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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Since 2007 my wife and I have contributed our best appreciated securities in our cash account to a Private Giving Foundation (PGF) at TDWaterhouse which has helped us minimize income tax by escaping the capital gains tax thus maximizing charitable donations. For the earlier contributions, once in the PGF the money from stock sales has been invested in the TD Balanced Income Fund which has had stodgy performance and steep MER, and TD Monthly Income Fund lately which is sort of ok for both. We have no choice in the allocation of investments once our securities have been committed to the PGF.

For our future contributions to a PGF are you aware of any other carriers that might provide more choice in the investments made on behalf of our chosen charities and/or lower fees to run it? (I am in no hurry for an answer here as I recognize it is a question that may be outside your scope, or if it is more apt for CMS, I'll post it there.)

Thanks to 5i for pointing out Badger +205% which will be the next to go to the PGF before repurchase, and others I would not have acted on without 5i. Thanks again, J.
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on November 12, 2013
Q: Hi Peter and Crew:
What sectors do you see benefiting next from improvements in the North American Economies, and could you recommend two or three Canadian ETF's that would take advantage of that sector shift.

Many thanks for a great website. This Q&A section is a real gem!
Read Answer Asked by Don on November 12, 2013
Q: In your most recent comment on Atlantic Power Corporation, you said "2014's payout ratio will be above 100%." Yet the payout ratio for 2013 is estimated at ~70% (per <http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atlantic-power-corporation-releases-third-quarter-2013-results-231059291.html>); how is it possible to estimate such a sharp increase even before 2014 forecasts are published? (Or am I looking in the wrong place for this information?)
Read Answer Asked by John on November 12, 2013
Q: Thanks in advance for taking my question.
I am considering a long term investment (10 years plus) in Corby Spirit & Wine (CSW.a). What do you think about it's long term prospects as a Canadian consumer staple company.

Many thanks again.
Read Answer Asked by John on November 12, 2013
Q: Hi Peter
In your answer to Kim yesterday about Bird Construction [BDT] you explain why the stock dropped that day. In the last 2 years Bird took over H J O'Connell Ltd. and Nason Contracting Group Ltd. and shortly after that the stock price has trended slowly down a bit. Is Bird having problems integrating these new acquisitions? The dividend has grown steadily over the last 5 years and is now over 6%. Is the dividend secure and is this now a buying opportunity for a patient dividend investor?
Many thanks. Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on November 12, 2013
Q: I am thinking of making adjustments to my portfolio keeping in mind the period from Dec to March is generally good for stocks and I have a one year time horizon in mind.
I have 10% exposure to emerging markets, specifically in India, and Korea where I am overweight (70%) and only in one stock –KB. I also have a position in Artis –Ax-Un that I am thinking of getting out of, with a loss. And the reasoning is thus.
With short term rates likely to rise and the tapering, there should be significant outflows from the emerging markets and the likelihood of Indian and Korean markets doing well is small. Also, the Reits here will probably underperform and the overall return could be negative despite high yields. Would you then suggest I lighten / get out of the stocks mentioned above or continue to hold and maintain diversity of my investment? I am just a little hesitant to pull the trigger specially since I am under water.
If you think I should adjust, I am considering adding on something from your model portfolio or replace with something international such as Lloyd bank, Toyota Motors or IWM –ishares Russell ETF. If you would suggest something else, that is welcome too.
Read Answer Asked by Rajiv on November 12, 2013
Q: Your thoughts on ATB and its recent quarterly report. Stock is dropping today - is it a buying opportunity, or is it a sell or hold. I have a half position in this one.

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by David on November 12, 2013
Q: I have 32% of my registered portfolio in energy and 0% in utilities if pipelines are considered in the energy sector. I own IPL, PPL, TRP, ENB, GEI and SCL among other oil and gas names none more than 5% per name. I wonder if I own too many pipelines that may be simular. Would you recommend I sell any and if so which one. Thank you very much for the valuable service. I will chime in and agree that you limit the number of questions asked per member per year. I must say I have hesitated to ask questions as I didn't want to overwhelm your team. I would feel more comfortable knowing you will continue this service with set boundries.
Read Answer Asked by Cheryl on November 12, 2013
Q: Hi Peter,

Could I pls have your views on sandvine ticker svc.to and
what business they are. I guess from the profile it shows their
competitors are csco,qcom,nokia.

Thanks
Paul
Read Answer Asked by Paul on November 12, 2013
Q: NIF.UN-stock price same zone last four years, good ROE, low debt, low payout ratio. Buy for income only-however, not sure I understand it's structure??
Read Answer Asked by James on November 12, 2013
Q: hello, thanks for the great service. My question is about RFC(rifco), it's been doing pretty good in the last few days. I know that you don't go for target price, but the word out in the market for the next year gives the stock at 14$. What are your thoughts? Is it a good possibility, because the way i see it it seems pretty high. thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Dario on November 12, 2013
Q: Whoa!! What's happening to Cargojet (CJT) this morning? Dropping like a rock…of course after I just bought a few days ago? Appreciate your insights. Lorraine
Read Answer Asked by Dr Lorraine on November 12, 2013