The strength of the GE model really shines during slower parts of the business cycle, ... have reduced GE's sensitivity to business cycles.

Business leaders should provide expertise in service of our country. My predecessors at GE have done so, as have leaders of many other great American companies.

The balanced strength of our business allowed us to deliver top and bottom- line growth for the quarter, even though we faced considerably higher energy and freight costs. Continued strong performance from Jennie-O Turkey Store and significant improvement from the Specialty Foods segment were key drivers behind our solid first-quarter results.

Our third quarter looks promising, and we remain comfortable with the targets we've communicated for the full year.

We've planned for tough this year and we weren't disappointed,

I made a few tough calls in 2005 that may have had a short-term impact on the stock.