My Investment Background and Today's Stock Idea: Fifth Third Bancorp

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Career Experience

I worked in New York City in the 1980's, and had an interest in the stock market. I sent various resumes to financial firms, but couldn't get an interview, presumably because I wasn't aggressive enough and also didn't have the appropriate background: I had a B.A. in English and worked as a wholesaler at Liz Claiborne Inc.

Then I moved to Colorado and got hired by Dean Witter in a heartbeat, presumably because I had serious sales experience in New York City. (Interesting how the same job can be seen as both an advantage and disadvantage, depending on the observer.)

I worked at Dean Witter, which later became Morgan Stanley, and is now Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, from 1988 through 2002, at which time I retired to take care of my children. While at Dean Witter, I enjoyed trading stocks for clients, earned a Vice President title, and served as the Equity Coordinator in my office.

Now the kids are older, and I'm trading stocks in my retirement account. This blog will serve as a discussion of what I'm buying and selling for myself, and why. I will be happy to answer your questions as to what I would do when presented with your favorite stock, but you will have to determine for yourself what you will do with it. I encourage you to consult investment and tax advisors so that you understand the risk and tax implications of investing in stocks.

Today's Stock Idea: Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB, $14.60)

FITB has projected eps growth of 76%, 29% and 6% over the next three years. The beta and PE are high and the dividend is not worth mentioning. The stock is now recovering from a long-term decline. I bought the stock the other day at $14.15 -- I had been waiting for a dip in the price -- but I would be happy to own this anywhere in the $14's to be poised to catch the expected run-up. FITB should meet a little resistance around $20, then climb to the mid-30's before getting stuck again.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

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I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.