Kenneth Lewis is probably having a pretty crappy day. The government just told him that he needs to find $33.9 billion in order to “withstand any worsening of the economic downturn.” Anybody got any spare change?

The NYT explains:

If the bank is unable to raise the capital cushion by selling assets or stock, it would have to rely on the government, which has provided $45 billion in capital through the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

It could satisfy regulators’ demands simply by converting non-voting preferred shares it gave the government in return for the capital, into common stock.

But that would make the government one of the bank’s largest shareholders.

Lewis is having a difficult few weeks, having recently been fired from his position as chairman of the board. He remains CEO.

Bank of America Needs $33.9 Billion Cushion, U.S. Says [NYT]
(Photo:frankieleon)

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