Why General Electric Is a Top Dow Stock

In today's edition, consumer goods editor/analyst Austin Smith looks at General Electric (NYSE: GE  ) . The massive conglomerate has a lot going for it right now. A $4.5 billion dividend gift from GE Capital could cause a huge increase in quarterly dividends or a repurchasing of shares at a very reasonable price, and GE stands to benefit from a swelling of the global middle class and the fact that 25% of the world is still without electricity. Most importantly, its responsible management navigated the financial crisis well, making tough decisions that benefited the company for the long term.

For GE, the recent financial crisis struck a blow, but management took advantage of the market's dip to make strategic bets in energy. If you're a GE investor, you need to understand how these bets could drive this company to become the world's infrastructure leader. At the same time, you need to be aware of the threats to GE's portfolio. To help, we're offering comprehensive coverage for investors in a premium report on General Electric, in which our industrials analyst breaks down GE's multiple businesses. You'll find reasons to buy or sell GE, and you'll receive continuing updates as major events unfold during the year. To get started, click here now. Or, if you'd rather take a look at a high-growth company outside this still-soft sector, check out our special free report, "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2012," which features a company our chief investment officer uncovered that's revolutionizing commerce in Latin America.