Investment Q&A

Q: Major US and CDN railroad stocks seem to do quite well except csx ,being on a constant downtrend lately , any suggestion as hold or sell ( or buy!) for a conservative dividend stock objective?

Q: I hold these large Canadian Companies.. I realize there will be continued volatility in the market but given that these companies have pulled back, some significantly, what order would you buy these names? Are there any you would not buy?

Please deduct appropriately…

Thank you
Tim

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

Our Industrial holdings are too high, considering their vulnerability to the “Trump tariffs”, as you suggested in a question today from Shirley.

In what order would you reduce or sell any of these stocks? This is a daunting task, as I like them all, and they are among the “cream of the crop” in this sector.

I’m planning to use the proceeds to buy some US small and mid-cap ETFs and would appreciate any Canadian domiciled ETFs that you could suggest.

Thanks for your insight.

Q: Recognizing that 5i Research does not perhaps put as much emphasis on technical analysis as opposed to fundamentals, perhaps you have an opinion anyway on log charting in particular.

I noticed that CNR - generally flat for the last 4-1/2 years, fell out of a long term log channel 2 years ago - a channel going back to its listing three decades ago. In fact, with this in mind, I've discovered that the present price is at a considerable distance from the bottom of that channel not seen since the GFC.

So do you see this as a great buying opportunity for CNR based on this observation? Or do you have an opinion in general on the future of railroads in the face of any potential long term disruption that I am unaware of (eg. AI-based) ?

Q: Perhaps I wasn't crystal clear in my earlier question on these 3 - Canadian companies with US operations could be a target under the IRS section 891 to double taxes paid on their US operations. What Canadian companies might be affected by 891 in retaliation for our Digital Services Tax to pay more US tax?

https://financialpost.com/news/economy/canadian-business-pay-price-digital-services-tax

Q: Canadian companies with US operations could be a target under the IRS section 891 to double taxes paid on their US operations in retaliation for our DST and UTPR according to tax experts here. What Canadian companies are most at risk for this?

https://financialpost.com/news/economy/canadian-business-pay-price-digital-services-tax

Q: I was looking to add to some of my steady, stable investments - including these two. Would you agree that the valuations are reasonable to purchase additional shares currently, or maybe recommend holding off on purchasing more of either/both of these, until the US tariff concern is better outlined - could this really depreciate the value of these railways?

Q: Between the two, which would you buy today?

Q: I recall that a few years ago, it was said that CNR had approximately an 18% equity position in FRU. I wondered if: a) the share count of FRU had changed dramatically and, b) if CNR still has an approximately 18%. Thanks to all the 5i team and have a healthy 2025. Bill

Q: I hold CNR. Thinking of switching to MTL for a couple reasons. MTL seems to have better growth prospects and a better dividend Your thoughts?

I'll post this to the Canadian Equities Forum if anyone else has a comment.

Q: I currently hold these is non-registered account and have had for more than 5 years, so there are gains. My question is: taking a longer term view, should any of these be sold and what options would you suggest in similar segments?
I feel that there could be other options that I am not seeing.
Thanks very much for all you do.

Q: Hello, with the overall stock market reflecting a historically high valuation I would like to rotate some of my profits into a few safer names, ideally with relatively lower down-side risk and/or that pays a healthy dividend so I can receive some income in he interim. I appreciate that trying to time the market carries its own risks i.e. it could take a while. What names would you recommend?

Q: In your answer to Shirley on Nov. 22 you wrote, "We think investors can position a portfolio more conservatively by raising the allocation to defensive names that emphasize downside protection with good upside potential." Can you give a list of 5 CAD and 5 US stocks that you think would fall under that statement?
Thank you

Q: What are your current top 5 US and Canadian growth and value stocks to purchase for long term?
Thanks

Q: Given one has decided to acquire these names, at what price would each become:

1) Attractive
2) Very Attractive

Q: I already had CNR stock in my nonregistered portfolio ,I just added CP and UNP in my RRSP in order to complete my "transportation sector ", choosing mostly railroads for precise reasons. What is your impression concerning the timing + the choices , my objective being here : less volatility + some growth and dividends. Thanks for your always excellent comments.

Q: Good afternoon. I'm wondering what your top five picks would be for both industrial and financial stocks. I'm looking for 10-15 year growth with medium risk.

Q: If one were to compare CNR and CP.
1. in your opinion which one has better valuation?
2. in your opinion do you think they will be significantly negatively impacted with Trumps policies?
3. in your opinion which railway will be effected the least?

Q: I have a general question and am using CN Rail and CGI as examples.

These 2 companies have an average annual sales growth of less than 5% per year over the course of the last decade and their EPS is higher. In the last 5 years the average EPS growth has been in the double digits and their average sales growth less than 5%. I know they buy back shares every year but this can not account for such a large variance. I know they try to be more careful with expenses but you can’t cut expenses forever. You would normally think that EPS follows Sales (to some extent over the years). I know you like these companies and have a few questions.
1. Any idea what is behind the variance between sales and EPS. (Mid to low single digit sales growth and double-digit EPS growth.)
2. Considering such a variance, if average sales growth remains under 5% can these companies continue to compound our return in the double digits over time. Why would they continue to be good long term investments?
3. Anything else that may be worthwhile sharing.

Thanks.

Q: I hold these stocks in a registered account. Both are down since the start of the year (2024). Is this a good opportunity to add. Long term hold. You thoughts Thanks David