Should I use the banking crisis as an opportunity to pounce on Macquarie shares?

Is this a good time to 'buy low'?

| More on:
A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • SVB, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank are worrying bank investors
  • The Macquarie share price has fallen over 13% in the last few weeks
  • I think it’s a long-term opportunity, considering the strength of its diversified businesses

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price is down over 13% since 7 March 2023. After such a quick fall in less than a month, it's worth considering whether the ASX financial share is an opportunity today.

There have been some serious problems with some northern hemisphere banks after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Credit Suisse is being taken over by UBS. Questions are being asked about Deutsche Bank.

I hope that we don't hear news of any more banking collapses because that wouldn't be good news for the global banking system, jobs or depositor money.

However, just fear alone can cause significant pain to share prices. It's that fear and uncertainty we can use to our advantage to buy shares of great businesses.

Are Macquarie shares a great opportunity?

When we look at how Macquarie shares have performed over the past 12 months, I think we can see that today's price is fairly close to the 52-week low. When attractive businesses hit a 52-week low, my interest is heightened.

I think it's fair to say that Macquarie has done an excellent job of growing the business since the GFC. It has diversified its earnings and improved the quality of the company.

Macquarie now has four divisions – asset management, banking and financial services, commodities and global markets (CGM) and Macquarie Capital. Some of those divisions are proving to be effective at providing ongoing earnings through the cycle, while others are good at capitalising on opportunities whilst they are there.

I believe that Macquarie's earnings are more resilient than other investment banks around the world. So it was no surprise to me that the company's net profit after tax (NPAT) for the nine months to 31 December 2022 was "slightly up" on the nine months to 31 December 2021.

I think that the best time to buy Macquarie is during times of sizeable market dislocation. It's understandable that (investment) bank share prices are heavily punished during this period of market worry. Investment banking activities can dry up during lean economic times. But, as I've said, I think Macquarie has diversified its portfolio enough to be defensively positioned.

With the Macquarie share price trading at close to its 52-week low, and its history of impressive expansion into new areas, I think the ASX financial share is a long-term opportunity. It's also possible it could fall further this year. We just don't know what's going to happen next.

Valuation

According to Commsec, the Macquarie share price is valued at around 14 times FY24's estimated earnings, where there is a forecast of lower earnings compared to FY23.

I think that's a reasonable estimate of what earnings could be, and it seems appealing considering the long-term global growth outlook of the business, with a good dividend and balanced dividend payout ratio.

SVB Financial provides credit and banking services to The Motley Fool. Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended SVB Financial. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SVB Financial. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Opinions

A man in his late 60s, retirement age, emerges from the Australian surf carrying a surfboard under his arm and wearing a wetsuit.
Opinions

Here's how much ASX dividend income I'm aiming for in retirement

I’m using passive income stocks as a path to financial independence.

Read more »

A woman's hair is blown back and her face is in shock at this big news.
Bank Shares

$150 a pop: Would I still buy CBA shares as they hit all-time highs?

Here's my take on CBA shares at $150...

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Opinions

Why dollar-cost averaging could be the best ASX share investment strategy this decade

I plan to regularly invest using this method in the next few years.

Read more »

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Opinions

Overinvested in Westpac shares? Here are 2 other ASX blue-chips to buy

Diversifying could be a smart choice.

Read more »

A middle-aged couple dance in the street to celebrate their ASX share gains
Retirement

Approaching retirement? Here's why I would put $10,000 into this ASX stock

I think this stock could be the perfect fit for your golden years...

Read more »

A fun depiction of summer Santa Claus -- wearing red swimming trunks and Hawaiian shirt -- sitting in a deck chair on his laptop at the beach.
Opinions

2 ASX stocks on my naughty list this Christmas

Nothing but coal in the stockings of these disappointing companies.

Read more »

a drink poured from a bottle into a glass
Opinions

2 shares I'll be adding to my portfolio – even with the ASX near all-time highs

Even though the markets are near record highs, there is still value to be found.

Read more »

A little Asian girl is so excited by the bubbles coming out of her bubble machine.
Opinions

Worried about a frothy market? 2 ASX shares attractively priced AND 1 dead simple buy

Pricey markets don't require sitting on the sidelines.

Read more »