Investment Q&A

Q: I’m an income investor. Basically I live off my dividend stream without the need to touch capital. In this approach, periodically I look for opportunities to bump up my income stream. I see that PPL is pretty close to its highs and that it only raised its dividend marginally last year. This is the sort of situation where I consider perhaps a switch to something paying a higher dividend with a potential of higher stock price appreciation over a longer period of time. I’m thinking of moving into some combination of BNS, ENB, maybe even BCE. what do you think??

Q: My question pertains to the risk associated with BCE. It is often recommended as a good dividend stock (which it definitely is). However, when I buy dividend stocks, I am equally looking for safety in my investment. The following are few notes:

• The share price is lower than it was 10 years ago.

• In a response to Nick on April 3 you mentioned “the dividend in FY2023 was $3.7B, which is covered by a cash flow of $7.9B,” (which aligns with the Operating Cash flow). Looking at the FY2023 report “https://bce.ca/investors/AR-2023/2023-bce-annual-financial-report.pdf” (page 20) they mention that their dividend payout policy is to fall in the range of 65-75% of free cash flow and that their payout in 2022 was 108% and in 2023 111%. I would think that this may be a better gauge as their capital requirements appear to be regularly high, and a number exceeding 100% may not be sustainable for long.

• Their level of debt appears to be very high.

• Their revenues have had minimal increase year over year and their net earnings declined quite dramatically.

• I understand they are trying to turn things around but are heavy regulated.

What is your opinion considering the above, your understanding of the situation and the current share price which appears to be historically low (offering an incredible dividend).

Would you be a buyer of the stock? Thank You!

Q: The dividends alone on these companies are becoming quite alluring. What are the risks of a cut? Or a drop in the share price from where we are today looking out about 5-10 years? From the dividend alone, one could nearly double their investment in that time frame. I don't normally chase yields, but it's hard not to when both of these companies are trading around the same levels as they were in 2016 (or earlier).

What should happen to these companies share prices if/when interest rates get cut in June?

Please deduct as many credits as necessary.

Q: When I read your answer to Richard on April 11th about BCE I shook my head and said, 'Yes, you've got it right.

Then I read the speach of the BCE CEO from the BSO conference and he stated as follows:

An important mandate is to create greater diversity within Bell Media, adding that diversity makes for great business. He said the company wants half of the English and French language programs it commissions this year to be generated by creatives from Black, Indigenous people of colour and nder represented groups. He wants to make sure the company delivers "differentiated storytelling" by having a "diverse inclusive workforce".

I have been a shareholder of BCE and have not been pleased with its performance to date, by a long shot. If I read the above, that the CEO delivered I wouldn't go near the equity.

Given what you said in your prior answer that needs to be done to retain the dividend and grow, I'm not sure this guy wants to, or knows how to do it.

I just feel he wants to run the most woke communications company in Canada.

Do you have faith in him doing what you stated to succeed?

Thanks

Sheldon

Q: Of these three utilities, BEPC’s share price has suffered significantly more than the other two over the past year. Is there a specific reason why?

Q: Why was ENS just offered at such a low price - nearly 6% discount? ENB was unaffected. Thanks.

Q: Hello,

Thank you for all you do.

For a 5-10 yr hold, could you rank the above on total shareholder return vs risk (I am thinking debt exposure/interest rate risk), but there may be others.

Thank you

Q: Hi 5i
Currently own both but I intend to sell AQN to top up PSI or release funds for something new.
My question is relating to the likelihood of AQN suddenly gaining attention and being re-rated to the upside, effectively making this a timing question.
Thanks

Q: when mister market allocates a 9 percent yield on utility does this not provide a red flag to 5i.? forgetting the fall back answer of falling interest rates what specific strategies does BCE need to implement to restore value to its shareholders ? what is the current payout ratio on the dividend and how does it compare to the last 3 years history? thanks Richard

Q: Hi, I hold both of these and while both seemed to be recovering a while back, BEPC headed back down and now BIPC is also tanking the last few days. What's your view on these two Brookfield companies? Do I sell one or both or hold and wait this out? Thanks for your help as always.

Q: if wanted a dividend and growth what u.s. etf do you think is best for large caps

Q: Need to raise cash. A half position in Tell us would work with a 13% loss.Or full position in Toronto Dominion Bank with a 6.5% loss .I also own a full position in Bell and no other bank stock.Core holdings are ENB and CIG447.Your take On best one much appreciated. Tks.Larry

Q: Good Day 5i team!

My question is around DRX and your thoughts around taking a bigger position? The stock has had a good run, has work in the pipeline and will likely gain some traction fueled by high-rise residential and infrastructure work. Next TVE, which I hold a small position in my RRSP and am thinking about adding more. Mostly due to the dividend and that energy should be a growth area in the coming years.

Thank you so much for all your efforts in adding clarity to this crazy world of investing!

Q: Hello again, I was not very clear on my question re: additions to Canadian dividend growth portfolio. I would like your top 5 preferences out of the 10 stocks listed, which are all currently held.

The suggestions you made are fine and most of those are also held, but for various reasons including existing position sizes I want to add to the group indicated. Thank you.

Q: What the future prospects for BCE and T? Collectively both of these holdings represent about 3.5% of my holdings and currently under water. I am contemplating selling T and buying BCE. Once all the pros and cons for both companies are weighed, is it a reasonable positive change?

Q: I was considering selling FRU to buy ENCC. They seem to follow each other and ENCC has almost 2 times the yield. What would be the your thoughts on this trade? Thanks, James

Q: KBL has been doing well this year could you give us the future prospects and your view going forward.

Q: Which would have a safer dividend for the longer term FTS or BEP.PR.R or both.

Q: We always heard Buy Low Sell high. Will this apply to these two companies , being at their 5 yr. low? If they were to cut their dividend by 30%, their dividend will still be 4% +, and the price will drop even further. Would then be another time to scoop up some more?

Q: What are your top 5 Canadian natural gas stocks in order of how you would buy based on total return expected in 2024? Would you buy all five at this time? If not, which would you buy?