The earnings dates for some big banks are drawing near. For some analysts, now is a good time to start covering your butts. Meredith Whitney has taken the moment to downgrade Goldman Sachs' (GS) stock to neutral from buy. Given the nerves right now, the stock sold off a bit. The move seems to be driven by valuation.

The shares have been on a tear since she upgraded the stock in July--with a price target of $186, which is about where it's at now. She asked her clients: Why be greedy? She prefers to lock in profits. Whitney maintains a $4.46-a-share third-quarter earnings estimate, which is above the First Call consensus of $3.70.

Most people would not be surprised by an upside surprise, which Goldman was known for a few years ago. There are still plenty of Goldman bulls out there. Cramer says it's going to $240. 

For more:
- here's an article from MarketWatch

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