General Motors Corporation: Twenty-Fourth Annual OF
General Motors Corporation: Twenty-Fourth Annual OF
General Motors Corporation: Twenty-Fourth Annual OF
Annual Report
GENERAL MOTORS
CORPORATION
r
Year Ended
December 31, 1932
Finance Committee
DONALDSONBROWN,Chairman
GEORGE F. BAKER LAMMOTDU PONT SEWARDPROSSER
WALTERS. CARPENTER,JR. PIERRE S. DU PONT JOHNJ. RASKOB
HENRY F. DU PONT FRED J. FISHER ALFRED P. SLOAN, JR.
IReNeE DU PONT JUNIUS S. MORGAN GEORGE WHITNEY
CHARLES S. MOTT
Executive Committee
Transfer Offices
BROADWAYAT 57~~ STREET Du PONT BUILDING
NEW YORK, N. Y. WILMINGTON,DEL.
Registrars
Chase NATIONAL BANK WILMINGTONTRUST Co.
NEW YORK, N. Y. WILMINGTON,DEL.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LammOT DU PONT, Chairman
President, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
Wilmington, Del.
I
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
E
VERY effort has been made in developing the annual reports from year to
year to present all salient facts of a general and economic character to enable
the stockholders to obtain as comprehensive an understanding as possible
of the years operations. On account of the unusual circumstances existing at the
moment, particular consideration has been given to that policy in the current report.
In addition to the usual treatment of the subject there has been added a review of
the effects of three years of the current industrial depression on the Corporations
operating position. It is hoped that this will prove interesting and instructive.
A FINANCIAL REVIEW
The consolidated balance sheet and summary of consolidated income of
General Motors Corporation and subsidiary companies for the year ended De-
cember 31, 1932, are submitted herewith. Attention is called to the fact that the
accounts of certain subsidiary and affiliated companies are not consolidated in the
accounts ofworporation. A list of such companies, not consolidated, is set forth
in detail,& page 26.
Earnings: Net earnings from operations for the year 1932, after full
depreciation charges as hereafter set forth, were $164,979. This compares with
earnings of $115,220,507 from operations for the year 1931, before deduction, how-
ever, of extraordinary and non-recurring losses other than those of an operating
nature, of $20574,514, equivalent after taxes, to $18,343,400, resulting in earnings
of $96,877,107 available for dividends.
The net earnings from operations for the year 1932 of $164,979 are after
deducting a non-operating loss totalling $1,802,565, of which $711,585 is due to a
further revaluation of securities held by the General Exchange Insurance Corpora-
tion to current market and $1,090,980 due to further provision for foreign exchange
losses. These have not been segregated in the earnings statement of 1932 as was
done in the case of the year 1931.
Dividends: Regular dividends were declared on the preferred stock during the
year requiring $9,206,387. This resulted in a net charge to surplus of $9,041,408,
equivalent to $0.21 per share on the common stock outstanding. In 1931, after
deducting corresponding dividends on the preferred stock, there remained net
earnings for that year of $87,501,208, equivalent to $2.01 per share of common
stock outstanding. Dividends of $1.25 per share were paid on the common stock
during the year 1932 consisting of a payment of $0.50 per share in March and
quarterly payments of $0.25 per share in June, September and December. There
resulted a further charge to surplus of $53,993,330, making a total charge to surplus
on account of both preferred and common dividends in excess of earnings of
$63,034,738.
c
ANNUAL REPORT OF GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Surplus as of December 31, 1932 was $238,231,744. This compares with the
corresponding item at the close of the previous year of $301,266,482.
Net Working Cepital: For ready reference the following table shows briefly
all consolidated working capital items as of December 31, 1932, as compared
with corresponding items as of December 31, 1931:-
CURRENT LIABILITIES
It will be noted that net working capital at the end of 1932 was $225,437,194
as compared with $273,915,923 at the end of 1931-a decrease of $48,478,729.
This decrease in net working capital as of December 31, 1932 is accounted for
principally by a reduction of $63,034,738 as a result of the excess of dividend
disbursements over earnings during the year and, secondarily, by an excess of
$19,323,776 in withdrawals from Employes Savings Fund accounts over receipts
as explained in greater detail below. These unfavorable factors affecting net working
capital were to some extent offset by a decrease in net plant account, described
below, which had a favorable effect of $34,354,371 on the Corporations net
working capital position.
Funds payable within one year is reflected under Current Liabilities. This item
is estimated as of December 31, 1932 to be $15,193,660. This compares with
$14,875,637 at the corresponding period of a year ago. The operations of the Em-
ployes Savings and Investment Plan were suspended as of April 30, 1932, after
which no further amounts were received by the Corporation from its employes. The
subnormal operations of the Corporation during the year under review, due to the
generally unfavorable economic conditions prevailing, resulted in materially re-
duced employes earnings as well as elimination of personnel. Therefore, there
followed unusual withdrawals from the Savings Funds during the year, likewise
necessitating provision for probable increased withdrawals during the year 1933.
This fact, together with the suspension of the plan, accounts for the unfavorable
effect of the operations of the plan upon net working capital during the year in the
amount previously stated. Payments against Employes Savings Funds payable
subsequent to one year are shown in the form of a reserve which, on the balance
sheet of December 31, 1932, was $11,907,362. The corresponding item at the close
of the year 1931 was $31,231,138. The extent to which net working capital can be
further adversely affected on account of subsequent withdrawals is now limited to
$11,907,362.
Cash, United States Government and other marketable securities as of De-
cember 31, 1932 amounted to $172,780,695. This compares with $205,029,119 at
the close of the previous year and with $179,037,071 as of December 31, 1930.
Real Estate, Plant and Equipment Account: Before certain special adjustments
between real estate, plant and equipment account and reserves for depreciation
applicable thereto and hereafter described in detail, the total real estate,
plant and equipment account was $592,694,766, which is $11,406,044 less than the
corresponding item a year ago. Depreciation reserves show a net increase as a result
of the years operations of $22,948,327. Therefore, there results a net decrease in
real estate, plant and equipment account, after deducting these reserves, of
$34,354,371. Sales, removals or abandonment of property during the year amounted
to $16,395,345.
Attention is called to the fact that total charges for depreciation against
earnings in the year were $37,173,647. This is a decrease of $792,084 from corres-
ponding charges of $37,965,731 for 1931-the latter constituting the largest annual
charge against earnings on account of depreciation in the history of the Corporation.
The lowered depreciation charge amounting to a reduction of 2.1% as compared
with the previous year is accounted for by the lower average gross plant account
in 1932 due to the sale or abandonment of certain plant assets.
It is the practice of the Corporation to carry real estate, plant and equipment
items at cost and to set up adequate amounts for depreciation. In addition to such
depreciation charges there is absorbed against current operating revenue, liberal
charges for maintenance, while dies, tools and fixtures applicable to specific models
are written off during the life of the model usually within one year.
The question very naturally arises, in view of the adjustments in values that
have taken place as a result of the economic depression, as to whether or not the
reserves established by the Corporation from year to year are adequate to reflect
properly any reduction in value of thereal estate, plant and equipment account that
.7*
t
ANNUAL REPORT OF GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION -
The effect of the above will be (a) a readjustment in the real estate, plant and
equipment account in the form of a reduction of $92,712,535-from $592,694,766 to
$499,982,231, with a corresponding reduction in the reserve for depreciation from
$264,421,021 to $17 1,708,486 which will reflect more correctly present conditions;
(b) since such items have been reduced to their salvage value they will no longer
be depreciated, so that in the future the annual provision for depreciation
applicable to real estate, plant and equipment will be reduced by approximately
$7,000,000. It should be noted that this adjustment will involve no change in the
Corporations depreciation policy with respect to annual depreciation rates as
applied to the several classes of property.
At such time and to such extent as economic conditions improve, requiring
the operation of plant, unusable under present conditions, the policy will be to
reinstate in the accounts the then values of such properties, and to amortize such
values over their remaining useful life by charges against operations for depreciation
-thus to maintain the accuracy of the Corporations cost accounting. There is
certainly no economic justification in reducing the value of current usable assets
below their sound reproductive value-such as placing a nominal value on same,
eliminating in that way, in whole or in part, depreciation not only actually but
essentially a part of the cost of production, hence uneconomically inflating future
stated profits. The cost of sales should reflect at all times a depreciation charge
based upon the useful life of such real estate, plant and equipment and other
items essential to production. The selling price should reflect in principle,
among other factors, a reasonable return on capital invested in all essential pro-
ductive capacity. In no other way can a sound economic foundation be established.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1932
AN OPERATING REVIEW
It was stated under this heading in the annual report covering the year 1931,
that the automotive industry, constituting the most important part of the Car-
porations sphere of activity, as well as industry in general, suffered a declining
trend and that the close of that year showed no substantial evidence of any in+
provement in that trend. This statement of fact applicable to 1931 is all the more
true with respect to the year 1932, during, the first half of which the rapidity of
I-.. m..* _,_
,...I..
the de&ne-wasgreater n *. et.&,.&&&&1 .&press&n
commenced. In view of the fact that an important part of the Corporations
proas is sold during the first six months, there resulted a very sharp de-
cline in the Corporations sales for the year. Somewhat ,of an improvement took
pl+Lwhe months of August, September and October but, unfortun-
ately, twvehd to be dfJzt-oxam. 'l'he year closz, therefore, as
will be dealt wit more m eta11later in this report, with a..-.- reduction with
-.. ..,,.*,...^ res@$
_-...,..,
.. W.Y
M__.-.- II-~**-
to b&h number of gt;llts.and dollar
,. ..-,... va~iZZEame,
--_._-_*_.
__._ oFapproximately 45% as com-
--*I..l.ll_.*lll
_,,_ _. I......._...
__,.,_.,
paredtith 1931.
vital necessity of maintaining a balanced budget in order that the economic position
of the Corporation and its financial strength should not be jeopardized. Th&&-e,
further reductions in,gerspnpel wereLuna.xo/dable
_ I. _,.. ..,l.l. ; reductions in. salaries and .vvagcs
-.-.-a
likewise; consolidation of-~~er&ions ;-.in. fact, a general -reorganization
I---e._
___ of the Co<
porations opera$ing*el__anbecame of vita~-co?Zi5i%i~ order that theI.objective. .c.
._ just
I.. .^,,,,__-
._,- ,,_
mentioned ,might. berealized This has required important -sacrifices on the part
of not only the executive staff but every member of the organization, however or
wherever placed. It is gratifying to be able to state that all these necessary read-
justments have been accepted with a full appreciation of their necessity and with
the maintenance of loyalty to the Corporation which has been such an important
influence in developing it to the position it now holds.
In accordance with its yearly custom, the Corporation recently presented to
the public its offerings in the form of an entirely new line of automotive products
for the year 1933. At the time of writing this report it is too early to definitely
evaluate, in a statistical way, the acceptance of these products, but from such
information as is now available, it can be said that never before in the history of
the Corporation has there been such an outstanding and enthusiastic acceptance
of its products, both from the standpoint of their technical excellence and progress
as well as from the standpoint of their artistic conception.
Such ass important- reduction in volume as _is Lnow being
-.aexperienced-injects
.aX,,^I^,-.,,
into the situation important limitations of action. Notwithstanding such limitations
the policy will be to in no way circu.rnscribe?echm~a. ,Erogress which mustnot
B only be maintamed-but -ace&rated, if possible. This is because around technical
progress the CbrporatidilS-~~o~rcts-.rnu~t be developed and upon the excellence
of those products it must depend for its share in a highly competitive market.
Furthermore, upon that same foundation is built the ability of the industry of
which the Corporation is an important part, to obtain its share of the field of
transportation. The objective, therefore, must be the continual development of
more attractive, more efficient and more economical products, resulting in not
only increased value for the dollar but what is of even greater importance, values
for a smaller number of dollars in harmony with the reduced resources of the
various markets which are being served.
Operating Facts and Figures: Net sales, excluding inter-company and inter-divis-
ional transactions, amounted to $432,311,868 as compared with $808,840,723 during
the year 1931-a reduction
__-,- ..--oL46&.motal sales to dealers, including Canadian and
overseas sales, amounted to 562,970 units as against 1,074,709 for the year 1931--a
reduction of 47.6ye. Stocks cars and trucks in the hands of dealers in the
United States were reduced 37,201 units during the year 1932 with a corresponding
adverse influence on 1932 sales to dealers. Based upon automotive registrations in
the United States, the Corporation secured 41.5% of all passenger car registrations
and 40.4% of the total passenger and commercial car registrations. This compares
with 43.3% and 41.6% in 1931 and with 34.5% and 33.7(% in the year 1930.
Reference has already been made to the introduction of the 1933 line of
General Motors automotive products which were developed during the year 1932
and in which are incorporated many important changes, both of a technical and
artistic character. In general these offerings represent increased values at a de-
* 10 a
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEtiBER 31, 1939
creased number of dollars. Moreover, there has been added an additional series
through the Chevrolet Motor Division at a smaller number of dollars than ever
before equalled in the history of the Corporation.
The Corporations 1933 line of passenger cars from the Chevrolet up to and
including the Cadillac V-12 are offered in eighty-nine body types, with list prices
ranging from $445 to $4,845. The Cadillac V-16 will hereafter be entirely custom
built-there being sixty-one possible model suggestions with prices ranging from
$6,250 to $10,600. The full line of the Corporations products with the price range
of each, is listed below.
Price Range
* * * *
ANNUAL REPORT OF GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION -
The year 1932 may be considered as the t@d year of the current industrial
depression. On account of the depressions severity, itsdztEmFEm=s
that are likely to permanently result therefrom, the question naturally arises in
theti.?&?.f..~&e.-~ L&&fluence, current- and $$%pective,- on the
security~-of, tbe,-einw future prospective earning-p55%F%T
I_ul_ -uy.---.vs..-~ same.
Therefore, it was thought that it might be,_-_. hel&.&
l.-l. the stockholders
----- .~.--.1__-...,,I,IIrf
, a resume
were presented -dealing, with ,th,e-e$ffcts of ..t.he.,.depression on I.the
--.---.-.--- _ .. economic&sitibn
^^._._.
_.._
.,._,
_. _. . -
of the Corporation as well as its influence
I. on the Corporations operating policies.
Before dealing with the specific questions involved, a measure of the effect
of the depression on the trend of sales in units and dollar value of the automotive
industry as a whole will be helpful in presenting a better appreciation of the prob-
lem. The following table displays the production of the automotive industry in the
United States and Canada, as well as of assembly plants operated abroad, both in
terms of units and in terms of estimated retail sales value thereof in dollars for
twelve years up to and including 1932.
ze12 a
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1932
Estimated Retail
Number Sales Value
I: community.
1 .
t It is therefore not only reasonable to assume, but to.axpect with certainty,
; that +rthe period of readjustment
I_ ---_ -----is over
----_- the
_.-. _automotive
. industry will not only
maintain its position as the worlds most n&ry.butits -Late of
recovery will be accelerated by the depreciation and obsolescence of existing
equipJri~~~c~~~-~~~-~~e during the years of subnormal production.
--..--.- - II-IL...X...
__..I1.. -. , .... ^
l 13 l
ANNUAL REPORT OF GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
There is no escaping the conviction, therefore, from whatever angle the question
may be approached, that..---.-.--&&=-m
the inherent strength
_~___ - -ofz the
.- ._automotive industry remains
. .___^-,I_-7,
,_-. ,._-
unshaken and that it; opportunities for far greater usefulness in the future are
.. . .
assurZI
c-.4-.~-
Notwithstanding the natural reflection of the circumstances of the period
under review on the Corporations profit position, earnings available for dividends
amounted to $248,141,078. In no one of the three years in question has a loss been
recorded. There was disbursed in dividends a total of $343,114,279-$28,120,946
applicable to preferred stock and $314,993,333 to common stock. This means that
there was distributed an excess of dividends over earnings available for dividends of
$94,973,201. The policy with respect to the disbursement of dividends in periods
of subnormal activity and reduced earnings incident to same, has been stated to be
that the Corporation owes a responsibility to its stockholders and through its
stockholders to the community at large to maintain maximum possible purchasing
power, hence to continue dividends at such a rate as circumstances may seem to
justify, but only to the point where the financial strength of the Corporation is not
jeopardized. The maintenance of that positionmust always be the first consideration.
Net working capital, notwithstanding the above disbursements, has been
reduced $25,850,588 during the period. Cash and cash investments have been
increased $45,429,165-from $127,351,530 as of December 31, 1929 to $172,780,695
as of December 31, 1932. Further, there has been absorbed in cost and charged to
depreciation during the period a total of $112,854,466 resulting, after giving weight
to property sold, removed and abandoned in excess of property acquired, in a total
increase during the period in reserves for depreciation of $70,326,058 before the
special adjustment already described.
substantially achieved.
Reduction in variable or controllable expense has been a continuous problem
during the period and has been kept well in line with reduction in volume. During
the first two years this took the form of curtailment and elimination of certain
activities as well as reduction in personnel. During the last year it became necessary
to deal with the problem more fundamentally through reorganization and con-
solidation. As a result of the policies just outlined the break-even point has been
continually reduced and in 1933, based upon the Corporations budgetary estimates
for that year, further progress will be effected.
During the period research and engineering activities have been aggressively
continued, for upon advanced products the Corporation must depend to maintain
its position in a highly competitive industry. The 1933 products already referred
to in this report are a direct reflection of that policy. The competitive position of
the Corporation is a measure of the technical excellence of its products as well as
the effectiveness of its distributing organization. During the period there has been
an improvement in this regard as indicated by the increased proportion of new
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1939
Entirely apart from the influence of the depression period on the operations
and policy of the Corporation itself and yet intimately associated with same, is its
influence on the operating personnel, upon the efficiency and ability of which
depends the degree of success which the Corporation will achieve, as well as its
ability to carry through the present difficult period.
It has always been considered-and that policy still holds-that the interest
of the stockholders is most effectively served through an operating personnel of
the highest order of ability and aggressiveness possible to obtain and through
liberally rewarding such talent in proportion to the productivity of its efforts as
measured by the returns produced for the stockholders. In good times such rewards
are, very properly, generous, as they are to the stockholders. In times of subnormal
activity and reduced earnings, frequently accompanied, as in the present cirCum-
stances, with a substantial reduction in the cost of living, it is eminently proper
that the compensation of the personnel should be likewise adjusted.
In line with this thinking there has been a reduction in salaries on a sliding
scale of from 20% to 300j0, as well as a reduction in the base wage scale. All sup-
plementary..p&?t sharing pIans as applied to the executive group become, under
such circumstances, automatically non-operative, and the Employes Savings and
Investment Plan has been suspended. Reductions in both salaries and wages were
effected with great regret as a vital part of the necessary adjustments and with the
recognition of the fact that in so doing the spread between the necessities of life
and income was narrowed, resulting in a decline in ability to purchase many things
important to the American standard of living. Full appreciation of the importance
of this fact will, it is hoped, lead to a readjustment at the earliest moment that
circumstances make possible.
This survey of the influences of the industrial depression would not be complete
without reference to the effects of same on the economic position of the twenty
thousand dealers which constitute the Corporations distributing system and who
represent the Corporation, so far as its contacts with the public are concerned, in
practically every community of consequence throughout the United States.
The problem presented was one of extreme difficulty but, as in the case of the
Corporation itself, it was recognized that the only way to adequately meet such a
situation was to face the facts and to aggressively and as intelligently as possible-
respecting to the fullest extent the equities of the various interests involved-do
those things that would preserve in as effective a manner as possible, the large
investments involved as well as their earning power. It is gratifying to be able to
state that this adjustment has, to a material extent, been effected. The Manage-
ment has at all times recognized the importance of dealer stability and has striven
earnestly to do those things that will build up and strengthen the economic position
and effectiveness of this most important instrumentality upon which it must
completely depend for the distribution of its products to the individual purchaser.
OPERATING DEVELOPMENTS
On account of the subnormal rate of activity during the year, practically no
operating expansion has taken @escJanges
- .~-~.~~...~~.~~~ largely being in the nature~X??ZQ-
stated,*of consolidations having m view a better coordination of the Corporations
operating properties.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1932
In view of the important position that the Corporation has developed in its
overseas operations, a statement with respect to that phase of its activities may
be of interest. On page 33 is presented a summary of overseas sales, from which it
will be noted that there was a reduction in net wholesale value of such sales from
$110,525,817 in 1931 to $64,722,593 in 1932 and in terms of number of cars and
trucks sold from 125,606 in 1931 to 77,159 in 1932. In order that some appreciation
may be had of the important shrinkage in overseas business that has taken place,
it may be stated, for ready reference, that the maximum yet reached in overseas
business was in the year 1928, at which time the net wholesale value amounted
to $252,152,284 and in number of cars and trucks sold to 282,157. The trend of
overseas business at the moment indicates that it is likely to become stabilized
at substantially current volume until the next upward movement takes place. It is
hardly to be expected, however, that any material increase can be hoped for until
in some way or other constructive action is taken to remove or reduce the many
restrictions on international commerce now existing, such as depreciated currencies,
restrictions on exchange, tariff barriers and embargoes.
Stockholders have been advised from time to time as to the development of
the Corporations position with respect to manufacturing activities overseas, par-
ticularly in Germany and England. In the year under review the operations con-
ducted in Germany through Adam Opel A. G. at Russelsheim, have been further
restricted due to the economic conditions prevailing in that country. Notwith-
standing this fact, Adam Opel A. G. has well maintained its competitive position
in its particular market.
In England the Corporations operations are on a somewhat smaller scale
than in Germany. It was deemed advisable, however, to expand in a moderate way
the Corporations activities in England which are conducted as Vauxhall Motors
Ltd., Luton, England. The enlarged program was well along toward completion at
the close of the year and the indications were that it would prove beneficial not only
toward strengthening the Corporations position in England but also within the
entire British Empire.
COOPERATIVE PLANS
Previous annual reports have dealt at length with various plans and programs
that have been established from time to time for the purpose of promoting the
effectiveness and well-being of the Corporations operating personnel. It has been
stated that the fundamental objective in all these plans has been to help the indi-
.I7 l
ANNUAL REPORT OF GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
vidual to help himself; to make him a better citizen; to give him the opportunity
to become independent. Reference has been made in other parts of this report to
the financial operation of certain of these plans to which might be added the
general statement that continued experience has served to strengthen the convic-
tion that such plans are sound and to the interest of the stockholders as well as
of the workers.
General Motors Management Corporation
This Corporation was formed in 1930, as covered in the annual report of that
year, for the purpose of interesting the Corporations executive staff in the owner-
ship of the Corporations securities, the underlying principle being that the efficiency
and effectiveness of management is enhanced and stimulated through direct
participation in the results of its own endeavors.
Due to the low level of earnings of General Motors Corporation in 1932 no
earnings will accrue in 1933 to the Management Corporation under its contract with
General Motors Corporation, dated March 12, 1930. It was stated in the annual
report of 1931 that the Management Corporation was able to retire only $3,125,000
of the $7,000,000 in bonds due March 15, 1932-the balance of $3,875,000 being
extended for a period of two years from that date. Since the Management Corpor-
ation will not receive any earnings under its contract above stated with respect
to the year 1932, a further deficiency with respect to bond retirement in the amount
of $7,000,000 at March 15, 1933, will result. The contract existing between General
Motors Corporation and the Management Corporation, already referred to, dated
March 12, 1930 provides, among other things, that under certain conditions the
retirement of bonds may be deferred. These conditions exist at present. Therefore,
the bonds due on March 15, 1933 to the amount of $7,000,000, referred to above,
will be extended to a time when the Management Corporation will have funds
available for their retirement.
In addition to the situation existing with respect to the retirement of the
Management Corporation bonds, all as explained above, the reduction in the rate
of the General Motors dividend made it possible to meet the interest payment,
maturing on September 15, 1932, only in part. After applying all of the dividends
received, payment of the balance amounting to $508,750 was deferred until divi-
dends are received sufficient to cover current requirements and make up the
deficiency. General Motors Corporations income through interest from the Man-
agement Corporation reflects only $1,610,000, the amount applicable to the interest
accrual for the year 1932 which the Management Corporation was able to pay out
of dividends received on General Motors common stock.
Bonus Plan
The Bonus Plan, as has been pointed out in previous reports, provides a
reward for conspicuous service to those individuals who have contributed out-
standingly to the progress of the Corporation during each year. Before any dis-
tribution takes place, however, there must be earned 7% on the capital employed
by the Corporation. In view of the fact that 7% was not earned during the year
under review, no bonus will be available for distribution. In order to make any
bonus available for distribution earnings must amount to approximately $1.10 per
share of common stock.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1939
This plan was inaugurated in 1919 and its detailed operations have been
dealt with in all annual reports since that date. At the close of 1932 the ninth class
of the Savings and Investment Fund, which was that of 1927, matured and as a
result there was paid to 29,972 employes, the following:-
On account of their savings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,607,665
On account of 6% interest on savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,732,128
On account of Investment Fund credits contributed by the
Corporation, as follows :-
To employes electing to receive their Investment Fund
credits in cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,009,765
To employes electing to receive their Investment Fund
credits in stock (this amount is represented by 163,746
shares of $10 par value common stock of the Corpora-
tion at market value at maturity of class). . . . . . . . . 2,160,131
An employe who paid in $300 in the year 1927 will receive cash and securities
having a total value equivalent to $621.52 or 2.07 times the original investment
of $300. It has been pointed out elsewhere in this report that the Savings and In-
vestment Plan was suspended as of April 30, 1932.
Group Insurance Plan
During 1932 the Corporation lost 1,048 of its employes through death or
permanent disability on account of which payments totalling $2,273,306 were
approved for the benefit of such employes or their dependents and, in addition,
there were 9,834 employes who received benefits amounting to $827,739 on account
of temporary disability resulting from sickness or non-industrial accidents. Under
the Group Insurance Plan approved claims for the benefit of the Corporations
employes and their families, have totalled $16,491,080 from the inception of the
plan on December 1, 1926 up to and including December 31, 1932. The Group
Insurance Plan is available to all employes of the Corporation after three months
service. At the end of 1932 over 99% of eligible employes were participating.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
It is recognized that the Corporations most vital relationship is with the
public. Its suzcess depends on a correct interpretation of the publics needs and
viewpoints
__.. as tie11 as on the. publics< un@rstanding uf the motives that actuate
^_..-l.l*ll.
I, .
the Corporation in everything it does.
In order to formulate its policies in harmony with this basic principle, no
effort is being spared to analyze and evaluate the public, forming the Corporations
actual and potential customers, in its thinking with respect to all things in which
the Corporation plays a part.
This represents, however, but one phase of the Corporations public relations
policy, for, while it is essential that the Corporation understand the public, it is
equally essential that the public understand the Corporation. Goodwill is established
and maintained not alone by excellence of product and service, but by a combina-
tion of this with public knowledge and acceptance of the policies of the Corporation.
The correct interpretation of such policies to the public is regarded as a primary
unction of management. Progressive industry I I~today
-.-.1....-...1..-.
A..
_.._,. ,.,_,_, places the formulation of
c/ sound public relations policies on a parity with the for%ilXon of o%ter~Wmajor
1 policiezn fact, it goes further and recognizes that every forward step nY@?j@?e
shZZYl% subjected, whenever possible, to advance appraisal from the standpoint
of the public interest in order to ensure any contemplated action meeting with
public acceptance.
The Corporation is keenly alive to the importance of this responsibility to the .
public.
l 90 l
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1939
STOCKHOLDERS
In line with the general trend since the Corporation was founded, the year
records another important increase in the total number of stockholders which,
at the close of the year, totalled 365,985-a gain of 52,868.
It is gratifying to any management and it is beneficial to any institution like
General Motors, to have as wide a distribution as possible of its ownership, indi-
cating as it does, confidence of the public at large in the future of the institution
and the honesty of purpose and effectiveness of its management. The number of
stockholders of all classes at the close of each year since 1917 is displayed on page 36.
CONCLUSION
It was stated in the annual report of 1931 that the difficulties and problems
of that year were unusual. To a very important extent that statement applies even
more forcibly to the year under review. The financial returns necessarily are dis-
appointing to the stockholders. This is even more true with respect to those who
have been carrying the operating burden, who have labored as never before to
deal with those problems and difficulties in aggravated form-characteristic of
the present circumstances. Performance under existing conditions cannot be
measured quantitatively in comparison with years in which the circumstances
were so entirely different, but must be considered with respect to the prevailing
conditions. Appraising the years results from that standpoint it can be stated
that the accomplishments have been important in meeting the continual decline
in volume; in the maintenance of the financial strength of the Corporation; in
the continuance of a cornmon dividend disbursement, even if at a reduced rate;
and in the marked advance in the effectiveness of the Corporations products which
were developed and brought into production during the period under review.
It is particularly fitting under the circumstances, as outlined, to record the
appreciation of the unusual efforts put forth and the sacrifice to the cause made on
the part of the entire personnel, both at home and abroad, during the year, of its
loyalty and faith not only in General Motors as an institution but in each other-
important considerations in carrying through to what all believe to be a bigger
and brighter future.
It is the purpose of this report to record important events of interest to the
stockholders which occurred during the year under review. It is not within its
province to forecast or discuss probabilities for the year 1933.
By order of the Board of Directors,
I
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31,1932 and 1931
*Loss
.
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED SURPLUS
/ For the Years Ended December 31,1932 and 1931
NOTE:See page 30 for detail of dividend payments made prior to the year 1932.
I
GENERAL MOT01
CONDENSED CONSOLII
DECEMBER 31,-
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed Assets:
NOTE: Notes and accounts receivable as of December 31, 1932, as shown above include amounts of
$5,779,897.55 due from General Motors Acceptance Corporation on account of current financing of sales of the
Corporations product (including in-transit items), $754.069.96 representing current accounts due from subsidiary
and affiliated companies not consolidated, and $93,278.90 due from officers and employes.
S CORPORATION
ATED BALANCE SHEET
Reserves:
s
Capital Stock and Surplus:
I
Schedule 1
INVESTMENTS
*These bonds constitute a prior lien on 1,375,OOO shares of General Motors Corporation common stock, of which
43,588 shares have been advanced to General Motors Corporation against an equal number of Manage-
ment Clnss B shares owned by General Motors Corporation, leaving as security for these bonds 1,331,412
shares of General Motors Corporation common stock having a market .value at December 31, 1932. of
$17,474.782.50; as well as a prior lien on the Management Corporatrons share of future earnings of
General Motors Corporation under contract dated March 12, 1930.
HASKINS & SELLS IS BROAD STREET
Dear Sirs:
We have examined your accounts for
the year ended December 31, 1932, and for the
fourteen preceding years.
Yours truly,
-- - -
I
GENERAL MOTORS ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 193P
ASSETS
CashinBanksandonHand.. .................................... $ 43,281,372.03
Cash held by Sinking Fund Trustee for payment of 6% Gold Debentures
previously called for redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668,135.OO
Notes and Bills Receivable:
United States and Canada.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $122,216,307.73
Overseas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,494,203.89 131,710,511.62
Accounts Receivable:
Affiliated Corporations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 116,876.67
Other....................................... 875,643.50 992J20.17
Automobile Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339J94.00
Investments:
General Exchange Insurance Corporation. . . . . . . . $ 6,730,039.04
Other....................................... 6,OOO.OO 6,736,039.04
Deferred Charges:
Unamortized Debt Discount and Expense. . . . . . . $ 642,863.22
Prepaid Discount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 53,432.62
Other....................................... 78.009.56 774.305.40
Total Assets. . . .. . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. .. . .. . .. .. . $184,502,477.26
LIABILITIES
CapitalStock ................................................... $ 50,000,000.00
Surplus ......................................................... 20,000,000.00
Undivided Profits. ............................................... 9,490,138.15
$ 79,490,138.15
Ten Year Sinking Fund 6% Gold Debentures:
Due February 1, 1937 ......................... $ 50,000,000.00
Retired or called for redemption. . $20,000,000.00
Previously called, not presented. . 65.5,OOO.OO 19,345,ooo.oo
$*33,655,000.00
Purchased and held in Treasury ................ 752,OOO.OO 29,903,OOO.OO
Five Per Cent Serial Gold Notes:
$S,OOO,OOO due annually March 1, 1933 to 1936 . . $ 20,000,000.00
Purchased and retired. .......... $ 500,000.00
Purchased and held in Treasury. . 242,ooo.oo 742,OOO.OO 19,258,OOO.OO
Notes and Bills Payable:
Notes, United States. ......................... $ 24,202,OOO.OO
Notes, Canada and Overseas. .................. 8,448,672.98
Bankers Acceptances Discounted. .............. 670,OOO.OO 33,320,672.98
Accounts Payable:
Affiliated Corporations ........................ $ 4,337,904.04
Other ....................................... 839,346.08 5,177,050.12
Accrued Accounts:
Interest Payable. ............................. $ 1,052,166.70
Federal Income Tax, etc ....................... 706,271.49 1,758,438.19
Dealers Repossession Loss Reserves. .............................. 8,786,630.16
UnearnedIncome ................................................ 4,745,672.74
Reserves :
Notes and Bills Receivable. .................... $ 1,817,088.66
Other ....................................... 245,786.26 2,062,874.92
Total Liabilities. .......................................... $184,502,477.26
* $3o,o00,ooo.o0 principal amount have been called for redemption February 1, 1933 at 102.
RECORD OF EARNINGS
Net sales, net income, amount paid in dividends and the amount reinvested in the
business since the beginning of General Motors are shown in the following table. Net income
and amount reinvested in the business beginning 1922 include General Motors Corpora-
tions equity in the undivided profits or the losses of subsidiary and affiliated companies
not consolidated.
D?b%$nein
Cash Cash Divi-
Balance D;;;Ef dends on Income
Year Net Income Available Preferred Re;lnny;;ed
Ended Available for Preferred for Common and Common
Dec. 31 Net Sales Dividends Dividends Stock %EZ Stocks Business
Total $12,509,208,670
$1,685,835,671
$118,730,491$1,567,105,180
$1,084,953,488 71.40% $482.151,692
NOTES:General Motors Corporation was incorporated October 13, 1916, succeeding General Motors Com-
pany, organized September 16, 1908. t Fiscal years ended October 1. T 10 months ended July 31, 1911.
# Years inclusive,
1912-1917, are fiscal years ended July 31. $5 months ended December 31, 1917. * Deficit.
RECORD OF DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
A detailed record of the dividends declared by quarters during 1932, together with the
dates of payment, is as follows:
$5 Series, No
Par Preferred Date of Stock of Common Date of Stock of
Periods Stock Payment Record Stock Payment Record Y
____ ____
1st Quar. $1.35 Feb. 1 Jan. 4 $O.SO Mar. 12 Feb. 13
The General Motors Company of New Jersey, organized September 16, 1908, paid
regular dividends of 7 % per annum upon its 7 /0 cumulative preferred stock, without inter-
ruption, beginning with an initial payment on April 1, 1909. Since the organi_zatigg,g+n
October 13, 1916 of the present General Motors Corporation of Delaware, which succeeded
the General Motors Company of New Jersey, regular quarterly dividends have been paid,
without interruption, on the preferred and debenture stocks outstanding from their date
of issuance. The inltial quarterly dividend of $1.50 a share on the 6% preferred stock was
paid February 1, 1917. The initial quarterly dividend of $1.50 a share on the 6% debenture
stock was paid February 1, 1919. The initial quarterly dividend of $1.75 a share on the
7% debenture stock was paid May 1, 1920. At a special meeting of stockholders on June 16,
1924, the name of the 7% debenture stock was changed to 7% preferred stock. The initial
dividend on the 7% preferred stock was paid November 1, 1924. At a special meeting of
stockholders on May 26, 1930, a new class of $5 preferred stock was offered in exchange for
the then outstanding senior securities. This exchange was made on the basis of 1.35 shares
of the new $5 preferred stock for each share of 7 $& preferred stock; 1.15 shares of new $5
preferred stock for each share of 6oj, debenture stock; and 1.10 shares of new $5 preferred
stock for each share of 6% preferred stock. Shares of 7% preferred, 6oj, debenture and
6% preferred stocks not so exchanged prior to July 22, 1930 were called for redemption on
August 1, 1930. The initial dividend on the new $5 senes preferred stock was paid August 1,
1930.
Changes in the capital structure of General Motors Corporation with respect to the
nature of its common stock are as follows: When General Motors Corporation of Delaware
was organized to succeed General Motors Company, five shares of the common stock of
the Corporation, par value $100, were exchanged for one share of the Companys stock,
also par value $100. On and after March 1, 1920, ten shares no par value common stock
were issued in exchange for one share of the old $100 par value common. On May 1, 1920,
there was paid on the $100 par value common a stock dividend of ti share of the new no
par common. During 1920, on May 1, August 2, and November 1, there were paid stock
dividends on the no par common, each amounting to l/40 share of no par common. On
account of charter changes, the number of shares of common stock was reduced in 1924
through the exchange of four shares of old stock for one share of new no par value common.
On September 11,1926, a 50% dividend was paid in common stock. During September 1927,
two shares of new $25 par value common stock were issued in exchange for one share of
no par value common stock previously outstanding. On and after January 7, 1929, two
and one-half shares of new $10 par value common stock were issued in exchange for one
share of $25 par value common stock previously outstanding.
RECORD OF DIVIDEND PAYMENTS
(Continued)
The payments by years upon the common stock, since the organization of General
Motors Corporation of Delaware, the present Corporation, follow:
1917-Common $100 par, $10.00. Initial $1.00 was paid February 1, 1917, and thereafter
$3.00 quarterly to and including February 2, 1920.
1918-Common $100 par, $12.00.
1919-Common $100 par, $12.00.
192~Common $100 par, $5.50. On and after March 1, 1920, ten shares no par value
common exchanged for each share of $100 par value. Final dividend on $100 par
was $2.50 cash and ti share no par stock, paid May 1, 1920.
-Common no par, 75 cents cash and 3/40ths of a share of no par value stock. Initial
quarterly payment of 25 cents cash and l/40 share of no par value stock was made
May 1, 1920, and continued on August 2, and November 1, 1920. Stock dividend of
l/40 share quarterly was discontinued after November 1, 1920.
1921-Common no par, $1.00.
1922-Common no par, 50 cents. Quarterly dividend due February 1, 1922 was passed at
meeting held January 4, 1922. Special dividend of 50 cents a share was paid
December 20, 1922.
1923-Common no par, $1.20. Quarterly dividend of 30 cents a share was initiated
March 15, 1923, and continued to and including September 12, 1924.
1924-Common no par (old), 90 cents. After payment of three quarterly dividends of
30 cents a share in 1924, the number of shares was reduced by issuing one share of
new no par value stock for four shares of old. Initial dividend of $1.25 on this new
no par value stock was paid December 12, 1924.
-Common no par (new), $1.25.
1925-Common no par, $12.00. This consisted of extras of $1.00 paid September 12, 1925,
and $5.00 paid January 7, 1926, in addition to quarterly payments of $1.50 each.
1926-Common no par (before 50% stock dividend), $7.50. Quarterly dividends of $1.75
each were paid March 12, and June 12, and $4.00 extra was paid July 2. On Sep-
tember 11, a 50% increase in number of no par shares outstanding was made through
payment of a stock dividend of % share on each share of no par value stock.
-Common no par (after 500/, stock dividend), $7.50. On the increased number of
shares quarterly dividends of $1.75 each were paid September 11, and December 11,
and an extra of $4.00 January 4, 1927.
1927-Common no par, $8.00. Quarterly dividends of $2.00 each were paid March 12,
June 13, and September 12, and $2.00 extra was paid July 5. In September, two
shares of new $25 par value stock were issued in exchange for each no par share.
-Common $25 par, $3.75. Initial quarterly dividend of $1.25 was paid December 12,
and $2.50 extra was paid January 3, 1928.
1928-Common $25 par, $9.50. This consisted of quarterly payments of $1.25 with $2.00
extra paid July 3 and $2.50 extra paid January 4, 1929.
1929-Common $10 par, $3.60. In January two and one-half shares of new $10 par value
stock were issued in exchange for each $25 par value share. Initial quarterly dividend
of 75 cents was paid on March 12, regular quarterly dividends were paid on June 12,
September 12, and December 12, and two extras of 30 cents each were paid on July 2,
1929, and January 3, 1930.
1930-Common $10 par, $3.00.
1931-Common $10 par, $3.00.
1932-Common $10 par, $1.25. This consisted of payment of 50 cents on March 12, and
three quarterly payments of 25 cents each on June 13, September 12, and Decem-
ber 12.
m 31 l
SALES OF CARS AND TRUCKS
The following table shows sales to consumers of General Motors cars in Continental
United States, sales by the manufacturing divisions of General Motors to their dealers in
Continental United States, and total sales to dealers, including Canadian sales and overseas
shipments :
United States Total Sales to Dealers,
including Canadian Sales
Sales to Consumers Sales to Dealers and Overseas Shipments
April . . .. 81,573 135,663 142,004 69,029 132,629 132,365 78,359 154,252 150,661
May..... 63,500 122,717 131,817 60,270 136,778 136,169 66,739 153,730 147,483
June..... 56,987 103,303 97,318 46,148 100,270 87,595 52,561 111,668 97,440
July. . . .. 32,849 85,054 80,147 31,096 78,723 70,716 36,872 87,449 79,976
August. . . 37,230 69,876 86,426 24,151 62,667 76,140 30,419 70,078 85,610
September 34,694 51,740 75,805 23,545 47,895 69,901 30,117 58,122 78,792
October. . 26,941 49,042 57,757 5,810 21,305 22,924 10,924 25,975 28,253
November 12,780 34,673 41,757 2,405 23,716 48,155 5,781 29,359 57,257
December 19,992 53,588 57,989 44,101 68,650 68,252 53,942 79,529 80,008
-____~ --- ---
Total.. . . . 510,060 937,5371,057,710 472,859 928.630 1,035,660 562,970 1,074,709L174.115
The sales by makes of cars by General Motors divisions to dealers for the year ended
December 31, 1932, compared with the sales of preceding years, follow:
CommerLbI Cars:
CHEVROLET......... 77,534 137,247 160,356 344,963 258,189 209,272 111,781 45,824
OTHER*............ 15,814 15,603 8,140 - - 5,169 1,298 2,930
Totals:
PASSENGER......... 469,622 921,859 1,005,6191,554,3041,552,6171,348,3071,121,771 787,148
COMMERCIAL........ 93,348 152,850 168,496 344,963 258,189 214,441 113,079 48,754
___ - - - -- --
Grand Total.. ... 562,970 1,074,7091,174,1151,899,2671,810,8061,562,7481,234,850 835,902
&?I2 MILLIONS
OF CARS
6, TRUCKS 8 TRUCKS
30 30
OVERSEAS SALES
Sales abroad by the Export and Overseas Organizations of General Motors follow ..
Total . . . . . . . . . 22,412,&X37
17,.5?6,329
14,394,255 1,943,30093,192,55932,697,488125,890,047
Wiptl$e;wals
. . . . .by . em-
. . 13,703,305 9,420,780 7.150,776 - 52,848.056 13.755.98466,604,040
Balance credited to
employes . . . . . .. 8,709,532 8,15.5.549 7,243,479 1,943,300*40,344.50318,941,50459,286,007
Employes
Investment Fund
Amount paid in and
invested in stock
by Corporation.. . 9,742,642 7,885,735 6,766,445 927,820 40..508,61117,705,99658,214,607
Income received. . . 1,089,287 830,891 241,151 - 6,182,295 17,108,71523,291,OlO
-p-----
Total Invested 10,831,929 8,716,626 7,007,596 927,820 46,690,90634,814,711 81,505,617
W~it~e;walsby em-
... .. . . .... 1,997,138 1,029,366 299,150 - 8,173,653 2,25.5,18410,428,837
----P-P
Amount reverting to
Corporation on
basis of original
cost of stock (bal-
ance in Investment
Fund after deduct-
ing amount guar-
onteedtoemployes) 4,480,025 3,609,485 3,086,706 - 18,388,831 13,109,53831,498,369
m- m-=-m
NOTE: Under the 1919,1920 and 1921 Plan the Corporation guaranteed to the employes in the Investment
Fund an amount equal to one hundred per cent of their credits in the Savings Fund. Forfeitures in the
Investment Fund on account of withdrawals did not revert to the Corporation. Beginning with the Class
of 1922.up to and including the Class of 1930, the Plan was amended to provide that thereafter forfeitures
in the Investment Fund revert. to the Corporation and that it guarantee that the Investment Fund at maturity
shall equal an amount equivalent to fifty per cent of the Savings Fund credits; beginning with the Class of
1931. this guarantee was discontinued. There is, however, a reversion to the Corporation on account of with-
drawals. The amount paid into the 1932 Investment, Fund Class was not invested until 1933. The amounts
reported for the 1931 and 1932 Classes include Canadian savings fund accounts converted mto United States
funds at the rate of exchange prevailing at the close of those Classes. The above figures do not include separate
Funds established by overseas subsidiaries.
* Includes amounts applied by employes to purchase of homes.
PAYROLLS AND NUMBER OF EMPLOYES
The annual payrolls of General Motors Corporation, for 1921 and subsequent years,
not including certain affiliated companies, such as Yellow Truck & Coach Manufacturing
Company and Fisher Body Corporation prior to the acquisition of the minority interest as
of June 30, 1926, have been as follows:
The number of employes of the Corporation, not including certain affiliated companies,
r
for 1932 and prior years has been as follows:
1909.. .14,250 1914.. .14,141 1919.. .85,980 1923.. .91,265 1928. .208,981
1910.. .10,000 1915.. .21,599 1920.. .80,612 1924.. .73,642 1929. .233,286
1911.. .11,474 1916.. .25,666 1921.. .45,965 1925. . .83,278 1930. .172,938
1912.. .16,584 1917.. .25,427 1922.. .65,345 **1926. .129,538 1931. .157,586
1913.. .20,042 1918.. .49,118 1927. .175,666 1932.. 116,152
* Beginning with the year 1920 figures shown in this table are averages for the year.
** Average for 1926 does not include Fisher Body prior to June 30.
BONUS AWARDS
Each year there is credited to a bonus fund a percentage of the Corporations net earn-
ings after deducting 7% on the capital invested in the business. Prior to 1923 the sum so
credited to the bonus fund was 10% of the net earnings of the Corporation. Since 1923, at
which time the Managers Securities Company was organized, the amount set aside for the
bonus plan has been 57,.The fund is invested in General Motors common stock or its
equivalent. Since the organization of General Motors Management Corporation in 1930,
bonus stock has been awarded in Class A stock of General Motors Management Corpora-
tion which is equivalent, share for share, to General Motors common stock. At the end
of each year stock is awarded to employes on the basis of the degree to which their services
individually have contributed to the success of the Corporation. Stock so awarded is
delivered one-fourth at the time of the award and the balance in three equal annual instal-
ments. A record of the awards follows:
Number of Number of
Number of Shares of Common Number of Shares of Common
Year Bonus Awards Stock Awarded (b) Year Bonus Awards Stock Awarded (b)
I
NUMBER OF STOCKHOLDERS
The total number of stockholders, all classes, by quarters, follows:
Year
Ended First Second Third Fourth
Dec. 31 Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
GROWTH IN NUMBER
OF STOCKHOLDERS
-400,000
PKlNrEU IN . s. A.
-
n 36 a
ARROW PRESS, INC.
NEW YORK