General Electric Company (GE) operates in the Capital Goods sector, within the Aerospace and Defense industry, and was founded in 1878 by Thomas Edison.
The company has become one of the world’s largest and most innovative conglomerates, with diversified operations spanning energy, aviation, healthcare, and financial services. GE’s original mission was to develop electrical and technological solutions to drive the modernization of global infrastructure.
Since its inception, GE has been a driving force in industrial innovation, expanding into multiple strategic sectors. Its business portfolio is organized into the following segments:
Energy: Manufacturing of gas and steam turbines, and power generation systems utilizing oil, gas, nuclear, and hydroelectric sources.
Renewable Energy: Development of wind and solar energy solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable power sources.
Aviation: Production of engines for commercial and military aircraft, along with maintenance and technical support services.
Healthcare: Development of medical imaging technology, patient monitoring systems, and diagnostic equipment for hospitals and clinics worldwide.
Financial Services: Providing financing solutions for customers acquiring GE products in sectors such as aviation, energy, and healthcare.
GE has a global presence, operating in more than 60 countries with manufacturing plants, research centers, and commercial units. In the United States, the company operates 82 factories across 28 states and Puerto Rico, while another 149 facilities are distributed across 34 countries worldwide.
Competition in the capital goods sector demands continuous innovation, digitalization, and investment in advanced technology. GE invests heavily in industrial automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable solutions to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
With approximately 174,000 employees, GE maintains a robust operational structure encompassing manufacturing facilities, innovation centers, and distribution networks. Its business model is based on large-scale industrial production, specialized services, and advanced technology.
History and Founding – General Electric Company
General Electric (GE) was founded in 1878 in the United States by Thomas Edison, initially under the name Edison Electric Light Company. The company’s founding objective was to develop lighting and electrification systems, and it is credited with inventing the first durable-filament electric light bulb in 1879.
In its early years, GE established itself as a pioneer in the electrical industry, expanding into the production of dynamos, electric motors, and industrial equipment. In 1892, the merger with Thomson-Houston Electric Company created General Electric Company, greatly enhancing its production capacity and technological capabilities.
The company’s growth was fueled by a series of groundbreaking innovations:
1882: Development of the first dynamo capable of powering entire neighborhoods.
1889: Creation of the integration wattmeter, the forerunner of the modern electric consumption meter.
1913: Entry into the healthcare sector with the invention of high-vacuum X-ray tubes.
1941: Development of the first U.S. jet engine, marking GE’s entry into the aviation industry.
1983: Launch of the first high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, advancing medical diagnostics.
GE’s initial public offering (IPO) took place in 1896, making it one of the first companies listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Over the decades, GE diversified and expanded its global footprint, becoming one of the most recognizable industrial brands in history.
Between 2020 and 2024, GE underwent a strategic restructuring and corporate split, dividing its operations into three independent entities: GE Aerospace, GE Vernova (Energy), and GE HealthCare. The move aimed to enhance efficiency, specialization, and focus within each core business area.
With more than a century of engineering leadership and innovation, General Electric remains one of the world’s most influential corporations, combining advanced technology, industrial engineering, and sustainable solutions to shape the future of energy, aviation, and healthcare.
Additional Information
The Company General Eletric Company (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 304.11 Billions, having an equity of $ 19.02 Billions.
With a total of 174.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Capital Assets and categorized in industry of Space Transport and Defense.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 43.95 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 8.06 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 37.72, a P/BV ratio of 15.99 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of GE was at 0.47%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker GE.