Investment Q&A

Q: Some random musing (ramblings?). In a few-years-old article on Stella-Jones (currently in my portfolio thanks to you), Canadian Business remarked that Brian McManus, CEO of SJ, in respect of SJ's acquisitions strategy, "straddled the fine line between paying a fair price and never overpaying" for acquisitions.
I'm trying to wrap my head around that terrific concept in the context of the sometimes apparently exorbitant prices being thrown around for acquisitions these days (e.g. IPL/PPL/BIP, and lately especially MG/VNE/QCOM) -- which leads eventually to my question:
I can understand why MG would want to acquire VNE -- they are in similar or complementary businesses -- but fail to see the business reason why Qualcomm, a wireless-telecommunications-focused company, would be interested in VNE? And especially at those seemingly-inflated prices?

Q: Hi 5i,
Do you think that Brookfield Global Infrastructure BGI.un will benefit from the passing of the Biden infrastructure bill? They have quite a diverse ownership of assets with approximately 70% in the US. They also pay a very good dividend. Thanks

Q: Hi Folks,
finally breaking even with KXS - do you think it's a sell at this price or does it have more runway left in it ? Would a switch to GOOG or FB make more sense at this time?
Thanks

Q: I hold all of these stocks and want to add to one. Could you rank in order which ones you would be adding to today. TEAM, TTD, U and PLTR

thanks Dave

Q: Am looking at two for a company with good yield and growing dividends. Quick analysis : both have good management ; different sectors, one with oil/ gas issues and the other has risks in the housing market. Would FN follow the banks movement and how close does PKI track the oil/ gas index ? Understand PKI is in one of your models. PKI keeps hitting the $40.00 mark and has difficulty breaking out while FN has declined recently. Your choice ? Thanks. Derek

Q: What is going on with TOY ? It moved up and then tanked. What do you predict for this stock?

Q: As I enter my 60's I have discovered the benefits of not having more than 5% in any one company. I sleep much better, my returns are superior ( up 25% this year) and the 5% cap allows me to invest in as many as 20 or more companies. I do tend to have more cash on the sidelines but it is ready to be deployed whenever I find a bargain.

Q: What are your thoughts on Lyondell Basell? Just saw their results and they were good, it has low PE, good dividend, but looks like no one cares much. I'm not looking for a home run but a stable stock with a good dividend.

Q: We have very little tech. exposure in our portfolios as a % - so minimal. Own IGM & ARKK in USD portfolio - IGM for 4 years - done very well. In TFSA, own STC, VHI, XIT ETF. All the others are on my list to purchase as not. I would buy equal positions - so, of those we do not own which three would you consider the best in the short and long term. I am mostly a dividend grower investor - companies that increase them every year; however, trying to add a bit of tech. Maybe there others not shown that meet my criteria?

Q: Just a follow-up to the question I just posed. Own SYZ for several months now and down 23%. Should I keep it going forward. Like other tech holdings - in total represent a small fraction of total assets owned.

Q: Good morning 5i
My tech sector within a RRIF is over 20% of CSU, LSPD, TOI, and KXS. KXS has been at a loss until today. Would this be an opportunity to trim back and what other sectors would you consider as buy opportunities going forward next 3-5 years. The RRIF is otherwise well balanced after following your growth and balanced portfolios.
Thanks for all the excellent advice.

Q: Hi, 5i team
Do you still think ADW.A a hold after recent (Aug/05) sell-off? You recommend a "hold" after the first sell-off aroun Jun/22. By the way, what is the reason for the price drop this time? What is your view about the company's performance in the next couple of years?

Thanks so much!

Q: Hello 5i,
5i does not seem to include fair value in the Portfolio Tracking section. Is it that you do not think this is important? I should think one of the basic metrics before buying shares would be to by at at below fair value. Will you include fair value eventually? Also in the tracking section will you be combining the same companies so that a comprehensive readout would be a simple matter to enable our own calculations?
Thank you
Stanley

Q: In about 4 yrs I have more than doubled by initial investment in GRT. A nice problem to have but...is it time to cash in (registered account) and deploy elsewhere or are forward metrics still showing potential for mid term appreciation. Still showing a decent yield

Q: Would you buy MED on this drop? Any information on what has caused the decline? Thanks

Q: I am considering buying Amazon by buying CDR's via the Neo exchange. What is your opinion on buying shares in Amazon this way?

Q: Which do you prefer for a long term hold.

Q: Hello Peter, Ryan and your amazing team!

Wondering if you could please give me your current take on Guardant Health considering their recent earnings and news about Covid testing. Are you still a strong advocate of holding this stock patiently, with the hope that a significant advancement will eventually propel the SP? Thank you.

Q: Want your opinion on valero, was a recommendation from Wilsey asset management thx

Q: You stated in a previous question:
"Cash, long term, acts as a portfolio drag. Generally, we like to keep cash fairly low. Personally, we are in a small (7%) margin position right now in our portfolio. "

My questions are 1. Is a margin position just a negative cash amount in a portfolio or do you have to request an amount based on the margin amounts determined by your stock positions?
2. What interest rate is charged when you borrow on margin?
3. What happens when a margin is called?
I realize these may be naïve questions. Thanks, Len