty Ltd., GE Capital European Funding, GE Capital U.K. Funding and The Bank of New York Mellon and The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A., as fiscal and paying agents, dated as of April 5, 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(yy) to Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-178262 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(j)
 
Form of Global Medium-Term Note, Series A, Fixed Rate Registered Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(r) to GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-156929 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(k)
 
Form of Global Medium-Term Note, Series A, Floating Rate Registered Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(s) to GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-156929 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(l)
 
Form of GE Capital Fixed Rate InterNote (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(pp) to GECC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-156929 (Commission file number 001-06461)).
 
   
 
4(m)
 
Form of Euro Medium-Term Note and Debt Security – Permanent Global Fixed Rate Bearer Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(i) to General Electric Capital Services, Inc.’s (GECS) Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number 000-14804)).
 
         
 
 
 
 
(128)
 
 

  4(n)    Form of Euro Medium-Term Note and Debt Security – Permanent Global Floating Rate Bearer Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(j) to GECS’ Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number 000-14804)).
 
 
         
  4(o)    Form of Euro Medium-Term Note and Debt Security – Temporary Global Fixed Rate Bearer Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(k) to GECS’ Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number 000-14804)).  
         
  4(p)    Form of Euro Medium-Term Note and Debt Security – Temporary Global Floating Rate Bearer Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(l) to GECS’ Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number 000-14804)).  
         
  4(q)    Form of Euro Medium-Term Note and Debt Security – Definitive Fixed Rate Bearer Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(m) to GECS’ Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number 000-14804)).  
         
  4(r)    Form of Euro Medium-Term Note and Debt Security – Definitive Floating Rate Bearer Note (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(n) to GECS’ Form 10-K Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 (Commission file number 000-14804)).  
         
  4(s)    Letter from the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of General Electric Company to General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC) dated September 15, 2006, with respect to returning dividends, distributions or other payments to GECC in certain circumstances described in the Indenture for Subordinated Debentures dated September 1, 2006, between GECC and the Bank of New York, as successor trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to GECC’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-132807 (Commission file number 001-06461)).  
         
   
4(t)
   
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    Amended and Restated Income Maintenance Agreement, dated October 29, 2009, between General Electric Company and General Electric Capital Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of GECC’s Form 10-Q Report for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009 (Commission file number 001-06461)).  
         
  12(a)    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*  
         
  12(b)    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.*  
         
  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.*  
   
 
 
 
 
(129)
 
 


  99(a)    The consolidated financial statements of General Electric Company, set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of General Electric Company (S.E.C. File No. 001-00035) for the year ended December 31, 2012, (pages 25 through 167) and Exhibit 12(a) (Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges) and 12(b) (Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends) of General Electric Company.
       
   101    The following materials from General Electric Capital Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language); (i) Statement of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (ii) Statement of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (iii) Statement of Changes in Shareowners' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, (iv) Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2012 and 2011, (v) Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
       
       
       
       
 
*     Filed electronically herewith.
 
 
 
 
(130)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
 
General Electric Capital Corporation
 
Condensed Statement of Current and Retained Earnings
 

For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Revenues
$
5,736 
 
$
9,740 
 
$
3,945 
                 
Expenses
               
Interest
 
3,383 
   
4,344 
   
3,571 
Operating and administrative
 
5,878 
   
3,148 
   
2,995 
Provision for losses on financing receivables
 
40 
   
109 
   
1,030 
Depreciation and amortization
 
242 
   
192 
   
193 
      Total expenses
 
9,543 
   
7,793 
   
7,789 
                 
Loss before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
 
(3,807)
   
1,947 
   
(3,844)
Income tax benefit
 
1,723 
   
2,230 
   
1,755 
Equity in earnings of affiliates
 
8,299 
   
2,333 
   
4,244 
                 
Net earnings
 
6,215 
   
6,510 
   
2,155 
Dividends
 
(6,549)
   
– 
   
– 
Other(a)
 
– 
   
– 
   
50 
Retained earnings at January 1(b)
 
51,578 
   
45,068 
   
42,863 
                 
Retained earnings at December 31
$
51,244 
 
$
51,578 
 
$
45,068 
                 
                 
(a)  
Includes the effects of accretion of redeemable securities to their redemption value of $38 million in 2010.
 
(b)  
The 2010 opening balance was adjusted as of January 1, 2010 for the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles of $1,645 million related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-16 & 17.
 

 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
 
(131)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant – (Continued)
 
General Electric Capital Corporation
 
Condensed Statement of Financial Position
 

At December 31 (In millions, except share amounts)
2012 
 
2011 
           
Assets
         
Cash and equivalents
$
 16,892 
 
$
13,482 
Investment securities
 
 8,938 
   
8,716 
Financing receivables - net
 
 42,420 
   
50,822 
Investment in and advances to affiliates
 
 222,867 
   
255,652 
Property, plant and equipment - net
 
 884 
   
1,213 
Other assets
 
 18,261 
   
23,856 
Total assets
$
 310,262 
 
$
353,741 
           
Liabilities and equity
         
Borrowings
$
218,969 
 
$
267,426 
Other liabilities
 
6,886 
   
6,197 
Deferred income taxes
 
2,517 
   
3,008 
    Total liabilities
 
228,372 
   
276,631 
           
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value (750,0000 shares authorized at
         
    December 31, 2012 and 2011 and 40,000 shares and 0 shares issued
 
 - 
   
 - 
        and outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively)
         
Common stock, $14 par value (4,166,000 shares authorized at
         
    December 31, 2012 and 2011 and 1,000 shares issued and
 
 - 
   
 - 
        outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively)
         
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to GECC
         
    Investment securities
 
673 
   
(33)
    Currency translation adjustments
 
(131)
   
(399)
    Cash flow hedges
 
(746)
   
(1,101)
    Benefit plans
 
(736)
   
(563)
Additional paid-in capital
 
31,586 
   
27,628 
Retained earnings
 
51,244 
   
51,578 
    Total shareowners' equity
 
81,890 
   
77,110 
Total liabilities and equity
$
310,262 
 
$
353,741 
           
           
The sum of accumulated gains (losses) on investment securities, currency translation adjustments, cash flow hedges and benefit plans constitutes “Accumulated other comprehensive income,” and was $(940) million and $(2,096) million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 

 
 
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General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant – (Continued)
 
General Electric Capital Corporation
 
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
 

For the years ended December 31 (In millions)
2012 
 
2011 
 
2010 
                 
Cash from (used for) operating activities
$
(1,519)
 
$
5,386 
 
$
(3,408)
                 
Cash flows - investing activities
               
Increase in loans to customers
 
(63,881)
   
(71,863)
   
(81,145)
Principal collections from customers - loans
 
69,620 
   
78,261 
   
89,835 
Investment in equipment for financing leases
 
(1,012)
   
(696)
   
(1,447)
Principal collections from customers - financing leases
 
1,883 
   
3,576 
   
2,783 
Net change in credit card receivables
 
   
(28)
   
(1,182)
Additions to property, plant and equipment
 
(658)
   
(892)
   
(1,073)
Dispositions of property, plant and equipment
 
979 
   
811 
   
871 
Payments for principal businesses purchased
 
– 
   
(50)
   
(559)
Proceeds from principal business dispositions
 
2,863 
   
2,623 
   
1,171 
Increase in investment in and advances to affiliates
 
40,557 
   
3,258 
   
15,642 
All other investing activities
 
5,818 
   
1,399 
   
(624)
                 
Cash from (used for) investing activities
 
56,170 
   
16,399 
   
24,272 
                 
Cash flows - financing activities
               
Net decrease in borrowings (maturities of 90 days or less)
 
(1,722)
   
371 
   
(6,141)
Newly issued debt
               
    Long-term (longer than one year)
 
25,760 
   
23,049 
   
18,325 
Repayments and other debt reductions:
               
    Short-term (91-365 days)
 
(67,725)
   
(42,693)
   
(48,818)
    Long-term (longer than one year)
 
(4,802)
   
(1,671)
   
(1,140)
    Non-recourse, leveraged leases
 
(163)
   
(206)
   
(341)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
 
3,960 
   
– 
   
– 
Dividends paid to shareowners
 
(6,549)
   
– 
   
– 
Other
 
– 
   
– 
   
(19)
                 
Cash from (used for) financing activities
 
(51,241)
   
(21,150)
   
(38,134)
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents during year
 
3,410 
   
635 
   
(17,270)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year
 
13,482 
   
12,847 
   
30,117 
Cash and equivalents at end of year
$
16,892 
 
$
13,482 
 
$
12,847 
                 
                 
 
See accompanying notes.
 

 
 
(133)
 
 

General Electric Capital Corporation and consolidated affiliates
 
Schedule I – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant – (Concluded)
 
General Electric Capital Corporation
 
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
 

 
Financial statements presentation
 
We have reclassified certain prior-year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Borrowings
 
Total long-term borrowings at December 31, 2012 and 2011, are shown below.

 
2012 
               
 
Average
               
December 31 (Dollars in millions)
rate(a)
 
Maturities
 
2012 
 
2011 
                     
Senior notes
 
3.28 
 
2014-2055
 
$
128,809 
 
$
139,869 
Subordinated notes(b)
 
2.63 
 
2014-2037
   
4,947 
   
4,845 
Subordinated debentures(c)
 
5.78 
 
2066-2067
   
7,286 
   
7,215 
Other
           
4,115 
   
3,044 
           
$
145,157 
 
$
154,973 
                     
                     
(a)  
Based on year-end balances and year-end local currency interest rates, including the effects from hedging.
 
(b)  
Included $300 million and $417 million of subordinated notes guaranteed by GE at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of which $117 million was included in current portion of long-term borrowings at December 31, 2011.
 
(c)  
Subordinated debentures receive rating agency equity credit and were hedged at issuance to USD equivalent of $7,725 million.
 

 
At December 31, 2012, maturities of long-term borrowings during the next five years, including the current portion of long-term debt, are $31,870 million in 2013, $20,704 million in 2014, $22,052 million in 2015, $13,117 million in 2016 and $16,084 million in 2017.

Interest rate and currency risk is managed through the direct issuance of debt or use of derivatives. We mitigate interest rate and currency risk by seeking to ensure that the characteristics of the debt match the assets they are funding. We use a variety of instruments, including interest rate and currency swaps and currency forwards, to achieve our interest rate objectives.

Interest expense on the Condensed Statement of Current and Retained Earnings is presented net of interest income on loans and advances to majority owned affiliates of $5,647 million, $5,473 million and $7,724 million and interest expense on loans and advances from majority owned affiliates of $2,817 million, $2,625 million and $3,025 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Income taxes
 
General Electric Company files a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return which includes General Electric Capital Corporation. Income tax benefit (expense) includes our effect on the consolidated return.

Shareowners’ Equity
 
During 2012, we issued 40,000 shares of non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a $0.01 par value for proceeds of $3,960 million. Dividends on the preferred stock are payable semi-annually with the first payment made in December 2012. During 2012, we paid preferred stock dividends of $123 million.

During 2012, we paid dividends of $1,926 million and special dividends of $4,500 million to GE. No dividends were paid during 2011 or 2010.


 
 
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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, 2012, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, and in the capacity indicated, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Norwalk and State of Connecticut on the 26th day of February 2013.
 
   
General Electric Capital Corporation
     
February 26, 2013
 
By: /s/ Michael A. Neal
 
   
Michael A. Neal
   
Chief Executive Officer

 
 
 
(135)
 
 
 
 

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.
 

 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
           
/s/ Michael A. Neal
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
February 26, 2013
 
Michael A. Neal
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
           
/s/ Jeffrey S. Bornstein
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
February 26, 2013
 
Jeffrey S. Bornstein
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
           
/s/ Jamie S. Miller
 
Senior Vice President and Controller
 
February 26, 2013
 
Jamie S. Miller
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
     
           
           
JEFFREY S. BORNSTEIN*
 
Director
     
BRACKETT B. DENNISTON III*
 
Director
     
JEFFREY R. IMMELT*
 
Director
     
MICHAEL A. NEAL*
 
Director
     
KEITH S. SHERIN*
RYAN A. ZANIN*
 
Director
Director
     
           
A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
     
           
           
*By:
/s/ Jamie S. Miller
 
     February 26, 2013
 
Jamie S. Miller
Attorney-in-fact
     

 
 
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