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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Peter,

I own Atco, Algonquin Power, Fortis, Canadian Utilities , Emara and Brookfield Infrastructure. My concern is I am missing out on the renewables / green space companies. In the utility space what other recommendations you would give to ensure I am covered.

Thank you
Paul
Read Answer Asked by paul on October 13, 2020
Q: HI, There seems to be a growing consensus among market watchers and strategists, that Utilities are likely to shine in coming months and years. In this sector, specially the companies which have more exposure to Renewable and Green energy seem to be the favorites. One of the reasons cited for this view is a possible Biden win in coming US elections. We presently have about 9% sector weighting, equally divided between AQN and FTS, but wish increase to may be 15%. Over recent weeks, rising valuations have also reflected this optimism, although, for some more than others.( e.g.,Boralex from $27 to now $41). Which of above companies, in your view, have best potential for growth and prospects for consolidating their position in Green energy ? Also, from valuation perspective, which ones will be your favorites, for more capital appreciation over next few years ? It would help, if you could rank them in preference and explain your reasoning. Thank you for your great insight, as always.
Read Answer Asked by rajeev on October 09, 2020
Q: This is actually a followup question to your answer to Steve's question from earlier this morning.

I also hold a core position in TRP. Dividend investor. Intended to hold 'forever'. I'm 43.

I couldn't tell from your answer to Steve's question whether you view TRP as a 'BUY', 'SELL', 'HOLD' or 'GRADUALLY TRIM UNTIL DIVESTED'. You had previously opined that oil will likely subsist as a fuel source in demand for 20+ years. That would take me to age 63. What do you think is the likelihood that TRP continues to pay and grow its dividend for say, 50 years? I know given the time frame, this is a very difficult, speculative, predictive question, but your guess is better than mine. I don't want to hang on to this position only to have to sell it at a massive loss 20 years from now, but that is the scenario that appears to be gradually unfolding now.

I hold a fairly concentrated portfolio of 20 companies, equally-weighted, and each is selected with the intention of holding for their sustained, rising dividend payments in perpetuity. When this is threatened, either imminently or in the medium to long-term, I sell. I sold SU when they cut their dividend and am glad I did.

Given this context, should I exit TRP? If so, should I use the proceeds to start a new position in AQN? I already own FTS and EMA, would this be too much overlap or too much utilities exposure? If so, I am relatively light on Consumer Discretionary (only hold CTC.A in this sector and have been eyeing QSR - do you think a switch from TRP to QSR would make more sense?

Please deduct as many credits as necessary, this was actually *many* questions in one.
Read Answer Asked by Walter on October 05, 2020
Q: Looking to deploy excess cash, mainly for dividends and some growth. I have room in both utilities and telecom sectors. If I compare the Utilities and Telecoms listed, it would seem from current valuations (Fwd PE versus historical PE average) and looking at share appreciation the past 5 years ( history of generating shareholder value) , 5yr dividend growth rates and expected revenue growth, the utilities group easily wins on all counts. Based on this analysis, I should be buying from my list of utilities before I start buying from the Telecom list. Do you agree with my conclusion? Should I add any additional analysis? Thank-you.
Read Answer Asked by Albert on September 02, 2020
Q: I have had these 3 utilities companies in my portfolio for some time .Their share value resilience and ongoing share price increases have been very beneficial for my portfolio. I am reluctant to trim them for adjustment of the portfolio utilities sector. These are also mostly " green energy " producers which have been in demand.In your view in what order would you trim these companies for portfolio sector adjustment ? Thanks for your opinion.
Read Answer Asked by Miroslaw on July 21, 2020
Q: Hi
I have held Emera for a few years in a TFSA (~2% of total portfolio). You seem to prefer other companies in the utilities sector. What is your preferred pick(s) for this sector and would you recommend switching out of EMA? I also have ~1.5% in ZUT. My other holding primarily consist of a split of broad market ETFs.

thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Everett on May 06, 2020
Q: I wish to buy a defensive utility in a non-reg acct that will qualify for DTC (not sure if ETFs above qualify for DTC). I am aware of different div yields. Is there any significant difference in risks that stand out to you? Plse rank in your order of pref for purchase (already own EMA but would purchase more).
Read Answer Asked by Bob on April 14, 2020
Q: What would be your favourite 5 Canadian and 5 us stocks for stagflation and best etf as well.Your favourite food commodity etf as well .thanks
Read Answer Asked by andre on April 14, 2020
Q: I am a buy and hold investor with 5 to 10 years of time horizon.
Have the following 7 stocks in Canadian Utilities in the order of their weights in our portfolio. Utilities makeup roughly 8.5% of the total portfolio including cash positions and like their dividend. FTS, TRP,EMA, AQN, ENB, BEP-UN, BIP-UN. I like to reduce exposure to utilities and also like to reduce number of different shares. Two questions:
1. Is 8.5% a reasonable weight considering the current situation?
2. Which one of these I should sell to reduce utilities weight and to reduce the number of shares in utilities?
Read Answer Asked by Naren on March 23, 2020
Q: Hello,
I'm a looking to invest in dividend stocks. Currently I would like to increase my exposure to the Utilities sector. Given the current economic conditions, which of the above stocks are most at-risk of cutting or reducing their dividends? Also, of the above, are there any standouts that you prefer? I am also looking at AQN and FTS aswell as BEP.UN and BIP.UN.

Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Adrian on March 20, 2020
Q: Hi 5i,

I have about a 40% gain on Emera in an unregistered account.

Assuming an otherwise adequetely balanced portfolio, would you suggest a trim? And if so, could you tell me which SECTOR (Cdn) you would invest new money in at this moment if you could only pick one - again, assuming an already balanced portfolio.

Thanks!

Read Answer Asked by Ryan on January 14, 2020
Q: Please rank these companies with a long term hold in mind.
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by EVAN on December 06, 2019