Why GE Is Beating the Dow in 2012

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which Brendan Byrnes discusses topics around the investing world.

In today's edition, Brendan discusses General Electric and its year so far. As we approach the half-year mark, 2012 has been kind to GE shareholders overall, as it has risen more than 11% versus the Dow's 4% gain. Much of this rise is attribuatble to the announcement that GE Capital will begin pushing a regular dividend and a special $4.5 billion dividend to the parent company. The special dividend will be used on share repurchases. GE has also been reducing risk in its GE Capital unit and focusing more on the industrial side of its business, which shareholders prefer. In the following video, Brendan talks more reasons why GE is a compelling long-term play.

GE's solid 3.5% dividend is one good reason to add the stock to your portfolio. But there are other high-yielders that we're even more bullish on. Our analysts here at The Motley Fool have compiled a special free report outlining our top nine dependable dividend-paying stocks. It's called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." You can access your copy today at no cost! Just click here to discover the winners we've picked.

At the time thisarticle was published Brendan Byrnesowns shares of Caterpillar and United Technologies. The Motley Fool has no positions in the stocks mentioned above.Motley Fool newsletter services recommend3M. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.