Assessing O'Neal's track record

If it weren't for his unauthorized Wachovia overture, Stanley O'Neal would likely have survived the current crisis, in my opinion anyway. He still might. If he does, it will have a lot to do with the fact that he capably guided Merrill Lynch to some of its best year's ever. But then came the credit crunch and the massive write-downs that have investors angry and analysts uncertain, though many still like the stock. Not everyone agreed with me. Even before the Wachovia news was leaked, a MarketWatch columnist predicts that O'Neal will be shown the door fairly soon. Stay tuned.  

For more:
- here's the MarketWatch column
- speculation on CEO candidates. Article

Related article:
- Merrill shuffles execs after mortgage snafus
- What to expect from Merrill's earnings