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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: I have been reading some of your readers comments about the installment receipt being offered by AQN. It looked almost too good to be true so I read the press release. The following sentence is from the Press Release: "On the day following the Final Installment Date, the interest rate payable on the Debentures will fall to an annual rate of 0%. "
Thus, isn't this simply a purchase of common shares rather than a real convertible debenture. During the period until the acquisition closes it is a convertible but as soon as the deal closes the holder will get 0% interest and thus would most likely convert into common so that he/she could get the dividend stream....am I missing something?
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 17, 2016
Q: Hi Peter and team!! Happy family day weekend! My advisor has suggested investing in Algonquin Power Convertible Bonds. To tell you the truth, I never quite know whether these are a good deal or not. Here's the terms: This is a 10 year 5% convertible bond, where only 1/3 of the bond's face value is due on closing Mar1/16. The instalment receipt priced at 33.30 per 100 will earn 15% until the second instalment is due 15-90 days after approval is granted for their acquisition of the Empire District Electric Company. Interest is paid quarterly and the bonds are convertible at $10.60/ common share of Algonquin Power. This is for my RRSP. What do you think ? Is this a good investment ? Any caveats? Regards and thank you, Tamara
Read Answer Asked by Tamara on February 15, 2016
Q: Hello Peter and Team,

Should the news below be of concern, or does it represent a good entry point for AQN, since it's down today? I was considering AQN for my TFSA, since I have some new cash to deploy since the 'merger' of CDV. Or would you say that AQN isn't enough of a "grower" for a TFSA?

NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq. and the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") are investigating the proposed sale of The Empire District Electric Company ("Empire" or the "Company") (NYSE: EDE) to Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX: AQN). Under the terms of the proposed transaction, shareholders of Empire will receive only $34.00 for each share of Empire that they own. KSF is seeking to determine whether this consideration and the process that led to it are adequate, or whether the consideration undervalues the Company.

If you believe that this transaction undervalues the Company and/or if you would like to discuss your legal rights regarding the proposed sale, you may, without obligation or cost to you, e-mail or call KSF Managing Partner Lewis S. Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) toll free at any time at 855-768-1857.

To learn more about KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General, visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC206 Covington St.Madisonville, LA 70447

As always, thanks for your valuable insight.

Read Answer Asked by Jerry on February 12, 2016
Q: Most if not all of the convertible bonds offering I have seen, the conversion price is at a premium to the trading price of the stock. This one is somehow unique. Can you please explain why? If I am holding the shares in a registered account wouldn't be better to hold the convertible instead (more secure and higher distribution at least for now)? Would this situation encourage arbitrage, buying the convertible and selling the stock short driving the stock price down? Do you expect that this bond to sell at a premium to the stock as soon as it hits the market?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Saad on February 10, 2016
Q: 6:42 PM 2/9/2016
Hello Peter
Could you please comment on the Algonquin Power takeover of Empire Electric in Missouri. The deal looks very interesting to me. Algonquin are simultaneously offering 5.00% Convertible Debentures - Instalment Receipts. The Conversion price is $10.60 well below the closing price of the shares yesterday $11.54.
Could you answer these questions for me and comment on the Company and on the Debenture issue.

1. It seems very surprising to have the conversion price LESS than the market price. Why?
2. Would you prefer the Debentures or the Common shares for steady income.
3. Will the common shares trade down to the conversion price on open Feb 10th?
Many thanks.......... Paul K
Read Answer Asked by Paul on February 10, 2016
Q: Prefs make up about 5% of my holdings. Most are solid, however
I am underwater on CSE.PR.A and AZP.PR.A and am looking at selling to offset gains elsewhere.
Could you make a suggestion(s) as to a good and somewhat similar home for the proceeds?
I was thinking about CSE and/or AQN. ( My feeling is CSE is a a bit of a dice roll on a deal getting done)
I hold BEP.UN in a registered account, but am light on utilities otherwise.
Thank You.
Read Answer Asked by Tim on December 03, 2015