Investment Q&A

Q: I own vsn, vsn.pr.a and vsn.pr.c.
Today Scott Barlow in the Globe and Mail has singled out Veresen one of the companies that could be vulnerable because of their high debt level. Do you share his views? Are the dividends safe for both VSN and the preferreds? Do you recommend holding these shares?

Q: Hello team,

Happy Holiday to you and your families.

In the context of a diversified portfolio, with high risk tolerance, could you compare the following stocks in terms of growth prospects over the next two years?
1 - MacDonald Dettwiler & COM DEV
2 - WEF and HBM
3 - ESP, EXO and SVC

The objective is maximum growth potential.

Thanks for all you do.

BK

Q: I'm looking to place some money into a "long-term" hold ETF. While I have usually went with traditional index-trackers (think most iShares/Vanguard), I'm now starting to look at some of the new funds by Purpose Investments.

Any thoughts on PHR (Purpose Duration Hedged Real Estate) or PRA (Purpose Diversified Real Asset Fund)?

Q: Can you ballpark the effect of Expressscript's decision not to offer the Hep C drug and whether this would be a good time to buy?

Q: Peter and Co.
For a while you favoured Boston Pizza but now you favour A&W. To me they appear to be similar except in size. I have been considering BPF but seeing a local BP close has me wondering if there is something going on that is below my radar. Can you please explain why you now seem to favour A&W and is BPF OK? Thanks in advance and I wish you all and the other members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Gary

Q: Peter,
This is the latest (Dec19) expected consensus earnings (in %) for 2015 S&P (all revised down from the last one by the way except financials)
Financials +17.6
Cons. discretionary +16.8
Materials +14.8
Tech +11.3
Health +10.8
Industrials +9.7
Cons staples +6.8
Energy -20.4

My question: I have not been able to find the same info for Canada ( a recurring problem for me) but could this US info be used as a proxy for Canada. (my take? not for all)
Thanks for that

Q: Your insight on this investment please.
Thanks, Jim

Q: I would like to sell these 3 ETF's to offset some capital gain. What ETF or stocks would you recommend for income to replace these 3 ETF's. Should I just buy these 3 ETF's after 30 days.I don't need income but I am a senior.

Q: I have had a half position in CXI for about a year. Would you be comfortable adding the other half now or should I wait for a pullback? How expensive is this stock on a PE and PEG basis? What is the key catalyst that might drive the price in 2015? Thanks for your comments.

Q: Could you please provide feedback on Merus Labs' latest financial results and your thoughts on the way forward for this stock.

Thank You

Q: Could you advise if Blackberry is a buy after this company reported their financial results today.

Thanks

Q: It seems that more and more police departments, especially in the U.S., but perhaps also here, may be required to provide body cameras to all officers. I believe Taser, maker of the guns, has that product, maybe go pro. Is it possible that Avigilon would look at that market. Is there a Canadian manufacturer in the business, or a manufacturer in the U.S. other than Taser that you would recommend. Thank you for all you do and Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all.

Q: Peter and team

I want to increase the tech sector portion of my kids resp which is currently nil. Would you suggest a tech etf ZQQ/QQQ (hedged or unhedged)or a couple of individual Canadian tech stocks? Total about 6k in a 50k rrsp. Minimum 3 yr. timeline.

Thanks and seasons greetings

Phil

Q: I added into strength in August and now find myself underwater 20% in QST. My concern is even if things go well for them, will this be dead money due to the sector it's in? It's a 4% position in my TSFA. I'd appreciate an opinion whether I should move on or be patient?

Q: Is Athabasca Oil a good prospect for bottom feeding?

Q: I just purchased WCP.to to join my RDS.a in bringing my Energy exposure to approximately 12.5% of my portfolio. Would you recommend a pipeline or energy storage, etc. stock to complement these holdings? If so, which firm would you suggest?

Q: I'm thinking about taking the profits on BEP. Is this advisable at this time? What should I replace it with?
Thanks!

Q: ARN has just announced that it proposes to exchange their debentures for stock at a price of $0.15/share. The company also states that debenture holders holding approximately 40% of the Debentures have executed a support agreement whereby they have agreed, subject to certain terms and conditions, to vote in favour of and support the Exchange (the "Support Agreement"). Under the terms of the Support Agreement, such Debentureholders will receive additional common shares representing approximately 5% of the new common shares in the capital of Arcan upon completion of the Exchange.
This appears to me that a certain group of securities holders are being treated differently than others holding the same security and is therefore unfair. I also wonder whether this is consistent with securities laws which generally are focussed on treating all securities holders on the same basis.
Can you comment on this and also whether you would tender to the offer.
Thanks

Q: What is your outlook for DHX?

Q: I note your current model equity portfolio holds no stocks in the Consumer Staples sector. This sector has been in an almost uninterrupted uptrend since the 2008/09 debacle. Are there any stocks you would rate B or higher?