Investment Q&A

Q: SNC-Lavalin is acquiring Kentz to increase and become a major playing the in Oil/Gas engineering and construction business.

I know this is still fresh off the press, but what do you think about this acquisition and what is the medium-term outlook for SNC?

Q: re: AYA & June 22 answer for Jeff re weighting

I see your comments for Jeff on portfolio weighting as being very wise and are comments we should all respect.

Originally my portfolio weighting for AYA was 2%. With the recent rise it is up to 4.6%. Should I be trimming this down?

You know that little voice inside my head wants me to just "let it ride."

Thanks for all you do

Gord

Q: Morning 5i team. Could I please have your opinion about Medtronic. (MDT)
What do you think of the Covidien deal?
Is the company a good long term hold? Do you think the current price is a decent entry point?

Q: I have owned SYNA synaptics for a 120% run up. Happy of course. As long as it keeps performing, is this a hold or is there anything to be concerned about the B/S, and perhaps time to look at something else. Any recommendations. Thanks.

Q: I have BNS & am pleased with it one year appreciation.It is my only large cap financial. What would you be recommended at this time in this field. I was looking at LB, good div and/or Home Capital. Value your input. Thank you.

Q: Eric Reguly has an interesting analysis of the world oil market, "Iraq a minor bump on road to inevitable oil price surge", in the June 21 Report on Business. He makes a case for an increasingly tight oil market caused in part by shale oil producing large volumes of useless condensate leading to falling crude inventories. In North America, where a bottle of water can cost the same as an equal amount of gasoline, I believe there is plenty of upside to oil prices.

A Canadian portfolio market weight for energy would be 25%; the 5i model and income portfolios contain about 10%, though I don't consider ENB a real energy stock. My own portfolio of BTE CR SPE SGY TOU and WCP is less than 10% of my overall. The Moneysaver ETF model has about 17% weight including 10% in XEG alone.

If I should beef up my exposure to energy would you suggest adding to the names I already own, if you like them, or adding via XEG/CLO and/or XLE/ VDE? Or perhaps a bit of both approaches? Thanks, J.

PS: I like the new colour contrast and graphics of Report Card a lot, it gives it even more impact!

Q: BAM.A has been sliding somewhat recently. Any thoughts on this and would you consider it a buying opportunity?

Q: Peter and Team,

Any thought on Amaya's announcement this mornging that they are increasing the size of the preferred share offering? They are convertible at $24 so my first thought was that this is good and that there is demand from the group of pros investing here for stock at $24. However, I wonder why Amaya would do this... I thought they knew how much money they needed to do this deal when it was originally announced. What are the new funds to be used for?

Thoughts?

Q: I have been hearing more about a China Real Estate crash. I have some new cash to invest and want to do so with an eye to defending/preparing for that possibility. What sectors would you look at?
Thanks

Q: Greeting Peter & Co.
I am looking for a stock with growth, income and reasonable stability (lower risk). Knowing this is a high standard, I am considering AltaGas (ALA), Brookfield Renewable (BEP.UN) and TransaAlte Renewables (RNW).
Would you please provide your analysis of these companies and an order of priority for making a purchase?
With appreciation.
Ed

Q: Please update your views on IFabric. IFA

Q: US Question: Bladex BLX. I am building a basket of US / World Banks - after getting bombed out back in 07/08. What do you think of BLX as part of a basket of banks, one that provides a bit of diversification? I am also looking at SBNY and BOFI.

Thank you.

Q: Do you have an opinion on International Frontier Resources?Thanks.

Q: I was not able to see any questions with regard to Halogen Software HGN or Prometic Life Sciences PLI and would appreciate any information or thoughts as which company or both would be a worthwhile investment. What grade would you be comfortable placing them in. Thanks for all of your helpful information and advice.

Q: I would like to add to my weighting in the oil and gas sector. I currently hold Surge Energy and am considering Baytex, Peyto and Whitecap. At current prices which would you recommend or do you have other suggestions?

Q: Hi Peter and team, What impact do you think the General Electric deal for Alstom electricity business in France will have on the GE stock price? Thanks, Gervais

Q: PDN traded over 4 million shares today. Is this an indication of hope?

Q: Greatly appreciate your excellent service. I would like to include an investment in water resources in the Materials portions of my portfolio. Could you suggest some options, preferably in Canada. Thanks.

Q: When will Badger next quarter earning be?
Do you still the Company going forward?
In what order would you place the following stocks:
PPL; IPL; ALA; KEY
Thank you for the great service you provide. Jim

Q: ROE: I understand this ratio and the fact that, all things being equal, if you can buy a company with a high ROE to EPS you are getting a good deal? However, what is the best way to calculate the ROE-do you discount non-cash items from the income statement? I hold a few companies with huge ROE and fairly low EPS that appear undervalued-so, maybe I am missing something??