Bank of America (BAC)

Was upgraded today. Because of Merrill Lynch, BAC now has scale--that theme is finally working.

He added more last week. Is puzzled by a downgrade today. Trades at 1x book and run by a great CEO. Capital markets will open up and benefit them.

They report tomorrow. He wants to hear the latest about credit card and lending as rates have come down. Also, will watch for housing.

They report tomorrow. Earnings are often predictable, though you don't know what he trading and investment activity will be for GS. He expects earnings to be robust and the messaging positive. For GS he also wants to hear about their foray into retail, though this is absorbed in the stock price. BAC's retail operation has been successful, and he wants to hear about credit delinquencies given that consumer debt is at all-time highs. He expects more of the same from these two banks.

Likes the money-centre banks like this one, as well as the investment-centred banks. US economy is improving. 12x PE, not expensive. 13-15% earnings growth for 2025 and 2026. Decent dividend of 2.6%, has grown by 9% a year over last 5 years. This is a more conservative play than banks like GS or MS.

We're into an easing cycle on rates. What's working in the market are early cycle companies, rather than late cycle. Likes financial services in general. Buffett's sold some BAC, but he's been raising cash for quite some time now, and there's some question as to why -- transition planning, unenchanted with the stock, or something else?

His top choice is JPM, one of his top 5 holdings. You'll be OK with BAC -- market's OK, as is the sector. Getting paid well, with probably high single-digit dividend growth. Stay with it.

Share prices fell after Berkshire sold their holding, but they have decent leverage to the consumer and have the best leverage to improvement in the bond market.

Great company, even though Buffett's sold a bunch (he still owns north of 10%). Rates coming down will improve bank funding sources and bond portfolios.

Berkshire is selling some of their shares, a big holding, but doesn't know why. (Is Berkshire raising cash?) Trading at an historical discount in terms of book value and earnings. Banks are heading to a good place because the yield curve is normalizing as rates fall.

Buffett is selling his holding, but if things were very wrong with BAC Buffett would be selling a lot faster. He himself holds a small position. He predicts BAC will benefit from a massive IPO, maybe later next year in a new M&A cycle.

Berkshire trimmed some BOA shares. We're late cycle: credit card delinquencies have jumped from 5% to 11% in a year. Nothing is wrong with BOA. It's fine to trim shares in companies and build Berkshire's war chest.

Is a good play on the US economy, which won't enter a recession. Rate cuts will help. Prefers JPMorgan.

Always interesting when Mr. Buffett sells assets, to be taken with a grain of salt. BRK has a much different time horizon, could just be realizing full value, might just be pivoting to better opportunities. Great quality. If you own it, still a good core holding. Better opportunities out there, but don't exit completely.

Wants to see stronger revenue growth, further reduce debt ratio, continue delivering shareholder returns. 

Great business. Executed well. Too big to make acquisitions anymore. Can grow nicely on retail, credit card, investment banking, and brokerage sides.

Despite economic slowdown, banking industry not facing a crisis. Lots of capital to buy back shares or increase dividend. It's not 2008 or 2020 again. Loan losses have gone up, but they've reserved a lot. Plus, US banks can cut costs a lot faster than Canadian banks.