Bank of America (BAC) is a pretty big player in its industry; it's got brand equity -- everyone has heard of it. How is its stock looking these days?

At the time of writing, shares could be had for $13.44. The 52-week low for the company is $10.91; the 52-week high is $19.86. That's a tight range, and as one might imagine, this company has been a vehicle for traders trying to ride whatever volatility is available at any given time.

Continue reading BAC: Checking In on Bank of America's Stock

BAC: Checking In on Bank of America's Stock originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Flagstar Bancorp (FBC), the Midwest savings bank that we recommended, as our favorite stock for 2011, remains a buy," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of Forecasts & Strategies explains, "The bank missed expected earnings, losing 74 cents per share, compared to an expected loss of 15 cents per share. But looking at the bigger picture, the news is better than those numbers reflect.

"Flagstar Bancorp technically lost $0.74 per share this year, but that's better than last year's loss of $1.53 per share. Moreover, if you look beyond the one-time charge for the sale of a bad loan portfolio, the per-share loss was only $0.06.

Continue reading Insiders and Institutions Bank on Flagstar Bancorp (FBC)

Insiders and Institutions Bank on Flagstar Bancorp (FBC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As the old saying goes, banks are happy to make loans to anyone who can prove they don't need them," observes Alexander Green.

The editor of The Oxford Club explains, "But what do you do if you're a blue-collar worker with a checkered credit history, an uncertain unemployment picture and no high-quality collateral? These folks are turning to pawnbrokers such as EZCorp (EZPW).

"Based in Austin, EZCorp operates more than 1,000 pawnshops and payday loan storefronts in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It also has equity stakes in pawnshops in Britain and Australia.

Continue reading EZCorp (EZPW): Profits in Pawnshops

EZCorp (EZPW): Profits in Pawnshops originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Compelling valuations and improving fundamentals mean that 2011 could be a strong year for shares of the biggest U.S. banks," suggests Elliott Gue.

The editor of Personal Finance explains, "To benefit from this outlook, Bank of America (BAC) is a new addition to the model Growth Portfolio.

"Bank of America suffered mightily during the financial crisis of 2007-09. Not only were the bank's legacy loan portfolios hit hard by delinquencies and charge-offs, but the company also assumed additional liabilities and credit risk when it acquired Countrywide Financial and Merrill Lynch.

Continue reading Bank of America Corp. (BAC): Bank on It

Bank of America Corp. (BAC): Bank on It originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"My latest 'Special Alert' recommendation could be called an 'Are you Crazy?' pick; despite the high risk, I believe National bank of Greece (NBG) could double before the end of 2011," says global stock specialist Nicholas Vardy.

The editor of The Global Bull Market Alert explains, "Ratings agency Fitch just recently cut the long-term ratings of the National Bank of Greece to BB+ from BBB- while it maintained a 'negative outlook' for its prospects.

"Nevertheless, here's why I think Fitch and the other naysayers are wrong... and why National Bank of Greece will be a big winner for patient investors.

Continue reading National Bank of Greece (NBG): A 'Crazy' Speculation

National Bank of Greece (NBG): A 'Crazy' Speculation originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"About 3,600 companies trade on exchanges operated by NASDAQ OMX Group (NDAQ), where an average of 8.8 billion shares changes hands each day," says Richard Moroney.

The editor of Dow Theory Forecasts explains, "The company controls about two-thirds of trades involving NASDAQ securities and half of NYSE securities. It also holds about one-third of the U.S. options-trading market.

"Over the last five years, NASDAQ's revenue rose at an annualized rate of 32%, with operating cash flow up 43%.

Continue reading NASDAQ OMX Group (NDAQ): Exchange Gains

NASDAQ OMX Group (NDAQ): Exchange Gains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Wednesday morning, banking giant Wells Fargo (WFC) announced that its fourth-quarter profit increased sharply thanks to improving customer payment habits and lower reserves to cover "souring loans."

During the quarter, Wells Fargo reported net income of 61 cents per share ($3.2 billion), matching the consensus estimate. A year earlier, the company earned 8 cents per share ($394 million) thanks to a large preferred dividend paid to the government (this payment was not necessary this year). The bank's CEO John Stumpf stated that the bank's business segments "contributed to earnings as the economy started to gain strength."

Continue reading Lower Reserves Lead to Higher Profit for Wells Fargo

Lower Reserves Lead to Higher Profit for Wells Fargo originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"MGIC (MTG) is the leading U.S. private mortgage insurer; in fact, the company claims to have founded the mortgage insurance industry in 1957," notes turnaround specialist George Putnam.

The editor of The Turnaround Letter explains, "After many years of relatively steady earnings, MGIC was forced to sharply increase its reserves beginning in 2007 as more homeowners began defaulting on their mortgages.

"As a result, the company posted large losses in each of the last three years, which reduced its capital to a precarious level. Almost all of the other mortgage insurers suffered similar fates, with several competitors being forced out of business.

Continue reading MGIC (MTG): Mortgage Turnaround?

MGIC (MTG): Mortgage Turnaround? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"KKR Financial Holdings (KFN) is a leading alternative asset manager; led by its founders, Henry Kravis and George Roberts, KKR specializes in large, complex buyouts," notes Mark Skousen.

The editor of The Hedge Fund Trader explains, "The company's edge is industry-leading private equity experience, in-depth industry knowledge, sophisticated processes for growing and improving businesses and an almost unbeatable information network.

"KKR has a history of landmark achievements in private equity, including the first leverage buyout above the $1-billion mark.

Continue reading Insider Shows Confidence in KKR Financial (KFN)

Insider Shows Confidence in KKR Financial (KFN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"After two years of economic declines, even the small uptick in growth we are starting to see should be a tonic for America's battered banks," says Jim Powell.

The editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report explains, "Of the major U.S. banks, I think Citigroup (C) offers investors the most promise; as such, I am selecting the stock as my top pick for 2011.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Citigroup (C)

Top Picks 2011: Citigroup (C) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"VIST Financial Corp. (VIST) -- which operates 24 banking and mortgage centers in Pennsylvania -- is our favorite investment idea for the coming year," says Benj Gallaner and Ben Stadelmann.

The co-editors of Contra the Heard explain, "Last April two institutional investors specializing in banking recently purchased 644,000 shares at $8.00, moving the share count to around 6.5 million.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: VIST Financial (VIST)

Top Picks 2011: VIST Financial (VIST) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"My favorite speculative stock idea for 2011 is Flagstar Bancorp (FBC), the Troy, Michigan-based bank with 165 branches in Michigan, Indiana, and Georgia," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of The Hedge Fund Trader explains, "The stock was trading for over $140 a share before the financial crisis; the stock fell to $5 a share last May, and it is now under $1.50.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Flagstar Bancorp (FBC)

Top Picks 2011: Flagstar Bancorp (FBC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"A stock that should do well in 2011 is Ameriprise Financial (AMP); the company offers financial planning, asset management, and insurance products," says dividend reinvestment specialist Chuck Carlson.

The editor of The DRIP Investor explains, "The company's product focus on meeting the retirement needs of 'mass affluent individuals.'

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Ameriprise Financial (AMP)

Top Picks 2011: Ameriprise Financial (AMP) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Aflac (AFL) represents a top year-ahead pick based on its solid operating momentum and modest valuation," says Richard Moroney.

The editor of Dow Theory Forecasts explains, "In our proprietary ranking system (known as Quadrix), the stock earns an Overall score of 99.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Aflac (AFL)

Top Picks 2011: Aflac (AFL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Financials appear to offer among the best opportunities for 2011," says ETF specialist Jim Farrish.

The editor of Sector Exchange explains, "Indeed, my favorite ETF idea for the coming year would be the First Trust Financials AlphaDEX ETF (FXO), a well diversified way to play the sector overall.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: First Trust Financials AlphaDEX (FXO)

Top Picks 2011: First Trust Financials AlphaDEX (FXO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Spun-off from American Express in 2005, Ameriprise Financial (AMP) is in the midst of a transformation from an insurer to a full-blown money management firm," notes long-term value investor John Buckingham.

The editor of The Prudent Speculator explains, "Eyeing an opportunity to gather assets on the cheap, the company spent close to $2 billion during the financial crisis.

"The company purchased Columbia Asset Management, J&W Seligman and H&R Block Financial. In total, it acquired $224 billion in new assets, bringing total assets under management to over $445 billion.

Continue reading Ameriprise (AMP): A 'Prudent' Pick in Financials

Ameriprise (AMP): A 'Prudent' Pick in Financials originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Credit card demand has exploded in recent years. Today, credit cards are responsible for over $2.5 trillion in transactions each year," notes Ian Wyatt.

The editor of Top Stock Insights explains, "And no company is better positioned to capture the digital transaction market than Visa (V); further, investors have a window of opportunity right now to pick up shares at a great price.

"Different from credit card-issuers, Visa is shielded from the consumer credit troubles (such as delinquencies and defaults) because they don't lend to consumers.

Continue reading Visa (V): A 'Long-Term Winner'

Visa (V): A 'Long-Term Winner' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Our latest global play is on the strongest-performing stock market of 2010 among the roaring BRIC economies: India," says Nicholas Vardy.

The editor of Global Bull Market Alert explains, "We recommend the country's leading private bank, ICICI Bank Ltd. (IBN). I think the stock will be a moneymaker for you over the next few weeks.

"First, while the Indian market as a whole has risen sharply during September's bull run, Indian banks are the "secret" behind this roaring bull market.

Continue reading ICICI Bank (IBN): Global Expert Banks on India

ICICI Bank (IBN): Global Expert Banks on India originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As a result of the Financial Reform Act, certain trust preferreds can offer investment-grade safety, robust yields of around 6-7%, and capital gains potential," suggests Carla Pasternak.

The editor of High Yield Investing explains, "Among our top picks in this group are Bank of America Capital Trust IV, 5 7/8% Capital Securities (BAC-U) and Wells Fargo Capital IX 5.625% Trust Preferred Securities (JWF).

"Traditional preferreds are an equity investment in a company. They are normally perpetual -- that is, they have no maturity date. In contrast, trust preferreds are debt, not equity. As such, they provide greater safety than traditional preferred stock.

Continue reading Bank on Preferreds: Bank America and Wells Fargo

Bank on Preferreds: Bank America and Wells Fargo originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Two newcomers to our recommended list come from a sector still dogged by fears -- the financial sector; and interestingly, both specialize in a bit of an unusual type of finance: pawn loans," says John Reese.

Here, the editor of Validea -- which focuses on stocks that meet the investment criteria of some of the market's most successful professional investors -- offers a bullish review of EZCorp (EZPW) and Cash America International (CSH).

"Cash America gets approval from my James O'Shaughnessy-based strategy -- as well as from my Benjamin Graham value investing model.

Continue reading Pawn Power: EZCorp (EZPW) and Cash America (CSH)

Pawn Power: EZCorp (EZPW) and Cash America (CSH) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.