Servicing delivers boost to GE in 2017

UNITED STATES: GE Renewable Energy's servicing business boosted the unit's revenue to $10.28 billion in 2017, an increase of 14%, while the whole group faced a loss for the year.

GE Renewable Energy performed well in 2017, compared with some of the conglomerate's other business units

GE's Renewable Energy unit reported a 15% increase in revenues in Q4, up to $2.86 billion, thanks to a growth in its servicing department.

The company said the strong growth in servicing orders, up 38% year on year in Q4, was reflective of the "strong repower volume" in the US.

Equipment orders in the final quarter of 2017 fell 19%, the company said.

Across the full financial year, GE Renewable Energy saw revenue up 14%, orders up 1% — to $10.37 billion — and profit grow 26% to $727 million.

GE Power, which produces gas and steam turbines among other power generation equipment, saw profits fall 45% to €2.8 billion for the year.

This business segment operated below expectations, even excluding the negative impact of charges, the firm said.

The conglomerate had previously announced an $11 billion charge for insurance losses and taxation, forcing it to record a $10 billion loss overall in the fourth quarter.

GE Chairman and CEO John Flannery said: "The team is focused on operational execution, capital allocation and deep cost reduction to position us for continued improvement in 2018."