At a glance: Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.

2001 revenues: $38.8 billion 2000: $44.9 billion 52-week high: $71.56 P/e: 122.40 Price/book: 2.19

2001 earnings: $768 million 1999: $4 billion 52-week low: $33.50 Market cap: $9.99 billion

After New York’s attorney general pointed his finger at the nation’s largest brokerage house last Monday, its share price was slammed. It opened the week at $52.86 and closed at $46.89 per share, a drop of 11.3%.

Eliot Spitzer said Merrill’s stock picks during the dot-com era were tainted by consideration for investment banking business. Settlements are likely, notes Salomon Smith Barney analyst Guy Moszkowski, although they probably will not be “crippling.”

In a research note issued Thursday, Mr. Moszkowski writes, “We believe the potential impact on MER is perhaps more than at other firms because of its large retail business and loss of research credibility near-term.” Though its shares are pricey, leading discount broker Charles Schwab Corp. could benefit, he says.