Investment Q&A

Q: In 2014 the dividend was cut, could you explain what happened? Since 2015 the dividend has been increasing, would you expect this to continue or is the solar business cyclical where the dividend could be cut? Is this company considered as a growth and dividend story?

Q: Hi Peter: I am 81 years. Am considering buying Fidelity Tax-smart withdrawal program. This fund invests 70% S&P/Capped 60 Index and 30% S&P 500 Index. If you can recommend the fund would a 50% to 75% investment of my funds be reasonable? Should I buy on my TD trading account or buy direct from a Fidelity rep? Would I receive the same net income either way? Thanking you for your valuable opinion. Ron Noble

Q: Global Gardens Group (CNSX:VGM). Peter, Ryan and team, can I get your comments on this new entrant? Looks like company has gone through several private placements, does this dilute the shares for current holders? May be some time for their products to gain traction, in your experience how long would it take to reach break-even for such food-based national level products? any thoughts on management track record? thank you and keep up the great work!

Q: i have owned this stock for a while and very frustrated with share price preformance

i dont mind keeping the stock if some of the articles are read are on track like 19 percent earning growth and 30 sales growth

please comment on your feeling on the stock

Q: I think I want to buy an international ETF but don't know much about them. I already have shares of Fairfax India and the Mawer world smallcap fund. Do you have some suggestions of Canadian ETF's which might be good?

Q: I am considering adding some lifeco to my portfolio due to what appears to be a rising interest rate environment. Currently banks are at 8%. As Sunlife has recently had a run up I was thinking of FLI as a play on both US and Canadian lifeco's with some covered call protection . Do you recommend this strategy as opposed to individual companies and if not what lifeco would you recommend ? Buy now or wait for US policy in December ? And do I need to deduct FLI's mer of .93% from the indicated yield of 5.35% to find the true return ?

Q: What do you think of FIE, ZPW and ZWH for an RESP ?

Thanks

Dave

Q: Please comment on the earnings results of both Dream Global and H & R Reit. Do you think the listing of Dream Global on the Frankfort Exchange will be positive. Would you be adding to these at this time? Thank you for you great service.

Q: Is there an ETF listed on the TSX that replicates fairly closely Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index? If so, what is your opinion of the fund as a core vehicle for the fixed income allocation of my portfolio, in addition to laddered GIC's? Many thanks!

Q: Hi 5I Team,
I own the above preferred shares. With interest rates on the rise is it time to sell these? If so what would you recommend.
Thanks
Bob

Q: Could you please provide an updated opinion on Merus. Stock is up 5% today. Do you consider this a buy or am I best to stick with GUD and SIS and forget about MSL.

Q: My question concerns asset allocation. I understand how rising interest rates can affect utilities that have a lot of debt or low oil prices affect energy companies but I am less clear why other sectors should be declining in what is being generally viewed as an improving economy. For example, why are consumer staple stocks declining in an atmosphere where economic growth is expected? Does sector rotation fully explain this?

In the same allocation vein, my one weighting anomaly is in industrials, where I have a 25% weighting. I hold EIF, MMM,ECI, HEI (a US airplane parts manufacturer), STN and SIS in fairly equal proportions. Most models suggest this sector should be at most a 20% weighting but when I look at the list I see companies in different industries and businesses and I wonder what a water heater rental company and an engineering company have in common. Am I being too slavish to an asset allocation model or is there something that ties these companies together that I am overlooking?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: With Trump at the controls, would this not be a good time to pick up some Shawcor?

Q: Having just lost a pile of dough on Cipher (moved on as suggested) And having averaged down my cost on BOS a month ago, I am now down 48 per cent on BOS. I can hold for four more years if you think the company has merit. I don't need to sell am sitting on a lot of cash. But I am not mentally prepared for a 75 per cent loss. Do you think it can have a better 2017 or take my loss. Thanks for your sage advice.

Q: Hi Peter
Well is it time to let these 2 go ? I have been patient . What to replace with with is the question .

Q: I am down on both of these companies since the split.Can you give me your outlook on possible recovery.Thank You
Garry

Q: Your thoughts on EXE earnings and how they compare to SIA. Thank you.

Q: Hi Peter,

I'm just curious ... Who are your heroes are in the investment world that have shaped your investment philosphy? Are there any books or insights that describe your investment process?

5i, thanks for the great work that you do. You're doing a great service to Canadian investors.

Elliott

Q: Your thoughts on their earnings - seems like a pretty cheap stock when looking at FFO. Thank you.

Q: I have a question about Onex. The stock price has been increasing recently and I wondered the reason for this rise. What do you think of adding to my shares here?
Thank you 5i for a great job!