Q: My 100 year old father has a few dividend paying stocks but most of his portfolio is in GIC’s. One GIC just expired and I am looking to buy something new for him. I find that a one year renewal will only achieve a 1.4% interest. He will not need money from this source for about 5 years thus can invest in anything fairly safe. The only issue is death which I believe would result in selling to satisfy estate requirements. I was thinking of banks, pipelines, etc because of limited downside and relatively high dividend rates compared to GIC’s. Can you please comment and provide some suggestions? Thank you. As always I very much value your comments.
Q: Hi peter, I'm looking for stocks with strong fundamentals and cheap valuations that you expect to perform well this year. I know you mention Macro MCR quite a bit. What are 3 other ones you would recommend?
Q: WSP Global
In the news today: WSP Global is acquiring Focus, a Canadian engineering & geomatics company. WSP is also doing a bought deal of commons (~$180 million value) - shares offered at $33.75. The offering closed very quickly. I missed it.
What do you think of this acquisition? Do you think their intent is to grow by acquisition? I would like to see solid evidence of organic growth as well. Their earnings, also out today, were okay.
Do you think the price will drop to $33.75 (or a bit lower) with the stock issuance? I would like to add to my position (got in at $30.51).
Any plans by I to do a WSP report?
I'm really enjoying my 5i membership - your dedication to responding to questions is awesome!
Q: Dear Peter, In no hurry for a reply. I own a convertible Debenture with a maturity in 21014. It appears to be trading at the level of my purchase . What will take place at maturity? Will this bond just mature at Par or will the conversion be forced or does the debenture holder have an option?
I would like your thoughts on Trimac Transportation. TD have just raised their recommendation from hold to buy. They suggest that the results for the qtr have been positive and management have commented that the weaker cdn dollar will help the company.
You have not been asked for your comments since last summer and last reviewed the company in Feb. 2013. I would consider buying the company as a long term hold with the view of a sustainable dividend and some moderate capital appreciation.
Q: Hi Peter
My question is on GWO . I know the stock has gone up this year but I am still underwater by 1600.00 .is it time for me to move on to a company that has more potential.? Can you suggest where I have a chance to grow more .
Thank you for Mylan .
Q: Hello Peter and staff. I am the holder of HSE. Husky and up 21% to date. I am curious of your short and long term thoughts on this as it is seldom comes up.
Thanks and keep up the excellent work.
Bob
Q: Hi 5i,
Given the recent announcement regarding Peladeau (sp.?) joining the PQ and the impending election, one might reasonably anticipate increased uncertainty re: the "Sovereignty Issue". In the event that this issue percolates to the forefront of Canada/Quebec politics over the next few years what, if any, stocks/sectors in the TSX would you see being the most impacted? The least (i.e. a defensive play on the issue)? Also, the dollar? I believe Peladeau's entry into the equation to be a potential game-changer for the sovereigntists and could cause some market turmoil. Just speculation; would love your insights on this issue from an investment perspective. Issue or non-issue?
Thanks,
Cheers,
Mike
Q: The objective of this question is to find out if I can further refine my stock selection process and enhance my win/loss record.
Specifically: given that several stocks have similar p/e ratios and similar financial strength, would looking at the Sharpe Ratio and Momentum (as in average monthly return numbers) help with the final decision?
For example, would you be more likely to select a stock with a Sharpe Ratio of 2.1 and a growth rate of 7.8% over a stock with a SR of 1.4 and a GR of 4%? If so I would assume that you consider these to be reliable (but knowing that nothing is perfect) indicators of likely future stock prices.
On the other hand, if I am wandering off into the "wilderness" with this approach, would you please let me know; and then also why these metrics would not be suitable for this purpose.
Thanks again for all your insightful observations and suggestions.