Investment Q&A

Q: Congratulations to the 5i team. This morning's Financial Post lists the five best performers in 2013. Two of them - VRX and MGA - are in the portfolio.

I have been a member for only a short while and already I have a lot more confidence - I had a great December. Thank you for that, too

I very much like STN and intend to buy as soon as the distribution phase works itself out.

Q: Hi,

I'm interested in your opinion on Niko (NKO) in light of the new loan deal, and the conversion notices that seem to have had an effect on the market's perception of the viability of this company. My understanding is that their revenue should increase greatly in April under a new gas pricing agreement. I hold a small position in NKO that is down from a $10 entry point. would you recommend holding on or averaging down at this time? Thanks for your great service!
-Jeff

Q: Thank you for this opportunity to ask a question. I have held 3M (MMM) for over a year with good results. I sold it a month ago to lock in my gain. Is this it overvalued now and is it opportune to reinvest.

Q: Stantec (STN) has now fallen 10% from it's high of over $72. Any concern or is this normal after the big run-up of 2013? Might it be a good time to add to my position?

Q: I see that sy is getting hit hard today, after reading the press release is this over done? My cost is .40 cents should I be worried here and looking to get out?

Q: Can you recommend a conflict-free research firm like yours that specializes in U.S. stocks?

Q: Hi Peter,
Ishares has 3 Russell 2000 ETF's, growth, value, and not focused. Is there growth and value in small cap? What are they doing here?
Thanks, Mark

Q: Peter - I like the Technology and healthcare sectors in 2014 and long term (+5 Years). Rather than selecting stocks in these sectors, I am looking at IYW (US Technology) and IYH (US Healthcare), however I am concerned at the low daily volumes. Can you provide your thoughts on these two ETF's and can you recommend any alternative ETF's in these two sectors? Thank You and Best Wishes in 2014!! Thank You for providing us with an excellent service.

Q: Gentlemen,
Is Italie possible to suggest 2 or 3 shares for your sectors suggestion
Industrial 15%
Materials 15%
Cons. Discretionary 10%
Cons. Staples 5%
Utilities 5%
Financial 15%
Energy 10%
Info Tech 15%
Telecom 5%
HealthCare 5%
Thanks a lot
All the best to I5 team

Q: In your answer to Behrouz re a Mining and Metals ETF, you mentioned CMW and XME. I, too, have been looking for a decent ETF in the sector in Canada. The problem in this country is that there are no ETFs in the Mining and Metals sector, just Global Base Metals. XME is listed as having about 9% in gold and another 10% in Precious Metals. I'm sure CMW and a second iShares entry, XBM, have considerably more than that in gold (I can't find out how much). If you wish to avoid gold in a M&M ETF, it's difficult. And besides, both Canadian products are thinly traded. There is a third Canadian entry, this one from BMO, ZMT. Surely one of them could be a more pure M&M play.

Q: Happy New Year

Thanks for the great service. Question for my TFSA account, looking to add one stock from the A or B+ rating. Currently own BNS, STN, CSU, ESL. Looking for long term hold and a dividend grower.
Thanks
Kevin

Q: Hello 5i, Could you comment on Longview Oil LNV also what is the P/E and the payout ratio. Thanks

Q: Hi 5i team. Final question in 2013. Would you classify BIP.UN as utility? What about BEP.UN? Resource? How will they behave, classwise, going forward? Best in the New Year. Henry

Q: A general question on rate-reset preferred shares. There are many that have had their share prices hit hard because of the worry over rising interest rates, and that makes them look quite attractive if their share prices recover. Wouldn't the share prices move back to par as the reset date approaches, as the new yield would compete with then-current rates?
If so, then buying a rate-reset preferred with a share price of $20 should provide a very nice return.

Q: Happy new year team!
Any idea why CGI (GIB.A) is down below the trend line today? Very unexpected...

Q: with the sharp drop of stocks of precious metals companies, some of them have dividend rates 2% or more

I would appreciate your take on SVM, especially, with this in mind

http://business.financialpost.com/2013/12/19/silvercorp-short-seller-accused-of-fraud-by-securities-watchdog/

Q: Happy New Year Peter & Team :
I am interested in the micro-cap company Input Capital Corp INP.V I read with interest your answer to Owen dated October 06, 2013 and wonder if you have any additional information.

They lend money to canola farmers in exchange for 6 year contracts giving Input the right to buy a certain percentage of the crop for an average price of $79.05 per ton which the farmer then delivers to the grain elevator who in turn pays Input the prevailing price for canola, currently about $450 per tonne.

The canola price has ranged from about $250/tonne to over $700/tonne over the last 10 years. I cannot determine whether Input engages in futures trading or not to hedge their expected profits, nor whether this could be a good practice or not.

This looks like an excellent business based on a proven business model and has enormous potential growth. Supposedly crop insurance protects Input in case of a crop disaster, and there is perennial global demand for the canola. They currently have 10 signed contracts worth $18.1 million, about $767,000 cash in hand, and no debt.

The issue I see is the cost of capital to Input, and whether there will be future share dilution. If Input can borrow at a reasonable rate [5-6%] it should go well but if Input are borrowing at 10% or higher it may not be economic. Can you find out the relevant facts on this company for me and give me your valued opinion.
Many thanks... Paul

Q: I have a follow up question on your answer to Micheal.If you decide to drop a company from your portfolio,would the volume of 5i members selling have an effect on the stock?I have seen buy or sell recommendations on BNN have a significant affect on a stocks price.Thanks Terry

Q: Thoughts on Firm Capital (FC) as a dividend play?

Q: Please comment on your view of copper stocks and which hold the best prospect going forward