Is National the Cheapest Canadian Bank?

The Canadian banks are feeling the pressure of the housing headlines but one has been beat up more than the others. Has Mr. Market made a mistake?

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Over the very long-term it’s been nearly impossible to lose money investing in the Canadian banks by simply implementing a buy and forget strategy.  The companies dominate the nation’s financial landscape and have been huge winners for a generation of Canadian investors.

Short-term windows however do open up where one (or more) of the banks falls out of favour.  This typically represents a great opportunity as not only has buy and forget worked with this group, so too has adding to an existing position whenever a pull-back has occurred – a strategy known as “buying the dips”.

Given the state of the nation’s housing market, we’re in an environment where a material pull-back in these names could occur and therefore carefully monitoring the group for an attractive opportunity could result in a very nice financial reward.

A valuation check-up

The banks have sold off recently – surely the housing related headlines have had an impact, along with some rather lacklustre economic data.  The only name out of the group however that lost shareholders money over the past year on a total return basis was National.  This prompted the question – do National’s fundamentals justify the underperformance?

Tabled below are several valuation metrics and profitability related stats for the Big 5 + National:

Company Name

P/E LTM

Fwd P/E

P/B

Div Yield

ROE LTM

Exp EPS Gr.

Royal Bank (TSX:RY)

11.7

10.8

2.1

4.2%

19.4%

9.3%

BMO (TSX:BMO)

10.3

10.1

1.5

4.8%

14.0%

-0.6%

TD (TSX:TD)

11.4

10.1

1.7

4.0%

14.2%

12.3%

Scotia (TSX:BNS)

10.8

10.8

1.8

4.2%

17.3%

-2.3%

CIBC (TSX:CM)

10.1

9.2

2.1

4.8%

19.7%

4.4%

Average

10.9

10.2

1.8

4.4%

16.9%

4.6%

National Bank (TSX:NA)

7.9

9.0

1.8

4.5%

20.3%

-11.6%

Source:  Capital IQ

Generally speaking the numbers in the table are very homogenous.  Therefore, that window of opportunity referred to above probably isn’t open very wide at the moment.

Although a few of National’s numbers stand out, they appear justified.  National’s trailing and forward P/E ratios are distinctively below the group, and even though profitability as measured by ROE is strong, expectations for earnings growth are well below the rest of the group.  Low (or negative) growth is typically rewarded with a below average earnings multiple.

Foolish Takeaway

Buy and forget remains a viable strategy for this group but if you’re interested in a more dynamic way to play, keep an eye out for laggards.  Though National is expected to feel the pain of a slowing Canadian economy more so than its peers, as the expectations for earnings growth indicate, the chance for an overshoot on the downside exists.  It doesn’t look like we’re there yet, but if you ruminate on this scenario ahead of time, you’ll be ready to pounce if and when opportunity knocks.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index is loaded with financial and resource stocks.  Because of this, investors that rely on Canadian Index funds or ETFs severely lack diversification in their portfolio, opening them to undue risks.  We have created a special report that outlines an easy to implement strategy and 5 Canadian stocks that reduce the risks involved with passively investing in the Canadian market.  Click here now to receive “Buy These 5 Companies Instead of Following a Flawed Piece of Advice” – FREE!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in Foolish investing.

Fool contributor Iain Butler does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned at this time.  The Motley Fool has no positions in the stocks mentioned above.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

More on Investing

rain rolls off a protective umbrella in a rainstorm
Dividend Stocks

Building a $50,000 Portfolio That Can Weather Any Market Storm

This defensive investment portfolio uses three ETFs to ride out any recession.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Retirement

Want to Retire Rich? 3 TSX Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio Now

These TSX stocks could deliver above-average returns in the long run, helping you build wealth over time and retire rich.

Read more »

a person watches a downward arrow crash through the floor
Dividend Stocks

Top 3 TSX30 Winners: Understanding the Recent Stock Drop

Three TSX30 winners in 2024 have experienced price drops this year and continues to underperform due to massive headwinds.

Read more »

space ship model takes off
Dividend Stocks

Where to Put $12,000 in Today’s Market for Potential Long-Term Gains

There's no shortage of great investments that can provide potential long-term gains. Here's a look at three stellar options.

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Retirement

Avoid the OAS Clawback: Dividend Strategies Every Retiree Should Know

With a smart dividend strategy, the OAS clawback can be minimized or even avoided entirely for retirees. Here's how.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

How to Use $10,000 to Transform a TFSA Into a Cash Machine

Do you want growth and income? Consider these top investments that offer up monthly income in spades!

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

Building a $28,000 TFSA Portfolio One Contribution at a Time

Let’s take a look at how you can turn a $28,000 investment in a TFSA into a life-changing fund for…

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

Making Your $25,000 TFSA Investment Work Harder for the Long Term

This strategy reduces risk while still providing a solid return.

Read more »