Wall Of Shame - Wachovia
Jim Cramer added Bob Steel, president and CEO of Wachovia (WB) to his infamous “Wall of Shame” list. He mentioned that Steel told Mad Money fans two weeks ago that out of $500 billion in loans on the banks’ balance sheet, ony 10 billion were bad. However, reports have now shown that the bank has $42 billion in bad loans. “We got bagged,” said Cramer, “and I let you down.” Cramer said he doesn’t think that Steel lied on the show. He explained that Steel went off of the company’s financials which showed very few bad loans. Also, Steel had bought $16 million worth of WB stock and wasn’t hedged with options. Cramer said he was more mad at himself for letting his viewrs down. He put trust in Steel who he says he ’s know as a successful financier for 25 years. “I let you down,” Cramer said. Since the bailout plan was a failure, Cramer explained that Wachovia had no choice but to sell its bad assets. With Washington Mutual’s bad loans valued by JP Morgan (JPM) lower than Wachovia’s loans, “Wachovia was toast,” he said. Join the fastest growing community of small cap investors at Stockhideout.com



September 30th, 2008 at 7:54 am
I appreciate that Mr. Cramer. The fact that you recognize that the information wasn’t all correct on Wachovia makes me feel alot better.
As a newbie to the investing game I have been following your show for a short time now. I bought Wachovia based on your comments from your Wednesday / Thursday show (the week of 9/22). As I bank with Wachovia and have a loan or two with Wachovia, I believed in their business and saw this as an opportunity to invest with them. One of the things I take away from your show is “know who your investing in.”
I too, didn’t know them well enough.
In any event, I look forward to watching your next show.
September 30th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
It just goes to show you, these guys are guessing as much as the rest of us. At least Jim owns up to his mistakes, I know no one else in the financial world that does that. Gotta love Jim! Let’s get back to work!
http://rays-stock-world.blogspot.com
September 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Hi Jim
I own Wachovia stock. Please tell me what happens to my stock when Citigroup takes over.Will my stock be worth anything, or will I get the Citigroup price. Or will Wachovia stock be traded seperately as their own.
Thanks
Pat Saladino