Investment Q&A

Q: hi folks:

I really hate companies who are not transparent in their financial reporting.

GEI's Q1 Financial report still not posted on website probably because of the AGM today and it wouldn't look good.

The material listed shows "segment profit" which isn't really profit at all....

It's cash flow is stated on a 12 month trailing basis....no figures for Q1.
I suspect from piecing what little news is available that it's cash flow does not cover capital and dividend requirements....and may be decidedly negative.
Stating cash flow as a 12 month trailing figure in their release is to disguise the true nature of the finances at the current time and projecting forward in the current low price environment.

Very offensive to me as a shareholder.

I give companies bonus points for transparent, prompt, and conservative financial reporting and outlooks
Don't like a blatant attempt to hide the truth.

Too bad because I like where they 'appear' to be going long term.

PPL on the other hand scores big points with me for an honest look at the financial picture.

comments? and thanks for taking the time to review

bob

Q: Could you please give your comments on Gei latest quarter. Thanks.

Q: Hi team I have held SPB for years now, I was wondering if its recent price drop is warranted based on it most recent results, or does this represent a buying opportunity. I am looking to buy it in my TFSA. Thanks again for your great help and advice.

Q: Hi 5i: Nearing retirement, I am searching for dividend yield of about 4% from stocks that have the potential for enough growth to increase dividends as interest rates increase. I own BNS and NA in this category. I would appreciate some suggestions to add additional stocks that will meet this need.

Great Service.

Thanks,
Hans

Q: Could you please give your thoughts on TA's latest quarterly report. Much appreciated, David.

Q: Hi Agent. Would PPL be a good long term investment. Eddie.

Q: Which of the following would you favor at this time for my income portfolio: ALA, IPL, PPL? My only holding in this category at present is TRP. Thank you, Barrie

Q: I bought some XSR for income, but also because earnings are forecast to rise in the coming years. As telecoms are focussing more on content, do you see any potential takeover interest in this stock ?

Q: Over the past 6 months this stock has traded in a range from $4.40 to $4.75 or so. Do you see the stock going back up to the 4.75 level ? Do you expect Rogers to see increased international sales due to the low Canadian dollar ?

Q: Please rate ABC

Q: Hello 5i.
I would like to compare apples to apples. For example I'm comparing BCE to the TSX60 over a period of 5yrs. In TDwaterhouse I look at the graph for BCE for 5yrs and it shows a 55% increase. When I compare it to the TSX60 capped Index it shows BCE at 80% and the index at 25%. Why the difference of 55% and 80%? What goes into calculating the value of BCE over this time frame. Is it the appreciation of the stock price plus the compounded dividend reinvested? Is it the same for the index? Also is it the same for mutual funds?

Q: I'd like to start a small position in either Cerf or Strad. Do you favor one name over the either?

Q: Hi,i'am looking for your two or three top picks stocks, that pay monthly dividends and which you consider safe for longterm hold 5yrs plus. thanks.

Q: Peter ... I have pretty well stuck with the two earlier portfolios (TY very much) but I wandered on this particular bond and am wondering if its weakness is attributed to low (er) interest rates. Can I expect this fund to eventually recover when the interest rates go up ?? TY.

Q: Thank-you for your excellent article on preferred shares providing much needed perspective on a very complex and misunderstood asset class. The comment below however could be unintentionally misleading. Other than a default situation (which can occur in any asset class), an investors capital would never fall to essentially zero. While there could be a decrease in value of these securities in certain market environments (like we are in now) there will always be an open market for them and they can be sold relatively easily to raise capital. Thanks.

"In other words, the investor could deal with the invested capital declining to essentially zero, as long as the income is maintained to meet whatever the cash flow needs are. Preferred shares can make a lot of sense when you need cash flow, but do not need the capital."

Q: I am looking for safety, income and some capital appreciation, like to have your choice, and or additional others.

Q: Just new to 5i. I am working my way out of mutual funds and own this one that has performed well but has a MER of 2.5%. What would you suggest ...a similar ETF with a lower MER or ?? Thx

Q: I hold 500 shares of TA in aRRIF with a capital loss. Would you recommend selling TA and purchasing RNW? Or hold neither.
Thanks to all.

Q: Good luck on bnn today Peter. Any news update on tdg today as its been awhile. Thanx Cliff

Q: I plan to invest in GIC's through my self directed accounts. Second tier providers such as BTB and Equitable Banks offer significantly higher rates than the Schedule 1 banks. Assuming I keep within the $100,000 CDIC limit is there any additional risk, disadvantage or consideration investing in these smaller providers vs. the big banks. Thanks.