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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hi Peter and the 5i Team,

John Heinzl on June 20 rated EMP.A as a “star” in his Stars and Dogs column in the Globe & Mail. We recently purchased a smallish amount in Empire EMP.A to round out our Consumer Defensive holdings which include COST, DOL, XST, and L.

As far as Metro MRU is concerned, it’s held in XST which also contains some of the other smaller firms in the sector.

Do you believe that the troubled takeover of Safeway by Empire several years ago is now a ‘thing of the past’, making Empire a reasonable investment, given its successful takeover of Farm Boy as well as its 51% share of Longos? Both Farm Boy and Longos are quite busy in our Oakville location.

Thanks as always for your insight. Happy Canada Day to all at 5i as well as my fellow 5i members!

Read Answer Asked by Jerry on July 03, 2025
Q: Please rank the following stocks to purchase today for a 20 year hold. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Ben on April 21, 2025
Q: Hi,

We could very well be heading into stagflation, which I understand to be slowing or negative growth, high unemployment, weak demand and rising inflation.

In such a scenario, which would be the best stocks or ETFs to favour ?

Many thanks,

Jacques IDS
Read Answer Asked by Jacques on April 09, 2025
Q: What would be your favorite Consumer staples/defensive names at this time and are they over valued now, or continue to be a flight to safety, considering the circumstances of the day. Your thoughts on the above or any additional companies for this sector.
Thank you,
Mike
Read Answer Asked by Mike on March 07, 2025
Q: Amazon's decision to close operations in Quebec and lay off workers disappoints me. I wish to sell it and find some alternatives. I already own Costco. Coincidentally Astrazeneca announced Canadian expansion plans. What do you think of their stock?
Read Answer Asked by Alex on January 28, 2025
Q: considering a buy
i am looking for defensive but with potential for growth
i like the pharmacy/food stores they are rolling out
please advise on this buy and please suggest another 2 options in list of defensive stocks
i am generally diversified and hold financials and tech
many thanks
Read Answer Asked by Peter on January 14, 2025
Q: Of these 3 Staples, which one is cheaper on financial metrics and which is your preference.
Read Answer Asked by Michael on December 24, 2024
Q: I am currently a bit underweight consumer staples and would also like to tilt my portfolio a little bit defensive. My only holdings in the sector are ATD and PBH. Other than these, what would be your two top picks both in Canada and the US for new buying at this time in the sector.
Read Answer Asked by Steven on November 15, 2024
Q: 1) Which has the highest & lowest 10-yr total return potential according to 5i’s research & data?

2) What other defensive names in the US & Canada might provide similar (or better) risk-adjusted returns over 10 years, given current valuations?
Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Trevor on October 31, 2024
Q: I sold BCE and T some time ago and no have zero communications shares. What do you suggest for telecom exposure today? Also, which consumer defensive companies, preferably Canadian but US is OK too. Many thanks Al
Read Answer Asked by alex on October 23, 2024
Q: Please rank these stocks best to worse regarding potential capital gains from current prices over next 3 to 5 years
Read Answer Asked by Nigel on October 16, 2024
Q: Which do you prefer for a long term hold? Which currently has a cheaper valuation?

Costco or Walmart ? Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Nick on October 09, 2024
Q: Hi I asked this question last week and think it may have slipped through.
I am down 6% on ATD. I am thinking of selling to claim the capital loss but concerned of it popping back up in the short term. Where do you see it going from here? Would you sell and buy back after 30 days or move to something else? What other top 5 CDN or US stock would you consider to replace it in the same sector for a 5 year hold period. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Marco on October 01, 2024
Q: Hello,

I am considering investing in PBH as it checks off the right boxes and it is one of your favorites.
However, looking at other similar co's MTY & MFI they seem to offer similar dividends and growth, tgey are both also trading close to the same lower range as PBH.
Could you provide insight on why these are lagging the food retailers who are trading at highs.
Thank you

Read Answer Asked by Delbert on August 28, 2024
Q: Would be interested to hear your top picks in the following areas:
metals (gold in particular, with a low cost of production); energy, food.
Thanks

Read Answer Asked by Judith on August 21, 2024
Q: Do you see any of the grocers as investible for a good total return ? How would you rank MRU, L, EMP.A ?

Thanks for your advice.
Ian
Read Answer Asked by Ian on August 20, 2024
Q: 5i’s opinion of XST for a 5-yr hold in RESP?
I see its 5yr & 10yr returns are 10% & 12%, its 3 largest holdings (ATD, Loblaws, MRU) total about 60% of the fund, and it has 11 holdings.
I would basically purchase for diversification as opposed to buying the main holdings individually and paying commissions. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Trevor on July 17, 2024
Q: Please rate the following stocks to purchase for a long term hold. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Ben on July 16, 2024