Investment Q&A

Q: Hi Peter and Team,
What's your take please on the report that Valeant (VRX) will purchase PreCision Dermatology (PR) for ~$475M?
Thank you, Michael

Q: Hello, DGC is scheduled to announce, tomorrow, an update on the life of mine plan and I am wondering if this is a good or bad thing for the company? Should I sell or hold my position with this stock based it pending annoucement. Thanks

Q: With CLQ & SIM getting together I fail to understand why the price of both of them has come off. It seems to me the Lundin family is taking over and moving their management in. I've always done well following the Lundin's around when it comes to mining. Could you explain to me why the Lundin name always shows up in holding companies like Zebra, Loritto etc. aren't the family just paying extra lawyers and accountants.

Q: What did you think of the COS 2013 financial results?

Q: Hello, we have cash funds to put to work in our TFSA. We already own AVO/E/Magna/CSU/AYA. Do you have one or two further recommendations, or would you suggest adding to any of the stocks already held? Thank you, Bill Y.

Q: Hi,

I am thinking of creating a high risk portfolio of the following stocks with 10% of total portfolio ($12k) weighting allocated equally between these ($1k each). The commission will be $7 per transaction.

PLI,PN, HEO, LXV, PHM, LOY, FLY, GXI, NRG, SY, TNG, WEW, ZMS

Q: Hello Peter and team, I wanted to ask if you think the following strategy is sound. I'm just starting out looking at ETF's and am considering buying ZSP until CAD bottoms out, at which time change to ZUE.

Q: Hello 5i

I am planning to switch my RRIFs from Corp Bonds held during contribution yrs to US index ETFs now that I am well into compulsory payout phase. I am looking at VUN or VFV. VUN is only 6mo old with a much smaller subscription and a more diverse index, and better current trading volume despite its smaller size. (you made some comments on why size matters which don’t seem to apply to these 2 funds given that they hold only the US$ equivalent Vanguard funds).

The only reason I am considering the C$ unhedged funds is to avoid the 2-2.5% charges BMO levies for both Buy & Sell transactions. So Vanguard is providing these currency transactions at no cost. Is there some trick of the light here here that I am missing

Your comment appreciated.

Q: Hello 5i,
I’m raising cash by selling US stocks and looking for a few good buys in the US small/mid cap area, sector isn’t a priority with the exception of REITs/oil/gas/pipelines, but I would like a 4% div. minimum. I know you folks like technology and healthcare anything there? Please help with some ideas.

Q: Hi Peter,
I have just read a comprehensive report on LNG. Please give me your expert opinion on which of these companies Entrec or Petrowest would most likely be successful over the next few years.
tks Gord

Q: GPS, DHX, and AYA, these three stocks are of interest and I believe still have good growth potential by 5i. Is this still correct? Which stock would you put in which account when looking at a RSP, TFSA, and non-registered account. Is there an account you would not put one of these stocks into, meaning more potential downside risk. I tend to have a buy and hold approach.
Thanks

Q: Hi Peter and Team
Alacer Gold has mines in Turkey. Do you think there political turmoil and currency crisis will have any long term negative impact on ASR. I do believe ASR stock has not done as well as the sector in the past 2 weeks. In general how would you rate the risks for this company? Thank you for your time and insights!
Dr. Ernest Rivait

Q: The pipeline utilities IPL PPL ALA ENF are trading well above their moving averages on lowish volume, some setting new highs in the face of generally higher interest rates and a weak market, while TRP has been quite volatile on high volume. What should a holder read into this? Thanks, J.

Q: Is this a relatively sound strategy:
"Buy all stocks in a single sector (100% market share) to mitigate risk of competition between the players."

For example, in a stable and growing market like Canadian telecom, I'll just buy Telus, Rogers AND BCE which makes up for 90% (?) of the telecom market. Sounds like a no-brainer. Of course there is risk from outside competition but it sounds like since the Verizon entry into Canada didn't materialize, there isn't much competition anyway.

There is over-concentration risks etc and also regulatory risk, however.

Q: Hello,
I started a small trading account for my kids (9 year old and 6 year old). I would like to purchase a few stocks that pay a dividend that they may have fun to follow. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Rob

Q: Hi Team:

In my RRSP, I have about 25 to 30% in bonds, mostly in short term
and one of the mutual funds where the bonds are, MD Bond funds is well managed; the bonds have taken a hit due to the impending rise of interest rates, I have some in Mawer Balance fund in the RRSP as well
I have taken a small position in MFC recently. I wonder if moving another 5% of the bonds to US equity like SPY VIG would be appropriate, I have already have 10% of the RRSP portfolio in XTR, a monthly income fund yielding about 5%; thanks team; I hope that I am not confusing you, let me know if you need more information

Q: I have been a subscriber for nearly a year. I like your service very much and found it of great help.

I hold Wajax(WJX), I noticed that you rate it only as a hold. But it seems that you like both Stantec(STN) and Cervus (CVL). Do you think a switch to one of them is a good idea? Which one? I am Ok with lower dividends.

Thanks,

Q: Hello Everyone:
If one wishes to protect portfolio from sudden drop what might be your suggestion. I am toying with selling HXD Puts. Is this a viable strategy? and how many Puts I will need for a $100K portfolio?

Thanks

Q: Could I please have an update on Horizon's Floating Rate Bond ETF - HFR? Thanks!

Q: I am considering a switch from HNZ Group to Contrans. Other Industrials holdings are BAD, GE, AVO, KBL, NSC & STN. Any comments on this idea would be appreciated. Thank you.