Investment Q&A

Q: I'm looking at these two ETFs for the short term, as they are near a 52 week low and have fairly good liquidity. Which one would you recommend the most, or would have a better suggestion ? Thanks

Q: Further to your earlier answer yesterday, you referred to the payout ratio as still being high. My impression is that they have been lowering it over the last 2 or 3 years. I seem to recall it is in the 70's percent-wise, having been in the 90's. If my memory is correct (no guarantees here!), this shows very positive improvement, in line with the targets espoused by their CEO in previous calls.
Would you be able to tell me what the payout ratio is currently (based on cash flow, I assume), and also indicate how you are calculating it from the numbers off of the statements? I am particularly interested in knowing the adjustments you make, and your reasoning.
(This, I hope, falls into the category of not just giving me fish, but teaching me HOW to fish!)
Also, at least one other analyst doesn't get the seasonality of their quarterly statements (they have a slow period - the summer - when the kids aren't on the bus)and keeps referring to the falling profitability without due consideration. Do you refer to yearly stats when calculating payout ratios and such, or if not, what adjustments do you make to the statements regarding seasonality?
Thanks!
paul

Q: Your thoughts on 3M would be appreciated.
Thanks so much.

Q: What would you expect as to the possibility of a positive return by purchasing a Jan 20 2017 CXR call with a $29.00 strike price.

Thanks for your insight.

Q: The TSX has been on a tear since the beginning of the year and US Markets have hit all-time highs. Do you think the TSX is poised to make new record highs as well? I haven't been reading the financial news a lot lately, so I'm not sure if there is an irrational exuberance that is occurring right now. Would like 5i's thoughts on general market conditions.

Q: I am thinking of rebalancing the weighting of my holdings of common stock among the five large Canadian Banks. The banks represent 20% of my stock portfolio, more or less in equal parts, except for TD (of which I hold less). I'm looking for yield and quality, with a bias towards "hold" not "trade". I consider capital growth a bonus not a goal. I'm retired. I spend my investment income but retain capital. Do you have particular preferences? Do you think that a 20% allocation to financial services is in an acceptable range?

Q: Hi
With CXR stock now under $24.00, would this be a good entry point, or do you think it can still go lower in the short term.
Thanks as always
Guy R.

Q: BNS.PR.G stock was issued at 25.00. Today it traded about 26.88. Computer says the dividend is 6.63%. This seems to be too good to be true. What am I missing here? I am retired and invest for income. What is your opinion of BNS.PR.G for income & What is you opinion of the reset. Many thanks.

Q: Hello Peter and Team:
When I look at the two year chart of DHX's share price in the absence of any other info I just see "lower highs and lower lows". I know in the recent past you have mentioned the positives of management, growing dividend and library and even possibility of takeover some day and the negative of debt. I'm wondering if you believe that there will have to be a specific catalyst to turn this name and if so, what you think it might be? Is there any chance that getting to $1B market cap might be it(they must have been close before when the share price was nearing $10.00)?
Thanks,


















10

Q: The distribution yield is ~7 to 8% and the SEC yield at the end of March was 3.9%. The SEC yield is supposed to reflect current performance and yet the distribution appears not to have changed for a while. Since C&S publish the SEC yield I assume this to be the more accurate representation of "real" current yield and the difference is made up from ROC. At 85% fixed rate and 15% variable rate what do you think of its prospects? - I am happy with the real estate basis.
Thanks

Q: Oil industry.

David Fingold was on BNN Business Day Monday stating that in general over the last 50 years oil stocks in broad terms were a poor investment, only beating the average market twice, and that often their dividends were paid out by more stock being issued. A comparison to the airlines was also made.

Please comment.

Q: Which one of these large industrials would you choose to be in your portfolio at this time ? Am I over diversifying if I selected two of them?

Q: What do you think of the proposed acquisition by Element of Infor Acquisition Corp both in terms of growing its business and adding to its management team? the stock seems to building a base in the $14-$15 range. Do you think it has the potential to revisit its $20 peak in 2017? Looking at it for a three to five year hold.

Q: Finally some news from Element Financial today. Looks like formal approval of the restructuring is complete, plus they also announced a merger with Infor Acquisition Corp. Can you specify if this is good news and what how this may impact the share price(s) of EFN?

Q: Why was ppy off over 7% today

Q: Hi,

I am really enjoying the momentum on OTC these days. I remember you used to say it was a "cheap" stock, where does it sit in terms of value now and how does this compare to peers?

My position in OTC has grown substantially. At what percent of a portfolio would you consider trimming OTC back?

Thank you

Q: Now that the Brexit vote uncertainty has diminished a bit, would it be a good time to add to European market exposure? Presently hold ZWE for income. Would you add to ZWE or open a position in another etf? If so, which etfs would you recommend for income? Which for growth? Possible ZDI ?Looking at 2-3 year time frame. Many thanks for the terrific service.

Q: I am reviewing my HCG holding and need help with a few metrics. The LTD, while it has come down is still at $41/share ($2.9b/70m). Is this a level of debt that one should be concerned about? Also expected earnings growth of 7%($4.11-4.70) does not seem great over the next 2 years. Finally despite the recent share buy-back, total shares appear to have grown 69 to 70 million. I have taken these numbers from RBC Direct.
Your comments as usual are appreciated.
Mike

Q: Hello team. I am currently creating a short list for adding another U.S. equity position. Do you happen to have a short list of 3-5 U.S. equities you find attractive? I generally prefer mid cap companies with an ROE north of 18% and ROE/PE = 1.5 or greater.

Thank you,

Q: I'm concerned that aapl will become another blackberry with ever declining revenues and earnings disappointments. Do you think growth catalysts are on the horizon?