Investment Q&A

Q: I was under the impression that the price of convertible debentures followed that of their common stocks but in reviewing a number of convertible debentures that will mature by the end of 2014, I find that is not always the case. For example, EIF.DB.A, PKI.DB, NPI.DB, and IBG.DB all followed their common stock prices very closely (down); ATP.DB and CHR.DB held their values well while their common stock prices plunged; while PGF.DB.A and AFN.DB remained flat or fell gradually while their common stocks soared. What are the factors that impact this apparently irregular behaviour? I look forward, as always, to your reply. Thanks.

Q: Dear 5i,

I just did my 2 year renewal with you. I've been a member since the very first day and wanted to thank you for your care of exisiting members!

To celebrate, I was hoping I could ask a question about TRP and TRP.PR.D. I own both the common and preferred stock of TransCanada (about 5% in each) and wanted to sell one of the positions for balancing reasons. The rest of my portfolio is all cash and stocks (no other fixed income). I was planning on holding the preferred "forever" and selling the common but the thought crossed my mind that the preferred my react particularily negatively to rising interest rates (worse than the common). Any thoughts on what should stay and what should go?

Q: Convertible Bond question of Jan 02/14(asked by Lance):

Also check the "Change of Control" sections in the CD prospectus (sedar.com). In such circumstance, often the company must make an offer at par in cash, and somtimes extra shares are available to compensate for the loss of interest to maturity.
Publish at your discretion.

Q: I've heard that a lot of bank preference shares are being bought back in the coming year or so. Would you kindly tell me if that applies to any of the following, and when that might be and at what price. Thanks.
BNS.PR.T
BNS.PR.X
CM.PR.M

Q: Hi Peter and 5i: a couple questions about convertible debentures (“CDs”) and also could you please let me know if anything that I am saying suggests I may be misunderstanding these instruments. First off, it seems there are two typical situations that result in CDs trading above their face value. One is if the common share price appreciates to the point where the CD’s are primarily of interest for their potential conversion value. I’d like to leave this aspect aside, as right now I am more interested in their characteristics when they are behaving more like bonds. The second situation seems to occur mostly when they get relatively closer to their maturity dates. I would guess this is an effect of their relatively high original yields in combination with the fact that the perceived default risk can decline more steeply and from relatively higher levels for these corporate debt instruments than for “safer” fixed income alternatives. If they are issued with 6 or 8 years to maturity, that is a long time in the world of corporate business and who really knows how some of these companies will do over that kind of timeframe. On the other hand, in a CD’s last year before maturity, the visibility of the solvency and continued existence of the corporate issuer may be extremely good. With a short enough time to maturity, one might even think that the default risk is not materially worse than with government backed securities, that is, probably still somewhat worse but the overall risk is small enough that the difference is not that significant. So my first question is: Is it common for professional money managers to purchase CDs with short remaining maturities in order to boost short term yields in their fixed income funds? Would that be a significant component of what causes CDs to trade above par as their maturity dates get nearer?
Second question: Are there any standard “catches” or pitfalls in the construction of individual CDs that retail investors really need to be watchful for? I know it is important to go right to the filed prospectus document when evaluating a CD for potential purchase but it would be helpful if I had a better idea of what kinds of features to be on guard against when I am doing that research. (Feel free to refer me on to another info source on this one, if that would make the most sense.)
Thanks for any help, as always!

Q: A general question on rate-reset preferred shares. There are many that have had their share prices hit hard because of the worry over rising interest rates, and that makes them look quite attractive if their share prices recover. Wouldn't the share prices move back to par as the reset date approaches, as the new yield would compete with then-current rates?
If so, then buying a rate-reset preferred with a share price of $20 should provide a very nice return.

Q: With a recent run up in share prices the fixed income portion of my portfolio is due for an injection, and I am holding plenty of cash for new purchases. I hold a reasonable mix of government bonds, preferred shares, and corporate debentures, but feel that my weighting of debentures is low and an increase would be appropriate. Can you provide your top 2 or 3 picks of convertible debentures from any of the companies you cover or if that list is too short anything outside of your coverage that looks good. I’m looking for something that pays at least a 5% dividend and trades at a slight discount (i.e. <$100). Could even trade at a deep discount as long as you have no concerns with repayment at maturity.

Q: any new news on par.un

Q: Could you please tell me if I should hold or sell these reset
preferred BPO.PR.P, HSE.PR.A and PWF.PR.P. How much will they be affected by rising interest rates? PWF.PR.P is down $2700.00 since purchased.
Merry Christmas to all. Thank you.
Helen

Q: Could you please give me some information on ala.pr.e. Will this be affected by rising interest rates. Wishing you at 5I a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. Jack

Q: TA.pr.D
I read your recent comment on TA common shares, but does the same opinion apply to their reset prefs, this one trading at a very attractive price and yield. More broadly, so many rate reset prefs are off, in particular the past 2 weeks. While part of an income portfolio (the lower current costs seemingly protecting against rate increases), are they possibly still a bit of a value trap, even at these reduced prices? Thank-you as always...

Q: I am looking for a lower risk income product for short term holding. Hoping for more than 1%. I came across BBO.PR.A which is a closed end Blackrock split corp pref share product holding Big Bank and Oil. Seems to stay just above it's NAV of $10 except back in 2008. Seems like a pretty safe 5% yield holding. Volume is low though. I can't really get a handle on the split corp structure and risks etc. Any guidance or comments would be appreciated. Anything that would be better? I am also considering BMO Covered Call products. Thanks!

Q: My question is about bep.un. Another member has also asked you a question about it today.

The National Bank Market Q internet site indicates also weak earning P/E of 244 and 669 for the Dividend/Earning ratio.

BRF preferred shares are getting hammered. The BRF/PF offered April 24,2013 are now yieldind 6.68% and their earning coverage ratio is only 0.7 time.

Same situation for BAM/PN and BAM/PM while those of Brookfield Office such as BPO/PH have remained relatively stable during the same time period.

Would it be safe to buy the BRF and BAM preferred shares for their high yield?

Regards

Q: I'm wondering what is going on to explain Shaw Communications Preferred Share (SJR.PR.A) sinking in price and should I dump it or hang on?

Q: Good morning.

I own shares in Brookfield Asset Management (rated Pdf2 low) and Brookfield Renewable Energy (rated Pdf3 high) perpetual preferred shares (BAM.PF.C & BRF.PR.F). These shares are trading at deeper discounts than other company preferred shares with the same ratings.

May I have your opinion regarding the Brookfield and the Brookfield Renewable credit ratings and can you think of any reason why the subject shares trade at a deeper discount to the others?

Many thanks in advance for your consideration and time.

Q: Enbridge Inc. 4.40% 5.25 - Year Rate Reset Preferred Share

Short Description: Treasury Offering of Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, Series 7
Price: $25.00 CDN per share.
This is a new issue just announced yesterday.
Preferred shares have not done well of late but given the stability of this company would these shares be a good investment at this time?

Q: your feeling on blx.db

Q: Convertible bond question(asked by richard)on Dec 2/13

A 'layered' strategy implies receiving the redemption proceeds in cash. However, almost all cnvt. prospectus (see sedar.com) for the last 20 years contain clauses allowing the issuer to pay the redemption proceeds and interest in shares. Not all cnvt issues fare as well as the excellent list presented, particularly resource issues, eg: PDL.DB is .42/$, STP.DB is .50/$.

Publish at your discretion.

Q: I would appreciate your view on convertible bonds (debentures)as an alternative to corporate bonds or preferred shares for income particularly in a rising equity environment and in a potentially rising interest rate environment. Is a laddered approach feasible? I have found only three ETFs devoted to convertible bonds, CVD and CXF in Canada and CWB in the US. The first two fall short of their benchmarks which surprised me as I thought ETFs were supposed to mimic their benchmarks. CWB on the other hand has done well lately. Are there half a dozen or so converts that you could recommend if one wanted to start a ladder? Thank you; I look forward to your reply.

PS: perhaps a listing in "View by Category" for preferred shares and convertible debentures would facilitate searches?