Investment Q&A

Q: In pursuing my goal to maintain a well-diversified portfolio, I am trying to decide how and even why to differentiate between pipelines and utilities. Both sectors operate in regulated sectors (at least in Canada), both sectors will be adversely affected by higher interest rates due to debt levels and both sectors generally pay reasonably attractive dividends. As for their differences, I see utilities potentially performing better as the economy improves and the pipelines more affected by politics.

Should these sectors be treated as different when composing a portfolio or can companies be "mixed and matched" under a more generic "regulated" or quasi "fixed income" part of the portfolio and thereby treated as almost the same?

If your answer is "yes" would you endorse a switch from IPL to AQN for better long term growth with less volatility? (taxes not an issue)

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: What are your thoughts about AQN as a stock. I'm thinking of adding it to my TFSA. I already own FTS, CU and BEP.UN, although they are in my RRIF account. I am currently retired and looking for income. Is there a maximum percent you would recommend for utility stocks?

Q: WORKING ON GETTING THE SECTORS BALANCED--HAVE 3 UTILITIES AND ONLY ONE TEL COM--WANT TO ADD SEVERAL THOUSAND TO EACH SECTOR---WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST?
THANKS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Q: With interest rates rising (in the US) the ongoing babble from so many 'experts' has been to stay away from 'bond proxies', namely utilities, telcos, pipelines, etc. However, those stocks have been performing quite well since the fed raised rates. Today Desjardins came out with top picks for 2017 (in the G&M which suggested Algonquin's forecasted returns would grow by 39% next year and Fortis by 17%. Do you think they're being too optimistic? And are these forecasted results already baked into the stock prices?

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

I find that we need to buy some more in the Utilities sector, to keep to a 10% weighting. We presently have about a three-quarter position in each of AQN, BEP.UN, and FTS. Do you think that INE would be a good addition to this mix or is it too similar to AQN and BEP.UN? We can buy and sell XUT commission-free, but I notice that ZUT (not commission-free) has a better chart. Should I increase our positions in each of the three we already have, buy a new one, or top up with XUT/ZUT? Or is there a US ETF in this sector that looks compelling? Or perhaps in the present "climate", could the utilities sector weighting be reduced below 10%? What sector should take up the slack?

Thanks for all your great advice which has been and continues to be very valuable. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you at 5i and the members as well.

Q: Your response to Brian on Dec 15 included the following comment: "if you own 85% of your portfolio in high dividend stocks, then this is more of a concern".

I am a retired, conservative, dividend-income investor, with a pension, CPP, annuities, the above listed stocks and 3 income producing MFs (RBC Cdn Equity Income, Sentry Cdn Income, Sentry Global REIT).

I fit the 85% easily. I believe my portfolio is diversified by sector and by security. I also believe the securities have, for the most part, sustainable and growing dividends. I am a "buy-and-hold investor with reasonable tolerance for volatility.

Your comments and concerns please, along with any recommended improvements. Thanks...Steve

Q: Hi 5i: I want to add a renewable energy company (which can include nat gas) to a portfolio focused on dividend and dividend growers. The ideal company would of course offer some growth s well as safety. I have studied the usual suspects but I'm having trouble making a final decision. Your advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

Q: What approximate "grade" would you assign BCE and AQN? Thanks

Q: I was reading your comments on stocks that do not do well in a rising interest rate invirerment.Utilities,riets, pipelines, telcos.How do we (Your Members) stay diversified if we sell all of these?I was also told that when everyone runs to one side of the boat it is a bad thing. Canada did not raise their interest rate.I am confused. HELP

Q: EMA just sold its holdings in AQN (about 5% of AQN). I have holdings in both. Is this a positive or negative signal for either company? Do you know whether the purchaser(s) were institutional, mutual funds or retail investors?

Q: Good Day FTS,AQN and NPI what has the best growth in the next two years?Which one has the safest dividend? What is 5i favourite?

Q: Hi,

I have 1/2 positions in FTS & AQN now. I'm considering adding another 1/2 position to utilities. I could get a 1/2 position in BEP.un or add to FTS and/or AQN.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Gord

Q: I currently hold ALA and RNW .Would like to add AQN or EMA , which would you add ? Or would you add NWC instead.Please Place in order of preference. Thanks.

Q: Which of these 2 stocks would you recommend for income and growth moving forward?

Thank you,

Bob

Q: Hi, I have a number of renewable energy companies in my portfolio including the above, which I treat as a mini ETF, and they have performed wonderfully with both yield and growth. They have pulled back with the election however. Have you changed your view on any companies in this area, and if so which ones?

Q: Hello 5i team,
I would like to purchase a utility stock (maybe 2) and was wondering what are the best for what is out there. I already have BEP.UN.

Thank You,
Andrew

Q: Hi,
I've found myself having a position in both these companies. Do you see long term value in keeping both, or do you think there's too much overlap between them? I have been thinking about buying into marijuana stock now and would be rolling any money from a potential sale into it.

Thanks

Q: Good Day. Great service. FTS-T or AQN-T for a 4 to 6 year hold. Which one will have the most growth and dividend increase? And why

Q: Is it a good time to buy above stocks for RRSP?I appreciate your order of preference.Thank you.Ebrahim

Q: ARC (Accountability Research Corporation, April 2016 report) noted a trend to reduced transparency in AQN's financial reporting, saying a number of relatively small items, previously reported separately, were now lumped into the "Other" category. Does 5i have any concerns about this relative to AQN results/forecast? Would appreciate your comments. Thank you.