Despite its blue chip stock status, General Electric (GE -2.48%) is a tough business to follow. The company operates seven different industrial segments and a multifaceted financial services business, GE Capital, which is currently in the midst of a massive restructuring. Combined, General Electric's eight operating segments generated over $15.2  billion in profit last year.

But without an understanding of General Electric's various businesses, the $15.2 billion in profit it generated last year doesn't take on much meaning. The following presentation breaks down General Electric's various segments -- and how they help the company make billions.