Investment Q&A

Q: Any reason for the relatively large gain today? Is it a takeout candidate?

Q: Hi, my question is of a general nature concerning banks and the differences between Can. and Amer. mortgage systems.
Firstly, why are there two different systems(term lengths) of issuing mortgages and how can Amer. banks afford to issue long term (30 yr) mortgages at such low interest rates (which until recently were very low), now with higher rates their costs for deposits increases substantially compared to their long term loan rates. how can they survive in this situation? Is this the reason Canadian terms are s much shorter?
Thanks, Chris
Best of the season for all

Q: Hi team,
BIPC is currently still 45% below its 52week high. Bn is now only 4% below its 52week high . Do you see BIPC playing catch up here ? Is it not a more compelling buy at this point than Bn while it’s down here , plus it’s almost 5% div ? I was looking for your thoughts if it would be wise to buy some BIPC at these levels and collect the nice div while waiting or sp recovery ?

Thanks ,

Shane

Q: Hi 5i
I saw your comment on the MFC/Global Atlantic deal. MFC has hit $28 and I had decided to re-evaluate it at this price. It seems to trade between 24-28 so I'm tempted to take the profit. But if they are buying back shares (I think I read 2.8% of float starting next year), and the market seems to like this deal, can you see it crossing $30? Also have SLF and POW (with re-evaluate price at $40)
Thanks, Greg

Q: I don't know what to think about this co. Not a lot of shares, real liquidity issue, no insider ownership, no dividend, posted another loss re earnings. Yet full year rev will be quite a large increase and profit expected. Tangible book value is 2x current share price. Why would someone buy, or thesis for buying?

Thanks for your insight.

Q: Do you have a preference between TSU and IFC, and if so what are some of the reasons?

Q: MFC: bought small position earlier this year at a good price (2500 shs) so up a fair bit. I also hold SLF (long time) which has been a stellar performer.
MFC announced a deal of some kind to-day which, quite frankly, I do not understand.
Why has this stock been such a poor performer vs SLF and is there any hope for it going forward?
Thank you ... J

Q: "Global Atlantic Announces $10 Billion Block Reinsurance Agreement with Manulife Across Both US and Japan Business" - Please explain the significance of this for MFC share price outlook. Thank you.

Q: Hi, Regarding your recent addition of Intac Financial to Balanced Portfolio, could you please elaborate more on the rationale for this selection, as this company has not been discussed much on this forum. Property and Casualty Insurance has been talked about a lot by Portfolio Managers lately and in their opinion, projected to be the fastest growing sector in Insurance business. So, it should be a timely addition to the 5i portfolio!!

Who are Intac's main competitors and how does IFC compare with them in terms of market share, growth trajectory and valuation ? What are the major components of IFC's business and their geographical presence ? What's your take on company's recent decision for selling their UK Personal Line of business to Admiral, as, looks like, the news caused some concern among investors resulting a bit of selling in the stock, over past 2 days. (BTW, we started a 1.5% position, on Friday. Thanks for the alert !! )

Q: Hi,
Some months ago I had asked about non correlated assets and you mentioned Private Equity as an option and chose these stocks. (Also your perennial favourite BN!) I have half a position in BN and plan to add more soon.

Among the 3 (BX/KKR,BLK) which two are your favourite and why? Or you can rank order them from the best to your least favorite.

Q: Can you provide an updated current view of FICO

Q: Can I get your thoughts on this company

Q: Hello, could you comment on EQB bank results?

I wonder what the end game is for EQB. Grow to become a mid to large cap bank in Canada or be taken out by one of the majors. I guess either can be good for investors.

Best regards
Stephane

Q: Please comment on EQB's latest Q especially to Provision to credit losses(PCL) as to amount and comparison with those of the big 6 Can.Banks. Market's initial reaction was strong--H$82.25, L$80, C$80.31+.71 Txs forU usual great services & views

Q: My question is in regard of the new financing that GSY just took:
(-- goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY) (“goeasy” or the “Company”), one of Canada’s leading non-prime consumer lenders, is pleased to announce that it closed its previously announced offering of US$550 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2028 (the “Notes”). As announced on November 14, 2023, in connection with the offering of the Notes, goeasy also entered into a currency swap agreement (the “Currency Swap”) to reduce the Canadian dollar equivalent cost of borrowing on the Notes to 8.79% per annum. Before giving effect to the Currency Swap, the coupon on the Notes is 9.25% per annum. goeasy will use the proceeds from the sale of the Notes to fund the redemption of all of its outstanding 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”).)

It seems to me that the cost of borrowing almost doubles that of the notes due for redemption. The amount is also considerable. Is it material to the forecast estimated EPS for 2024?

GoEasy is on a tear these days and I wonder if I just add to an already 4% position size or wait and let go. Buy more on weakness or buy now or stay put?

Thanks in advance and I know position size is personnal but GoEasy will continue to grow hence position size is still very reasonnable.

Q: Hello Peter,
Would the fintech stocks be classified under technology stocks similar to Amazon, Google, etc or are they seen as more financial ? if there is a rotation out of tech, would the fintechs be hit accordingly? Thanks very much

Q: Selling BIPC for tax loss and planning to rebuy iin 30 days. Can you please suggest a proxy? Or not.
Many thanks and Happy Holidays
C

Q: If a person has quite a high capital gain in SLF would you still endorse selling to a 2.5% and buying IFC or just continue to hold SLF?

Thanks

Q: For a purchase today would you pick ZEB or XLF? Or perhaps you have a preferred alternative in the financial sector?

Q: Would you be able to tell me the trailing P/E and estimated forward P/E for BN and BRK.B? I assume this may be difficult for BRK.B, when they often seek permission to not disclose all of their current holdings. Where can I find the most accurate P/E info for Canadian and US stocks?
Thanks!