Investment Q&A

Q: In light of current market actions and the now widely anticipated economic recession, I am looking for your thoughts on stocks you would buy for long term (10 plus years) and/or forever holds -- Canadian and U.S. names please. I am investing for retirement (within 5 years) but also for our heirs. We have built a portfolio of sleep at night holdings over the past 25 years and just looking to tweak the portfolio. Although we do not like to see these kinds of volatile markets, we also do not get freaked out by them. We have ample cash or near cash always in hand to combat such actions -- something you learn through experience! Thanking you in advance for your answer.

Q: For cash destined for a non-registered account can you suggest categories of stocks that, given their current valuations following the recent market meltdown over the past couple of weeks, you would expect to have the best total returns over the next three years or so, listed in order of expected total return?
1) 6-8 Canadian blue-chip dividend-growth stocks with at least 5 years of consecutive dividend growth (ideally 10 years) and a current dividend yield of ≥ 4.0%, good balance sheets, reasonable/minimal debt, etc. Looking for “best in class” amongst a few different sectors - ie only need one (“best”) bank, one telco, one pipeline, etc
2) 2-3 Canadian blue-chips who may not meet the above dividend yield and growth specifications but whose current valuations make them an appealing possibility
3) 2-3 more growth-oriented stocks, do not have to be traditional “blue-chip” - with or without dividends who would be expected to have the best total return possibilities over the next three years.
Would you be buying now or waiting until there are maybe a couple or three consecutive days of positive market returns and/or when the current market volatility seems to be settling down (however you would define or identify that) or buying in over a period of time? If so, over what period of time and buying at what interval/ frequency?
Thanks for your insight.
Bruce

Q: Hi Team,
Two part question, charge me accordingly:

For a US growth tech stock, what are your thoughts on Twilo? I own it, and I am down 32% on it. I realize the markets are in turbulence, but even before that it has been underperforming my other tech holdings since last quarter. Is there something changing with its growth story here, or is it simply a valuation catch up issue combined with last quarters results? When I bought it I was under the impression that they are in long term, secular growth trend here with their sms messaging business and as such. Should I continue to hold or should I be trading it in for a better name in the sector? Suggestions?

Also....what are your thoughts on GSY at the moment? Is it just me or is it one of the most compelling growth stories with dividend on the tsx right now, especially at current valuations? I am thinking its fall has been "unjustified" at this point and cannot see so far how this coronavirus would essentially hurt their business (being this is a virus scare slowdown and not a financial crisis) . If anything, perhaps improve it. We have lowered interest rates which should help boost margins possibly, and fiscal stimulus coming down the pipe. Just wanted your thoughts before adding more to my position here. I added on the way down at 65 (too early), and am thinking of adding more. I am not really worried about weighting at this point. My time frame is for the long term here (20yrs). Thanks,

Shane.

Q: Hi 5i Team,
In this crazy market, your opinion is very appreciated. I listed my holdings in both US and CA. Are you seeing any stock in the list concerning ( fundamentals changed or poor balance sheet etc) with SELL recommendation even with a loss. These are hold in 2 tfsa and the investments are 5+ years. These companies are hold with 4 diversified etfs and follow the markets and nothing to do about them and i'm always with 6 to 8% cash with "see and wait mode".
USA: MSFT,V,CRM,AMZN,ADBE,TTD,GH,AYX,DXCM,ISRG,AVLR
CANADA: ATD-B.TO,BAM-A.TO,TRI.TO,LSPD.TO,ECN.TO, REAL.TO, CAE.TO
TFII.TO,SHOP.TO, WSP.TO, PBH.TO, DSG.TO, KXS.TO, PLC.TO,GSY.TO
BYD.TO, CSU.TO, PEO.VN

Thanks for help with this"Knocking Out market"

Q: In rebalancing just before the coronavirus and oil correction I find my self in a 27% cash position. { 18% American and 9% Canadian } . In following 5I's advice I decided to weigh in slowly. And am mostly looking at 5I's list of 10 stocks to purchase. First purchase JPM for a 4.6% position. Two days later and another large correction. I hadn't planned on another purchase this quickly but SLF { for a 3.5% position } is looking attractive at this price as the yield has reached 4.3%. CAE is also on my list but I think waiting and observing market reaction might be prudent on this one ..... My question is .... Should I be shopping by price entry points on stocks I like or by treating the market as a whole and wading in by observing and making my judgements on volatility ? I guess the question is stock versus stock market ? Also in a question this morning I got the impression 5I gave the edge to MOC over X . X is on my short list as well but with US cash to deploy MCO is tempting as well. Am I correct in my assumption you like MCO a little better in this sector ?

Q: Hi Team!

Of the 3 listed stocks, do you have a preference to slowly accumulate in this up and down market?
PTS had some decent Q4 and FY results and decent 2020 guidance. Would they be that affected by COVID19? They are essentially just providing loyalty e-commerce and technology solutions.
Would CJT and TFII suffer that much in the e-commerce space given their delivery aspects? With the oil selloff (and thus reduced fuel costs) they should save quite a bit in fuel costs especially if oil remains on the low side for weeks/months.
All 3 are roughly down between 16-21% in the last month.
Looking out 12-18 months, I would think each would revert back to their recent 52 week highs.

Thank-you for keeping us all informed!
Steve

Q: What is the p/e, dividend, debt levels and your outlook on this name? thanks

Q: Currently own some Kinaxis and Shopify, both about 2 percent each.
Would like to add more tech. Close enough to retirement that need more conservative stock. Is OTEX the best option here i.e. lower risk (with some dividend and reasonable growth?)
Can you contrast the two top choices?
Thank you.

Q: Questions on Canadian Tire:
Does 5i feel CTC's Finance arm's lending criteria exposes it to significant losses (and a surprise to the market) in the current environment? Based on your view of the lending side of the business, does 5i feel the Finance arm supports or detracts from an investment in Canadian Tire at this time?
Finally, how strong does 5i view CTC's web presence, and its competitive position digitally versus strong competitors like Amazon?
Thank you
Edward

Q: What are your thoughts on PENN National Gaming from a valuation perspective? Do you view their deal with Barstool Sports as a big opportunity to jump into online sports betting in the United States? Are there any other sports betting pure-plays (e.g. SGMS) that you prefer over PENN?

Thank you!

Q: Read about JWEL in the Globe this morning. Am thinking of doing some research on this company- I have a lot of their product in my bathroom. Any thoughts?

Q: Which stocks (US or Cdn) in your opinion may serve as something of a hedge during the virus scare. Kinaxis, for example, doesn't seem to be getting beaten up (yet). I'm thinking of online shopping support stocks, streaming networks, or other businesses that won't be affected, and may even see a boost, if people choose to stay in.

Q: Hi Peter
please comment on the numbers and the outlook going forward for Ballard Power BLDP.
Thanks

Ron

Q: Hi folks, Raymond James thinks Cannabis sector will bottom in Q1/20 (now), stabalize in Q2 & Q3 (with bankruptcies/mergers/buyouts etc) and the winners after the carnage/dust settles...should prosper going forward. Do you agree with their thesis (I do), and trying to position myself in a few companies that have cash/good operations/chance of profits etc...and 2 I picked were Village Farms & Aphria. Can I please get your throughts on Pot sector and these two companies. Many thanks, jb

Q: Lspd, Engh, Otex and Dsg, which one is faster growth and which one is the cheapest , which one you like it better?
Many thanks

Q: Could you please comment on Pl recent earnings. Also do you think the hit today on VMD is over done as the adjustments were prior period adjustments which probably means the accountants are giving a harder look at current financial statements. The earning were weaker but he Revenue growth was very strong although the net income was weak. The emphasis at this point in this young company their focus should be on growth and the are nearing the $100 million run rate which should bring in new investors..

Q: "This is the chance I've been waiting for". Based on the market sell-off and a scenario where I have no stock holdings and want to build a new portfolio, which 6 Canadian companies do you believe:
1. have the most short and long term upside potential based on the fact that they are now undervalued
2. have the strongest fundamentals to power them upward
3. are located in the right sectors
Yet still, because of the nature of their business, are somewhat insulated from the current negative market conditions.
Which companies should I buy today?
I thank you for your guidance.

Q: Are Sangoma and Questor still two of your favourite small caps and would current price be a decent entry level?

Q: Hi,

I own these 3 stocks as I am a high growth investor .

The market is up over 5% today while my stocks are either down or up less than 1%. Even some cruise line stocks are up more than the 3 stocks I own.
May I get your opinion on them?

Thank you

Q: Dear Team,
Recently I purchased AC at $49.50 and now it has really dropped. Would you advise to hang on to it and would this even be a good time to purchase more?
Some advice would really be appreciated. It is about 2% of my portfolio.
Thank you,
John G.