Investment Q&A

Q: I am trying to evaluate the appropriateness of selling covered call options in this market and thought with your experience and knowledge you might be able to analyse the situation. The premiums are high . But, I the risks are, too. You mention that a good way to get into this market is average into it. Well, if you buy Microsoft to sell a covered call on, you have to buy one hundred shares. That doesn't look like averaging in. You get a good premium But the market is so volatile that in a month, the stock could be much lower, and you have lost your opportunity of averaging in. Or, the virus could be more under control and the stock could be way over the strike price. And you may have lost the opportunity to have microsoft at a lower price. I know that this is always the case with selling covered calls, But, it seems that the current market exaggerates that situation. The only way that I can justify it is by saying that I dont think the turbulance will be over in a month and therefore go ahead. I suppose another safeguard would be to do limited covered call trading and average in with other money. I would be interested to know your perspective on this.
thanks

Q: With respect to energy producers, would it be fair to say that producers such as Suncor, who also have refining assets, are better shielded against the current downturn in the energy sector, given that the cost of the input (crude oil) allows for a (theoretically) larger crack spread ? Unrelated to energy, do you believe that a company such as 3M, which manufactures various items used in the medical field, will weather the current corovirus downturn a bit better ?

Q: Hi- you mentioned SLF was one to pick at being signficant value. Why lifeco over a bank? What are the risks associated so say a BNS verus SLF and why do you prefer SLF.

Q: Do you think that his would be a good time to buy BCE? I have largely avoided telecoms. What company would you recommend at these prices?

Q: I recently heard on a podcast that small caps as a group tend to recover quicker than large caps. Can you recommend some Canadian and US small cap ETFs? Thank you.

Q: Is this the right time to invest in gold ? If so, bullion or coins.

Thank You

Q: Assuming this downtrend will bottom at some point, and eventually recover, in your opinion, which three sectors offer the best chance of minimum damage in any downturn, and the best chance to recover sooner rather than later in an upturn. Could you name and rank (best first), 3 dividend stocks in each sector that you feel will survive the downturn and lead the way in recovering in each of the three sectors. Thank you. Warren

Q: I am looking at buying into these three companies over the next six months to take a small speculative position. Are these three good candidates for survival? Would their be an ETF in this sector which would be a better option given the risk/reward?

Q: I sent a question in on March 19 and have not received a reply. Here is a similar question as the 2 I previously questioned were asked about by others and answered and so here is a question omitting that portion. Everyone is working from home and CTXS provides the program. It’s doing very well. Your opinion? Here are 4 that are under water I have. Should I be adding to them. They are: GDX, EIF, IFC and AC. Thank you Dennis

Q: Which of these airlines would you choose given the market downturn and uncertain recovery time in the travel industry? I am looking at buying incrementally into a speculative position over the next six months. I would consider Delta, however USD are expensive at this time. Should that be a consideration?

Q: I am an 88 year old, investing for over 70 years, and an appreciative member of 5i since inception. My present objectives include creating capital losses; reducing my formerly 80 stock non-registered portfolio to only those in your Balanced Portfolio; thereby making my life easier so that I do not concern myself each day with fluctuations, and let you make the decisions;etc., I believe I have the following options; 1) Sell all present losers; 2) Henceforth buy or sell only stocks in the Balanced Portfolio 3) Where the 30 day rule applies, buy comparative stocks for the 30 days).. What is your opinion? Do you have better proposals in view of the present crisis? Thank you in advance for your usual consideration and advice.

Q: Two questions: I'm currently transferring from Mutual funds into Questrade. Is it a time to hold off doing that given that the transaction takes place 10-20 business after the request. Also, is it more stable to buy in US funds during this crisis?

Q: Knowing that you have recommended these stocks in the past, would you buy them now (with a short reason why)? Are they good candidates for a bounce?

Please take as many credits as needed. Thanks.

Q: Good Morning
I am the holder of several bonds of the above noted REITs. The maturities of these bonds are from 2021 to 2023.

According to Moody's, REITs have a "low exposure" to Global Covid-19. However, I would like to get your own expert opinion whether these two REITs will be able to meet their obligations to the bondholders during the next three years.

As always I appreciate your comments.
Thank you.

Q: Good Morning
I own two Bank of Nova Scotia bonds. The first is issued in Canadian funds and matures in 2021. The second is issued in US funds and matures in 2022.
The Canadian bond has dropped in value by half a percentage point in the last month. The US bond however dropped by more than 4%.
Is there an explanation for the drop of the BNS US bond?
Thanks

Q: Can I please get your opinion on buying the CSU debentures for a juicy yield (7.5%) and safety of capital? Is it an accidental high yielder in a bad market?

Thank you very much.

Q: I know Telus has a tele health department. What are your thoughts about it at a time like this for the company? What are some other companies that are involved in the space that you like?

Q: I have the advertising company WPP in my portfolio. Their debt seems to be over four times operating cash flow. Do you think they will survive the crisis? Is it time to offload the shares?

Q: Hello 5i,
As a pensioner who requires dividends for my income, I have been looking at the above names to potentially add over the next year or so. It is my belief (uneducated guess) that it might take that long before we see any solid bottom and subsequent recovery begin.
In that vein, out of the above, how would you rank these based on the following:
1. Safety of company through a one year to 16 month recession.
2. Safety of the dividend through this same period.
3. Confidence in management team
4. Sector vulnerability
5. Value at current levels
6. Any other considerations, warnings or caveats for any of these ??
i.e. some of these have a decent 5i rating (B or higher), but the rating dates back to 2019, some as early as the summer.
And, finally, are there any suggestions you might have that are not on this list that deserve serious consideration in place of any of the above?
I am in no rush for an answer so take as long as you need to consider this question and deduct as many credits as you see fit - I should have enough to cover it. I hope that this question might also prove beneficial to other 5i members who rely on dividends for income.
All the best to everyone in this very trying and uncertain time!!! Be safe above all!!
Thanks to all at 5i!!
Cheers,
Mike

Q: Hi 5i Research Team:

I have traded Forex before and am new to stock trading. 90% of my RRSP, RESP and TFSA is in cash and I'd like to avail the current market conditions by "gradually" buying the dips.. and holding it over the long term, 5 to 10 years. I understand that no one can time the market or its bottom.

After exploring the reports and questions on your site, I have identified the enclosed 29 stocks based on following criteria:
- Current Retracements of > 75% over 52 week high & low
- Dividend Yield > 5% (in some cases, like WEED, which is a bit risky, I understand there's no dividend in the near term.. and I am simply going for the upside swing over the next 2 years... same for CRON and Air Canada)

Considering my 90% cash position and strategy to partially buy in on dips over the next few weeks, can you please advise if my stock selection is sound. In addition to my stock picks, please advise anything else that I should keep in mind.

Thanks for everything you do. Much appreciate.