Stock price when the opinion was issued
Best European bank? European banking is difficult, given negative interest rates. Best in class is Barclay's for its investing banking business or Lloyd's Banking. There should be more consolidation here, but it's difficult in Europe (look at ATD'B trying to buy Carrefour this month).
UK banking sits somewhere between the Swedish/Canadian model and the US model. Fewer players, strong and well-protected balance sheets, growing organically. It's OK, but you are exposed to the UK and its pressures on consumers, housing, and the economy. Valuation is OK. He'd prefer a Canadian pick. Yield is 2.9%.
Bought Leman Brothers. They are now a very substantial investment bank. It is a great franchise in the UK and they have a great wealth management business. They are going to be a smaller investment bank so their cost structure will go down. Their Barkley’s card is quite strong.