Jim Cramer: GM “joins the list of unthinkables”
From unsinkable to unthinkable. But there it is; stock picking guru Jim Cramer says GM is headed for Chapter 11. Yes, The General “joins the list of unthinkables, the ones that may not be able to make it with its current structure. The ones that basically need to be Chapter 11′d to save the business from dying.” In his own inimitable style, Cramer reduces the arguments against GM’s survival down to its essentials. “GM does not have enough cars in demand that it can make a profit on, and it has way too many cars and trucks that aren’t in demand to do anything but lose billions of dollars, despite the decline in headcount and costs per car. It feels like the Citigroup of the autos. Without the deposit base.” But seriously folks, Cramer’s rant also fingers Ford for extinction. Of course, this is the same Jim Cramer who said the following in his 10-25-06 TV show: “GM - We recommended it at $18; it goes to $36. We say take a little schnitzel. It’s now pulled back to $34. It’s going to get to $40, but it’s going to meander. I like F. I like GM.” And this in February of this year: “I know there’s risk to GM. But if you want to tell me that I am being reckless recommending this small-cap stock with the biggest share in the world, then I might as well just recommend that there’s no real way to make money in the market.” Never mind. When telegenic mainstream media mavens tell the average Joe to sell his stock and run for the hills, you can bet the big investors are already sunning themselves in the Hamptons.