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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hi, what is the business sentiment in Canada among CEOs and business owners vs a couple years ago?
It seems everywhere in the news lately that Canada is just not as an effective and attractive place to do business with its increasing bureaucracy and threats of increasing taxes. From Ontario, where the high utilities are impacting manufacturing, to Alberta and BC where the anti-oil brigade seems to be determined to kill any new O&G, LNG and pipeline investment.
Is the news painting an accurate picture? Are CEOs and business owners more/less positive with trying to perform and grow their business in Canada in the current environment?
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on August 30, 2017
Q: Aa aging seniors, my husband and I are beginning to feel our "investing for the long term" is probably less appropriate than investing for the short term. Following your observation that CGX is less reliable than it once was, therefore, can you suggest a good replacement for it? It has done extremely well for us. And we are still well "up" on it. Thanks for your continued sage advice.
Read Answer Asked by M.S. on August 29, 2017
Q: Could you please recommend some small/mid cap stocks with good growth prospects, a reasonable valuation and insider ownership that you would be comfortable taking a position in at this time. I am interested in PKI and GUD if you feel those fit the above criteria but I am also interested in you input on any others. Thanks! - Rob
Read Answer Asked by Rob on August 29, 2017
Q: I have had a substantial amount invested in CPG and SGY for quite a while and I'm down 50% on CPG ($18k loss) and 52% on SGY ($15k loss). I'm now wondering if there is such a shift occurring in energy policies that oil stocks may never recover, and that perhaps I should take the loss on these two and invest what's left into something more conservative, like POW or PWF. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Chris on August 29, 2017
Q: Hi 5i,
Recognizing Loblaw is much bigger (but has a small dividend) and more diversified than North West Co (but has a big dividend), but is also more prone to competition from Amazon/Whole Foods, what are the pros and cons of switching from L to NWC from a risk/return perspective for a consumer staple holding a this time?
Thank you, Michael
Read Answer Asked by Michael on August 29, 2017
Q: Debt: What is a reasonable and safe amount of debt for a company to have? Does it depend on the type of company? I'm looking for a guideline. I realize telecoms carry higher debt. Also, I noted that you pointed out with Encana (ECA) "debt is still more than 4X cash flow".
Read Answer Asked by Helen on August 29, 2017
Q: Hi Peter, can I get your thoughts on Teck. Its seems to have trouble getting thru the $35.00 level, I've held since 2013 where I bought it at $24.00, saw it go to 3.80 and now its back up. Is there any particular reason for this resistance at the $35.00 level, what would it take to break thru this level and is that possible. Thanks, Nick
Read Answer Asked by Nick on August 29, 2017