Q: Hi, Pat. What is your recommendation on SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) given Walmart Canada is a major tenant? Thanks.

A: SmartCentres REIT, $32.31, symbol SRU.UN on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 141.9 million; Market cap: $5.4 billion; www.smartcentres.com), has ownership interests in 152 mostly Walmart-anchored shopping centres with total leasable area of 34.0 million square feet across Canada. It also owns one office and four mixed-use properties… Read More

Q: Hello. Would you kindly provide your analysis and opinion of U.S. stock Roper Technologies (ROP-N). Thank you.

A: Roper Technologies Inc., $336.71, symbol ROP on New York (Shares outstanding: 103.8 million; Market cap: $35.1 billion; www.ropertech.com), develops software and engineered products through a number of its businesses for a variety of specialized markets. The company is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida.

Roper operates in four… Read More

Q: Pat, can you please give me your views on the iShares MSCI Frontier 100 ETF? Frontier markets are one step below emerging markets, but this fund looks interesting. Thank you.

A: Frontier markets are developing countries, but with economies considered still too small to be emerging markets.

While risky, the best of frontier-market stocks can offer sound prospects for growth and good fundamental value.

Many frontier countries have sizable populations with favourable demographics, including a rising middle class,… Read More

Q: Please, can you and your team give me your opinion on Lloyds Banking Group plc? Thank you, Pat.

A: Lloyds Banking Group plc (ADR), $3.07, symbol LYG on New York (ADRs outstanding: 17.6 billion; Market cap: $50.6 billion; www.lloydsbankinggroup.com) offers a range of banking and financial services through its subsidiaries and associated companies. More specifically, it provides retail banking, mortgages, pensions, asset management, insurance… Read More