Investment Q&A

Q: Hello,
Once a while 5i Research Blog has posted some articles from Mr. Nick Mccallum. I am wondering how is his Sure Dividend track records. Does 5i Research endorse Nick Mccallum’s recommendations. Like most recent one, he give 5 best dividend stocks in S&P 500 (IVZ, AMAT, T, WBA, CAH) to buy. I would like to know your thought for these 5 stocks. To me the wording sounds promotional.
Thanks
Victor

Q: Greetings 5i,

I currently hold a full position in BCE, and consider it one of my "core" holdings. Moreover, I very much like the prospects of the telecom sector as a whole, given its (at least in theory) ability to hold up well under adverse economic conditions. Thus, I have been considering adding a position in either AT&T or VZ to diversify my geographical exposure to the sector. I have a fairly long time horizon (I am 36), and am in no great rush, but would, nonetheless, greatly appreciate your insight into each as a long-term "core" addition to a generally conservative portfolio.

Thank you.

Q: I recently inherited 500 shares of AT&T, what is your opinion of the company? I have not done any research but recent price action has been negative suggesting some adverse news or changes. I already have 1260 shares of BCE for telecom exposure.

Should I hold or sell?

Q: Dividend payments from US stocks like T generate a withholding tax which is not insignificant. Is there a process for getting a refund of this tax under dual taxation with the US?

Q: would buy AT&T at this time?

Q: In view of the PROBABLE acquisition by AT&T (T.us) of Time Warner, would AT&T now appear more pretty in your eyes now than it seems to have been in the past? (I am unable to see some past responses) . OR do you believe that political and regulatory uncertainty over the AT&T proposal is such that T.us is still not attractive enough to hold, notwithstanding the Time Warner possibility. AT&T's attractive dividend is all very well but not if growth is unlikley.

I have both Vodafone VOD.us and AT&T (T.us) in a registered account. VOD gives me Europe and India exposure. VOD has also been strong past couple of days, but I am not clear why.
Given my comments above , which one (IF ANY) would you sell and PLEASE your reasoning would be greatly appreciated. Thanks


PS: Previously on your site there was a link to questions one has asked oneself. Is that feature still available? Not critical for me, but was handy when I didn’t get émail that my question had been answered.

Q: Hi.
I keep my Telco at a 5% portfolio weighting. Presently I have 3/5ths BCE. How do you recommend I fill up the other 2/5ths? All in BCE presently with positive momentum. Telus to match the 5i portfolio recommendations. AT&T to take advantage of American Dividend and Share price drop? This will be held in a registered account. Thank you J

Q: Hello, I see that AT&T has not been doing very well, actually down by about 22% since the beginning of the year. How do you explain that poor performance? Should we switch for another name in the same sector? Regards, Gervais

Q: Both CTL and AT&T I believe have extended acquisition closing date deadlines.

Do you have any information and or opinion on the odds for them closing their respective deals?

Thank you!

Q: Hi,
My question is about AT&T (T:US). I know you don't focus in depth on US companies. Do you have any general comments on AT&T's share price slide this year and if the fundamentals have changed in a material way? I understand the merger with Time Warner was delayed a bit but both parties have agreed to extend the deadline. Are there any major regulatory roadblocks you see? Do you think T still has potential going forward as an income holding?
Many thanks, Michael

Q: I hold BCE and T for income, as well as CTL in a retirement income portfolio.
I am thinking of switching either BCE or T for BPY for a similar income because of the much reduced (I think) Capex requirements and likely better growth prospects.
My utility and real estate sector holdings currently are 20% and 23%, respectively,each spread over about 12 companies.
What would your thoughts be?

Q: Hello 5i.

I have some cash and would like to add another US stock to my portfolio, and looking for a recommendation.

I currently own Enbridge (US market), Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, UnitedHealth Group AT&T and McDonald's.

Based on what I own, can you recommend 3 or 4 stocks which you think would be good for my portfolio?

Income is not necessary, but not a problem if it has a dividend. I am looking to invest in a well managed company, with good balance sheet, and good growth potential.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

Q: Dear Peter and Team,

My weighting in bonds has decreased as my stocks (matching BE portfolio plus some US and international holdings) have increased. I was considering trimming some stock gains and adding some short-duration bonds. What do you think of the following two choices?

1. AT&T INC, 3.2 coupon (current Ask YTM is 2.77835%) maturing 3/1/2022
2. FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO LLC, 3.336 coupon (Ask YTM 2.71415%), maturing 3/18/2021

The goal I am trying to achieve with the bonds is preservation of capital with small returns as a bonus and reduction of portfolio standard deviation by adding low-correlation securities. Current total bond weighting is about 7.5% and I am 35 years old.

Q: I am interested in an american telecom for RRSP

I was considering Verizon or AT&T

Please provide your thoughts on which one is presently the better buy based on
A. valuation
B. dividend growth
C. earnings

and the magnitude of the difference ( my perception is that the difference is small, but I would appreciate your thoughts.)

I would also be happy to consider any alternatives to these 2 in the telecom sector that you think has better upside. longterm hold.

thanks

Q: The AT&T purchase of Time Warner is valued at US $107.50 and is subject to a review by the U.S. Justice Department. In your opinion, would it be wise to sell my TWX shares into the market now, or to wait until the (hopeful) approval and closing?

Q: Hello Peter and Team, my question is about AT&T proposal to buy Time Warner. What I do not understand is the reason why this deal has such a negative impact on the price of AT&T shares, could you explain? I hold shares of AT&T, what should I do now? Thank you very much, Gervais

Q: Hello I5, I have US$ to invest and looking to select one or two of CSCO,HPQ, GLW T and PHG for income and some capital growth. I would appreciate, your suggestion, perhaps, can offer another one. Many thanks for your help.
J.A.P. Burlington

Q: Which of the three would be better to own in terms of safety, as well as income and some growth? If it were one of the US telcoms I would hold it in my RRSP.