Investment Q&A

Q: Hi,
Based on other questions asked, I see you aren't recommending Buying PHM anytime soon. I have more frustration with this company than AVO and AYA combined.
Can you enlighten me on how a company like this gets a "2015 TSX Venture 50 Company" designation on TMX Money? The whole concept of the company seems like a sure win, but it keeps going the wrong direction. My loss is so great on this one, it's not even worth selling because it's near worthless. Also, do you feel there is some light at the end of this tunnel say 2-3 years from now? What could help turn it around?

Q: Is this a good entry point for Alimentation Couche Tard? Thank you

Q: Hello Peter
I still have Phm 8000@1.046 and Qst 3000@2.57 not looking so good.
Should I sell one and add to the other? Or cut my losses and add to a better growth stock from your growth portfolio?
I am diversified so just looking at a better stock for the next 2-3 years.
Thanks for your work!

Q: I'm interested in AW.UN but noticed it is at its 52 week high. Should I wait for a pull back or is it a buy at today's price? Also, do you consider it a dividend growth stock?

Would you prefer Boston Pizza as it has a higher dividend?

Q: I am using your Balanced Equity Model Portfolio. I missed out on getting into Savaria and keep watching it go up. Should I buy in now or wait?

Q: I want to increase my equity allocation ; it is still correct to simply buy your whole balanced equity portfolio (5 % each names) ?

Q: Am fed up with AVO lost 2000, balance left 5600
want to dump and buy CSU for a 4 year horizon per your own hunches on CSU.Will I recover my 2K quicker that way?.
Your thoughts
Art

Q: Can you provide your thoughts on the financial results, future outlook and conference call.

Q: Biogen has had a significant drop in share price over the last year. With another 12% dip on Tuesday do you think this would be a good time to start a position on this company?

Q: I help my son with his investments: he already owns XEG to capture an energy rebound in his TFSA & has another $25K to deploy in that account: he is not sure how long his time horizon is? A few stock suggestions that pay a nice dividend and/or have good growth potential over a 12mth period please?

Q: Hi 5i,
This is in response to Earl’s question about managing an account for someone whose OAS supplement is reduced substantially in proportion to any taxable income from investments. A good way to generate some cash flow giving the effect of income but without taking the full impact of the supplement reduction might be to focus a portion of the portfolio on REITs whose growth and development activities allow them to designate all or most of their distributions as ‘return of capital’ or ROC. The cash payments come monthly, typically, but the ROC designation turns some or all of that cash from income into a reduction of the cost base for the investment, effectively swapping current year income tax on the payments for capital gains tax that is deferred until the eventual sale of the holding. Because any portion of a cash distribution designated as ROC is effectively not income, there should be no reduction of the OAS supplement resulting from receiving that ROC.
There is imperfect visibility with this approach because one cannot be certain in advance exactly how much of the year’s distributions will be designated ROC. That information comes with the tax slips and related info after year-end. But with that caveat, I have held REITs over many years that have designated most, sometimes all, of their distributions as ROC, year after year. A good example that I have held would be Artis REIT (AX.UN) but I expect that other 5i members have several other favorite examples. If you are willing to dig a bit, a REITs’ past record regarding ROC designations is usually available on its website or potentially through its Investor Relations people.

Q: 1) What happened to your Growth Portfolio - last one was March/16?
2) Have not received any reply to my corrected question of 6/6/16? Thank you.

Q: It's being reported that Apollo Global Mgmt has submitted a bid for CXR. Will the company release details of the bid, and if so, how soon?

Q: you seem to get a question on couche tard everytime it declines, and i know it is one of your favorites.
so is the recent decline due to sector rotation, cdn dollar strength, margins on gas etc or what.
i would think with the recent purchse of esso stations in mtl, possible bidding on valero and loblaws stations the stock would be rising, also most targets are in the 70 dollar range. dave

Q: EQB has been doing well recently although I've held it for awhile and it just went above my purchase price. It is 19% of my TFSA but tiny in my overall portfolio. Should I continue to hold or sell?

Q: Considering its large debt load, is Halloway Lodging Corporation (HLC) buyeable as a value play for a 1-3 year holding period? Thank you.

I do not hold any real estate or hotel stocks.

Q: I manage the investment accounts for a family member who currently has a very small pension, CPP and OAS with the OAS Supplement. Her Supplement is reduced by 50 cents for every dollar of investment income she makes so she is effectively in a 50% tax bracket. Her capital comes from the recent sale of her house and the money must be available for an assisted living facility in a few years. My problem has been finding stocks to preserve capital and minimize the 50% tax bite which impacts what she has to live on currently. I have used AV.UN which has no impact on her income now and TMC which does but provides a high income. I think capital gains would be better than dividends which are grossed up. Any suggestions for appropriate investments for a 6 figure account?

Q: Could you comment on Ivanhoe Cambridge reducing stake in Cuf.un ?

Q: Would you please comment on the Gear-Striker Arrangement announced at the close today, specifically from the viewpoint of a Striker shareholder. Thanks.

Q: Looking to sell NA and buy either TD or RY, is this a good move?
Thanks for your help