Investment Q&A

Q: Just a general question about the "market". Do you have an idea about the makeup of the investor population? For example what percentage would be small independent amateur DIY investors like my self? I believe sometimes called retail investors? What percent would be big pension, mutual fund or other advisors or say ETF managers, etc?

I am interested to learn if I am mostly up against professional investors.

And if the market is mostly made up of professional investors I find it even more curious how the market seems to behave. All the ups and downs and seeming panic to euphoria don't seem very professional to me.

Q: Could you deepen your thoughts please. This year, earnings will be close to $1.50 ( 7x earnings). Next year, will be half of that. And the year after, still going lower. How can this be a value buy, what do you see that I don't?
Thanks

Q: Seems that National Instruments (Nati on Nasdaq) does not show up in the company query. Recently, the company share price jumped. Realizing this company is US, could you take a look and see if there is anything that is the source of the rise.

Q: How is the term 'Financial Leverage' calculated? I'm referencing the term as used by Morningstar. I believe that the 5i website uses the term leverage ratio, correct?

Q: Have you guys every considered a "like" or "thumbs up" feature for the answers section? I often see answers I really agree with, and would like to acknowledge and display appreciation.
Thanks for all your great work,
Lee

Q: Why on earth would preferred shares be tumbling so much over the past couple of days? E.g. see ZPR, CPD, HPR etc. It can't be the threat of lower interest rates? Can it? And if so what does that say about the prospects for the economy and the stock market? Or is this an aberration and an opportunity to buy some preferreds?

Q: G&M reporting that the Pres and CEO of Alta Gas sold 22,750 shares on Oct 9 @$21.01
This brought his total ownership down to under 3,000 shares. This should not be legal, given the forthcoming results. Can the OSC not do anything about this?
P.S. Not a case of sour grapes here. I was not a player of ALA. I just find the company's behavior, and this insider sell in particular, inexcusable. How can this sort of thing foster public confidence in our market?

Q: Do you have any reasons why all the Pref share ETFs have dropped by 1.5 % or more today - in an upward market; and why they have all dropped 7% or so this month, almost as much down as the common share market?

Q: Can you tell me why it’s having lower lows recently should I buy more hold or sell Thanks

Q: A do not have a position in Altagas. Would this be an opportunity to buy low? I figure most of the revenues must be long term contracts, so downside should be limited at this point. It would be for my RRSP, for income (long term). Thanks.

Q: If Apple's earnings are down after reporting on Nov. 1st, will the market follow the fall of FAANG stocks? Would you continue investing in FAANG or start looking at other tech companies? If so, which would you recommend and what would be some good opportunity's if we see a slight crash in market?
Thank you,

Q: What bank stocks look like a compelling buy for short term profits?

Thanks Kim

Q: Here's another question on Altagas. On the CC, management indicated that they are going to re-evaluate the proper dividend rate (payout ratio) for the company given the new mix of assets. I'm assuming this is code for "we're cutting the dividend". Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Peter

Q: Hi Peter and Ryan,

I got to give million thanks to 5i Research for their analysis on ESIO a few months ago when I bought it at 18, thereafter I watched it went up to 24 and dropped to 15 recently, Your prior analysis indicated that high growth will be expected in 2019 which assured me and made confident to hold this stock, and fortunately I got the reward to day , the stock popped up 90% this morning due to a take over. Without your assurance, I would have sold it at a much lower price or even sold it at a loss during the recent market down turn and sector sell off.

ECI Enercare was another example which I was also rewarded.

I understand that you can not always get it right though I got caught with some other recommendation, but as you said, and I fully agree with you that good stock offset the other loss.

I can not say enough thanks to 5i research for your excellent service and very honest analysis. Keep up the good work!

Q: At this lower level do you recommend averaging down? I will appreciate your comments on the sustainability of their dividend and pay out ratio.

Q: I understand that IPL has a plan in place for funding the remainder of the 2 year project. Have they locked in financing or will they still need to go to market?

Thanks,
Peter

Q: Do you think at this point if they cut the dividend to a more reasonable 5 or 6 percent that this would help the stock price

Q: What are your thoughts on IPL and it’s recently announced acquisition?

Q: I, like everyone else has been getting hit with the recent market volatility. 5% loss to my balanced portfolio. What would you say to someone who only has 3-5 years until retirement. I have been leaning towards growth but perhaps should I look for more income stocks with the downturn in order to transition into income 3-5 years.

Thanks

Q: long term view on AltaGas in your experience is this a sell or