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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: For those of us who still have Covalon shares, should we hold on to see if their product does have some promise? Or should we sell into strength. At one point, back pre-Saudi problems, you seemed to be very positive on the company: I had assumed you had a feeling for management and financial strength. Now, reading between the lines, you seem to be implying it is somewhat akin to a VSE mining stock promotion. (Maybe that's not a fair statement.) When I look at the product Covalon originally had regarding anti-infection of wounds, it makes some sense that they could pivot to something that might kill a virus. I understand that it would include sufficient alcohol to do the job, so is comparable to Purell. But they claim to have made something that would last longer than a simple alcohol wipe. I hear you say it is interesting, but I'm not quite sure how to take the fact that they were asked to re-write a somewhat promotional news release. Should we sell and then return when the product is more developed, or just hold for now?
Read Answer Asked by Gordon on April 01, 2020
Q: Thinking about investment implications of this crisis. In a recent investigation by Assoiated Press it was reported that " The critical shortage of medical supplies across the U.S. (Canada?), including testing swabs, protective masks,surgical gowns and hand sanitizer, can be tied to a sudden drop in imports, mostly from China". Do you think there will now be a new emphasis on domestic manufacture and if so where might one find the companies that would benefit?
Thanks
Mike
Read Answer Asked by michael on April 01, 2020
Q: I hold a position in BIIB in a diversified US portfolio. BIIB is included in the buyback ETF SPYB that includes many airlines. Airlines have been hard hit related to COVID-19 and are now to get bailouts.....like they bought back shares rather than reduce debt or keep cash on hand. My question is does BIIB have sufficient cash to get through this difficult period? And part two, should I continue to hold or sell BIIB?..........Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Tom on March 31, 2020
Q: Hope everyone at 5i is doing well in these times!

I have been sitting on mostly cash in my RRSP/LIRA and would like your recommendations on the best ETFs to consider for my full US and International exposure. All of these would need to be listed on the TSX as I am purchasing in CAD $. While I know you prefer non-hedged, I’d greatly appreciate if you could explain benefits/workings of hedged vs. non-hedged considering the current environment. And provide ETF recommendations for each.

I am looking to achieve a balance of diversification, reasonable MER, minimizing any withholding tax while optimizing the potential in market recovery. For US, I would like to have a technology ETF, health care ETF and a broader spectrum ETF – but also open to ideas. Also, looking for recommendations on International – one broad ETF or perhaps that and a mix of ETFs. I recognize there can be overlap (e.g. between a tech and broad sector fund), so if you can give me a sense of the degree of duplication that may be present in your recommendations. Perhaps going heavier on tech right now could be a good thing.

While I started off thinking ETF selections would be relatively simple, in reading various Q&A there seem to be many important considerations - your assistance is appreciated. Again, all of these are being purchased in RRSP/LIRA accounts with the goal of optimizing my returns over a 10 year window.
Read Answer Asked by Loretta on March 30, 2020
Q: Any concern on their dividend? Looking at their annual report for 2019, payout ratio is close to 70%. If this is correct, doesn’t leave much room to increase the dividend or re-invest back into the business for growth.... I would hate to see an equity raise in the near future or see then use their cash balance for a dividend increase. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Chris on March 30, 2020
Q: With the possible exception of MDT or ISRG, some of the US listed medical stocks remain down near their lows while other names have rallied hard. I am interested in the companies above and wonder if you can tell me if each would be a buy for you at current levels? Again each are down a lot, have favourable analyst ratings but haven't bounced much. Are there any on this list you DO NOT like?
Read Answer Asked by Tim on March 27, 2020
Q: My average price on COV is $4.97, so ... I'm down 78% as of this morning. I was thinking of dumping it, finally, and topping up my position in GUD with the proceeds -- unless you feel there is some evidence that this stock will come back to life. It never was a big holding -- but it seems to me the cash would be better used elsewhere. I'd like to stay in a healthcare growth position. GUD is presently 2.5% of portfolio.
Read Answer Asked by Sylvia on March 24, 2020
Q: Akumin is an US based company operating independent medical testing centres. They just announced to dedicate 10 test centers for Coronavirus imaging. Why is stock down sharply today with the news? Are medical testing centers beneficiaries under current situation?

Thank for your great services!

Read Answer Asked by Dong Sheng on March 24, 2020
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