Jim Cramer - Mad Money Bank of America BAC-N WEAK BUY Jan 17, 2025

Was upgraded today. Because of Merrill Lynch, BAC now has scale--that theme is finally working.

Whether to take gains is a function of percentage in your portfolio. 5% is OK, but if 10% or more think about taking some off the table. Too big to fail. Exceptional job cost-cutting. May be trending toward deregulation, so US domestic banks would be more shielded.

Incredibly well run. Better opportunities than others because it has other businesses that don't rely on interest rates, such as credit cards and investment banking. Bigger and better than others, able to do more M&A as well.

There will be only 2 rate cuts next year, not 3 or 4. Adjust your expectations. So, this stock is fairly valued, though buy under $40.

Growth, but a lot less than Citi. The banks each take their turn to shine, and you want to buy them at different times.

The "too big to fail" banks have had strong recent earnings. US economy is doing quite well right now, benefiting from lots of tailwinds, new US president is pro-business. This position makes sense.

Whether to trim is more a question of portfolio weighting. Look at the money in your overall portfolio and in BAC specifically. If that position is over 5%, or 7% on its way to 10%, then maybe trim down to 2-3%. That way, if things reverse and the price comes down, it won't have an impact on your overall portfolio.

Very good company with excellent prospects. Owns shares in the company. Believes banking stocks will continue to lead market. Deregulation from President Trump will allow company to generate new profits. New Crypto developments will also provide catalysts for growth. 

Loves the money-centre banks. Not quite as expensive as JPM, but more interest-rate sensitive. A gently falling interest-rate environment (which he thinks will come to pass, though it's up for debate), net interest margins will widen and that's traditionally good for banks. Capital markets business has really built up, and will open up post-Biden. Economy in pretty good shape. Undemanding valuation. Yield is 2.3%.

Likes US financials. Quietly up ~49% last 12 months. Just watch that's it's coming up to potential resistance around $50, which it hit in early 2022. If it breaks above, great sign; but might also bounce down below it. He owns GS. 

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