JP Morgan Chase & CoJPMDON'T BUYAug 01, 2012Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jul 10, 2026. Market Open.
There is also a Canadian CDR (hedged) version but he prefers the actual stock in US dollars. He doesn't like the hedged versions of stocks which neutralize the foreign exchange component and prefers the benefit of owning companies in US dollars. He owns this and other US financials. Canadian banks have done very well.
One of the largest US banks, the gold standard. Leading across all divisions. Consistently delivers some of the strongest returns in the industry.
Just reported strong quarter, record trading revenue, earnings up 13%, revenue ahead of expectations. Pulled back on slightly higher expense guidance. Higher-quality name, trades at a premium (for good reason).
Citi is still a turnaround story. CEO has been simplifying the business -- cutting costs and focusing on strongest franchises. Strong quarter, beat on revenue and earnings. Outperforming peers. Cheaper, with more upside potential (but more risk if turnaround stops working).
She's sticking with JPM, but C is a reasonable choice if you like the turnaround angle.
With banks, he looks at the total size of the balance sheet. History shows when banks get over $1 trillion US in assets, they have pretty much cross sold every product in every market where they could possibly hope to have a competitive advantage. To grow beyond that they start to get into more and more exotic business lines and get away from the risk culture that got them to that size in the 1st place.