We still see TD’s future as bright

Article Excerpt

The shares TD Bank have dropped 24% from their recent peak of $109 in February 2022. That’s mainly because rising interest rates have forced it set aside more funds for potential loan defaults. At the same time, higher interest rates could trigger a recession, which would cut demand for new loans. However, Canada’s banking regulator has toughened lending standards and mortgage stress-test levels in the past few years. That should help minimize TD’s loan losses. The bank also recently cancelled its plan to buy Tennessee-based First Horizon Corp. TD’s decision reflects turmoil in the U.S. regional banking sector this year, as well as U.S. regulatory concerns over lapses in TD’s anti-money laundering processes. The bank is now working to enhance its compliance systems, but will probably have to pay a fine. Even so, that will not hurt its plan to keep rewarding investors with dividend increases and share buybacks. TORONTO-DOMINION BANK $83 is a buy. The lender (Toronto symbol TD; Conservative Growth and Income…