Investment Q&A

Q: Given the recent market volatility, which stocks -US and Canada- look like good buys at this time ?

Thanks

Dave

Q: I only own 2 USA stocks, JNJ and PFE. JNJ has grown over the years to 2 full positions so I need to reduce my holdings in JNJ. JNJ pays a nice 2.7% dividend and has grown significantly. What recommendations would you have for a replacement that pays a similar dividend and has some growth potential. I am retired and rely upon the dividends generated in my RRIF.

Wayne

Q: Hello 5i,
Upon the recommendation of selling JNJ 64 shares with $6,000 profit, should I add PG to my portfolio or add to my ABBVIE, MRK and CSH.UN. Now I am at 5% in health sector holding these four stocks. I have 60 positions in all with 46 positions in segregated funds. I am 72 years young and investing for income. This is going mostly into an RRSP.
Thank you,
Stanley

Q: Greetings, I have a portfolio of Canadian and US stocks that is weighted about 60% in banks and insurance companies. I want to hold dividend paying stocks and am considering AQN, CU, & EMA to get more exposure to utilities (have Enbridge already) and PG for a consumer staple. Does this make sense or are their other names in the utilities and consumer sectors to consider?
Alex

Q: Given the weakness in consumer staples in the US, if you were looking in this sector what are some names that'd be on your watch list?

Q: Greetings 5i,

Despite their lacklustre performance this year, I am very fond of consumer staple holdings that focus on food and household products. My reasoning is that I consider their essentiality, as well as their (at least theoretically) defensive nature make them excellent, steady, long-term holds that do not need to be constantly monitored; thereby providing a "sleep at night" factor which I highly prize. Thus, my current sector exposure consists of full positions (5%) in L and PG that, barring some fundamental catastrophe in either, I intend to hold indefinitely. I also hold AMZN (5%), but, due to the breadth of its business, consider it more of a "hybrid."

To these, I am considering adding a position in COST, as I feel that, in addition the aforementioned reasons for favouring staples, its business model is perhaps better equipped to withstand the "Amazon effect" than many other retailers (WMT, KG, etc.). I am also looking to add some geographic diversity to my retail exposure, and view the recent weakness in the stock as a good potential entry point.

However, I realize that this addition would increase my sector weighting, and possibly create some unnecessary overlap. I would therefore like to ask your advice regarding this addition, and whether my reasoning appears sound.

I am 36 years old, debt-free, and relatively conservative. My investment portfolio is solely for the purpose of expediting my retirement, and I will have no need of its funds for the foreseeable future. Excluding ETF's, my portfolio currently consists of 22 positions (with none exceeding a 5% weighting), and is, for my goals and investing style, well diversified across sectors.

Based on my situation, does the addition of COST sound like a reasonable course of action to you?

Thank you.

Q: Hello 5i: Reading your answer today about JNJ and while you like it would maybe pick something else at this time, What would be your suggestions in the US,
Thank you as always. Barbara

Q: I bought GE and PG recently
Stocks that have hit 3 year lows .
I could have bought at absolute bottom,but I hesitated ,waiting for “someone" to approve of what i was doing .
so i wimped out and bought small… should i buy more?
Is there a blog somewhere that specializes in oversold opps ? ...

Q: Which do you think has better growth prospects going forward?

TIA!

Q: Looking for a US stock with a good dividend. I'm 80 so a little volatility is okay. I'm willing to hold for 3 years. If you had to pick one of the three which one and why or do you have a better choice?
Thanks

Q: A member recently asked a question about PG and asked whether it might be wise to sell it. This is a perfect illustration of your often used adage that "for every seller there is a corresponding buyer". I hold PG and have also considered selling it because of its lack luster performance. But, in looking it over i see it is at pretty close to a five year low. But, its decision to reduce its products to the most prfitable ones seems like it might be just starting to kick in. Besides this there is a new activist investor appointed to the board. I am sure it would still not qualify for a growth stock but for a solid and steady dividend producer, it might just be an opportune time to buy. Would you be a buyer or a seller?

Q: Further to Dorothy’s question today, do you think there is indeed a problem with Procter & Gamble?
Thanks.
Molly

Q: Hello, since the beginning of the year Altria (MO) stock has decreased by more than 20% in value. Has the time come to let it go? Do you believe there is a possibility that Altria could get into the Marijuana / Cannabis business? In your opinion, what would be the best 3 or 4 alternatives to (MO) in the US non cyclical sector (consumer defensive sector) right now? Thanks, Gervais

Q: I have some U S Dollars to invest. What 5 U S Companies would you recommend for Capital Appreciation over next two years. ?
RAK

Q: Hi 5i Team.
Please recommend your best non-tech US growth stocks.
Thanks for your time.

Q: Greetings 5i,

I would like to ask your advice about my consumer non-cyclical holdings. I currently hold L at a little more than a half position. I am making an effort to increase my exposure to American stocks, and am considering adding a comparable position in PG. Given that L owns Shoppers Drug Mart, do you feel as if the addition of PG would create an unnecessary overlap? If so, is there another US non-cyclical option you might recommend??

I am 36 years old, conservative, and prefer-long term holds.

Thank you.

Q: Hello,

JNJ is considered a healthcare stock but PG is consumer goods. Doesn't a lot of their revenue come from similar product lines?
Is JNJ healthcare because they market directly to health professionals?

As always, thanks for the great service.

Cheers
Tony

Q: I'm holding about 5% of my investments in cash in a US dollar account and looking to invest in a blue chip dividend paying stock. Maybe one of the two above or another name you like. I'm 80 so dividend and low risk is what I would like to find.
Thanks for your great service

Q: Pepsi and Proctor and Gamble have both thaken about a four percent loss today. Pepsi took a loss yesterday, too, I believe because of sugar tax being imposed in certain cities. I am thinking about adding to my positions in these two on this drop. But, it seems to be a fairly large drop and I don't see any reason for it. I would, as usually, greatly appreciate your thoughts on this.
thanks

Q: Hi 5i team:
I know that your mandate does not include US stocks, but I need to buy a large US cap, that is safe and pays a good dividend. what would you recommend ?, and if you can't recommend one, what will be the best source(s) with info to select one ?. Thanks !!!