Analyzing and Interpreting Restructuring Costs and Effects General Electric (GE) reports the following footnote disclosure (excerpted) in its 2018 10-K relating to its restructuring program. Restructuring actions are an essential component of our cost improvement efforts to both existing operations and those recently acquired. Restructuring and other charges relate primarily to workforce reductions, facility exit costs associated with the consolidation of sales, service and manufacturing facilities, the integration of recent acquisitions, and other asset writedowns. We continue to closely monitor the economic environment and may undertake further restructuring actions to more closely align our cost structure with earnings and cost reduction goals. 2018 2017 2016 $0.9 $1.2 $1.3 1.8 1.9 1.3 Workforce reductions Plant closures & associated costs and other asset write-downs Acquisition/disposition net charges Other 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.3 Total $3.6 $4.1 $3.5 For 2018, restructuring and other charges were $3.5 billion of which approximately $1.4 billion was reported in cost of products/services and $2.1 billion was reported in selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A). These activities were primarily at Power, Corporate and Oil & Gas. Cash expenditures for restructuring and other charges were approximately $2.0 billion for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. (a) Which of the following in NOT an example of a common non-cash charge associated with corporate restructuring activities? Olnventory revaluations Severance paid to employees O Fixed-asset write-downs Olmpairment charges on intangible assets (b) Using the financial statement effects template, show the effects on financial statements of the (1) 2018 restructuring charge of $3.6 billion, and (2) 2018 cash payment of $2.0 billion. Use negative signs with answers, when appropriate. Enter answers in billions. Balance Sheet (in $ billions) Income Statement Noncash Contributed Earned Transaction Cash Asset + Assets Liabilities Capital Capital Revenue Expenses = Net Income (1) (2) + + (c) Assume that instead of accurately estimating the anticipated restructuring charge in 2018, the company overestimated them by $30 million. (1) How would this overestimation affect financial statements in 2018? OOverstates the expense and understates pretax income by $30 million. The restructuring liability on the 2018 balance sheet will be overstated by $30 million. OUnderstates the expense and overstates pretax income by $30 million. The restructuring liability on the 2018 balance sheet will be overstated by $30 million. OOverstates the expense and understates pretax income by $30 million. The restructuring liability on the 2018 balance sheet will be understated by $30 million. OUnderstates the expense and understates pretax income by $30 million. The restructuring liability on the 2018 balance sheet will be overstated by $30 million. (2) How would this overestimation affect financial statements in 2019 when severance costs are paid in cash? OThe cash paid out in 2019 will be more than the 2018 accrual. Any excess (the $30 million) would increase expense (decrease profit) in 2019. OThe overestimation from 2018 will have no effect on the 2019 balance sheet or income statement. OThe cash paid out in 2019 will be less than the 2015 accrual. Any excess (the $30 million) would increase expense (decrease profit) in 2019. OThe cash paid out in 2019 will be less than the 2018 accrual. Any excess (the $30 million) would reduce expense (increase profit) in 2019.