Here's why I think CBA shares are a good buy today

Commonwealth Bank shares are selling at a P/E of 12.41. Are CBA shares a good price considering its current position and future plans?

| More on:
Small grey plastic model of a bank building on top of a piece of paper with a performance chart showing red and blue columns

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

sdf

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares are currently selling at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 12.41. This is just below the company's 10 year P/E average of 13.7. Year-to-date the CommBank share price is still down by 14.3%. For me, this appears a relatively good entry price for a bona fide ASX blue chip. Moreover, beyond price, the company is working diligently to build value.

CBA wealth

Colonial First State has long been the CommBank's wealth-management arm. On 15 March CommBank announced it would be selling 55% of Colonial to US private equity firm KKK for AUD$1.7 billion. This will allow the bank to simplify its business model and focus on its core business of banking.  

CommBank and KKK have both announced plans to invest significant capital into Colonial. Among these is a more rapid transition to digital channels. 

Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn said:

"We are confident that together with KKR, we can provide CFS with an increased capacity to invest in product innovation, new services and its digital capabilities. We have a shared vision for CFS to be one of the leading superannuation and investment businesses in Australia."

Branching into buy now pay later (BNPL)

CommBank announced it was to launch Swedish private fintech, Klarna in Australia on 30 January. A plan later derailed by the COVID-19 outbreak. CommBank holds a 5.5% stake in Klarna. Increasing from its original 1.8% holding. The companies will jointly fund and have 50:50 ownership rights to Klarna's Australian and New Zealand business.

Given the events in the BNPL sector this week this is a very big deal. Although it recently made a loss, Klarna is already one of the giants in the BNPL space. In fact, it was the original pioneer. CommBank's 5.5% purchase provides access to an existing large customer and merchant base with an established beachhead in the USA. 

CommBank is Australia's largest payments processor. This means its 50%-owned Klarna Australian operations will start with immediate national coverage.

CBA shares

 CommBank shares are selling at a reasonable price of $68.76 at the time of writing and it is well-positioned for future growth. Its $1.5 billion allowance for COVID-19-related damage is covered by the sale of 55% of Colonial. Furthermore, Colonial is more likely to increase earnings as part of the core business of a private equity firm. Lastly, its position in Klarna sets it up to play a dominant role in the Australian BNPL sector, as well as on the global stage. 

There are still uncertain times ahead to be sure. However, I believe that CommBank shares are a wise investment at this price over the medium to long term. It will lock in steady capital growth, as well as locking in a future dividend at a 12-month trailing average at 6.28%.  

Motley Fool contributor Daryl Mather has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A businessman stacks building blocks.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX shares hit a new record high today.

Read more »

A man sees some good news on his phone and gives a little cheer.
Share Gainers

Why Auckland Airport, Australian Ethical, Breville, and Clarity shares are charging higher

These shares are having a better day than most on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Share Fallers

Why 29Metals, CAR Group, DroneShield, and Santana Minerals shares are falling today

These shares are missing out on the good times on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Broker Notes

Macquarie tips 50% upside for this ASX 200 miner, and it's not BHP!

Unheralded miner poised to surge?

Read more »

A woman sits at a table with notebook on lap and pen in hand as she gazes off to the side with the pen resting on the side of her face as though she is thinking and contemplating while a glass of orange juice and a pair of red sunglasses rests on the table beside her.
Share Market News

Will these ASX 100 shares surge or sink in July?

These are two ASX favourites to watch closely this month. 

Read more »

a man in a business suite throws his arms open wide above his head and raises his face with his mouth open in celebration in front of a background of an illuminated board tracking stock market movements.
Share Market News

3 ASX ETFs for smart investors

Let's see what makes these funds top picks for Aussie investors.

Read more »

A woman sits on sofa pondering a question.
Broker Notes

Guess which ASX All Ords media stock Macquarie expects to rise 17% over the next 12 months?

The broker is expecting big things from this media company.

Read more »

A happy male investor turns around on his chair to look at a friend while a laptop runs on his desk showing share price movements
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday

It looks set to be a good session for Aussie investors on Thursday.

Read more »