Global Prospects Enhance GE’s Appeal

Article Excerpt

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. $29 (New York symbol GE; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 10.0 billion; Market cap: $290.0 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) is one of the world’s largest industrial companies. It operates in six main segments: Infrastructure (33% of 2007 revenue, 37% of profit); Commercial Finance (20%, 21%); Consumer finance (18%, 14%); Healthcare (10%, 11%); Industrial (10%, 6%); and Media (9%, 11%). The company now plans to shed some of its slowgrowing businesses, and focus on its more promising operations. Consequently, GE will spin off its Consumer & Industrial division to its stockholders as a separate company next year. These businesses make household appliances, light bulbs and electrical equipment. The spinoff should help GE unlock value, and reduce its holding-company discount. Cutting exposure to the finance sector GE also plans to cut its exposure to the finance sector by half over the next few years. In December 2007, GE sold its U.S. mortgage business for $100 million. The company…