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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: For cash destined for a non-registered account can you suggest categories of stocks that, given their current valuations following the recent market meltdown over the past couple of weeks, you would expect to have the best total returns over the next three years or so, listed in order of expected total return?
1) 6-8 Canadian blue-chip dividend-growth stocks with at least 5 years of consecutive dividend growth (ideally 10 years) and a current dividend yield of ≥ 4.0%, good balance sheets, reasonable/minimal debt, etc. Looking for “best in class” amongst a few different sectors - ie only need one (“best”) bank, one telco, one pipeline, etc
2) 2-3 Canadian blue-chips who may not meet the above dividend yield and growth specifications but whose current valuations make them an appealing possibility
3) 2-3 more growth-oriented stocks, do not have to be traditional “blue-chip” - with or without dividends who would be expected to have the best total return possibilities over the next three years.
Would you be buying now or waiting until there are maybe a couple or three consecutive days of positive market returns and/or when the current market volatility seems to be settling down (however you would define or identify that) or buying in over a period of time? If so, over what period of time and buying at what interval/ frequency?
Thanks for your insight.
Bruce
Read Answer Asked by Bruce on March 16, 2020
Q: I'm interested in the Canadian banks due to the recent drop and the dividend yield which is very attractive. I have remained in cash for most of this crisis and am anxious to buy. However, I'm very concerned that we are in for further shocks to the economy given the fallout of this virus. How much exposure on the downside do you see to the Canadian banks' balance sheets? I know that if the market goes down, everything will move in tandem but what I'm worried about is that we are in for a high number of failed small and large businesses. Also, I've left my money in US dollars for the last number of years because I think it's a better place to have money and will be buying Canadian banks listed on the USA exchange if that makes any difference. Thank you as always for your comments.
Read Answer Asked by Jason on March 16, 2020
Q: Hi Team,
Two part question, charge me accordingly:

For a US growth tech stock, what are your thoughts on Twilo? I own it, and I am down 32% on it. I realize the markets are in turbulence, but even before that it has been underperforming my other tech holdings since last quarter. Is there something changing with its growth story here, or is it simply a valuation catch up issue combined with last quarters results? When I bought it I was under the impression that they are in long term, secular growth trend here with their sms messaging business and as such. Should I continue to hold or should I be trading it in for a better name in the sector? Suggestions?

Also....what are your thoughts on GSY at the moment? Is it just me or is it one of the most compelling growth stories with dividend on the tsx right now, especially at current valuations? I am thinking its fall has been "unjustified" at this point and cannot see so far how this coronavirus would essentially hurt their business (being this is a virus scare slowdown and not a financial crisis) . If anything, perhaps improve it. We have lowered interest rates which should help boost margins possibly, and fiscal stimulus coming down the pipe. Just wanted your thoughts before adding more to my position here. I added on the way down at 65 (too early), and am thinking of adding more. I am not really worried about weighting at this point. My time frame is for the long term here (20yrs). Thanks,

Shane.
Read Answer Asked by Shane on March 16, 2020
Q: There were a couple of questions today on BMO's ZCS. Both your replies suggested not too much concern holding the short term corporates over a longer period of time. Do you have differing thoughts on ZCM and ZLC? BBB rated bonds in ZCS, ZCM, ZLC are 36%, 58%, and 39% respectively.

Also of note all three seem to have a large discount to NAV. Yesterday between 4.3 to 5.5% (ZLC being the highest). Not sure that is normal, or not, as I don't look that closely and BMO doesn't appear to post the info.

Thanks
Read Answer Asked on March 16, 2020
Q: What are your thoughts on why gold is losing ground in the face on all this uncertainty and debt?
Read Answer Asked by Tim on March 16, 2020
Q: Hi 5i Team,
In this crazy market, your opinion is very appreciated. I listed my holdings in both US and CA. Are you seeing any stock in the list concerning ( fundamentals changed or poor balance sheet etc) with SELL recommendation even with a loss. These are hold in 2 tfsa and the investments are 5+ years. These companies are hold with 4 diversified etfs and follow the markets and nothing to do about them and i'm always with 6 to 8% cash with "see and wait mode".
USA: MSFT,V,CRM,AMZN,ADBE,TTD,GH,AYX,DXCM,ISRG,AVLR
CANADA: ATD-B.TO,BAM-A.TO,TRI.TO,LSPD.TO,ECN.TO, REAL.TO, CAE.TO
TFII.TO,SHOP.TO, WSP.TO, PBH.TO, DSG.TO, KXS.TO, PLC.TO,GSY.TO
BYD.TO, CSU.TO, PEO.VN

Thanks for help with this"Knocking Out market"
Read Answer Asked by Ben on March 16, 2020
Q: retiring next week and now this happens
i will be totally dependent on dividend income
yes, i should have bond income but i don't
ytd shows:
50% of dividend portfolio is <20%>
50% at <37%>
should i sell <37%> portion to protect portfolio?
Read Answer Asked by john on March 16, 2020
Q: Hi 5i team,
I want to buy ETFs for my RRSP to capture the eventual market recovery. I'm thinking of the utilities and banks sectors. I understand that 'covered call' ETFs are not ideal to capture market gain in an upswing. Which ETF would you recommend for Canadian utilities industry? And which one for Canadian banks? Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Willie on March 16, 2020