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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: Hi Peter and team

I was thinking of starting a position in DR after the last Q report (and I wish I had) but I found something in the financials (from morningstar.ca) that gave me pause:

Earnings per share: $.46
Earnings per share (diluted): $.18

The diluted share count did grow by 8,000,000 (or roughly 25%) but that doesn't account for the difference in per share earnings. Was there a share offering? How should I interpret the bigger difference in per share earnings versus share count?

Thanks
Peter
Read Answer Asked by Peter on August 21, 2017
Q: Hello,
I currently hold a DRIP Portfolio consisting of BAM.A,BNS,RY,MFC,SU,FTS,RCI,ECA,TRP,and POT. I have found this style of investing quite profitable and am looking to add a couple names. I'm considering WSP and TCN. Given the names I already own and the valuation of the two companies, which one would you suggest? Can you think of any other companies that might be a nice addition? I have a 15 year time horizon. Thanks for your awesome service.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on August 21, 2017
Q: Im addressing over exposure to this sector, don't need 4 of the 'same' things.......over a six month time frame, which one or two have the best upside in your opinion?

Thanks!
Read Answer Asked by Trevor on August 21, 2017
Q: Although I have referenced AQN and FTS in this question, I am hoping you can apply your answer to utilities in general.

My question is how do these companies operate such that some are considered to have good to great growth potential while operating in a sector that tends to be highly regulated in terms of pricing power. The major companies tend to be acquisitors. However, unlike other industries, buying another company doesn't improve pricing power, eliminate competition or reduce selling costs through operating synergies (or at least I don't think they do.) Ontario Hydro's purchase of a company in the US northeast comes to mind here.

I can see that financially, larger companies may have lower costs of capital and higher cash flows which could lead to quicker modernization and better upkeep of equipment but is there more to it than that? What am I missing that makes AQN a growth story and not just a dividend producer?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on August 18, 2017
Q: Hello Peter and team, two questions:
1. I already own VIG. Can you suggest another unhedged US ETF for US holdings in an RRSP but with a focus on higher dividends. (I'm somewhat partial to Vanguard, but flexible.) A low fee is much preferred.
2. For an already diversified portfolio, and for a 5 - 10 year timeframe, would you kindly rank your choices for 'geographies' for new money - as between the Canadian market, the US, Europe, Emerging Markets or 'International' (i.e., excluding North America). If you have another category you would insert, please do. Also, if you like the long-term prospects for a particular country ETF, that would be appreciated as well.
Thank you@
Read Answer Asked by James on August 18, 2017
Q: Hi,

I have no bonds in my portfolios and am interested in picking up some laddered corporate bonds, specifically convertible debendetures (unrated) from smaller firms. Pays about 5% and after purchase bonds would comprise about 3% of my portfolio.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, and if there are other options for getting some exposure to bonds (ETFs for ex.).

Cam
Read Answer Asked by Cameron on August 18, 2017
Q: Thinking of deploying some cash, maybe 3% of portfolio, between high yielding names that could have significant upside if things work out well for them (not usually my investment strategy - buy names with significant challenges and hope things work out). Among the names I'm considering are Callidus Capital, Pivot Technology and Alaris Royalty. Any problem with this strategy? I'm particularly intrigued by Pivot's eps expectations over the next few years (granted only one analyst follows them but he is forecasting 2018 eps at 63 cents and 2020 eps at $1.24.

Thanks.

John
Read Answer Asked by john on August 18, 2017
Q: What are your thoughts/valuation on VNR in the 5i income portfolio?
Based on the entry price, it looks like you bought around mid 2014 and had a nice 40% gain, inline with the other utilities. But now VNR never gets a mention for utilities to own, and the recommendation is always between FTS, AQN, BEP.UN, or NPI.
I'm retired, living on dividend income and interested in being more defensive in my portfolio and increasing my position in utilities.
Read Answer Asked by Curtis on August 17, 2017
Q: Regarding the " legal reserves " question on Crius Energy. I wrote Investor Relations and asked them. This is the reply I got ........
Hello Garth,

The legal reserve charge is related to various claims and proceedings that Crius Energy is a party to, arising in the normal course of business, including several ongoing litigation and regulatory matters relating to certain sales and marketing practices. The company is significantly closer to resolution of these pending claims and has entered into an agreement in principle to settle these matters.

I hope you find this helpful,
Kelly.
Read Answer Asked by Garth on August 17, 2017
Q: Greetings,

I have a full position in Altagas spread across three registered accounts. I've held this for years and plan to keep it but I was wondering whether it would be a good idea to sell the shares now and buy the subscription receipts. Seems like the only downside to that would be a case where the big deal falls through but the stock prices goes up. Can't see that happening. Am I missing something?
Read Answer Asked by Gerald on August 17, 2017
Q: The combined value of my holdings in these companies is too much for me to hold in one company. Does it matter which I sell or when I sell it? What percentage of a portfolio would you be comfortable with for the final holding?

Many thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Blanche on August 16, 2017
Q: The company held a conference call to discuss their quarterly results this morning. While the results seemed ok their call has obviously spooked the markets. Was this due to the increases in their legal reserve due to certain law suits they are facing? There was also some mention that they would have no contribution from residential solar in 2017. Could you please provide your analysis/understanding of the issues they are facing and how serious these are for their long term longevity and profitability.
What do you advise shareholders do?
Read Answer Asked by John on August 15, 2017
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