GE predicts up to 15 percent rise in 2016 operating income

General Electric Co predicted on Wednesday a double-digit rise in operating earnings in 2016 to between $1.45 and $1.55 a share and said it would return about $26 billion to shareholders, sending its stock up sharply. GE said it expected double-digit growth in operating profit at its power and energy management businesses, boosted by the acquisition of Alstom SA , and single- to double-digit growth in its aviation division, which makes aircraft engines. The maker of power turbines, aircraft engines, medical equipment, lighting and other products is going to generate $165 billion in cash from 2016 to 2018, and $30 billion of it has not yet been allocated.