Investment Q&A

Q: I recently took over non-registered accounts from financial planner. One account is US Margin Account. This holds a few US$ denominated mutual funds. What is the rationale for having such an account? Do you recommend holding US stocks in US$ account, and if yes, what top 3 holdings do you suggest for dividend and a bit of growth?

Thanks and speedy recovery.

Q: Morning 5i team. Could I please have your opinion about Medtronic. (MDT)
What do you think of the Covidien deal?
Is the company a good long term hold? Do you think the current price is a decent entry point?

Q: I have owned SYNA synaptics for a 120% run up. Happy of course. As long as it keeps performing, is this a hold or is there anything to be concerned about the B/S, and perhaps time to look at something else. Any recommendations. Thanks.

Q: US Question: Bladex BLX. I am building a basket of US / World Banks - after getting bombed out back in 07/08. What do you think of BLX as part of a basket of banks, one that provides a bit of diversification? I am also looking at SBNY and BOFI.

Thank you.

Q: Hi Peter and team, What impact do you think the General Electric deal for Alstom electricity business in France will have on the GE stock price? Thanks, Gervais

Q: With this week's COH update on same-store-sales and plunge in prices, is it a buy?

Q: Dear Peter and team,
I am considering selling my shares in Covidien (cov) (1% of portfolio) because of the recent jump due to the Medtronic takeover. I don't think Medtronic has as good of a track record or management as Covidien. Would you recommend holding onto Covidien at this time or selling?

Other healthcare stocks in my portfolio are Gilead (gild) (2.5%), Baxter (bax) (1.25%), JNJ (1.5%) and Novartis (nvn) (1.5%).

If I sell Covidien and stay in the healthcare sector, I am considering McKesson (mck), WellPoint (wlp), CVS Caremark (cvs), Amgen (amgn), Cerner (cern), Catamaran (cct) or Concordia (cxr). And possibly 2 others that I don't know much about Cipher Pharma (?) and Biosyent (rx). Would you mind giving me your opinion on the above stocks or at least indicate which you feel would be the top 3.

If you think that there is a better healthcare stock than those listed above I would love to hear about it.

Thank you very much.

Brian

Q: Hi Peter
I have 24% US in RRSP and looking to rebalance for income with some growth. Currently hold AAPL 5.8%, Gild 5.1% PG 7.3%, C 1.2%, CX 2.8% and US money market. Thanks Hamish

Q: wondering about kmi kinder morgan
why is this one lagging so much with the energy boom and prices right now.
you think its a buy?
Thanks

Q: Can you tell me anything about a us company Invensense INVN. A technology company for wearable applications. Would this be a company google would want to buy? Or does it have merit on its own? Comparing JDSU-- JDS Uniphase to INVN, which would you buy or would not buy at all. Thanks.

Q: I am thinking of opening a small (speculative) position in American Apparel (APP) now that they've relieved Dov Charney as CEO and Chairman of the Board. I can't help but think that this company can't get any worse than it already is. Exclusive of the fact that the company could cease to be a going concern, do you see any other near-term risk? I don't want to engage in speculation if there are other factors (i.e. a delisting) that could vaporize my investment.
Thanks!

Q: Hi Peter and team
Recently Michael asked about Chicago Bridge and Iron. I saw this on RBC morning notes and it may be of help.

"Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. - $68.26 – Debate Over Purchase Accounting Adjustments
Guided Portfolio: Midcap 111, S&P – Hold (PT $87)
Chicago Bridge & Iron is the subject of a 38 page strong sell (recommendation) report titled “Acquisition Accounting
Gone Nuclear”. The report questions purchase price adjustments made in the last year (post the Shaw acquisition)
by CB&I, considering them “shenanigans”. The report suggests that several nuclear construction projects are having
cost over-runs and reserve accounts are being used to mask the issues. This is a nuanced issue as reserve accounts
are appropriately used to address cost over-run potential in accounting convention. Apart from the negative report,
we have a current information vacuum from sources and management. We would hope this is addressed before the
week ends"

Ross

Q: What are you thoughts on AIG? Is it a good investment for the long-term?

Q: I read with interest your US stock recommendations and Ship Finance (SFL.US) caught my eye with a current 9% dividend. What are your thoughts on the company and is the dividend safe or is it a telltale sign that all is not well with the company?

Q: I have been watching Chicago Bridge and Iron (CBI:US) and Fluor Corporation (FLR:US) for awhile.They seem like interesting plays in the engineering/construction/LNG/energy areas.CBI seems somewhat volatile.I realize they are US stocks but if you have any thoughts on them it would be great.Thanks. Joe

Q: Hi,

Any idea why Hain Celestial is down recently and what do you think of it as a two year hold?

BTW, re your note that when searching for for a US stock to add .US, when I do it, I get no response at all. When I search without that suffix, I get results?

Q: Hi Peter,
Would you give an updated view on Hi-Crush Partner HCLP-US which has been on a roll since you last commented on the Co in March? I greatly appreciate the information you provide. Thank you so much

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

Any further thoughts on MFC Industries, MIL since i asked back in February 2013?

Q: Your insights on latest deal between Medtronics and Covidien please. I'm own shares of Cov.us; sell or take Mdt.us offer? Thanks.

Q: Good Morning,
I recently came into $23k US which is pure investment money. I do not need it for anything else. I would like to keep it in US funds. Are there any screaming buys out there for growth and/or income that I could park the money and watch it grow?
Thanks,
Rick