James Cullen

4 Reasons Why Banks Will Keep Getting Stronger

There's a lot of arm-waving here. Maybe these guys have some facts, they're just don't feel like sharing them. Um hm...

Industry Observers: Shouldn't Something Finally Change at Citigroup?

Long Islander,
This is an observation from a number of people I've talked with; Tom Brown and Vernon Hill were the most recent and were willing to go on the record.
I saw Vikram Pandit was talking about the need to overhaul and simplify the world economy; what about his own company? Put differently, who thinks Citi has credibility -- many will say no, who says yes?

Five Reasons Citi's Worth the Long Risk

Definitely the most one-sided article I've ever seen, and with extremely flimsy evidence - you need to bring the punch bowl to my next party.

Please, try to show a little balance next time.

Bank Bailouts and Trust Preferreds: Still Too Much Risk Here

Chrispy,
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. And are you differentiating between preferred stock and trust preferreds (i.e. subordinated debt)?

Bank Bailouts and Trust Preferreds: Still Too Much Risk Here

Citi's trust preferreds are up about 25% today... it isn't so much the risk that stopped me from buying, as it is the expected long-term returns at current prices. Still, a very good trade for those who have it on.

Component Returns for the Financial SPDR ETF

The data might have jumped, but the theme hasn't. Bank stocks are an enormous gamble.

Memo to Warren: AmEx Preferred at 15%, Warrants at $12

Utterly vacuous.


On Nov 16 08:02 AM apppro wrote:

> Here's my memo to Warren:
>
> Hey Mr. Bigshot,
> If you had just not been such a wise guy 1 year ago and had just
> invested in Ambac and MBIA without some absurd limits, maybe just
> maybe, this entire financial mess could have been prevented.
> Think about it!

Wells Fargo and the Wachovia Bid: Crafty or Crazy?

Sumosama,
Seems lately when I show any optimism and do that, it doesn't work out too well...

American Express Calls Investment Banks' Bluff

A few of you need to lay off the Visa kool-aid. Just because Visa (and MA) don't hold debt, doesn't mean they aren't dependent on the ability and willingness of their issuing banks to continue lending.

The Financial Light at the End of the Tunnel?

I don't think you should lump American Express in with the credit card "loan sharks" - they cater to the affluent, and aren't like a Capital One...

What Tuesday's Wild Trading Says About Housing, Financials

Tony,
I think a buyout is a possibility, but not enough that you should be buying the stock only looking for a quick pop on such news.

My figures are similar enough to Morningstar's that I'll say I agree with them - my last estimate for fair value is about 10% above theirs, and I think USG is a good stock to buy now for long-term investors.

Citigroup: Long Term Value in a Beaten Down Industry

If you're going to make a book value argument, you need to have some foundation to believe that the book value is accurate. You don't outline anything to that effect...

Analysts See Dow Rising Sharply in 2008

The major flaw in this analysis is that it assumes all stocks will be at their price targets at the same time...

My 2008 Market Prediction

Good stuff.