Investment Q&A

Q: Last year Dowdupont spun-off Dow and Corteva. Amounts were allocated to each of the spin-offs as to their immediate value on separation. I received a T5 setting out those valuations as "foreign income". My broker Qtrade left my original cost for the DWDP prior to spin-off as was. Allocating a theoretical cost for the DOW and CTVA shares without reducing the cost of the remaining DWDP shares leaves open an unfair (to Revenue Canada) capital loss upon sale of DWDP. Fair enough, however the response to allocate the DOW and CTVA share values as income seems unfair to the shareholder: as income full tax is payable whereas only 50% of capital gain is fully taxed and has the ability of set-off against losses.
Question Can you advise whether the Qtrade handling is mandatory per Revenue Canada or arbitrary by broker?
Thanks very much.

Q: "DowDuPont's (DWDP) board of directors approved the separation of the materials science business from the agro-chemical giant, moving forward with plans to create the new Dow that's set to start regular trading in New York next month". I own a small amount of DWDP and I understand I will receive 1 share of the "new" materials science business for every 3 shares of DWDP. What would your recommendation be with the material science business shares once I receive them (hold, sell, or buy more)?
Thanks

Sean

Q: What are your thoughts on the plan to spin off into three separate companies (Dow, DuPont, Corteva Agriscience)? I have read that typically spin offs do well because they can command a higher multiple than the parent company. What do you make of this situation? Thanks.

Q: Greetings 5i,

I have been considering adding a position in DWDP, as I view it as an excellent diversified blue chip in the materials sector (which I view as the weakest sector in my portfolio). Moreover, as a fairly young investor (I am 36), I also view their holdings as very appealing long term prospects, as I cannot envision a time when practices like agriculture and chemical manufacturing will not be essential. However, given the impending breakup, I am unsure how to proceed, and would like your advice. Please feel free to deduct as many credits as you see fit.

First, could you provide your overall assessment of DWDP as a buy and hold name for a conservative, long-term portfolio, where neither funds nor proceeds will be needed for the foreseeable future?

Further, would you recommend purchasing the shares as they are now (perhaps a half position to start), or would it be prudent to wait for the breakup to occur, and reassess at that time (I am not in any rush to add to my portfolio, but do not want to miss out on an opportunity either)?

Finally, is it known what will happen to held shares once the breakup occurs (I was unable to find any stated plans in my research)? If not, could you please explain the most likely scenario in your opinion?

Thank you.

Q: Could I please have your opinion on the following stocks: American Tower Corp (AMT), Cognex Corp (CGNX), Comcast Corp (CMCSA), Corning Inc (GLW), Qualcomm (QCOM), ServiceNow (NOW), Dowdupont (DWDP)? Regarding Fairfax India Holdings (FFXDF), is this a five year hold, or is it money down the drain? Your recent answer to someone asking about Cognex (CGNX) was that it was out of favour. Can I have more details? Do you think this is the time to be buying gold due to the US's huge debt, and the increasing trade tension between the US and China? Thank you for your input.

Q: Hello Peter and team,
I know that you don't generally deal with U.S. stocks, but I would greatly appreciate it if you would identify your top 2 recommendations for each of the following sectors: Industrials, Materials and Technology. Thank you for your excellent service.

Q: Hi Team,
Would you consider either one of these company overvalued or investable?
Thank you!

Q: Hi David,
I'm looking to add three positions to my business passive account -- i'm up 15% year to date.
I have equal weight in each stock and am looking to add more diversity. A combination of income and growth US or Canadian -- minimum $1 billion market cap.

What would you recommend here.
Thanks,
Raymond

Q: Thanks for answering my question on Dowdupont. You say you are concerned about its huge size and say possible lack of fireworks. I understood the company planned to split into three in the next year or so. Possible fireworks?? Also can you suggest a few companies (any sector except tech) that you might predict fireworks? I like the word!

Q: Can you give me your opinion on these two please.