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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: Would you recommend getting in on the GFL IPO?
Read Answer Asked by John on November 04, 2019
Q: Hello,

I would value your assessment of MIC's recent earnings announcement as well as your commentary on what their indication that they are going to: "to actively pursue strategic alternatives including a sale of the Company or its operating businesses as a means of unlocking value for shareholders." might mean for those of us who hold this investment?

The market's initial reaction was extremely positive but having been down the "strategic alternatives" path previously with Calidus Capital, to a disastrous conclusion, makes me personally rather circumspect. Thank you!
Read Answer Asked by Richard on November 04, 2019
Q: Hi,

Do you agree that there is a value gap between large and small cap stocks? BNN said ..."Michael Burry of The Big Short fame recently called this phenomenon the index bubble or ETF vortex and he is investing heavily in small-cap value stocks worldwide. "
Would you try to exploit this? Are there any CDN or US small cap ETF's you'd recommend?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on November 04, 2019
Q: Just a comment on pros and cons of receiving distributions as return of capital. While a nice problem to have I believe if the ROC results in the capital cost base going negative the ROC is taxed as income.
Read Answer Asked by Lynda on November 04, 2019
Q: I'm in the middle of switching my portfolio to a much more simple style. I've always indexed my US exposure with ETFs like VOO and VFV and have bought individual Canadian stocks just because the Canadian index is so unbalanced, holding mostly resources and financials.

I've looked at VGRO and VBAL as well as XGRO and XBAL. I'm hesitant to buy them because they have a high percentage to the Canadian index. I also don't want emerging markets or any EAFE exposure. I'm a huge fan of Jack Bogle and he preached that all anyone needed was the S&P 500 and a bond fund. Since app. 48% of S&P 500 sales are non US, it seems to me investing in EAFE is unnecessary.

My plan is to go 60%US and 40% bonds. Since Canada represents just 3% of the worlds markets, why do most Canadian investing professionals say to put 30% or more in Canada? Doesn't make any sense to me! Thanks for your help.
Read Answer Asked by Andrew on November 04, 2019
Q: Would you be kind enough to decipher BYD.UN's information circular on the following key points? It's way too complicated for us simple retail investors.

What are the tax consequences on conversion, if any (assuming it is not a tax free rollover)? What are the conversion rates of units to shares? When will this be effected, if unit holder approval is obtained? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Victor on November 04, 2019
Q: On BNN the other day a portfolio manager said November is the second best month for Stock Markets and December the best month while September and October are the worst months. Is this so ? November is starting off as if this is correct Dow up 301 points on November 1st 2019 alone. Sell in May and go away has not been the case has it ? Your thoughts . RAK
Read Answer Asked by bob on November 04, 2019
Q: Please explain the pros and cons of receiving distributions as return of capital. Also does this differ for non- registered, RRSPs and TFSAs?
Read Answer Asked by bill on November 04, 2019
Q: You have mentioned in the past that MX "has some degree over methanol prices" yet the main reason for the current decline in profits was low pricing. Just how much ability to price products do they really have? Will the new facility, once it is on stream, increase this ability? I still like the company but I am wondering if pricing truly provides any kind of advantage.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on November 04, 2019
Q: Hi,

I'm looking for 2 lo-volatility US healthcare picks for the next few years, can you choose one of these (CNC, WCG, UNH, AET, CVS, CI, ANTM,HCP) or any others you prefer?

Second question is there an area of healthcare you think I should stay away from for the next (probably volatile) year?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on November 04, 2019