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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 5i: Along with many others I have significant paper losses on CPD. I would hold for the good divided if I could be reasonably sure I wouldn't suffer another large hit if the BoC were to lower rates again, or go negative on us. Some time ago I sold about a half and reinvested the proceeds. I'm considering dumping the rest to limit the remaining potential damage. What do you think?
Read Answer Asked by Roland on February 21, 2016
Q: Hello Peter,

Per today's the Globe and Mail, one third of the global government bond market is now trading at subzero rates. Under this negative rates environment, what kind of impact will it impose to prefer shares in general? Does it make sense for companies issued prefer shares to call them back, then reissue them at much lower rates. If the prefer share's rate resets in next couple of months, will the new rate be set to much lower rate than before (other than lower prime rate)? Thanks.

Lin
Read Answer Asked by Lin on February 21, 2016
Q: Hi Peter & Team,
The AQN.PR.A prefer is it a perpetual prefer or Reset prefer? If it is perpetual based on 4.5%/$25.00 issue price. That looks very good buy at today's price $13.50 ?
I have 600 @22.89 should I add more or cut my loss?
Thank you and learned a lot and appreciate from 5i .
Read Answer Asked by Tak on February 20, 2016
Q: hi; when these reset june 1 2017 could they exchange them for new as they are trading at a low price.others have done this hair cut. if left the same they would yield over 6% + 5 year rate u.s. thanks for the great service--brian
Read Answer Asked by brian on February 19, 2016
Q: Hello! Having some VSB and CBO already (short-term bonds), I would also like to consider some modest exposure to high quality/longer term government bonds, 5-10yrs, and fairly liquid. Would like your recommendation in that space.
Appreciate your service always, member's input as well.
Thank you!

Read Answer Asked by Genevieve on February 19, 2016
Q: Good morning,
With interest rates currently at very low levels with no sign of going up in a significant manner anytime soon, does a preferred share type ETF or actively managed fund holding mostly reset type preferred have a place in most portfolios. If so, what are your thoughts on PIC.PR.D at this time and can you recommend something else that would be more preferable in this asset class? Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Francesco on February 17, 2016
Q: I have been reading some of your readers comments about the installment receipt being offered by AQN. It looked almost too good to be true so I read the press release. The following sentence is from the Press Release: "On the day following the Final Installment Date, the interest rate payable on the Debentures will fall to an annual rate of 0%. "
Thus, isn't this simply a purchase of common shares rather than a real convertible debenture. During the period until the acquisition closes it is a convertible but as soon as the deal closes the holder will get 0% interest and thus would most likely convert into common so that he/she could get the dividend stream....am I missing something?
Read Answer Asked by Michael on February 17, 2016
Q: I'm thinking of buying a position in ENB.PR.B. What's your thought on these for a long term hold? What's rate expected to be when they reset? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by RICHARD on February 16, 2016
Q: while the split might be beneficial for common shareholders can you comment on it's effects on the PFD's , please and thank you....the details might not be available yet but i would think one company would provide more strength to the balance sheet than two smaller ones...many thanks , in advance , for your thoughts on the matter....cheers
Read Answer Asked by Cam on February 16, 2016
Q: A follow up from the previous question. I notice that SPFF has fallen dramatically over the last year - markedly more than apparently similar CEF's such as FFC-N and PDT-N. I suppose this may reflect a riskier portfolio, but the current yields are essentially the same. Any thoughts? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by David on February 16, 2016
Q: What are your thoughts on this preferred share offering from Brookfield? It resets in June of 2016 and has a yield of 5.2%. What is the downside risk here?
Read Answer Asked by Glen on February 16, 2016
Q: The common stock has gone up slightly over the past 12 months whereas the pref. has gone from near par to ~$16. I am thinking of taking a position in the pref. (already have some of the common). Can't seem to find much info. - is it a perpetual? Am I missing something? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by David on February 16, 2016
Q: I am baffled why this preferred is such a dog. I also own a preferred ETF (CPD) in my RRSP that is tanking.
Can you shed some light on why these are doing so badly? As well, how does the future regarding these holdings look to you?
Read Answer Asked by DAVE on February 16, 2016
Q: Hi Peter and team!! Happy family day weekend! My advisor has suggested investing in Algonquin Power Convertible Bonds. To tell you the truth, I never quite know whether these are a good deal or not. Here's the terms: This is a 10 year 5% convertible bond, where only 1/3 of the bond's face value is due on closing Mar1/16. The instalment receipt priced at 33.30 per 100 will earn 15% until the second instalment is due 15-90 days after approval is granted for their acquisition of the Empire District Electric Company. Interest is paid quarterly and the bonds are convertible at $10.60/ common share of Algonquin Power. This is for my RRSP. What do you think ? Is this a good investment ? Any caveats? Regards and thank you, Tamara
Read Answer Asked by Tamara on February 15, 2016
Q: what is the symbol of the new convertible bond? is it a good buy
thank you, J.A.P, Burlington
Read Answer Asked by Joseph on February 10, 2016
Q: Most if not all of the convertible bonds offering I have seen, the conversion price is at a premium to the trading price of the stock. This one is somehow unique. Can you please explain why? If I am holding the shares in a registered account wouldn't be better to hold the convertible instead (more secure and higher distribution at least for now)? Would this situation encourage arbitrage, buying the convertible and selling the stock short driving the stock price down? Do you expect that this bond to sell at a premium to the stock as soon as it hits the market?

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Saad on February 10, 2016
Q: 6:42 PM 2/9/2016
Hello Peter
Could you please comment on the Algonquin Power takeover of Empire Electric in Missouri. The deal looks very interesting to me. Algonquin are simultaneously offering 5.00% Convertible Debentures - Instalment Receipts. The Conversion price is $10.60 well below the closing price of the shares yesterday $11.54.
Could you answer these questions for me and comment on the Company and on the Debenture issue.

1. It seems very surprising to have the conversion price LESS than the market price. Why?
2. Would you prefer the Debentures or the Common shares for steady income.
3. Will the common shares trade down to the conversion price on open Feb 10th?
Many thanks.......... Paul K
Read Answer Asked by Paul on February 10, 2016
Q: Regarding the just announced merger with Tahoe Resources. I currently own LSG.DB in 2 accounts. One account has to be liquidated as it is a source of retirement income. What would your suggestion be so as to try and maximize the proceeds from the sale? Also, I believe that the Change of Control provisions in the September 7, 2012 Trust Indenture (page 10) are applicable - would you be able to ascertain what the revised conversion price (if any)is or does the conversion price remain at $1.40? Thank you for your help in this matter.
Read Answer Asked by Vincent on February 08, 2016
Q: Would you be a seller of the Rona preferred share at this time with the takeover bid?
Thanks
Read Answer Asked on February 04, 2016