Consumers commonly associate General Electric (GE) with light bulbs and refrigerators. However, energy is also a major source of the company's earnings. General Electric is a leading provider of wind power, clean coal, natural gas turbines, solar, and nuclear fuel technologies. In addition, the company provides financing to energy companies around the globe through its GE Capital business segment. We have chosen not to invest in early-stage alternative energy companies that lack established business models and customer franchises, or are very reliant on new or unproven technologies becoming commercially successful in the future. General Electric, by contrast, offers us exposure to these fast growing areas in a diversified portfolio of leading businesses, which can partially offset the risks associated with the adoption of alternative energy technologies. We believe this company has the financial strength to fund new innovations out of existing cash flow, and the brand recognition, established distribution, and staying power that are critical for customer adoption of any long- term energy solutions.
From Dodge & Cox Funds' The Energy Sector commentary.
From Dodge & Cox Funds' The Energy Sector commentary.
