Barclays Bank PLCBCSCOMMENTOct 24, 2013Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 23, 2026. Market Open.
Best European bank? European banking is difficult, given negative interest rates. Best in class is Barclay's for its investing banking business or Lloyd's Banking. There should be more consolidation here, but it's difficult in Europe (look at ATD'B trying to buy Carrefour this month).
Likes it. They bought Lehman, which had investment banking but was really a bond house, so Dodd-Frank caused a lot of capital issues and restrictions. New management is doing a good job by sticking with investment banking and have a great retail franchise in the UK, and they exited businesses around the world that didn't work out. They're going all the right things, though Brexit creates uncertainty. Great credit card business. It will do well, but have to get past Brexit early next year.
Higher interest rates are going to cure their past issues. Probably a higher risk than Lloyd’s (LYG-N) or HSBC (HBC-N). If you’ve held it for a long period of time, your choices are a) double down or b) Sell and move into HSBC if you want financial exposure. However, he feels there will be more upside over a 3-5 year period.