Investment Q&A

Q: Hello, I'm low on consumer staples stocks, which one of the following three would you pick and why (FYI, I am not interested in either L or ATD): MRU, NSTL (CDR) or PG(CDR)? Thanks.

Q: Hello,
I have owned stpl for years as a sector based diversification strategy but feel it has had disappointing returns, even for that sector noting that there are some great breakout picks in the staples sector.
Could you please advise if you think it is a reasonable choice for the staples sector versus specific picks?
I realize that you typically recommend dol as well as wmt, cost and pg. just wondering what you think are good long term picks at this time given significant movement in these in the last couple of years.

Q: I was just reviewing the Balanced Equity Model Portfolio for investment ideas. You show Loblaws with a YTD return of 15.18% as of Nov 30. I believe it is closer to 32%. Metro has a return of about 14%. Why has Metro lagged Loblaws so much for so many years ?

Q: Question for the 5i team. Are there any buys that may prove to good holdings in recession. 2 or 3 us and or cdn. Thanks in advance for sage advise!

Q: Is there any way to determine how "pure a play" L is as a consumer defensive vs MRU? What I am trying to get at is that there are a lot of consumer discretionary type items sold at Shoppers (probably the majority of the revenue?). Even Loblaw stores sell clothes. Metro seems to me more a defensive name in terms of groceries. Are there any publicly disclosed facts to prove or disprove this thesis? Thanks as always for your thoughts.

Q: I am constructing a dividend growth portfolio with the intention of holding all positions for the longterm, holding the following equities in equal weight (likely only one of MRU or L - or should I include both?), with 80% of the portfolio consisting of these individual equities and 20% in the ETF VGG.

Would there be any in this list you would not include, and are there other Canadian equities you would consider for this list? Is this the appropriate number of positions for such a portfolio. Please deduct multiple credits as required, thank you.

Q: What are your top Canadian picks in:
Healthcare
Consumer goods and services?
Much appreciated. ram

Q: Hi,
Could you illustrate to us all what type of companies/stocks and/or sectors historically have performed the best ( or least worst ) over periods of recession/depression/stagflation and war times? And further, can you provide your top 5-10 CDN stocks that you think would do best in these situations, with at least half of them dividend payers please, if possible. Potential ETF and options strategies would be appreciated as well. Take as many points as you see fit.
cheers and thanks, Chris

Q: ATD has not really done much for some time now. What stock would you recommend to replace it at this time.

Q: Hello, I’m looking to add consumer staples to my portfolio. That being said, after Metro’s recent decline post earnings would you consider the current price an attractive entry point? At current prices, do you have a preference between Metro or Loblaw. I plan on holding both in a non registered account where I prioritize yield, dividend safety and dividend growth. I’m leaning toward buying both but taking a bigger position in Metro due to the recent price drop and higher yield. Thanks.

Q: Can you please give your take on recent MRU decline and what you think of the stock going forward. Would you stick with this stock or switch to another similar company. Thanks

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!

Q: Please rank the following stocks to purchase today for a 20 year hold. Thanks

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

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

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?

Q: Hello, your opinion please on Metro results, is it buyable now, for a long term hold? Thanks

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

Q: Of these 3 Staples, which one is cheaper on financial metrics and which is your preference.

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.