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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,

I have held fairfax for several years, primarily as a hedge against negative market events. With the trump election win, and the unwinding of many of fairfax's bearish hedges, it now seems to trade much more in lock step with my other financials (bfs, slf, ry). Do you still feel fairfax offers a good hedge against negative market events? If not, what you would generally recommend in it's place?

Regards,

Robert
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 27, 2017
Q: Hi Peter and Team:
I am interested in some comments about both FFN (North American Financial 15 Split) and PIC.a Both trade on the TSX but act like a mutual fund with a small 'mer'.
FFN pays a monthly dividend of 0.10 and its yield is about 13.07% at a trading price of $9.18
PIC.a pays a quarterly dividend of 0.20319 and its yield is about 11.30% at a trading price of $7.20.
I really like high paying dividends, as we all should but,,,,
I have been invested in PIC.a since April 2004. This has consistently paid quarterly since that time. It was a DRIP until a few years ago. Now it strictly pays Cash. This cash is 'Return of Capital' and as such has no tax implications in my regular investment account???, I think. Is this a good or bad thing???
I own about 17% of my overall portfolio in PIC.a Some of this PIC.a Div cash is paying out into a RIF withdrawal, with minimal effects on the Capital in the RIF.
Now I am looking for your thoughts on FFN as I diversify a bit more and of course feedback on PIC.a
Thanks. Ken .....
Read Answer Asked by Ken on January 26, 2017
Q: From what I understand insurance companies should do well if long term interest rates rise. If these companies hold longer term bonds in a rising interest rate environment would any increase in income from higher rates be offset by capital losses on the bonds as long as interest rates increase? How does this affect the stock price?
Read Answer Asked by Jerry on January 24, 2017
Q: In December, you suggested that, with its investment profile now dominated by insurance holdings, Fairfax might lose its premium multiple. But many insurance co's offer a better dividend and at least as good a growth profile; what's actually to like about today's Fairfax - or is it, essentially, still coasting on its outstanding performance during the Great Recession?
Read Answer Asked by John on January 19, 2017
Q: Hi, I have a very small position in each of these 2 bank stocks that I am looking to consolidate into just 1. It is for a long term hold within a USD$ RRSP...which of these 2 would you recommend? (even thou I understand you focus less on US stocks) Thanks, Stephane
Read Answer Asked by Stephane on January 18, 2017
Q: My portfolio consists of 14% Financial stocks that include; 6.5% BNS,3% TNC, 3% ECN, and a new purchase this week of 2.5% RY. TNC and ECN are in my TFSA, the RRSP has the other two. Two questions, overall should I have more financials, if so a suggestion please? I have a high tolerance for risk and a long time frame in mind if required, of course quick gains are always appreciated. haha
Read Answer Asked by Charles on January 16, 2017
Q: I recently purchased 50 shares at $650, with a multi-year horizon, following a thorough article about FFH being a top-ranked stock when it comes to long-term value AND growth. It has recently been on a steady decline, down by about 5%. Where could I find a relevant explanation for why this is happening and what is your outlook for FFH moving forward ?
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 13, 2017
Q: Report on Business in the Globe and Mail had an article entitled "How lenders skirt Canada' mortgage rules" in today's paper (January 12, 2017). The first two sentences of the artilce state: Canada’s subprime mortgage providers are increasingly teaming up with unregulated rivals to sidestep rules designed to clamp down on risky lending.

The results of these partnerships are so-called "bundled" loans, which pair a primary mortgage with a second loan from unregulated groups called mortgage investment corporations (MICs).

It later states that HCG uses this bundling technique.

Do you think this article is being fair to HCG? Could HCG be at risk if it is following this practice? Will the shorts find this another reason to put HCG in a negative light?
Read Answer Asked by Robert on January 13, 2017
Q: Hello 5i
Thanks for the service.

Checking in on a 5i current viewpoint for Timbercreek Financial.
I hold it after the merger of their two entities and really like the current 7.8% yield as income flow to Portfolio.
There has been lots going on related to interest rates and new entrants to potentially compete against TF.
Would you please offer you comments about continuing to hold this security and whether you consider any risk growing; price level and ongoing distribution?


Thanks
Dave
Read Answer Asked by David on January 12, 2017
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