Investment Q&A

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

Q: I am planning to sell my shares in CNR. I have done well holding it for several years but there just appears to be opportunities for better price appreciating than CNR has over the past couple of years. I would prefer to replace it with a Canadian company. It does not need to be an Industrial. I am currently over weight financials. I am ok with some risk. What companies would you consider as a replacement?

Thanks for all your help,

Mike

Q: I have positions in both CP and CNR and need to lessen my position in one of these railways. Which one would you choose to lighten up on and your reasoning. Thank You.

Q: I am looking at swapping out CNR for TRI. as I believe TRI may be less sensitive to the economy. What is the long term (5-10 yr) growth outlook for these 2 companies and do you prefer one company over the other. Thanks

Q: I have held CN Rail for years and it has averaged around 9% including the dividend. Wildfires and labour issues have hit the company hard over the last few years and the stock price has not done much. On the other hand, CPKC’s stock price has done a bit better. Both just released their latest earnings. CN expects its adjusted diluted EPS to grow in the low single-digit range for 2024 and average in the high single-digit range over the next couple of years. Whereas CPKC expects its adjusted diluted EPS to grow double digits for 2024 and over the next couple of years. What other metrics should I be looking at? Are railways still a good investment and if so, would you suggest a swap to CPKC? Thanks for your help.

Q: For my 6yr old daughter's RESP I hold 50% in XBAL and ~12.5% in the 4 securities listed. When I make my next contribution I am looking to add another position.

Given a 10 year timeframe before the funds are needed what are some names that you would consider to complement the existing holdings?

Q: I have held CN for years. I am considering selling some if not all and perhaps buying CNQ with the proceeds. What is your opinion and would you suggest another stock rather than CNQ?

thank you

Q: We are planning to set up a separate investment account for our grandkids. Assume a 10 year hold. There are a few sectors we would want to overweight - 3 stocks, CAD or US, in Financials, Industrials, Technology and 1-2 stocks in the others. What would you look for and how would that translate into individual stock selections.

Q: Hi, I would love your views on the railroads? Are they a buy at these levels or do you see further downside.? Would you consider one or more to be a good core holding for a retired reasonably conservative investor? How would 5i rank your most preffered North Amercan railroads please? Thanks in advance?