Investment Q&A

Q: The Telcos are doing very poorly and I have them on a DRIP program. Should I take the dividends in cash instead and invest the funds in more promising opportunities rather than increasing exposure to this poorly performing sector.

Thanks.

Q: In many of your recent answers as well as your report, you mention "interest rate decreases" and that they could help stocks like Telus and BCE, TD and BNS. I am wondering how much of a decrease this would have to be, as I am reading many articles that suggest we are in an aura of higher for longer, and interest rates will not be going back to the ultra low rates we have seen in prior years. So my question is, in your opinion, what percentage decrease would we have to see before there would be some sustainable upside movement to these stocks? Thanks.

Q: how low do you think the two telcos can keep going. at over a 10 year low now and even the unbelievable dividend [if it is not cut] does not stop bloodbath from going on and on day after day.

Q: We own Emera, BCE and Telus in a dividend portfolio and notes these three stocks were down today by around 3 percent. Should we be concerned holding any of these three over the next three years primarily for dividend income? Are their dividends safe and valuations reasonable to hold and/or accumulate?

Q: Which of these two telco’s would you buy at the moment and why?

Q: Given that these two companies control apx. 65% of phone and internet use, what change would reverse the course of their stock price? Does the concentration of ownership and reliance on their services not bode well into the future? Thanks

Q: Both BCE and Telus are down significantly today on high volume and both have broken support levels. Is there any recent news to explain today's drops. Are their dividends safe

Q: In a recent question from Michael, regarding the Communication Services sector, 5i responded by stating “we think investors are better off without having too much capital invested in these fields”. I agree that owning BCE and T lately, especially for long-term holders, has been very frustrating to say the least.

For our combined portfolio, Portfolio Analytics indicates that our holdings in this sector have dropped to 5.9% (understandably) but PA still suggests a weight of 7% in this sector.

Two questions: (1) In light of sector weakness, which will probably continue for some time, what would be your suggested Communication Services sector weight? (2) Would you endorse some tax-loss selling of BCE and/or T but put the proceeds into another more promising sector?

Thanks as always for your insight.

Q: Hi,
Comparing Telus, BCE and Rogers to AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile over the last year, the US companies seem to be outperforming (granted this is a short timeframe and others in the US top five: Comcast and Charter Communications aren't doing well either).

I was wondering if you have any thoughts about why the top three in the US are doing so much better lately than the top three in Canada. (Take credits as needed please.)

Thank you, Michael

Q: Hello, in the company profile of TMUS:US it says that the dividend frequency is "U". What does U mean? Would you replace Telus with TMUS? Thank you

Q: Good afternoon,

I know there has been much angst here with Telus. And your responses in recent months have been very well thought out and helpful (rates; competitive/regulatory environment). I have a 2% weight in BCE, 1% weight in T. So not massive by any means. But the slow steady drip downwards in price is getting frustrating, and now seeing the price today lower than where it was in the depths of COVID in March 2020 is concerning. At what point do I just take the 1% in T and add to BCE?

Q: I was watching an interview with David Rosenberg and Ed Devland. They were stating that the Canadian interest rates are going to have to be cut several times due to economic conditions. Can you recommend investment strategies to benefit from this . For example bonds going up in value because of the inverse relationship of interest rates and bond values. What bond etf's ect. Can you give US recommendations also, as it sounds like the Us will be later than Canada.

Thanks

Q: What is your opinion of Rogers Comm. today. How have they performed compared to the other Cdn. telcos. Is their future any different then BCE/Telus?
Would it effect their performance if they divested of their sports teams. Are the teams a distraction? or do they add to the bottom line. My opinion is they should concentrate on the telco business.
Thanks

Q: I am going to increase my position in 2 of these 3 companies (3 to 5 year hold part of a well diversified portfolio)
Which 2 of these look most appealing?
Much appreciated as usual. ram

Q: Hello. I'm a bit concerned about the payout ratios of BCE and Telus. Telus has an even higher payout ratio than BCE, and I'm wondering what their prospects look like for the next few years. Will they be able to keep up these high dividends? Is there a chance they might cut their dividends? My question is, should we reduce our exposure to these telecom stocks and reinvest in other areas? Your insight would be really helpful. Thank you!

Q: to start a new position in telcom today.

assuming same dividend growth average of the last five years for each company and asssuming it is maintained moving forward,

how long would it take for the dividend of telus to catch up to BCE when they are starting as far apart as they are currently ?

Which of the two do you prefer for a long term hold and why ?

Q: It seems that the telco sector will faced with challenges for the foreseeable future with price pressures on fees (I see it on my own bills) and likely not being able to recover for quite sometime. It was easier to sell the position on the non registered account and take advantage of the tax loss. I have kept my positions in the registered accounts for the dividend but am now wondering if perhaps a sell would be make sense and what to replace them with. Any ideas with some dividend and a little bit of growth?
Much appreciated.

Q: I never thought I would be contemplating whether or not to continue to hold these “sleep at night stocks” but here we are. I have no doubt they will recover but in what timeframe? I am particularly concerned about TD. I believe regulators are going to set an example. I am 75 years old and time is at a premium. Please give me some guidance.

Carl

Q: Thoughts on MFC and T reports please? Seems like MFC is finally on a bit of a roll whereas T is pretty neutral (nice semi-annual dividend increase though). Thank you

Q: Seen most of my Telecoms including Telus and Rogers depreciating in value, is this a lack of confidence in these investments?
Do you believe the dividend rates will might be cut?
Long term, do you feel a recovery is in sight?
Thanks in advance for your great service! Ted