Opinions
Chris Blumas
Toronto-Dominion Bank
TD-T
BUY
Oct 16, 2024
Stock price when the opinion was issued
You might be interested:
Has broken to new highs, along with its peers, but volumes have been declining recently. This is set up for a correction after this big run, so wait for that correction. He's very bullish on Canada for the next few years (Ottawa will spend on infrastructure). As for US, that is forcing Canada to look at Europe and China for more trade, such as natural gas. We're looking globally now, and not only to the south.
Surprising how much it's come back, due in large part to sentiment having been so negative. Penalties will dampen growth. Still, numbers for both US and Canadian financials are starting to accelerate. Canadian banks over-provisioned for loan losses; if they don't have to tap into those reserves, should see really strong numbers going forward. On technicals, all the Canadian banks are moving up the ranks.
Recently lightened up on re-rating, but still likes it. Now trades at almost parity or slight discount to peers. US missteps are behind them. Incurring lots of expenses to step up anti-money-laundering compliance. How long will they be in the US penalty box? WFC was there for 7 years, and he hopes it won't be that long for TD.
Feels should be able to reach growth guidance of 7%. Will have to pull other levers such as tightening belt in Canada, growing capital markets, or competing more fiercely ("elbows up";).
Up 32% YTD, great run. If you hold and it's reaching a point where you're comfortable selling, you'll probably want to pick a strike that's close to where the stock's trading.
If you go to October and sell the $105 call, you'll only get about 90 cents. But if do it 4-5 times in a year, it'll really add to the overall yield. Worst-case scenario is that the stock goes up and you have to sell at an even higher price.
More growth to be had. Once they get over the hurdle of the money-laundering fine, will continue to be a Canadian bank. Canadian banks are protected by the Government of Canada, so nothing's going to happen to TD. If Canada's able to get rid of interprovincial trade barriers, TD and the banks will be primed to do well.
If you don't own any of the other big 5, he'd add some exposure there instead. But if you own them all, and you have some cash on hand, then sure, buy some more of this for additional dividends while you wait for the stock price to appreciate.
In a tough spot, media has made it the whipping boy. Every single US bank has problems with money laundering, it's so pervasive. The fine came at the best time, as it was sitting on the most capital of any Canadian bank. Everyone knew what was coming, stock's been drifting lower for quite some time.
He owns it for the income, not the growth. He'd plug your nose and buy here, knowing it could go a bit lower. No one wants it on their books so there's been indiscriminate selling, which creates the value for you.
Compare this to WFC, which was in a whole heap of trouble due to problematic sales practices. Return since then is ~150%. The TD scenario is different. In these mature type of businesses, you'll get your dividend and a small bit of earnings growth. TD now has the lowest multiple of any Canadian bank, but will that be the case in 5 years? They all re-rate, and he thinks this will end up being quite a good return.