here is how ge performed in 2006:

• Continuing revenues increased 10% to $163.4 billion. Organic revenue growth was 9%.
• Earnings from continuing operations grew 11% to $20.7 billion. Earnings in four of six businesses grew by more than 10%. Industrial operating profit expanded 40 basis points to 15.2%.
• Cash flow from operating activities (CFOA) was $24.6 billion, up 14%. Industrial cash flow grew 7%. Return on average total capital (ROTC) was 18.4%, up 180 basis points from 2005.
• The Board of Directors increased the dividend 12% for GE’s 31^st consecutive annual increase. In addition, GE repurchased $8.1 billion of stock as part of its $25 billion program. At year end, GE’s dividend yield was 3%, a 50% premium to that of the S&P 500. In all, GE returned more than $18 billion to GE shareowners in 2006.
• Total return for GE shareowners (stock price appreciation assuming reinvested dividends) was 9% versus the S&P 500’s total return of 16%. Over the last three years, GE’s total shareowner return was 30%, equivalent to that of the S&P 500. At year end, GE traded at a forward price/earnings ratio (PE) of 16.8X, a 10% premium to the S&P 500.
• GE continued to earn the respect of the business world. GE was named FORTUNE magazine’s “Most Admired Company” for the second straight year, and GE ranked second in Barron’s annual survey of the world’s most respected companies.
• GE has substantial financial strength. The Company remained one of only six “Triple-A”-rated U.S. industrial companies. Our global pension plans have more than $60 billion in assets, a surplus of nearly $9 billion. The Company expects to meet its obligations to pensioners with no significant increase in funding for the foreseeable future.
• GE invested $15 billion in its intellectual foundation including products, services, marketing and programming. The Company filed 2,650 patents, representing an increase of 19% versus 2001. The GE brand is one of the most valuable in the world.

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