Investment Q&A

Q: You mentioned this morning that "Roughly half of Manulifes business is exposed to China". I used to work for them in Asia x 10 years until last year. They own 49% of their joint venture IN China, but I don't believe anywhere near half of their global business is exposed to China. I stand to be corrected but I would guess the number is more like 5-10%.

Q: Peter; Minister Joly has basically warned Canadian companies to expect upcoming government positions on China and to be “ clear eyed” when doing business there. Are there any companies, already doing business there, that might be affected? Thanks
Rod

Q: Hi 5i
I am a little overweight in financials, about 2% each in above Canadian names and about 1% each in US names.

I am underweight real estate / property.

I would like to sell a financial. Probably MFC which essentially has paid me a nice dividend for a few years but hasn't really had a significant gain. Selling would provide a small capital loss that I could use. Certainly recent market downdraft has been a factor.

Would you agree that MFC is the one to sell?

2nd question is which real estate stock(s) or REITS to replace up to 2% of portfolio or simply go to ETF ZRE which is in the income portfolio.
I prefer individual - your favoured 2 or 3 but would definitely consider this ETF w good yield.

Criteria for buy(s) are (for retiree.)
(a) high yield i.e. 4% or more, mainly to replace income from MFC.
(b) low overall long term risk as compared to other REITs and
(c) low to modest growth.

re Reits buy all now or average in over 3 to 6 months?

Please subtract as many credits as you see fit.
Thank you for always helpful advice.

Q: Hi Folks,
I am looking to re-invest this quarters dividends in my RRSP account. Of the four mentioned above, which would be the best to add to at this time and why.
Thanks for your help.

Q: In a dividend portfolio would you prefer Scotia bank with its higher yield despite recent concerns in respect of the new CEO or National Bank. We also have TD and Royal in our portfolio. Similarly would you prefer Manulife over Intact Financial for now given the higher dividend for the current time.

Q: Hello Peter,
Can you please comment on good natured results? Is it fair to say Blackstone is more for income oriented investors given its dividend and Blackrock is more for growth oriented investors. Also, would be better to diversify into both instead of picking one as i already own fair amount of BAM? Is Manulife worth a hold for long term given its decent dividend? thanks very much

Q: Which of these is the better buy at current levels? Cash flows seem wildly different between the two, can you help me understand the difference? I like the MFC buybacks and higher dividend. Will increasing interest rates benefit both of these companies equally? How long do you expect it to take for higher rates to filter through to the bottom line? Please deduct as many credits as necessary. Thank you.

Q: Hello 5i could you explain the high volume an the steep price drop in Manulife today

Q: In addition to the Income portfolio, please suggest 10 diversified Canadian large cap stocks that should produce a total return of 8% with minimum volatility and a dividend ie no roller coaster ride. Thank you

Q: In a rising interest rate environment - I always understood that insurance companies would do well since their liabilities would be discounted at a higher rate. However - I see that SLF is down 16% this year and MFC is down over 8%. Huh???

Q: Greetings 5i,

Can you rank in a list the top5 Canadian Banks, top 3 Life Companies, and 2 Telcos in order of preferance for purchasing today for longer term hold.

Can you briefly outline your reasons as to why you ranked the Lifecos as you did in comparison to the others on the list.

Cheers!

Q: I was wondering what the difference is between these two companies. I own a small amount of SLF and am thinking of buying more or adding MFC.
I value your opinion.

Thank you.

Q: Thoughts on MFC's results? I currently have a position and am considering picking up more for income. Long term investor.

Yay or nay?

Q: The trend is negative breaking support. What is your take on IAG now and for the next two years? Should I take a capital loss and sell now or hold onto the stock?

Q: This week sun life raised its dividend but no raise from mfc or power corp. do you think this will still happen this year . Once again mfc disappoints for the common shareholder

Q: Would you please compare Manulife and Sun life. I have some Manulife shares. Would you recommend buying more Manulife shares or buy some Sun Life shares instead and therefore have some of both?

Q: I have owned MFC for a number of years and over this period the shares have done absolutely nothing other than the dividend despite general markets that have been quite positive over this period. If that is how the shares performed in good markets what might happen if or when markets weaken. I suspect shares could tank as they’re does not to be a lot of ‘love’ for the company shares. Would appreciate your analysis. Should shares be sold or continue to be held? Could you pleases provide rationale for your position. Thanks.

Q: I am thinking of adding an insurance name in my margin account. Both dividend yield and safety are my criteria. How would you rank these three companies?

Q: What sectors and top stock picks for each sector would you advise to address inflation and a recession. If possible, could you provide entry points.
thanks

Q: The current "supply and confidence" arrangement between the federal Liberal and NDP parties has resulted in the announcement of the intention to establish a national dental plan, for which there are very few specifics, save the $90,000 family income threshold, that this plan is for "Candians lacking dental coverage" (as per CBC report) and that coverage will be provided to Canadians under twelve years of age in this year, to Canadians under eighteen in 2023, with full implementation in 2025.

While it would be an impossible task to truly account for the potential impact to existing dental insurance providers, given the lack of any concrete information regarding levels of funding and range of services to be covered within this policy, could you offer any commentary (significant hedging of opinion is to be expected) on the potential near-term impact to the major players in the Canadian insurance space? Any insights you deem appropriate to share would be most appreciated. As always, I appreciate your candour and I look forward to your response.