Investment Q&A

Q: It seems that if a company had a backlog of orders, it was an asset....however in the current mkt these backlogs are now a major liability as orders begin to evaporate, the future earnings and valuations of these types of companies gets hammered until a new batch of orders reappears which with today's environment is pushing far beyond the horizon. CAE and NFI come to mind. your thoughts please..

Q: Goldman Sachs downgraded SYK from Buy to Sell and slashed TP. I'm sure this is because of SYK pulling their guidance for Q1. A Sell seems quite radical especially in light of the fact that Citi maintained a Buy but also cut TP. Your thoughts.
Carl

Q: Hello friends,

Is it possible to run a screen on all 4 major NA markets TSX, S&P 500, DOW and NASDAQ for the top 10 companies of which stock prices have appreciated in the past (dreadful) month? Perhaps make this another blog subject? It should be interesting.

All the best.

PS Kudos to Peter for his astounding patience with everyone! It's something I'm trying hard to achieve every day, but Peter leaves me in the dust. Much to learn from his example.

Q: I would like to sell this to harvest a tax loss but will want to buy it back in 30 days. What should I replace it with in the interim as I find this to be a bit of hybrid. Already hold ATD.B

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: In your reply to my question today re: the top 10 dividend stocks you would recommend you included one, MRYU, that I cannot find. A typo?

Q: With today’s PR, do you think the dividend is safer. If they were going to cut they would have done so today. I know they can still change their their mind, but what are the odds.?
Also, do you think methanol prices recover faster than oil in the next say 1 year.
Lastly would you average down ?
Thanks

Q: RE: Asked by Terence on March 30, 2020 - $1.3 million in stocks presently sitting with $800K (90 % cash).

Hi. I'm (60 & retired) in similar situation; understand everyone's different. Planning a similar strategy to what 5i suggested, but starting with a more conservative ETF (i.e. VCNS or even VCIP) for a period (i.e. 3 months), transitioning (on a strict schedule or market declines %) to VBAL once market volatility declines. I used to be a VGRO-type investor, but after -15% YTD, I've seen the light & am now a converted VBAL-type.
>> What is 5i's opinion of this transition strategy? <<

Also plan to add some Gold [PHYS] soon, and carefully/slowly add a few choice solid stocks (i.e. CSU, BAM.A, MSFT),
maintaining asset mix, over next 6 months.
>> What to do you thing of this Hybrid (ETFs + Stocks) approach? <<
>> My schedule was over 6 months; 5i is suggesting 12 months; can you explain rational of 5i's 'extend' period? <<

As always, thank you for your sound advice.

Q: What's up with air boss doing well since the 23rd

Q: What are your growth favourite companies with no debt and/or strong balance sheets that have low PEG ratios in CAD and USD? I understand there is minimal earnings visibility going forward so best guess is appreciated using companies that you expect to survive and eventually thrive. Thanks

Q: Hello 5i
PayPal or Square for growth? Why?
Thanks
Dave

Q: For those of us who still have Covalon shares, should we hold on to see if their product does have some promise? Or should we sell into strength. At one point, back pre-Saudi problems, you seemed to be very positive on the company: I had assumed you had a feeling for management and financial strength. Now, reading between the lines, you seem to be implying it is somewhat akin to a VSE mining stock promotion. (Maybe that's not a fair statement.) When I look at the product Covalon originally had regarding anti-infection of wounds, it makes some sense that they could pivot to something that might kill a virus. I understand that it would include sufficient alcohol to do the job, so is comparable to Purell. But they claim to have made something that would last longer than a simple alcohol wipe. I hear you say it is interesting, but I'm not quite sure how to take the fact that they were asked to re-write a somewhat promotional news release. Should we sell and then return when the product is more developed, or just hold for now?

Q: There are several more junior gold royalty streaming companies. Can you provide me with a list and suggest two or three that are worthy of some research?

Q: Thinking about investment implications of this crisis. In a recent investigation by Assoiated Press it was reported that " The critical shortage of medical supplies across the U.S. (Canada?), including testing swabs, protective masks,surgical gowns and hand sanitizer, can be tied to a sudden drop in imports, mostly from China". Do you think there will now be a new emphasis on domestic manufacture and if so where might one find the companies that would benefit?
Thanks
Mike

Q: Thank you ALL 5i staff for your continuing, excellent service in these most unusual times. Hopefully, everyone will be able to"deleverage" some of the virus related stress sooner than later.
As for deleveraging, do you think enough of that was done in the past few weeks to alleviate that uncertainty from the markets currently?
Cheers, Joe

Q: Why the trading halt on COV? Good news for a change?

Q: Long term holder of AW.UN. Just suspended their dividend. Should I buy, hold, or sell. Worried that independent holders will permanently shut down with the Covid19 and pool of distributions will be impacted. Your thoughts and advice.

Q: HI, thank you for replying "yes" to all. Can you kindly address the second part of the question and rank your favorites to buy today on valuation for long term holds 1 - 4? Thanks.

Q: 1) would you take a half position in PLC today?
2) would you take a half position in SIA today?
3) would you take a half position in WELL today?
4) Would you take a half position in ENGH today?

Q: Last night, HSBC delayed the Q4 dividend payment. Should people concern Canadian banks dividend?

Q: Looking to simplify my life going with either XBAL or VBAL. They seem very comparable with slight differences regarding how much Canadian content.I also have the following ETF's .. QQQ,XQQ,SPY ,IWO ,XHC and ZAG. Could one still retain these or am I doubling down when really XBAL or VBAL will cover most of the stocks in these ETF's. Are there any that could be sold eg ZAG I don't mind having a bit extra in tech though.Thanks for your sound advice in these crazy times.

Q: Peter; I’m debating taking some tax losses on ipl and key and riding out the 30 days in bip.un and sru.un. Please comment. Thanks. Rod