Investment Q&A

Q: TD may go into the penalty box in USA and not be allowed to purchase a US Bank,

Would they purchase Laurentian Bank ? What is it worth ?

RAK

Q: My wife and I hold a blend of mainly dividend paying blue chip Canadian stocks (examples shown) in a diversified equity/fixed income portfolio. PE ratios on some of our dividend payers seem enticing to add to. As retirees with a reasonably conservative approach, what sectors does 5i feel have the best opportunity for P/E margin expansion over the next several years, assuming no 'abnormal' (whatever that is) market volatility and some moderation of interest rates? Consistent with the margin expansion theme, would 5i suggest we add to our existing dividend payers, or to more growth-oriented names like BN group?

Q: I hold the above positions in approx equal weights in a non-registered account from which I need to raise some cash for a home project. If you were to sell entire positions, in what order would you proceed, first to be sold through to tenth (ie which positions do you see as having the most potential yet to be realized and would be later in your sell order)? Alternatively, are there some positions you would sell outright while trimming as needed from others, and if so, which ones would be sells - again in what order - and which would be trims? Many thanks.

Q: In many of your recent answers as well as your report, you mention "interest rate decreases" and that they could help stocks like Telus and BCE, TD and BNS. I am wondering how much of a decrease this would have to be, as I am reading many articles that suggest we are in an aura of higher for longer, and interest rates will not be going back to the ultra low rates we have seen in prior years. So my question is, in your opinion, what percentage decrease would we have to see before there would be some sustainable upside movement to these stocks? Thanks.

Q: I read an article in the paper today about something called the "Stable Dividend Portfolio". Basically it proposed that an investor select and hold the best dividend paying companies in Canada throughout the entire year. (Not buy in May and Go Away". Nor move back and forth from an emphasis on bonds to one on stocks. My questions are:
1. Have you heard of such a strategy and if so, do you agree with it?
2. What 12 Canadian companies would you select for such a portfolio?

Q: I hold TD-T in a TFSA with a loss of about 10%. I have read you comment that TD-T is now a hold. But I keep wondering if I should switch to RY-T and expect to make up the loss over time......keen to hear your take.....Tom

Q: I'm looking for a list of companies with a dividend yield 4% or higher who are able to support this dividend for the foreseeable future.

Q: Everyone. If you were 30 years old today, what ten stocks (Canada or US) would you buy? Clayton

Q: Hi 5i, for better growth over the next 3-5 years would a switch from to TD to CWB, so as to take advantage of discount, make sense? I'm worried about TD being put in the penalty box for any new US acquisitions.

Thx

Q: Hello

I recently submitted a question on TD, expressing concerns about possible lingering ill effects due to the money laundering episode. In a nutshell, 5Is position was that there was little concern on their part about TDs future and that most banks are subjected to the same money laundering threats. Just received this presser:

"Toronto-Dominion Bank's anti-money laundering program will take longer to cure and could have a greater and more damaging impact on the bank's franchise and earnings power. After confirming TD Bank's AA credit rating in May, additional shortcomings in the program, controls and operational risk-management practices have surfaced. Morningstar expects additional investment in risk and control infrastructure and expected monetary and non-monetary penalties, as well as the ongoing attention of leadership on remediation efforts, will act as earnings headwinds. There also is a risk regulators conducting investigations will reveal other related and/or unrelated issues, it says."

Still little concern on your part?

I did sell a third of my TD holdings after receiving your input. It was my largest holding.

Carl

Q: Are any of the other large Canadian Banks similarly exposed to investigation/prosecution in the U.S. for the same activity that TD was convicted? Also, can to tell me what % of each banks total business revenue comes from U.S. sources?

Q: Would this be a good time to sell TD because of there US problems and buy RY for long term dividends and safety?

Q: Would BMO be a good proxy for TD? Mid and longer term which do you see as more likely to do better? Please explain your reasoning.
Other banks or other high yield suggestions for proxies?
I have lots of BNS.
Thank you.

Q: I understand that TD will face a fine of some large amount, and I feel they can overcome the fine. My concern relates to TD getting a fine plus curtailment of doing acquisitions in the US for a period of time say five years. Should not a curtailment of US acquisitions be the most worrisome for investors?
Mike

Q: I'm wondering which of these stocks would be best to move from a RRIF into a CDN TFSA? Thanks.

Q: Hi 5I. My largest holding is TD and I am going to reduce it by a third. Reasons are mainly concerns of future US growth because of the money-laundering stain. The potential fine is not as concerning as being shunned by investors resulting in stunted growth in the US. With the proceeds I was thinking of adding to my RY holding and taking a position in IFC. Or should I be looking at another big 6 such as NA or ...? Thanks in advance.

Carl

Q: Dear Peter et al:

You can call me a "Nervous Nellie" if you want (!) but I am older than you and know that sometimes the story like TD to play out can take a looong time!

If one is sitting in a small loss position in TD, worth switching to another bank like RY or BNS? Or move into a riskier stock like GSY or an insurance co like SLF? I know it is comparing Apples VS Oranges. Nothing against TD. I am sure it will bounce back. But I can "see" it moving sideways for a while. Just an old man's opinion.

Q: What are your views on TD earnings and what lies ahead? Stock performance is very disappointing. How long do you think it will take for TD to surface and start moving upwards. Looking for a view over the next 3 - 12 months or will it take longer than this? I guess I should ask how much lower you think it might go? When should buyers start buying?

Q: I'm considering starting half a position in TD. How does its current valuation compare to historical averages?

I read your response to a question where you say that TD is the cheapest of the bank stocks in Canada. How far out of sync is its valuation compared to its peers?

Q: Hello,

What are your recommendations for Canadian banks for a TFSA with a 15+ year horizon?