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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: hello 5i:
could you please comment (generally) on the new preferred shares being offered by BEP.UN. Can I purchase these through my online broker ie BMO Investorline or Scotia iTrade? How would these preferreds compare to others being offered at the moment? The reset, pegged to Canadian Treasuries seems like good protection for the investor: is it? Would these be acceptable as the fixed income portion of a diversified portfolio for someone who is (becoming) more risk averse? Held in a TFSA, is the interest taxable or not?
thanks
Paul L
Read Answer Asked by Paul on May 17, 2016
Q: To clarify an answer to an earlier question re: tax treatment of the distribution. You mentioned that distributions are not eligible for the dividend tax credit - which is not entirely correct. I have held a large position in BEP.UN for a few years. In 2015 58% of the distribution were eligible for the dividend tax credit. Another 28% of the distribution was a return of capital and only 14% of the distribution will be subject to the full tax rate. In 2014 29% of the distribution was taxed at the full rate. This of course will change from year to year. For historical taxation - have a look at their website which has a good breakdown of the tax treatment of all distributions. Hope this is helpful.
Read Answer Asked by Gary on April 26, 2016
Q: Followup to recent Q. on BEP.UN. Distributions can be taken in US or C$, default is US, so if held in a C$ account broker will convert at their exchange rate. To receive in C$ you must instruct broker you want this option, I estimate it's worth at least 1% of the distributions received, not much, but better in my pocket than broker's.

The above comment was posted and I am confused by it. What exactly would I tell my discount broker? Would it be better to get the distribution in US$? Would I need to move my shares to the US listing in order to get the distribution in $US or can I just request to be paid in $US even though the stock holding is on the TSX? Would this be a good way to increase US$ over time?

Thanks
Dolores
Read Answer Asked on April 26, 2016
Q: Hi, 5i.

For pure utilities, I have BEP (2.0%) and RNW (1.5%). I also have ENB (2.0%) and IPL (1.0%) if you consider those utilities.

I'm looking to increase my utilities allocation and wondering if I should add to what I have or take a position in Fortis (or another name you recommend).

Thank you,
Robert
Read Answer Asked by Robert on April 25, 2016
Q: Peter and team,

Is BEP.UN the "best" way to play our lovely politicians' relentless drive toward renewable energy? It seems the way that public policy and public opinion is going, people are going to move toward renewable power regardless of economics. Would BEP.UN continue to observe significant growth from this?

I am very scared to invest in any solar manufacturers or battery producers because they all seem so risky.

Thoughts?
Read Answer Asked by Marc on April 20, 2016
Q: Hello Peter & team, thank you for the improvements to your website. I really like to see the full company names rather than just the symbols. What would be the better choice between BIP.un or BEP.un for my RRSP? I am looking for safety and income. Regards, Gervais
Read Answer Asked by Gervais on April 15, 2016
Q: Followup to recent Q. on BEP.UN. Distributions can be taken in US or C$, default is US, so if held in a C$ account broker will convert at their exchange rate. To receive in C$ you must instruct broker you want this option, I estimate it's worth at least 1% of the distributions received, not much, but better in my pocket than broker's.

Details at bottom of page here:

https://www.brookfieldrenewable.com/content/investor_relations/distributions-30413.html
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on March 18, 2016
Q: Hello Peter
The Negative comment yesterday on BEP.UN was from Ross Healy who rated it as "Don't Buy", and said [quoted from Stockchase.com]:
"This one is a difficult call to make. The fair market value is at or below where it is trading. The balance sheet strength is not what he would like to see. He would not be drawn to this one and he would not recommend it. It does not have the supportive earnings he would like to see."

Your comments appreciated as I hold a large position in it and have been quite pleased with the performance and income
Thanks....... Paul K
Read Answer Asked by Paul on March 04, 2016
Q: Brookfield Renewable Announces Final Results of Exchange Offer and Intention to Take Up Class A Preference Shares, Series 5 of Brookfield Renewable Power Preferred Equity Inc.
Would you be a buyer of this stock in the current environment with a possible 2 year hold. (How does the above affect a current shareholder? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Maureen on February 09, 2016
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