Investment Q&A

Q: I currently own Loblaw (L), ADW.A, and ECI in the Consumer sector. I would like to add PBH to give me two holdings in each of Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary, but I suspect CTC.A is a'safer' pick. So I am debating between the improved diversification by taking PBH versus the 'safer' choice of CTC.A. Which should I add? I am looking for steady dividend growth with holdings that might hold up better in down/bear markets. Thanks as always.

Q: What is your opinion on CST's potential for growth within 12 months? They have proven their technology on two fronts, first as their pilot plants were successful in proving the company's claims, second on successfully defending their patents. Lastly, would you see CST as a takeover potential?

Q: I am interested in a small position in zef and I am wondering what a rising U.S. dollar might have on this etf. Would you recommend this etf for an allocation in an rrsp for income? Thanx.

Q: Hi Peter and Team,
Mining industries tends to improve recently with the rising commodity price together with today's OPEC deal which also improves energy industries. Do you think it is time to get back to Canaccord Group, or is it still to early?
Thank you for you expert advice. Pui

Q: Could I get a couple of suggestions for 1-2 small-to-mid-cap regional US banks with good fundamentals that you like the looks of. What are your thoughts on US financials generally for the next 12-24 months. Thanks.

Q: Is there an etf that has both USA and Canadian Finacials ?

Q: Pivot announced has conditional approval to list on the TSX as of Dec. 19. With a share price of only 41 cents, would this be permitted or do you expect a share consolidation to occur? Also, with a market cap of only $70MM, does this really qualify for TSX listing? Dividend at 1 cent quarterly is 9.6%, which is certainly attractive. Do you have any further thoughts since the last couple of questions on this stock?

Q: Can you give me per share AFFO for each of the above companies since inception? I'm concerned about share dilution in both of the above. Thanks a lot.

Q: Can you see any reason for the 8%+ jump today?

Thanks


Sheldon

Q: Hi Peter and staff
Stock hasn't done well since you added it (as long team hold I realize) - thesis still intact and if my weighting is low and have long term view any harm in averaging down?
Thanks for all you do
Dennis

Q: Thanks for the new report on DSG. What do you think of a switch to DSG from ENGH? I have held ENGH for a while and it can't get any momentum. You speak positively about both these firms. What do you think of each for the next year? Thanks.

Q: Hi Peter and Staff
I was another investor who had too much weighting in oil- aside from a few that went out of business , I have held the rest until now and still have more $ in oil than I now want as a percentage weighting - not wanting to miss any rally entirely but also not believer in $75 oil coming I am going to shave some monthly until I get to my new weighting / if you were going to sell some of one of the four stocks listed which would you pick and why
Thanks for all you do
Dennis

Q: Why is Dollarama down so much today?
Is there any news on the company?
Thank you!

Q: Thinking long term on the themes of infrastructure spending, recent pipeline approvals, (with maybe more to come in the US), and projections for crude to stabilize in around ~$60/barrel, do you see any tailwinds for BDI assuming they can keep the balance sheet clean? If not BDI, any other recommendations for companies providing support services to future infrastructure spending?

Q: I recently read in the Q&A`s that ECI is offering a DRIP program with 5% discount on stock purchased via DRIP. I own a number of dividend paying stocks in both registered and non-registered accounts with my discount broker and wondered if there was a simple way to find out 1) if the companies offer a DRIP and 2) if there is any discount they offer through their DRIP purchases (is this common?)....does such a website exist? If you do not require the funds, it seems to be a `no brainer' to enroll in the DRIP and receive an immediate 5% return. Your comments are most welcome.

BTW, I an a new member and am very impressed with the quality of the information you provide. Thank You
Scott

Q: Hello Peter and Team,
On the strength of your recommendation to consider Absolute Software (see Ryan`s blog of Sept. 06),I took a 4% position on ABT; of course as always seems to be the case when I buy any stock, the SP immediately started a decline and continued to a downslide of almost 15%+. What caught my attention was the reference to growth, coupled with a healthy and sustainable dividend. As well, this was a good fit in that I did not previously own any Tech stocks. Since the blog, I have read your response to other members, that ABT should definitely be considered a good candidate for an Income portfolio. Is there any change to the thesis that, although not a near horizon event, the growth profile is still a consideration?
Thank you,
Rick.

Q: I plan to add a U.S. financial services stock to my portfolio. I know you don't cover US equities but could I get your thoughts on First American Financial or others you might suggest?

Q: Peter and Team, I want to choose some ETFs for my mother in-laws RRIF and LIF. My approach is to be well diversified, looking for some dividend and a little growth to achieve btwn 5 to 10% annually. I plan to select Equal weights using ZLB,ZWB, ZDV FOR Canadian content and ZLH, ZWH, ZHY, and ZGI FOR US Content. Your opinion and any pitfalls or suggestions would be apprecuated.
Thanks, Steve.

Q: Hi 5i,

Do you have any numbers on this company ICC? Market cap, balance sheet, guidance, etc. It just started trading a couple of days ago on the Venture Exchange.

Thanks, Shane

Q: Do you think I would be wise to switch from CPX to RRX?
Jim