Investment Q&A

Q: RBC and a number of the other banks have recently issued preferred shares(series BM ?) where the dividend rate will reset every five years at a rate equal to 4.80 per cent over the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield. Do you think these are a good buy for income and safety? If yes are they available now and what is the symbol of the Royal Bank version ? Thanks Ken

Q: Further to Charlie's question, does this US acquisition spree and it's debt, change your view on the quality of Fortis preferred shares.
Would you own them for income?

Q: I had sent you a question last week about accepting the offer to convert to the new series preferred shares and wonder if I misunderstood you now. I did call the discount broker and told them that I would tender my preferred shares to the new series as the deadline was March 15 and then on Friday I received another notice that I could get $20.00 per shares in Cdn funds or US funds equivalent to $20.00 CDN. I called back the discount broker and told them that I wanted to take the US funds but was told that I could not because I tendered to the new series. Would this be correct? Should have I not received both options at the same time? I am wondering if you meant that I should tender to the offer price and not to the new preferred share? Normally when I get a take over I sell into the market to avoid all the confusion that can happened. I know that I can still sell into the market and most likely will but just wanted you answer on this situation.Should I call the trust company handling this transaction to see what their answer is?

Thanks
Dolores

Q: Hi recently CPD has dropped so much, so my first concern is why. Secondly, since it is a preferred shares ETF, I thought it is very low-risk (dividends paid before common shares)and I suggest my parents to use their line of credit (interest rate lower than 3% annually) to buy it for retirement (use the monthly distribution to pay off monthly payment). Simply put, borrow money to invest in CPD. Let me know your views on my thinking and please be specific. Thank you very very much !!! Tony

Q: Our kids are now going to post-secondary school, so the RESP will be drained at a rate of 25% annually. With these fixed needs, what is an appropriate stable holding? The portfolio is 75% preferreds that have held their par value (GWO.pr.p IGM.pr.b POW.pr.c) but I am concerned they may not hold their ground for the next 4 years. The remainder is in a Cdn Balanced fund.

Q: Do you know how one would go about purchasing Fairfax "7.375% Senior Notes due April 15, 2018" (they don't seem to be listed in TD's quote system)? Also, could you please explain what "Senior Notes" are and what level of risk they have i.e. riskier than equity, preferred's etc. Thank you.

Q: I own some of each of these Pfd's...one has the symbol BM in it's name, the other BK...would you be kind enough to make the distinction for me , please and thank you...also if you would comment on their credit quality ...and whether the reset rates in 5 yrs time is the minimum rate or whether the rate is reduced if we have negative interest rates...many thanks ...cheers

Q: I currently owed some Rona preferred shares and now that the circular is out what you do think someone holding these shares should do?If I wish to convert to the new series I must let my discount broker know.I did buy at a lower price so I am not in a loss position.I hold these shares in my RRSP. If the ex-dividend date is March 14/16 and I sell the stock after March 14,would I be entitled to the dividend?
Thanks
Dolores

Q: Hello great team,
I own some split preferred FFN.pr.a. I am OK with 5.25% dividend and my understanding is that my principal investment and dividend are safe as long as NAV value of the unit remain above $10. Current NAV is ~$14. Are there any other risks (e.g. management) in losing my principal of $10 per preferred share other than drop in NAV value less than $10. Overall, what do you think about this preferred? DBRS rating is 4 high. The fund is managed by Qudravest Capital Management. I will appreciate any alternate suggestions to this preferred share? – I am OK with 5% return and safe principal.
Thanks

Q: I currently own these 2 series of preferred shares, I am up on both, it was the high yield that attracted me,knowing at the time that it was almost a binary outcome, rolled the dice. I feel that at the end of the day that the Feds will give them some more money ( I personally don't think that the government should fund such companies) my question is what is the worst case scenario if they get these funds? in other words how much more time does this buy BBD. and their ability to fund their debt obligations. I sometimes feel like a fly being drawn into the light with the attraction of the high yield

Thank-you and have a nice day

Auftar

Q: I'm looking to add some exposure to the preferred sector. It would be primarily for income and portfolio stability, but an opportunity for capital gains over time is also important. Horizon would be at least 3-5 years. Do you have any recommendations for specific issues or for good ETFs? Thanks.

Q: I have option to transfer series 1 preferred to series 2. I have pasted the announcement to provide all the relevant info. Could you please let me know if I should convert to series 2. I will appreciate your response ASAP since I have to make decision soon.
Thanks and kind regards,
Tarun


First National Announces Dividend Rates on Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Class A Preference Shares, Series 1 and Cumulative Floating Rate Class A Preference Shares, Series 2
2016-03-02 10:00:00 PM ET (CNW Group)




First National Financial Corporation ("First National") (TSX: FN, TSX: FN.PR.A) today announced the applicable dividend rates for its cumulative 5-year rate reset Class A Preference Shares, Series 1 ("Series 1 Preference Shares") and cumulative floating rate Class A Preference Shares, Series 2 ("Series 2 Preference Shares").

With respect to any Series 1 Preference Shares that remain outstanding on March 31, 2016, commencing as of such date, holders thereof will be entitled to receive cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of First National. The dividend rate for the five-year period commencing on April 1, 2016, and ending on March 31, 2021 will be 2.79%, being equal to the 5-Year Government of Canada bond yield determined as at 10 am (Toronto time) March 2, 2016 plus 2.07%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 1 Preference Shares.

With respect to any Series 2 Preference Shares that may be issued on March 31, 2016, holders thereof will be entitled to receive floating rate cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of First National, based on a dividend rate equal to the 90-day Canadian Treasury Bill plus 2.07% on an actual/365 day count basis, subject to certain adjustments in accordance with the terms of the Series 2 Preference Shares. The dividend rate for the period commencing on April 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2016 will be equal to 2.532%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 2 Preference Shares.

Beneficial owners of Series 1 Preference Shares who wish to exercise their right of conversion should communicate as soon as possible with their broker or other nominee and ensure that they follow their instructions in order to ensure that they meet the deadline to exercise such right, which is 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on March 16, 2016

Q: Can you tell me what is happening with WEQ. I bought a huge position (in an account I call VEGAS)at 0.22 and wonder if it will ever get back to its highs in 10 years. They were tied to oil and gas but have shifted to other industries (Movie rentals, Permanent Modular, Passive House Construction etc.) How do the debentures play out? Do you know the management?

Q: How do I research existing rate reset preferreds? I need income and some of them even close to expiry are likely a good diversifier, especially when the reset is at the bank rate plus 4 or more percent.

Q: What would make this issue any better for capital preservation than all other reset prefs that have been capital destoryers .
I have been a long term holder of prefs but since the inception of resets I have not played in that sand box.
25% of my portfolio is in soft callable prefs
Stan

Q: Hi

Could I have your opinion on The Bank of Nova Scotia 5.50% 5 Year Rate Reset Preferred Shares, Series 36

Thank you

Q: Hi 5i
I am holding Husky reset preferred shares,with a 50% loss. Husky is are allowing holders to convert series one shares into series two shares until March 1/2016. Your thoughts on this conversion would be appreciated.
Thanks M

Q: Just further to Eric's question, from the bought deal prospectus:
"At the option of holders and provided that payment of the final instalment has been made, each Debenture will be convertible into common shares of APUC ("Common Shares") at any time on or after the Final Instalment Date, but prior to the earlier of maturity or redemption by the Company, at a conversion price of C$10.60 per Common Share. " As the stock is currently trading below the conversion price, hopefully the "overhang" is mostly priced in already, as 5i suggested in its answer. Recall that the stock was trading at about $11.50 prior to the announcement of the deal.
John

Q: Hi Team,

Currently rate reset prefs have been completely hammered (for obvious reasons). However, at this point should they be considered more compelling over the long term? Even though interest rates could certainly go lower, over the next 5 years I would expect the average interest rate to either be at or above where we are today. If that is a realistic expectation, then should there not also be some capital gain potential with these type of prefs?

Q: i understand why reset preferreds have generally taken a beating for the last year or so but I don't understand why those with generous reset rates such as Efn.pr. at 4.71 points above the bank rate also get dragged down. I would have thought this would have lessened the blow somewhat. Can you educate me on this?