Investment Q&A

Q: We own approximately 4000 shares in ALC composing about 2% of our portfolio. We have held the shares for a number of years and have certainly experienced the ups and lately downs of any commodity based stock - even though the company is supposed to be in the industrial sector. We are currently negative on the stock but their fortunes seem to be improving as the price of iron ore seems to have stabilized. Of course it is hard to trade the stock when times are bad since they are such a thin trader. A "haircut" is a certainty if one really wanted out. Now ALC seems to be offering to buy back shares through a "Dutch Auction". Since the buy back will be prorated I suppose we won't be able to tender all our shares. I don't really mind that we are negative since I like the dividend and 2018 may bring better times. (The mantra of any "buy and hold" investor)! My guess is that management thinks that 2018 will also see improving revenue. I wouldn't characterize the offer as "low ball", I believe it to be fair but maybe 12 months too late to really be taken up. ALC doesn't have much float so they may have trouble taking up too much stock. Any float they do take up will make the stock even more of a thin trader than it was previously. If we were to tender I would tend to purchase SQM as a replacement even though the dividend is lower. Our material sector exposure is on the low side - just AEM having a 2.5% weighting. Our industrial sector weighting is 23% (NFI, WSP, SIS, MAXR, LGT.B and ALC).
Any suggestions on what to do? If you think we should consider taking up the offer what ask price should we go in at? The ask needs to be between $13.80 and $14.75. If we go in at $13.80 do you think there is a chance we could sell all our stock? I realize this is a complex question so please deduct as many credits as you think appropriate.
Thanks
Jim

Q: I have more of an overall financial question, that you may be able to answer.

I own my own business and have been thinking about buying a building in the near future, but I have a few concerns.

Many business people I talk with state that buying the building they were operating in as the best investment they made, or I talk with others that have regrets that they didn't.

What is a better investment: Stocks or Real Estate?

To buy a building I may have to liquidate my portfolio as it would be a major purchase. I would then have a My House, My Business, and a Building in Calgary. That seems like a lot of eggs in one basket if the Economy Slows or if Oil is no longer needed. ( I know this is a long ways down the road, but is a possibility)

Can I assume if the Lease Rate matches the Interest Rate Payments on a Commercial Mortgage that you should look into commercial real estate as you aren't losing anything? If this was the case less money would be put into a portfolio as some would have to go towards paying down the mortgage?

I know this isn't a regular stock specific question, but I figure with your knowledge you may have a good advice. I also am leaving this public as I believe many others on your site may have similar thoughts.

Thanks.

Q: I have held ALA in the past(2 months ago) and sold it at a loss which I can use to offset some gains. I currently hold ENF but am considering selling ENF and buying back ALA. What are your thoughts on the dividend safety of the two stocks and their growth prospects?

Thanks Ken

Q: It just dawned on me that with the endless fighting over softwood lumber and US pulp tariffs and controls that maybe KP Tissue/Kruger is getting caught up in the turmoil. Maybe that's why it is down 12.7% from what I paid for it about a year ago. The current yield is 5.22%

On October 31, 2017 you said : "KPT really has not created much value, and the stock was higher in 2013 than it is today. For income we would consider it 'so so' and certainly think there are better options out there. We prefer dividend growth, and the dividend has not changed in five years."

I am currently overweight in Financials, Telcos. Utilities, and Pipelines, so would you advise selling KPT or just holding for income.

Since you think there are better options out there I would appreciate your suggestions of several other consumer sector companies with dividend growth and with a comparable dividend yield.

Thank you........... Paul K

Q: Any thoughts about RTI these days?

Q: Could you please give me your opinion on the etf's FNG and FINX. I am thinking of taking a half position in each. Do you prefer one over the other or do you think splitting between the two a good idea. I currently do not have any exposure to tech other than PHO and OTEX but with the huge gains in tech over the past year I am reluctant to stock pick at this time.

Q: On my last question on HIVE, you suggested a better way to play it would be to buy GROW. Could you please give your analysis of it. Would you consider it a buy irregardless of it's position in HIVE. Thanks. Great service! Just renewed subscription.

Q: Hi I was just wondering your thoughts on Pure Industrial Real Estate Trust?
Thanks
Sean

Q: the cloud... I know of msft as a cloud co. any others in Canada/ us I should consider for long term hold? tkx pat

Q: For a "well diversified portfolio" and "Forever" holdings in Financial Sector, what would be your top 2 choices long-term [5 years] - assume 1 bank and 1 Alternative Finance, but your call. Looking for growth at a reasonable price.

Q: What do you think of Minco Silver (MSV)? Is there something fundamentally wrong with the company or is it just trending lower due to the sector and tax loss selling?

Q: Hi 5i,

NFI has been quite weak...do you have any concerns on it?

Thanks,
Dave

Q: Hi,
What is the best way to trade or have exposure to bitcoin without actually having to open a bitcoin trading account? Are there any stocks or ETF's that track these cryptocurrencies? I usually just check GBTC.

Thanks!

Q: I am doing some research on PTG and I am somewhat amazed to see that the companies market cap is about $100 million, but revenues clock in at over $1.3 billion. It would seem to me that they have a large degree of leverage to any cost savings they can wring out of their operations. Even a 1% reduction would equate to a significant % of their market cap. I was also thinking that this could make it attractive as a takeover candidate. I note, as well, that in a recent response you indicate that the fairly attractive dividend appears safe. I am looking at building an investment "thesis" if you will, and was wondering if you could add any comments as it does sound as though you have had access to management recently.
Kind Regards.

Q: Would you be comfortable starting a long term position in QTRH?

Q: DSG reports today. What are markets looking for?

Q: You have said that there is no withholding tax on US securities, held in a RRSP/RRIF. Do you know if there is withholding tax on US securities held in RDSP. I have purchased RUF.UN and see withholding taxes.
Best Regards
Harold

Q: Hello, I would like to put some money into an ETF or mutual fund. Would be in for the long term +5 years.
Would these three be acceptable for dividend, stability and small growth? I’am retired and need income, but not interested in U.S. tax filing.
Would you invest in all three? Or do you have a better suggestion with one or two ETF’s ?
Thanks

Q: Hi Peter, I am looking in buying cp or cnr. Any thoughts.? Thanks. Alnoor

Q: I have only one oil/gas stock WCP down 38% and a 1.6% position. I only have that because I feel I should have something in the sector. Lately I've noticed a disconnect between the price of oil and the stock price movement. I know WCP is one of 5I's favorites but I'm wondering if my lonely representation in the sector wouldn't be served better by ZEO which yields about the same. Opinion ?