GE's Immelt Plans to Return $18 Billion to Investors

General Electric Co.'s ( GE ) top priority remains growing the dividend, Chief Executive Jeff Immelt said in his annual letter to shareholders, CNBC reported Monday, citing an advance copy of the letter it obtained.

"In total, we plan to return $18 billion to investors this year through dividends and buyback," the letter said.

The company will generate $100 billion that will be allocated to dividends over the next few years, "including cash from existing operations, dividends from GE Capital and dispositions," Mr. Immelt estimated.

As for an outlook, he said "We expect 2013 to be another typical year in the Reset Era," adding the company remains confident in the economic strength of emerging markets, citing renewed growth and reform in China.

However, the U.S. he said, is in "unprecedented fiscal territory" which will keep a limit on growth in the short term," adding "the major source of volatility in corporate planning is the U.S., something I never thought I would see." It is feared the uncertainty will impact capital investment.

"Until we solve these constraints it is hard to see that the U.S. will return to its full growth potential," the letter said.

Full story at: www.cnbc.com/id/100474894

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