Toronto Dominion

As an income stock It's been sideways. He feels neutral about TD either way. For income, you can stay with TD is you possess strong risk management skills.

Canadian banks are safe long term and pay better dividends than American banks. If you're long-term, TD is compelling. It's well-capitalized and well-run and pays a safe 4% dividend. However, US banks offer more growth, backed by strong US consumers. He prefers American banks, but you can buy Canadian ones. True, all banks are pressured by low interest rates, but are doing cost-cutting measures.

(A Top Pick Jan 10/19, Up 11%) The Canadian banks lagged the TSX last year, but 11% is a reasonable return. The banks increased loan-loss provisions. Last quarter's Ameritrade deal leaves TD with 10% of Schwab, a fair portion. She likes their positioning in the US. Yields nearly 4% and happy to hold it.

(A Top Pick Oct 28/19, Down 2%) It's been only three months since he picked this. It remains his bank of choice in North America. Their US retail segment is their strongest (vs. their Canadian retail and Canadian corporate). So, they have three horses in the race. The best Canadian bank; you need to hold just one.

Dividend is compelling. Stuck in a trading range. Long-term growth goal is a high single-digit pace. They didn't last year. Tepid demand for loans. Pressure on provision for credit losses. These pressures will remain for 2020. Own it with a multi-year time frame. He doesn't want to be out of this name when the next leg up starts. Banks earn high returns for investors, in a sector that outperforms the market. Yield is 4%.

Of all the Canadian banks this was the laggard, based on price return. It is priced a little on the rich side. The yield is about 4%, making it attractive. He does not hold a large position, but would suggest others at these valuation levels (both trading on book value and yield).

True, the Canadian banks haven't done well, but TD trades at 1.6x book, pays a 4% dividend yield, and trades at 10.6x earnings. There won't be much topline growth, but more bottom line due to cost savings. Volatility over loan losses should calm. TD sold off TD Ameritrade. They can expand in the US even more, already a great franchise there, and increase returns. The bad news is already in the bank stocks. (Analysts’ price target is $79.00)

(A Top Pick Jan 15/19, Up 9%) It was a bit disappointing in a year when the market did over 20%. It under-performed and is due for a reversion. The yield will be at the 4.5% area after the upcoming dividend increase. There is potential for them to do well in this environment.

It had a rare miss in Q4 on earnings. He has the most confidence of any Canadian bank that they will be able to recover. Over 50% of their business is in the US retail space. He expects a dividend increase as early as February. He thinks it should be trading about $80 next year. Yield 4.05% (Analysts’ price target is $79.00)

It has been the best of the Canadian banks over 20 years. Banks are faced with the fact that they make money on the spread between lending and borrowing. That has been squeezed substantially. The entire banking industry has been facing that globally. The Canadian banks are incredibly strong but he thinks they will under-perform in the next 12 months. If you have held it for a number of years there is no reason to sell it.

Last quarter's bank earnings were weak. Loan loss provisions are starting to rise and are not offset by loans and mortgages. That's across the bank sector. The BOC is stuck: it can't raise or cut rates. TD is up 8% this year and trading at 11x earnings. Yields near 4% as it continues to grow at 10%. Buy a half position only, then see what happens in the next quarter.

He likes the Canadian banks and TD is one of the best. You could buy any of the Canadian banks. Declining interest rates has hurt the banks but the interest rates have very little downside from here.

Major support is at $70, so buy at this level. He predicts a market pullback in January. Canadian banks are historically strong, and TD has a long-term uptrend. TD may fall below $70 to $65, but $70 is a buy.

(A Top Pick Jan 11/19, Up 11%) He’s neutral on the banks at the moment. He wants to see how the economy sets out. Retail sales and unemployment numbers weren’t good. He would rather buy Scotia, mainly because they are outside of Canada. He would wait on the banks.