ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Part II. Financial Information
Index
Trends and Factors Impacting Our Performance 48
Summary of Key Performance Measures 49
Results of Operations 50
Results of Operations – Segments 53
Non-GAAP Financial Measures 54
Liquidity and Capital Resources 58
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 59
Critical Accounting Estimates 59
47
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and corresponding notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion and analysis provide information management believes to be relevant to understanding the financial condition and results of operations of GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (“GE HealthCare,” the “Company,” “our,” or “we”) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. For additional information on the year ended December 31, 2021 and year-over-year comparisons to December 31, 2022, refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and particularly in Item 1A.“Risk Factors”. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations; see “Forward-Looking Statements.”
The following tables are presented in millions of United States (“U.S.”) dollars unless otherwise stated, except for per-share amounts which are presented in U.S. dollars.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “GE HealthCare,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to (1) General Electric Company’s (“GE’s”) healthcare business prior to the previously announced spin-off of the Company on January 3, 2023 (the “Spin-Off”) as a carve-out business of GE with related combined financial statements and (2) GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries following the Spin-Off with related consolidated financial statements.
GE HealthCare’s operations are organized and managed through four reportable segments: Imaging, Ultrasound, Patient Care Solutions (“PCS”), and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (“PDx”) and we evaluate their operating performance using revenue and Segment EBIT. For additional information on the nature of our business see Item 1. “Business.”
TRENDS AND FACTORS IMPACTING OUR PERFORMANCE
We believe that our performance and future success depend on a number of factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and particularly in Item 1A.“Risk Factors.”
KEY TRENDS AFFECTING RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Supply Chain Management
Our suppliers must provide us with quality products in substantial quantities, in compliance with regulatory requirements, at acceptable costs and on a timely basis. Trends affecting the supply chain for the previous two years include the impact of increasing prices of labor and raw materials, limitations on capacity, and increased cost of shipping. While we have seen some easing of these pressures in 2023, continued cost inflation or the return of material scarcity in our supply chain could have adverse impacts on our future results.
Russia and Ukraine Conflict
We had $153 million and $143 million of assets in, or directly related to, Russia and Ukraine as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, none of which are subject to sanctions that impact the carrying value of the assets. We generated revenues of $340 million and $395 million from customers in these two countries for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The potential inability to repatriate earnings from these two countries will not have a material impact on our ability to operate.
We continue to monitor the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including the consideration of financial impact, cybersecurity risks, the applicability and effect of sanctions, and the employee base in Ukraine and Russia. In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce implemented expanded measures that require us to obtain a license for the export, re-export, or transfer of specified medical equipment and spare parts to customers in Russia. The European Union and other countries have also expanded licensing requirements for certain spare parts and other items. We have successfully applied and continue to apply for the licenses required to supply to these customers. The implementation of these measures affected our ability to supply customers in Russia during the last three quarters of 2023 and will continue to do so as we continue to obtain licenses. There is no guarantee we will obtain all of the licenses for which we applied, that any approvals we obtain will be on a timely basis, or that our business in Russia will not be further disrupted due to evolving legal or operational considerations. The Board, together with management, will continue to assess whether developments related to the conflict have had, or are reasonably likely to have, a material impact on the Company.
Seasonality
Our revenues and operating profits vary from quarter to quarter. Revenues in the fourth quarter have historically been higher than in other quarters due to the spending patterns of our customers. In addition, cash from operating activities is typically higher in the fourth quarter sequentially as inventories are lower as a result of higher revenues.
48
OPERATION AS A STAND-ALONE COMPANY.
Financial Presentation Under GE Ownership
GE HealthCare utilized allocations and carve-out methodologies through the date of the Spin-Off to prepare historical combined financial statements. The combined financial statements herein for periods prior to the Spin-Off may not be indicative of our future performance, do not necessarily include the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us, and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows had we been a separate, stand-alone company during the historical periods presented. For additional information, see Note 1, “Organization and Basis of Presentation” to the consolidated and combined financial statements.
Stand-Alone Company Expenses
As a result of the Spin-Off, we are subject to the requirements of the federal and state securities laws and stock exchange requirements. We have established additional procedures and practices as a stand-alone public company. As a result, we have and will continue to incur additional costs related to external reporting, internal audit, treasury, investor relations, Board of Directors and officers, and stock administration.
Pension and Other Benefit-Related Liabilities
In connection with the Spin-Off, on January 1, 2023, GE HealthCare assumed a net postretirement benefit obligation of $4,045 million, in addition to the existing GE HealthCare net postretirement benefit obligation of $278 million, for a total net obligation of $4,323 million.
The value of the assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023, including the plans sponsored by GE HealthCare prior to the Spin-Off, are shown in the table below. As a result of the liabilities and assets transferred to GE HealthCare on January 1, 2023, we disclose in the following table postretirement plans with assets or obligations that exceed $50 million as of December 31, 2023. Refer to Note 10, “Postretirement Benefit Plans” to the consolidated and combined financial statements for further details related to these plans.
GE HealthCare Supplementary Pension Plan 2,022 — (2,022)
Compensation
We have and expect to continue to institute competitive compensation policies and programs as an independent public company. The expense for these policies and programs will increase from the compensation expense allocated by GE in years prior to the Spin-Off, driven primarily by higher cash and stock compensation to retain employees and align more closely with industry peers.
SUMMARY OF KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Management reviews and analyzes several key performance measures including Total revenues, Remaining Performance Obligations (“RPO”), Operating income, Net income attributable to GE HealthCare, Earnings per share – continuing operations, and Cash from (used for) operating activities – continuing operations. Management also reviews and analyzes Organic revenue*, Adjusted Earnings Before Interest and Taxes* (“Adjusted EBIT*”), Adjusted net income*, Adjusted tax expense*, Adjusted effective tax rate* (“Adjusted ETR*”), Adjusted earnings per share*, and Free cash flow*, which are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are reviewed and analyzed in order to evaluate our business performance, identify trends affecting our business, allocate capital, and make strategic decisions, including those discussed below. See “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below for further discussion on our key performance measures.
The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered along with the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures. Definitions of these non-GAAP financial measures, a discussion of why we believe they are useful to management and investors as well as certain of their limitations, and reconciliations to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measures are provided below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
49
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables set forth our results of operations for each of the periods presented.
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31
Selling, general, and administrative 4,282 3,631
Interest and other financial charges – net 542 77
Non-operating benefit (income) costs (382) (5)
Other (income) expense – net (86) (62)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2,361 2,512
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (743) (563)
Net income from continuing operations 1,618 1,949
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (4) 18
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (46) (51)
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare $ 1,568 $ 1,916
TOTAL REVENUES AND RPO.
Revenues by Segment
For the years ended December 31
Segment revenues
(1) Financial information not presented within the reportable segments, shown within the Other category, represents the HealthCare Financial Services (“HFS”) business which does not meet the definition of an operating segment.
Revenues by Region
For the years ended December 31
United States and Canada (“USCAN”) $ 8,551 $ 8,130 5%
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (“EMEA”) 5,058 4,684 8%
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
50
For the year ended December 31, 2023
Total revenues were $19,552 million, growing 7% or $1,211 million as reported and 8% organically*. The reported growth was primarily due to Sales of products growing 9% or $1,083 million as reported, with growth across all segments.
The segment revenues were as follows:
•Imaging segment revenues were $10,581 million, growing 6% or $596 million as reported due to an increase in Organic revenue*, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency impacts. Organic revenue* grew 7% primarily due to growth in Magnetic Resonance and MI/CT product lines, due to supply chain fulfillment improvements, new product introductions, and an increase in price;
•Ultrasound segment revenues were $3,457 million, growing 1% or $35 million as reported due to an increase in Organic revenue*, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency impacts. Organic revenue* grew 2% primarily due to growth in Cardiovascular and Point of Care and Handheld product lines due to new product introductions, an increase in price, and supply chain fulfillment improvements;
•PCS segment revenues were $3,142 million, growing 8% or $226 million due to growth in Monitoring Solutions and Consumables and Services product lines driven by an increase in price and operational improvements; and
•PDx segment revenues were $2,306 million, growing 18% or $348 million with growth across all regions due to an increase in price and improved demand.
The regional revenues were as follows:
•USCAN revenues were $8,551 million, growing 5% or $421 million due to growth across all segments;
•EMEA revenues were $5,058 million, growing 8% or $374 million due to growth in Imaging and PDx;
•China region revenues were $2,785 million, growing 10% or $254 million due to growth across all segments, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency impacts; and
•Rest of World revenues were $3,158 million, growing 5% or $162 million due to growth in Imaging and PDx, partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency impacts.
Remaining Performance Obligations
As of
RPO represents the estimated revenue expected from customer contracts that are partially or fully unperformed inclusive of amounts deferred in contract liabilities, excluding contracts, or portions thereof, that provide the customer with the ability to cancel or terminate without incurring a substantive penalty. RPO as of December 31, 2023 increased 2% from December 31, 2022, primarily due to new and renewals of multi-year service contracts in USCAN and EMEA.
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
51
OPERATING INCOME, NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO GE HEALTHCARE, ADJUSTED EBIT*, AND ADJUSTED NET INCOME*.
For the years ended December 31
2023 % of Total revenues 2022 % of Total revenues % change
For the year ended December 31, 2023
Operating income was $2,435 million, a decrease of $87 million and 130 basis points as a percent of Total revenues. The decrease as a percent of Total revenues was due to the following factors:
•Cost of products sold increased $490 million but decreased 170 basis points as a percent of Sales of products. The decrease as a percent of sales was driven by cost productivity and an increase in pricing of our products, partially offset by cost inflation. Cost of services sold decreased $22 million or 130 basis points as a percent of Sales of services. The decrease as a percent of sales was driven by cost productivity and an increase in pricing of our service offerings, partially offset by cost inflation. Included in our total cost of revenue as part of our product investment was $438 million in engineering costs for design follow-through on new product introductions and product lifecycle maintenance subsequent to the initial product launch, compared to $429 million for the prior year comparable period; and
•Total operating expenses increased $830 million due to an increase in Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expense of $651 million driven by increased costs associated with both the one-time stand-up and recurring operations of a standalone company and commercial and marketing investments and an increase in R&D investments of $179 million. As a result, SG&A as a percentage of Total revenues increased by 210 basis points and R&D as a percentage of Total revenues increased by 60 basis points.
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare and Net income margin were $1,568 million and 8.0%, a decrease of $348 million and 240 basis points, respectively, primarily due to the following factors:
•Operating income decreased $87 million, as discussed above;
•Interest and other financial charges – net increased $465 million primarily due to interest expense related to the debt securities issued by GE HealthCare in November of 2022 and the Term Loan Facility drawn upon in January of 2023;
•Non-operating benefit income increased $377 million primarily related to the pension plans transferred to GE HealthCare as part of the Spin-Off; and
•Provision for income taxes increased $180 million primarily due to the tax effect of foreign currency movement, the impact of the Tax Matters Agreement, including the effect of completing the 2022 U.S. federal tax return, taxes accrued for the future repatriation of current earnings with a one-time charge for prior period earnings of certain of our foreign subsidiaries, and the impact of adjusting deferred tax assets and liabilities to standalone GE HealthCare tax rates. For additional detail regarding our income taxes, see Note 11, “Income Taxes” to the consolidated and combined financial statements.
Adjusted EBIT* and Adjusted EBIT margin* were $2,956 million and 15.1%, an increase of $95 million but a decrease of 50 basis points, respectively, primarily due to an increase in Total revenues, offset by an increase in Total operating expenses, excluding the impact of one-time Spin-Off and separation costs, as discussed above.
Adjusted net income*was $1,797 million, a decrease of $306 million primarily due to higher Interest and other financial charges – net, partially offset by an increase in Operating Income, excluding the impact of one-time Spin-Off and separation costs, as discussed above.
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
52
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – SEGMENTS
We exclude from Segment EBIT certain corporate-related expenses and certain transactions or adjustments that our Chief Operating Decision Maker (which is our Chief Executive Officer) considers to be non-operational, such as Interest and other financial charges – net, Benefit (provision) for income taxes, Restructuring costs, Acquisition and disposition-related benefits (charges), Spin-Off and separation costs, Non-operating benefit (income) costs, Gain (loss) on business and asset dispositions, Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, and Investment revaluation gain (loss). See “Results of Operations” section above for discussion on the performance of segments on revenue.
Segment EBIT
For the years ended December 31
2023 % of segment revenues 2022 % of segment revenues % change
Segment EBIT
(1)Financial information not presented within the reportable segments, shown within the Other category, represents the HFS business and certain other business activities which do not meet the definition of an operating segment.
For the year ended December 31, 2023
•Imaging Segment EBIT was $1,124 million, an increase of $24 million due to cost productivity, an increase in price, and growth in sales volume, largely offset by investments, liquidation of higher-cost inventory, and mix between our product and service offerings;
•Ultrasound Segment EBIT was $821 million, a decrease of $87 million due to cost inflation and investments, partially offset by cost productivity and an increase in price;
•PCS Segment EBIT was $383 million, an increase of $42 million due to cost productivity, an increase in price, and growth in sales volume, partially offset by investments and cost inflation; and
•PDx Segment EBIT was $617 million, an increase of $97 million due to an increase in price, growth in sales volume, and cost productivity, partially offset by cost inflation and investments.
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
53
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are supplemental measures of our performance and our liquidity that we believe help investors understand our financial condition, cash flows, and operating results, and assess our future prospects. We believe that presenting these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to the corresponding U.S. GAAP financial measures, are important supplemental measures that exclude non-cash or other items that may not be indicative of or related to our core operating results and the overall health of our company. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors greater transparency to the information used by management for its operational decision-making and allow investors to see our results “through the eyes of management.” We further believe that providing this information assists our investors in understanding our operating performance and the methodology used by management to evaluate and measure such performance. When read in conjunction with our U.S. GAAP results, these non-GAAP financial measures provide a baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses and can be used by management as one basis for making financial, operational, and planning decisions. Finally, these measures are often used by analysts and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry.
The non-GAAP financial measures we report include:
Organic revenue and Organic revenue growth rate
We believe that Organic revenue and Organic revenue growth rate, by excluding the effect of acquisitions, dispositions, and foreign currency rate fluctuations, provide management and investors with additional understanding and visibility into the underlying revenue trends of our established, ongoing operations. Organic revenue and Organic revenue growth rate also provide greater insight regarding the overall demand for our products and services.
Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin
We believe Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin provide management and investors with additional understanding of our business by highlighting the results from ongoing operations and the underlying profitability factors. These metrics exclude interest expense, interest income, non-operating benefit (income) costs, and tax expense, as well as non-recurring and/or non-cash items, which may have a material impact on our results. In addition, we may from time to time consider excluding other nonrecurring items to enhance comparability between periods. We believe this provides additional insight into how our businesses are performing, on a normalized basis. However, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT margin should not be construed as inferring that our future results will be unaffected by the items for which the measure adjusts.
Adjusted net income
We believe Adjusted net income provides investors with improved comparability of underlying operating results and a further understanding and additional transparency regarding how we evaluate our business. Adjusted net income also provides management and investors with additional perspective regarding the impact of certain significant items on our earnings. Adjusted net income excludes non-operating benefit (income) costs, certain tax expense adjustments, and non-recurring and/or non-cash items, which may have a material impact on our results. In addition, we may from time to time consider excluding other nonrecurring items to enhance comparability between periods. However, Adjusted net income should not be construed as inferring that our future results will be unaffected by the items for which the measure adjusts.
Adjusted earnings per share
We believe Adjusted earnings per share provides investors with improved comparability of underlying operating results and a further understanding and additional transparency regarding how we evaluate our business. Adjusted earnings per share also provides management and investors with additional perspective regarding the impact of certain significant items on our per share earnings. Adjusted earnings per share excludes non-operating benefit (income) costs, certain tax expense adjustments, and non-recurring and/or non-cash items, which may have a material impact on our results. In addition, we may from time to time consider excluding other nonrecurring items to enhance comparability between periods. However, Adjusted earnings per share should not be construed as inferring that our future results will be unaffected by the items for which the measure adjusts.
Adjusted tax expense and Adjusted effective tax rate
We believe that Adjusted tax expense and Adjusted effective tax rate provide investors with a better understanding of the normalized tax rate applicable to our business and provide more consistent comparability across periods. Adjusted tax expense excludes the income tax related to the pre-tax income adjustments included as part of Adjusted net income and certain income tax adjustments, such as adjustments to deferred tax assets or liabilities. In addition, we may from time to time consider excluding other nonrecurring tax items to enhance comparability between periods. Adjusted effective tax rate is Adjusted tax expense divided by Income before income taxes less pre-tax income adjustments detailed above in Adjusted net income. However, Adjusted tax expense and Adjusted effective tax rate should not be construed as inferring that our future results will be unaffected by the items for which the measure adjusts.
54
Free cash flow
We believe that Free cash flow provides management and investors with an important measure of our ability to generate cash on a normalized basis. Free cash flow also provides insight into our flexibility to allocate capital, including reinvesting in the Company for future growth, paying down debt, paying dividends, and pursuing other opportunities that may enhance stockholder value. Free cash flow is Cash from (used for) operating activities – continuing operations including cash flows related to the additions and dispositions of PP&E and internal-use software as well as the impact of discontinued factoring programs. Interest expense associated with external debt that was historically held by GE is not recognized in the combined financial statements and related notes. Additionally, Free cash flow does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures, due to the fact that the measures do not deduct the payments required for debt repayments.
Non-GAAP Reconciliations
Management recognizes that these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, including that they may be calculated differently by other companies or may be used under different circumstances or for different purposes, thereby affecting their comparability from company to company. In order to compensate for these and the other limitations discussed below, management does not consider these measures in isolation from or as alternatives to the comparable financial measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Readers should review the reconciliations below and should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business. The reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure are provided below.
Organic Revenue* For the years ended December 31
Less: Acquisitions(1) 1 —
Less: Dispositions(2) — —
Less: Foreign currency exchange (144) —
Less: Acquisitions(1) — —
Less: Dispositions(2) — —
Less: Foreign currency exchange (43) —
Ultrasound Organic revenue* $ 3,500 $ 3,422 2%
Less: Acquisitions(1) — —
Less: Dispositions(2) — —
Less: Foreign currency exchange (16) —
Less: Acquisitions(1) — —
Less: Dispositions(2) — —
Less: Foreign currency exchange (14) —
Less: Acquisitions(1) — —
Less: Dispositions(2) — —
Less: Foreign currency exchange 1 —
Other Organic revenue* $ 65 $ 60 8%
Less: Acquisitions(1) 1 —
Less: Dispositions(2) — —
Less: Foreign currency exchange (216) —
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
55
Adjusted EBIT* For the years ended December 31
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare $ 1,568 $ 1,916 (18)%
Add: Interest and other financial charges – net 542 77
Add: Non-operating benefit (income) costs (382) (5)
Less: Benefit (provision) for income taxes (743) (563)
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (4) 18
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (46) (51)
Add: Restructuring costs(1) 54 146
Add: Acquisition and disposition-related charges (benefits)(2) (15) (34)
Add: Spin-Off and separation costs(3) 270 14
Add: (Gain) loss on business and asset dispositions(4) — (1)
Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets 127 121
Add: Investment revaluation (gain) loss(5) (1) 31
Adjusted EBIT margin* 15.1% 15.6% (50) bps
(5) Primarily relates to valuation adjustments for equity investments.
Adjusted Net Income* For the years ended December 31
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare $ 1,568 $ 1,916 (18)%
Add: Non-operating benefit (income) costs (382) (5)
Add: Restructuring costs(1) 54 146
Add: Acquisition and disposition-related charges (benefits)(2) (15) (34)
Add: Spin-Off and separation costs(3) 270 14
Add: (Gain) loss on business and asset dispositions(4) — (1)
Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets 127 121
Add: Investment revaluation (gain) loss(5) (1) 31
Add: Tax effect of reconciling items 92 (67)
Add: Certain tax adjustments(6) 80 —
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (4) 18
(5) Primarily relates to valuation adjustments for equity investments.
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
56
Adjusted Earnings Per Share* For the years ended December 31
(In dollars, except shares outstanding presented in millions) 2023 2022 $ change
Diluted earnings per share – continuing operations $ 3.04 $ 4.18 $ (1.14)
Add: Non-operating benefit (income) costs (0.83) (0.01)
Add: Restructuring costs(1) 0.12 0.32
Add: Acquisition and disposition-related charges (benefits)(2) (0.03) (0.07)
Add: Spin-Off and separation costs(3) 0.59 0.03
Add: (Gain) loss on business and asset dispositions(4) — (0.00)
Add: Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets 0.28 0.27
Add: Investment revaluation (gain) loss(5) (0.00) 0.07
Add: Tax effect of reconciling items 0.20 (0.15)
Add: Certain tax adjustments(6) 0.17 —
Adjusted earnings per share*(7) $ 3.93 $ 4.63 $ (0.70)
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 458 454
(5) Primarily relates to valuation adjustments for equity investments.
Adjusted Tax Expense* and Adjusted ETR* For the years ended December 31
Benefit (provision) for income taxes $ (743) $ (563)
Add: Tax effect of reconciling items 92 (67)
Add: Certain tax adjustments(1) 80 —
Adjusted tax expense* $ (571) $ (630)
Adjusted effective tax rate* 23.7% 22.6%
Free Cash Flow* For the years ended December 31
Add: Additions to PP&E and internal-use software (387) (310)
Add: Dispositions of PP&E 1 4
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
57
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2023, our Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balance was $2,504 million. We have historically generated positive cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations. Additionally, we have access to revolving credit facilities of $3,500 million in aggregate, described in detail in Note 9, “Borrowings” to the consolidated and combined financial statements. Historically, we relied on cash pooling arrangements with GE to manage liquidity and fund our operations. Upon completion of the Spin-Off, we ceased participation in GE cash pooling arrangements and our Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash are held and used solely for our own ongoing operations and commitments.
We believe that our existing balance of Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, future cash generated from operating activities, access to capital markets, and existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet the needs of our current and ongoing operations, pay taxes due, service our existing debt, and fund investments in our business for at least the next 12 months.
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods presented:
Cash Flow For the years ended December 31
Cash from (used for) investing activities – continuing operations (558) (398)
Cash from (used for) financing activities – continuing operations (478) (822)
Operating Activities
Cash generated from operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2023 was $2,101 million and included Net income from continuing operations of $1,618 million, non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $610 million, and a $127 million outflow from changes in assets and liabilities, primarily driven by company-funded benefit payments for postretirement benefit plans and an increase in receivables, partially offset by lower cash taxes paid and a decrease in inventories.
Cash generated from operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2022 was $2,134 million and included Net income from continuing operations of $1,949 million, non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization of $633 million, and a $448 million outflow from changes in assets and liabilities, primarily driven by an increase in inventory, higher cash taxes paid, and an increase in receivables, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable.
Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2023 was $558 million and primarily included additions to PP&E of $387 million related primarily to manufacturing capacity expansion, new product introductions, and purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired, of $147 million primarily related to Caption Health, Inc. (“Caption Health”). On February 17, 2023, we acquired Caption Health, an AI company whose technology expands access to AI-guided ultrasound screening for novice users.
Cash used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2022 was $398 million and primarily included additions to PP&E of $310 million related primarily to manufacturing capacity expansion, and new product introductions.
Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2023 was $478 million and primarily included $1,317 million of transfers to GE, $850 million partial repayment of our outstanding Term Loan Facility, and $211 million of redemption of noncontrolling interests, partially offset by $2,000 million drawdown of the Term Loan Facility.
Cash used for financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2022 was $822 million and primarily included $8,934 million of transfers to GE, partially offset by $8,198 million of newly issued debt.
Free cash flow*
Free cash flow* was $1,715 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and primarily included $2,101 million of cash generated from operating activities, partially offset by $387 million of cash used for additions to PP&E.
Free cash flow* was $1,828 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and primarily included $2,134 million of cash generated from operating activities, partially offset by $310 million of cash used for additions to PP&E.
____________________
*Non-GAAP Financial Measure
58
Capital Expenditures
Cash used for capital expenditures was $387 million and $310 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capital expenditures were primarily for manufacturing capacity expansion, and equipment and tooling for new and existing products including new product introductions.
Material Cash Requirements
In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts and commitments that obligate us to make payments in the future. Information regarding our obligations under lease, debt, and purchase arrangements are provided in Note 7, “Leases,” Note 9, “Borrowings,” and Note 14, “Commitments, Guarantees, Product Warranties, and Other Loss Contingencies,” to the consolidated and combined financial statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, we have material cash requirements related to our pension obligations as described in Note 10, “Postretirement Benefit Plans,” to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Debt and Credit Facilities
As part of our capital structure, we have incurred debt. The servicing of this debt will be supported by cash flows from our operations. As of December 31, 2023, we had $9,442 million of total debt compared to $8,249 million as of December 31, 2022. The increase in debt was mainly driven by drawdown of the Term Loan Facility by $2,000 million in connection with our Spin-Off in January 2023, partially offset by $850 million repayment of the outstanding Term Loan Facility in December 2023.
The weighted average interest rate for the Notes and our Credit Facilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 6.03%. We had no principal debt repayments on the Notes for the year ended December 31, 2023.
In addition to the Term Loan Facility, our credit facilities include a five-year senior unsecured revolving facility that provides borrowings of up to $2,500 million expiring in January 2028, and a 364-day senior unsecured revolving facility that provides borrowings of up to $1,000 million expiring in December 2024. As of December 31, 2023, there were no outstanding borrowings on either of the two revolving facilities.
The Credit Facilities include various customary covenants that limit, among other things, the incurrence of liens securing debt, the entry into certain fundamental change transactions by GE HealthCare, and the maximum permitted leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the covenant requirements, including the maximum consolidated net leverage ratio.
For additional details on debt and credit facilities, see Note 9, “Borrowings” to the consolidated and combined financial statements.
Access to Capital and Credit Ratings
We have historically relied, via GE, on the debt capital markets to fund a significant portion of our operations. Concurrent with our Spin-Off, we accessed the capital markets and raised $10,250 million of debt by issuing $8,250 million of senior unsecured notes in November 2022, and completed a drawdown of the Term Loan Facility of $2,000 million in January 2023. In addition, we were able to arrange revolving credit facilities of $3,500 million to further support our liquidity needs. We plan to continue to rely on capital markets, and we expect to have access to credit facilities to fund our operations. The cost and availability of debt financing will be influenced by our credit ratings and market conditions. Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings (“S&P”), and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) currently issue ratings on our long-term debt. Our credit ratings as of January 30, 2024 are set forth in the table below. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Fitch affirmed our long term rating, and Moody’s issued their credit opinion consistent with our ratings listed below.
Moody’s S&P Fitch
Long-term rating Baa2 BBB BBB
Outlook Stable Stable Stable
We are disclosing our credit ratings to enhance the understanding of our sources of liquidity and the effects of our ratings on our costs of funds and access to liquidity. 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.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated and combined financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Our financial results are affected by the selection and application of accounting policies and methods. We have adopted accounting policies to prepare our consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP.
59
To prepare our consolidated and combined financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, including our contingent liabilities, as of the date of our consolidated and combined financial statements, and the reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. We consider estimates to be critical (i) if we are required to make assumptions about material matters that are uncertain at the time of estimation or (ii) if materially different estimates could have been made or it is reasonably likely that the accounting estimate will change from period to period. The following are areas considered to be critical and require management’s judgment: Revenue Recognition, Business Combination Related Measurements, Pensions, and Income Taxes.
See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our significant accounting policies.
REVENUE RECOGNITION.
Our revenues are recorded based on the consideration specified in customer contracts net of any sales incentives, discounts, returns, chargebacks, group purchasing organization fees, rebates, or credits, which are accounted for as estimated variable consideration. Our estimates for these deductions are based upon historical experience and consider current and forecasted market trends. We record the estimated amounts as a reduction to revenue when we recognize the related product or service sale.
Chargebacks are a form of variable consideration that occur when a contracted customer purchases through an intermediary wholesaler. The contracted customer generally purchases product from the wholesaler at its contracted price plus a mark-up. The wholesaler, in turn, charges us back for the difference between the price initially paid by the wholesaler and the contract price paid to the wholesaler by the contracted customer. A provision for outstanding chargebacks is recorded at the time we recognize revenue from the sale to the wholesaler and requires certain estimates such as the wholesaler chargeback rates, the expected sell-through levels by our wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels.
The amounts of variable consideration included in the net transaction price for revenue recognition are limited to the amounts that are estimated to be probable of occurrence to avoid a material revenue reversal in a future period.
See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition” to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on revenue recognition.
BUSINESS COMBINATION RELATED MEASUREMENTS.
Our consolidated and combined financial statements include the operations of an acquired business starting from the completion of the combination. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including any contingent consideration we may be liable to pay in the future, are recorded on the date of the business combination at their respective estimated fair values, with any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Our business combinations typically result in the recognition of goodwill, developed technology, and other intangible assets, which affect the amount of future period amortization expense. The fair values of acquired intangible assets and liabilities are determined using information available at the business combination date based on estimates and assumptions that are deemed reasonable. Significant assumptions vary by the class of asset or liability and the valuation technique used and can include the discount rates, timing, and probability of achieving regulatory and commercialization milestones and certain assumptions that form the basis of the forecasted results of the acquired business including revenue; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; growth rates; royalty rates; and technology obsolescence rates. These assumptions are forward-looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions. We engage third-party valuation specialists who review our critical assumptions and prepare the calculations of the fair value of acquired intangible assets in connection with significant business combinations.
See Note 8, “Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets” to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our business combinations.
PENSIONS.
Pension benefits are calculated using significant inputs to the actuarial models that measure pension benefit obligations and related effects on operations. Two assumptions, discount rate and expected return on assets, are important elements of plan expense and related asset and liability measurement. The Company evaluates these critical assumptions at least annually on a plan and country-specific basis. The Company periodically evaluates other assumptions involving demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, and turnover, and updates them to reflect our experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year often will differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.
Projected benefit obligations (“PBO”) are measured as the present value of expected payments. We discount those cash payments using the weighted average of market-observed yields for high-quality fixed-income securities with maturities that correspond to the expected timing of benefit payment. Generally, lower discount rates increase present values and increase subsequent-year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease present values and decrease subsequent-year pension expense.
60
A 50 basis point change in the assumed discount rate would have the following effects on the calculation of net periodic benefit costs in 2024 and PBO and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) as of December 31, 2023:
Discount Rate Sensitivity
Principal Pension Plans Other Pension Plans Other Postretirement Plans
50 bps increase in discount rate
Impact on service cost and interest cost in 2024 37 6 3
50 bps decrease in discount rate
Impact on service cost and interest cost in 2024 (42) (7) (3)
The deficit sensitivity to the discount rate would be lower than the projected benefit obligation sensitivity as a result of the liability hedging program incorporated in the plan’s asset allocation.
To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider current and target asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. In developing future long-term return expectations for our principal benefit plans’ assets, we formulate views on the future economic environment, both in the U.S. and abroad. We evaluate general market trends and historical relationships among a number of key variables that impact asset class returns such as expected earnings growth, inflation, valuations, yields, and spreads, using both internal and external sources. We also consider expected volatility by asset class and diversification across classes to determine expected overall portfolio results given current and target allocations. A 1% change in the assumed expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would increase or decrease the 2024 net periodic benefit costs of these plans by $207 million.
Our pension plan assets contain financial instruments that are measured at fair value. While the majority of these assets are valued based on quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in active markets, the fair value of certain assets is estimated using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). These assets primarily relate to real estate and private equity investments.
For pension benefits and retiree health and life benefits transferred from GE on January 1, 2023, third-party actuaries were engaged to assist in the valuation of transferred pension assets and liabilities using assumptions provided by GE which the Company reviewed prior to recording amounts in our combined financial statements.
See Note 10, “Postretirement Benefit Plans” to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our postretirement benefit plans.
INCOME TAXES.
For periods prior to the Spin-Off, GE HealthCare is included in the combined U.S. federal, state, and foreign income tax returns of GE, where eligible. However, we have adopted the separate return approach for purposes of our combined financial statements. The income tax provisions and related deferred tax assets and liabilities reflected in our combined financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been estimated as if we were a separate taxpayer.
Our annual tax expense is based on our income, statutory tax rates, and tax incentives available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in existing tax laws or rates could significantly impact the estimate of our tax liabilities. Deferred 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 as well as our short- and long-range business forecasts to provide insight.
Significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. We recognize tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if we believe that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the relevant taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. Our policy is to adjust these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the settlement or effective settlement of positions with the relevant taxing authorities. We have provided for the amounts we believe will ultimately result from these changes; however, due to the complexity of some of these uncertainties, the ultimate resolution may result in a payment that is materially different from our current estimate of the tax liabilities. Such differences will be reflected as increases or decreases to income tax expense in the period in which they are determined.
61
See Note 11, “Income Taxes” to the consolidated and combined financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on income taxes.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk primarily from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices, which may impact future income, cash flows, and fair value of our business. In certain situations, we may seek to reduce cash flow volatility associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the foreign currency risk associated with our net investment in foreign operations, or the fair value interest rate risk of our financial instruments bearing fixed interest by entering into financial arrangements intended to provide a hedge against a portion of the risks associated with such risks. We continue to have exposure to such risks to the extent they are not hedged. We enter into derivative contracts to the extent they meet the objectives described above, and not for speculative purposes.
FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK.
As a result of our global operations, we generate and incur a significant portion of our revenues and expenses, including those arising from intercompany transactions, in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign operations creating exposure to foreign currency translation risk. Such principal currencies include the Euro, the Chinese Renminbi, the Japanese Yen, the Norwegian Krone, and the British Pound Sterling, among others. Operating entities with functional currencies other than the USD also create exposure to foreign currency risk realized upon their sale or a complete or substantially complete liquidation.
We use a number of techniques to manage the effects of currency exchange, including hedging of significant currency exposures. We use cash flow hedging primarily to reduce or eliminate the effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on purchase and sale contracts and economic hedges when we have exposures to currency exchange risk for which we are unable to meet the requirements for hedge accounting. We use net investment hedging to hedge the foreign currency risk of our net investment in foreign operations against adverse movements in exchange rates against the USD. As a result of the above mitigating activities, we have been able to significantly reduce the financial impact of volatility from currency fluctuations.
The potential decrease in fair value of our foreign currency derivative contracts from a 10% decrease in USD spot rates against other applicable currencies would have been $13 million as of December 31, 2023. This excludes foreign currency derivative contracts designated as net investment hedges as changes in the fair value of those contracts are not expected to impact earnings. The sensitivity analysis assumes a uniform weakening of USD spot rates against the other applicable currencies, compared to the actual exchange rates applied as of December 31, 2023, with all other factors remaining constant. This sensitivity analysis disregards the offsetting change in value of the underlying hedged currency exposures in earnings.
The effect arising from foreign currency transactions, including the remeasurement of derivatives mentioned above, can result in significant fluctuations at points in time, but generally will be offset as the underlying hedged item is recognized in earnings. The global nature of our customer base and manufacturing footprint allows for the natural offset of certain income and costs denominated in foreign currencies. See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for net gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
INTEREST RATE RISK.
We are exposed to interest rate risk due to changes in benchmark interest rates, related to the fair value of our borrowings bearing fixed interest rates and variability of cash flows related to our investments and borrowings bearing variable interest rates.
As of December 31, 2023, we have $8,250 million of fixed-rate debt and $1,150 million outstanding on the Term Loan Facility which carries a variable interest rate. As of December 31, 2023, we have $2,504 million of Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, which are invested in short-term investments that generate income based on variable interest rates.
A change in interest rates would impact the fair value of our fixed-rate debt and would impact our earnings and cash flows associated with our floating-rate debt. A hypothetical change of interest rates by 100 basis points would increase or decrease our annual interest expense by approximately $22 million, partially offset by the change in interest income from our cash investments.
We primarily manage interest rate risk by using a mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt that we deem appropriate. We entered into interest-rate swap contracts in the fourth quarter of 2023, to synthetically convert $1,000 million of our senior unsecured notes from fixed rates to variable rates as part of our interest rate risk management strategy.
62
COMMODITY RISK.
We rely upon supplies of certain raw materials including helium, iodine, and rare earth minerals. Worldwide demand, availability, and pricing of these raw materials have been volatile, and we expect that availability and pricing will continue to fluctuate in the future. If supply of these materials is restricted or if prices increase, this could constrain our manufacturing of affected products, reduce our profit margins, or otherwise adversely affect our business, our customers, and patients who may rely on our products.
Similarly, commodities and energy prices are subject to significant volatility. If the costs of certain commodities or of energy, shipping, or transportation increase and we are unable to pass along these costs to our customers, our profit margins would be adversely affected. Furthermore, increasing our prices to our customers could result in long-term sales declines or loss of market share if our customers find alternative suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Disruptions in deliveries, capacity constraints, production disruptions up- or down-stream, price increases, or decreased availability of raw materials or commodities (including as a result of war, natural disasters, climate change-related physical and transitional risks, actual or threatened public health emergencies, or other business continuity events) adversely affect our operations and, depending on the length and severity of the disruption, can limit our ability to meet our commitments to customers or significantly impact our operating profit or cash flows.
We may from time to time engage in hedging transactions to reduce the impact to earnings from commodity price fluctuations. The impact of commodity hedges is recognized in earnings in the applicable current period.
EQUITY RISK.
As of December 31, 2023, we have $269 million of deferred compensation liabilities subject to the risk of changes in equity prices. A change in the U.S equity markets would result in a corresponding change in the fair value of these deferred compensation liabilities, which would impact our earnings and cash flows. We may from time to time engage in hedging transactions to reduce the impact to earnings from equity price fluctuations.
See Note 13, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” to the consolidated and combined financial statements for further information about our risk exposures, our use of derivatives, and the effects of this activity on our consolidated and combined financial statements.
63
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Part II. Financial Information
Index
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Page
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income 68
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 69
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position 70
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Changes in Equity 71
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows 72
Notes to the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements 73
Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation 73
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 74
Note 3. Revenue Recognition 83
Note 4. Segment and Geographical Information 84
Note 5. Receivables 86
Note 6. Financing Receivables 87
Note 7. Leases 87
Note 8. Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets 89
Note 9. Borrowings 90
Note 10. Postretirement Benefit Plans 91
Note 11. Income Taxes 98
Note 12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss – Net 102
Note 13. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements 102
Note 15. Restructuring and Other Activities – Net 108
Note 16. Share-Based Compensation 109
Note 17. Earnings Per Share 111
Note 18. Supplemental Financial Information 111
Note 19. Related Parties 114
Note 20. Discontinued Operations 116
Note 21. Subsequent Events 116
64
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated and combined statements of financial position of GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated and combined statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 6, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Income Taxes – Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets — Refer to Notes 2 and 11 to the financial statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for tax attributes and for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected to be settled or realized. A valuation allowance is provided to offset deferred tax assets if, based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character. Sources of taxable income include future reversals of deferred tax assets and liabilities, expected future taxable income, taxable income in prior carryback years if permitted under the tax law, and tax planning strategies.
The Company’s determination of the valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets involves judgments and estimates, including the projected timing and pattern of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the projection of future sources of taxable income. Auditing management’s projected timing and pattern of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the projection of future sources of taxable income, which affect the recorded valuation allowances for certain deferred tax assets, required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our income tax specialists.
65
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
With the assistance of our income tax specialists, our audit procedures related to the determination that it is more likely than not that sufficient taxable income will be generated in the future to realize certain net deferred tax assets included the following, among others:
•We considered relevant tax laws and regulations in evaluating the appropriateness of management’s estimates of future sources of taxable income.
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s estimates of future sources of taxable income by comparing the estimates to historical sources of taxable income or loss.
•We evaluated management’s projected timing and projected pattern of the reversals of existing taxable temporary differences.
•We evaluated whether the estimated future sources of taxable income were of the appropriate character to utilize the deferred tax assets under tax law.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, of the Company and our report dated February 6, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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.
66
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.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chicago, Illinois
67
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31
Interest and other financial charges – net 542 77 40
Non-operating benefit (income) costs (382) (5) 3
Other (income) expense – net (86) (62) (123)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2,361 2,512 2,875
Benefit (provision) for income taxes (743) (563) (600)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (4) 18 18
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (46) (51) (46)
Deemed preferred stock dividend of redeemable noncontrolling interest (183) — —
Earnings per share attributable to GE HealthCare common stockholders:
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.
68
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the years ended December 31
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare $ 1,568 $ 1,916 $ 2,247
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 46 51 46
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Currency translation adjustments – net of taxes 74 (878) (326)
Benefit plans – net of taxes (897) 58 80
Cash flow hedges – net of taxes (27) (23) 48
Other comprehensive income (loss) (850) (843) (198)
Comprehensive income attributable to GE HealthCare $ 755 $ 1,073 $ 2,049
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.
69
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position
As of
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 2,504 $ 1,445
Due from related parties 32 17
Contract and other deferred assets 1,000 989
All other current assets 389 417
Property, plant, and equipment – net 2,500 2,314
Other intangible assets – net 1,253 1,520
Short-term borrowings $ 1,006 $ 15
Due to related parties 99 146
All other current liabilities 3,011 2,190
Deferred income taxes 68 370
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 165 230
Additional paid-in capital 6,493 —
Retained earnings 1,326 —
Net parent investment — 11,235
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) – net (691) (1,878)
Total equity attributable to GE HealthCare 7,133 9,357
Noncontrolling interests 12 5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.
70
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Changes in Equity
Common stock
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare — — — — 2,247 — — 2,247
Transfers (to) from GE — — — — (121) — — (121)
Changes in equity attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (3) (3)
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare — — — — 1,916 — — 1,916
Transfers (to) from GE — — — — (8,373) — — (8,373)
Changes in equity attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — (16) (16)
Net income attributable to GE HealthCare — — — 1,568 — — — 1,568
Dividends declared ($0.12 per common share) — — — (55) — — — (55)
Changes in equity attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — 5 5
Share-based compensation — — 114 — — — — 114
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.
71
Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes (4) 18 18
Net income from continuing operations $ 1,618 $ 1,949 $ 2,275
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment 248 228 225
Gain on fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration (17) (65) —
Net periodic postretirement benefit plan (income) expense (332) 9 25
Postretirement plan contributions (357) (18) (20)
Cash paid during the year for income taxes (474) (851) (615)
Due from related parties 4 13 157
Contract and other deferred assets 10 (222) 23
Due to related parties (84) (33) (21)
All other operating activities 327 103 11
Cash flows – investing activities
Dispositions of property, plant, and equipment 1 4 15
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (147) — (1,481)
All other investing activities (25) (92) (47)
Cash flows – financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in borrowings (maturities of 90 days or less) (12) 9 (7)
Repayments and other reductions (maturities longer than 90 days) (855) (3) (10)
Dividends paid to stockholders (41) — —
Redemption of noncontrolling interests (211) — —
All other financing activities (48) (92) (13)
Cash from (used for) operating activities – discontinued operations — (21) —
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 1,451 561 1,012
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information
Cash paid during the year for interest $ (570) $ — $ (21)
Non-cash investing activities
Acquired but unpaid property, plant, and equipment $ 140 $ 136 $ 93
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated and combined financial statements.
72
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
ORGANIZATION.
GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (“GE HealthCare,” the “Company,” “our,” or “we”) is a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator. We operate at the center of the healthcare ecosystem, helping enable precision care by increasing health system capacity, enhancing productivity, digitizing healthcare delivery, and improving clinical outcomes while serving patients’ demand for greater efficiency, access, and personalized medicine. Our products, services, and solutions are designed to enable clinicians to make more informed decisions quickly and efficiently, improving patient care from diagnosis to therapy to monitoring.
On January 3, 2023 (the “Distribution Date”), the General Electric Company (“GE”) completed the previously announced spin-off of GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (the “Spin-Off”). The Spin-Off was completed through a distribution of approximately 80.1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock to holders of record of GE’s common stock as of the close of business on December 16, 2022 (the “Distribution”), which resulted in the issuance of approximately 454 million shares of common stock. Prior to the Distribution, the Company issued 100 shares of common stock in exchange for $1.00, all of which were held by GE as of December 31, 2022. As a result of the Distribution, the Company became an independent public company. As of December 31, 2023, GE’s beneficial ownership was approximately 13.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
In connection with the Spin-Off, certain adjustments were recorded to reflect transfers from GE, the draw-down of the Term Loan Facility and settlement of Spin-Off transactions with GE, which resulted in the net reduction in Total equity of $2,849 million. These items substantially consisted of the transfer of: (1) certain pension plan liabilities and assets as described in Note 10, “Postretirement Benefit Plans,” (2) certain deferred income taxes as described in Note 11, “Income Taxes,” (3) deferred compensation liabilities of $548 million, and (4) employee termination obligations as described in Note 15, “Restructuring and Other Activities – Net.”
In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company entered into or adopted several agreements that provide a framework for the relationship between the Company and GE. See Note 19, “Related Parties” for more information on these agreements.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “GE HealthCare,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to (1) GE’s healthcare business prior to the Spin-Off as a carve-out business of GE with related combined financial statements and (2) GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries following the Spin-Off with related consolidated financial statements.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION.
The consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and present the historical results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, and the financial position as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. All intercompany balances and transactions within the Company have been eliminated in the consolidated and combined financial statements. It is management’s opinion that these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and operating results. The following tables are presented in millions of U.S. dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.
Prior to the Spin-Off, the combined financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of GE including the historical cost basis of assets and liabilities comprising the Company, as well as the historical revenues, direct costs, and allocations of indirect costs attributable to the operations of the Company, using the historical accounting policies applied by GE. The combined financial statements do not purport to reflect what the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), financial position, or cash flows would have been had the Company operated as a separate, stand-alone entity prior to the Spin-Off.
The financial statements include certain transactions with GE, which are disclosed as related party transactions. See Note 19, “Related Parties” for further information.
Following the Spin-Off, certain prior year amounts in the financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, which provides additional detail to readers of our financial statements. Amounts in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows that were previously included within the All other operating activities line have been reclassified to separate lines including Net periodic postretirement benefit plan (income) expense, Postretirement plan contributions, and Share-based compensation.
73
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS.
The preparation of the consolidated and combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates based on assumptions about current, and for some estimates, future, economic and market conditions, which affect the reported amounts and related disclosures in the consolidated and combined financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions and information that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Although our estimates contemplate current and expected future conditions, as applicable, it is reasonably possible that actual conditions could differ from our expectations, which could materially affect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.
Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, determining the following: revenue from contracts with customers, recoverability of long-lived assets and inventory, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, useful lives used in depreciation and amortization, asset retirement obligations, income taxes and related valuation allowances, accruals for contingencies including legal and product warranties, actuarial assumptions used to determine costs of pension and other postretirement benefits, valuation of pension assets, valuation and recoverability of receivables, valuation of derivatives, and valuation of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and contingent consideration as a result of acquisitions.
There have been no material impacts to our accounting estimates as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, or the results for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, from the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration in the U.S. ended in May 2023, and COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in many locations globally.
REVENUE RECOGNITION.
Our revenues primarily consist of sales of products and services to customers. Products include equipment, imaging agents, software-related offerings, and upgrades. Services include contractual and stand-by preventative maintenance and corrective services, as well as related parts and labor, extended warranties, training, and other service-type offerings. The Company recognizes revenue from contracts with customers when the customer obtains control of the underlying products or services.
The Company recognizes a contract with a customer when there is a legally enforceable agreement between the Company and its customer, the rights of the parties are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of the contract consideration is probable. The Company’s revenues are measured based on the consideration specified in the contract with each customer net of any sales incentives, discounts, returns, chargebacks, group purchasing organization fees, rebates, or credits, as well as taxes collected from customers that are remitted to government authorities. Our estimates for these deductions, which are accounted for as variable consideration, are based on historical experience and consider current and forecasted market trends. We record these estimated amounts as a reduction to revenue when we recognize the related product or service sales. Payment terms are generally within 12 months. Payment terms within 12 months are not treated as significant financing components.
Contracts for the sale of products and services often include multiple distinct performance obligations, usually involving an upfront deliverable of equipment and future performance obligations such as installation, training, or the future delivery of products or services. If a contract contains more than one performance obligation, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on relative stand-alone selling price. Stand-alone selling price is obtained from sources such as the separate selling price for that or a similar item if reasonably available. If such evidence is not reasonably available, we use our best estimate of selling price, which is established consistent with the pricing strategy of the Company and considers product configuration, geography, customer type, and other market-specific factors.
Revenue is recognized in the period in which the customer obtains control of the underlying products or services, allowing them the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of, the remaining benefits of such product or service. This may occur at a point in time or over time. Shipping and handling costs to deliver products to customers are expensed as incurred and recognized within Cost of products or Cost of services in our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income.
For standard, assurance-type warranties that are provided with products, we estimate the cost that may be incurred during the warranty period and record a liability at the time the revenue is recognized. The provision recorded reflects the estimated costs of replacement and free-of-charge services that will be incurred related to the products sold. Service-type warranties or extended warranties sold with products are considered separate performance obligations. As such, a portion of the overall transaction price is allocated to these performance obligations and recognized in revenue over time, as the performance obligations are satisfied.
The Company capitalizes certain direct incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract, primarily commissions. Costs to obtain a contract are classified within Contract and other deferred assets or All other assets in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position and are recognized based on the timing of when the Company expects to earn related revenues. Management assesses these costs for impairment based on periodic assessments of recoverability.
74
Performance Obligations Satisfied at a Point in Time
We primarily recognize revenue from sales of products at the point in time that the customer obtains control, which is generally no earlier than when the customer has physical possession. Where arrangements include customer acceptance provisions based on seller- or customer-specified criteria, we recognize revenue when we have concluded that the customer has control of the products, which is typically at the point of acceptance. Our billing terms for these point-in-time product contracts generally coincide with delivery to the customer and customer acceptance; however, periodically, we receive customer advances and deposits from customers. These are recognized as contract liabilities in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position. Any differences between the timing of our revenue recognition and customer billings (based on contractual terms) result in changes to our contract asset or contract liability positions.
Performance Obligations Satisfied Over Time
We recognize revenue from the sale of certain service contracts, including preventative maintenance, corrective services, and extended warranties over time on a ratable basis consistent with the nature, timing, and extent of our services, which primarily relate to routine maintenance and as-needed product repairs. Our billing terms for these contracts vary and can occur in advance of or following the period of service; however, we generally invoice periodically as services are provided. The differences between the timing of our revenue recognized and customer billings (based on contractual terms) result in changes to our contract asset or contract liability positions.
See Note 3, “Revenue Recognition” for further information.
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH.
Cash deposits, short-term investments, and high-liquidity mutual funds with original maturities of three months or less are included in Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. Restricted cash primarily relates to funds restricted in connection with escrow accounts and other contractual and legal restrictions. For the period prior to the Spin-Off, the cash presented in the Combined Statement of Financial Position represents cash not subject to the GE centralized cash management process. Cash held in commingled accounts with GE, or its affiliates, is presented within Net parent investment in the Combined Statement of Financial Position.
See Note 18, “Supplemental Financial Information” for further information.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES.
Publicly traded equity securities for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Other (income) expense – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Privately held equity securities for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the measurement alternative approach and are recorded at cost less impairment, if any, adjusted to fair value for any observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer, with changes in the measurement recognized through Other (income) expense – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $156 million and $117 million, respectively. Investment securities are recognized within All other assets in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position.
EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS.
Equity method investments are investments in entities in which we do not have a controlling financial interest, but over which we have significant influence. Equity method investments are assessed for other-than-temporary impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of the asset is below its carrying value. Equity method investments are recognized within All other assets in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position. Our share of the results of equity method investments is recognized within Other (income) expense – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income.
See Note 18, “Supplemental Financial Information” for further information.
RECEIVABLES.
Amounts due from customers arising from the sales of products and services are recorded at the outstanding amount, less allowances for credit losses, chargebacks, and other credits. We regularly monitor the recoverability of our receivables.
See Note 5, “Receivables” for further information.
FINANCING RECEIVABLES.
Our financing receivables 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.
75
Loans
Loans represent term loans that are collateralized by equipment and other assets. Loans are classified as either held for sale or held for investment (“HFI”) based on management’s intent and ability to hold the loans for the foreseeable future. Loans which the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold for investment purposes and those which the Company intends to hold for sale in the foreseeable future are accounted for as loans held for sale. Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of historical cost or current fair value with any fair value write-down (or change to the write-down) recorded as a valuation allowance through current period earnings in the period in which the change occurs. Loans classified as HFI are recorded at amortized cost.
Investment in Finance Leases
Finance leases include mostly sales-type leases of equipment and represent net unpaid rentals and estimated unguaranteed residual values of leased equipment, less related deferred income and less the allowance for credit losses. See Note 7, “Leases” for further information.
See “Allowance for credit losses” below for the Company’s policy regarding allowances on financing receivables.
Credit Quality Indicators
We manage our financing receivables portfolio using delinquency and nonaccrual data as key performance indicators. We assess the overall quality of the portfolio based on a potential risk of loss measure. The metric incorporates both the borrower’s credit quality along with any related collateral protection. Financing receivables are considered past due if default on a contractual principal or interest payment exists for a period of 30 days or more. We stop accruing interest on financing receivables at the earlier of when 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 income within Other (income) expense – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income when we determine that the account is returned to accrual status, provided that the amount does not exceed that which would have been earned at the historical effective interest rate.
See Note 6, “Financing Receivables” for further information.
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES.
When we record customer receivables, contract assets, and financing receivables, we maintain an allowance for credit losses for the current expected credit losses. Each period, the allowance for credit losses is adjusted through earnings to reflect expected credit losses over the remaining lives of the assets. The credit losses are recognized within Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. For financing receivables, expected credit losses are calculated based on the gross carrying amount of the financial asset, multiplied by a factor reflecting the probability of default and the loss in the event of default. We routinely evaluate our entire portfolio for potential specific credit or collection issues that might indicate an impairment.
We estimate expected credit losses based on relevant information from past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. When measuring expected credit losses, we pool assets with similar credit risk characteristics. Changes in the relevant information may significantly affect the estimates of expected credit losses.
INVENTORIES.
Inventories are stated at lower of cost or net realizable values. Cost of inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
Inventories are generally classified as current, however, based on age or historical consumption certain inventories are considered non-current and are recognized, net of related reserves, within All other assets in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position.
As necessary, we record provisions and write-downs for excess, slow moving, and obsolete inventory. To determine these amounts, we regularly review inventory quantities on hand and compare them to historical utilization and estimates of future product demand, market conditions and technological developments.
See Note 18, “Supplemental Financial Information” for further information.
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT.
The cost of property, plant, and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life. Equipment leased to others under operating leases is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
See Note 18, “Supplemental Financial Information” for further information.
76
LEASES.
Lessee Arrangements
At lease commencement, we record a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use (“ROU”) asset. ROU assets are recognized within Property, plant, and equipment – net and lease liabilities are recognized within All other current liabilities and All other liabilities in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position. Options to extend a lease are included as part of the ROU lease asset and liability at commencement when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the option. We have elected to combine lease and non-lease components in determining our lease liability for all leased assets except our vehicle leases. Non-lease components are generally related to services that the lessor performs for the Company associated with the leased asset. As the Company’s leases typically do not provide an implicit rate, the present value of our lease liability is determined using our incremental collateralized borrowing rate at lease commencement for leases that commenced post-Spin-Off and GE’s incremental collateralized borrowing rate at lease commencement for leases that commenced pre-Spin-Off. For leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, an ROU asset and lease liability are not recognized, and lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain of our leases include provisions for variable lease payments which are based on, but not limited to, maintenance, insurance, taxes, index escalations, and usage-based amounts. The Company recognizes variable lease payments not included in its lease liabilities in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. We review ROU assets for impairment annually or when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the asset may be impaired.
Lessor Arrangements
Equipment leased to others under operating leases is recognized within Property, plant, and equipment – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position. Leases classified as sales-type leases or direct financing leases are recognized within All other current assets and All other assets, respectively, in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position. The terms of the related contracts, including the proportion of fixed versus variable payments and any options to shorten or extend the lease term or purchase the underlying asset, vary by customer. Finance lease receivables are tested for impairment as described in the “Financing Receivables” section above.
See Note 6, “Financing Receivables” and Note 7, “Leases” for further information.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually in the fourth quarter of each year as of October 1st, or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
When testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may first assess qualitative factors. If an initial qualitative assessment identifies that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, additional quantitative testing is performed. The Company may also elect to skip the qualitative testing and proceed directly to the quantitative testing. If the quantitative testing indicates that goodwill is impaired, an impairment charge is recognized based on the difference between the reporting unit’s carrying value and its fair value. When performing a quantitative test, the market approach is typically used for estimating the fair values for our reporting units. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of earnings derived from comparable publicly traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to the reporting unit. Depending on the specific reporting unit circumstances, we may also consider performing a valuation based on an income approach. It is reasonably possible that the judgments and estimates used could change in future periods.
In-process research and development (“IPR&D”) acquired as part of a business acquisition is capitalized at fair value when acquired and is considered an indefinite-lived intangible asset. We test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the third quarter of each year or when events occur or circumstances change that indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of the asset is below its carrying value. When testing IPR&D for impairment, the Company may first assess qualitative factors. If an initial qualitative assessment identifies that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the IPR&D is less than its carrying value, additional quantitative testing is performed. The Company may also elect to skip the qualitative testing and proceed directly to the quantitative testing. If the quantitative testing indicates that the IPR&D is impaired, an impairment charge is recognized based on the difference between the IPR&D’s carrying value and its fair value. When the IPR&D project is complete, the asset is considered a finite-lived intangible asset and subject to an impairment test at that date. Thereafter, the resulting asset is amortized over its estimated useful life and is subject to impairment assessment in the same manner as all amortizing intangible assets.
For other intangible assets that are not deemed indefinite-lived, the cost of the intangible asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In such circumstances, they are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to estimated fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.
77
Internal-Use Software
Internal-use software is software that is developed, purchased, or modified to meet internal needs and for which no substantive plan exists to sell, lease, or otherwise market the software externally. All costs associated with project tasks classified in the preliminary project development or post-implementation/operation stage are expensed as incurred. Capitalization of application development stage costs begins after both of the following occur: (1) the preliminary project development stage is completed and (2) management authorizes and commits to funding the software project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used for the purpose for which it was intended. Capitalization ceases when the project is substantially complete. Capitalized amounts are recognized within Other intangible assets – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life.
External Use Software
External use software relates to software that is (1) intended to be sold, licensed, or marketed to our customers or (2) embedded and integral to our tangible products for which research and development (“R&D”) has been completed. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software are expensed as incurred. Costs that are incurred after technological feasibility has been established until general release of the product are capitalized as an intangible asset and recognized within Other intangible assets – net in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position. Capitalized costs for software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed are amortized on an individual product basis using straight-line amortization over the estimated useful life of the product. The Company performs regular reviews to assess whether unamortized capitalized external use software program costs remain recoverable through future revenue.
See Note 8, “Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets” for further information.
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING.
We use derivative contracts to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with risks related to foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, equity prices, and commodity prices. Our policy is to use derivatives solely for managing risks and not for speculative purposes.
We employ the following hedge types: (1) cash flow hedges of foreign currency risk associated with third-party and intercompany foreign currency-denominated forecasted transactions and firm commitments, (2) net investment hedges of foreign currency risk associated with investments in foreign operations, (3) fair value hedges of interest rate risk associated with long-term borrowings, and (4) economic hedges not designated as qualifying hedging relationships of foreign currency risk associated with monetary assets and liabilities, including intercompany balances, equity price risk, and commodity price risk.
For net investment hedges, changes in the fair value of the components of the hedging derivatives excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness are deferred and amortized to earnings in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income using a systematic and rational method over the life of the derivative transaction.
Contracts that do not in their entirety meet the definition of a derivative instrument and are not measured at fair value may contain embedded features affecting some or all of the cash flows or value of other exchanges that would otherwise be considered derivatives when assessed separately from the host contract. Such embedded features are separated from the hybrid contract and accounted for as a derivative measured at fair value if their economic characteristics and risks are not clearly and closely related to those of the host contract.
See Note 13, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further information.
INCOME TAXES.
For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s income tax provision was prepared using the separate return method. The calculation of income taxes on a separate return basis requires a considerable amount of judgment and use of both estimates and allocations. As a result, actual transactions included in the consolidated financial statements of GE may not be included in these combined financial statements. Similarly, the tax treatment of certain items reflected in the combined financial statements may not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements and tax returns of GE. Therefore, items such as net operating losses, credit carryforwards, and valuation allowances may exist in the stand-alone combined financial statements that may or may not exist in GE’s consolidated financial statements. For post-Spin-Off periods, as a stand-alone entity, GE HealthCare will file tax returns on its own behalf, and its deferred taxes and actual income tax rate differ from those in the historical periods.
For the years prior to the Spin-Off, all income taxes due to or due from GE that had not been settled or recovered by the end of the period are recognized within Net parent investment in the Combined Statement of Financial Position. Any differences between actual amounts paid or received by the Company and taxes accrued under the separate return method are deemed to be settled and are recognized within Net parent investment in the Combined Statement of Financial Position.
78
Current obligations for tax in jurisdictions where the Company did not file a consolidated tax return with GE in the pre-Spin-Off period, including certain foreign and certain U.S. state tax jurisdictions, are recorded as accrued liabilities and recognized within All other liabilities in the Combined Statement of Financial Position. The effects of tax adjustments and settlements with taxing authorities are presented in the consolidated and combined financial statements in the period to which they relate.
Uncertain tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold are measured to determine the amount of tax benefit to recognize in the consolidated and combined financial statements. An uncertain tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that the Company believes has a greater than 50% likelihood of realization upon settlement. Tax benefits not meeting the measurement or realization criteria represent unrecognized tax benefits. Penalties related to income tax matters are recognized within Benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Our policy is to adjust these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the actual settlement or effective settlement of positions with the relevant taxing authorities.
Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The deferred income tax balances are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when those taxes are 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 evaluating all available positive and negative evidence, specifically assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings, and available tax planning strategies. To the extent we consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be recovered, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the carrying value of the deferred asset to its more likely than not realizable value. Deferred taxes are provided for our investment in non-U.S. affiliates and associated companies based upon our evaluation of the undistributed earnings of such entities.
See Note 11, “Income Taxes” for further information.
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS.
Prior to the Spin-Off, GE sponsored plans were accounted for as multiemployer plans. Therefore, the related assets and liabilities are not reflected in the Combined Statement of Financial Position for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Combined Statements of Income reflect a proportionate allocation of net periodic benefit costs for the multiemployer plans associated with the Company for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
In connection with the Spin-Off, on January 1, 2023, GE HealthCare assumed a portion of former GE pension and postretirement obligations and assets. The pension and postretirement obligations assumed relate to benefits owed to current GE HealthCare employees, former GE HealthCare employees, and certain GE legacy plan participants. The pension plans are now sponsored by GE HealthCare. For the postretirement plans, GE HealthCare is now a participant in a multiple-employer plan with GE. Management accounts for the pension and postretirement plans as defined benefit plans.
We measure our plan assets at fair value and categorize plan assets for disclosure purposes in accordance with the fair value hierarchy. Certain assets for which the fair value is measured using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient are excluded from the fair value hierarchy. The components of net periodic benefit costs, other than the service cost component, are recognized within Non-operating benefit (income) costs in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income for plans sponsored by the Company.
We engage third-party actuaries to assist in the determination of pension obligations and related plan costs. We develop significant long-term assumptions including discount rates and the expected rate of return on assets in connection with our pension accounting. We recognize differences between the expected long-term return on plan assets, the actual return, and net actuarial gains and losses for the pension plan liabilities annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement within the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
We amortize gains and losses, as well as the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions, that exceed 10% of the greater of plan assets or benefit obligations. The period over which gains and losses are amortized is generally over the average remaining service of employees.
See Note 10, “Postretirement Benefit Plans” for further information.
79
LOSS CONTINGENCIES.
Loss contingencies are uncertain and unresolved matters that arise in the ordinary course of business and result from events that have the potential to result in a future loss. Such contingencies include, but are not limited to, product warranties, claims, litigation, environmental obligations, regulatory investigations and 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 loss. When there appears to be a range of possible losses with equal likelihood, liabilities are based on the low end of such range. Disclosure is provided for material loss contingencies when a loss is probable and an estimate can be made, when a loss is probable but a reasonable estimate cannot be made, and when it is reasonably possible that a loss will be incurred or the amount of a loss will exceed the recorded provision. We regularly review 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. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.
See Note 14, “Commitments, Guarantees, Product Warranties, and Other Loss Contingencies” for further information.
SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAMS.
The Company participates in voluntary supply chain finance programs which provide participating suppliers the opportunity to sell their GE HealthCare receivables to third parties at the sole discretion of both the suppliers and the third parties. We evaluate supply chain finance programs to ensure the use of a third-party intermediary to settle our trade payables does not change the nature, existence, amount, or timing of our trade payables and does not provide the Company with any direct economic benefit. If any characteristics of the trade payables change or we receive a direct economic benefit, we reclassify the trade payables as borrowings. In connection with the supply chain finance programs, payment terms normally range from 30 to 150 days, not exceeding 180 days, depending on the underlying supplier agreements.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.
The following sections describe the valuation methodologies we use to measure financial and non-financial instruments at fair value including certain assets within our postretirement benefit plans. Observable inputs for fair value measurements reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These inputs establish 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.
See Note 13, “Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements” for further information.
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.
For financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, primarily investment securities, derivatives, and contingent consideration, 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.
Investment Securities
Publicly traded equity securities are valued using Level 1 quoted price inputs.