Investment Q&A

Q: Re Jason question March 22 regarding metrics for downside support for telcos, utilities and reits. . What cos would you recommend which meet a sufficient number of the metrics? Thanks

Q: Hello, this is in regard of the Globe & Mail article by Ryan dated March 12, 2018. Does this new index change will impact the sector classification we get from TMX Money? For exemple does this mean that using TMX Money, companies such as OTEX, CSU, MSFT will no longer belong to the technology sector as of Sept. 28, 2018? Thanks, Gervais

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investment-ideas/getting-a-read-on-index-changes/article38279262/

Q: Do you think there is any danger of this stock cutting it's dividend?

Q: Trying to access whether or not to continue holding my position in Manulife. There are so many conflicting views. Rising interest rates should support the stock. What is your view on the problems within the co as well as any affect the trade war will have its business in Asia. I’m an income invested plus preservation of capital.

Q: Would this be a decent investment? Is the payout safe??

Q: The infrastructure requirements for 5G networks is going to be fairly expensive for Telecom companies. Do you think the shares of BCE and Telus will be impacted because of infrastructure expenses. Thanks. Regards, Shyam

Q: Further to Andrzej question, net capital loss means that the 50% reduction has already been applied, so his gross capital losses are $111,000, which means that his taxable amount for 2017 is $8,000 (($127,000 - $111,000)*50%). On the tax return, the net capital loss carry-forward is reported separately from the current year gain as a deduction from net income to arrive at taxable income.

Q: Financial stocks of every type are getting hammered again today, as they were yesterday. Everything from banks to insurance companies to credit cards and payment processors in both the US and Canada are down between 5-10% in the last two days. Can you draw a line for me on how the possibility of trade disruption between the US and China could account for this? Is Bank of America really worth 9% less today than Wednesday because of Trump's trade tariffs or this just mindless "sell everything!" panic?

Q: If you had to pick one of these today for a combination of income and growth, which would you choose today?

Q: Greetings,
Looking at stepping into CVS as a short term ( 3 month max) trade. With some of the volatility in the stock it would seem undervalued and has demonstrated an ability to adjust to their market conditions over the long haul. Your thoughts?

Q: Peter and Team, I raised cash progressively by trimming a few different positions from my stock portfolio (basically mirror of Balanced Equity Model Portfolio) over the last 6 months to reduce risk a bit as I have been and am still concerned about the markets (high debt levels, rising rates, very high P/E's, etc.). I put some of the proceeds in HFR. I currently have approximately 5.7% of my overall portfolio in HFR. I also have approximately 21% of the portfolio in straight cash. I want to put this money to work in something that won't crash with the markets (if they do) and recognize this means low return/low risk. How much should I be comfortable in putting in a single ETF like HFR? I've also been looking at running a small 0 - 90 day fixed income book to generate approximately 1.15% annually or so. Ideally, I'd just drop a bunch of cash on my mortgage but my significant other is concerned about taking that cash for that reason and not keeping it invested for the long term.

I digress. Thoughts on concentration risk with HFR and other low risk, low correlation ideas to make some return on my cash position would be greatly appreciated.

Q: i would like your opinion on Melcor. Sell or hold? thank you.

Q: This company nearly winked out in the energy downturn, but it has recently "returned to profitability". Also, the sale of Calgary Tunnelling, once completed, will apparently eliminate the debt. Is the sale a good move ? Is it time to put this stock on the buying radar ?

Q: What are your thoughts on CEO Don Walker and COO Tommy Skudutis disposing of a fairly large block of shares this week? Cause for concern?

Q: Q: What are your thoughts on ECN? Is it a reasonable buy at this time? Are the dividends of the prefered shares, series A and C reasonably safe? I very much appreciate your expertise and insight.

Howard

Q: I have approximately 2% of my portfolio invested in MMM in a RSP and with decreased share price and current outlook of industrials would it be a better choice to sell and add to either SPY or VIG for the long term ? I would appreciate your opinion.Elizabeth

Q: So I'm at the point where our rrsp will be in withdrawals-mode to fund our living expenses moving forward and therefore a shift from the balanced portfolio to income seems appropriate. There is no urgency in this shift however. With the income portfolio down around 5% year to date do you think this is a good time to begin this process in earnest. Would your recommendation be to move gradually into the income names from the balanced equity names or to "just do it." Also we have an increase in cash coming from mortgage investments in our rrsp's being paid off over the next 18 months. Would you recommend buying the income portfolio names as the cash arrives or some more staggered approach. I know you don't have a crystal ball and that you might suggest this is an individual choice for us to make but nonetheless I am seeking YOUR call on these 2 issues. I appreciate your input.

Q: I would appreciate an updated opinion on Second Cup. Thanks!

Q: Would you be comfortable with a 3% position at this time (new position) or should I wait until it settles a bit ? Also, can you please comment on the payout ratio, sustainability of the dividend and the quality of the management team. Will the current share price make it be harder for them to make new profitable acquisitions ? Thank you.

Q: Hi 5i team
What would be your opinion of the Callidus review by Lawrence Delevingne and John Tilak issued today. I have held this stock for a while and I am down on it enough to feel uncomfortable but I can hold on for years if that's what it takes. I feel the picture painted is one sided in this article but the stock does not have any support, so this does back up the reporting. I was going to wait to see what earnings come out like. Maybe I should cut my losses and move on now and admit to myself that this stock was a misstep. Also what do you think of Mr. Glassman's management style/history is it worth the risk for reward. What type of buyer would be buying this stock at todays prices in your opinion. Thanks for your help. J