(By Balachander) Industrial conglomerate General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) reported in-line quarterly earnings, and said it is on track to for double-digit earnings growth in 2012 for both industrial and GE Capital segments.
On an operating basis excluding the effects of the preferred stock redemption, earnings per share (EPS) increased 13 percent to 36 cents, matching market expectations. Net earnings attributable to GE common shareowners jumped 49 percent to $3.49 billion.
Total revenues and other income rose 3 percent to $36.35 billion, and up 6 percent excluding FX. Consensus estimate were for a revenue growth of 4.30 percent.
Orders gained 3 percent for the third quarter.
"All industrial segments had positive earnings growth for the first time since the third quarter of 2005; Energy infrastructure, transportation and home & business solutions had double-digit earnings growth," GE said.
Revenue from GE's financial services arm fell 5 percent due to lower assets. Industrial segment revenue climbed 6 percent boosted by transportation and energy.
GE Capital and Industrial segment earnings each increased 11 percent.
The stock, which has been trading in the 52-week range of $14.68 to $23.18, ended at $22.81 on Thursday.