General Electric affirms earnings outlook

General Electric (GE) today affirmed its earnings outlook for the second quarter and full year, saying results at its NBC television…

General Electric (GE) today affirmed its earnings outlook for the second quarter and full year, saying results at its NBC television network have been positive while its plastics division struggles.

The company still expects to earn 37 cents to 39 cents per share in the second quarter and $1.55 to $1.70 for the full year, chief financial officer Mr Keith Sherin said at a meeting with analysts.

Mr Sherin said the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome has not had a significant effect on GE's results.

Several analysts cut their earnings estimates for GE yesterday after the company had reported a sharp drop in its plastics orders for May. Merrill Lynch had suggested GE could also trim its outlook at today's meeting.