Investment Q&A

Q: A new investment strategy, based in Paris, has developed TOBAM (Think Out of the Box Active Management), which is a new anti-benchmark strategy of investing with a goal of minimizing volatility swings in the markets. Whereas the TSX has a 35.64% weighting in financials and a 20.58% weighting in Energy, TOBAM's strategy limits financials to 22.1% and energy to 9.1%. Consumer Staples, on the other hand, are weighted at only 4.16% on the TSX, while TOBAM gives that sector a weighing of 14.4%. While the strategy is fairly new, when you back-test data to 2001, it does seem to be working. Mackenzie Financial has a number of ETF's utilizing this strategy. I am interested in three of them... the Mackenzie Maximum Diversification Canada Index (MKC on the TSX), the Mackenzie Maximum Diversification U.S. Index (MUS on the TSX), and the Mackenzie Maximum Diversification Developed World ex North America Index (MXU on the TSX). All three are traded fairly thinly. The first two are currently at their highs, the last is currently at its low. Your insight please.

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, PLI has had a down day today. Is there anything happening and is this a good entry position? Do you still believe in this company?

Q: Any explanation s to why TOY is down so much today? I don't see any news on it.

Q: If you would have to choose 2 US stocks, which one would you pick?

Q: OK it is Monday. I meant Smart Reit bond maturing in 2025. Good bond investment? Sorry for the confusion on my part.

Q: Hello,
Which one of these is a better buy and why? Purchase it in RSP or investment account? It appears that mrg.un is cheaper from a P/B value point. THANKS.

Q: Considering investing in the feb 6, 2025 bond as part of a diversified bond portfolio. Any concerns from your point of view.

Q: I am looking for one, and perhaps two, buys in the materials space related to steel. Do you have favourites among the kinds of names here and how would you negotiate the potential upcoming political tailwinds/landmines, if at all? Thank-you again.

Q: Hi,

Which of the three series of preferred shares that Aimia offers looks most attractive at this time and why?

Regards,

Robert

Q: Hi 5i: I have two questions - please charge as appropriate.
(1) I have been holding CU in a dividend reinvestment account for about three years. The account focusses on stocks that provide a good dividend that is increased regularly (the usual Canadian suspects). CU has consistently underperformed the other stocks, and I'm wondering what the future holds, in particular given the changes in Alberta's approach to coal-based electricity generation.
(2) Could you give me data on dividend growth rates for EMA and BEP.UN?
Many thanks for your great advice and service.

Q: How would you compare Hot.un with Cldt Chatham Lodging trust as far dividend sustainable and growth.

Q: I currently have a half position. Is this a good time to add or is valuation getting too rich?

Q: Although I am using CRH in the heading this question is really applicable to any number of situations where a share price drops on an analyst's "downgrade", especially when there is no material news on the company e.g. - management malfeasance, loss of a contract etc.

I am not particularly concerned here about the company's future and fully expect the share price to go back to where it was relatively soon, especially in light of the fact that the target price is higher that what it was trading at and that the consensus price is much lower that the new target.


But I am left wondering why this or any other stock would have dropped so much. Is it because it was an RBC analyst and as a matter of course, all RBC brokers are instructed to put in sell orders (their clients are probably all up given the recent share price increases) to show clients the value of their firm's research (and then start buying it back when the price drops) or are there trading programs that always sell on downgrades or is this a particularly "good" analyst with a wide following or am I just being too cynical?

As I said, this isn't just about CRH and RBC. Or is every situation so different that you can't generalize and this is just "noise" that should be taken with a grain of salt?

Appreciate your insight?

Paul F.

Q: What are your thoughts on Urbana Corp (URB.a) ?

Q: I see only one previous question on GRG, in May. Do you have an updated view, especially in terms of the joint venture with Silver Standard? The .75 July private placement comes off lock-up on Nov. 29. Current share price is just below that. Would this be a good entry point? Looking at this as a 1% speculative position.

Q: Hi great team!
Know you do not cover US stocks specifically but you may be able to assist me.
I have a 4 yr. old grandson leaving in the US. His Mom would like to have me help her start a long term saving investment plan along the lines of the "Lazy Investor", with mthly contributions ( not too large) in preparation for his future education.
Would you have any suggestions as to the stocks she should invest in,those having a DRIP and OCP and with good history of dividends. This would be done in the US so no complications re Canada.
Many thanks for this and all the great work you do for us!

Casey

Q: I appreciate your opinion and advise about Novartis.Thank you.Ebrahim

Q: Can you estimate the impact of the new U.S.softwood lumber tariff on the earnings of Acadian,please.
Thanks
bob Rose

Q: Hello. Where can I find Dividend Growth metrics for Canadian companies? Is that information available at no cost on the internet? I've searched but no luck so far. Thanks. I appreciate your help or input from other members.

Q: Hello 5i:
looking for "best" ideas for an income stock or stocks, to stay away from bonds. Growth is not a factor; I'm looking for real stability, both of price and dividend. I hold some ET, AD and could add to them. Have no preferreds and have thought about this space. Your take and ideas please
thanks
Paul L