GE 2002 Earnings Targets

General Electric Company
19 March 2002

 
                     GE Reconfirms 2002 Earnings Targets,

                          Says 2003 Outlook Unchanged

Fairfield, Conn., March 18, 2002 -- GE continues to target 17-18% growth in
ongoing earnings per share (EPS) this year, to $1.65-$1.67, before accounting
changes, with upside if there is an economic recovery, GE Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer Keith S. Sherin told members of the financial
community today during a meeting at the Company's John F. Welch Learning Center
in Crotonville, New York.

Sherin also said the Company continues to estimate double-digit earnings growth
in 2003. 'As we said in December, we believe that growth in our short-cycle
businesses such as GE Plastics and NBC, continued growth at GE Capital, and
savings from our initiatives will more than offset the falloff in sales of GE
Power Systems gas turbines that we anticipate,' Sherin said.

At the meeting, GE executives reviewed the Company's unique culture and several
key processes, including auditing, risk management, acquisition integration and
initiative implementation, which contribute to GE's excellent performance
through economic cycles. 'GE's culture and values reinforce the priorities we
place on meeting commitments, financial visibility and accountability,' Sherin
said.

GE (NYSE:GE) is a diversified technology, services and manufacturing company
with a commitment to achieving customer success. GE operates in more than 100
countries and employs approximately 310,000 people worldwide. For more
information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com.


                 Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This document includes certain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are
based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and
changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these
expectations due to changes in global political, economic, business,
competitive, market and regulatory factors. More detailed information about
those factors is contained in GE's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


Contact: General Electric

Gary Sheffer, 203/373-3476

[e-mail]



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