General Motors doesn’t need a bailout

GM using credit instead of a bailout

This is what I’m talking about, a company that has capital, or the ability to get capital instead of begging to the Government for a bailout. General Motors knows the hit it took in 2008 when it went through a bailout. There are still people that won’t buy a GM product because they took money from the Government.

This time General Motors is acting swiftly and wisely to allow the company the flexibility of cash flow it needs to make it through this time.

*GM had a strong position exiting 2019, with $3.2B in excess capital above the minimum GM Support Agreement level

*Prudent liquidity management with targeted support for at least six months of cash needs without access to the capital markets; at a target at 12/31/19

General Motors (NYSE:GM) announced today that it intends to draw down approximately $16.0 billion from its revolving credit facilities. This is a proactive measure to increase GM’s cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of current uncertainty in global markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will supplement the company’s strong cash position of approximately $15 billion to $16 billion expected at the end of March.

“We are aggressively pursuing austerity measures to preserve cash and are taking necessary steps in this changing and uncertain environment to manage our liquidity, ensure the ongoing viability of our operations and protect our customers and stakeholders,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman, and CEO. “Over the past several years, we have made necessary, strategic decisions and structural changes that have transformed the company and strengthened the business, better positioning us for downturns.”

In addition, GM Financial (GMF) has strong liquidity and capitalization. GMF had $24 billion of liquidity at the end of 2019 and expects to end the first quarter with similar levels of liquidity. Its liquidity level is targeted to support at least six months of cash needs, including new originations, without access to capital markets. GMF is managing below its target leverage ratios.

“GM Financial has prepared for times like this by maintaining a strong financial position and ready access to cash. We are confident that we will be able to navigate the challenges created by this environment without capital from GM,” said Dan Berce, GM Financial president and CEO.

GM is also suspending its 2020 guidance due to uncertainty around the business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, if like the Marriott CEO, Mary Barra would forgo her salary and the other executives would take a 50% cut in their salaries…

General Motors doesn’t need a bailout