Jim Stack
InvesTech Market Analyst
Andy Obermueller
Fast-Track Millionaire
Mike Cintolo
Cabot Top Ten Trader
Elliott Gue
Personal Finance

Goldman Sachs (GS): Best of greed?


Bookmark and Share

 "Few American companies are as vilified as Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS)," suggests Brandon Clay; nevertheless, the advisor recommends purchase of the shares.

In his Invest with an Edge, he says, "While the firm conjures up images of Gordon Gekko saying 'Greed is good,' that's not necessarily a bad thing if you own the stock." Here's his review.

"Formerly an investment bank, Goldman is now a commercial bank, a change that allowed it to take billions in taxpayer assistance during the financial calamity of 2008.

"Some would debate the usefulness of keeping Goldman in business, saying the company doesn't produce essential goods like automobiles, clothes, energy or food.

Advertisement
Banner

"Still others would argue that Goldman probably didn't need the taxpayer money in the first place.  Given the massive profits it was turning before the financial crisis and robust earnings so far in 2009, Goldman has done just fine.

"Throw in the lavish compensation and bonuses many of Goldman's top employees receive and it's easy to see why the company is controversial.

"Goldman has been a public company for roughly 10 years. In that time, the stock is up by about 10% annualized, while the S&P 500 was generally flat for the same period.

"Goldman shares have more than doubled this year, leaving broad benchmarks in the dust. Financial stocks often outperform in bull markets, but Goldman's performance has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"It is worth noting that the stock is still well off its all-time high.  Any rebound in initial public offerings (IPOs) as well as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) will be good news for Goldman. GS is a kingmaker in the M&A and IPO worlds.

"Goldman's legendary trading operation is in even better shape. Goldman makes millions of dollars per day buying and selling every asset class imaginable.

"While risky trading practices played a big part in leading the financial sector to the abyss in 2008, Goldman is actually reducing its leverage according to some reports.

"While this may be a sign that Goldman is reducing its risk profile, it does not mean the company will be less profitable in the future. Analysts expect Goldman to earn $5.63 a share on revenue of $10.96 billion in the fourth quarter.

"The shares trade at a forward-looking P/E ratio of only 9.3. The share price may look high, but Goldman is a cash machine.

"While there is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to the stock market, Goldman is a best of breed stock that is likely to keep rewarding shareholders.  As a can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em play on the market, go with Goldman Sachs."


News Flash

Asia tech turnarounds: TSM and LPL
by Yiannis Mostrous, editor Passport to Profits.

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is undervalued and offers solid growth prospects. And South Korea's LG Display (LPL) is a turnaround technology story.


Read more...

 

NASDAQ OMX: Contrarian buy
by Christian DeHaemer, editor Wealth Daily

Remember the NASDAQ? You may not have noticed, but it's up 133% since the bottom in 2009.


Read more...


   

Zoll: Small cap manager eyes LifeVest
by Benjamin Shepherd, editor ETF Investment Insider

I recently spoke with Ken Salmon, co-manager of BMO Small-Cap Growth (MRSCX), who explained his investment process and shared his market outlook. Below, he highlights his reasons for owning Zoll Medical (ZOLL).


Read more...

 

Contarian plays on housing
by Steve Mauzy, contributing editor Daily Profit

As a contrarian, I'm interested in housing, as pessimism always creates opportunities. And the time to invest is when the market is near a bottom, which I believe is the case today.


Read more...

 

Pile's top picks in biotech
by Nate Pile, editor Nate's Notes

The biotech sector has been on fire in recent months, and I consider Cubist (CBST) and Gen-Probe (GPRO) as top picks. Their chart patterns have “bullish” written all over them.


Read more...

 

A 'Stellar' play: Netease
by Richard Schmidt, editor Stellar Stock Alert

It appears that we finally have a bottom in place for the ishares FTSE/Xinhua China ETF (FXI). Among our individual stock recommendations, Netease (NTES) appears ready for a long extended rally.


Read more...

 

Cameco gets boost from China
by Gordon Pape, editor Internet Wealth Builder

It's been a rough time for Cameco Corp. (CCJ), the world's number one uranium producer. The stock fell as low as C$17.25 in late November, a level it hadn't seen since the crash of 2008-09.


Read more...

 

February warning?
by Sy Harding, editor Street Smart Report

One seasonal pattern to consider is the tendency for the market to run into trouble in February. Indeed, Februaries have been particularly troublesome since 1999, falling in 8 of those 13 years, with an average decline of 4.3% in the down years.


Read more...

 

Central Gold: The one to 'Trust'
by Curtis Hesler, editor Professional Timing Service

In the near term, it is not surprising to see gold encounter some selling at the $1,750 - $1,800 level, and a brief spate of profit taking is in order. 


Read more...

 

Low-Priced: Tillinghast returns
by Jim Lowell, editor Fidelity Investor

I recently talked with Joel Tillinghast and welcomed him back after taking some time off as manager for Fidelity Low-Priced Stock (FLPSX).


Read more...