Investment Q&A

Q: I wonder if the sum of your report card categories for PM reflect your overall opinion of the company. Your report has 12 categories and PM received 83% of A, 33 % of B and 17% C. Yet, It's overall rating is C+. Does this suggest that some categories should be weighted or do you need more categories or maybe C+ is too severe? ...Sleepless in Niagara

Q: Good day folks: I am back to square one on this one and am thinking that it might be a good time to sell what with Alberta's economy, NDP gov't and new carbon rules. I am interested in how you see it over the next 12 months, I have yet to completed the recommended model portfolio and could relocate capital to that.
as always, thanks for your insights.

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

Apparently easyhome Ltd. (EH) is planning to change its name to "goeasy Ltd." Would this be because the loan business, in their view, has greater potential than their furniture, etc. rental business?

In general, when a company changes its name, could there be an impact on the share price? Specifically, I'd appreciate your view on this proposed name change. (We just received a voting instruction form.)

Thanks as always for your valued insight.

Q: Would you still favour G as a single gold portfolio holding or is there a better gold alternative. Is the dividend sustainable at current gold prices? Thanks.

Q: My current tech positions are: OTC, AVO and GIB.A. I recently traded ESL for GIB.A because GIB is much cheaper. I am now considering trading OTC { down 15% } for MDA. I sense MDA will have more growth over the next 2 years. Is trading OTC for MDA a good move? Thank you for your opinion.

Q: How do you view the situation for PKI now that the acquisition of Pioneer has closed? Seems they have to semi divest much of the Pioneer retail outlets in eastern Canada. The price just dropped 2% today so some of the market is not happy with the outcome of the Competition Tribunal order. Do you feel that the 4% dividend is still relatively secure with the limitations applied by order?

Q: this company looks to good to be true
what do you think
sam

Q: FYI BNS was punished because of their exposure to Puerto Rico's financial crisis, huge debt load. Is that bankruptcy - for Puerto Rico, not BNS?

Q: An article in today's Globe highlighted that a few of the top analysts and execs seem to have done quite well for themselves in 2014, with their top investment banker making more money than just a couple of bank CEO's. Unfortunately for me, and I am sure many others, the stock price has not been as rewarding to me.

I understand that that industry can pay well and aside from my initial knee-jerk negative reaction, are these types of bonuses in-line with industry norms? Or is this a reflection on management paying themselves first and not giving a lot or thought about shareholders (which maybe is the industry norm)?

Thanks for the insight.

Paul F.

Q: Good Afternoon
Would you now consider a purchase of either of the two above issues. They would be
held to maturity in a RRIF.

Thanks Guys

Q: There is a report out that a CIBC advisor, Murray Bockhold in a letter to the Chairman of the Board of Extendicare Inc is asking the company to payout a special one time dividend of C$100 Million following the disposition of their US business, shrink the board to 7 directors from 9 and for the company to buy back C$100 million in shares. Do you think there is a possibility for any or all of these to occur? Thanks

Q: Hi Peter
With the current downer caused by Greece why would BNS get punished the most ?
Regards Stan

Q: WiLAN today announced that James Skippen has advised the Board that he intends to retire.
What are your views on this announcement.
Thanks
John

Q: Would appreciate your comments on the speculation of Frederic Blondeau with Dundee Capital Markets that Sienna Senior Living Inc and Extendicare Inc are most likely takeout candidates now that Regal Lifestyle Communities Inc has a buyer.

Q: Do you feel Stantec is a good buying opportunity at the moment? Thank you

Q: Good Morning Peter, Team
Is MG [Industrial sector] Large, Mid or Small Cap? Thank you. sarah

Q: Hi Team,

I know you mostly comment on stocks, and I have read your previous commentary on MRC.

I have a hole to plug in my five-year bond ladder which serves as the low risk side of my portfolio. I was thinking of buying an MRC bond maturing 12/10/18, CUSIP 617577AA9, as a small fraction of my bond holdings. Do you think this is a reasonably "safe" investment even though it carry's a BBB low rating? I plan to hold to maturity.

Thank you. Michael

Q: Hello Peter and company. I am interested in your views on Sylogist Ltd. This company looks to be very similar to a micro CSU. How do you rate the balance sheet and future growth. Do you see the possibility of others in the space seeing this company as a interesting small roll up.

I was also wondering if I might pose this question to you. Given the current environment with Obama Care being extended,Canadian companies looking to acquire and interest rates very low around the world. If you where going to invest in 3 companies with high growth and good balance sheets what would they be. Thank you as always and keep up the great work. Jason

Q: Is this a buying opportunity in Enercare, the stock erased all is gain of 2015 and yield around 6.3%. Seem a bit overdone here, whats your thought.
thanks.

Q: RBC came out with a research note on CSU this morning and a $475 target price (well below market price).

Do you agree, and can you comment on their observations I'm quoting below plse:

"In light of the divergence between Constellation’s current pace of acquisitions and valuation, RBC CM wanted to outline the conditions necessary and scenario for re-acceleration in acquisitions. The analyst believes a reduction in Constellation’s hurdle rate is needed to counter the elevated pricing environment and drive material re-acceleration in acquisitions. In the meantime, RBC CM sees acquisitions below FCF and Constellation deleveraging. RBC CM believes Constellation’s long-term fundamentals remain attractive. However, valuation multiples near the high end of Constellation’s historical range have diverged from its slower pace of M&A. RBC CM’s C$475 target equates to 16x CY16E EV/EBITDA on $519MM CY16E adj. EBITDA."

Thanks