Matt Frankel, a Motley Fool Contributor and bank analysis expert, dives into bank earnings amidst a new rate-cutting environment. He discusses why Charles Schwab is adapting and highlights Goldman Sachs’ troubling signs. Buck Hartzell, a senior analyst and Berkshire Hathaway enthusiast, joins Alison Southwick to unpack Berkshire's unique investment approach and its collaboration of businesses while reflecting on the legendary management style of Warren Buffett and what lies ahead for the conglomerate.
Charles Schwab has successfully adapted to market changes by boosting its revenue through profitable services, showing resilience despite previous challenges.
Goldman Sachs demonstrates strength in investment banking operations but faces ongoing difficulties in its consumer finance strategies, indicating sector-specific vulnerabilities.
Deep dives
Overview of Big Bank Earnings
Recent earnings reports from major banks reveal a better-than-expected performance, a trend that often leads to skepticism about analyst forecasts. Analysts tend to set low expectations, allowing banks to consistently surpass them. The impact of recent interest rate cuts is yet to be reflected in earnings, as these changes were implemented late in the third quarter. Insights from these reports suggest that banks may be benefiting from a favorable operating environment that hasn't fully translated into net interest metrics.
Charles Schwab's Performance and Strategy
Charles Schwab reported significant growth, boasting nearly $10 trillion in client assets and a 25% rise in net income year-over-year. Challenges arose in previous years when rising interest rates prompted customers to shift funds from low-yield savings to higher-yield investments, straining Schwab's balance sheet. However, Schwab has successfully attracted new money and increased its revenue through more profitable services such as managed investment and financial advisory solutions. The company has seen a decline in its reliance on higher-cost bank supplemental funding, improving its net interest margins and overall financial health.
Goldman Sachs' Investment Banking Success
Goldman Sachs experienced a 45% rise in pre-tax earnings, largely driven by a thriving investment banking sector as more companies pursue IPOs and debt issuance. The favorable market environment has also boosted trading revenues significantly, surpassing expectations. Despite its strong performance in investment banking, Goldman Sachs is facing challenges in its consumer finance operations, including the recent decision to exit partnerships like the one with General Motors. This highlights ongoing difficulties in executing consumer banking strategies, emphasizing the firm's strength in high-value investment banking rather than retail finance.
Bank of America's Economic Outlook
Bank of America's CEO presented a generally optimistic outlook on the consumer economy, suggesting healthy spending patterns despite rising loan loss provisions. Although credit losses have increased compared to pre-pandemic levels, the consistency of consumer spending indicates resilience and possibly a leveling off of loan issues. While CEO Moynihan maintains a positive view, skepticism exists about equating consumer willingness to spend with financial health, reflecting lessons from past economic downturns. The overall landscape shows signs of stability as the bank navigates complex macroeconomic conditions.
When you are the custodian of almost $10 trillion, how much more can you possibly grow?
Motley Fool Contributor Matt Frankel joins Ricky Mulvey for a look at bank earnings. They discuss:
- Why Charles Schwab is welcoming a rate cutting cycle.
- Goldman Sachs’s biggest red flag.
- Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan’s outlook on the American economy.
Then, (14:29) Motley Fool Senior Analyst, Buck Hartzell joins Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp to kick-off a series on Berkshire Hathaway, and how the conglomerate’s collection of businesses work together.
Vote for Motley Fool Money in the 2024 Signal Awards for Best Money and Finance podcast: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2024/shows/general/money-finance
Companies discussed: SCHW, GS, BAC, BRK.A, BRK.B
Host: Ricky Mulvey
Guests: Matt Frankel, Alison Southwick, Robert Brokamp, Buck Hartzell