Investment Q&A

Q: What are your thoughts on BNS at these prices and the negative sentiment around a few things (expense increase, acquisition today SP down 2.5% afterhours, and Russia)? I own the stock but have been looking closely at it lately and wondering if I should be sticking with it, buying more, or moving elsewhere. I feel the south american presence adds diversity but also risk. The market is clearly beating BNS up more than the other banks for a few reasons. Most concerning is when I look at the top 4 biggest banks in size (BNS being 3rd), BNS has performed the worst over 1yr, 2yr, and 5yr periods. Looking at that I'm not seeing the higher dividend being worth the lack of performance. What am I missing?

Q: I have a friend who just loves this stock as an income investment. What are your thoughts?

Q: Good morning,
Just a noticed a sudden one day drop in the price of TF. Can you please provide me your opinion on this MIC and are any other MICs that you would prefer in lieu of TF for income in a TFS or RRSP account. Thank you.
Franco

Q: I have had this stock now for more than 6 months and it does not seem to go anywhere. I know that the exchange rate has not been favorable but still there seem to be no action. Do I keep it?
Margita

Q: What is your gut feeling about LB? It is down more than 5% today and over 8% for the week ahead of their reporting. Buy or Hold

Q: I know it’s not a focus of your research but do you have any opinion on taking a position in Banco Santander for long term hold?

Q: Can you please analyze versa bank’s quarterly results just issued versus expectations? What do you think of the stock? Thanks

Q: What are your thoughts on LYG at prices we are seeing today? I believe this bank is quite undervalued given the recent performance. Thoughts?

Q: Hi Folks: Can you explain why BNS is taking such a hit today on news that they exceeded earnings expectations and are planning a share buy back

Thanks

Q: Hello,
I have been a holder of FSZ for a while now but the share price doesn't appear to get any traction. I thought after their latest quarter, they might get a lift but it looks like it is drifting back again. I like the yield but other than that it's been a disappointment.
I currently own TD and SLF which both have segments comparable to FSZ's business. Are there any compelling reasons to keep holding this company, any catalysts that you are aware of that might get this stock moving? Is this just a yield play with very little price appreciation to be expected?

Thanks for your help,
Dan

Q: My wife and I are in our 70's with RIFs mainly focused on income producing stocks.

Our annual withdrawals equate to approximately 10% of our investments, so currently, we expect to be able to live our lives out without running out of funds.

As part of my financial sector, I have a 3% position in PWF, which has been underwater for quite a while, but currently pays a 5.31% dividend. I know you tend to favour SLF, and I wonder if it is worth switching into SLF, even though it only pays a 3.44% dividend.

Your thoughts and comparisons between the two over the next five years please.

Q: Hello,
In the banking sector, I presently own a full position in TD. I wanted to add another bank and was looking at CM. I like the yield and appears to be trading at a better PE and PB given the weakness recently in the share price.
Do you have any compelling reasons for not owning this bank?
Thanks,
Dan

Q: My question is about allocation of Canadian Banks in 5i Portfolios and what would be a reasonable weighting in a broad portfolio of 30-35 holdings which looks 80% like a Balanced with 20% Growth. BNS is the only Canadian Bank held in 5i Balanced Portfolio (4%) and Income Portfolio (6%). Historically, Canadian Banks have provided substantial returns through dividends and capital appreciation. But, I like 5i approach of finding companies with value/growth potential in small/mid cap universe and structuring portfolios. By association, my portfolio weight in Canadian Banks has grown to about 15%, CM,TD and RY, in order of 10.5%. 3% and 1.5%, respectively.
Would it make sense to reduce these holdings to align more along the line of 5i approach ?

Thanks.

Q: Hi Team,
DB down to almost 5 year low at US$12.00, is it time to buy 1/2 position ? Your idea is appreciated !!
Thanks as always.
Tak

Q: As we enter the bank earnings reporting period, just wondering what signs to look for when LB announces? They had to write down already and banks in general are looking at a slowing pace of writing new mortgage business going forward.
Thanks,
Randy

Q: Which ETF would you prefer based on currency at this time ZBK or ZUB?

thanks

Kim

Q: I have about 13K tied up in EFN (now down to 10K after dropping in value). Thinking of selling half of it and switching to ECN (own about 4K of that and break even). Do you see more upside (and downside protection) in ECN than in EFN ??

Q: With the long-term in mind, would you see a switch from ECN to VB as wise at the moment?

Q: You provided some percentages re: US business for the banks on 5/16 to Paul K.
What metric (revenues/assets/net income??) did you use to calculate the percentages.
Thanks

Q: What is your opinion on this? would you prefer a specific bank?