Investment Q&A

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

I am in an MBA stock picking contest, which runs from Feb 2nd until the end of March. We are all given '100k' to 'invest' in US companies.

Are there any potential home runs (short or long) that you can think of (keeping in mind that it's just for fun)? Most players are trying to time the market with triple leverage funds, but I thought I'd check in to see if you have any other ideas that might be interesting.

Thanks for all you do. The XIT call options that I had previously asked about are now up over 200%, so thank you!

Mike

Q: Hi, I have been thinking of asset allocation over my registered and non registered portfolios as a whole. Presently I hold a mix of about 80 per cent stocks and 20 percent fixed income. When one advises allocation of an individual stock not to exceed say 10 per cent, or a sector such as financials not to exceed 30 per cent of a portfolio, is this 10 or 30 per cent of the stock holdings only or is it 10 or 30 per cent of the entire portfolio including fixed income and cash?

Q: Now that I have a Total Portfolio (TP) of all accounts or buckets, I wondering what else I can add to it for analysis/worthwhile information purposes. One will be yield to come up with the weighted yield for the TP. Now for the questions -
Would it be worthwhile to identify each equity holding as value or growth? If so, what would be the criteria for value, like high yield or/and "stable" company?
Would it be worthwhile to track the weighted beta for the TP as a measure of volatility?
Are there other measures that you might suggest, especially given the spread sheet is up and available. All these "measures" I would update every other quarter for so, eh?!
PS....the TP had a benefit... did show concentration in the finance sector. Again, thanks for the "education for practical works'........Tom

Q: Hi 5i Team!

I'm looking for some information on Cipher Pharma. Specifically these metrics:

1. Net Margin %, 2. Return on assets %, 3. financial leverage, 4. Return on equity %, 5. P/E multiple.

Also if you can give me any other thoughts and information on the stock that you may see as relevant.

Thank you, Shane

Q: Hi 5i
Down 50 to 75 % on these guys. They were less than 10% now around 6% of portfolio. I held on thinking they might recover more than any other place I could put the money. Your opinion please buy , sell, or hold.
I did just buy some Vermillion in the sector.
Tks Stan

Q: I hold a few preferreds of different types and from different companies and must admit that the recent price movements of perpetuals versus rate reset, floating etc. has been an eye opening experience. Some of your Q and A explanations have helped explain a lot. I have a question specific to Bombardier preferreds BBD.PR.C There is a lot of talk about the possibility of Bombardier having to raise money with either a share or debt issue to overcome the current cash crunch and respect debt covenants. If this were to happen, it would obviously be taken negatively by the market, but how would you expect the preferreds to react? Is it possible that shoring up their balance sheet would actually support and lift the price of the preferreds, or would you expect them to drop together with the common shares? Same question if they were to reduce or eliminate the common share dividend, how do you think the preferreds would react?

Q: Hello:
Is there a reason for Cipher's large price volatility over the last week? I get suspicious when this happens. Thank you
Jerry

Q: Seem to be making progress any thoughts ?

Q: Hello all. I am rebalancing on this fine wintery day! Yikes! It is a challenge. What sector would you add REITs too if not on their own and what %? Also Transport? Is Retail Consumer discretionary or staples? Is CCL to be added to Materials as in the TSX? Thank you and stay warm!

Q: Hello Peter and team, could you give me your best non-oil and gas picks for growth over the next 12-18 months.
Thank you Dave

Q: I bought 1,000 shares @ $13 in mid-2011 as a medium term income investment. There was a dividend increase in June, 2012, therefore it has not disappointed as an income play. However, I still have an unrealized capital loss of almost 50% because of its ongoing weak unit value. Time to sell and find a better prospect?

Q: Hello,which 3-4 Cdn pharma stocks do you think have the greatest chance of capital appreciation over the next 12-18 months?
Thanks
Dace

Q: I hold CLS and VCM in my TFSA. CLS is up 9 per cent and VCM is up 66 per cent. Do you think I should continue to hold? I realize this is not diversifed but I have other accounts that are being managed by a professional.
Thank you.

Q: QSR started trading at $40, and it is now $49.
Would it be wise to invest in this Co. now?

I know it is Burger King & Tim Hortons.

Thank you.

Q: Hello 5i,
The yield curve is flattening; the spread between 2 and 10 year is dangerously narrowing. This kind of situation, if it continues flattening, could be a precursor of market downturn as it happened in 2000 and 2008.
I was all in cash in 2008 and am wondering how to respond now; mind you there is always a lag time between the flattening of the yield curve and the market decline.
Your opinion please.
Tony

Q: At today's prices, bam.a or byd.un?
Thank you for your excellent service.

Q: I would like your advice for someone in their mid40s who has just moved pension money into a self-directed LIRA. Their risk tolerance is fair. I was thinking of suggesting stocks from your Model Portfolio. Any other thoughts? Much appreciated, as always.

Q: 1/30/15 - Oil had a big move up of $3.75. Most oil stocks moved up with the oil move - example - SGY up 10.3% - 3 stocks you support ROCK, PRW and QST moved down. Any explanation why didn't participate in the rally?

Dennis

Q: Hello Peter and Team. Its re balance time and I would like you to share your opinion of the below portfolio asset mix, does anything jump out as needing adjustment?
US Stocks 29%
Can Stocks 21%
Bonds 21%
International Stocks 17%
Emerging Mkts Stocks 4%
Cash 8%

Q: I would like to know which Company bought the Rights to Pennsaid, Also, I read that Nuvo reacquires 2% Rights of Pennsaid. I know this is an excellent product, it works wonders for me, it is a bit expensive, but worth it.