Investment Q&A

Q: Hi 5i, I own BUG (not in your database) since about its low in 2023 . In 2025, it has underperformed ETFs like CIBR, HACK. IHAK did not do very well either.

First question: Why the discrepancies between these ETFs performance, BUG in particular? Some bad holdings?

Second question: Is it worth to have this kind of niche ETFs if we have broader ETFs like QQQ?

Third question: I could Sell BUG for a small profit, or Hold for a bit hoping a better price, or switch to a more expensive ETF (my last choice). Your pick?

Have a good weekend.

Q: Can you suggest some stock and ETF's traded on both US and CDN exchanges that employ many blue collar workers that may not be effected by AI implementation. My thinking is that one always needs humans to do "actual" labour like building homes, plumbing & electrical maintenance etc. Does this make sense?

Q: what would your top 10 defense stocks be?

Q: hello 5i:
President Trump is going to go ahead with the Golden Dome, whether Canada participates or not. It sounds as if most Democrats also support and would continue the program. In your estimation, which companies would participate or benefit most from this undertaking?
thanks
Paul L

Q: Hi Peter
As the volatility increases in our world what are your top Us defence companies you would invest at this time .

Q: Hello, I invested in the ETF BUG about a year ago. I had compared it to HACK and thought that BUG was more a pure play on cybersecurity than HACK, which has AVGO, NOC and GD as top 10 holdings (AVGO at #1 with 12%). After a year, BUG has barely moved whereas HACK has moved over 10%, probably because of the 3 stocks I mentioned. To what extend these 3 stocks belong in a cybersecurity ETF? If so, should I switch to HACK? Do you believe these 3 stocks will still perform very well in the years ahead? I have plenty of NVDA, so it was never my intention to buy AVGO on its own. Thanks.

Q: Anduril Industries is a private defense technology company that focuses on developing autonomous systems and AI-powered platforms for military applications.

Supposed to IPO in 2026. Would you consider buying it then?

Any other similar public company's worth investing in?

Thank you.

Q: Can you analyze AVAV as a potential investment? Look at growth, moat, competitors and catalysts if you don't mind. The stock has had a good run but it seems to have potential with all of the new NATO spending that is projected. In addition, please suggest any other companies that you more strongly believe in as likely to benefit from military spending with an emphasis on smaller companies with higher risk, higher upside. Thanks and Happy Canada Day!

Q: Hi,

Canada, and other countries, are apparently going to reinforce considerably their investment in defense. In that perspective which of the above companies do you consider, in order most promising for strong growth in the next five years ? And which one would you buy for a good diversification within the sector ? Any other companies not mentionned ?

Gratefully,

Jacques IDS

Q: Given today's world politics, what are your views of defense stocks, both European and North American examples: AIRBUS, NOC, BA and European contractors etc?
Thank you again for your terrific service
brian

Q: Given the increasing focus on defence spending both in North America and Europe, do you have some conviction stocks (accessible to a Canadian retail investor) that will likely benefit from this trend?

Q: I've held Lockheed Martin (LMT) for 11 years and enjoyed a solid return of nearly 14% per annum, largely driven by the success of the global F-35 program, which has been a cornerstone of LMT’s revenue and earnings growth. However, with today’s announcement that Boeing has won the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet contract—potentially worth over $20 billion initially and hundreds of billions over its lifetime—I’m concerned about the impact on LMT’s future growth and outlook. The loss of this high-profile sixth-generation fighter program to a competitor could signal a shift in market dynamics, especially given LMT’s historical dominance in advanced fighter jets. How do you assess the implications of this decision for LMT’s long-term growth trajectory, particularly in terms of its Aeronautics division and overall market position? I’m considering selling my position due to this turn of events, though it would mean realizing a significant capital gain in my taxable account, and I’d likely reinvest in another aerospace and defense industrial, such as Northrop Grumman or even Boeing itself. Could you share your analysis of how this contract loss might affect LMT’s valuation and growth prospects, and offer your thoughts on whether selling now and reallocating makes sense for an investor like me seeking both growth and stability?I'm a retired investor and do benefit from the dividend growth of LMT. Please factor into your overall comments. Thank you!

Q: Further to Stuart’s recent question on European defense spending, I’m also interested in the security theme. I recently purchased Axon in the belief police spending will be ramped up going forward. Do you have some suggestions for me to investigate in the areas of security/defense for the following: police, computers, military. Perhaps a couple of companies in each area as your top choices. I realize you have covered companies such as Raytheon extensively through the years but this theme hasn’t been on my radar until recently. Unfortunately, it seems to be increasingly significant going forward.
Thanks so much for your guidance in these challenging times.

Q: Hi,

Could you please briefly compare/contrast these three US defence contractors? Is there a clear favourite? Are they any others worth considering?
Thank you.

Michael

Q: In a best case scenario, I think 4 years of Donald Trump in power will be chaotic and discruptive in the US and globally. In a worst case, I believe the US is heading for internal unrest/violence, and the certain parts of the globe will be at war. If you were a 74 year old investor who has done well listening to 5i the last 2 years, how would you now hedge against these scenarios?

Q: Good morning. Saw a question regarding RTX on Friday and was wondering if you would recommend solely holding this or would you prefer an ETF holding this and LMT, NOC, GD?
Thanks
Steve

Q: I recently saw a video where drones were used in firefighting and ag research . I only know these two names and I think they are more into military applications. New drone hardware and applications is popping up weekly.
Are you able to predict which companies are likely to be the most dominant and financially successful , or will the military outlook always hold the top spot ?

Q: What are the best companies in the following sectors you would invest in for maximum profits.
Thank you.
Chipmakers
Lithium
Uranium
Canadian gold mining
Arms Manufacturers
Auto Parts
Energy
Quantum Computing

Q: Dear 5i team.

I would like to look at a small investment in defence/war munitions sector companys or ETF. Can you suggest 3-5 names that cater to "War" efforts that can be considered a DIY ETF? As well, which ETF(s) would you consider for this exercise. Ideally one with the lowest BA %.
Finally, are these Co's trading at resonable valuations, or has this ship sailed, so to speak?

Many thanks for your help.

Q: Can you recommend any stocks that would benefit if China invaded Taiwan? I was thinking along the line of military, resources, submarine, sea technology stocks, etc. But if you know of any other ones that would be great too. Thanks.

Helen