Royal BankRY.TODON'T BUYFeb 05, 2015Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.
She's been wrong about the Canadian banks the past year, that they're expensive. They were up 30% last year + 20% this year. These stocks are priced for perfection and trading well above historical averages in PE. Wait. Last year, they released provisions for loan losses into earnings, which was a temporary boost. Their only growth aspect this year is how many branches a bank can close, which is a weak growth driver. She hasn't bought any banks this year.
He's a big fan of EQB. Phenomenal CEO, who'll take company to new heights. Will most likely outperform in next 3-5 years. Organic growth will be higher. A more agile and flexible organization. Digitally native, so it's built to adapt. Very conservative provisioning.
You buy RY for stability, its huge infrastructure, and capital markets business. Sufficient provisions for consumer credit issues. Very solid hold for the longer term.
Both are a Buy in his books.
With Iran conflict, yield curve has gone a bit flat, so net interest margins aren't going to be as good. If the conflict persists, earnings will possibly decelerate. This name is best positioned for all that. Usually trades at 11% premium to peers, now 8%.
If you assume that the conflict gears down to more manageable levels, you could buy the banks here and this name is the best choice.
Has done well, but pulled back a little, which makes it an opportunity. Is the largest Canadian bank, very diversified with strong wealth management, so somewhere defensive. Pays a 3% dividend, not the highest, but still good. They bought HSBC a few years ago. It trades at a premium to the group, but boasts a higher ROE.
(Analysts’ price target is $252.33)
It is very common for a person to have 40%-45% of their portfolio in bank stocks. They are great long-term investments. However, as we get late in a cycle and head into any kind of downturn, financials will often lead us there. Things that could lead to weaker earnings in banks this year is that 1) Western Canada is going to have a little bit of a mortgage hit and 2) banks that have done lending to oil/gas companies are probably going to have a bit of a hit. Generally speaking, he thinks the banks are going to have an off year this year. However, they are doing well. If you are sitting with $50,000 of your $100,000 in bank stocks, then lighten up and perhaps take $5000 off the table, and sit on cash for a while.