Investment Q&A

Q: Greetings 5i,

I would like to ask your advice regarding my exposure to the Brookfield group of companies.
I currently own both BAM.A and BEP.UN (each at roughly a 3% weighting). I am aware that BEP offers a significantly higher yield, and realize that renewable energy is almost certainly the long-term future of the sector. However, given BAM's "parent company" status over BEP, as well as it's obvious diversification advantage (I consider BAM to be among the best long-term investments on the TSX), I am not sure that holding both is necessary for my overall goals.

My Canadian utilities exposure also includes a full position in FTS.

I am 36 years old, debt-free, conservative, and greatly prefer long-term holds that do not require constant monitoring. I am also making a effort to simplify my portfolio, and am not adverse to slightly reducing my number of overall holdings (currently at 34). My investment portfolio is strictly for the purpose of expediting my retirement, and I have no need of its funds for the foreseeable future.

Given my goals, do you feel as if my current Brookfield exposure is appropriate, or would a consolidated, 5% position in BAM (5% is generally my limit for a single holding) be more conducive with my long-term strategy?

Thank you.

Q: MU is down $1.24 to $42.75 as of Fri. Jan.19, 2018. It seems cheap at 6.5 times forward earnings & with a PEG of .34. I would like your opinion on buying a half position in this company. About an hour ago I asked another question re ORBK- Orbitech Ltd.& would appreciate comments on whether you would recommend either, both or neither of these companies as a half position?
Thanks, as always, for your great advice.

Q: What can you tell me about Gen's refinery project in alta and its chances of going forward.
thanks
Joe

Q: Good Morning 5i,

Here's a different question guys: I am helping a good friend with his investing. He is a hard core hockey aficionado and wonders if there is any publically-traded company that he can purchase that is related to the game he loves. He already has some Rogers shares. I am stumped. Got anything? Leafs preferred but ultimately doesn't matter.

Thanks!

Kim

Q: Hi there,

I currently have a blend of your Balanced and Growth portfolio - mostly switching out the large, higher yielding names with small to mid cap growth names (which were suggested to me by your team in an earlier question). It has performed well in 2017 and I am happy with the results - however, my entire portfolio is TSX based. I am looking for diversification but don't want to sacrifice the growth tilt, which sometimes ETFs tend to lead to. Based on my existing holdings, which ETFs would you recommend that would be more growth tilted and add a broader global exposure? Also, what weighting would you consider making these holdings?

Thanks for your great service!

Q: In regards to the reply to Terry's post, I'm a prime example of that. With all the uncertainties of Trump, US Gov't debt, NAFTA, Canadian housing & credit card debt, Brexit, etc. I've been expecting a correction/pull back for well over a year now. In the meantime I've held off buying ETFs for the US and Europe markets while watching them run up to record levels.
So here's the worse part. Psychologically I have a real problem buying those ETFs at today’s prices when I know I could have bought them much cheaper even though it looks like the run still has a way to go.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this boat, so if there is any advice as to how to avoid getting into a trap like this, it would be greatly appreciated. Do you think in times of uncertainty, it is better to add monthly into an ETF rather than one lump sum?

Thanks for any help!

Paul

Q: With the recent selloff, would this be a good time to buy BIR? I hold PGF and am considering selling PGF to purchase BIR.
Thank you

Q: What is the Q4 consensus for Wynn's Net revenue, adjusted property EBITDA and eps?

Q: 2 under-performing securities I have are BEW and SVI. I am going to get rid of one, perhaps both after I have heard your opinion. On my material watch list the 2 best performers are IRO and AZ. I plan to buy one of them - which one do you suggest? As usual relying on your expertise - Dennis

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan and team
With the demise of Carillion, I wonder if you would hazard a guess as to which of the above companies would be most likely to pick up some assets based on the size of the war chest, past behaviour, etc.?
Gord

Q: Do you know of any publicly traded companies that are developing lab grown meat products? If so, can you please provide your opinion on them.

Q: Re: NIE ( Alliance GI Equity and Convertible Income Fund)
Is this a good investment for income growth? The yield is part dividend/ part interest, so where to park it....RSP, TFSA or non- registered account?
I realize this is not in your wheelhouse.
Thx Frank

Q: Good day...I am in the process of moving money to the u.s as currency seems to be at the proper spot and also I have all of the balanced and income portfolio now, so my question is would I be better using etfs - MXI - SOXX - XLV and IYF or using ICHR - NVDA - ISRG - HD - JPM - V - HD AND DIS...my thoughts are this will give me diversification that I cannot achieve with 5i stocks...your direction has made a huge difference to my portfolio but I feel I need some geographic diversification ....I look forward to your answer and thanks...gene

Q: Mr. Hodson, what is GUD likely to do with its hoard of cash ? No use to keep all that money if it is not put to some use !

Q: Your answer could be more complete. The stock hasn't traded since Jan 12th, a surprising length of time given that the company announced record production of lithium from brine and firmed up expansion plans they had announced earlier. More confusing was the change to the capital structure of this dual listed company. How this will affect TSX shareholders in the company is hard to predict for any retail investor. Maybe the experts can puzzle it out. Their Toyota partner is also increasing its ownership share in the Australian listing. What is likely to happen when the shares start to trade again, possibly on Friday?

Q: I have been watching both AW and PZA drop substantially in recent weeks. Do you think the sell-off is warranted and/or soon to stop? How sustainable are the dividends and how significant are the debt positions? AW appears to have a much higher P/BV, but I know you seem to like it better. Do you think one of these would be suitable at this time for a retired , dividend-oriented investor (probably a 2-2.5% position), and if so which would be your choice.

Q: AA:US
What are your thoughts on Alcoa? Deep dive today. Would you buy on weakness. What is your outlook for the company and aluminum ?
Please advise,
Thx
Karim

Q: Hello. This is my very first question. My question pertains to whether a realized gain from selling a TFSA stock can be used to contribute to the new year's TFSA contribution limit? (Rather than have to come up with new cash from other sources?) I currently have an $18K unrealized capital gain Thanks for all your help!

Q: Do you follow income trusts? If you do, what is your opinion of Capital Direct? The company advertises high yearly income returns (over 7%). Just wondering if it is a legitimate company to invest in.

Thanks

Q: Hi, it appears self driving cars are going to be on the streets much sooner than anyone thought a short while ago. Meanwhile technological improvements have the potential to greatly reduce the frequency of accidents and eventually may eliminate them altogether, perhaps reducing the need for insurance or significantly reducing premiums or coverages? What impact might this have on major auto insurer like IFC? Thanks.