Investment Q&A

Q: My son is currently 39 years old and is trying to develop a solid diversified portfolio. All of his holdings are in his RRSP except for some money in a Tangerine International growth fund which is in his TFSA. He has some new funds to add to his holdings. Could you please recommend some companies from your model portfolios that would add more diversification to his portfolio keeping in mind his relatively long investment horizon. As always, thanks for your advice.

Q: Please accept my apologies for what could be a request for a long-winded answer. You welcome to debit my 5i bankroll for 5 question credits in effort to better compensate you for your time.
---------------------

If possible, please provide your opinion on something I wish to term "Peak Credit" in Canada. We are all aware that Canadians are spending themselves into a life-long love affair with mortgages, lines of credit and credit cards. With Canadian interest rates at 35 year lows, the availability of loans and credit climb while region-specific real estate prices inflate to valuations that seem to defy logic. Young families in their 30's commonly have mortgage debt over $500k and barely earn the income to cover payments at today's rates.

In general, what is the mix of insured/un-insured mortgage debt on the books of Canadian banks? If wages are not keeping pace with inflation and the cost of living, how are Canadians ever going to own their own home? Are we doomed to a life of the English, where the concept of home ownership is more of a dream than it is a reality?

Do you feel banks in Canada are prepared for higher rates in the next 3yrs?

Is Canada showing the early signs of a credit bubble?

Do bank common stock investors have anything for fear?

Am I a coyote howling at the credit moon?


Thank you for your guidance. This topic should be on the minds of many Canadians.

Q: Can you rank these Banks for me. Thank you

Q: Bank of Montreal Rate Reset Preferred Shares Series 40

Is there any downside to this issue, or is it just a good, solid investment?

Q: Hi : I'm a little thin on US exposure. Would it make sense to switch from BMO to TD?

Thanks

Q: At my employer (BMO) I am involved in their share ownership program now for about 10yrs. Currently the value of these shares would make up about 30% of my overall stock portfolio if i was to compare it to my non-registered and TFSA stocks. Would you suggest trimming this number down and treat it like any other stock i hold in my portfolio?

Q: When I hear money managers,people calling into business shows........ and they use the phrase " time to take profit" would that mean to sell part or all of the position?

For example I have a diversified portfolio to produce income. About 7% in BMO with its recent run up and appears to be peaking, so if BMO continues to drift down would one sell it all and wait for the down trend to stop then buy back the same amount of shares at this lower price? Or sell enough to reduce weighting to 4-5 %?

Thanks in advance and for the great service.

Q: I own PWF.PR.L, RY.PR.O, BMO.PR.Z about equal amounts for a total of $150K which is about 5% of my holdings. They have been softening recently, is it time to sell and what would recommend? I have about 20% in bonds and balance heavily skewed to finance, utilities, infrastructure.

Q: I don't know if you cover preferred shares but what is your opinion about this new issue from Bank of Montreal on a five year rate reset preferred share for five year with an annual coupon of 4.85%

Q: The BMO cl B were bought Dec 2014 and have dropped significantly. In the mail we received the option to convert shares into non-cumulative floating rate... Is this a good thing to do? What is the advantage to convert? They are held in a registered account. Are there any other options to recoup our loss. Thanks

Q: There is a report in the G&M today that it may be time to trim BMO as it may be a little over priced now based on its historicals. Interesting I was thinking the same a few days ago and am contemplating selling my holdings. I have not yet sold as I really don't see much to buy at this point from an income perspective. Thoughts on BMO and possible stocks to rotate into? Thanks in advance.

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: 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: 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: Interesting in your view of CDN banks? Are you seeing value? They are looking like decent value to me and going into some seasonal strength. BMO has been under the radar a bit but appears to have some upside with the new purchase etc. What's your opinion on BMO?

Q: BMO beat earnings but could you share (1) what you think about their outlook? (2) Do you think the 'tapped-out' consumer theory will die considering that aspect of their revenue actually did well? (3) Do you think that even if all banks beat earnings this quarter, the market move the sector back up? Thanks for your work. Intense week.

Q: The BMO shares are down over $1.00 at the moment, far more than the other banks. Yet BMO raised their dividend and the results for the quarter slightly beat expectations. Why the drop in value?

Q: Charlie asked about brokerages and you mentioned TD but did not mention BMO. I have a BMO Invest account and trade unlimited shares for $9.95. BMO also provides top notch reports plus excellent information on any stock I may be considering. I believe BNS has a similar service.

Q: What is your outlook for Canadian bank stocks for this year? Tx

Q: I keep wondering why so many pundits, including you, seem to prefer BNS and TD to the other banks. I have positions in all the major banks and, on checking my holdings, see that BNS has not moved in a year while BMO is up over $11 a share since last January. Your thoughts?