Investment Q&A

Q: This is a quote from Ryan's piece on DH.

"The reduction adds $85.5 million worth of additional cash flows. DH plans to spend 45% to 50% on share repurchases and 40% to 45% toward debt repayment.

Why would a company that has a debt problem buy back shares? Is this basically a way to line management's pockets?

Q: Hi, before I jump into my question, I would like to sincerely thank you for the wonderful and valuable service you've offered for your members. Without your team, I couldn't have done it on my own. Your team's given me a lot of confidence and assurance. Since I joined in 2015, my portfolio has grown considerably. THANK YOU

Since the US Fed raised interest rates in Dec, I am seriously considering to convert a saving of $200,000 to USD. This money is currently lying in an EQ bank high interest account earning 2% interest. My view on Canadian dollar to USD is bearish particular the US Fed proposing to hike interest rate several times in 2017.
Now my questions are: (1) Canadian dollar should be weak against USD. Next year the oil price is going to be stable around $50- 57, but no hope for significantly higher. Weighting the risk and reward on a scale, how risky is my move? (2) After the money has been changed, where can I park this USD? Any suggestions for a safe option to earn some interest? ICICI offers interest at 0.75%. Buying US bond is not my option as interest rate is on the hike.
I have experience using DLR to convert CAD to USD so high exchange expenses are not a big problem.
Once again, thank you for your insights. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Q: IF BLACKBERRY HAD A DIFFERENT NAME NO PAST HISTORY . BUT AS AN EMERGING SOFTWARE COMPANY DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE IN A 5 YEAR HOLD.

Q: Your thoughts on the recent announcement from BB of emphasizing their software (QNX in particular)and security within the Internet of Things. I have long been of the mind that this direction could pay off for them.

Thanks and all the best for the holidays.

Q: What do you think about Sandvine at these prices? For a two year hold? Are there other companies you like better in that space?

Q: Hello Team,
For Europe banking exposure, which of san or ing groep would you favour? In your estimation which would be growthier?
Happy Holidays,
Barry

Q: 1. When using technical aides to assist with buying,selling and setting stop losses on ones positions does this time of xmas/ New Years period affect the use of charts,etc as volumes seem to be down some what during this period?

2. Out of curiosity when comparing ones performance of their portfolio against bench marks such as the TSX, Income Funds and/or ETF's,etc.and you are withdrawing 5-6 percent from your portfolio yet these bench marks do not appear to have withdrawals , how would one put the withdrawals in the equation? Or am I comparing apples to oranges?

Q: With 17% of my portfolio invested in these US ETFs, I'm thinking about adding another 5-10%. However, I'm wary of the Trump implications. All of the above are near 52-week highs. As a long term investor, should I not worry about timing the market, or is it advisable to wait a bit before investing in the US? Is XUS worth buying or am I fine sticking with VUN, if I go ahead and invest in the US?

Q: I am a 30yr old with a bias towards growth and trying to up my energy exposure. For a long term hold which name would you suggest to compliment my current holdings of WCP and BIR?

Q: I currently have the following in the domestic equity portion of my RRSP: RY, BNS, MFC, ATD.B, ENB, SU, AQN, WSP, KBL, SJ, ABX. What would be your one and only recommendation for an additional position considering current valuations and a 3-5 year timeframe?

Q: I am looking for a bit more exposure in the financial sector. A guest on BNN this morning , while discussing bottom feeders, mentioned Aegon N.V. After doing some research on it, I thought it looked interesting. I would be interested in your opinion.

Q: Starting another trading acct. without any banks. Your opinion would be appreciated on the selections above. Thank you.

Q: GEO has been trending down the past couple of weeks. Do you see anything that would account for it? Does it still look ok as a buy considering smaller size and risk?

Q: Good morning,

I have been following BDI for a while. I know that they have raised money for a price higher than the current stock price. Also, they have serious debt to take care off and have cut their dividend twice already. Last Monday, they introduced a Drip program for dividend payout. Is this good news or bad news? Explain to me what the drip program will do the share price and how it will affect the current shareholders?

Thank, you

Paul

Q: I do not have much experience in investing in US stocks. I would like to add some US exposure as it does seem that Trump's pro business approach might turn into a reality. Is there an ETF you could suggest that would track the US market?

Thank you, Peter

Q: I am up about 70% in a relatively short period. Time to sell?

Q: Would you sell ATD and buy PKI today? Does it's recent decline, 4% dividend, and growth prospects represent a better position?
Thanks and seasons greetings to Peter, Ryan and the rest of your team.
Peter

Q: I hold some shares of PGF from before oil tanked and am down 25% now after its been recovering a little in the last few months. They have a ton of debt and I have only continued to hold the stock because it has been recovering with the price of oil. I don't plan to hold this stock for the long term but I felt I could make some of my money back, which has worked so far.But Seeking Alpha released a negative report today stating it will likely not meet all its debt obligations and suggesting maybe a reverse stock split could have to happen. Do you think I should get out of PGF now?

Q: I would like to increase my exposure to the energy sector. Which one or two above mentioned energy companies do you recommend. Can you please rank them. If you have any other recommendations please mention.
Thanks.

Q: Own half positions in each of these stocks - ALA and ECI - and plan to simplify by consolidating into one holding. Which would be your preference - for income with some capital appreciation?