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.