Investment Q&A

Q: I currently have 20% of my RSP portfolio in US stock. I would like to increase it to 50%. My question is - at the currency levels today does this make sense? I thinking is - I don't see the CDN $ getting stronger anytime soon & I do see the US $ getting stronger over time. My other reason for wanting US is the companies I can't get here.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thank You
Craig

Q: In fairness to the principals of PHM, each sold 1.2M shares @ $1.46 for proceeds of $1,752,000. Both men cashed in 3.9M options for a cost of $1,920,000, so it appears they sold just enough shares to almost finance the purchase of their options, leaving both with 2.7M shares with ZERO cost.
These guys are so smart but they are not dumping shares other than to recoup their cost as they obviously see a long term benefit in holding the millions of shares they still own including the free ones detailed here. Oh, to be in their shoes - I own a chunk of this stock and will never sell it before it gets taken out at north of five dollars.
Any opinion on the stream of negativity on future oil prices due to oversupply, low demand, China, OPEC, etc., etc., would be appreciated. Do you see any strengthening in the price over the next two years?
Thank you.

Q: I keep hearing so many positive reports about the management team at TOU. I've held it for a while and I'm down 15%. It's about 10% of my holdings (I know ...too high !!!). I have a 10 year horizon so time is on my side. Gas prices don't seem to want to move and listening to guests on BNN you always get 2 or 3 different stories. What's the real deal on TOU ? Sell or Hold ?

Q: Hello Peter & Co,
Would AFN fit as a single stock holding (combination of yield and growth) for exposure to the Agricultural segment? If not, which?
Thanks,
Antoine

Q: What's going on with this one? Every day seems to find a new 52 week low. Sector is week but this stock seems much weaker. Do you still consider it in the top quartile of names in the sector?

Q: Hi guys. Was there anything in the previous Saputo's earning report that may lead one to suspect future earnings contraction?

I have 22% in what I consider the "consumer" portion of my portfolio made up of names like atd.b, gil, emp.a, l, hlf, dol and the only stinker of the group, SAP, with 2.3% position. Going forward, do you think SAP is the type of company you can slowly allocate a 5% position at current valuations?

Thanks, again.

John

Q: Hello Peter and Ryan,
NWH.un March $10.00 July 10 $7.63
At 6:10 PM a news report indicated Paul Dalla Lana acquired more trust units. He now owns 34.15% of the REIT. Plus he has an automatic plan to buy up to 5% more. Please comment on whether it's a hold or a loss sell? Also, in general when one person acquires such a large part of a company, does the interests of small shareholders suffer? Thank you, it's always interesting!
Bruce

Q: Peter, while I have several energy companies in my well-diversified portfolio, as well as some utilities, the only pipeline company I own is Enbridge (1% of total portfolio). With some cash to put to work, do you think that adding a second pipeline company makes sense - or perhaps just add to Enbridge. If so, which company would you suggest (for a 'forever' hold period)? Thanks, James

Q: I use TMX powerstream by the TMX group. Not cheap but very good for tracking more complex portfolios of stocks. Provides me with quick analytical tools. Cannot work without it now.

Q: I am thinking of buying Stella Jones (in a registered account) soon. I see your A- rating and think it will be a good solid company. Hoping you could advise me if this is a good time to buy it? Thanks very much
Marilyn

Q: I believe in never being 100% out of any sector.That said my oil and gas weighting is now 6%. FRU,WCP,and CPG each making up 2%.Do you think this is too high at this time in cycle? My main concern is CPG and its new "Shelf Prospectus" that really is being taken viewed as a negative today. My cost base is $32. I like its div. but I'm curious as to whether this is news is helpful or harmful to its value going forward. Thanks

Q: I was fortunate to hold a full position in Regal Lifestyle, and sold when the take-over bid was announced. Now I have some capital gains to deal with. Currently my 2 worst performers (in a loss position) are Medical Facilities (DR), a fairly recent purchase and Gamehost (GH), which I have held for years. The combined capital losses in these would offset my gains in Regal. I am thinking of selling both, with the intention of buying them back after 30 days, as I don't expect significant changes in their price in the near future. Does this seem reasonable to you? Do you have a preference of one over the other (ie would you buy back both, just one or just move on)? Both stocks are held for income and combined make up about 3% of my portfolio

Thank-you

Q: Hi Peter, would you buy Auto Canada at this price or is there more down side?

Q: Hi Peter & team,
You've recommended SIMO, CALM, QRVO, many times. They've all decline lately, do you still like them? Would you recommend adding/buying today?
Thank you!
Silvia

Q: Your comments on their Q2 results posted today, please. Same-store sales growth was flat, do you know what they have historically been able to grow this metric at?

Q: You have probably written an article about this and I would like to read it. I see a lot of questions that start with the phrase "there is a lot of SELLING of BLANK (example "phm). Could you not insert the phrase "there is a lot of BUYING of phm".

It seems to me that when the volume goes up on a stock it could be caused by a number of people seeing an opportunity to get in cheap on a stock and start making ridiculous bids in the hopes of picking up a growth stock at a great price.

Day traders must love a stock like phm. If they know what they are doing they can make 5 or 6 percent a day.

Q: I see PEO has been in a tumble of late. What sort of valuation is it carrying now and what do you think of it over all? Should I wait a bit more or try a nip and tuck?

TIA

Q: Hi Peter and Team,
Do you know what happened to People Corp?
It dropped another 5% today. It took a tumble from 4.80 to 3.64 closed today just in about two weeks.
Thanks for your opinion.
Pui

Q: Hi Team,

Blake asked about Canadian blue chips that have never cut their dividend.

There is a list here of Canadian dividend all-stars that have increased their dividend for 5 or more calendar years in a row: http://www.dividendgrowthinvestingandretirement.com/canadian-dividend-all-star-list/

It might provide some ideas although not all on the list are blue chips.

Q: Hi , DHX took a tumble at the end of the day with some large volume yesterday. Only thing I could find was an announcement they were going to proceed with a public offering of their shares . Could you comment on this?
Thanks