Investment Q&A

Q: REIT's are unpopular now, so maybe worth a look.
I think of apartment REIT's as less volatile and wonder why True North Apartment REIT (TN.UN) is paying almost 9%. Even if the condo market heads south, their apartments rent for much lower than condo rentals, so not much competition. They are nearly full, as there is a shortage of low rental housing, and have access to CHMC loans at low interest. The CEO has been buying at higher prices. What's not to like?
John

Q: What is your current assessment of the investment merits of PUR? The stock has been rangebound between $4.00 and $5.00 for most of the year. There is a rule of thumb in technical analysis that notes ... the longer the consolidation, the higher the run ... do you believe PUR has this potential? Thanks for your insights.

Q: Empire EMP.A has dropped on weaker results. Is this a buying opportunity or is there a better entry point.

Regards

Gary

Q: Hi Peter,
I am growing concerned about CPG as others seem to be as well. I'm looking for another yield play to replace CPG and doesn't have to be in the oil & gas sector. Perhaps Liquor Stores is a good option for income?
Thank-you.

Q: I have heard on BNN various commentators say that if interest rates rise, it is better to be in insurance companies than banks. I would appreciate your thoughts on this. thanks.

Q: Good morning all.
I just heard of this quite new(mid 2011)fund TLF.UN and am wondering what sort of option this fund would be for following the tech sector in the US via the TSX. A Brompton Fund at (http://www.bromptongroup.com/funds/fund/tlf/overview) it pays a nice distribution and has a mgmt fee of 0.75 but I expect the MER is higher. It looks like it is holding 16 positions and is fairly active writing covered calls to boost returns. Does 5i have any knowledge of, insights on or opinions about this fund and would something like QQQX or other be a better vehicle for following the US tech sector? TLF is small and probably not that liquid.
Thank you again for your wonderful service and support!

Q: I am interested in your thoughts on OTC, it rarely seems to get mentioned but seems to be doing well, and recently instituted a dividend. Is it one you follow?
Peter

Q: Hi Peter & Team
Would like your opinion on Sysco please,and if you would consider it a good long term hold
thanks

Q: Hi Peter & the 5i Team,

You've said in the past that CPG isn't your favourite company in the O/G sector and I certainly agree with that assessment. Based on my results, even with the generous DRIP program and its 5% discount, and after holding CPG for several years, I'm still slightly underwater. It appears that CPG is incapable of breaking through the $40 mark. (Although it pays a hefty dividend of over 7%, its price has flat-lined).

Many analysts rate CPG as "sector outperform" or "strong buy", etc. etc., but my results certainly prove otherwise. I have (fortunately) only half a position in CPG, and bought it at that time due to its inclusion as a so-called "dividend aristocrat", and not knowing about 5i. (!) So at the present, I'm frustrated knowing I'm not reaping the benefits of an alternative O/G stock like VET.

My question is this: What "non-emotional" criteria should an investor use to determine if and when a stock should be sold?

Thanks in advance.

Q: I am looking for an update on ABM. My understanding is that they have a large valuable frac sand deposit in a strategic location. Rumor is that the project will be approved without an environmental study. What is your take on the this stock

DON

Q: Opinion on Fortis FTS
Is this a good long term investment.
IS current price a buying opportunity or do you see further weakness in price.

Q: Hi,
I'm thinking of nibbling at SPM and AR at these levels. What do you think?

Thanks

Q: Hi Team,

A would appreciate your opinion regarding 2 companies for some growth and dividends that should grow over time.

I'm thinking of buying IPL.UN Interpipe) now that it's become a corp. What do you think of its future prospects and do you think it's a reasonable buy at the current price?

Davis and Henderson seems to be changing itself into a viable company. Do you agree and is it a buy at current prices?

THANKS FOR THE GREAT SERVICE!

Q: Hi Peter & 5i: Am I missing it or is there no link from your Members page to your model portfolio?
My real question is whether you could take another look at the answer you gave to Ken on his ZPR question? In particular the comment that: “... we would not choose a single company over an ETF.” Presumably that isn’t generally true or else your model portfolio would only hold ETFs. Keep in mind that Ken’s question was about adding a holding in the context of a larger portfolio. Presumably there are times, at least, during which you might prefer the prospects of a single company over the index (or average return) for the relevant sector. So are you really just saying that right now you don’t prefer HR.UN’s prospects enough to outweigh any perceived individual company risk – or do you mean something more than that? Thanks!

Q: RLC - I am holding some RLC shares. I see that they are about to issue $25 million of convertible debentures. What will this do to the share price?

Q: Hi 5I Team
I am interested in purchasing Unilever (UL) would this be a good but at this time?

Q: Hi 5i, OMG what's with Wilan. Is it time to throw in the towel. As everything else that's decent continues to grind higher, this dog in my portfolio sends me around the bend. Is it time to take my loss or is there anything you know coming. I feel that after holding this for years now I will sell and up it will go. lol Thanks as always, you guys, girls are wonderful.

Q: What is your opinion on BB-T?.isTHE NEWS THAT COMPANY IS FORSALE BETTER OR THEY MIGHT NOT FIND ANY BUYER?.

Q: Re GIB.A: is this an example of noise from sell side analysts?

"Deutsche Bank downgraded CGI Group to Sell saying the company's aggressive accounting has driven much of the reported margin improvement. The firm says CGI's top line growth is weak and lowered its price target for shares to $24 from $32." (Sept.3)

What I don't understand is: why not just say the outlook for the company is poor or shares are overvalued rather than smear the company's accountants? Any thoughts? J.

Q: Now that JPMorgan is the most shorted US stock, what do you think it's prospects are, short and long term?