Investment Q&A

Q: BDI reduced their dividend from 8 cents to 5 cents a few months ago. Do you believe the 5 cents dividend is safe. I don't mind holding the stock for the long term if its dividend is safe.

Q: What are two Canadian stocks that would benefit from our very low Canadian dollar.

Thanks

Q: Psychologically, I am not usually too bothered by volatility (I rode through the Financial Crisis without selling any stocks). However, I am now close to retirement, so my risk tolerance is declining. I own HCG and believe that it is hugely under valued at 5X earnings. The constant declines in HCG, even on good days in the market, are starting to give me doubts that perhaps I am missing a major negative factor in my valuation. Is this just negative sentiment? I would appreciate your view. Great service.
Thanks

Q: I bought some Aecon in November, hoping the election would provide a boost, but it hasn't. In terms of infrastructure, I note that WSP is in your income portfolio. If I only held one infrastructure stock, would you recommend WSP?

Q: Hi 5i GUD-T has been in a down turn. Why? Is it still a buy?

Q: BPF.UN is down ~ 10% over the past 3 days; considerably more than the TSX.

Any idea why?

Q: I hold Chartwell REIT and Chemtrade Logistics, 3% and 2.7% respectively. Am looking to add to either (or both?) in this market downturn, for income. What is a good weighting for these companies, and which is the most likely to withstand another barrage of sell-offs? (That is, which sector, which company, is likelier to do well in such an environment.) Thanks!

Q: I see that AVO is setting up an Investor Rights provision in case of unsolicited takeovers. Maybe I'm a cynic, but I find a concern about shareholders from this company out of character, to say the least. I would love to see an unsolicited bid or an activist investor get involved right now. Is this for real, or are they just increasing the chocolate ration? I'd appreciate your opinion.

Q: I own Bam.a Is it worthwhile to add bep for income or is one Brookfield company enough? I have a portfolio of 15 stocks and 5 ETFs,20% in US plus 15% GICs. I'm about to retire later this year.

I really appreciate your service.
Thanks

Q: Sorry if this question comes in twice as I'm not sure it went through the first time.

In the past, your team has indicated that BNS was your favourite bank. Is this still the case, even though it has underperformed? I am considering taking a position in a bank as I have currently have CXI and EFN in my financials, and feel I am missing a bank as part of my portfolio. Am wondering which one I should take a position in (or perhaps ZEB).

Thanks!

Q: I missed the conference call due to snow removal :) Got the last 5 minutes, which seemed positive regarding atms. Can you fill me in please.
thanks

Q: Copy of press item below and wondering if this is a significant event that I as an investor should be concerned about.
Thanks John
PRESS DIGEST- Canada - Jan 13
** Canaccord Genuity Group Inc has been hit with a string of veteran departures amid a severe commodity price correction that has raised the prospect of more job cuts. Scott Davidson, the dealer's executive vice president and global head of corporate development and strategy, announced his departure on Tuesday.

Q: Thoughts on this stock, it keeps going down and i'm wondering if i should hold on???

Q: What is your reaction to CXI results?

Q: I am a conservative, retired dividend-income investor with a pension and CPP. My portfolio includes AD, AQN, ALA, BCE, BNS, CGX, CPG, RY, SLF, WSP, WCP, WEF, ZLB, XIT, Sentry Cdn Income Fund, Sentry REIT, RBC Eqty Inc, TD Health, Annuities and Fisgard Capital.

My question is regarding SLF. I bought it in the fall of 2014 with the investment thesis being rising interest rates and an improving equity market (both supposedly good for lifecos).

I am basically flat (down from cap loss and up from dividends). I am normally almost fully invested and am not a trader. I'm happy to hold SLF, but I think the original investment thesis has now changed. Is SLF dead money for now and is the current environment likely to produce more share price deterioration?

On a side note, I am slightly overweight in financials.

Thanks, Steve

Q: How much of a threat, mid to longer-term, do you feel the following will pose for Magna? First, sharing services Uber and Lyft, and second, developed country younger generation's disinclination for purchasing cars. Will higher demand for vehicles in developing countries outweigh the above, and is Magna well positioned to continue to do well as a Tier 1 supplier to the industry? Thank you. Ted

Q: Which of the following stocks, if any, would you add to at this time...my current weightings would allow this: MG, DH, SIA, TFI, WSP...reduce my question credits as you like. Thank you.

Q: Just a note first, I'm pretty sure the short interest is under 8 million on 133,500,000 shares, which is quite different than the 20% the previous guy mentioned, unless my source is garbage. But I don't think so...question: hiw low do you think this could possibly go? For example, oil remains low and US has a minor recession along with slowing of Chinese growth effecting market sentiment and dumping risky assets continues... Like $9-10 it hits rock bottom? Book value is close to $15-16. Do you believe management is heading in the right direction, or are they possibly hurting the Stars brand name? Sorry for the multiple questions.

Q: I assume in your below response to my question on what to to add you meant to say DSG would be a better compliment to CSU(already held) vs ESL?

'We would be comfortable with all three; But ESL looks good to us, now $11 below its high.
DSG might though be a better complement to a holding of DSG, and it is also cheaper on a valuation basis.'

Q: Can you please comment on their earnings? Do you still recommend holding this stock?