How Will Data Breach News Affect Canadian Bank Stocks?

Will news of a data breach at Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) (NYSE:BMO) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM) affect the TSX?

| More on:

technology

With the TSX dominated by banking and financials, the recent news that two of Canada’s biggest banks may have been hit by hackers is more than a little worrying. On Monday, Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM) both released statements announcing a possible hacking attack that stole tens of thousands of their customers’ data.

Will this news affect share prices? How about if the data breach is confirmed? And if shares in the affected banks take a tumble, will it impact the TSX? Let’s take a look at the likely outcomes.

An attack on data security is an attack on the TSX

Reuters noted that BMO was down 0.5% and CIBC down by 0.2% immediately following the joint statements. At the time of writing, BMO is down 0.85%, and CIBC is down 0.87%. It’s therefore fair to say that the share price is being affected by the news. The good news is that this represents a value opportunity for shrewd investors looking to snap up stock in key Canadian financials.

The bad news is that the timing isn’t great for the TSX as a whole. Look at any weighting of the TSX and you’ll see that it’s led by two famously defensive sectors: banking and mining. Now look at the recent news that oil prices are down, thanks to OPEC/Russia’s market manipulation, and you’ll probably conclude that an attack on the banking sector is pretty bad timing.

Will there be any long-term effects for the TSX?

A recent data analysis by Paul Bischoff published on the Comparitech website looked at data breaches incurred by 24 companies on the NYSE. It concluded that victims felt an average drop of 0.43% right after a breach, with companies going on to underperform for around 38 days. After that, share prices climb, but at a slower rate than before the breach.

The nature of the breach also affects the impact. In the case at hand, recovery will depend on whether BMO and/or CIBC confirm the breach and on what kind of data was stolen, such as email addresses or card details. Financial institutions tend to have steeper drops after a data breach, and their share prices take longer to normalize.

In terms of impact on the TSX, the current statements from BMO and CIBC are unlikely to have a large impact. However, this may change if and when the banks confirm details of the possible breach. If they report that it did in fact occur, and if account details of customers were stolen, then you can expect to see another dip in share prices. Again, not so great news if you’re one of their customers, but an opportunity will exist for discounted stock.

Any further news of the possible data breach is likely to be mitigated by the fact that no other banks have been affected. In the case of CIBC, only its subsidiary, Simplii Financial, was targeted, so the impact on CIBC’s share price may not be as steep as that of BMO. While any potential future attacks may have more of an effect on the TSX, the only lasting damage to the currently affected institutions might be customer churn.

The bottom line

It’s good to be philosophical when one of the biggest sectors on the stock exchange faces potential volatility. When two of them are facing volatility (such as OPEC/Russia’s manipulation of oil prices), the same is doubly true. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, now is the time to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.

The takeaway? Look to the horizon and hold onto your stock in financials. The accepted wisdom is that data breaches don’t affect share prices for long. If anything, for big, defensive companies, data breaches may actually offer a brief value opportunity. So if you were thinking of investing in BMO and/or CIBC, go for it – neither bank is going anywhere any time soon.

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 Victoria Hetherington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why the Average TFSA for Canadians Aged 41 Isn’t Enough

The average TFSA simply isn't enough for most Canadians in their early 40s. Here's how to catch up.

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Insurance Showdown: Better Buy, Great-West Life or Manulife Stock?

GWO stock and MFC stock are two of the top names in insurance, but which holds the better outlook?

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn a TFSA Paycheque Every Month and Pay No Taxes on It

Canadian REITs can turn your TFSA into a monthly paycheque machine for life. Here's how Morguard North American Residential REIT…

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

New dividend-growth investors should consider CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock and another top play if they're looking to build wealth over…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The 3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

If you want consistent income, look to consistent dividend payers. These three stocks are some of the best in the…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Want a 6% Average Yield? 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These stocks pay good dividends that should continue to grow.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

Is Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock a Buy for its 0.9% Dividend Yield?

Couche-Tard stock's small yield is not enticing, but its growth potential could be a wealth creator.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

5.2% Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This TSX Stock and Holding for Decades!

With its 5.2% dividend yield, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) is a stock I'm eagerly buying.

Read more »