Investment Q&A

Q: Hi guys.

Just a follow up on Raymond's question regarding Algonquin Power (AQN) and Northland Power (NPI). I believed you stated that Algonquin has a better growth profile than Northland. However, CIBC's Invstor's Edge shows Northland eps going from $1.07 to $1.46 from 2017 to 2018, while Algonquin's eps going from 66 cents to 73 cents.

Are my eps numbers wrong?

Thanks.

John

Q: I am interested in taking a position in either Algonquin or Northland for both dividends and growth. As they have very similar dividends, which would you prefer for growth over the next two years?

Q: "I have 300k to invest, I am 65 and plan to live off the dividends. Should I invest all in or do doll cost averaging? What are your recommendations? Thanks so much for the great advice.

Q: My favorite stocks are those that go up year after year without a hitch, and have a decent dividend. You appear to favour the same kind, as above. But you have no utilities in your balanced portolio. Would you please contrast the growth rates, dividend growth, stability and safety of the above with regard to why a utility like Algonquin would not fit in nicely?

Q: Is AQN for dividend and growth in your opinion a "buy" today
and why? Thanks.

Q: I am a retired, conservative dividend-income investor with a company pension, CPP, annuities, Fisgard Capital and the following equities:
1. 17% Mutual funds (RBC Cdn Equity Income, Sentry Cdn Income, Sentry REIT)
2. 10% ETFs (ZLB, XIT, ZWE)
3. 41% stocks (listed above)
4. 32% fixed income (annuities, Fisgard, but not including my pension nor CPP).

I plan to reduce my Sentry Cdn Income holding from 9% to 5% and purchase ZWC. The benefits would be a) saving $1k in hidden MER fees, b) receiving an extra $1k in dividends and c) a better asset allocation. I like the covered call strategy that ZWC provides, as well as the 30 companies inside the ETF.

Question = is this the right ETF product? Are there other Canadian Covered Call ETF choices that offer this diversified asset mix that I should consider? Are their other ETFs that have slightly less financials, less utilities, and more industrials that would result in a better asset allocation for me?

Thanks for your help...Steve

Q: hi,

wondering which one of the noted companies would be your top choice for a long term hold? Would you be comfortable taking full position at this time?

Q: About a year ago (Nov 2016), you provided 10 "forever"stock ideas. Would you still categorize those same 10 stocks as "forever" stocks today?

Q: Hi 5i,

I sold EMA in my RRSP last week just before it dropped.
I want to replace it with 2 Utilities in my RRSP and 1 in my TFSA. What Utility stocks would you pick today?
These are income portfolios with approx 5% per position.

I look forward to your answer..

Q: Which would you prefer, BEP.UN or AQN, for a conservative income portfolio with no other utility exposure?

Q: Hello 5i,

Would you have interesting companies on your radar screen that are either in the renewable energy, water, or waste sector that would be eco friendly?

Please exclude BEP.UN AQN, BLX, and INE.

(aware of market cap risk and sector risks)

Thanks!

Q: Sale of St Lawrence gas business for US$70mil.Has problems with its pipeline in Michigan.Any impact from these 2 events? Thanks for u usual great services & views

Q: What do you think about Algonquin's 54% debt to asset ratio? Is this a little high or not bad? I note that it is higher than bep and bip's ratios. With word of them looking at more acquisitions, are they in potential trouble with debt levels if they do so? Thanks.

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.

Q: Can you tell me the debt to asset ratios for the above four companies? And how about the payout ratio for each? Thanks.

Q: Although I have referenced AQN and FTS in this question, I am hoping you can apply your answer to utilities in general.

My question is how do these companies operate such that some are considered to have good to great growth potential while operating in a sector that tends to be highly regulated in terms of pricing power. The major companies tend to be acquisitors. However, unlike other industries, buying another company doesn't improve pricing power, eliminate competition or reduce selling costs through operating synergies (or at least I don't think they do.) Ontario Hydro's purchase of a company in the US northeast comes to mind here.

I can see that financially, larger companies may have lower costs of capital and higher cash flows which could lead to quicker modernization and better upkeep of equipment but is there more to it than that? What am I missing that makes AQN a growth story and not just a dividend producer?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Can you give your thoughts on the most recent quarterly results from AQN and EMA? How did they compare to analyst estimates?

Thanks

Q: Hi 5I, I have sold AQN and RNW with profit, but holding FTS. Sine they dropped in price, I am thinking of rebuying one or both or adding to FTS. I would appreciate your advise.
Also, has some US $ and thinkin of buying VRP or PSP or if you can recommend a better one.Thank you for your advise. J.A. P., Burlington

Q: What would you expect the very long term dividend growth to be for a growth-oriented utility like AQN? I know they have come out with a projection of about 10% per year for the next 5 years but I am wondering what % I should plug in for my calculations after this 5 year period. Management seems very dividend growth oriented. Thanks.

Q: I own FTS BCE T. I am thinking of swapping BCE for AQN. Your thoughts please.