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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: On Jan. 22 you wrote, "The 12-month payout ratio is 28%, and PEY is in good financial shape." On Feb. 14 you wrote, "BUT...its nine-month 2023 payout ratio was 101%. Its balance sheet is OK."

I am confused by these seemingly contradictory statements. Can you please clarify regarding the payout ratio and the health of the balance sheet?

It seems as if I am a bit of a sucker for high yields and have been burned by Birchcliff in 2023 (though still a holder), and do not want to suffer the same fate with my recent purchase of Peyto.

Thank you as always for your expertise.
Read Answer Asked by Richard on February 15, 2024
Q: Good afternoon,

Looking for a list of companies with safe , growing dividends and potential for some capital gain - Cdn or American.

Thank you,
Brad
Read Answer Asked by Brad on February 14, 2024
Q: Hello. can I get your opinion on these. Are they worth buying or can you suggest something else ? Thank you for the great service.
Read Answer Asked by ric on February 14, 2024
Q: Can you compare the dividend growth at CN and CP over time? It looks to me that CP hasn’t increased the dividend since Oct. 2020. The longest previous period with no increase in the recent past seems to be July 2012 to July 2016. In contrast, CN seems to increase their dividend every year. But has the rate of increase for both been similar over the long run despite the choppiness at CP? Also, the rate of increase seems to be slowing more recently at CN, it was often double digit increases prior to 2020. Any insights appreciated, thanks.


Read Answer Asked by Stephen R. on February 14, 2024
Q: Interested in these Canadian small caps. Can you provide quick thoughts on the prospects of these companies knowing the risks of small caps.
Do you know management at all and how would you rate each?
What is in your mind the main reason to invest in each company and the biggest worry for each? (debt, dilution etc)
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 13, 2024
Q: My PA wants me in telecom. I had Telus but it dropped heavy and I harvested losses, investing in BCE only to continue down. I realize higher interest rates are a challenge for telcos and utilities. It there a case for any of the of Canadian telecoms? I have a long term investment horizon but do like safe dividends. Are the telcos dividends "safe"?Should I hold BCE or flee for another company, even in the US. (I have VZ, also in the down elevator, bigly). thanks, al
Read Answer Asked by alex on February 13, 2024
Q: Considering taking a position (up to 2%) in a dividend paying oil/gas company, and looking at FRU or WCP. Could I get your comments on the royalty structure vs a producer, as well as a comparison of the metrics such as payout percentage, debt, guidance, etc. Do you have a preference, and would you even consider adding an oil producer at this time. I have some ETFs with small positions in some oil companies, but no direct holdings of my own.
Thank-you
Read Answer Asked by grant on February 12, 2024
Q: Hello - I am an income investor. My view has been to construct my portfolio with companies that pay growing dividends as a way to offset inflation. With BCE’s announcement of reduced expected dividend growth in the future I am considering shifting that portion of my portfolio somewhere else. Can you please provide the stated expected ranges of dividend growth (as a %) of these companies? Please take all the credits you wish. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Mark on February 12, 2024
Q: I purchased BCE awhile back for its very good dividend and some modest growth, thinking it was more “bond” like.
Now with the recent news I am not so sure this is the case. I am overweight in it and wondering what to do with it, whether to keep it and collect the dividend, or if it would be better to sell it or at least some of it.
I could use the loss to offset some of my gains I guess, but I am unsure what is the best move. I don’t need the money, so would probably reinvest the money in another stock.
I am asking for your advice on this investment.
Thanks so much for your past service, it has always been most helpful.
Read Answer Asked by Shirley on February 12, 2024
Q: I’m considering switching from aco.x to cpx to free up cash and maintain total annual dividend amount. Will you please provide opinion regarding the safety of the dividend and long-term capital appreciation. Is there a better company in any sector I should consider at this time to achieve the same objective. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by David on February 12, 2024
Q: Two questions:

(1) If you could only own one of CNQ or SU, which would you choose, and why?
(2) If both CNQ and SU could be owned, in equal amounts, are their profiles and metrics such that diversification would be enhanced?
Thanks as always for your insight.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on February 12, 2024