Investment Q&A

Q: Though I don't think interest rates can increase very much, can you share which 3 or 4 utilities in Canada have the least amount (and most amount) of debt?
Thanks

Q: together these 5 stocks make up 10% of my portfolio. not a terribly large weighting but enough that i have felt the recent decline. I understand the correlation between interest rates and these companies that are viewed as bond proxies. Since Jan 1 2018 BCE is down 5.5%, BEP is down 7%, BIP is down 8%, TRP down over 9%, ENB down over 10% (all return % are excluding dividends). ENB is now yielding over 6% if their Q1 2018 dividend is extrapolated for the FY 2018. my question is at what point does one consider the decline overdone and step into one or a few of these? a 6% yield on ENB is looking attractive to me but do you think there is still more downside risk in these names?

Q: A general question: Utilities have tanked extremely much out of proportion to the small increase in interest rates.. how must an investor assess whether this can be a continuous downfall or a temporary trend that creates buying opportunity

And how do you rate the chances of comeback for the stocks listed
As well what utility type stocks would be most attractive buys for dividends and price increase

Q: Enjoying your new site immensely. Keep up the good work.
Whats up with Transcanada (TRP) ?
I am down on this stock. Is it a hold or a sell?

Q: I have a 20% overall weighting in above names. At 57 do you feel this weighting is excessive? Thanks!

Rob

Q: Hello Peter,
It is a bit sad that shareholders of Canadian energy companies are not able to take advantage of the increase in oil prices as the stocks have hardly moved. I am assuming it is due to the restrictions on pipeline capacity. However, why are Enbridge and Transcanada down? I understand they are impacted by oil prices, but I am surprised at the reaction to their stock prices (downward). Comments please. Thanks very much.

Q: Do you see any particular reason for the recent weakness in the pipeline co's lately?. Is it NAFTA related and if so how?
Many thanks
Bob

Q: We have major positions in TRP and PPL in our joint and two TFSAs and both stocks have fallen substantially in the past few days. Hold, sell, or add to the positions? Cheers, Edward

Q: I own about 16% utilities - all have been falling quite a bit recently. Based on my limited knowledge of technicals, it seems that they are all at their support levels (except TRP which appears to be below that level). Is it time to buy into these utility stocks based on technicals, or does it seem that they are going to fall some more based on interest rate hike fears, so it would be best to lighten up on utilities? or just do nothing?

Q: I have recently purchased ENB, having owned TRP for a number of years. I need to do some sector adjusting and these two jump out as overlapping industries in my RRSP. I would anticipate holding one or the other mid to longer term. Which of these two do you feel would offer longer term opportunity? If I were to sell ENB, I would not be in a rush and would sell on opportunity if it spiked a few dollars north of where they are today and enjoy dividend in the meantime.

Q: Looking to purchase some individual rate reset preferred shares. Looking for relatively early reset dates. Would you be comfortable with: BCE.PR.Q, MFC.PR.J, RY.PR.H, TRP.PR.G ?
Regards,
Robert

Q: I have always thought of ENB and TRP as utilities rather than energy companies, as they are involved in distribution of oil/natural gas, rather than dealing with exploration and refinement of these energy sources. Furthermore, while their revenues may have sensitivity to oil/gas prices, there is always a need for oil/gas distribution, whether energy is in a bull or bear market, which is why I have always considered the, as utility companies. I recently noticed that they are listed as energy companies by Bloomberg. For the purposes of sector allocation, is it reasonable to consider them utilities, or should I consider them purely as energy holdings?

Q: Hello Peter
As a recent new member, I am both impressed and a little overwhelmed with all the information. I started making a lists of potential companies to invest with, but decided to cut to the chase and just ask you....I am looking for your recommendation for both income and growth companies.... perhaps 4 or 5 of each. I am fully invested in TD, which has done well for me this last year, as well as a couple energy stocks.... Spartan and Ring. I am retired but have a steady income flow with pensions and dividends from an ongoing business. Thank you for offering such a great service and look forward to a bright and lucrative future. Brian

Q: Hi 5i,
Just a comment. You are fond of pointing out that there are two sides to every trade but I don’t know if many people really think about what that means. Frustrated holders of ENB (how could we be anything else?) might want to take a look at a 5-year chart for TRP. TRP went through a period where it had some issues and not everything was working out perfectly for it. Even though there was never any real concern that its dividend was in danger or that its business enterprise was at significant risk, the market sold it down from $60 to $40. Sound familiar? But a quick glance now will confirm that over the most recent several months TRP has spent most of its time over $60 again and the people who bought it near $40 have made out like bandits. Do you think maybe some of them were buying ENB this week? Thanks!

Q: I read your previous comments but could you give me your opinion on a switch to TRP or ENB. I’m a income investor and don’t want too much risk. Thanks.
Rod

Q: I would like to purchase shares of IPL or TRP. My interest is capital gains potential and a good dividend, in that order. I own too many stocks so I would like to buy only one of them. Which would be your choice and why? Thanks.

Q: I am seeking your advice on these three stocks namely ENB, TRP and CCL.B . They have reached to the lowest price for this year, especially ENB.
ENB yield today is 5.19%. My question is Should I buy these stocks at todays price. Is dividend sustainable? Thank You

Q: I need to sell for a RIF withdrawal.
Which would you sell - TRP, ALA, RPI.UN?
Your new site looks great but I am still a bit lost! (and still a new member)
Connie

Q: My grandson has just begun working and wants to start an investment plan with a long term objective. Could you provide your recommendation for 5 safe dividend growers that also drip.
Thanks much for the excellent sevice
GUY R

Q: I'm pushing 85 yrs and invest for dividend income. Since the first of the month we have seen steady drops in the pipelines, with ENB being far the worst, and both TRP and PPL also big losers. Time to change, or hold on and wait it out? - Thanks, Ted