Investment Q&A

Q: Peter...Congratulations on creating 5i. It is such a needed and valuable educational-consulting type service. We are all delighted with you and your team. I am sure your membership will continue to grow substantially!
My question...
In recent past Benj Gallander has recommended APT and AJX as good contrarian plays. However I notice they are very close to there 52 week highs! It is my understanding that contrarians are suppose to buy low and sell high. In any event how would you rate these companies?
Thanks for your expertise and insight!
Dr. Ernest Rivait

Q: re: MET

the last time someone enquired about MET (US) was in August
I have in my portfolio PWF and SLF
they have a good run
How does MET (US) compared to the Canadian Life co in terms of
dividends and more important some upside potential for capital gains ?
Merry X'Mas

Q: ATA on TSX
Do you believe that ATS Automation's business model will be threatened by the 3D printer industry. Thanks

Q: I have been considering taking a position in First Service Corp. (FSV)and one of the things that I like to look at is insider buys and sells. Over the last 6 or so weeks there has been substantial insider selling. I realize that insiders sell for a variety of reasons, some of which may be for their own reasons rather than Corporate developments, but the selling recently has been quite significant, which makes me hesitant about adding this company to my portfolio. It would appear that insiders are not confident about further share appreciation from current levels. Your comments would be appreciated.

Q: Hi Peter and 5iResearch Team,
Can you please provide an update on Melcor, MRD, for 2014. Is this a solid long term 3-5 year hold. Thank you.

Q: TPH
They recently did a share offering at $5.80 plus the 3Q results. What`s your latest views on this REIT. Thanks Harold

Q: First of All Merry Christmas to everyone there...hope you have great holiday season.
My question is just a general one. You mentioned that a few companies have been added to the index, AVO being one of them. At the same time some companies are taken off. How do they determine which ones are added and taken off? Is it all done to manipulate or protect the level of the TSX? It seems that companies that are hurting are taken off and companies that are doing well are added. Is that my imagination or is designed that way?

Q: Hi, Can I get your opinion on XFN for 2014.
Best of the season to you and your staff.
Thanks
Carl

Q: I was told many years ago that the best time to buy a good stock is last year.Do you think if I buy TORQ O&G (TOG)now that I will be very pleased with the purchase this time next year?A merry Xmas and a great 2014 to all the 5i staff!

Q: Do you know a good source for the percent of stocks trading above their say 200day moving average? Preferably in chart form. Canadian and/or US. Thanks

Q: Hi and Merry Christmas!
In recent posts the topic of a company (WIN,ESL specifically) being bought/sold (take-over?) has come up. My question is (although I hold both WIN and ESL)general: what, if any, criteria or factors should one consider in terms of whether to sell early, sell into the offer, hold on with the new entity/owner or ?? Are there any guidelines that apply across the board or is it totally stock/offer specific? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I did not see any Q/A address this in the Market Strategy area.
Best Wishes for the Holiday Season to you, staff and members!
Cheers,
Mike

Q: I am looking at two companies with high dividends, Freehold Royalties and Enbridge Holdings. Which of these are the most secure and have a prospect of some capital gains.

Q: Hello 5i, Could you comment on Sherrit symbol S and Aberdeen Pacific FAP as to the company's and also what is the payout ratio and the P/E. Thanks Michael

Q: re NVK[Norvik] a definitive arrangement agreement has been reached with Clearview Capital to purchase all outstanding common shares plus $2m debt.it appears this deal will go through as it is supported by the CEO[19m shares]& Board. Please provide any scenarios which may result & what they might mean for current shareholders.Part 2 - sell now [20% upside] to invest the cash or hold. Merry Christmas to all - Drew

Q: Re: BPF.UN
Boston Pizza is down about 5% since it was decided that importing cheese and pepperoni was no different than importing cheese and was an affront to the Quebec dairy lobby. Do you feel this is a temporary or longterm setback? I note that PZA has fared better.

Q: Peter & Co., thank you for your revolutionary service and its role in helping to level the investment playing field for retail investors. The lack of conflict of interest is refreshing.
I own SilverCrest Mines (SVL) at a moderate loss. I have a 3-5 year time horizon. Do you see SLV as a survivor in the precious metals sector. Would you recommend selling SVL and replacing it with a pm stock that you would prefer?
With appreciation,
Ed

Q: I am getting comfortable enough with the gold sector to actually purchase a few more stocks. On the more speculative side, I want to take a half position in Mandalay and on the more reasoned side, I am having a personal tug-of-war between XGD (I shares ETF) and GDX (Market Vectors ETF in the US). The purchase will be hidden within an RRSP portfolio, wherein I am ready to sit it out for a year or two, and I wish to begin with 2.5% position.

My question is in regard to the huge weighting that Barrick comprises in these 2 ETFs. Within XGD, Barrick has a 17.9% weight while GDX carries a 10.57% weight. Would this weighting have an abnormally negative impact on the ETFs if Barrick starts to circle the drain one last time?

I am less concerned about the currency differential than I am about the Barrick weighting: thinking GDX has a healthier percentage of Barrick than does XGD. Your thoughts would be sincerely appreciated.

I would also like to extend a Merry Christmas to the entire staff at 5i! Thank you for your helpful comments and insightful analyses on various topics, from individual stocks, to resources and strategies. Since joining 5i, and while following Peter on BNN, I have seen my portfolio strengthen enormously and is now consistently delivering my desired returns. I also feel more protected from the vagaries of the market, having chosen the 5i approach. All these letters of praise coming in to you must feel like a revivalist meeting of born-again-stock-pickers, but it is only because you really have made a huge difference in how people approach their portfolios. At this time of year, it only seems fitting that I add my voice to the choir, and say Thank You!

Q: Hello,

I know your focus is on Canadian companies, but if you could only buy one U.S.Growth stock right now, what would it be?

Thanks,

Carla

Q: The Globe & Mail today indicated that in 2013 gold had the worst performance in three decades. (I'm not sure how they define worst - possibly percentage drop for spot gold on the LME). On Thursday gold seemed to sell off - however I'm not sure if there was an increase in volume. On Friday the price was stronger - again I'm not sure on volume. My question is - do you think gold bottomed on Thursday?

It would seem to be unlikely that the price of gold for 2014 would drop enough to "beat" 2013. Of course the price of gold could still drop in 2014 just less than 2013.

At these prices it would seem Barrick and Kinross are coming near bankruptcy even though it almost unthinkable to me that the lenders would call the loans.

Q: I am thinking of adding to the US side of my portfolio and am currently looking at Corning (GWL). I would appreciate your thoughts.

Ray