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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: Hi 5i team
As a long-time BNS shareholder, I am disappointed to learn of the US$127 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding manipulation in metal markets. As part of this, the bank admitted they (this surely involved senior management) made false statements (nice way of saying 'lied') to U.S. authorities in 2018 as part of a small settlement on the same matter. The bank stated "At Scotiabank, we understand that in order to maintain the trust of our stakeholders, we must adhere to trading-related regulatory requirements and compliance policies. We are committed to adhering to these standards."
How wonderful of BNS to say this (please forgive the sarcasm).
My questions are: What actions do you know of that BNS took to fire the people involved for cause, with no severance, AND to cancel stock options the perpetrators would have enjoyed, to send a crystal clear signal to every BNS employee that these sorts of actions will not in future be tolerated?
And finally, what is your view of BNS shares today?
Thank you.
Edward
Read Answer Asked by Edward on August 26, 2020
Q: Hi Group appreciate your views on BNS /Cad + US banks in general. Is BNS a screaming buy right now due to its poor performance YTD + exposure to Latin America. Please rate the Cad + US banks (top 3 recommendations in each country) lastly is it good time to invest in Cad banks ahead of earnings or wait Thanks Deduct credits as you see fit
Read Answer Asked by Terence on August 25, 2020
Q: I have about 29.3% of my portfolio in financials. Is this too much? I'm above water on all except BNS with FSZ about even if I include the dividend. Which would you suggest dropping if I'm too heavy in this area & in what order? Thanks,as always for your wonderful guidance
Dave
Read Answer Asked by Dave on August 24, 2020
Q: I have been and continue to be a believer in BRK and have no concern about succession plans there. Although BRK’s performance has been dull in the past ten years, I am aware that a value style has done very poorly compared to a growth orientation. My holdings in BRKb represent an appropriate allocation and I will not make changes there. I reviewed Markel after I saw it included in “RBC Top Global Ideas for 3Q-2020” .
I reviewed both BRK and MKL and found:

Over 10 years MKL has beaten both BRK and S&P (BRK did not beat S&P in the past 10 years.
Over 5 years BRK beat MKL but not S&P
Over 3 years S&P beat both companies
Over 1 year S&P beat both companies

I have reviewed a past question and am looking for an update. Would your deep look at MKL prompt you to rate this a buy? Some regard it as a “mini Berkshire” . Based on the holdings would you agree? Would you give it a higher grade than BRKb in terms of price appreciation over the next 3 years?

I tend to buy on noticeable dips. IF you would rate MKL a buy, what would you consider a reasonable entry price?
Read Answer Asked by Adam on August 20, 2020
Q: I have been "trolling" for financially stable dividend payers in the insurance business to find quite a disparity in the perception of value for various firms. While Sun life seems to be the pre-emptive "favourite", can you recommend other insurers of similar quality whether from this list or elsewhere? Stable income is the main attraction but some inflation resistant growth would be a valuable plus.
Read Answer Asked by David on August 20, 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: The 12 month low for bmo was $55.76 and for bns was $46.38 a difference of $9.38.
On aug 14 bmo closed at $78.03 and bns closed at $57.68 a difference of 20.35 in favour of bmo.
Do you think that a major reason for the weakness in bns is due to the coronaravirus in latin and South America and as it continues it to spread should I switch from bns into bmo or is it too late?
Read Answer Asked by Terry on August 18, 2020
Q: What's your opinion on this one? What does the future hold? Got a double and wondering if I should take some profits but still is not an over-weight position. The WE publicity that our finance minister is certainly not helping the the stock. Your pragmatic opinions are so appreciated. Thanks Ron
Read Answer Asked by Ronald on August 17, 2020
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