Investment Q&A

Q: Hello, would you classify Dollarama in the consumer discretionary sector (cyclical) or in the consumer staples sector (non-cyclical)? I think you put it in the discretionary sector (cyclical) but I am not sure. Regards, Gervais

Q: Hi 5i,

Further to your reply to Clarence's question about indicators for a market correction, could you please provide links or info on where/how to track those indicators?

Also, where can I find info on the debt/cash that a company holds? I see various ratios but no actual numbers, even on 5i.

Thanks as always.

Q: I hold this stock.I have felt uncomfortable about its business and the way it operates. Has a risky looking yield. In spite of this , analysis have strong buy ratings on the stock. Can’t seem to get my head around this one. Help. I’m happy with your recommendation of ECN.Pr.A. Can you suggest another minimum rate reset preferred?

Q: What do you think will be the go to sectors or top sectors for 2018

Q: Would you be a buyer at this time? thank you Jack.

Q: Would the FCC repealing net neutrality affect Shopify's business and the stock price?

Q: I am a member of American Assoc of Independent Investors (AAII) and subscribe to their wonderful database product Stock Investor. AAII is a fantastic place to learn, search using outstanding strategies and collect investment knowledge through osmosis. But alas there is no Canadian equivalent. Various screeners provided by brokers are rudimentary and do not support well known strategies.

I would urge 5i to create a similar service. They use data from Reuters and so could you. Since Canada is primarily resource based market, many screens may not work as they are. Here is a chance to create a Canadian solution tilting towards resources. 5i could do it independently or even with collaboration with AAII. This service will be completely new idea differentiating you from other advisory services. I hope you will explore this opportunity.

Q: In regards to a previous question, FHH from First Trust may be an alternative to ZUH. It appears to be unhedged but note that pharma is underweight and health care providers/services overweight relative to a benchmark like XLV in the US.

Q: There was a typo in my question. I meant UFS not UPS. For simplicities sake I have repeated my question correcting the typo.

Looking over the previous questions on UFS you note debt his a bit too high and little growth has been observed.
1) If we assume online shopping trend strengthens do you think this will increase UFS’s profitability?
2) Does UFS produce the cardboard used to make packaging?
3) Assuming UFS produces newsprint do you think any strengthening in cardboard prices will will be matched with weakness in newsprint prices leading to zero net gain (or worse)?
4) Does UFS own their electricity generation infrastructure and if so is it fully utilized or do they have surplus which could be sold?
5) How vulnerable is UFS to competition from other companies?
I note since the last question in August UFS’s share price has increased by about $8 and set a new high on December 15th on rising volume. Momentum seems to be swinging to the positive.
Thanks,
Jim

Q: First, I have been a member for a number of years and I could not be happier or more impressed (or wealthier) from the service and advice you provide. You have a great business idea and the fact that one can make money and learn at the same time is quite unbelievable. Continue the good work and all the best to 5i staff for the new year.

Accolades aside, I do have a question. I tend to think of my holdings in energy as being my investments in the oil industry. I know that natural gas plays a role too, though, but the price and growth of that industry don't seem to get the play that oil prices do. Should I worry if I have enough gas exposure or is following the oil industry good enough for balancing my portfolio?

Again, thanks so much for your insight and all you do.

Paul F.

Q: Your thoughts on their latest announcement in regards to the go ahead of the plastics plant.
Thanks

Q: Hello,
Considering the significant run up that has taken place, would you recommend getting into the American market at this point?

Q: Hello, I sold my position to crystallize a tax loss. Would you recommend buying again? If not what other high yielding stock might you suggest? Thanks!

Q: ZUH is a US Health Care ETF hedged to CAD. I cannot find a non-hedged version for US Health Care. Are you folks aware of any?

Q: I bought some of this preferred at 25.20. With interest rates holding steady or maybe a bias towards rising interest in Can and US is now a good time to add to my position in this preferred? I invest mainly for income.

Q: Peter & Team,

I note that you frequently talk about anticipated future revenue growth for certain companies (eg, 2018 projections). I also find that future expectations re sales/eps growth are often an available screening criteria in many online stock screening programs (eg, Finviz). Can you tell me the source of these projections as well as your professional opinion as to how much rigor there is behind behind these estimates? Are they purely based upon company projections and, if so, do analysts ever weigh in as to the integrity of these numbers or lack thereof? Thank you.

Q: Want to pass on a greeting...and at the same time, say many thanks for the investment advise and especially the insights on managing a portfolio of equities. Here's to 2018, too.........Tom

Q: I'm thinking of selling these 2 for tax loss selling but want to buy something else right now to replace them in case energy goes up. I already own Vermillion. What might you suggest?

Q: I am reviewing my portfolio and find myself woefully short of exposure to industrials. Could you list your 5 favourite Canadian industrials in order of preference. Many thanks and have a great holiday season.
John

Q: ARX seems to be weaker than peers and sector lately, any red flag(s) other than the normal year end loss selling and sector dependency?

If I decide to sell but want to stay weighted in same sector, which name should I switch to for Income? or should I just stay put?

Thanks & Happy Holidays.