Monday, November 19, 2007

Cramer's 'Mad Money' Recap

All Aboard CSX

There are companies like YRC Worldwide and FedEx that are down significantly, yet no one's asking questions, Cramer said.

Then the railroads, specifically CSX, a stock that is up 17% for the year, are being badgered.

The Children's Investment Fund, a London-based asset management firm, has been writing angry letters, urging CSX to revamp its governance. But as far as Cramer can tell, CSX CEO Michael Ward has done nothing but make his shareholders richer.

So why are hedge funds letting companies like YRC Worldwide and FedEx get by and picking on CSX? Ward joined Cramer on the show to shed some light.

"We're very proud to stand by our record," Ward said, noting CSX has tripled its dividend during his tenure and has a strong buyback program, "I don't get it either."

When Cramer asked if TCI is motivated by CSX spending too much on the company rather than giving back to shareholders, Ward said the capital CSX spends is "very much in line with the rest of the industry."

The board did a thorough analysis of all the various claims that TCI had lodged and went through the various suggestions they proposed, Ward said. However, none of their ideas made sense, and some hurt the industry, he said.

"We've really been working hard for our shareholders for the last three years" and Ward said they will continue to do so.

There are so many CEOs Cramer said he can't stand, and he doesn't understand why TCI is picking on one that's making market players money. "I say buy CSX," he said.

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