Better Buy: GE vs. 3M
General Electric (NYSE: GE) has been struggling to get off its back foot since the 2007 to 2009 recession. Three CEOs later, and as many turnaround plans, it looks like the business may finally be solidifying. Before buying this icon, however, you should consider it compared to some peers. For example, 3M (NYSE: MMM) could be a good alternative. Here's a head to head to see why.
General Electric's stock is up roughly 85% over the past year. 3M's gain is a relatively meager 25% or so. Over the past three years GE's shares have risen about 4% while 3M's are basically flat. Since the start of 2007, however, GE's stock is off by more than 60% while 3M's shares have gained 150%. These are three very different time periods, but the big takeaway is that GE's stock has been performing better of late. However, that hasn't been enough to make up for the hit the business took during the 2007 to 2009 financially-led downturn.
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Source Fool.com
