Investment Q&A

Q: Hello 5i
I know that it is a good idea to either have a certain number of US stocks that are not represented in Canada, or an etf for the US market, in order to have a balanced portfolio. Fortunatly, or unfortunatly, I have both. And I am wondering whether I should either get rid of my stocks or get rid of my etf's. The above are the US stocks I hold. in pretty good percentages. If i were to hold only stocks what might you suggest to supplement these? I know that I am probably heavy in tech to really represent the US market and will probably have to trim here, maybe in percentages. any other suggestions appreciated. Most of these are held in tax sheltered accounts, so taxes shouldnt matter too much.
thanks as always

Q: Hi
I am looking for 5 US Income producing stocks to provide US funds to travel with. This will be long term investments, looking for low to moderate risk, good income stream and somewhat diversified although that's not a huge criterion.
Thank you, Len

Q: Hi can you recommend some healthcare etf funds that trade on the NYSE or NASDAQ, I need exposure in this sector, looking for:
1. Growth based funds with some dividend income
2. Dividend income with lower volatility

Thx!

Q: Hello 5i,
I have been holding GILD for quite a while. While the analyst seem optimistic , with and average one year target of 79 and a high of 100 dollars, the stock just seems to get no traction.
What is your opinion of this stock and management. Thank you. cheers

Q: Top USD stocks for dividend income please. Thanks.

Q: I finally have a small gain on Gilead. Would you continue to hold or switch to some other stock like ABBV or ZTS or some other pharma or biotech stock you like? Thank you. Cheers

Q: Gritstone Bio (GRTS) is a small, early-stage biotech company to which Gilead Sciences has provided some funding under an agreement announced on Feb 1, 2021:

"Under the terms of the agreement, Gilead will make a $60 million payment at closing, consisting of a $30 million upfront cash payment and a $30 million equity investment at a premium. Gilead will be responsible for conducting a Phase 1 study for the HIV-specific therapeutic vaccine and holds an exclusive option under the collaboration to obtain an exclusive license to develop and commercialize the HIV-specific therapeutic vaccine beyond Phase 1. Gritstone is also eligible to receive up to an additional $725 million if the option is exercised and if certain clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones are achieved, as well as mid single-digit to low double-digit tiered royalties on net sales upon commercialization."

GRTS share price has established a baseline after falling steadily since the funding announcement. Presumably Gilead did some due diligence before investing its own money, but the stock price could go to zero if Gilead walks away. However, it could also soar if the trials are successful. Would you consider GRTS to be a worthwhile speculative buy? What has been your experience of investing in early-stage biotech companies that have drawn the attention of Big Pharma?

Q: Thanks, 5I Team, for all the good work. I owe GILEAD SCIENCES since 2017. It is still around the same price I am down about 1.5%. Would you recommend holding on or moving on. If moving on, what would you recommend in health care sector, I already owe Cardinal Health & ABBVIE Inc. I am looking at long term investment.
Secondly, I owe FASTLY INC and am down about 40%. I am a long-term Investor and can hold on. Would you advise to hold on or switch to Lightspeed or something else? If it really has potential, I can wait it out don’t need the cash.
This is general question not stock specific. Normally I prefer to buy US stocks in RRSP and Canadians in TFSA and non registered due to withholding Tax. I am unable to make up my mind as to where to put the riskier growth-oriented stocks. In TFSA I am unable to write off the loss if the investment goes sour, If I put in RRSP eventually, one pays tax on withdrawal in retirement, but can’t immediately write off the loss when I sale and book a loss. In a non registered account If the stock takes off I end up paying tax on half the gains. What would you normally recommend?

Please deduct credits as required.

Q: What 5 stocks (Can and US) now in the bargain bin seem most likely to turn out to be gems in 2 or 3 years time? Much of the market seems very expensive at an uncertain time.

Q: Hi,

I had Gilead for a few years and am still down 15%. Do you think it has upside from here, or do you have a better health care stock in the US? I'm medium risk investor with mostly BE portfolio.

Thanks,
Steve

Q: What do you think of Gilead Science going forward ? It's really down in the dumps. Div. is decent at 4.8 % . Is it sustainable ? It's got an ugly chart. Forward P/E is 8.4 = good ? Is it worth getting in ? Thanks.

Q: Your thoughts on selling XLF to buy JPM & BAC and selling PFE & GILD to buy ARKG.

Thank you!

Q: good afternoon 5i,
On December 3 you responded to a question by Curtis by saying, "We also think a low cost index product for the majority of a portfolio overlain with a basket of individual stocks to generate alpha is also a pretty good strategy, for those inclined to hold 6 or 7 individual stocks. "

This is a strategy that I more or less use, at least for my US and International holdings. I haven't done this with my Canadian holdings because of capital gains, which would imply tax, and also because it seems to me that the Canadian etf's are heavily weighted towards the few sectors we have in Canada. Therefore, I think I would be better in individual stocks rather than an etf. I would appreciate your take on that perspective.
Also, I am wondering which four or five stocks you would look at in the US for such a strategy for a retired person. And how would you weight them given that an etf strategy was used. The stocks I have listed are the ones I own. How would they fit in such a portfolio? The only one I might kick out for someone my age is Docusign. Any others that could be suggested?

Thanks for the great service

Q: Good Morning, I purchased 2 stocks for their dividend income, and to hold for at least 5-10 years. OKE is about 3.7% of my US portfolio and KEY at 2.9% of my Canadian portfolio. Am thinking of selling and taking advantage of the tax loss since they are underperforming. Would this be a wise move or should I stay the course and keep them. If I do sell I was thinking of adding X and Well along with DUK and GILD...thoughts or suggestions?

Q: If you were entering new money today to try to yield at least 4 or 5 percent, what would be your top 5-10 dividend income stocks in Canada that you feel would be a safe hold for at least ten years? Alternatively, what would be your top dividend stocks in the U.S. obviously yielding less?

Q: Hi 5I team.
My question is about healthcare and diversification in the space. I have been attempting to keep my position around the 16% portfolio weighting and currently hold ABBV, AMD, AMGN(4.8%), LLY(3%), PFE, MRNA, and WELL positions. Although I do not want to abandon the PFE/MRNA freight trains, I am looking at adding/shifting to what may be a longer term/higher dividend return avenue with the use of GILD(attractive entry and solid div), CRISPR(awaiting a pull back to $90 if it comes), and even MDT(under $103 if it comes)

How do you feel about this strategy and the switch out of AMGN/LLY to GILD/MDT?

Thank you

Peter

Q: Hi 5i,
In their latest quarter results, they did beat the estimates. Remdesivir is still a one of the most used drug treatment. My opinion is that it will still be continued to be used for treatment till a better one is found.
Not sure why market is not so excited about the results and future prospects. Can you clarify.
Thanks for your sound advise.

Q: Hi Group I have held GILD for 2 yrs and its just keeps going down is it time to take the loss ? (down 25%) also owned ABBV for 2 yrs also it to is a loser I know you like it please explain why I should continue to hold or? lastly GUD is a dog that I have been holding since the $10 plus days (they clearly are long gone is this a candidate for tax loss selling? appreciate your help on the above 3 questions

Q: I hold a 1.5% position in both. Would like to increase one or possibly both to 2-2.5%. Which do you think has best long term prospects? (Both have a nice dividend)
Neither seem to be significantly risky to me. Thank you for the great service.

Q: I currently have PFE, GILD, MDT and ABBV in my Healthcare sector. I am looking to add a couple of names - I have been looking at MRK and BMY - your opinion please on these AND can you provide some other US healthcare companies that might be of interest to you at this time. Greatly appreciate your comments.
Thanks