Canadian Imperial Bank of CommerceCM.TOBUYJan 11, 2001Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 05, 2026. Market Open.
No, though it's cheap vs. the other banks. In this market, having a good dividend yield of 5.6% is worth a lot. If interest rates fall, the banks will get squeezed in their net interest margin. There are concerns over outstanding loans. But overall, the banks look attractive and CIBC is especially cheap. He likes Royal too.
CIBC was under the most pressure during the interest rate hikes, but now it's rebounded 26% off the bottom, the strongest bank performer. It will continue to rise. Peers like TD and RY have a big US presence, so if you want that CIBC doesn't offer it. Owns CIBC as a valuation trade. The dividend is safe. Lower rates will certainly help CIBC.
All of the interest sensitives have been under pressure the last couple of months with rates rising.
He favours TD. Tightly regulated oligopoly, and a levered play on the growth of the Canadian, and increasingly US, economy. Surplus of excess capital. 10x earnings. Dominant personal and commercial banking franchise. Good-sized banking presence in the US. Shares are at a discount to average. Close to 5% yield, growing at 8% compound over 10 years.
Valuation and yield of SLF are similar to TD. But TD's competitive position in its industry is more advantageous than SLF.
Compared to CM, TD is more of a scale player with a stronger franchise on both sides of the border on its core banking business.