Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Capital One Trips Up

By Mark Reeth and Brendan Mathews – Jan 18, 2014 at 4:30PM

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

An earnings miss sends Capital One shares downward. Is this a sign of weakness or the right time to buy?

Shares of Capital One (COF 0.60%) fell more than 4% Friday on news that the company missed expectations this quarter both in earnings and revenue. In this video, Fool analyst Brendan Mathews digs into what happened this quarter with Capital One and its outlook over the next few years.

Capital One, like many financial businesses at the moment, struggled with net margin compression this quarter, or the spread between what it pays out to depositors versus what it earns on its investments. Combining that broad trend with the company's heavy reliance on credit card and auto loans, which are struggling markets at the moment, Capital One certainly faces some near-term headwinds.

That said, Brendan really likes the company's long-term prospects. Capital One 360 is currently the nation's largest Internet bank, and he considers CEO Richard Fairbank to be a very savvy leader. He sees Capital One at 11 times earnings as a great opportunity to buy a stock that could beat the market over the next three to five years.

Brendan Mathews and Fool contributor Mark Reeth have no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Capital One Financial.. We Fools don't 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.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.