Why Toronto-Dominion Bank Is an Absolute Steal

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) is oversold and a strong buy at current levels.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) has now pulled back 8.2% from its high about a month ago. The company has been under fire over a situation that seemed awfully similar to the one experienced by Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE:WFC) over a year ago. The low-level management team was pressuring its front-line tellers to upsell customers, but Toronto-Dominion isn’t the only bank that’s been doing this. Fool contributor Will Ashworth stated, “all banks are doing this to some extent.”

Banks really aren’t your friends, and if you’re a customer, the staff will be looking at their own goals first and yours after. Banks are businesses, and they’re going to do everything in their power to try to increase revenues, but if it comes at the expense of the customer, that’s taking it a bit too far.

I believe Toronto-Dominion has unfairly taken a beating on behalf of all the big banks because of these kinds of questionable practices, and I think the current dip is a huge opportunity for long-term investors looking for a core holding.

Toronto-Dominion has always traded at a considerable premium to its peers in the Canadian banking scene, but now this valuation gap has shrunk. I believe Toronto-Dominion is the strongest bank of the Big Five, and it is best positioned to reward shareholders in the long run. The fundamentals are excellent, and the risk-management strategy is top-notch. Toronto-Dominion is worth every bit of the premium it had over its peers in the Big Five, and now you have the opportunity to purchase shares at a huge discount to its intrinsic value.

There’s a class-action lawsuit that came out of Toronto-Dominion’s “Wells Fargo moment,” but I think it’s been way overblown by the press. Sure, it’s a horrible situation for the tellers and the customers, but I believe the problem is easily fixable once upper management takes action. Toronto-Dominion has a code of conduct that all employees are supposed to follow, but it appears that it hasn’t been enforced lately.

In a few years from now, this whole sell-off and scandal will be in the rear-view mirror. It won’t hurt the long-term fundamentals of the business. Sure, it’ll affect account openings in the short term, but I think Toronto-Dominion will get this mess sorted out faster than Wells Fargo did.

The stock currently trades at a 13.4 price-to-earnings multiple with an attractive 3.71% dividend yield. Although the dividend isn’t the largest, it is most likely going to grow the fastest over the next few years as the strong U.S. segment lifts the company into the atmosphere.

The company now trades at a similar valuation as Royal Bank of Canada, but Toronto-Dominion is clearly the better long-term play. Sure, there were many downgrades on the stock following the scandal, but I think these are too focused on the short term. It’s very likely that all banks are guilty of questionable tactics to increase revenues, but Toronto-Dominion got caught. You should probably load up on shares now while they’re on sale or you’ll surely be kicking yourself later.

Stay smart. Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

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.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette owns shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank.

More on Bank Stocks

dividends can compound over time
Bank Stocks

Is TD Bank Stock a Buy for Its 5.2% Dividend Yield?

TD Bank stock offers a rare 5.2% dividend yield—can it rebound from challenges and reward contrarian investors? Here's what to…

Read more »

analyze data
Bank Stocks

Is BMO Stock a Buy for its 4.7% Dividend Yield?

Bank of Montreal is up 20% since late August. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Bank Stocks

4% Dividend Yield? I Keep Buying This Dividend Stock in Bulk!

If you find the perfect dividend stock, you never have to worry about investing again. And that's what you get…

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Bank Stocks

Is Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock a Good Buy?

Let's dive into whether Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) is a top buy, sell, or hold right now.

Read more »

Man data analyze
Bank Stocks

Where Will BNS Stock Be in 3 Years?

Bank of Nova Scotia is primed for growth with a bold U.S. expansion, steady dividends, and a value focus that…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA 101: Earn $1,596.60 per Year Tax-Free!

Investors don't have to buy some risky stock if they want tax-free high income. Instead, buy this top stock instead.

Read more »

data analyze research
Bank Stocks

TD Bank: Buy, Hold, or Sell Now?

TD is underperforming its large Canadian peers this year. Is a rebound on the way?

Read more »

data analyze research
Bank Stocks

A Dividend Bank Stock I’d Buy Over TD Stock Right Now

TD stock has long been a strong dividend and growth provider. However, recent issues could cause investors to think twice.

Read more »