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Southwest, which also reported a loss in the fourth quarter, estimates a revenue hit of between $300 million and $350 million in the first quarter. A Southwest Airlines jetliner departs from Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., December 27, 2022. He said while a recessionary economic environment tends to make companies de-prioritize spending on technology, Southwest cannot afford to do that. The meltdown led to an adjusted loss of $226 million, or 38 cents a share, in the quarter through December, robbing it of the gains from booming holiday travel demand. Rival carriers United Airlines (UAL.O) and Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) American Airlines (AAL.O) have all reported higher-than-expected earnings for the quarter.

☆ S&P 500 ends slightly down after mixed earnings, opening glitch
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Stephen Culp | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Nasdaq joined the S&P 500 in negative territory, while the Dow ended modestly higher. Fourth quarter earnings season is in full swing, with 72 of the companies in the S&P 500 having reported. On aggregate, analysts now expect S&P 500 earnings 2.9% below the year-ago quarter, down from the 1.6% year-on-year decline seen on Jan. 1, per Refinitiv. Among the 11 major sectors of the S&P 500, industrials suffered the biggest loss. The S&P 500 posted 26 new 52-week highs and 10 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 77 new highs and 22 new lows.

☆ Wall Street totters after mixed earnings, trade halt glitch
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Stephen Culp | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

More than 80 stocks were affected by the glitch, which caused wide swings in opening prices in stocks, including Walmart Inc (WMT.N) and Nike Inc (NKE.N). Fourth quarter earnings season is in full swing, with 72 of the companies in the S&P 500 having reported. On aggregate, analysts now expect S&P 500 earnings 2.9% below the year-ago quarter, down from the 1.6% year-on-year decline seen on Jan. 1, per Refinitiv. Among the 11 major sectors of the S&P 500, industrials was down the most. The S&P 500 posted 27 new 52-week highs and 10 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 69 new highs and 21 new lows.

Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N) dropped 0.4% after forecasting annual profit below estimates, while Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) fell 1.3% as it warned that a surge in China COVID-19 cases could dent the first half sales in 2023. General Electric Co (GE.N) fell 0.2% on a disappointing profit forecast for the year, despite topping quarterly earnings estimates. Big Tech earnings could also determine whether renewed enthusiasm for growth stocks will be sustained. Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) is scheduled to report quarterly earnings after the bell. Analysts now see fourth-quarter earnings for S&P 500 companies dropping 2.9% year-on-year, according to Refinitiv data.

Industrial conglomerate 3M Co (MMM.N) fell 5.9%, leading the decliners among Dow components after reporting a fall in quarterly profit. General Electric Co (GE.N) fell 1.1% on a disappointing profit forecast for the year, despite topping quarterly earnings estimates. Big Tech earnings could also determine whether renewed enthusiasm for growth stocks will be sustained. "In the near-term, the answer seemingly lies with tech earnings ... longer-term, if we do experience a Fed pivot this year, then would anticipate a strong, positive buying impulse for tech," JPMorgan analysts wrote in a client note. Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) is scheduled to report quarterly earnings after the bell.

CHICAGO, Jan 24 (Reuters) - General Electric Co (GE.N) on Tuesday reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings on robust demand for its jet engines and power equipment, but offered a disappointing profit forecast for this year as it struggles with persistent problems at its renewable energy business. It, however, forecast an operating loss between $200 million and $600 million for its energy business GE Vernova in 2023. The company's renewable energy business has been facing challenges due to inflation and supply chain pressures. Culp said high inflation is also posing a challenge for offshore wind business as it is making customers review economics of their projects. He expects inflation to be a "test" for the company even as it adjusts its prices to offset higher costs.

Industrial conglomerate 3M Co (MMM.N) fell 4.7%, leading the decliners among Dow components in premarket trading, after reporting a fall in quarterly profit. General Electric Co (GE.N) rose 2.2% as it topped quarterly profit estimates, boosted by strong demand for its engines and after-market services. Wall Street's main indexes started the earnings-heavy week on solid ground amid renewed appetite for growth stocks following a battering last year. Shares of Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), which is scheduled to report quarterly earnings after the bell, were flat. Big Tech earnings could also determine whether renewed enthusiasm for growth stocks will be sustained.

☆ GE forecasts weak 2023 profit on troubles at renewable business
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The General Electric Co. logo is seen on the company's corporate headquarters building in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. July 23, 2019General Electric forecast a lower-than-expected 2023 adjusted profit on Tuesday, as the industrial major struggles persistent problems at its money-losing renewable energy business. Shares of GE fell about 1% before the opening bell after the company forecast an operating loss between $600 million and $200 million for its energy business GE Vernova in 2023. The renewable energy unit has been delivering poor results due to policy uncertainty following the expiry of renewable electricity production tax credits in 2021, which has hit customer demand. Parts shortages have also hobbled overall production and inflationary pressures have driven up costs, hitting margins and forcing GE to raise prices. GE Aerospace's operating profit is expected to come in between $5.3 billion and $5.7 billion for 2023.

☆ GE's 2023 profit forecast weighed down by renewable business
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 24 (Reuters) - General Electric Co (GE.N) forecast a lower-than-expected 2023 adjusted profit on Tuesday, as the industrial major struggles with persistent problems at its money-losing renewable energy business. Shares in GE were down 2% at $78.29 in premarket trade after the company forecast an operating loss between $200 million and $600 million for its energy business GE Vernova in 2023. The company's renewable energy business has been facing challenges due to inflation and supply chain pressures. GE Aerospace's operating profit is expected to come in between $5.3 billion and $5.7 billion for 2023. GE's adjusted profit for the fourth quarter was $1.24 per share, beating analysts' average estimate of $1.13 per share.

☆ Startups Want to Help Airlines Prevent Tech Meltdowns
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Belle Lin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Airlines should take advantage of new cloud-based tools, industry consultants said, to help prevent the recent snafus brought on by the use of antiquated and siloed technology at Southwest Airlines Co. and the Federal Aviation Administration. Photo: JIM VONDRUSKA/REUTERSSanta Clara, Calif.-based Couchbase Inc., founded in 2011, said it helped United Airlines Holdings Inc. modernize its operations by providing a cloud-based database for its crew-scheduling software. United declined to comment on its operations technology. Airlines generate a massive amount of data every year from their aircraft, passengers, suppliers and internal operations. Gurobi Optimization LLC, a company that develops mathematical-optimization software for industries including aviation, said it provides optimization technology for airlines such as Air France-KLM.

☆ Southwest CEO says all options 'on the table' after carrier's meltdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Southwest Airlines is looking at all options to ensure the operational meltdown it suffered last month is not repeated, Chief Executive Bob Jordan said on Thursday. The Dallas-based carrier has been dealing with customer outrage and regulatory scrutiny after a systems meltdown last month left thousands of passengers stranded. Southwest has hired consultancy Oliver Wyman to investigate the disruption, Jordan told Reuters in an interview. Jordan said New York-based Oliver Wyman is interviewing company staff and union members to reconstruct the recent debacle in order to identify gaps in the carrier’s operations. He said last month’s disruption was not due to the structure, but said the airline could set up more crew bases if Oliver Wyman recommends that.

☆ Exclusive: Southwest eyes operational changes after airline's meltdown -CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Rajesh Kumar Singh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

CHICAGO, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N) Chief Executive Bob Jordan said on Thursday the company is looking at all options to ensure the operational meltdown it suffered last month is not repeated. The Dallas-based carrier has been dealing with customer outrage and regulatory scrutiny after a systems meltdown last month left thousands of passengers stranded. Southwest has hired consultancy Oliver Wyman to investigate the disruption, Jordan told Reuters in an interview. Southwest's board has set up a new Operations Review Committee to oversee management following last month's systems collapse, Jordan said. With the exception of 1% of bags, the airline has delivered all the luggage which went missing back to customers.

☆ EY Hires Cargill CFO to Manage Finances of Consulting Spinoff
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Mark Maurer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +3 min

Ernst & Young recruited Jamie Miller, the departing chief financial officer of Cargill Inc., to lead the finances of its consulting arm, which the Big Four accounting firm is spinning off. Cargill on Monday said Ms. Miller plans to step down from the Minnesota-based agricultural company on Friday. To carry out the split, EY is looking to raise roughly $11 billion in equity and $18 billion in debt. The new consulting firm could struggle to establish itself amid strong competition and a slowing economy, researchers have said. Newsletter Sign-up WSJ | CFO Journal The Morning Ledger provides daily news and insights on corporate finance from the CFO Journal team.

☆ Cargill CFO Resigns as Company Reshuffles Leadership
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Kristin Broughton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +3 min

Cargill Inc. said its chief financial officer, Jamie Miller, is stepping down for another opportunity as the agricultural giant reshuffles its executive leadership. Ms. Miller will leave Cargill on Jan. 13, the Minneapolis-based company said on Monday. Jamie Miller, chief financial officer of Cargill, is set to leave the company on Jan. 13. Photo: CargillCargill has begun an external and internal search for Ms. Miller’s successor, according to a spokeswoman. The spokeswoman said Ms. Miller is leaving Cargill for a job on the East Coast and to be closer to family.

☆ Cargill Chief Financial Officer Jamie Miller Resigns
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Colin Kellaher | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Cargill Inc. on Monday said Jamie Miller is stepping down as chief financial officer of the agribusiness giant after about a year and a half on the job to accept another opportunity. Jamie Miller, CFO of Cargill, is set to leave Jan. 13. Photo: CargillMs. Miller, who served as General Electric Co. ’s chief financial officer from November 2017 to February 2020, joined Cargill in June 2021 as senior vice president and chief financial officer, and was named head of corporate strategy last April. Cargill said Ms. Miller, a member of its executive team, is leaving on Jan. 13. The Minneapolis company said Joanne Knight, currently vice president of finance for its agriculture supply-chain enterprise, will serve as acting finance chief.

☆ GE HealthCare shares rise in market debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 4 (Reuters) - Shares of GE HealthCare Technologies Inc reversed course to trade up 4.4% in their market debut on Wednesday, after the medical equipment maker completed its separation from industrial conglomerate General Electric Co (GE.N). GE said in 2021 it would split into three public companies to simplify its business, pare down debt and breathe life into battered shares. GE HealthCare - which will operate imaging and ultrasound devices, patient care solutions and pharmaceutical diagnostics businesses - expects its addressable markets will expand to $102 billion by 2025 from $84 billion in 2021. The company will be present in more than 160 countries and have about 51,000 employees worldwide, GE HealthCare said on Wednesday. Shares of the company, which is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year results on Jan. 30, were trading at $58.40 on the Nasdaq.

☆ Southwest Meltdown Shows Airlines Need Tighter Software Integration
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( Belle Lin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +6 min

Southwest’s software wasn’t designed to solve problems of that scale, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson said Thursday, forcing the airline to revert to manual scheduling. Unlike some large rivals with hub-and-spoke networks, Southwest planes hopscotch from city to city, which may have been another complicating factor. Mr. Alamzad said the most serious IT challenge airlines face stems from the applications developed in silos by vendors or the airlines themselves. Southwest recently completed an upgrade of its new reservation system and had been working through multiyear upgrades to systems used in its operations. Other carriers have given priority to upgrading customer-facing reservations platforms and flier loyalty programs over operations systems, Mr. Alamzad said.

☆ General Electric Set to Spin Off Health Unit—Putting Focus Back on Power Division
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( Thomas Gryta | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

General Electric’s wind and gas turbine businesses are expected to be combined with other GE energy businesses into GE Vernova, to split off in early 2024. General Electric Co. will start 2023 by splitting off its healthcare unit, completing a key step in the slow-motion breakup of the industrial giant. For the rest of the year it will face questions about the next big step: shedding its power businesses. GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. will start trading this week, leaving the once-sprawling conglomerate with three divisions: jet engines, natural gas-powered turbines and wind turbines. The gas and wind turbines are expected to be combined with other GE energy businesses into a new company called GE Vernova that will split off in early 2024.

☆ Sister Patricia Daly Stood Up to CEOs at Shareholder Meetings
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( James R. Hagerty | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

At shareholder meetings, she was the stinging nun. For more than four decades, Sister Patricia Daly pursued her chosen vocation: shareholder activist and scourge of corporate CEOs. A member of the Roman Catholic Sisters of St. Dominic congregation of Caldwell, N.J., she worked with religious shareholder groups to prod companies to take action on issues including environmental protection and human trafficking. She matched wits with General Electric Co. then-Chief Executive Jack Welch at a shareholder meeting in 1998, when she urged GE to issue warnings about the risks of eating fish contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, from its plants.

Dec 17 (Reuters) - L3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX.N) is nearing a $4.7 billion deal to acquire U.S. rocket maker Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc (AJRD.N), 10 months after the latter's $4.4 billion sale to Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) fell through, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. L3Harris is a defense contractor that is mostly a competitor rather than a customer of Aerojet. Aerojet's solid fuel rocket motors and other propulsion systems would help L3Harris expand its space defense systems and precision munitions businesses. Spokespeople for Aerojet, L3Harris and General Electric did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Its customers include the Pentagon, Boeing (BA.N), Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies Corp (RTX.N).

☆ Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare eye Medtronic units - Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 15 (Reuters) - Siemens Healthineers AG (SHLG.DE) and General Electric Co's (GE.N) healthcare business are weighing a potential acquisition of two units being spun off by Medtronic Plc (MDT.N), Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Medtronic, the world's largest standalone medical device maker, had announced plans in October to spin off the two units - patient monitoring and respiratory interventions - as it seeks to streamline its portfolio. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Medtronic was also open to a sale at the right price and the businesses could be valued at more than $7 billion. Medtronic and GE Healthcare did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment, while Siemens Healthineers declined to comment. Medtronic has been restructuring its business over the last few years in a bid to increase the pace of its revenue growth.

[1/7] U.S. President Joe Biden delivers keynote remarks at a U.S.-Africa Business forum at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, U.S., December 14, 2022. "The United States is 'all in' on Africa's future," Biden told African leaders attending a three-day summit in Washington. Beijing has held its own high-level meetings with African leaders every three years for more than two decades. For their part, many African leaders reject the idea that they need to choose between the United States and China. "The fact that both countries have different levels of relations with African countries makes them equally important for Africa's development," Ethiopia's U.N. ambassador, Taye Atske Selassie Amde, told Reuters.

Dec 8 (Reuters) - General Electric Co's (GE.N) healthcare division is aiming to have a medium-term organic revenue growth in the mid-single-digits, the unit's Chief Executive Officer Peter Arduini said at an investor day conference on Thursday. China, which accounts for about 15% of total GE Healthcare sales, would also help drive growth as there is a pent-up demand in the market, Arduini said. GE Healthcare also expects medium-term adjusted core earnings margin to be close to 20%. Zodl highlighted challenges such as macroeconomic factors, supply chain challenges, restructuring action undertaken in 2022 along with planned investment in research and development which may weigh on its core earnings margin. The healthcare company had revenue of around $18 billion last year, with about half of it from recurring sources, GE Healthcare said in a presentation.

☆ GE Healthcare Plans to Reduce Debt and Costs, Pursue Tuck-In Acquisitions
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Nina Trentmann | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

As a stand-alone company, GE Healthcare will also look to improve its working capital and lower logistics costs, Mr. Zodl said. GE Healthcare will also take a look at its real estate holdings and target over 100 sites, executives said. Ratings firms S&P Global Ratings, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service have all given GE Healthcare an investment-grade rating. PREVIEWApart from reducing debt and costs, GE Healthcare will scout for potential tuck-in acquisition targets, Chief Executive Peter Arduini said. GE retains a 19.9% stake in GE Healthcare.

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