TFSA Investors: Avoid This Top 3 Bank!

Toronto-Dominion Bank is trading above intrinsic value. I would avoid the stock in your TFSA.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

TD Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) was formed through the amalgamation on February 1, 1955, of The Bank of Toronto and The Dominion-Bank. Its principal business operations are in Toronto, Ontario.

The company reports three business segments that operates domestically and internationally, including Canadian Retail, United States Retail and Wholesale Banking. The company reports a market capitalization of $132.58 billion with a 52-week low of $67.12 and a 52-week high of $77.96.

Intrinsic price

Based on my calculations, using a comparable company analysis (CCA) model, I determined that TD Bank has an intrinsic value of $54.37 per share.

At the current share price of $73.22 at writing, I believe that TD Bank is substantially overvalued. Investors looking to add a bank stock to their TFSA should not buy shares of TD Bank due to the premium that investors will be paying over its intrinsic value.

TD Bank has an enterprise value of $113 billion, which represents the theoretical price a buyer would pay for all of TD Bank’s outstanding shares plus its debt.

Financial highlights

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the company reports a strong balance sheet, with $49.5 billion in retained earnings, up from $46.1 billion in 2018. This is a good sign for investors, as it indicates that the company’s previous surpluses have been reinvested into the company.

TD Bank reports shareholders’ equity of $87.7 billion, goodwill of $17 billion and intangibles of $2.5 billion for tangible net worth (equity minus intangibles minus goodwill) of $68 billion. As TD Bank’s retained earnings increases, its TNW will follow suit. This is a good sign, as TNW is regarded as the real value of a company.

Overall revenues are up materially to $41 billion in 2018, from $38.9 billion in 2018 (over 5.6%), offset by growth in expenses for pre-tax income of $13.2 billion. After taxes, net income is up slightly to $11.4 billion, up from $11.1 billion in 2018 (over 3%).

From a cash flow perspective, TD Bank is aggressively exercising its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) with the repurchase and cancellation of $2.2 billion of common shares ($1.5 billion in 2018 and $1.4 billion in 2017). This is a strategy that management uses to suggest the current share price is undervalued.

TD Bank is very prudent when it comes to debt management, as indicated by the issuance of debt amounting to $1.75 billion in 2019, $1.75 billion in 2018 and $1.5 billion in 2017, offset by the redemption of debt amounting to $2.5 billion in 2018 and 2017. The company reported a $24 million cash inflow on the redemption of debt in 2019.

TD Bank is a dividend paying entity with a current yield of 4.04% achieved through quarterly payments of $0.74 per share.

Foolish takeaway

Investors looking to buy shares of a bank should avoid adding TD Bank to their TFSA. Despite the company’s positive retained earnings, continued profitability and proactive debt management, the company’s EV/Revenue and P/E multiple is greater than the median for banks.

EV/Revenue and P/E multiples are used by analysts to determine whether the current share price of a company is trading above, below or at fair value when bench marked to its peers.

At its current price of $73.22, I believe that TD Bank is trading significantly above its intrinsic value of $54.37. Thus, I believe that TFSA investors will be better off putting their money in another bank stock.

Should you invest $1,000 in TD Bank right now?

Before you buy stock in TD Bank, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and TD Bank wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Chen Liu has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Bank Stocks

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Bank Stocks

Billionaires Are Selling Bank of America Stock and Betting on This TSX Stock Instead

American bank stocks may not be doing so well in the near future, but this other one could be a…

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s How Many Shares of Scotiabank You Should Own to Get $5,000 in Annual Dividends

This dividend stock is a strong investment, but it could take a large investment to create this much income.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Bank Stocks

Why TD Bank Stock Under $90 Might Deserve a Spot in Your Growth-Focused TFSA

TD Bank stock is showing surprising strength in 2025. Here’s why it might be a smart addition to your TFSA…

Read more »

a person looks out a window into a cityscape
Bank Stocks

Where I’d Invest $7,000 During the Current Market Pullback

Investing in quality ETFs and stocks amid a volatile macro backdrop should allow you to generate outsized gains in the…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Bank Stocks

TD Bank: Buy, Hold, or Sell Now?

TD stock is giving back some recent gains. Is it time to buy?

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Bank Stocks

Better Bank Stock: CIBC or Scotiabank?

These two bank stocks offer great dividends and income, but what does the future hold for both?

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Bank Stocks

Here’s How Many Shares of CIBC Stock You Should Own to Get $2,000 in Yearly Dividends

This dividend stock is a prime option for investors, and it's from more than dividends.

Read more »

shopper buys items in bulk
Bank Stocks

How I’d Allocate $1,000 in Domestic Stocks in Today’s Market

Got $1000? Here's how I'd play the tariff war with Canadian domestic stocks this April! Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)…

Read more »