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Monday, March 30, 2020

Need again stock ideas? Check out my beauties WSP Global Inc. (WSP) and Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH)!

I hope that you are doing well. For my part, I am doing fine, but my only regret is that I probably won't be able to visit my family in New Brunswick this upcoming Easter, like I usually do every single year for ages now. It's basically the single negative point I am living with right now. I am not sick, and I still have a job at this present time. Despite the thousands of millions of people who are temporarily laid off in Canada, the TSX closed today session at a good 13,038.50 points. My non-registered portfolio closed today at $86,865.49, my TFSA portfolio at $69,713.52 and my RRSP portfolio at $40,644.79. I plan to invest again in mid-April to that advantage of this low market and I cross everything I have that the TSX will go over the 17 000 points soon enough so I can finally make it to the $300 000 net worth. This is taking too long now to happen.

While waiting for richness to arrive again, I took care of my tax declaration. It will take about 4 weeks to be completed. I know that now we have until July to have this done, but sometimes in July, I will be gone to New Brunswick. Also, I can get quite really lazy with this kind of tasks. If I wasn't getting my paper ready this past weekend, I wasn't going to do it all! I am actually quite impressed by myself for taking care of it now instead or later... or NEVER. lol

And while checking my portfolio - that remain beautiful no matter what, I cannot help it, but I really like, among other, WSP Global Inc. (WSP) and Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH) who both remain super strong stock in my portfolio, those 2 are among the best portfolio boosters value that you can find out there. No need to thanks me.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Why McDonald’s Will Outperform In A Recession

The following is a guest post coming from Bob Ciura of Sure Dividend. Please enjoy!

The spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. and around the world is likely to result in a recession. Even if the recession is short, it is likely to be severe, particularly when it comes to industries most vulnerable to economic downturns.

The restaurant industry is particularly at risk, as consumers typically curtail eating out in a recession. Job losses and falling stock markets usually lead to consumers tightening their belts. But not all restaurant stocks are at risk. For example, McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) is likely to outperform both its own industry, as well as the S&P 500 Index if a recession occurs in 2020.

McDonald’s is a Dividend Aristocrat that has increased its dividend for over 40 years in a row. With a strong current yield of 3.1% and a defensive business model, risk-averse income investors should consider McDonald’s to be a recession-resistant dividend stock.

Business Overview
McDonald’s is the world’s largest publicly-traded restaurant company, with more than 38,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries around the world. Over 90% of McDonald’s restaurants are franchised, which is a lucrative operating structure for the parent company. Under this structure, McDonald’s receives a steady stream of royalty income from franchisees, while placing the burden of many costs like maintenance, taxes, and insurance onto the franchise owner. McDonald’s has accelerated its franchising of restaurants over the past few years.

While this had the impact of lowering net sales, it resulted in significantly higher earnings-per-share due to margin expansion. For example, McDonald’s net sales declined from $22.82 billion to $21.08 billion from 2017-2019, but diluted earnings-per-share increased from $6.37 to $7.88 in the same time, representing 24% earnings-per-share growth.

Today, McDonald’s operates three business segments: the U.S. market, where the company has more than 14,000 stores, International Operated Markets, which includes developed markets France, the U.K, Canada and Australia, International Developed Licensee, which includes high-growth markets such as China, Italy and Russia. McDonald’s has a current market capitalization of $120 billion.

2019 was another strong year of growth for McDonald’s. Revenue increased 4% to $5.4 billion for the quarter. Global comparable sales, which measures sales growth at restaurant locations open at least one year, increased nearly 6% compared with estimates of 5.3% growth. U.S. sales increased 5.1%, the International segment grew 6.2% and the International Development Licensed segment increased 6.6%.

For the year, revenues were flat but earnings-per-share improved 4.5% thanks in large part to share repurchases. Global same-store sales were higher by 5.9%, with 5% growth in the U.S., a 6.1% increase for International Operated segment and a 7.2% improvement for the International Development Licensed segment.

Future growth will be fueled by continued expansion of comparable sales, led by new initiatives such as digital kiosks, mobile ordering, and delivery partnerships with third-party services. Store renovations will also help boost traffic, as McDonald’s has completed renovations on nearly 10,000 of its restaurants in the U.S. at the end of 2019.

Serving Dividends To Shareholders
McDonald’s has the longest history of consecutive annual dividend increases of any restaurant stock. Since it paid its first dividend in 1976, it has increased its dividend for 43 consecutive years. This is a very long period of consecutive dividend increases that proves McDonald’s has a time-tested business model that can outlast recessions. The past 43 years included multiple recessions and global challenges, and yet, McDonald’s continued to increase its dividend each year.

The fundamental reason for this is because McDonald’s sees steady demand each year, even during recessions. Its status as a fast-food operator means that in economic downturns, cost-conscious consumers looking to tighten their belts typically scale down their spending on dining. In this way, McDonald’s might actually benefit from a recession. McDonald’s grew its earnings-per-share each year from 2007-2010, during the “Great Recession”. This was a very impressive performance that few other companies could match. In fact, McDonald’s was one of only two stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the other being Walmart) that saw its share price increase in 2008.

As a result, investors should be confident that the company will continue to increase its dividend in 2020 and beyond, even in a deep recession. With an expected dividend payout ratio of approximately 60% for 2020, the dividend appears highly secure.

McDonald’s has a current dividend payout of $5.00 per share, which represents a solid yield of 3.1% based on the recent share price. By contrast, the S&P 500 Index has an average dividend yield of just 2.3%. Therefore, McDonald’s stock provides significantly higher dividend income than the average stock in the broader stock market index, with the added bonus of yearly dividend increases—even in economic recessions. Because of these qualities, McDonald’s is among the safest stocks to own in a recession, in terms of dividend sustainability.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Welcome in my non-registered portfolio Telus Corp (T)!

I don't know what you are doing these days, but here in Montreal, nothing much is going on. However, it's not because everything is close that I am doing anything. I am still employed, I can work from home. For me, it's basically one week at a time. I know that if work gets slow, I could lose my job. I don't take things for granted, but at least here in Montreal, it will be easier to find a job if something has to happen.

Since gyms are all closed, I have to find something to burn myself. Walking around for just walking is just not my thing. I took quite a long walk this Saturday to downtown Montreal, just to see which stores were open and which stores were closed and almost every stores were closed, including Indigo, which is usually never never closed. at the exception of grocery stores, pharmacies, SAQ, Best Buy - there were actually people waiting outside to enter the store. And the same thing with that store that sells marijuana, there was a big line up of people waiting outside, and they were not at 2 meters form each other. Personally, I go out every day, even if the idea of walking just for walking doesn't bring in much excitement. I watch out to stay away from other people. It's a good thing that stores are closed because people being people, if stores remain open, people, I included, will go out and just shop. And especially with spring coming in a hurry, it's just too tempting to get something new for our wardrobe isn't it?

Being stuck at home have some advantages. Like I can sleep later during the mornings, because I don't have to go to my workplace, it's obviously easier to build up some savings because all the stores are close, even the hairdresser... So no spending, working from home, so can you just concentrate on drinking water and get ready for summer - without... shopping. I am not a fan of online shopping or Amazon.

This past Friday, I was all happy because the TSX was going great at a point, it was exceeding the 12 000 points! But unfortunately, it closed the day at 11 851 points, which is not really good. These days on the stock market, it's really one day at a time. The TSX like other stock markets around the world is responding really sharply to this human disaster. This will do its time. Also, let's not forget that the market was just silently waiting for a moment to do its correction and it did. We actually have a double disaster here in Canada: that virus AND oil thing, which has the effect of a double-dip of trouble. And the TSX never likes it when there's trouble.

I announced it previously, Telus Corp (T) went under a stock split and I couldn't resist, I bought some Telus Corp (T) stock for my non-registered portfolio. I already had some Telys stocks inside my RRSP portfolio, but I decided to extend the experience to my non-registered portfolio. It's hard these days to see my net worth going all the way down, but this won't last, it's a temporary situation. I am trying to make the most of it by investing from time to time. There's just one basic rule that you need to know: it's time to buy while stocks are cheap. 

With my newest Telus Corp stocks inside my non-registered portfolio, my overall dividend income if now at almost 10k, $9 805.01.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

The TSX is making a comeback in the 12 000 points. Hourra!

I was SO in need of this. I am quite busy during the day, even if I work from home. I just have no time to run at the bank to borrow money on an extra credit line to save my margin situation. With a TSX in the 12 000 points, I am now in much better shape. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $78,593.22, my TFSA portfolio at $66,257.52 and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, at $37,839.77. From now on, let's hope that the new usual for the TSX remains in those 12 000 points.

Other than those 12 000 points, today, I learned something nice: Telus Corporation (T) went under a 2 for 1 stock split! As you might know if you are a long time reader, I adore, no, I JUST LOVEE stock split. Most of the time, the value of a stock swore following a stock split. I am looking forward to invest in some Telus Corporation (T) stocks and this is going to be great! Susan Brunner announced on her blog that she recently invested in some TFI International Inc. (TFII). I understand the logic behind that investment, TFII being involved in the transportation and logistic sector. We need companies like TFII for the transportation of goods. I had been holding on to some TFII stocks for a while now and I find the title to be volatile, even in easy times.

I don't believe that this epidemic will last for really long. They're just too many efforts put worldwide in other to beat the beast. It may go on for a couple of weeks, couple of months, but after what, it will be a super spending rally, people will travel and spend money like crazy again. Personally, the hardest thing is not being able to go to the gym. I go for a walk after being done with work, but walking is to slow, boring up to a certain point and doesn't burn me up the way I need. Sure, I could do some jogging, but it's not the ideal weather yet. I guess at one point, it will be a big f off and I will go and jog jog jog :-)

In the meantime, my TSX bitch is better to remain in the 12 000 points.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Terrible shitty shitty day for my investment portfolio

The TSX lost again some major points today, despite many announcements that been made in both US and Canada. For now, it's really one day at a time on the stock market. Surprisingly, I am taking the hit without too much stress. It's not something that keeps me awake at night. My non-registered registered portfolio closed today at $73,068.69, my TFSA portfolio at $64,171.65, and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, at $37,822.18. I am in a delicate situation regarding my margin account. I only have left available less than $13 000 in margin cash, this is quite a low amount. I had times when I only had 15k available, but my best number to feel comfortable is between 15 to 20k, and the more is even the better. I do transfers morning and evening, from my credit lines to my margin account, it's a quick 15k that I have available that way. I have access to another $10 000 credit line that I can use, but I will need to go to the bank to use it. The interest rate on that credit line is actually of 6.95%. 

If the TSX loses again points tomorrow, I will need to act, and act fast. But each day being different, let's just pray that I won't have to go out and have a deadly face-to-face with a coronavirus. I actually do go out, just for a quick walk around, but being in a public place, like a bank, doesn't feel like a right place to be. I always have as idea to wake up early in the morning to go for a walk. The morning would be the best time, but it's just too hard. I never been an early bird. Mornings were made to sleep, end of the discussion. The best would be one walk in the morning, and another one once I am done with work in the evening.

These days, the TSX offers great cheap stock. However, I feel that there are some stocks that need to be avoid: the oil and gas stocks, and any stocks related to that sector. For example, Bank of Montreal (BMO) is severely exposed to the oil and gas sectors because as a bank BMO had loaned money to many companies operating in the oil and gas sectors. Among the Canadian banks, BMO has the biggest exposure to those types of loans. For that reason, Bank of Montreal (BMO) needs to be avoided at any cost. In the other hand, stocks like Metro Inc. (MRU), Fortis Inc. (FTS), Calian Group Ltd. (CGY), stuff like that. 

It's just quite difficult right now to be stuck in between the temptation to invest more and my desire to save my margin situation. And that because these days, I am getting poorer and poorer...

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Richness now is in toilet papers and Purell, no more in stocks

This weekend, I updated my investment portfolio, and I updated my debt situation today. I didn't post anything else this weekend because I got busy shopping around, it was almost exhausting. My goal was to have enough to cover my needs for one month, which I more or less succeed despite all the money I spent. I would need more fruit and vegetable canes, and also something to drink like maybe Gatorade or something like it. However, this is not a real problem because I live quite close by to grocery stores and others. While packing reserve like this, it seem like I always have something missing. This past weekend, I knew there was something about toilet paper, and I was able to get some on Saturday, but later during the day, all toilet paper was well gone. This toilet paper thing is even a problem that my old folks are facing in New Brunswick. I wasn't able to find any Purell, but I don't mind that much because luckily, I can work from home.

This Friday, I had borrowed 5k from one of my credit line. This is a desperate measure to secure my credit line at an interesting rate. The only problem being that the minimum payment required on that credit line is $300 per month, on the 3th of each month (I was able to pick the date) which is a lot, but I plan to withdraw that $300 paid at the beginning of the month at the end of each month. Today, the TSX plunged again. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $81,314.68, my TFSA portfolio at $68,023.96, and my RRSP portfolio stocks only at $38,173.18. For now, it's pretty much a day at a time. I will try to invest along the way. And when I will do so, I will invest inside my non-registered portfolio, in order to help my margin account case.

Gyms are closed, among others, which is too bad. Since I am working from home, I will try to get up early so I can take a walk before beginning work, and another walk when I am done with work. If I don't do that, I will gain weight. Despite it all, spring and summer are comings. While at the gym, I could easily burn 600 calories in one hour up to 900 calories in one and a half hours. I won't be able to burn 600 calories only by walking for one hour. For that reason, and also because I want to stretch every dollar spend in my food haul of this weekend, I am more controlling the portion that I eat. 

Monday, March 16, 2020

My debt situation on date of March 13, 2020

Margin account: $41 902.84 @ 5%
Annual interest: $2,095.14
Credit line: $5 000 @ 5.13%
Annual interest: $256.50
Total annual interest: $2,351.64
On the date of March 13, 2020 
  
**For a complete update regarding my debt, click on the label "Debt situation" located at the right column of this blog.

Friday, March 13, 2020

My investment portfolio on date of March 13, 2020

Cold cash: $2,199.04

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $CAN
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $10,595.01
Methanex Corporation (MX): $2,207.92
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $6,693.12
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): $21,360.24
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): $2,679.95
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): $2,721.04
TMX Group Inc. (X): $840.32
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): $3,990.00
TransCanada Corp (TRP): $1,485.00
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $9,622.80
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): $14,891.76
Emera Inc. (EMA): $1,298.25
BCE Inc. (BCE): $1,228.04
Saputo Inc. (SAP): $1,326.80
Loblaw Companies (L): $797.88
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $5,270.00
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $3,715.00
Aphria Inc. (APH): $630.00
George Weston Limited (WN): $96.09
Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B): $1,769.70
TOTAL: $93,218.92

Stocks and Units investment portfolio $US:
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B): $1,571.20
General Mills Inc. (GIS): $1,711.36
Cash: $26.66

TOTAL:
$3,309.22 US: $4 441,30 CAN

Tax-free savings account (TFSA):
Dumont Nickel Inc. (DNI): $12.92
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): $1,418.00
Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): $4,276.80
Exchange Income Corporation (EIF): $33.53
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): $3,827.71
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1,800.60
Andrew Peller Limited (ADW.A): $1,326.00
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1,222.20
Boyd Group Services Inc. (BYD): $5,721.00
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAR.UN): $3,759.00
Data Communications Mgmt (DCM): $1.14
Morneau Shepell Inc. (MSI): $2,753.10
Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $5,870.80
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $1,435.80
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $2,551.20
BCE Inc. (BCE): $502.38
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $1,030.80
Richelieu Hardware Ltd. (RCH): $1,136.20
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $700
Northland Power Inc. (NPI): $2,688.00
Calian Group Ltd. (CGY): $2,923.74
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): $1,327.62
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): $1,857.50
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (GRT.UN): $596.90
Cargojet Inc. (CJT): $2,753.84
Nutrien Ltd. (NTR): $2,168.00
TFI International Inc. (TFII): $2,753.60
Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM): $2,533.80
SIR Royalty Income Fund (SRV.UN): $403.20
ATCO Ltd. (ACO.Y): $2,400.00
Aecon Group Inc. (ARE): $1,554.00
Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Class A Limited Voting Shares (BAM.A): $2,788.82
Metro Inc. (MRU): $2,124.20
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD.A): $463.20
Fortis Inc. (FTS): $1,830.15
CGI Inc. (GIB.A): $1,671.80
TMX Group Limited (X): $2,626.00
Cash: $274.65

TOTAL:
$75,118.20

RSP investment portfolio: 
Emera Incorporated (EMA): $15,267.42
Ovintiv Inc. (OVV): $87.99
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): $1,833.30
Telus Corp (T): $2,303.50
Royal Bank of Canada (RY): $1,806.40
Savaria Corporation (SIS): $2,020.00
Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI): $3,224.16
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): $4,786.00
Richards Packaging Income Fund (RPI.UN): $1,251.36
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): $446.46
CAE Inc. (CAE): $1,950.20
CGI Group Inc. Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (GIB.A): $2,925.65
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): $1,288.50
Quebecor Inc. (QBR.B): $766.50
Logistec Corporation Class B Subordinate Voting Shares (LGT.B): $217.00
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (BEP.UN): $1,140.38
Leon's Furniture Limited (LNF): $484.50
Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS): $355.14
Cash: $42.26

Total: $
42,196.72

CIBC Dividend Growth Fund + CIBC Emerging Markets Index Fund + CIBC Monthly Income Fund: $
2,522.98

Energy and Base Metals Term Savings (Indexed term savings):
$577.30
Natural Resources Term Savings (Indexed term savings): $502.45

GIC BN: $1 364.49        

Manulife Fidelity NorthStar GIF CAP B: $
1 385,95
Manulife Simplicity Growth Portfolio: $1 226,73
Maritime Life CI Harbour Seg Fund: $1 050,08
Maritime Life Fidelity True North Seg Fund: $1 027,24
Manulife GIF MLIA B World Invest: $1 070,63
Total: $5,760.63

Other various
: $13 489.19

TOTAL: $66,413.76

Social Capital at Desjardins Membership share: $35
Online money: $34.91
Savings + Stocks, units, mutual funds + Tax-free Savings account + RRSP:
$241,461.13‬
On the date of March 13, 2020

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

The TSX is losing major points. Again

As you may have noticed, the TSX is super volatile these days. Yesterday had closed on a positive gain, but today, the TSX goes deeper into the red zone and closed on a poor 14 270 points, leaving me with a tiny little $97,632.43 non-registered portfolio. On my non-registered portfolio, I have a margin debt of $47,247.72. Currently, I have left available $20,825.11 on my margin. I guess I may have not discussed this really precisely, but I have available $30 000 on my credit lines. I won't hesitate to use that money to save my margin situation, if it happens that I have too. One thing that you need to remember is that there is no hopeless situation when it comes to finances, there's always a solution. Also, I have a 2k in savings, which I could push over my margin if needed. 

Like for example, if tomorrow the TSX continues its bad road, I will transfer some cash to cover my ass. Currently, I have direct access to $17 000, and I may have to do a quick run to access a $5 000 more but even a $15 000 should be enough if the TSX continues to lose major points again tomorrow. It's not a fun situation of course, but I always prepared for the worst and I never had any problems managing my margin account situation in the past. And there's just no sacrifice that I am not willing to make to have this work up so go alone TSX bitch and go as low as you want.

In case you are wondering, my TFSA portfolio closed today session at $77,297.00 and my RRSP portfolio, stocks only, closed at $43,864.08. It's all really bad so if you don't mind, please, I won't even try to calculate what my net worth is at this time. I remain confident that this pandemic will be under control soon enough. I don't want to believe that things are going to be like this for the next couple of months. Italy is doing more than its part. In Canada, no serious check is being done for foreigners coming into the country. This is not surprising. Justin Trudeau being such a jerk. In difficult times, we need a real good strong leadership, not a little boy taking no action at all, like usual. Canda doesn't have what it take to face a pandemic. With Trudeau, we are almost at the same level as a third world country. It could be a good idea to quickly build up a reserve of non-perishable food on the side because don't ever think that our government will come to your rescue if needed. Personally, I really like tuna that comes in olive oil mix with pasta, so I guess I can survive. I don't mind a can of ravioli from time to time, beans, etc. Another favorite of mine: smoked mussels :-) It may sound too much, but I would recommend having a good 3 to 4 weeks supply, and if you can have more, that's even better. Also, I would recommend the purchase of a thermometer - it's something I don't have myself but that I need to buy. With such pandemic, you may feel sick at a point, and if you do, take your temperature. I only had a fever once in my adult life and it felt so strange, I had just no idea what I had. I was shaking from the fever and felt so cold, it was absolutely horrible.

This pandemic won't remain forever, but in the meantime, we have to deal with it. Those days are hard, but I have at least one good news: stocks are cheap. A few good options: FTS, RY, and BCE. If the markets remain low, I will definitively buy some stocks from time to time. I am not tempted at all by the oil and gas sectors, my best advice would be to avoid those sectors. You can't certainly go wrong with FTS, on which I post previously about. Right now, I am tempted by some more BCE stocks.

Yes, my net worth is less lower now, but I had been investing in stocks for something like 12 years now. Over time, I always worked hard to find the best quality stocks to invest in. My results are lower, but my lovely babies, my dogs, are pushing so hard to keep me alive and well. Right now, in my non-registered and TFSA portfolio, I have many stocks that are still in the green zone, here are among the best performers at this time:

Canadian National Railway Co (CNR): + 167.42% 
Loblaw Companies (L): +82.50%
Fortis Inc. (FTS): +89.99%
K-Bro Linen Inc. (KBL): +98.53%
New Flyer Industries Inc. (NFI): +115.22%
TMX Group Inc. (X): +157.66%
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP.UN): +93.95%
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (CAR.UN): +84.90%
Morneau Shepell Inc. (MSI): +75.14%
BEP.UN: +64.90%
Park Lawn Corporation (PLC): +61.39%
WSP Global Inc. (WSP): +53.17% 
Emera Incorporated (EMA): +49.13%
Enbridge Inc. (ENB): +49.13%
Methanex Corporation (MX): +48.61%
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN): +46.75%
Toromont Industries Ltd (TIH): +34.94%
Saputo Inc. (SAP): +33.88%
BCE Inc. (BCE): +30.75%
Calian Group Ltd. (CGY): +37.58%
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index (XRE): +28.98%
Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PPL): +24.07%
Boralex Inc. Class A Shares (BLX): +16.57%
Canadian Utilities Limited (CU): +15.57%
Cargojet Inc. (CJT): +16.57%
Northland Power Inc. (NPI): +23.79%

I am quite surprised to have my Cargojet Inc. (CJT) in the +16.57%, because normally, that stock is super volatile. It's quite a good surprise.

Monday, March 9, 2020

A really bad day for the TSX and for me

What a day! My non-registered portfolio closed on a tiny little $100,310.76, my TFSA portfolio at $79,263.23 and my RRSP stocks only portfolio at $44,766.50. It wasn't fun to watch, but while the TSX was losing in the 10% value, the opportunity was just too good, I decided to invest in some Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) stock. In a result, I now only have left 2k in my savings account. I also invested in some BNS stocks for my RRSP portfolio, since I had a little bit in cash available, coming from dividend distribution. The TSX could go lower tomorrow, that's something that could happen. Personally, when I see that the TSX is not doing well, like for today, I like to withdraw money from my credit line and transfer it on my margin, just to make sure I avoid a margin call. And sincerely, today, I had my cell phone near me. However, in case of need, I doubt that I will ever receive a call, TD could flush me, kill me and sell my stocks without any notice. That's what you get from having a margin account, only worries. But it's nothing that I haven't been able to handle so far.

Investing in such a downturn market is certainly not pleasant, but it's while stocks are cheap that we need to invest. Now is time to focus on ultra quality stocks that pay a good, but reasonable dividend distribution, like for example, Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS). This is not the time to invest in whatever stock. With my new BNS stocks, my overall dividend income is now at $9 563.69.

This coronavirus crisis is bad. Personally, I have asthma, I don't know how bad I could react to that virus, despite the fact that I am pretty strong, thanks to many hours spend at the gym, but I prefer not to know. Luckily, I don't have to take the metro to go to work, I walk. While arriving at work, I go straight to the bathroom to wash my hands because I have to touch two heavy doors, elevator buttons + the office door in order to go to work. I don't share my desk with anyone at work, so my spot is pretty secure. A major concern remains the gym, but lately, I had been to the gym a lot and I am finally losing weight so I am not about to stop anytime soon, no matter what. I wash my hands once I am done and I wash again my hands again once at home. In a day, I wash my hands quite often, but I apply hands cream after, I wouldn't like my skin to break in. This is just basic hygiene, but generally peaking, I won't like, I don't wash my hands once I arrived work, only when I arrived home.

During those hard times, I think it's important to follow the stock market, yes, but also to have other strong interest so the focus is not exclusively put on what is going on out there because it can be nerve breaking. On those goods, I wish you good luck.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

An interesting new comer over the TSX: GFL Environmental Inc (GFL)

Today, the TSX welcomed a newcomer: GFL Environmental Inc (GFL). Unfortunately, GSL closed its first day on the TSX on a bad performance of -17.037%. It's not an easy time to be on the market, but still, GFL closed the day of a $22.40 per share. GFL Environmental Inc (GFL) seems to be quite similar to Waste Connections Inc. (WCN). At $131.33 per share, Waste Connections Inc. (WCN) is not cheap, but its overall chart is good. And WCN pays a little dividend. It's not clear if  GFL Environmental Inc (GFL) will pay dividend distribution or not. For its IPO, GFL was something like $25 per share. Back in 2019, GFL had to cancel their IPO, but I guess that the business is just out of luck. For that reason, I will keep an eye on GFL, just by curiosity.

Monday, March 2, 2020

Thank you and goodbye Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (NVU.UN)

This past Friday had been quite disastrous for the TSX. I had more of a slow day at work, so I was checking on my baby from time to time. At a point during the day, my TSX was hitting below the 16 000 points. It wasn't fun to watch, it wasn't a happy day, but I wanted to benefit from the situation. Derek Foster announced a few days ago that he had sold his shares of Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (NVU.UN) and I did the same. NVU.UN had been in my TFSA for a little while now. Thanks to Derek Foster, I made a nice profit of $2 561 by selling Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (NVU.UN). And the best thing being that I made that profit inside my TFSA portfolio, so it's a tax-free profit. Since the TSX was down, it was a too good occasion not to invest in anything, so I invested back the money in TMX Group Limited (X) and in some Royal Bank of Canada (RY).

On top of everything, this past Friday was payday, and I decided to add a little something for my non-registered portfolio. I invested in a few shares of Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI.B). I might proceed with a contribution in kind for my TFSA with that one, especially since I didn't make any TFSA contribution so far in 2020, which is a real shame, but it is at it is. It was important to me to invest a couple thousand while the stock market was all the way down.

Also this past Friday, while seeing the TSX going under the 16 000 points, I quickly transferred what I had available in cash, coming from my credit lines, to help cover up my margin debt. It was a desperate measure, trying to secure everything. One of the reasons why I published a portfolio update this past weekend was to have an idea on how much money I had lost. And it happens that I had lost over 20k, with a net worth of $235,284.72.

Today, the TSX recovers. My non-registered portfolio closed today session at $118,761.75, my TFSA portfolio at $85,400.35 and my RRSP portfolio at $47,813.91. I suspect my net worth to be in the $240 000. I should be able to hit on my highest net worth ever ($257,187.44‬) sometime in 2020.