On May 21, 2014, we issued an updated research report on TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (AMTD).The investment brokerage firm exhibits decent fundamentals amid a competitive environment across the industry.
TD Ameritrade’s efforts in driving organic growth are commendable. The company is leading with an increasing asset base. It has witnessed continued growth in net new client assets since 2008. Notably, during the 6 months ended Mar 2014, funded accounts moved up 4.5% year over year, while total client assets increased 19.4%.
Despite the prevailing sluggish macroeconomic environment, TD Ameritrade’s trading volumes have shown an increasing trend. Notably, the company reported whooping monthly average client trades per day of 501,000 for Feb 2014, which marked an all-time high in the company’s trading history.
Further, TD Ameritrade’s net revenue recorded a 3.5% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last 4 years and continued the upward trend during the 6 months ended Mar 2014 with 17.6% year-over-year growth. Given the company’s efficient business model, we expect significant top-line growth in the near term.
Further, TD Ameritrade’s fiscal second-quarter 2014 earnings of 35 cents outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.9%. Notably, the company delivered positive earnings surprises in the trailing 4 quarters with an average beat of 5.3%.
Despite the positives, we remain cautious owing to several issues faced by TD Ameritrade that pose a threat to the company’s financials. Absence of steady and sustainable growth in its net interest income amid a low interest rate environment will continue to weigh on its profitability. The company witnessed declining net interest income in the 6 months ended Mar 2014, as NIM declined 6 basis points year over year to 1.49%.
We also remain concerned owing to the prevailing stringent regulatory landscape.
Analysts’ mixed view on the stock was reflected in the movement of the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past 60 days. For fiscal 2014, the Zacks Consensus Estimate advanced 2.1% to $1.44 per share while it declined nearly 1% to $1.69 per share for fiscal 2015.
TD Ameritrade currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks That Warrant a Look
KCG Holdings, Inc. (KCG), E*TRADE Financial Corp. (ETFC) and Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) are among the better-ranked stocks in this space. All these stocks hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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