Goldman Sachs (GS)

Normally does very well from January through until the end of April. Seem to have worked reasonably well this time but we are reaching the end of seasonal strength. Chart shows it has been struggling and has established a short-term downward trend in the last 2 weeks and is below its 20 day moving average and has started to underperform the S&P 500.

(A Top Pick March 21/12. Up 19.18%.) Had bought this when it was very depressed and it had run up so he got out of his position. Great company with a great franchise.

4.1% bond maturing November 2015. Issues like this from US banks, offer some extra spread over where our traditional Canadian banks would be issuing. These are issued in Cdn $’s so you don’t have to hedge it.

Has been a well managed company for a long time and it is in the right group. Have traditionally traded at fairly high prices because they had chunky earnings. The one thing he doesn’t like about them is that they are so tied to trading and investment banking. He would prefer something a little more integrated such as Citigroup (C-N). (Also see Top Picks.)

(Top Pick Feb 15/12, Up 35.68%) Sold it to buy regional banks which he thinks have more upside. M&A is taking off and Goldman is certainly going to be in the top 1, 2 or 3. It is a well run company and will continue to do well.

US financial services sector usually does very well around this time of year. They are leading the industry in the capital formation sector. In an excellent position to take advantage of the forthcoming capital spending programs in the US.

(A Top Pick Feb 9/12. Up 36.03%.)

(A Top Pick Feb 15/12. Up 13.68%.) Sold his holdings when he wanted to reduce his banking exposure. Will be predominantly more volatile than the other banks.

It’s a long term hold. At a discount to its book value. It operates like a private company with a long term in mind. They will do very well.

Thinks they are going to come out of this okay. In spite of the slap on the hand they’ve been getting, their corporate divisions are starting to kick out some profits again. There is more investment banking picking up for them.

This isn’t a money center bank. Money center banks can’t grow revenue, but Goldman is sitting there, biding their time, waiting for capital markets to build up. Boards want to spend cash but aren't. Maybe the solving of the fiscal cliff will solve that. There may be a strong M&A period at some point. He is patient enough to wait for it given this valuation.

Just reported strong numbers and increased the dividend. Feels investment banks are necessary evils. Have incredibly talented people who walk out the door with most of the profits. Very competitive business.

(A Top Pick Sept 16/11. Up 11.79%.) From a regulatory standpoint, brokers cannot take on as much risk as before. From a debt standpoint this is good. He is taking profit right now but longer-term he is still comfortable with the name