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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: Hi, All Canadian banks have bounced back nicely over past few weeks. Canadian Western Bank, however has outperformed the big banks by a wide margin. Analysts have also been busy raising price targets, citing higher NIM and stronger growth in loan portfolio. Recent stabilization of oil prices and rebound in Alberta economy may also have a role to play. What is your opinion of this bank as long term hold? I own CM,TD and RY and recently took a starter position 1.5% in CWB. Is it worth adding at current prices ? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by rajeev on October 04, 2017
Q: Please accept my apologies for what could be a request for a long-winded answer. You welcome to debit my 5i bankroll for 5 question credits in effort to better compensate you for your time.
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If possible, please provide your opinion on something I wish to term "Peak Credit" in Canada. We are all aware that Canadians are spending themselves into a life-long love affair with mortgages, lines of credit and credit cards. With Canadian interest rates at 35 year lows, the availability of loans and credit climb while region-specific real estate prices inflate to valuations that seem to defy logic. Young families in their 30's commonly have mortgage debt over $500k and barely earn the income to cover payments at today's rates.

In general, what is the mix of insured/un-insured mortgage debt on the books of Canadian banks? If wages are not keeping pace with inflation and the cost of living, how are Canadians ever going to own their own home? Are we doomed to a life of the English, where the concept of home ownership is more of a dream than it is a reality?

Do you feel banks in Canada are prepared for higher rates in the next 3yrs?

Is Canada showing the early signs of a credit bubble?

Do bank common stock investors have anything for fear?

Am I a coyote howling at the credit moon?


Thank you for your guidance. This topic should be on the minds of many Canadians.
Read Answer Asked by malcolm on March 08, 2017
Q: Do you forecast continued price appreciation in the shares of this bank ? I bought a couple of months ago at just over $26 and am now up 19%. Time to sell or hang on for the ride ?? This stock seems to be not well followed outside Western Canada and few analysts are aware of how well secured this bank's loans are, despite its western exposure. For example, from 2009 to 2014 the stock price of CWB outperformed Royal Bank. It only declined dramatically after the decline in oil prices, which now seems to have bottomed. Maybe it is time to buy more ?
Read Answer Asked by Don on December 08, 2016
Q: What can you tell about it's recent acquisition? It looks like it is trying to expand it's geograhic footprint - Ontario - perhaps open some branches at some point? How are they paying for this acquisition? I already own all five Canadian banks in my RIF and Non-registered accounts, and have for many years - added to positions in early 2009; however, I was thinking of buying this bank for the upside when oil slowly makes it's way back up again & the AB economy picks up.
Comments please & thank you ... JP
Read Answer Asked by James on March 10, 2016
Q: Hello 5i team

I am curious about CWB, this bank seems to follow XEG closer then it the does XFN. Is its exposure to the oil field that drastic?? I really like the long history of div growth, the share price to NAV, low P/E ratio and it's low debt. What do you think of this companies dividend (is it sustainable), management, and its growth potential? does this have a greater potential for a rebound then the big 5 banks?

Any info on this company is greatly appreciated

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Darren on September 14, 2015