Investment Q&A

Q: Barry Critchley in the FP this morning, reported that both TD Bank and CIBC will be buying back big chunks of shares under NCIB. What does NCIB mean? And, as the article states, each purchase (at a discounted price) won't affect the daily price, it should have an appreciating effect on the price since there would be fewer shares for the same total value of the banks, should it not?

Q: Good morning,

I am looking to find the relative exposure of the big 5 banks to the oil and gas sector. I understand that thus far that the effects of the downturn in the oil patch have been somewhat benign, but it would be helpful to know the potential relative effects of a protracted low oil price on the respective banks (ex National and Cdn Western) based on their exposure to the sector. As well, could you please pass along the bank that you feel is most insulated.

Thank you for your response,
Brad

Q: Canadian banks have all dropped in value YTD by up to 6%. I understand that this is due in part to concerns about energy-related loan losses as well as high consumer debt levels. What is your call on what will cause the declining trend to stop, and when that might be ? From a technical point of view, where is the support level for RY ?

Q: Could you please provide your latest thoughts on cig and outlook going forward?

Q: I have a question about Equity Financial Holdings . I thought for sure, that you would have covered this company, since it is praised by every analyst on BNN and since it meets one of your most important criteria - the beginning of a dividend.
Why is it not covered?

Q: Assuming the market recovers at some point, will CAD & anticipated lower rates cause banks to recover last on a relative basis from this point onwards?

Q: Sorry if this question comes in twice as I'm not sure it went through the first time.

In the past, your team has indicated that BNS was your favourite bank. Is this still the case, even though it has underperformed? I am considering taking a position in a bank as I have currently have CXI and EFN in my financials, and feel I am missing a bank as part of my portfolio. Am wondering which one I should take a position in (or perhaps ZEB).

Thanks!

Q: Copy of press item below and wondering if this is a significant event that I as an investor should be concerned about.
Thanks John
PRESS DIGEST- Canada - Jan 13
** Canaccord Genuity Group Inc has been hit with a string of veteran departures amid a severe commodity price correction that has raised the prospect of more job cuts. Scott Davidson, the dealer's executive vice president and global head of corporate development and strategy, announced his departure on Tuesday.

Q: My portfolio is overweight in Financials and feel I need to reduce over time. Wells Fargo has provided good returns but I am thinking there is more upside with BNS and TD over the long term.
I am planning to sell my position in WFC and move to a different sector in US$. Perhaps the Consumer Discretionary or Industrial sectors. Your thoughts.

Q: I am a conservative, retired dividend-income investor with a pension and CPP. My portfolio includes AD, AQN, ALA, BCE, BNS, CGX, CPG, RY, SLF, WSP, WCP, WEF, ZLB, XIT, Sentry Cdn Income Fund, Sentry REIT, RBC Eqty Inc, TD Health, Annuities and Fisgard Capital.

My question is regarding SLF. I bought it in the fall of 2014 with the investment thesis being rising interest rates and an improving equity market (both supposedly good for lifecos).

I am basically flat (down from cap loss and up from dividends). I am normally almost fully invested and am not a trader. I'm happy to hold SLF, but I think the original investment thesis has now changed. Is SLF dead money for now and is the current environment likely to produce more share price deterioration?

On a side note, I am slightly overweight in financials.

Thanks, Steve

Q: Hi Guys,

I am an income oriented investor with the following financial stocks:

Bank of America (BAC)
Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Genworth Canada Inc (MIC)
Gluskin Sheff (GS)
Royal Bank (RY)
Sun Life Financial (SLF)
Toronto Dominion Bank (TD)

They all represent roughly equal value in my portfolio and are all within my minimum and maximum allocation. The overall financial area is within my global limits. I have no additional cash to invest. I have the following questions:

1)Would you sell any?
2)If you would make a sale, how would you replace it in the financial area?
3)Do you see more than a 10% chance of a dividend cut in the next 3 years for any stock?
4)Any other comments would be appreciated.

Please charge 2 credits due to the number of securities involved.

Thanks
John

Q: Any chance this stock could go much lower, any upside, dividend stands at 6.7 % right now. What is your take on it ? Thanks and the best for your team in 2016!

Q: In light of possibly declining rates in Canada and the possibility of further turmoil in the oil business, can you provide your thoughts on this year's performance for the banks

Q: Would you trade any holdings in the big Canadian banks for HCG , the later 's price having dropped substantially.

Q: This stock seems to be going down more than the Canadian market in general. Is it tied to oil in some way.

Q: I have owned for two years, ICICI Bank for international exposure to the Indian market. It has not performed well. Should I sell and move on or hold for now?

Thanks

Q: IOWN THIS IN A RRSP AND WAS THINKING OF SELLING AND MOVING THE MONEY TO THE OTHER ETF ZUB WHICH IS HEDGED OR DOES THE US DOLLAR STILL KEEP GOING UP. ANOTHER POSSABILITY WOULD BE TRICON (TCN). THANKS

Q: Looking to add a financial stock. I am trying to stay within the growth portfolio so I am leaning towards cxi and efn. I am thinking GUD could also fall under this category since they essentially borrow to the health care industry.
Thank you and i appreciate you re guidance.

Q: I plan to transfer 500 Bns shares from my cash account to my TFSA account.
I withdrew funds from my TFSA in 2015 and wish to replace these funds .
The record dare for the dividend is Jan 5/16 . I plan to make my transfer on Jan6/16
My question is , first is my dividend safe and will the dividend get paid to my TFSA account which is my goal . The dividend payment date for Bns is January 27/16
Lastly can you tell me how the swings in the Canadian dollar affects the price of the stock . If th C dollar falls to .68 cents what effect will this have on the stock price .
Many thanks Richard

Q: My wife and I both have TFSAs. We are in our eighties and the proceeds from TFSAs will go to our children on the second death. Would you consider MFC as a suitable investment for both of our accounts in 2016? Do you have better suggestions?