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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 bought Citigroup 3 months ago for exposure to US financials and it's been a dog (flat) compared to its peers and the XLF in general (5-15% higher). I knew it was the most international compared to some of the others and thus less exposed to higher net interest margins but I felt like this was priced in given its discount to peers and thought that it might benefit most from deregulation and a tax holiday on repatriated funds. It has yet to really even break out of it's longer term trend as opposed to a Bank of America or JP morgan. Is my thesis bust? Should I switch into BAC or just continue to hold C and allow this to play out?
Read Answer Asked by Scott on March 07, 2017
Q: In a previous answer, you wrote:

"SLF cites that a 10% downturn in real estate assets would lead to a $175 million decrease in net income. With operating net income in Q2 of $474 million, while a real estate decline would 'hurt', we do not think it would be a company ending event."

The figure you cite here represents a 37% loss of net income in a 10% downturn. I've heard a number of times that a 40% downturn is possible, or worse, so wouldn't that mean SLF could find itself in very serious trouble? If so, are there any other insurance companies (Canadian & US) that you might recommend as a way of capitalizing on rising rates, which could weather a severe real estate decline more easily? The names I've been considering are POW, MFC in Canada and AIG, MET, PRU, CB of in the USA. Thanks for any thoughts on these or other companies.
Read Answer Asked by Brian on March 06, 2017
Q: Hello 5i team,
Instead of collapsing EFN into ECN as per your note,I was thinking of keeping both but on an equal weight basis. Your comments are most appreciated.
I usually follow your suggestions, except once when you exited FSV in March 2015, post split; I kept both and had an average return of 90%.
Keep up the excellent work because I count on it. I'm 74 years old and when my brain power will eventually slow down like my creaky bones, I will have no choice but to "blindly" follow your advice.
Kind regards,
Antoine
Read Answer Asked by Antoine on March 03, 2017
Q: Hi Peter and Team, In the Financial sector of our combined accounts, we hold only one stock that's down - CXI - held in my TFSA - which is down by 21%. We also hold BMO, BNS, GSY, SLF, and ZBK, which are all nicely in the black. I know you believe that CXI has long-term potential, but since it doesn't pay a dividend while 'waiting', I'm considering selling it. Which of our other holdings in this sector would you recommend adding the proceeds of a possible sale of CXI? As always, thanks in advance for your insight and advice.
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on March 03, 2017
Q: I am hunting for reliable dividend payers - companies likely to be around for the next 20years( highly safe - if not guaranteed safe) for the financial sector of an income portfolio.
These 4 have comparable yields. All are around 6%. I know there are issues with Alaris - so would not likely buy it unless you consider it buyable now.

But how about the others: would you recommend all - 1 - none?

Any guidance would be appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Donald on March 02, 2017
Q: TD represents 6% BNS 4% and CM 2% of my portfolio with no other banks.
I am considering switching BNS and CM to RY or should I go with ZBK for direct exposure to the US. Objective is growth. Should i increase my financial exposure? Add insurance Co or stick with banks?
Read Answer Asked by JR on March 01, 2017
Q: Last year CM agreed to buy Private Bancorp in the US at a price which is now about 20% less than the current market price of the PB. It appears highly unlikely PB's shareholders would vote to approve the deal. Of course CM could raise their offer. Today's GAM article discusses this deal and a confusing ( to me ) comment about CM having an option to buy 2% of its stock should the deal fail and therefore supporting CM's stock price. I would appreciate your thoughts on this deal as I am currently considering selling the stock at today's levels given the uncertainty about where this stock is going.
Read Answer Asked by angus on February 28, 2017
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