Investment Q&A

Q: Hi there

I was thinking of investing about 2.5% of a diversified portfolio in Fairfax Financial as a bit of a hedge on the maket not really going the way it is going now - up. But I see today Fairfax is removing many of it hedging positions betting the market would decline. Two questions:

1) Will this cost them much to get out of these contracts and will this affect their next quarter results?

2) Given it has pulled way back from its highs do you see it as a buy here?

Much thanks

Stuart

Q: I'm considering an investment in India. What do you think about a long-term (5+ years) in that country? Capital gains are my primary interest. How should I invest there - Fairfax India (FTD.UN), Excel India Growth & Income Fund, INDY or XID? Do you have other suggestions for that market?

Q: Can you comment as to why Fairfax would purchase 3.5 million shares of Torstar. Do they know something the rest of the market doesn't.

Q: FFH seems to be doing one of its deep dives. Do you think this might be a good entry point? I already have a half position at ~$600. Thanks. Really appreciate this service.

Q: Would you be comfortable to have 3-5% FFH now?
Thanks very much.

Q: I purchased Sun Life for some exposure to a rising rate environment even though I don't expect rates to increase very much. My concern with Sun Life and other insurance companies is there exposure to Canadian real estate as part of their investments. I know that Sun Life has an active real estate division and they purchased a real estate company in 2015 as well. Do you think this is a risk in the event of a real estate downturn in Canada? Safer to play Fairfax which I understand has zero exposure to Canadian real estate, despite its higher valuation? Am I over thinking things here?

Thanks,
Jason

Q: Hello Peter,
Any idea why these stocks:Pacific Insight, Fairfax, Knight, and Stella Jones have been declining of late, especially Pacific Insight. It has been hit very hard after their earnings. Is it a good time to pick up these 4 companies given the current decline? Thanks very much.Umed

Q: Hi guys, does Fairfax 'crash' hedges get reflected in price (either due to fundamentals or sentiment) in your view? I know its only a portion of their vast holdings, but I always get nervous when FFH is up like today's 3% move. Do you also view the stock as a bet against the market short-term due to their hedge book?

Q: Hello Peter,
I was expecting Fairfax, CRH medical, and Constellation to go up significantly after the earnings announcement. Fairfax dipped, CRH and CSU went up slightl. Any comments please? Do you think it is too late to enter Electrovaya at 3.40 or above? Also, do you think Knight (gud) is a type of stock you can buy and hold it for years given the credibility of the management team? Thanks very much.

Q: HiPeter & CO.
I'm down 25% on this Fairfax Financial Holding Ltd.Cum PFD Series C Pref rate 4.578%. Is there a chance that the share price will recover in the next year or two, or should I sell and move on.
Thanks Ken

Q: Please advise me
Out of the three insurance co.s MF, SLF FFH which one is better to invest
for growth and dividend

Q: Hi Peter and Team!! What are your thoughts on FFH. Is it too pricey to acquire a few stocks? Are there any near future risks to holding the stock? Thank you in advance, Tamara

Q: FFH has holdings in insurance and re-insurance. Are they overly exposed to the Fort McMurray losses? I hold a 1/2 position and would sell if this is now a big risk.

Q: Hello Peter,
Can you please explain the various reasons for gold to move higher? One of the reasons i have been reading is deflation. If that is true, it appears that Prem Watsa at Fairfax is betting on deflation. His portfolio supposedly will do well if he is correct. If gold is going up due to deflation, why is Mr Watsa not buying gold? I would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks very much.

Q: Fairfax is off 5 per cent on earnings. What do you think?

Q: Hi Peter, Can you please suggest me 5 names based on today's price which I will hold until 2030 and those will have a good growing dividend? Does Fairfax financial qualify? I just mentioned FFH as I am looking for those names that will predictably increase book value and dividend on a 15% CAGR basis for next 15 years. Just want to mention that the changes 5i made to the site is very effective. Great service!!

Q: Hi Peter, I know the question I am asking is very hard to predict/answer. Although I would appreciate if you give it a shot.

I currently have your growth portfolio and some stocks from your balance portfolio on a margin account. I have some US growth stocks too(like AGN, CERN, BIDU). I have enough cushion but I do have 30% of my portfolio on margin. I would appreciate if you just do not advice me not to use margin(like other financial professionals).

My question is do you think considering all current turmoil and risks looming(US election, oil price, global recession), should I be better off taking some profit off the table? I was reading Prem Watsa's 2016 letter and he was very negative things to say regarding current valuation. Basically what do you think Canadian/US market would be at year end? Do you think there might be some opportunity(like last August or October or like Feb 2016)? I would really appreciate your insight. What would you do in this situation if you are in my shoes?

Q: Hi,

I am considering buying a FFH bond. I do have some bond ETF's but I like the certainty of a known maturity date when I get my original investment back and the ability to select the company. I have never owned a bond directly and would like your advice. Two concerns: 1) trading fees from BMO investorline seem quite high at 1% plus there is no bid/offer spread so they probably gouge me on that too. 2) Specific to FFH the +3% yield seems high compared to other names which I presume implies it is riskier. I understand FFH have a lot of equity hedges to protect against deflation so wouldn't that mitigate risk? Am I crazy to start down this path and am I missing something wrt to FFH in particular?

Q: Although FFH is known to have hedges in the case of a Black Swan event, the long term chart still looks good. Is this basically a "no-brainer" where you can buy the stock and see it appreciate in both bear and bull markets?

Q: Hello to all at 5i!!! Fair fax seems to have had a good run in the past. Is it still a worth while investment for a 5-10 year hold? It has a hefty price tag. If you think not, could you give me a suitable stock alternative of a similar nature. Thank you, Tamara