Golden West Financial Corp. $76 - New York symbol GDW

GOLDEN WEST FINANCIAL CORP. $76 (New York symbol GDW; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; WSSF Rating: Average) plans to merge with Wachovia Corp. (New York symbol WB) in a cash-and-stock deal currently worth $77.24 per Golden West share. We first recommended Golden West in our December 1999 issue at $16.83 (adjusted for splits), which works out to a 359% gain. We’ll say more about Wachovia before the deal closes. In the meantime, Golden West is a hold.

A professional investment analyst for more than 30 years, Pat has developed a stock-selection technique that has proven reliable in both bull and bear markets. His proprietary ValuVesting System™ focuses on stocks that provide exceptional quality at relatively low prices. Many savvy investors and industry leaders consider it the most powerful stock-picking method ever created.