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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hi
Please help me understand this. What is the net difference between $1 in dividend from an eligible Cdn. company ( eg. ENB) vs. $1 “ dividend “ ( dividend and ROC) from a pure play Cdn. ETF ( eg. ZWU) ? Assume a non- Registerred Account that pays no tax.
Read Answer Asked by Frank on December 05, 2018
Q: Given the current volatility in the market there are a lot of analysts heads making bold predictions. Recently I heard one analyst say that "historically double peaks in a period of heightened volatility signals the end of a bull market". You've taught me there is always an opposing view-so is this statement simply that or is there some credence to it. Thanks for all you do.

Glen
Read Answer Asked by glen on December 05, 2018
Q: Hello Peter,
There have been many short sellers in the last few years in health care and now in Cannabis stocks. At this point, time will tell on Aphria, but for others like Valeant etc the short sellers were correct. I find it interesting that the brokerage firms, and analyst that covered these companies gave high marks and all of a sudden with a short report, they either revised their price targets or put out a release that the stock is under review rather than defend their own analysis. I am starting to question the analysis that is done by Canadian firms and their ratings. How is it that the short sellers are able to find things that the analysts covering these companies have not managed to even come across? Can you please comment as this is getting ridiculous when analysts and BNN Guests talk highly of companies and than we find out the shortfalls in these companies. Where is the accountability on these analysts and brokerage firms that put out good reports? Thanks very much
Read Answer Asked by umedali on December 05, 2018
Q: With the 10/2 year treasuries spread now at 0.11 for December 4, 2018. Would it be prudent eye up good quality stocks, in preparation of a recession coming?
And is this something you are watching?
Read Answer Asked by Barry on December 05, 2018
Q: We recently received a letter from Manulife with an offer to buy out our Annuity contract with Income Plus. Rob Carrick had an article on the offer in the Sept. 22 issue of the Globe and Mail. I would like to ask your opinion. My original investment was 175,000, purchased in May 2008. Recent market value was about 217,000, for a some what dismal return of less than 2 percent. These types of fixed annuities have some guarantees, but are complex and very hard to understand. The buyout offer is 37,000 and Manulife would add that to our present market value and roll over our contract into a newer segregated annuity product with lesser benefits. It looks like we have 3 options: 1)leave our contract as is with Income Plus 2) accept the bonus and move our market value into their new and watered down annuity version 3) Take the bonus and cash out of Income Plus at market value.
In recent weeks, I have done an internet search on this type of annuity and now see some limitations that were not fully understood when we originally purchased: the very high fees, now about 4%; a lack of inflation protection; a declining insurance coverage as well as a declining principle, which will both go to zero if I live to a ripe old age. The guaranteed income for life, which is 13,400.00 per year for me, no longer looks so appealing, as I wish to leave something in my estate for the family.
The intent of the original purchase was to act as a pension as I am self employed ( rancher) and have not paid much into CPP.
Do you think that a basket of conservative blue chip dividend stocks and reits, might be a better choice, if we take the option to cash out and reinvest? We are not fans of USA companies, but realize that many of them are international in scope.
Thanks, Dave Bober





Read Answer Asked by Dave on December 05, 2018
Q: Andrew Peller was a recent top pick by Ryan on BNN. Please compare with Corby in terms of risk, income, and growth. I have read past questions on these two, but would like a comparison as of now, for potential capital appreciation and income, in your usual thorough manner. Would you recommend one or perhaps both?
Thanks, Len
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on December 04, 2018
Q: You have mentioned your concern about KWh's payout ratio tightening. The only figure I have been able to find is 64% which to me didn't seem to be too bad but perhaps I don't have the right number. Could you please state what you believe the ration is currently and what you think is an acceptable ratio for this company. Also, your expectations over the next year and what you think might trigger any payout reduction.
Many thanks as always.
Read Answer Asked by Alexandra on December 04, 2018
Q: Just read David's question about the yield inversion. Over the years I have found these two sites to be very useful when considering the question of impending recession. Both are data driven. Worth a look.
http://scottgrannis.blogspot.com/
https://www.dashofinsight.com/
Mike
Read Answer Asked by michael on December 04, 2018
Q: I heard a radio item about the growing demand for cobalt which is needed for batteries. It seems there are several cobalt mining ventures in Canada. Do you know of any that would make a respectable investment opportunity?

What do you think of First Cobalt and Cobalt 27 Capital?

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Rona on December 04, 2018
Q: Please comment on BEW's recent results.& going forward.Good increase in revenue,& cash is also up.My position is down to 1% after losing 62% on 0.50 p/p.Hold,sell or add. If sell,please give 2 replacement(do not have to be in same sector),Thanks for u usual great services & views
Read Answer Asked by Peter on December 04, 2018
Q: Hi team,
I saw an interesting question last week on the metrics for evaluating stocks in different sectors. You did not mention the tech sector. I am curious on those metrics where there are many companies, trends, growth prospects, competitors, among others. Many companies show no earnings at all as they are investing for earnings down the road. So how do you compare these companies?

With the market unrest the past couple of months, I have looked more closely at your Companies section where there is a wealth of information. Take 3 cloud stocks that regularly show up on your favourites list: BOX, RPD and TEAM. None have earnings today. There are non-earnings metrics shown, such as price to sales and price to cash flow. On a price to sales basis, BOX is 4.5, RPD is 6.3 and TEAM is 22.3. Box is the winner with RPD a reasonably close 2nd. On a price to cash flow basis, BOX is 32, RPD is 620 and TEAM is 60. BOX again is the winner but RPD is a poor 3rd. I know numbers don’t tell the whole story, but I am not sure how to make any reasonable evaluations based on the metrics.

Thanks for the insight.
Dave

Read Answer Asked by Dave on December 04, 2018
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