'Mad Money' Recap: Truly Great CEOs

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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- A company's CEO can provide that "special sauce" that just makes them perform better and command higher multiples, Jim Cramer told the viewers of his "Mad Money" TV show Thursday.

Cramer's Upcoming Book Signings Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Manhattan (33 E. 17th St.)

He credited the upside surprise on the top and bottom lines in McDonald's (MCD Quote), earnings to its CEO Jim Skinner. Cramer said Skinner just makes McDonald's a special company that's been constantly delivering new items, better coffee and worldwide growth with the earnings to match.

Cramer said companies like McDonald's should command a much higher multiple that those with lackluster CEOs. "How much is a visionary like Steve Jobs worth at Apple (AAPL Quote)," asked Cramer. Or how about Alan Mulally's fabulous turnaround at Ford (F Quote)?

Cramer said it's obvious that the CEO at these companies makes all the difference. The same is true at J. Crew (JCG Quote), he said. Mickey Drexler is a master at having great products and great management, said Cramer. So much to that J. Crew rarely needs to discount its merchandise, he said, while others can't give their items away.

Cramer said of course the numbers, and the analytics, are important. But he said a great CEO gives a company a little something special.