GM was re-capitalized with
GM was re-capitalized with federal money, but most of the pile they have now was generated from business operations. The have made net profit of over $11B in 2010 and the first 3/4 of 2011. They have not been given a dime beyond the initial capitalization of the new business coming out of bankruptcy. It is disappointing that their stock (almost in lockstep with Ford) has fallen despite strong profitability.
Ford's decision to pay a dividend in the future is a little hard to understand, giving the huge debt they have to retire. btw- I wish them well. The car business is very tough.