Investment Q&A

Q: For the last 10 years, SLF has been the better stock to own. Since December 2023, MFC has been better. In their most recent earnings MFC beat and SLF missed. MFC's PE is a little higher, dividends are about the same, SLF has better ROE, MFC has a much better profit margin. If buying one of them today, which do you think is better going forward? Or with the chance interest rates will be coming down in the next year would it be better to buy a bank instead?

Q: Please comment on MFC and RS earnings.
Thank you.

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

Q: Hi
I'm trying to build a concentrated portfolio of Canadian dividend payers. If I want to add a few more names for diversification and safe/good yield, what others would you recommend?
Thanks,
Carlo

Q: These are my current holdings and I am looking forward to 2023. They are held in relatively the same quantities in 5 different accounts, a RRIF, 2 TFSA's and 2 Non registered accounts. I am retired an enjoy the income. Do you see any issues with these holdings or have any suggestions looking forward. The only non dividend holding is AR.
Take any extra credits as necessary. Thank you in advance. Enjoy and appreciate 5i'S help. Happy New Year.

Q: Five years ago MFC was around $25 a share. Now shares are just under $23 a share. Not great!

Considering selling MFC and buying TSU thinking that TSU will outpace MFC in terms of future returns. Would you concur with this switch and if so, could you please provide some rationale for your views. Also would TSU be suitable for an income oriented account? Thanks.

Q: Can I get your take on canadian insurance companies in this market. Which one would you prefer and why? Would you start buying now or wait a bit till after the next rate hike? Thanks

Q: My wife has $75,000 to invest in her TFSA, in which she is also holding 100 shares of TD Bank along with 100 shares of TD in an RSP. She is retiring in a month has a defined pension plan, CPP, OAS. But she is still looking for dividend income either monthly or quarterly to supplement her income.
We are looking at going with "Beating the TSX Portfolio 2022" but also looking at ZWU and ZWC which look like they could bring in more income but higher fees. What are your thoughts? Thank you.
Brian

Q: hello,
What would be your pick of six or seven Canadian names for a concentrated portfolio for "safe" and reliable income. Open to income trusts as well. Is my list "ok". What would you change? Aiming for better than 5% yield. Thanks

Q: Last earnings were hampered by an "inverted bond yield curve", which cost $800 M.
Is it reasonable to assume, that they will correct this issue before reporting again ?

Q: I am a retiree with 14% financial sector exposure in banks (TD,BNS,RY) and insurance companies (MFC, SLF, BRK.B). I have been a long term holder (10+) of MFC and currently have a half position. Been happy with the dividend but very disappointed with share appreciation (still underwater). Would it make sense to sell MFC and purchase GSY for share appreciation and dividend growth?

Q: The top ten positions in my equity portfolio represent 30% of the portfolio. Among these top ten are TD, BAM, BAC and JPM. The financial sector represents 27.5% of the equity portfolio and the 5i analysis suggests that this be reduced to 15%. I am a new 5i client and don’t disagree with the direction the model is suggesting. Other holdings in the financial sector are: BMO, BNS,CG,C,MFC,PYPL,PNC,RY,SLF,BX,X,V. This is a bit messy but adding to the sector in the spring seemed like and was a good idea but now we need to be more conventional. I may be very wrong but I don’t consider BAM and X as financial services, particularly BAM. Looking at the holdings, what would you unload to bring down the financial sector exposure? Obviously a tax filter will be needed at my end. The question for another day will be an ask for recommendations to increase the under-weighted sectors. Having fun with the model and more importantly find it useful.
David

Q: Peter; Could a Canadian Bank and/or a US financial institution buy MFC? Is there any legislation prohibiting it? Thanks. Rod