Allied Irish Banks, plc. (ADR) (AIB)

AIB is for me at this point, a somewhat "speculative" play. At least in the intermediate term. What I do like is the way the IRISH Govt is going about handling the situation. While they did buy common stock in the banks, they are proposing a "bad bank" format to buy at a discount ( believed to be in the 20-25% range) , the "toxic assets". which will allow the banks to free up assets to "revamp" lending. This will cause a hit to current share holders (but with "doubling down"), current holders can lower their starting point for future profits. It takes a longer term view to visualize this, and willingness to "sit tight" through the market gyrations which will undoubtedly ensue. A small position to start with, and then watching what unfolds, can position investors to reap big profits in time. Again, I would not "bet the ranch" on it, or invest the kids college fund, but placing a "reasonable" percentage of the money in your portfolio into AIB has a very good chance of "spicing up" your profits in the longer term. Not for those in search of a quick profit, or those who get all tied up in knots by the "prognostications of the pundificators", but for those willing to take the time to keep up with what is going on and make adjustments accordingly, I believe this is a good play. JMO and worth exactly what I am charging for it. As usual, there is real money behind my pick. The "sour pickle" in this barrel is the EU regulators. As members of the EU, the Irish Govt is not completely free to "dictate" the terms, but I expect them to fight hard to protect the banks because their plan is to hold the "toxic assets" and sell them off over the long term to recoup the taxpayers money. Sort of like the idea "Tiny Tim" and company were playing with, but in a more direct way.