Michael Decter Toronto-Dominion Bank TD-T TOP PICK Feb 18, 2025

He got out recently. Caught up on valuation once people realized how over-capitalized they were in wake of US fines. Still no growth in the US, so where's growth going to come from? He switched into CM, but now that's looking expensive.

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.

Has delivered returns long term, but it remains in the penalty box--they can't make acquisitions in the US. This impacts growth for the next few years. They will probably build up excess capital and buyback shares and through dividends.

Can go higher. Still doubt after US fine, so hasn't fully recovered. Back on track. Once that issue gets further in the rearview mirror, people will bid the shares up. Great buy-and-hold, same category as RY. 

TD's been the best over his career. US issue hit hard. Canadian business is solid and extremely well run. Can't expand the US business, but can upgrade it, so he's not too concerned. Still a large holding, but he's been selling it down and putting profits into BNS.

Price targets give an illusion of precision that doesn't really exist, so his firm doesn't do them. If they own a stock, safe to say their target is "higher".

Likes personal and commercial business in Canada. US trouble is behind them, though they'll need to earn their way out of the regulatory doghouse. And they will. Investor Day on September 29 should shed light on medium-term strategy. Expects they can hit their aspirational 7+% EPS growth.

Took partial profits about 2 months ago, after massive re-rating.

The question asked the guest to compare the two with a view to buying one of them. She prefers Royal Bank right now. It just delivered record results and is growing at 10% year over year. TD has gone through a rough patch and is re-structuring which is eating into profits. She doesn't think Royal Bank will split.

The Canadian bank charts look similar. TD has seen a nice bounce since April, despite being the bank with the most problems and cannot grow in the US. A rising tide lifts all boats/banks. He got rid of it to buy BMO, which is a much-better run bank, maybe a little too soon. He is bullish Canadian banks, overall as the economy picks up. The bargain price for TD is over, but it will take time to return to its premium valuation. Prefers Royal and National banks.