GE says third-quarter results are on track

General Electric, whose products range from light bulbs to jet engines, said today its third-quarter earnings and revenue are "on track."

GE had said in July it expected third-quarter revenue to increase 8 per cent to 10 per cent and earnings to rise 20 per cent to 25 per cent.

Wall Street analysts on average expect a profit of 41 cents a share, up 24 per cent from 33 cents a year earlier.

GE has said it expects its short-cycle businesses to drive operating profit in the third quarter.

For example, it sees its NBC television unit to lead the way with operating profit gains of up to 60 per cent.

Building on second-quarter orders, GE Medical Systems expects operating profit to increase 15 per cent to 20 per cent.