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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: Should I trade AQN for RNW?
I am a senior dividend investor, and would ask for your opinion about this trade, along with whatever positive or negative comments come to mind.
As background, I have a ¾ position in RNW and ¼ in AQN. RNW pays 6.81% and AQN pays 4.22%. AQN is forecasting 10% growth per annum till 2021. RNW has nothing on the horizon, now that South Hedland is up and running, with nothing seen to be coming from ‘daddy’ (Transalta), so perhaps no growth in the short term.
However – even at 10% growth the dividend at AQN will only be 6.76% in 5 years, still less than RNW today even if their dividend remains the same. I surmise that both dividends are safe (would you agree?), and am really thinking “bird-in-hand” makes more sense than future promises. I do realize that if prospects remain the same, AQN may experience more growth, and I may be forfeiting some capital gain (this is in an unregistered account), but a 2.6% differential is a lot to give up for future ‘possibilities’. Since the companies are in the same business – more or less – I also have difficulty seeing any differential in risk one versus the other.
Of note, RNW has earnings on Tuesday. Would you wait until after the earnings release to make this trade, or would you make it now?
I look forward to your comments.
Also, thanks for the 2 year renewal option. I will be taking advantage of that to keep enjoying your very superb service!Thanks! ... enjoy your day!
Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on October 30, 2017
Q: Have held both KEY & PPL for 5+ years & enjoyed substantial gains & excellent dividends from both. However, major changes have taken place in this sector and I have decided to move on. In our principal Cash acct we hold KWH.UN, DRG.UN, WSP, PKI, LNR, RY, WPK, SIS, & CHW - all dividend paying. Would appreciate your suggestions for 2 or 3 CDN. replacements. My RIFF investments cover USA, Asia & Europe. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Robert on October 25, 2017
Q: Sorry, guys. One last follow up regarding Northland and Algonquin. I should have clarified, Investor's Edge shows consensus eps for Northland in 2107 is $1.07 growing to $1.46 in 2018 and consensus for Algonquin growing from 66 cents in 2017 to 73 cents in 2018.

I mentioned in my previous question that the above eps numbers were CIBC's Investor's Edge, when in fact they were the consensus numbers as reported by CIBC.

I suppose that doesn't change the fact it appears that Bloomberg is showing different consensus numbers, but I just wanted to clarify my previous statement.

Thanks again and sorry for the confusion.

John
Read Answer Asked by john on October 20, 2017
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

Read Answer Asked by john on October 20, 2017
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.
Read Answer Asked by Jennifer on October 19, 2017
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?
Read Answer Asked by John on October 17, 2017
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
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on October 05, 2017
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?
Read Answer Asked by Mary Ann on September 28, 2017
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..



Read Answer Asked by Stephen on September 19, 2017
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!
Read Answer Asked by Elliott on September 15, 2017
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.
Read Answer Asked by Michael 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: Can you tell me the debt to asset ratios for the above four companies? And how about the payout ratio for each? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on August 29, 2017