A purely retail bank in the UK. First-half numbers had revenues of little bit higher, margins are stabilizing and loan losses were down considerably. Expect they will start paying a dividend in the 2nd half of 2011. Trades below Book.

Think they have settled their issues with the SEC. Trades at 1.1X Book. Has one of the best investment banking franchises in the world.

Probably not a lot of growth but what is really key is that these companies wanted to be Internet companies, made acquisitions, and then sold them all and have now reverted to being a utility. Throwing off lots of free cash. Great dividend.

(A Top Pick Sept 1/09. Up 1%.) Had very strong numbers and Windows 7 is a very good product but the stock does not go up. There should be some change at the top before the stock moves up

(A Top Pick Sept 1/09. Up 47%.) Sold his holdings at about $74. Fairly valued at these levels.

(A Top Pick Sept 1/09. Down 24%.) Had run up to about $20 but has come back down again. Still likes the story and the US banking industry as a whole. They don't lend money, buy treasuries and the balance sheets are going to look fantastic in a year or two.

(Market Call Minute.) Good time to buy this one. Great company.