JP Morgan Chase & CoJPMDON'T BUYSep 20, 2012Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Sep 30, 2026. Market Open.
It's all about the scale, and JPM's scale is tremendous. Largest US bank, and in over 100 countries. Built for almost any type of economic environment. Multiple revenue engines. Announced $50B share buyback. Strong performance due to increasing confidence about the economy.
Chart shows 200-day MA trending higher, and series of higher highs and higher lows. Yield is 1.71%.
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.
Good indicator of bank valuations is Tangible Book Value. This one, as with all the banks, looks attractive. Trading at about 75% of Book and about 85% of Tangible Book. Probably the best of the breed in US financials. A couple of things to worry about is that banks generally make their money through the steepness of the yield curve i.e. they borrow short and lend long. With such as shallow yield curve, there is not that opportunity. Looks like the yield curve is going to be shallow for some time. Margins are dropping and they are also not really lending money. Not a lot of growth here.