JP Morgan Chase & Co (JPM)

A lot of negative sentiment has been out there regarding banks. BAC is a strong business, he favours JPM. They are both well diversified and have good valuations. The US banks were cleansed of the their toxic assets back in 2008-09. He would buy both.

US financials? They own JPM as they have a well diversified business and strong balance sheet. GS is more a capital market sensitive company, which puts more pressure on them. She suggests having Canadian and US banks in your portfolio.

TD his other big bank holding, but JPM has outperformed it. It's held up. They've invested tens of billions in technology. A better management culture than its peers, like Citi. He doesn't expect a US recession. (Analysts’ price target is $139.27)

Wells Fargo has gone nowhere. There has been poorly managed but they have a new CEO. However, he looks for companies with good organic revenue growth that are not in the penalty box that delivers on growth. He prefers JP Morgan. They keep growing earnings, raising dividends and has a good balance sheet.

BAC vs. JPM Driving US banks is a strong economy and flat yield curve. Unlike last year, bank movement now will be on a valuation basis. JPM trades at a 50% premium to book value, and BAC at book value, but Citibank (which he owns) trades at 70% book value and is narrowing that gap. Citi is his choice.

JPM vs. BAC Both are first-class banks. He owns JPM which trades at a much higher valuation than BAC. Both are tops in their business lines. For the next 5-10 years they'll be in a sweet spot of reducing costs with few regulatory issues to deal with. They'll use tech to drive their business, an advantage for larger banks who can afford that. They will do some small acquisitions. They should be trading at higher multiples. Cash flow allows them to raise dividends and buyback shares. Their payout ratios are much lower than those of Canadian banks.