Investment Q&A

Q: While the conversion may improve marketability and market value, won't it reduce distributions by virtue of tax at the issuer level? As a retiree holding in a RRIF and relying on cash distributions, I am concerned. By reason of tax, is the following statement correct (which you quoted): "it will not result in any underlying change to aggregate cash flows"?

Q: Hi 5i,
Further to Andrew's question about the BIP.UN creation of the BIPC entity, here are a couple of exerpts from BIP's press release. They do make mention of this also being something of a "special dividend", for what it is worth.
"the transaction will be analogous to a unit split as it will not result in any underlying change to aggregate cash flows or net asset value except for the adjustment for the number of units/shares outstanding."
And,
"Currently, unitholders are expected to receive 0.11 BIPC shares for each unit held of Brookfield Infrastructure (i.e., one BIPC class A share for every nine Brookfield Infrastructure units held) in the form of a special distribution."
Not sure if this helps clarify or just further muddies the waters, but thought I would pass this along.
Cheers,
Mike

Q: Hello Peter, as I have noticed a lot of ppl asking about the BIP and BIPC news, and since BIPC (or BEPC) can provide so many advantages (e.g., simple taxation, broader investor base, etc), why ppl still want to keep their shares in LPs, I mean, what's the benefits of holding these Brookfield family in LP structure?
Thanks!

Q: Hi Peter - Regarding the issuance of corporation shares by BIP.UN to existing units holders, will this be like a stock dividend or will it have the effect of a stock split? If it is like a stock split, my understanding is that the unit price of the original .un units will drop by 0.11% when the new corporation shares are issued and begin trading. Is this correct? Many thanks

Q: Hello
What is the record date for getting BIPC shares from BIP.UN?
When does BIPC start trading?
Will the price of BIPC match and track the price of BIP.UN shares?
What happens to "leftover" cash insufficient to buy one whole more share or do we get fractional shares?
Thank you............ Paul K

Q: Hello 5i,
I am sure you will get some further questions about this, so don't bother posting this if it is merely one of many.
BIP has announced the creation of a new entity that will trade separately and be in addition to the existing BIP entity. It sounds like, as an existing unitholder, I will receive 0.11 (I think) shares for every one BIP unit I hold and that this will be deemed to be a Special Distribution over and above the regular quarterly distribution. It seems I do not have to do anything, just wait to receive the shares.
So my questions are:
1. Do I have this right?
2. What might this do the the existing BIP.UN unit price?
3. Is this dilutive, accretive or neutral in terms of unit/share count?
4. Do the expressed aims or goals seem to be worth the effort and expense in creating this new entity?
5. From the (little) information available, would you think it would be best to:
a) keep the shares and leave well enough alone
b) add to the shares
c) sell them and either buy more BIP.UN or,
d) buy something else
And, finally,
6. They mention the new shares as being more tax-friendly - at least for U.S. purchasers. Can you shed any light on if these shares are better for Canadian investors to hold rather than BIP.UN units from a tax perspective?
I know there probably isn't a ton of information/detail out there yet, but thought I would ask anyway.
Thanks for any clarity you can bring to this!!!
Cheers,
Mike

Q: Peter; Could comment on the BIP.UN announcement re the spin off of Canadian assets. It’s almost like a dividend - any tax involved here for a holder - liquidity - etc ? Thanks. Rod

Q: BIP.UN: announced to-day chg. in corp. structure with regard to capital ie. for every 9 units held one would get one share of new company. Have you had a chance to review this new structure? I own a fair number of units for quite a while; ergo, my question: should I sell or wait for conversion - is it a good deal?

Q: Could please comment on Brookfield's announcement to change to their corporate structure and what it might mean to retail investors. Does the announcement mention when this might happen and what the affect this might have on their dividend policy.
Thank you

Q: Hi,

I'm looking for another lo volatility, long term dividend payer with some growth like AQN, which I own. I also own TD and RY. Can you pick two choices for me from the above list? (as there are so many different offerings from BEP and BIP, I hope these are the correct ones? If not please suggest the better choice.)

Q: Hi 5i,
Hold the above companies in my TFSA ($30,000). % holdings around 10% for each, except CAE, OSS TRI, AD which are 3% - 5%.

Looking to deploy $5,000. Looking at d-un, dir-un, Telus & Fortis.

Safety and Income preferred, as in mid 60's. I would certainly welcome any other suggestions.

Thank You.


Larry

Q: Greetings 5i

I presently hold BAM in my TFSA account with a 5% weighting. I am thinking of adding BIP.UN at a 5% weighting as well, mainly for the dividend and potential for some capital gain. Would this make too much overlap or concentration?

I want to ease back on the throttle of riskier stocks in my TFSA as I am now retired. Weightings within the TFSA account are taken into account in my question.
Your thoughts?
Thanks.

Q: I am a senior and am an income investor. I am interested in purchasing some minimum rate reset pref. Shares in quality companies. Your thoughts on this strategy as I am looking for a steady income stream. Would you recommend 3 or 4 with a minimum reset rate of at least 5% dividend rate that would qualify for the Canadian dividend tax credit as they would be purchased in a non registered account. I am also considering a purchase of ING-N shares in US funds in an RSP account. Your thoughts on the quality of this investment and the safety of the dividend and if there is any withholding tax,as this is a dividend play the fact that stock price can vary somewhat is not as relevant however capital preservation is always a consideration. In all of the above I would only start with buying a half position. Thank you, Brian

Q: I've owned this one for quite a while; however, it is a very complex organism as witnessed when I do my income tax return every year. I realize that this position should have been in a registered account. My question: is this still a good solid holding? They just reported with low EPS per unit; but, it looks like FFO was very good and carries more weight than EPS does for a regular company.

Q: I have gains that account for two 8% positions in my TFSA in both CGI Group and Restaurant Brands. I was thinking of selling either CGI Group or Restaurant Brands and replacing that one position with three smaller positions in Constellation Software, Enbridge and Brookfield Infrastructure.

Would this be a move you endorse to increase dividend income and eps growth potential, and if so which of CGI Group or Restaurant Brands would you sell?

Thanks.

John

Q: How many utilities are enough and where? I have AQN in TFSA and , BEP, BIP, FTS in cash account (along with BAM.A and BBU.UN - total Brookfield is 8.91%). My spreadsheet indicates I have 3% space left in utilities sector to add but your PA says I am over. Sold all of H (was largest utility holding) due to political risk of current chaotic provincial government. Looking at a replacement for H. Don't really need the income for living , looking more for safety and some growth. Looking for your view on how you would rank above prospects or should I add to existing, or stand pat?

Q: I am wondering if you like BIP here at the current valuation looking to add to an RRSP- have BAM and BEP in other accounts already at reasonable weights. If I added BIP here would take my total weighting to around 7% for these 3.

Q: I'm thinking about selling a position in EFN with a 5% weighting in a RESP with a 5 year time horizon and replacing it with either CNR, NTR or BIP.UN. Another newsletter is big on these 3 names for longer term holds. Thoughts?

Q: Hello and thank you for your exceptional service. I am retired and dividends and other distributions are a necessary part of my income. In an environment such as we currently live in without inflation and with historically low interest rates. Aren't REITs a valid alternative to bonds and GICs? I own 15% in GICs, no bonds and I'm currently overweight at 9% in Real estate and wonder if my strategy is correct in your opinion. Should I remove some REITs exposure, which would you trim first and in what order from the list above. Where would you put the money instead? Thank you.

Q: Hi guys! I asked this question a few days ago and received no reply. Not sure what happened, it could have been on my end. I have equal portions of these 8 stocks in my TFSA. What do you think of these stock selections?
Thank You !