Investment Q&A

Q: So, Canadian Telcos are hurting……

The three control the Canadian market. Canadians pay some of the highest prices for their services. Their networks are vital infrastructure for businesses, government, and everything else.

I understand that capital investment is large and that interest rates have risen, however….. rates aren’t that high and look to be on the way down. Also, would it not take some time for increased borrowing costs to catch up with these companies?

Income….could it be any higher?

Is the problem excessive expenses? Forays into non-core businesses? Aren’t their problems easily solvable?

I’m having trouble seeing how the current low prices are not an incredible long term buying opportunity.

Comments?

Q: In a recent question from Michael, regarding the Communication Services sector, 5i responded by stating “we think investors are better off without having too much capital invested in these fields”. I agree that owning BCE and T lately, especially for long-term holders, has been very frustrating to say the least.

For our combined portfolio, Portfolio Analytics indicates that our holdings in this sector have dropped to 5.9% (understandably) but PA still suggests a weight of 7% in this sector.

Two questions: (1) In light of sector weakness, which will probably continue for some time, what would be your suggested Communication Services sector weight? (2) Would you endorse some tax-loss selling of BCE and/or T but put the proceeds into another more promising sector?

Thanks as always for your insight.

Q: I recently sold my shares of bce that are in my non registered account at a loss with the intention of buying the shares back 30 days later. However I also recently purchased bce shares in my registered accounts. Can I still repurchase the bce shares in my trading account and claim a tax loss in the process. Thanks steve

Q: Hi,
Comparing Telus, BCE and Rogers to AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile over the last year, the US companies seem to be outperforming (granted this is a short timeframe and others in the US top five: Comcast and Charter Communications aren't doing well either).

I was wondering if you have any thoughts about why the top three in the US are doing so much better lately than the top three in Canada. (Take credits as needed please.)

Thank you, Michael

Q: Good afternoon,

I know there has been much angst here with Telus. And your responses in recent months have been very well thought out and helpful (rates; competitive/regulatory environment). I have a 2% weight in BCE, 1% weight in T. So not massive by any means. But the slow steady drip downwards in price is getting frustrating, and now seeing the price today lower than where it was in the depths of COVID in March 2020 is concerning. At what point do I just take the 1% in T and add to BCE?

Q: Have some new money to put into one of these 4 stocks. Which one would you choose and your reason for that choice? Thanks Ron

Q: Hi 5i, I recently sold VZ so looking for your direction on a replacement. Was thinking either Telus or T-Mobile unless you have a preferred suggestion?
Really appreciate your help.
Ralph

Q: Hello,

I have done very well and am very happy with my investment in CSU - thank you.

I would appreciate your insight on characterizing the return one receives from a co. like this.

Einstein called compound interest the 8th wonder of the world and IMO the return from CSU seems to be a phenomena beyond that.

With SHOP your return is based on capital appreciation. If it goes up you win - goes down you lose.

With BCE your return is based on a dividend and possible capital appreciation. Almost a paid rent for your money invested and with a hoped for capital gain.

With CSU the actual dividend (rent) is miniscule, however the spin-offs are like a special dividend (equity rent?) with a shared equity multiplier plus capital appreciation of the mother co.

In the past 4 yrs my CSU stock has tripled in capital value and spun off co's that their current value works out to 16% annual return. The annual growth of these co's are also expected to grow.

You have long spoke positively of CSU and maybe now, with some data, I am just seeing why.

Thank you

Q: I was watching an interview with David Rosenberg and Ed Devland. They were stating that the Canadian interest rates are going to have to be cut several times due to economic conditions. Can you recommend investment strategies to benefit from this . For example bonds going up in value because of the inverse relationship of interest rates and bond values. What bond etf's ect. Can you give US recommendations also, as it sounds like the Us will be later than Canada.

Thanks

Q: Sold both for tax loss.
Wondering about proxies for both. Could you suggest a couple? If the proxy goes up in the 30 days, I presume you would keep the proxy until it changed direction. What is the thinking on this process. What if it goes down?
Thanks on your thoughts
John

Q: What is your opinion of Rogers Comm. today. How have they performed compared to the other Cdn. telcos. Is their future any different then BCE/Telus?
Would it effect their performance if they divested of their sports teams. Are the teams a distraction? or do they add to the bottom line. My opinion is they should concentrate on the telco business.
Thanks

Q: Hello. I'm a bit concerned about the payout ratios of BCE and Telus. Telus has an even higher payout ratio than BCE, and I'm wondering what their prospects look like for the next few years. Will they be able to keep up these high dividends? Is there a chance they might cut their dividends? My question is, should we reduce our exposure to these telecom stocks and reinvest in other areas? Your insight would be really helpful. Thank you!

Q: to start a new position in telcom today.

assuming same dividend growth average of the last five years for each company and asssuming it is maintained moving forward,

how long would it take for the dividend of telus to catch up to BCE when they are starting as far apart as they are currently ?

Which of the two do you prefer for a long term hold and why ?

Q: If/when rates are lowered should the steady/higher paying dividend stocks do well ? Any favorites ? Thank you.

Q: Hello. I’ve held Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN) for quite some time now. Unfortunately, all the gains have vanished, and the investment has turned negative in my non-registered account. Should I sell, hold, or consider other options? I also have Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP.un), Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP.un), Fortis, Enbridge, Telus, BCE, TD, SLF, NWC, BAM, PFE and Exchange Income Corp in my portfolio. As a retiree, do you have any suggestions for a dividend portfolio replacement? Thank you.

Q: Hi group can you help me sort out your top2 buys in each sector cw rating the sector(1-10) 10 being the highest. Also rate the recommended buys (1to 10 cw entry target price )

- Power infrastructure , Bio Tech, Health care, Financials, Tech, utilities, Commodities, Power infrastructure , Consumer staples, Consumer discretionary, Communication Thanks for your help.

Q: It seems that the telco sector will faced with challenges for the foreseeable future with price pressures on fees (I see it on my own bills) and likely not being able to recover for quite sometime. It was easier to sell the position on the non registered account and take advantage of the tax loss. I have kept my positions in the registered accounts for the dividend but am now wondering if perhaps a sell would be make sense and what to replace them with. Any ideas with some dividend and a little bit of growth?
Much appreciated.

Q: I never thought I would be contemplating whether or not to continue to hold these “sleep at night stocks” but here we are. I have no doubt they will recover but in what timeframe? I am particularly concerned about TD. I believe regulators are going to set an example. I am 75 years old and time is at a premium. Please give me some guidance.

Carl

Q: Sorry about this tax loss question but I find it a little confusing regarding the minimum 30 day waiting period.
If I sold all my BCE shares on April 16 for a loss.
What is the "earliest" exact date I can start buying BCE back and still claim
the loss in my taxable account?

Q: 5i, As Im heading to retirement in the next 3 months, I'm searching for stocks/etf with good yields, of these stocks/etf in which order would you add, after reviewing "Questions" I get BCE is good to start accumulating now, any other suggestion/advice, please and thanks