Investment Q&A

Q: I am not a beginner but want to trade options which course would you recommend?

Q: Hi 5i
Can you comment on what’s expected from the “Mag 7” stock price action from Tsla, Amzn, Goog, Msft, Nvda, Meta and Nflx this coming week as the Nasdaq 100 is being re- balanced over the weekend and some of these names could be affected price wise?

Thnx much
Dave

Q: Do you know of any free resources where I can easily check a companies outstanding share count over time?

Thank you!

Q: hello 5i:
in a recent reply to a question on ATS, you said earnings for March 2023 were $1.62. But, here's a copy and paste from the corporate website:
Adjusted basic earnings per share1 increased 3.0% year over year to $2.37.
Can you clear up the discrepancy please?
And, with estimates of '24 being 2.68 to 2.69, this would give a much slower growth rate than you're projecting (13.5% yoy)
thanks
Paul L

Q: I manage part of my portfolio and RBC DS manages the other part, but they need to clear any buys/sells through me. Yesterday they called to suggest I move to a fully managed portfolio, suggesting it could do better when they don't have to call me for each trade, and possibly lose valuable time. They said it would mean disposing of what I now own to bring it into alignment with their managed portfolio, which holds the same positions for all of their managed portfolios, and in this way they can buy/sell with one push of a button. They said the cost would be the same 1,75% that I pay now. Making such a move would have a big tax consequence for me as I've been with them since 1999, and there are some fairly large gains. I realize that I could make the move over two calendar years, but that aside, I have to wonder what I'd be paying for, it seems like the personal service would no longer be there, and they would collect the 1.75% from everyone for making one decision for everyone in the managed portfolio. And, would this be a managed portfolio over the larger RBC DS, (watering down the service further) or just their office. Because you have managed portfolios in the past, please let me know the pros and cons of making such a move. Thanks!

Q: Previous question, you claimed a 15.9X forward earnings multiple. We need $1.49 earnings to get there Y2024. From TD, I have mean estimates of $1.18 (7 brookers, from $0.98 to $1.42). The question is: what is the provenance of your source? Bloomberg? Which one should I rely on and why please.
Thanks

Q: Recently I see articles about “alternative” investments as a means of diversifying the portfolio. They are often written by fund managers suggesting their product.
1. What are considered alternative investments?
2. How does the individual investor access them directly?
3. Does adding them to a portfolio mix make a more diversified portfolio ie: add stability?
Thanks as usual.

Q: Scotiabank Canadian Low Volatility Index (2 year) Minimum Guaranteed Return 4%, Maximum Full Term Return 11%. A friend has it, she can't explain how it works.

Could you please explain to a person like myself who cannot understand how someone would get 11%, would it still take 2 years to get the 11%?

What is the minimum amount to be able to purchase this?

Are these things something knowledgeable financial individuals like yourself might buy?

Thank you.

Q: From time to time, Reuters issues statements like, "NYSE ORDER IMBALANCE [symbol] [quantity] SHARES ON [BUY|SELL] SIDE"; what is this saying?

Q: There has been a few questions over the years and recently on stock weightings and sector weightings. This is my story. My portfolio has 92 % in technology and 8 % in financial services with a total of 10 companies. One stock is 39% of the overall stock value. I use the theory of buying the best of the best and hold forever. I am very happy with my choice of asset allocations and don’t see the need for change. I am 67 years old and my average gain, for the last 14 years has been slightly more 21% per year. My thoughts is that if you are happy and know the risks don’t change - I am happy with my selections. I read 4 to 5 hours every day on the specific stocks, sectors and political articles. I look at stock charts weekly. Anything that might affect my stocks or the stock market, I read. Last year my portfolio dropped almost 40 % but this year I am up more than 60 %. In summary stick within your comfort zone. Clayton

Q: In a recent answer concerning NTR you mentioned it is trading at 9.6x Forward P/E. Where do you find a company’s forward P/E? Do you calculate it using the numbers pertaining to the company found under the Market Data tab? If so what numbers do you use? Thanks … Cal

Q: On Jun 21st, you responded to A regarding stocks for a TFSA. My son has a smaller TFSA but a longer time frame. He currently holds ZSP in his TFSA and we have been looking at adding some stocks. We like all the ones you suggested, but some of them are also in the top ten holdings of ZSP. Would you suggest adding the individual stocks anyway? Or selling ZSP and holding only stocks? Our initial plan was to make ZSP about 20% of this TFSA and then hold 8-10 stocks. Also, what do you think of adding AXON and AMD to his TFSA at this time? Thank you.

Q: Is the start price for the TMX on the income portfolio correct?

Q: Peter,

Do you have any source of information that will tell you approximately what percentage of investors use each of the main options as I see them , ie DIY, Banks, Mutual fund co's , and Full Service brokerage houses? I am including the Lifeco's under Mutual fund co's.

If not, what is your estimate?

Thank you

Paul

Q: When someone is granted options and they exercise said options do the individuals have to pay cash to exercicse those options or are options like free stock granted to people?

Thx

Q: Good Day Team,
My question is whether it's better to buy MSFT Canadian or US.

Thank You,
John

Q: I recently received my Money Show mailout. Seems like a lot of new faces - no Peter - no Ryan. The only 5i/Canadian MoneySaver person I see is Lana from the Canadian MoneySaver. I am used to speaking with 5i representatives but I guess this year it would be Lana? Thank you. A long time member.

Q: When ratio or metric do you use to access whether a company is too leveraged. Is net debt to ebita the most telling or do you use others. Can you explain which ones you look at and at what level it becomes a concern when interest rates rise or revenues decline. Thanks!

Q: Dear 5i,

Using a Canadian broker.
Is there a way where one can slowly build a small position in CSU at a fraction of it's normal stock price of approx. $2,650? For example, is there a way where I can buy 1/10 share at approx. 1/10 the price? I find this is an issue for stock prices that are very high. Does CSU have a history of doing stock splits?

Q: What would be the best stocks/sectors/investments if we were to enter into a deflationary environment?