Investment Q&A

Q: As a retiree I am looking, mainly, for income from dividends which will, hopefully, increase with time. i have done well in terms of capital gain over the years with TD, which I have gradually reduced, but feel I can get better value elsewhere. Specifically with HSBC having a yield of ~6.3% versus 3.9% - both have a history of dividend increase.
I know HSBC has been through a period of re-trenching and consolidation and wonder if this has stabilised the bank now.
Any thoughts on the switch for this ~1.5% holding?

Q: I bought this stock at $42 in July and it's currently at $31. I don't mind holding a losing stock if it has potential and I'm looking at a longer holding period of 7 - 12 years. Do you think this company has value for that period of time and should I hold? Is there too much competition for its market and if so how do you think it would fare? If you were to switch to another U.S. Company in the tech sector for that time frame could you give me 2 or 3 names you think would do well over time?

Q: Could I please have your thoughts on BAC for a 3/5 year hold.

Thanks, David

Q: I sold this company about 18 months ago and was wondering if this might be an opportune time to buy, again. Due to its cyclical nature, anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Q: Like everyone else I have to have some US exposure to my portfolio as it is the dominant market. I know you don't deal heavily with US stocks, but you have a lot more access and knowledge than I have. Could you give me a brief opinion of these 5 US stocks. #1 VICM (VIMICRO); #2 - SRPT (SAREPTA); #3 - MOH (MOLINA); #4 SWKS (SKYORKS); #5 SIMO (SILICON). Some I own and some I am considering buying. Thanks for your great service. Dennis

Q: May I have your thoughts on MYR Group?
Thanks

Q: Please provide your opinion on if now is a good entry point for Amazon.com and if the future earnings will be supported? Thanks again! Rossana.

Q: Your opinion of Oracle please, and would you buy this company at this price.
Matter of fact would you be buying any U.S. stocks with our dollar being so low.
Thanks

Q: Would you please review the key metrics that you use in stock picking for this stock .
Is this a stock that would make any short list of stocks?
It seems to have had a great run.
More upside?
Too late to get in and instead look at other US stocks?
Thanks again.

Q: I asked a question on Wednesday but did not get a response.

Could I have your advise on buying some growth as well as relatively safe US stocks to take advantage of this weak market.

Thanks a lot. I leant a lot from 5i and also other members' comments

Q: Greetings all! CODI looks pretty good at a PE of 4 and yield of over 8%. Is there any reason you can see for the low valuation?

Q: Dear Peter and team:
Even though the tech sector has also corrected, it appears its gains haven't been completely wiped out.
What ETF would you recommend for one to take a position in NASDAQ. Keep in mind that the CAD is so weak! Do you see NASDAQ losing even more or holding steady in the next year or two. This is for my RRSPs. Time horizon 3 to 5 years.
If you don't recommend any ETFs, can you suggest some tech stocks?
Thanks .

Q: Hi Guys,

I have owned JNJ for many years and it really has not performed up to my expectations.

Would you sell JNJ today and replace it with UnitedHealth Group (UNH)for a 5 year hold. I require something to stay in the drug/healthcare area of my portfolio.

If yes, could you give me your reasons.

Thanks for the help.

Regards
John

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

Would like an update on your thoughts towards the progress OPRX has made and also the recent minority stake WPP has taken in OPRX.

Q: Hello,
Can I get your opinion on Tesla? Does the release of the model x present a good buy in opportunity?
Thanks!
Dave

Q: What are your thoughts on this stock? It seems to be oversold?

Q: I go into detail because this Question concerns a larger issue related to cash levels investors should allocate to Reserves. Reserve to take advantage of opportunities in volatile times. I will normally be brief when my words need no explanation , background or context.

National Oilwell Varco (NOV.us), ONE company is 8% of my portfolio. The sector represented 20% before I reduced it to 11%. NOV has lost more than half its value (and 70% of my cost). The over-allocation to NOV was the idea of a former broker . I too am at fault: I compounded the error by not rebalancing sooner. I reduced sector allocation but failed to reduce NOV. And now I try to avert my eyes when I see the loss. Problems get worse when ignored.

I arrive now at the 5i doorstep, to obtain objective comment:
In your opinion , since NOV has fallen off a cliff , does it now represent value such that one should just hold? The dividend is decent (if it is safe ; and I can't use the tax loss)

Context: Many financial commentators advise that investors keep high cash reserves during current volatility so that you’d then be in position to pick up great values when markets over-react on the downside. The advice assumes stocks will continue the recent (and rapid) descent . I had thought major markets in the US, Europe, UK and Canada had now dropped enough such that a high cash reserve was now not crucial. Several experts think otherwise: I am referring here to the opinions of successful , real-world investors. I disregard those drama queens who scream dire warnings, no matter the facts, prospects and real business conditions. I also disregard the idiocy of conmen and bullies ---the O’Leary’s of the world--- and others like the affable but hyper Jim Cramers of the Americas. I disregard the opinions of Dr Marc Faber and others whose purpose seems to be to sell expensive letters that predict the end of the world. Their performance is not unlike results you'd get from a random coin toss [CXO Advisory and other sources have documented the poor track records of many gurus..

My question about freeing up cash (by selling NOV in my case) thus arose after I thought through the concerns well reasoned and articulated by thoughtful , successful advisors.

Notwithstanding recent market corrections, the wiser commentators continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining large cash reserves to take advantage of opportunities in these volatile times if markets descend even further. Unlike the sensationalists, the thoughtful advisors make sense . I have therefore taken seriously their views on ensuring one should today keep cash reserves higher than usual

Do you think I should sell/reduce NOV to add to cash reserves ? Or do you think NOV is now excellent value and is not now the best candidate to jettison if the purpose is just to add to cash reserve?

AO:ls
Champlain NY cc Greensboro NC

Q: could you please comment on your outlook for AIG in the 55$ range here currently -

Q: Why is the stock so weak? Is the dividend safe and is it ok to hold for the long term? Thank you.

Q: Hi Team, I know you don't follow US stocks but can you provide your thoughts on this company and their future prospects?