Investment Q&A

Q: Hello Peter :
I have had very little experience with Convertible Debentures and need some advice.
I own $50,000 of Algoma Central Convertible debentures ALC.DB which I bought at $108.00 a while ago. My Book Value is $54,000.00 and the current Market Value is $56,550.00 for an unrealized gain of $$2,550.00, and an annual dividend income of $3,000.00 for the next 4 years.

The National Post give this information about ALC.DB :
Coupon 6.00%
Maturity 31Mar18
Last Price $113.10
Parity $100.71
Yield to Maturity 2.50%
Premium 11.91%
Conversion Ratio 6.49
Conversion Price $15.40
Current share price [ALC] $15.79

I would be quite pleased to own the common shares for a very long term hold unless there is an advantage to holding the debentures.
At a Conversion Ratio of 6.49 am I correct that I would receive 3245 common shares?
Does this mean I could now advantageously convert my debentures into shares. If I am in effect just earning 2.50% yield now and the yield on the shares is 1.77% there isn't much difference and the share dividend has the dividend tax credit advantage.

The debentures are held with Scotia McLeod so I suppose there is a fee for doing the conversion, and would I be subject to tax on the unrealized gain if I do the conversion?

Would you go ahead with the conversion or just wait and hold the debentures? Any other information or advice you could provide on this issue would be appreciated.
Thank you............ Paul

Q: Good morning,
In a RRSP acct we own CPX.PR.A (Capital Power Corp. cumulative rate reset sr 1 prd). Bought in Dec/13 at $18.49 + a 2.3% commission. It is at 20.77 now and we are being advised to sell it today. We are just about retired and the yield looks good to us for income. Would you advise selling or holding it and why? We appreciate what we are learning from 5i.
Thank you for your insights and assistance, Len

Q: What is your assessment on Fortis 4% unsecured subordinated convertible debentures that were closed this Jan

Q: Team 5i.Received IPL notice of annual meeting. They want to create new class of preferred shares class A. How will this effect the stock. Good or bad

Q: Hi Team,
Do preferred shares generally follow the common shares [up or down] or are preferred shares more influenced by other factors such as interest rates?
As an example, I own FTS.PR.J - if the common shares of Fortis [FTS] keeps working its way back up to say $35.00, will my preferred come back to $25?

Q: Hi, I am interested in Toronto Dominion's preferred share TD.PR.O. It yields 4.85% & is presently trading above 25$. The prospectus states that after Oct 30, 2014, the bank will only pay 25$ if the bank chooses to redeem the shares. Would you at 5i have any insight as to what might happen to the yield after Oct 30? Does it remain at 4.85% forever. Thanks ... Cal

Q: Hello Peter
I bought NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX: NWH.UN) in 2013. I now think it is structured as a Limited Partnership because they pay "distributions" and not "dividends", but their website doesn't actually say so. Are all .UN listings limited partnerships?

Their website does say : "If necessary an extra distribution will be declared on December 31 each year such that the REIT will not be liable for tax that year."

They also say : "In 2013, 100% of the distributions were tax deferred, by reason of the REIT’s ability to claim capital costs allowance. The adjusted cost base of the Units by the Unitholder will generally be reduced by the non-taxable portion of the distribution."

Their table on the website shows "Total Taxable Income Per Unit" is zero for 2013, but it says the amount is shown in Box 42 [on the presumed T-slip]. The distributions I have received are evidently a "Return of Capital".

Does that mean the distributions I received are not taxable in any way and does that mean they won't be issuing a T-slip to include in my tax return? I haven't received one yet and I have received no answer back from my enquiry to the company. I am ready to file my tax return now but don't know if I should wait till nearly the end of April in case they do send one.

Many thanks........... Paul

Q: Hi Peter & team, I have following prefered shares in cash account: BPO.PR.K, BPO.PR.T, HSE.PR.A, and CM.PR.E, BRF.PR.E,
REI.PR.C in registered account, could you tell me what type of
preferred share they are ?
Thank you. M.N

Q: I have two questions:

1. your outlook on US-based PFF

2. why do you thing PFF is close to an all-time high while canadian preferred ETFs like CPD and ZPR are ways below their prior highs

Many thanks

Q: Hi,

Besides the 31-Dec-18 4.5% Cineplex convertible debentures which have been mentioned on here before, does 5i have some other favourite convertible debenture issues that you could recommend?

Thank you.

Q: Hi 5i team, I'm presently holding these preferred's and would like your feedback on hold or sell and what to buy if a sell is recommended. ALA.PR.A, SJR.PR.A, BPO.PR.P, BNS.PR.A. I'm looking for stable income with small 'g' growth (if possible). Thanks

Q: I am considering ELF.PR.G as a short term income holding. Has a $25 call 17Oct2014, currently price at a discount. DBRS discontinued Credit Rating in 2006 on this company.
Can you comment on it's short term credit worthiness

Thank You
Ernie

Q: I CURRENTLY OWN PREFERRED CPX.PR.A. WILL THIS BE REDEEMED AT 25 ON DEC 31/15 OR WOULD IT BE REDEEMED AT MARKET ON THAT DATE

GREAT SERVICE
WAYNE

Q: Hi all,
I'm trying to understand what I conceive as price discrepancy between the atlantic power preferred shares and their convertible debentures. AZP.PR.B is a rate reset presently yielding 12.5% (17.5% after tax consideration) and the longest term (2019) debentures (atp.db.d) yields 13.92% to maturity. Is the 3.6% spread simply due to the added duration (preferreds could be reset indefinitely in theory) and the fact that they are lower down on the balance sheet. Or, is that fact these preferreds were originally issued by Epcor, and are really a held in subsidiary of Atlantic Power corporation. How would this effect the preferred shares in the event of a default.
Thanks again.
Emile

Q: I have a preferred share coming up to the reset date March 31 CCS.PR.D and it will reset to GOC 5 year ~1.46% + 5.21 bp. What will likely happen to the share price on this date? I will get my dividend for sure but the yield will drop hence will the share price drop, stay the same as current price or what?

Derek

Q: Dear Peter, In no hurry for a reply. I own a convertible Debenture with a maturity in 21014. It appears to be trading at the level of my purchase . What will take place at maturity? Will this bond just mature at Par or will the conversion be forced or does the debenture holder have an option?

Q: As a retired senior, would CPF.UN (Can 50 Preferred), or would CPD be better for part of the income percentage of my portfolio? I noticed on occasion you have mentioned individual preferred shares. Do you prefer individual preferred or a basket since they are difficult for the retail investor to understand them. I will look forward to your income portfolio.
Thank you. Shirley

Q: Thanks for the 4 rate-reset preferreds in response to David's inquiry. They look perfect for my needs. One question please. Is the rate reset the only option available to the issuers at reset day, or are there other options.

Q: Rate-reset Prefs
Hi there. Could you please give me, say, three that you like for income, ie. higher but"safe" yield, for a a well balanced retirement portfolio. Thanks as always.

Q: I am thinking about adding DCD.UN. I realize this is sort of a bond/equity. If you have info on this, I would appreciate your comments.
Thanks.