Investment Q&A

Q: I own 200 shares of Enghouse ESL, so around $6,500 worth. I cannot decide if I should add another $6,500 to ESL or by Sylogist syz for that same amount. I seem to think I will reduce risk having two companies in the same space in case one goes up and one goes down. What do you do? Buy more of the same company or diversify with another one in the same sector. Thanks for everything.

Q: Hello team, my question is about Mastercard. Last year after reading in the Toronto newspaper how dominant MA is and is going to be - with the world carrying less cash for small purchase needs - and seeing the stock ramping up consistently, I purchased a significant amount of the stock. In very short order the stock had a 10-1 stock split and i was hopeful that it would continue to increase. From over $800 (split to over $80) per share its dropped and floundered in the mid $70.00's. I compare the MA results to my Canadian funds and realize I would have been much better off keeping with my home grown stocks. For added perspective, I'm 55, doing well financially, I own my property, have a very small debt. I hope to retire comfortably within a year. My goal is to achieve 10% annual earnings on my portfolio once I retire. At this time, between my business and my stocks i am heading towards the $2.5 and $3 million dollar mark in my investments. Currently MA is 6.6% of my portfolio. My stock portfolio and rrsp's is my future, I have no pension. I live alone and have no other secondary source of funding or financial responsibility.
What are your thoughts on MA as part of my portfolio overall and with your learned crystal ball - what is your opinion of the stock - say over the next year.
Many thanks, Dave

Q: What our your thoughts on hedge funds?I am thinking about Donville-Kent Capital Ideas Fund for a 5-10% allocation. I have no mutual funds, and invest mostly in conservative dividend payers. I have bought a few of the 5i growth names, but am looking at DKAM as a way to diversify. Thoughts? Are there any hedge funds you'd recommend?

Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter & Team,
I would like to make a comment on stop losses. As you have stated you have to be very careful especially on a low traded stock as someone can "low ball" and steal them away.
A strategy I sometimes employ if I have a winner and want to trim to limit my portfolio exposure is say I have 500 shares, I put a very tight trailing stop loss on 200 shares, check daily, and ride the stock up as far as it will go.
My 2cents. Thanks for you advice and guidance.

Q: CWC :
Could you please update your view on the above . especially with regards to the integration of Ironhead.Is it a lager in the section having a good chance of playing catch up. and how do you evaluate management.
I have only a little of the energy services and am thinking of buying it.
Thanks
I feel good being part of this - thanks again

Q: AYA
I just heard that Amaya is considering a dual listing with either New York or London being the secondary exchange. Firstly, would this generally be considered positive, neutral or negative for the stock price on the TSX?; secondly, would there be a greater benefit for the stock to be listed in one over the other?
Thanks!
Cheers,
Mike

Q: What is your opinion of TNX and it's CEO-- "gold Guru "-- James Sinclair Thanx Robbie

Q: Goof Morning Team
I have a small holding of CGL (800 shs) and am wondering if I should do a straight switch to Mint unhedged.
Thanks

Q: I was looking at the list of largest short positions on the TSX:
http://www.financialpost.com/markets/data/market-short_pos.html
The list contains a few stocks (both small and large) that you are generally positive on (eg. EFN, BNS, LUN, PWF). Is this a concern or is this just noise an average investor should ignore?

Q: I was trying to search for your views on setting stop losses. As markets and portfolios expand there's increasing concern about significant losses in a sustained downturn. If I'm reading you right, your strategy would be to ensure a balanced portfolio and perhaps lean towards dividend stocks to counteract a dropping market. Do you see any place for setting stop losses? If so, what would be your guidelines. Thanks Graham

Q: have you read the amaya story on LES AFFAIRES (5 juillet issue)They seem to think that there is a lot of risks. is it better to sale now.
thank you.

Q: I originally bought PPY under $2, so am obviously pleased that it closed at an all-time high of $14.17 yesterday. But it has been a volatile ride! Since they are surrounded by PETRONAS, and do drill some wells with them, do you think it is inevitable that PPY gets bought out by PETRONAS? Underpinning PPY's share price is their huge reserves and pristine balance sheet. I should take some profits, but the story is the best in the natural gas space right now, IMO. Thoughts?

Q: Hello Peter , this is not a question .This is moment that i want to say thank you for all the great advice you post everyday .God bless that everything went well for you when you were hit by the car doing something good for others .Wishing you a speedy recover. Claudio

Q: WCP or SGY if you could only choose one?

Q: Hi Peter & team, someone told me that his "Financial advisor" told him that TFSA (tax free saving accounts) would probably be eliminated by the Government. Reason being that its mean objective of encouraging people to save has not been accomplished. What do you think of this? Thanks, Gervais

Q: could we get an update of your view of PRU , SGR, and LSG. Thanx Robbie

Q: Hello Peter,
Could you comment on NXPI.US. Would you consider it a growth stock from here?
Thank You,
Barry

Q: Symbol: CLS
Hi Peter & Team,
Pls give your opinion on Celestica.
Is this a good entry point, I am looking at it as a new investment.
Thanks. Pui

Q: What are your thoughts on Twin Butte's (TBE) announcement of a private placement? Tossing another 1.8 million shares in the mix is somewhat dilutive, yet the stock got a little bounce on the news.
Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter I have held a half position in RNW since the spin off it served me well.Thinking of adding to a full position could you suggest a like name
in this space with a decent dividend .
Kind Regards Stan