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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: I would like to thank Paul L for his reference on August 10th to a Seeking Alpha article about factor investing. I have since read both the Seeking Alpha article and the associated book "Your Complete Guide to Factor-Based Investing" by Andrew Berkin and Larry Swedroe.

This book contains historical charts which plot the premiums over time for the main factors (i.e. market beta, size, value, momentum, profitability and quality). Based on these charts, it appears that factors work for several years before their success switches to its opposite factor (e.g. value outperforms for a number of years, then there is a switch, and growth outperforms). Given that the factors outperform for a number of years, the charts can be viewed as long-term trend charts. On these long-term charts, it appears fairly easy to see when the switchover takes place. Unfortunately, the charts in the book only cover the period of 1927 to 2015.

Do you know where I can find updated chart information which clearly shows factor premiums? I would like to understand which factors are "working" now, and where they are in the cycle so that I can properly position for any switchover. For example, although value and size outperformed in the decade of 2000, for the last several years, large US growth firms are dominant. On a long term factor chart, based on historicals, it may be possible to predict when the switchover will take place again, and a portfolio should be positioned for small, value stocks.

Do you agree with this approach? Do you know where I can find this information?

Thank you for this excellent service.
Read Answer Asked by Dale on August 19, 2020
Q: (not on your list? - trades on nasdaq) reported Q2 earnings 11 Aug. I am trying to get a handle on its prospects. Aside from the first five years the past ten have been volatile or depressed, but improving in response to the current pandemic demands. Can you comment please on the current valuation and if possible indicate whether the recovery might be sustainable. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Mike on August 19, 2020
Q: Hi,
DOC: I am looking at cloud md as a speculative growth buy. It is in the same space as WELL and recently closed an acquisition. Financials expected end of month. (comments on anticipated results appreciated) I know it is early days but I think it has potential. Any insights on the potential for this sector generally and the company in particular are much appreciated.. As always thanks for the services you provide.
Read Answer Asked by Erna on August 19, 2020
Q: Thank you for your previous answer for a recommendation on a Precious Metals fund that trades in US$. But the McKenzie Precious Metals US$ fund is unfortunately capped. Do you have any other suggestions? I want to use my US$ that I am sitting on. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Martin on August 19, 2020
Q: As Verde posts a second quarter of exponential sales and are derisking themselves as a profitable company I would really appreciate your expertise. What is the best way to value this company?

I would also appreciate your thoughts on Belarus and Russia as it pertains to fertilizer. Together those two countries make up 50% of the worlds supply of potash which seems from a macro perspective to be a huge amount of political clout for Russia when the product is integral for modern farming.

Thank you.


Read Answer Asked by Frederick on August 19, 2020
Q: Hi there , do you know how I can find the % of revenues and profit that BNS gets from its Latin american operations ?, following a previous question from another member : I travel to Chile often and I am always amazed at the high activity of the economy and the low service standards for banks . BNS ought to benefit from these favourable conditions.
Read Answer Asked by Alejandro (Alex) on August 19, 2020
Q: Would you expect the Canadian dollar to experience weakness now that Bill Morneau has resigned? I've been very surprised by its strength since March.
Read Answer Asked by Mike on August 19, 2020
Q: Further to ma's question and our answer concerning what constitutes a bubble: "Joe Kennedy, a famous rich guy in his day, exited the stock market in timely fashion after a shoeshine boy gave him some stock tips. He figured that when the shoeshine boys have tips, the market is too popular for its own good..."

Interestingly, that article was from April 1996. They were onto something, but it took another four years...

https://archive.fortune.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1996/04/15/211503/index.htm
Read Answer Asked by Marc on August 18, 2020
Q: Could I have your thoughts on Maxar at present ( I know it is now a U.S. company but a lot of the assets are the same as when domiciled in Canada.
The earth intelligence segment continues to perform well as it always has with recurring revenues. Since Jablonsky ( former Digital Globe CEO) took over as CEO at Maxr the stock is up 400 % plus. There is 80% institutional ownership and the debt is looking much more manageable now. Would you consider Maxr a moat type company? The list of clients is impressive. Every Google map I see has been done by Digital Globe. Moving forward would you consider this a good investment? Thx
Read Answer Asked by blake on August 18, 2020