The stock market continues to go up and then down leaving rookie investors wondering what to do.
Late last year, I took a chance and purchased my first shares of stock.
I started with Kelloggs and then jumped to General Electric.
GE has been hovering between $14 and just over $16 a share since decided to invest.
Investors receive a copy of the annual report. Here is a summary of what GE’s 2009 annual report states.
• GE earned $2.3 billion at CApital Finance, profitable every quarter, earned about $11 billion in 2008-09.
• Reduced dependence on commercial paper and long-term debt.
• Product services profit growth of 7 percent.
• Maintained position as fourth most valuable brand with a valuation of nearly $50 billion according to one survey.
The report goes on to state that GE has $38 billion business in growth markets which includes resource and people rich regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, China, and India. These groups represents close to 40 percent of GE’s individual revenue.
Another claim in the annual report is that GE has a product for every customer.
Consumers may not realize that GE is more than light bulbs, NBC and appliances.
They are also a force in the healthcare world.
Some products they have include the the ONI Extremity Scanner, which provides MRI extremity imaging, including the knee, elbow and wrist.
Also, the Portable Ultrasound and the Brivo Imaging Technologies.
GE is also known in the airline world.
The report states that GE is teaming with KLM Airlines to implement savings projects.
Also, GE and a French partner was selected by China as the sole Western engine for the new C919 single-aisle, 150 -seat passenger jet. The Leap-X engine could power more than 2,000 C919s over the next 20 years.
GE is very focused on Ecomagination and Healthymagination.
Under ecomagination, GE has grown the list of products from 17 in 2005 to over 80 in 2009 and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and improved water reuse.
Under Healthymagination, GE has reduced the cost of many health procedures and increased access to service technologies.
The report is loaded with information about many other company programs, goals and financial numbers.
For me, I think GE is a good investment. The company has been a household name for decades and at just over $16 a share, the stock is affordable.
GE stock can be purchased through a direct stock purchase plan which is what I did. There is a $3 fee for each transaction.
