Investment Q&A

Q: The recent decline in CAD/US exchange rates has me somewhat concerned for my US investments. If you believe,as I do, that the CAD has reached its low point and may move up slowly from here, should you buy US shares in CAD funds? Or is it best to convert now and hold these in US dollars? In general do you believe it is best to have a mix of US shares in an even split of US and CAD currency? What should the factors be to determine how this is handled individually? Or does it even matter?

Q: Over the past two years I have acquired all three of the above companies and they now (together) comprise 10% of my portfolio. Do you see any problems with this? My portfolio is well diversified.
THANKS!
Bryan

Q: Peter and His Wonder Team
Recently you gave good analysis as to why FLEX retreated despite a strong QR. You stated it was because they lowered future earning from $0.30 to $0.28-$0.24 for the next quarter. You also stated that you preferred CLS over FLEX. If FLEX is forecasting continued growth for the next 2 years and CLS appears more stagnant...I am wondering why you think CLS has more potential going forward. Or do you just think FLEX will have a misstep. Please clarify. Your analysis is invaluable to us retail investors as we search for facts before we make decisions!
As always...thanks!
Dr.Ernest Rivait

Q: I'm looking to add to my TSFA acc. I know you like all 3 but, how would you rank in order of preference at this particular time and which do you think has the biggest up side in the next 1-2 years.

Q: I expected Norbord to be affected by the turmoil regarding
NAFTA, but it keeps going up.

Any idea why?

Q: Which of these two for growth,income,and dividend increases in both the near and long term, up to 5yr hold.
Thank you

Q: Hi, Could you please provide quarterly estimates for Rev, EBITDA and Adj EPS for KXS and SHOP. Thanks

Q: What is your opinion on Cbl at these levels?
Or would you recommend another company in this space?

Q: Is the acquisition a good idea? Or do you think that a grocer should stick to what it knows instead of trying to buy airplanes? According to EIF's new release, it was giving NWC a very competitive price already for they transport services. Does this make NWC still a buy or more a wait and see?

Thanks in advance!

Q: Dear 5i, I've read some good questions lately on REITs and return of capital, dividends, business income, and the adjusted cost base for these securities.
I just wanted to follow up and ask if my understanding of the different tax treatments is correct.
1. RRSP: all monies paid to the RRSP is basically exempt and no need to keep track of ROC, dividends, etc.
2. TFSA same as RRSP
3. Cash Account, monies paid to the account must be kept track of and the ACB will be reduced each time ROC is paid back to the investor.
Please confirm this means over a very long period of time the ACB could be reduced to zero or even negative? Is the ROC, Box 42 on a T3, the only amount I have to keep track of?
and another question, on BYD.UN, Why is BYD.UN allowed to operate under .UN status and in your opinion will they eventually be required to convert to a Corp.?

Q: The first baby boomers aged 71-72 (~1945-65) will begin cashing out their RRSP's or converting them into RRIF's or purchasing an annuity, this year. As will all the major boomer shifts, it is exciting to look at and predict the impact their money will have on government (tax revenues), financial institutions, personal wealth etc. What sectors will benefit; insurance companies like (SLF), banks (BNS), brokerage/ investment firms (FSZ), other. Where will the bulk of this money flow to: fixed income (bonds, debs, gic's, savings acc's) or (pref's and dividend stocks, common stock) or annuities. I welcome your thoughts and predictions on this interesting matter.

Q: What is your view on the announcement by EIF regarding the loss of North West as a client? The announcement said the effect on the bottom line is only about $1 million, which is so immaterial.

Also, is this piece of business development what the shorts are basing their recent incessant attack of the EIF SP? If so, can we expect a much appreciated short squeeze on Monday?

You insight is much appreciated as always.

Q: Any idea why the sudden drop in EIF and should I increase my holding to 5% with this drop?

MX is also down. Do you foresee a further drop or increase upwards again?

Thank you 5i Team!

Q: There is a link to an article in today's Globe by Meb Farber that calls into question the generally accepted wisdom that companies that grow their dividends are superior investments. (at least I think it is a generally accepted theory) Is this a theory that you have come across before or do you think that his argument has merit?

http://mebfaber.com/2017/04/26/dividend-growth-myth/

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: I note that buyouts are increasing among the small cap stocks. Today alone Lumenpulse and Canam are going private at nice premiums. IRD also gone this month. I am not sure if this is the start of a trend. Are there any companies you would consider as buy-out targets in the next 9 months? I have my eye on Ten Peaks.

Q: Hi I notice At.v is slowly going down from its high. What could be the reason for it...? Thanks.

Q: Good morning, I have a special cash account which I view more or less as a replacement for a savings account at my credit union so I've focused this account on fairly safe dividend payers with a few growth stocks sprinkled in. I'm planning on selling CGX and will then have enough cash for 3 new positions. In financials I'm thinking of some growth. Would you choose gsy or ecn? In tech. Evertz or ABT? And lastly, Valener,SPB? or Enbridge? Thanks, Rod

Q: Hello Peter,
With regards to the question posed to you for HCG by one of your members, i can relate to the frustration and disappointment that your team did not see it coming. However, at the same time, as investors, we have to realize that you can only advise based on the data you have available. Past data can be used as input to determine Future company or sector trends, but cannot guarantee success as no one can predict the future. I think it is best to focus on how we can avoid such stocks in the future given great metrics in the past (HCG had high ROE, decent PE etc ) and all of a sudden we start hearing issues with the company. Can you please shed light on what investors can watch for to avoid such pitfalls? I am using your service, watch BNN, read newspapers and other letters along with placing stop losses to minimize downside. From what i have seen, it is best to stick to decent paying dividend stocks like BCE, SLF, Banks, etc Growth stocks just seem to have too much hidden which comes to surface later or they are targets for short sellers. Thanks for your valuable input.

Q: Good Morning,
Any comments on the bid to take Lumenpulse private? Seems like a pretty good offer to me although I had great long term expectations for this company.......

Thanks as always,

Rob

Q: I am hoping this question doesn't count against me (my question allotment) as it is intended to improve further the high quality of your service. I have on occasion been quite impressed with a comment or question by a subscriber. Is it possible to then track other queries and comments made by that subscriber? I think that would be quite valuable

Arnie