GE Posts Strong Q4 Results

Jason Sandefur

A 19% surge in fourth quarter orders of industrial products, including fasteners, helped General Electric post strong results. Q4 revenue rose 4% to $37 billion, while earnings climbed 45% to $4.56 billion. Industrial sales grew 4% to $20.6 billion during the final quarter of 2003. Overall revenue increased 1% to $134.2 billion during 2003, while profit climbed 3% to $15.6 billion.
Despite the strong finish, industrial sales for the year dropped 4% to $70.4 billion. GE Supply Logistics includes the former Questron fastener distribution operations.

CEO Jeff Immelt said 2004 looks bright for GE. “The increase was broad-based, with all of our industrial businesses experiencing growth. GE has strong momentum going into 2004.” Web: ge.com �2004 FastenerNews.com