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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: Both KXS and MANH offer software solutions to manage supply chains.

KXS has low single digit operating margins and ROIC.
MANH has high operating margins (20%+), and high ROIC (40%+).

They have similar gross profit margins (~50-60%), and in fact, KXS is the higher of the 2. In comparison, is KXS "bleeding" money on certain expenditures that MANH is not, or why does MANH screen so much better? What is MANH doing different that has allowed its stock to grow over 3x the CAGR of KXS over the past 5 years?

If your investable universe included US stocks, would you side with MANH going forward as a replacement to KXS in your model portfolio?

Thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Adam on June 04, 2024
Q: I use ratio analysis to help curb my buy enthusiasm. Please rate 200mda, rsi and macd for their ability to identify a buy situation. Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Richard on June 03, 2024
Q: Hello. I’ve held Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN) for quite some time now. Unfortunately, all the gains have vanished, and the investment has turned negative in my non-registered account. Should I sell, hold, or consider other options? I also have Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP.un), Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP.un), Fortis, Enbridge, Telus, BCE, TD, SLF, NWC, BAM, PFE and Exchange Income Corp in my portfolio. As a retiree, do you have any suggestions for a dividend portfolio replacement? Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Esther on June 03, 2024
Q: Can you please list in order your top 5 Canadian and top 5 US stocks in order based on conviction? Please also list a management rating, 10 being the highest.
Time frame 5+ years
Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Nick on June 03, 2024
Q: I see that Robin Van Poelje (ceo of Topicus) recently sold $11M in CSU shares which amounted to 99% of his shares held. When I look at Topicus shares I see that he holds a tiny amount in the company. Any idea what's going on there, this seems odd. Especially considering the CSU mgmt style and mgmt comp plan that promotes insider ownership.
Read Answer Asked by Adam on June 03, 2024
Q: I’m hoping to get your current thinking on emerging markets. If I look at VEE as a proxy I see maybe a 50% gain over 12 years plus a small dividend, not exactly setting the world on fire but “ok” I guess as a diversifier. Do you see any catalysts suggesting the next 10 or 12 years could outperform? What about short term downside due the U.S. election? History suggests the final months leading up to U.S. elections are not great for the market and can be choppy, this year should be a doozy. Emerging markets I believe can be sensitive to the U.S. economy and the U.S. dollar in particular? Your thoughts are appreciated.
Read Answer Asked by Stephen R. on June 03, 2024
Q: Portfolio analysis relates that I am over in Energy by 16% and financials by 6%. I am well distributed in all the other sectors. I am a 78 year old value investor with some growth stocks. Energy: SU, CNQ, CVX. NXF, ENB, XOM, PKI, PSI, PPL: FINANCIALS: BAC, BNS, BKCC, HMAX, JPM MFC, SLF, X, TD. I enjoy the dividends as they help contend with the ever increasing taxes and surprise expenses such as a septic tank inspection, boat repairs, new garage doOrs and general upkeep. Should I just leave well enough alone or is this a big deal?
thank you for your excellent advicd and service.
Read Answer Asked by STANLEY on June 03, 2024
Q: Hi Peter, if I wanted the get some copper exposure which way would be best, through specific stocks or an ETF and do you have any suggestions for both at this time. Thanks
Read Answer Asked by Nick on June 03, 2024
Q: Hi 5I. I hold VRT and am quite happy to do so. The names I have listed may also have big potential in the AI / Data Center explosion. Could you comment on the worthiness of an investment in any of them, please?

Carl
Read Answer Asked by Carl on June 03, 2024
Q: Hi 5i
I'm curious if there is any way of knowing (stats-wise) whether the "younger generation" expect interest rates to stabilize at the "normal" near zero rates vs "older generation" who are less inclined to believe that (making assumptions here)
I just read a question regarding the inevitable "long slow decline of rates" .... I'm not so sure being in the "middle generation" :)

What are your thoughts on what "normal" rates could/should be (coming from the "wiser generation").


Thanks
Read Answer Asked by mike on June 03, 2024
Q: Who would you consider to be CAE's major competitors - does CAE still have a fairly wide moat or is this no longer the case ? What mistakes do you feel were made to bring the company to this point and do you consider management to be competent and capable of turning the company around ?
Going from a B+ rating to out of the portfolio was a bit of a surprise . (there is a yield showing on portfolio info chart - old news or did I miss some new news?)
Read Answer Asked by Alexandra on June 03, 2024
Q: Hi,

Is there a way for me to buy US and/or Global small cap stocks in Canadian dollars? Your answers from the archives suggest XCS which deals only with Canadian small caps. Any ETF or Mutual Fund in CAD for the US/Global Small caps? What is your favourite Mutual Fund? I know you don't like their high MERs. Neither do I. :) Many thanks.

P.S. I searched in ETF and MF Newsletter to no avail. Still no easy search function ;) Long over due folks.
Read Answer Asked by Savalai on June 03, 2024