Investment Q&A

Q: I have been looking into HCAL lately as an alternative to buying Canadian bank stocks directly. I'm aware that it uses a little bit of leverage and possibly some covered call writing to increase returns and am comfortable with the increased risk. I noticed that it appears to rebalance its holdings quarterly moving 80% of the funds into the 3 most oversold banks. I'm assuming that this would create a fair amount of capital gains each year within the fund. Would this create a capital gains for the holders of the ETF at year end or would the holders only claim the capitals gains once the ETF is sold? If so would this be better held in a registered account? Additionally a portion of the distributions would be due to dividends from the banks. Would this portion of the distributions count as eligible dividends for the holders of the ETF?

Q: CI Financial is down almost 14% in the last month. Recent numbers appear good. Has CI just got caught up in the recent market downturn and do you feel now is a potential buying opportunity to acquire more shares? Also, as they continue to acquire Investment Advisors, mostly in the US, and their AUM increases, do they become a desirable takeover candidate? Do you see a Canadian bank or other financial company like Power Corp making an offer at some point in the future? What is the likelihood of a takeover in your opinion on a 1-10 basis whereby 10 is most likely. Many thanks in advance for your answer.

Q: On 5 Jan you responded to James that you had the view that AFRM was still fundamentally strong and was setting up for a potential rebound. Do you still feel this way? I see there are some legal issues surrounding this company now as well. I have a half position in this company, am normally a long term investor, but is it time to sell this and put that money into another company which has better bounce potential? Thanks again, Dan

Q: How do you think of this company as a long term investment? Do you see earnings growth?

Q: Friday’s large drop brought Galaxy to my attention and its P/E of 3 per your data made me look further. But I don’t understand some of the other numbers: Revenue = 0, Interest coverage is negative 123.9, and Price to cash flow is 1246.
If P/E is correct it seems like a something to add to my list. I could imagine that revenue might drop if a significant portion of their customers were to drop or reduce their crypto currency activity after taking big hits on those assets.
But I don’t understand their business. Is this as cheap as it appears, and is the outlook decent?

Q: Hi,

Between GLXY and VOYG, which company do you think has better long term potential for a small speculative play?

thank you,
Brad

Q: Thoughts on the growing discount to NAV (close to 30%) for GBTC. Could this be the canary in the coal mine for bitcoin?
If one was bullish on crypto would GBTC be a good call as I assume the discount may shrink some in a bull run for crypto.

Q: Hi Guys! If you were to buy one of the big 5 Canadian banks, which would you choose? Thanks. Rick

Q: What is your favourite Canadian bank today and why? Rick

Q: For a speculative position in a Tfsa which would you recommend and reasons for choice? Thank you.

Q: Your thought on buying this for a long term hold. Thanks!

Q: Peter, I am seeing coflicting recomendations on Manulife. I am looking for steady and growing long term dividends. If you would buy Manulife where is a good entry point, Thanks Ken

Q: Hi 5i
You have mentioned in previous responses that REAL should/could be taken private. If this was to happen, what happens to shares holders and what do you think share price could be worth if this was to happen.

What do you think odds are of this happening?

Previous answers you have clearly stated you could not endorse the company heading into earnings....In your opinion at this point, down -68% would you continue to be holders or rushing for exits ?

Thx

Jim

Q: Are there any rumours or indications that TD is preparing to sell its position in Charles Schwab. Also can you tell if the Schwab shares are voting or non voting.
Are you aware of any banks or other financial companies that TD is looking to acquire?

Q: Please give me your opinion of WonderFi considering it’s recent purchase of Bitbuy.

Q: I realize it's difficult to compare a single company to an ETF , but which of these two do you think has the most upside over the next few years or so, thanks?

Q: I bought a full position in CM at $72.70 in 2020 in an unregistered account. I generally look for dividend payers over or near 5%, so I could sell and purchase another company that pays a higher dividend. Today it is at about $165, which means a substantial capital gain.

My concept is to sell and buy something relatively stable like PPL, ENB, BCE and such. I calculate the return on my initial tax cost to be about 13-15% annually in higher dividends, at current pay levels, with what I see as similar risk.
However, I have read that the banks are maybe expected to again have a much higher than normal dividend raise, which might mean CM goes higher (assuming that isn’t already priced in).
I would appreciate your thoughts on this concept, particularly in regards to CM. Is it time to sell and put the funds to work elsewhere? I thought I had asked this question last Friday, by the way, but it is not answered so assume it is lost in the ether.
Thanks! Paul K

Q: Which company would you prefer for a long term hold and why?

Q: at what price would you consider JPM over MS for an immediate buy?
would that also be the technical price for purchase?

Q: Hello Peter,
With rising rates, it seems that banks, commodities and industrials do well. Can you please suggest some etfs in Canada that would take advantage of those sectors? For the banks, i am thinking xfn and zeb but unsure of the others. Also, the US banks are taking small hits. Do you think canadian banks will follow suit or are they very different? Thanks very much.