10-KPeriod: FY2006

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2006

Filed February 27, 2007For Securities:GE

Summary

General Electric Company (GE) filed its 2006 10-K report on February 27, 2007. While the full financial statements are incorporated by reference into the Annual Report to Shareowners, this filing provides key insights into the company's market performance, shareholder activities, and internal controls. Investors will note GE's consistent stock performance relative to major indices over a five-year period and significant share repurchase activity. The company also disclosed a material weakness in its internal controls related to the designation of hedged commercial paper transactions, which led to a restatement of financial results.

Key Highlights

  • 1GE common stock is listed on major exchanges including the NYSE, London Stock Exchange, and Euronext Paris, indicating broad investor access.
  • 2The company's stock performance from 2002 to 2006 showed a cumulative return of $106 for every $100 invested, outperforming the S&P 500 ($135) and DJIA ($139) over the longer term, though this comparison is based on reinvested dividends and a specific $100 initial investment.
  • 3GE actively repurchased approximately 49 million shares in 2006, totaling about $35.92 per share on average, under a $25 billion share repurchase program authorized through 2008.
  • 4A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting was identified concerning the designation of hedged commercial paper transactions under SFAS 133, leading to an ineffective disclosure control system as of December 31, 2006.
  • 5The company underwent a restatement of financial results due to the identified material weakness.
  • 6Key executive officers, including Chairman and CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt, were listed, along with their tenures, providing insight into leadership continuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

GE's common stock is primarily listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and is also available on the Boston Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange, and Euronext Paris.

Based on a $100 investment with reinvested dividends, GE stock grew to $106 by December 31, 2006. This performance lagged behind the S&P 500 ($135) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) ($139) over the same period.

Yes, GE repurchased approximately 49 million shares in 2006 for an average price of $35.92 per share, as part of a larger $25 billion share repurchase program authorized through 2008. Approximately $11.8 billion remained authorized for future repurchases as of the filing date.

Yes, the filing disclosed a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting related to the proper designation of hedged commercial paper transactions under accounting standards. This weakness resulted in a restatement of financial results and led to the conclusion that disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2006.