Broker A.G Edwards (AGE) was acquired at a price of $84 per share by Wachovia. Prior to being acquired AG Edwards reported positive OPS (green bars) for five consecutive years.

Lehman Brothers (LEH) reported negative OPS (red bars) for five consecutive years and positive EPS for four consecutive years. EPS proved to be a false indicator of Lehman's' value since it did not reveal the weak underlying cash flow condition. Subsequently Lehman filed for bankruptcy and its shares fell from a high of $85 to a low of .25 per share on September 25, 2008, representing a 99% decline.