BankAmerica experienced huge losses in 1986 and 1987 due to the placement of a series of bad loans in the Third World, particularly in Latin America.[citation needed] The company fired its CEO, Sam Armacost in 1986. Though Armacost blamed the problems on his predecessor, A.W. (Tom) Clausen, Clausen was appointed to replace Armacost.[citation needed] The losses resulted in a huge decline of BankAmerica stock, making it vulnerable to a hostile takeover.