General Electric (GE) Addresses Market Concerns

General Electric (NYSE: GE) has been plagued recently by two things: the first is that it will have its AAA rating cut and the second that it will have to cut its dividend. Some don't think GE can keep both.

Today, with its earnings release, they tried to address these big issues. Here is what they said:

1. On the AAA rating:
CEO Jeff Immelt, "We run the company to have a Triple-A credit rating, and we have significantly strengthened our liquidity position."
Translation: I wish they don't cut it. I wish they don't cut it. I wish they don't cut it. But yeah it's probably going to be cut.

2. On the dividend:
CEO Immelt: "The first quarter dividend is done, and we are committed to our plan for $1.24 per share for the year. We believe the GE dividend provides our investors with a solid return in this uncertain time."
Translation: Be happy you got the first quarter dividend. About the rest we promised, it's still up in the air. And next year it will be cut unless there is a miracle.

The good thing is that a lot of this is likely priced into the stock.

UPDATE: after initially trading up on the earnings report, shares of GE are now down about 4.5% in this morning's pre-market session. The stock most recently traded at $12.90.