Investment Q&A

Q: Down 17% on BNS. Would you sell for a tax loss or stay the course? Thanks for your support in 2023.

Q: Hi 5i
You recently answered this question from Steve:

Recently a couple of younger friends (mid-60's)have just converted their RRSPs to RRIFs. Except for the possibility of needing the cash flow, I can't understand why they would want to convert to a RRIF.

Am I missing something? Are there advantages to converting early?
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Another reason his friends may be doing this is long term tax planning. Quick example, a couple in their mid 60s each has 500k in RSPs. If they were to both die suddenly that $1 million all gets reported as income on one return and most of it is taxed at over 40% (in BC the amount over $241k is 53.50%). To avoid this, the couple would need to live long lives and gradually draw the money out. But because none of us know when our time is up, they could take some out now in the 20% or 28.2% tax brackets (BC rates). The winners will be the kids and grandkids, the loser will be CRA. So by taking money out before 71, they are increasing the years when they can take money out at less than 30%, and reducing the potential giant tax bill at the end. And if they have not fully funded their TFSAs, they can use this money to top them up. Then going forward their interest, divs and cap gains aren't taxed. In the RSP or RIF, they will be taxed on all 3 when they take it out.
Greg

Q: Did TFII indicate a financing was necessary for their acquisition?

Thx Blake

Q: A few months back I asked a question about timing for a conversion of American dollars to Canadian dollars. My understanding at the time was the Canadian dollar would weaken over the coming months. As I’m in no hurry, you agreed waiting for a decline was a good strategy. I’m still okay waiting but was hoping you could provide an explanation as to why the US dollar has been weakening. I’m somewhat perplexed that our dollar would be showing strength given the difference in the two economies. Given the US is entering an election year and our federal government continues to demonstrate its fiscal incompetence with almost every announcement (sorry, couldn’t resist!), could you please also provide a ‘best guess’ for where the Canadian dollar might land 6 months from now.
Thanks, as always.

Q: Uber for quite some time has been stalling out in this $61.00 range. HPS has been stalling out in the $81.00 range. Could this go on for quite some time before it moves up, if it moves up? Meanwhile, on my radar 2 securities you are familiar with have been getting a lot of attention lately being ZM and SNAP. Would you recommend them? Wishing you the best of the season.

Q: With a long term view, where might Hammond find itself in 3/5/10 years? They are clearly doing something well, have had amazing returns, but imagine they are still relatively unknown to the greater market (as well as being a sub $1-billion market cap? - lack of institutions own it maybe?)

The addressable market must be growing as everything electrifies - do you think they'll acquire / be acquired? I see it is trading near its 52 week PE high, but is there an argument it is still undervalued? Could this ever be a $5 billon market cap company? Debt seems low. Do you know much about management? Do they ever issue shares (or follow that CSU model of never issuing).

Thanks in advance. - Jeff

Q: Greetings:
If you were establishing a position in gold miners, which would it be with reasons. B2 has hardly come off it's low with a nice dividend, Why? Must be a reason. I have been following gold closely for 50 years, and usually it amounts to no more than the rate of inflation, even though people like your old boss Eric was calling for $5,000.00 gold 15 years ago. However, one shouldn't knock all that hot air because it made him many millions.

Thanks, Ben.

Q: Peter and His Wonder Team
I have been following this stock for some time...The dividend is over 6% which could be a red flag. I am also wondering about it's valuation. What are your thoughts going forward long term. Do you think at this price it is a buying opportunity ...if not, all factors considered what would be a safer price range? Thanks as usual!

Q: What are your top 5 small caps with early 2024 bounce potential with 3-5yr hold?

Q: Gentlemen:
Estee Lauder missed on their bet in China, but is now about one half of their high for the year. In your opinion, can they make a comeback in the next two years, or does it totally depend on the Chinese and world economies? Please provide your comments.
Thanks, Ben.

Q: Hello 5i,
Seasons greetings to Peter and your team!
The service you provide has been life changing for our family, thank you.
Could I have your assessment of Oddity(ODD) ?
Thank you
Dave

Q: SMR

Small Nuclear Reactors . Is company getting any orders. Sounds like a great idea for Small cities and Towns. or large Manufacturing Companies with large Power Demands or Bitcoin Stations What do you think ? RAK

Q: WHAT ARE best MONTHS worst MONTHS FOR stock MARKETS.

how does JANUARY rank /

thank YOU RAK.

Q: What is your outlook for CGNX? Is it truly the market leader in machine vision technology? Would you categorize it as a technology stock or an industrial stock?

Q: What would be your recommendations for small cap ETF's in Canada and the US?

Q: May I get your thoughts on this ETF? Thanks.

Q: Hello, would this be an opportune time to buy the dip at Nike for a long term hold and if so, why? Thanks and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all of you. Martin

Q: Thoughts on the TFII news today?

Q: Hello:
Even though it is a highly competitive market like everything else in this big world, it would seem to me in my little world that footwear is more of a necessity than a luxury. Nike is at a reasonable price now. Will it make a comeback and when? All the details you have time to provide.
Thanks, Ben.

Q: With say $1M in a self-directed portion of a RRSP converted to a RRIF in one year (2025), and two-thirds in CDN$ and one-third in US$ would you see any issues with the CDN$ split between HBAL and VBAL and the US$ into VIG? Your thoughts and alternate suggestions please.

Happy Holidays to all at 5i.