GE Offers Tepid '08 View

GE also said it will return a total of $26 billion to its investors through its dividend and stock repurchases in 2007.

The company's board raised its quarterly dividend 11% to 31 cents a share, bringing its annual dividend to $1.24. GE currently pays iy $1.12 a share annually.

"In 2008, we are planning for the environment we see today," said GE. "We bring to this environment an unmatched set of leadership businesses with global reach and highly visible backlogs. In addition, we have a strong balance sheet and a triple-A credit rating -- a massive competitive advantage in this environment -- with no exposure to collateralized debt obligations or structured investment vehicles."

Shares of GE recently were down 38 cents, or 1.2%, to $37.03 amid a broader selloff in the market.