Investment Q&A

Q: I am fascinated by the Empire Co. story. I have read some of your earlier replies and would agree that it is a wait and see stock at this time. But some of your criteria for a good stock seem to be in place, i.e. history of increasing dividends, reasonable P/E, Price to Book. And the company is buying back over 5,000,000 share to retire them.

To me, this seems like a true value investment. The stock broke through its very long trend line in mid November. I would wait until the trend line turns back up and re-evaluate at that time but when (not if)this happens, there is a $10 capital gain available. Am I right on this one?

Q: Hi 5I- Have just received lump sum retiring allowance and now 30% cash. Present holdings are 18%GGF31222-10%VUN-7%XEF-7%ZGI-6%SLF-6%VXC-5%ZUH-4%IYT-3%XEH-3%ATD-2%DIS. Would like your suggestions for more etf exposure and would like to start adding slowly with the next downturn, but don't like to sit in cash to long. Would you trim healthcare or USA in general now? We are long term investors. Thanks for your help.

Q: In the last few months the company is going only sideways, your views on it would be appreciated.

Q: Is this company a good investment in your opinion even though it's very small. The last Q looked good.
Take care.

Q: I am an anti-gold bug. I always lose if I ever succumb to the wiles of the yellow metal.
However, i would like to have a single small position in one gold company just in case the gold bugs are right and we are going to hell in a handbasket.

I would like to hold one company which I could put there and forget about but it would follow the metal should it skyrocket. I am looking at the majors ---Barrick and Goldcorp. Which would be better or is there another company which would be better for my purposes?

Bryon in Elmira

Q: If Oil goes to $ 50.00 I am considering these to buy TOU, CPG, WCP, BTE, SPE, SU. Are these the best plays or are there others ? Your thoughts please.

Q: Gentlemen: I am thinking of this ETF since it is hedged to the US$ (I already have over 35% US$ exposure and am trying to reduce that to about 25%), and has a decent track record. Thoughts? Thanks so much- Ken

Q: Good afternoon:
I am wondering whether you have a favourite name in the US defense sector in terms of potential for future performance. I have been considering GD, LMT, NOC or RTN.
I would appreciate any views you may have.

Q: I have a question about ARX. Would you consider holding shares for another year or two in the hope of them growing in value or would you advise selling them and investing elsewhere. My shares are presently in my RRIF

Q: Which company would be your top pick in the medical devices space in Canada? Prism seems to cover all the bases for seniors wishing to remain in their homes throughout retirement and retrofitting their homes accordingly, but it is small (listed on the Venture Exchange). However, it does pay a nice dividend. Any thoughts?

Q: Re my question yesterday on W.Us, thank you for your thorough assessment. I had asked for other ideas to invest $10,000 USD in any sector. You suggested AMZN, but that would buy only 16 shares. Any other ideas?

Q: Your thoughts on Sandvine earnings report. Is it buy/Sell/Hold at today price.
Love the service Thank you If answered & posted already please disregard.

Q: Question: I own too many positions . Some were income plays , many were from my days as a "big shot" oil investor , others were lost causes .. . Ignoring sector balancing ( I have been trying ) , which stocks should I heave ?
Your portfolios have been very helpful in rescuing me from my previous ways ... thank you
Consumer - AW.UN /ADW.A/ATD.B./CCL.B/CGX/MG/ PBH/HLF/KEG.UN/L/MG/PZA/AYA/ECI/DOL/GIL/ACQ
Financial - BNS/RY/CXI/EFN/IGM/HCG/
Healthcare - PHM/
Industrial - AFN/ RUS/WSP/SIS/WEF/CFP/XTC/MDA/BAM.A
Materials - SJ/
Energy - ALA/BEP.UN/CPG/ECA/PPY/TOU/WCP/BDI/SGY/FRU/VET/ IMO/ PSK /FRU
Tech - CSU/GIB.A/DH/ESL/SYZ/DH/DSG /
Telecom - T/BCE
Utility - ENB/
REIT - AX.UN/CSH.UN/CUF.UN/DRG.UN/D.UN/SRU.UN/

Q: If gold is going to $ 2000.00 an oz. what are best plays. I am considering AGI.KGI,NGD and DGC. Any others you like ?

Q: I have been holding this preferred stock for quite a while. It has been a great the yield, and I know what you think of the company, but would you give me an update of your risk assessment of holding on to this preferred.
What are the implications to Bombardier in cancelling the dividend, it being cumulative.
As always, thanks..

Q: I have heard pros and cons of a bought deals vs a marketed deal in order for a company to sell additional equity to raise cash. In a bought deal it is usually offered at a discount benefiting the underwriter at the expense of the existing shareholders. In a marketed deal the prospective underwriters seem willing to short the stock to get it at a lower price until it is priced for a deal, again at the expense of existing shareholders. Am I correct in my assumption and if so which way is the least painful in your opinion?

Q: 5i Research Company Updates of April 4, 2016:
Well, we will get the bad news out first. As most Members know, the CEO of Amaya Inc. (AYA, Rated B+) has been charged with insider trading and has stepped aside from his duties. The issue has been well discussed in our Q&A section. We still consider the stock 'buyable'. Stepping aside was the right thing to do, but we are taking AYA out of our Model Balanced Equity Portfolio. There is still potential, but we think we can do better for the portfolio. We certainly see it as a 'high maintenance' name, and portfolio stocks we think need to be less volatile than AYA. Plus, if there is indeed a $21 bid mounted by the ex-CEO, the upside from current prices is limited.

Notwithstanding the ex-CEO is presumed innocent, taking AYA out of the Model Balanced Equity Portfolio is meaningful.
Would you now advise staying clear from Amaya for the time being, even with a rating B+ ?

In comparison, would you view Cineplex (CGX), recently maintained at A-, as a clearly better choice ?

Q: Hi, I watched this co. for past few years since it was mentioned by Jason Donville 2/3 yrs ago when it was trading around $15-$16, but failed to act. It has been rated highly for some time by your team, so despite its sharp price rise over past 6 months, I decided to finally act and bought half position, after stock was added to your Balanced portfolio, this week. My dilemma is whether I should wait for a pull back to add to full 5% position. Interestingly, stock is already trading above most analyst' 12 months price targets, the only exception being TD with $60 target ( pre C&C acquisition). Thanks

Q: Hi, I have been thinking of adding a restaurant stock to my portfolio after I divested Diversified Royalty and Cara Ops. I reviewed MTY and just came across Imvestor Restaurants Group, when it was discussed on BNN, Friday as a top Pick by Brandon Caldwell. How would you compare the two on various metrics like, financial strength, management, dividend and future growth prospects (by acquisition and organic growth)? In one of your comments, you mentioned that MTY missed on St-Houbert purchase (by Cara). Which one, in your view is more undervalued today and holds lower risk for a long term hold? Thanks

Q: I retired, hold a diversified portfolio and keep reinvesting the income. I am intending to buy on margin within a reasonable amount to profit from the spread.
What is your advise.
I am looking for three solid Canadian low beta good dividend paying stocks.
Any suggestion
Thank you
Raouf