Investment Q&A

Q: Hello 5i
We looking for advice on the order/strategy for adding our 2nd position to your model portfolio. We have money earmarked to add 1-1.5% to each holding which is fairly equally weighted btwn 3-4% depending on the performance. We started your model portfolio with no VRX or AYA in mid November. We also purchased AD(-28%), SJ (+7%) Verizon(-4%), Ambev (-3%) JNJ, Unilever.
We want to add gradually over next 6-8 weeks. Which 7-8 stocks should we start with? Should we start with the ones that are doing best with momentum or the ones that are under performing?
Top performers are: ACQ(+6%), CSU (+15%)CSS, FSV,ENB(+4-5%), ESL and SJ (+7), KBL (+15%), TOU (+17%)
Top underperformer's: AD (-28%), FSZ(-8%), VZ(-4%)
Everything else is up or down slightly from start price depending on day. Could you please advise which stocks to start with and strategy for moving forward. Any other recommendations are welcome. Thank you,
Kerri

Q: Hello i5 Team,
Can you recommend sector weightings for a conservative to moderate investor. Many thanks.

Q: I have done extremely well with Onex (OCX).I am wondering if it might be time to sell.
What is your opinion of this company going forward?

Q: Hi Peter
I know you like Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners [BEP.UN] and the 5.63% dividend is excellent, however I worry that TD Waterhouse only shows earnings of $0.24 per share [with a P/E ratio of 117.3], and the dividend is $1.58.

To add to the confusion Stockhouse show earnings of $0.24, P/E of 46.6 and dividend of $1.516. The data from Morningstar are even more confusing and contradictory.

I know you like to look at the free cash flow, as you wrote to Claude on Dec 13th, which is huge, but I really don't understand how this works. You said "various non-cash accounting charges" need to be taken into account but if the money is spent it isn't there to pay dividends. So what is a "non-cash" charge? Sounds like a shell game or cheque kiting to me!

If all the cash flow covers expenses and capital investment how can there be enough left over to cover the dividend? Surely NET earnings must exceed the dividend if it is to continue on a sustainable basis without the company having to borrow money to pay it.
Thankyou..... Paul

Q: There have not been any questions on HLP. Would you recommend a purchase of the common or convertible debenture at these levels?
Thanks Guys.

Q: Hi Peter and team, Happy New year. Which ETF would you recommend int the commodity sector and is this a good time to purchase it.

Q: Can you explain why IAE Ithaca has gone down. I put in an order to sell it at 2.80 when it was within a few cents and then before I knew it , it dropped. I read the news release about options to directors but I'm not sure I fully understand. Could you put it in lay mans terms. Thank you also do you think it has a chance to get back up to my target price.

Q: Hi
PLI jumped in price on high volume.No news
Someone must know something.
Do you agree?
By the way are you planning any webinars in the near future?
Have a nice weekend.
Hersh

Q: hello Peter:
I am in full agreement with you on the topic of analyst upgrades and downgrades (got to keep people trading). Having said that, how can I trust the very same analysts for earnings estimates? Or, is there a better way of tracking companies earnings that I'm not aware of? I've read that an average of 63% of companies usually beat (reduced) earnings. Your comment please, as this affects the entire stock selection process (obviously).
thanks
Paul

Q: Hello 5I Great Team:
Appreciate your insights on Sphere 3D, symbol ANY, has it is not heading in the direction of making money. thanks so much. Lorraine

Q: Does VRX still have upside or is it too late?

Q: I have been considering buying Solium Capital (SUM) as it continues to rise while at the same time insiders are selling. I think I am missing something here and was wondering if you could provide and explanation and if you would recommend SUM. With thanks, Bill

Q: with an expectation of a profit

over 5 years please give me your opinion of

MIRASOL AND GOLDCORP

Q: Hi 5i Team,

I recently read through "is there a perfect stock" and "selling too early..." in the blog section of the site, great articles. Myself, knowing a lot of the technical analysis aspect of stocks I would like to strengthen my fundamental approach. Could you please give a checklist that retail investors could use, for example, return on equity(ROE). Or even describe your process of buying/selling. It builds confidence to act on buying the dips when you know the fundamentals are strong. Anyways, thanks guys for having the first market advice service WORTH paying for. Keep up the fantastic job.

Q: Re Descartes Systems Group (T.DSG). Is there a logical explanation for the significant short positions that were taken in the latter part of May and then again the latter part of June?

Even now, the short position still stands at over 12%.

Q: Peter: Can you comment on lumber securities as related to housing starts? I am interested in Canfor CFP and West Fraser. How would you rate them or are there others I might consider? Thank you.

Q: Hi Peter,
I am interested in platinum, what are your thoughts and is there a stock or ETF that you would recommend? thanks Clare

Q: I'm wondering if you've had a chance to look at Espial (T.ESP) yet. With the trend towards cutting traditional cable in favour of video on demand plus the advent of smart TVs, they may be very well positioned to do well.

Thanks for a most invaluable service.

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

What are your thoughts on Ares Capital, ARCC.

Q: Good day! I have a full position in Crombie (CRR.UN), and am considering selling at least half to purchase Healthlease (HLP.UN)for more US exposure, and for less "commercial" risk (versus the better risk as I see it from long-term-care facilities). I can foresee more growth from HLP.UN
I also prefer the multi-res risk profile to commercial, and would consider purchasing Morguard (MRG.UN)instead of HLP.UN, again for additional US exposure (currently almost 0 in my portfolio).Perhaps I should look at replacing CRR.UN altogether with a half position in each? If I retain half, Crombie would then be my only commercial industrial exposure. I also have a half position in Capreit (CAR.UN).
Your comments as to the wisdom (or lack of same!) of this change would be appreciated. Thanks!