Why I Own This Veteran Dow Dividend

General Electric (NYSE: GE) often gets painted as a boring slow-moving conglomerate, but this $220 billion company is up more than 40% since December 2011 and has exposure to crucial industries such as oil and gas, health care, and aerospace, all of which should grow at outsized rates for the next decade or more.

Not only that, but with a 3.2% dividend and a 51% payout ratio, GE can comfortably afford to pay you to wait for these sectors to take off, and do so at a higher rate than many of its competitors.

At the same time, you need to be aware of the threats to GE's portfolio that could cause this bullish thesis to unravel at any time. 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.

For even more on GE, watch the following video.

The article Why I Own This Veteran Dow Dividend originally appeared on Fool.com.

Austin Smith and The Motley Fool own shares of General Electric. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend 3M. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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